The Ralph Moore Podcast

Hosted by Ralph Moore

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276

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Want to make a difference in the world? Who doesn't? You can, and should make a difference but ministry can feel like trying to push water uphill. If you're reading this you've probably invested your life in making disciples and teaching people the wonders of our God. You've also had a few disappointments along the way--this is where I think we can make a difference together. I’ve been in your shoes and I think I can help you. I’d like the privilege of sharing experience and insights with you as I do a host of other leaders. This podcast aims to come alongside church leaders who could use a little extra guidance. I've got five decades of experience, a bunch of churches multiplied and lots of war stories that should help you get to where you're hoping to go. I really do think I can help you as you grow into a leader who you would want to follow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

June 12, 202620 min

Antoine Lassiter – Part 1 of 4 – Who Argues Over Cake?

What happens when a pastor buys his wife a cake truck and starts hanging out at farmers markets?In this episode, Ralph sits down with pastor, author, and longtime friend Antoine Lassiter to talk about the surprising ministry opportunities that emerge when Christians intentionally step outside their church circles and into everyday life.Antoine shares the story behind his wife's cake business, a farmers market friendship with a self-described anti-Christian, and the year-long relationship that uncovered deep wounds from a painful religious upbringing. Along the way, he reflects on why listening often opens doors that arguments never will.The conversation also turns inward as Antoine discusses his journey as an introvert in ministry, how hiding in his office before church was hurting his leadership, and the changes that helped him become more present and approachable. From lingering after services to hosting meals and creating spaces for connection, Antoine explains why belonging is often the bridge to believing.Whether you're a pastor, church planter, or simply someone who wants to live more missionally, this episode offers practical wisdom on building genuine relationships, overcoming personal barriers, and finding gospel opportunities in ordinary places.In this episode:A powerful story of friendship with a skepticHow past wounds shape people's perceptions of ChristianityThe hidden struggles of introverted pastorsCreating a church culture where people linger and connectRecovering your missional edge outside church circlesSometimes the best ministry doesn't start with a sermon, it starts with a conversation over cake.

June 5, 202617 min

Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold – Part 3 of 3

In this final part of Ralph’s conversation with Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold, the discussion turns toward the future of ministry training, church renewal, and what it really means to raise up leaders for the harvest.Ken and John share how Kahupono has become more than a school for ministry. It has become a flexible, Spirit-led training ground for people who may not fit the traditional seminary path, but who clearly carry a calling to serve.One of the most powerful stories in the episode centers on a military-connected leader who entered the program unexpectedly and ended up being the perfect fit for a church near Schofield Barracks. What looked like a detour became a clear example of how God places people exactly where they are needed.Ken reflects on the importance of breaking down rigid models of leadership development and creating pathways for people who are already rooted in their communities. John adds a challenge for pastors: to think of ministry as something believers live out in their workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and daily lives, not just inside of a churchAt the heart of the conversation is a needed reminder: the goal of the church is not simply to build followership, but to build leadership.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about discipleship, church revitalization, ministry training, and seeing everyday believers equipped and released into the places God has already called them.

May 29, 202617 min

Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold – Part 2 of 3

In Part 2 of Ralph’s conversation with Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold, the focus turns to what it actually looks like to bring new life into a historic church.Ken shares how Kawaiahaʻo Church, one of Hawaii’s oldest and most significant churches, began shifting from a building-centered ministry to a community-centered mission. Rather than simply maintaining programs for members, they began opening their doors to the needs right around them.That shift changed everything.Children from parks and low-income housing communities found a safe place in the church. Kupuna began serving, connecting, and participating in new ways. Outreach became “in-reach” as the community came onto the property and the church rediscovered its calling to disciple the people God was already bringing through the doors.John adds insight into how leadership began emerging organically through this process. As people served, organized, cared, and took responsibility, potential leaders became visible. Through Kahupono, those leaders are now being developed, trained, and released for ministry across Hawaii.At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: revitalization does not happen by preserving a building. It happens when a church becomes a living hub of discipleship, service, and leadership development.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about church renewal, community outreach, local leadership, and seeing legacy churches become centers of kingdom life again.

May 22, 202621 min

Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold – Part 1 of 3

In this powerful episode, Ralph sits down with longtime friends and ministry leaders Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold to explore what it looks like to bring fresh life to historic churches.Ken shares his remarkable journey, from growing up in a deeply rooted Hawaiian Christian family, to becoming an award-winning musician and cultural icon, to stepping into pastoral leadership at one of Hawaii’s oldest and most significant churches, Kāwaiahaʻo Church. Along the way, he opens up about the unexpected call into ministry and the challenges of leading a legacy congregation without traditional training.John Honold adds insight into their decades-long friendship and partnership, highlighting Ken’s unique gifting as a connector, leader, and culture-shaper. Together, they unpack how they’ve navigated resistance, honored tradition, and introduced innovative approaches to leadership development within a historic denomination.At the heart of the conversation is a compelling vision: raising up local leaders to revitalize declining churches. Through a renewed training model rooted in discipleship and character formation, they are equipping a new generation of ministers and sending them out to bring renewal across Hawaii.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about church revitalization, leadership development, and multiplying disciples in both traditional and non-traditional ministry contexts.

May 1, 202621 min

Tim Goodman – Part 4 of 4 – Healthy Leadership Development

In the final part of this conversation, Ralph Moore and Tim Goodman pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a multiplying church and why so many modern approaches miss the mark.Ralph reflects on the rise of attractional, program-driven ministry and contrasts it with the simplicity and power of Scripture-centered, Spirit-led disciple-making. Drawing from the Jesus Movement and decades of experience, he challenges the assumption that bigger, flashier, and more strategic methods produce lasting fruit. The conversation then turns practical: how do you actually develop leaders who can multiply? Tim shares the real-time challenges of building a leadership pipeline, while Ralph offers a grounded, long-view perspective, reminding us that true multiplication isn’t fast, and it isn’t flashy. It’s relational, intentional, and often takes years to bear fruit.You’ll hear:Why program-driven church models often fall shortThe danger of confusing activity with transformationHow to normalize leadership development in your churchWhy disciple-making is more like growing roots than building systemsThis episode is a needed recalibration for any leader feeling pressure to produce quick results. It’s a reminder that God’s way is slower, deeper, and ultimately far more powerful.

April 24, 202619 min

Tim Goodman – Part 3 of 4 – How Healthy Movements Grow

In Part 3 of the conversation, Ralph Moore and Tim Goodman go deeper into what it actually takes to build a disciple-making culture that lasts.Ralph shares hard-earned insights from decades of ministry, unpacking the difference between a church that gathers and a church that truly functions as a body. From his “mini church” model to the idea that real pastoring happens in living rooms (not large gatherings), this episode reframes how we think about church structure and spiritual formation.Tim reflects on implementing these ideas in real time, navigating the tension between structure and flexibility, and allowing groups to evolve without forcing conformity. The conversation highlights a key principle: healthy movements aren’t built by control, but by clarity, permission, and trust.You’ll also hear:Why small groups must become more than Bible studiesHow to create ownership without micromanagingThe role of leadership development in multiplicationWhy empowering everyday believers is the key to lasting impactPlus, Ralph offers a behind-the-scenes look at the philosophy behind his writing and ministry, why most leadership books fall short, and what it really takes to equip people for kingdom work.If you’re trying to move from addition to multiplication or build a church where ministry doesn’t depend on the stage this episode is packed with wisdom you can actually apply.

April 17, 202620 min

Tim Goodman – Part 2 of 4 – Building a Culture of Disciple Making

In Part 2 of Ralph’s conversation with Tim Goodman, the discussion moves from personal calling to the realities of leading through disruption, and rebuilding on the other side.Tim unpacks the deeper theological crisis behind the Methodist split, explaining why the issues went far beyond surface-level debates and struck at the core of Scripture, salvation, and the nature of truth itself. From there, he shares the behind-the-scenes story of stepping away from the United Methodist Church—navigating tension, uncertainty, and the very real cost of obedience.You’ll hear how God led Tim to Cornerstone Church in Ohio in what can only be described as a perfectly timed landing, and how he began rebuilding a culture of disciple-making from the ground up. Alongside Ralph Moore, Tim walks through the practical steps they’ve taken to shift from stagnant small groups to multiplying, Scripture-centered “life groups” that are creating space for real growth and new people.This is a conversation about:Leading when everything feels uncertainMaking hard theological decisions with graceRebuilding a church culture around discipleshipAnd learning to adapt models without losing the missionIf you’re trying to move your church from maintenance to movement, or figuring out how to lead after a major transition, this episode is full of practical wisdom and hard-won insight.

April 10, 202622 min

Tim Goodman – Part 1 of 4 – Forging Faithful Leadership

In this episode of the Ralph Moore Podcast, Ralph sits down with Tim Goodman, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Westchester, Ohio, for a deeply personal and timely conversation about calling, conviction, and the cost of leadership.Tim shares his powerful journey from a small, rural church upbringing to walking away from faith, to a life-altering encounter with God following two brain surgeries that brought him to complete surrender. Along the way, you’ll hear how God rebuilt his faith, clarified his calling, and led him into pastoral ministry. Ralph and Tim also explore the broader upheaval within the Methodist movement, unpacking the theological tensions, leadership challenges, and difficult decisions that have shaped the formation of the Global Methodist Church. If you’re a pastor, church planter, or leader facing hard decisions, this episode offers both encouragement and clarity. Tim’s story is a reminder that God often does His deepest work through seasons of struggle and that faithful leadership is forged in the tension between grace and truth.

April 3, 202617 min

Peyton Jones – Part 3 of 3 – Disciple Making Starts with Friendship

In the final part of Ralph Moore’s conversation with Peyton Jones, the discussion turns practical: How does disciple making actually happen in everyday life?As Peyton prepares to launch his new book Discipology at the Exponential Conference, he and Ralph reflect on the deeper principles behind multiplying disciples—and why the church often misses the simple patterns Jesus modeled. Ralph shares stories of learning to connect with people through simple curiosity—like asking a waitress about her tattoos or offering to pray for someone in a restaurant. Those ordinary conversations often become the starting point for spiritual transformation.Peyton explains that disciple making doesn’t begin with programs or sermons but with something much simpler: Following Jesus and bringing someone along with you.

March 20, 202618 min

Peyton Jones – Part 2 of 3 – Time, Teaching, and Tactics

In Part 2 of Ralph Moore’s conversation with Peyton Jones, the focus turns to the heart behind Peyton’s new book Discipology and the disciple-making pattern Jesus used to train His followers.Peyton reflects on his years planting churches in the U.K., where small congregations forced leaders to rely on disciple-making rather than large programs or events. During that season he worked a series of jobs—including factory work, firefighting, and even barista shifts at Starbucks—discovering firsthand how everyday workplaces became powerful mission fields for the gospel. The discussion then moves to the deeper research behind Discipology. Peyton explains how studying the book of Acts and Paul’s missionary journeys revealed something surprising: Paul himself was on a learning curve, gradually adapting his strategy to mobilize teams and multiply leaders. That realization drove Peyton back to the Gospels to ask a bigger question: How did Jesus actually train the disciples? What he found became the framework for the book: Time. Teaching. Tactics.These three rhythms shaped how Jesus developed the Twelve—first spending extended time with them, then teaching them as they traveled and ministered together, and finally sending them out to practice the mission themselves.

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