From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith: Discipleship in a Fresh Expression with J.R. Briggs

Listen

Watch

Show Notes

What does it take to move from casual connection to deeper discipleship in the messy, relational spaces of Fresh Expressions?

In this episode, Heather and J.R. Briggs dive into the challenges and opportunities of discipleship in new forms of church. They explore why so many people get stuck in the “hanging out” phase and how churches can gently and intentionally invite them into deeper faith conversations.

J.R. unpacks the importance of both mindset and heartset when approaching discipleship, offering insight into how posture shapes practice. Together, they introduce key ideas from the new course, "From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith," and share practical ways to move toward meaningful spiritual growth in Fresh Expressions of Church.

J.R. Briggs is a Mission Strategist and Trainer with Fresh Expressions NA and the founding director of Kairos Partnerships, where he coaches and equips church leaders. He teaches in Fuller Seminary’s doctoral program and serves with The Ecclesia Network. J.R. has authored or contributed to thirteen books and numerous articles.

In Season 6, we're diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.

Related Resources:

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Interview Summary

“If Jesus were to look at you and say, ‘What do you want me to do with this fresh expression you’re a part of?’—what would you say? Tell Him.” – J.R. Briggs

In this episode of the Fresh Expressions Podcast, host Heather Jallad talks with pastor and author J.R. Briggs about the discipleship challenges in new forms of church. They explore why communities often stall in the “hanging out” phase—and how leaders can create natural, relational invitations into spiritual growth. The conversation introduces insights from the new course, From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith, designed to equip leaders for disciple-making in everyday spaces.

Discipleship Beyond the Program

Discipleship, J.R. reminds us, isn’t an optional add-on to faith—it’s core to following Jesus. Yet many leaders confuse it with classes, content, or curriculum. J.R. urges us to reject those “myth-conceptions” in favor of a deeper call.

“Discipleship is not a Bible study. It’s not a class. It’s not a checklist. It’s the lifelong journey of becoming like Jesus by embodying his mission.”

Rather than relying on systems or short-term results, we’re called to live in the way of Christ in every arena of life. J.R. shares how his own faith journey—sparked in middle school and shaped by mentors—taught him that discipleship begins in ordinary places with a willingness to walk with others.

Why We Get Stuck

Many Fresh Expressions begin with connection and community but get stuck when it comes to deeper formation. J.R. names the tension leaders feel between wanting to go deeper and not knowing how.

“People say, ‘I’ve done the first part—I don’t know how to transition to the second part.’”

Rather than jumping to strategy, J.R. emphasizes the importance of our internal posture. Our mindset, heartset, and posture must align before we ever offer an invitation. If we don’t genuinely love people, they’ll sense they’re a project.

“We’re playing an away game. But we don’t need to curse that. We can roll up our sleeves and think creatively about how to reach people far from God.”

Desire, Decision, and Courage

For someone to grow in faith, they need both desire and a decision to follow Jesus. But for leaders, helping people make that move takes courage. Sometimes just a little more than we think we have.

“Lean in. Draw on five or ten percent more courage to invite someone into something more.”

That courage opens space for natural invitations—like reading Scripture together, asking honest questions, or naming spiritual longings. J.R. shares how his wife's experience teaching beginners to ski parallels discipleship. It’s not about perfection but about patient, relational guidance.

Creating Natural On-Ramps

Discipleship doesn't begin with pressure—it begins with invitation. J.R. encourages leaders to think about "natural on-ramps" that feel safe and relational.

“Jesus rarely discipled one-on-one. He did it in groups. That dynamic creates safety, especially for people who are unsure.”

J.R. also lifts up “purposeful parties”—gatherings full of joy, curiosity, and community as a way to reflect the heart of Jesus.

And perhaps most practically, he reminds us of the power of a good question.

“Ask someone: If you could ask God anything and He had to answer, what would you ask?”

These questions disarm and engage. They open doors without pushing people through them.

A Hopeful Future for the Church

Despite headlines about church decline, J.R. is hopeful. God, he says, has always moved on the margins—through unexpected people in unlikely places.

“The Holy Spirit is very bad at status quo. When things get stale, the Spirit stirs something new.”

He believes Fresh Expressions have a vital role in the Church’s future—not as a replacement for inherited forms but as a Spirit-led complement. Whether in cafés, gyms, or around dinner tables, discipleship is still unfolding, one relationship at a time.

“We can be faithful, creative, courageous—and release the outcomes to God like a helium balloon.”

Benediction for the Journey

J.R. closes the episode with a benediction that captures the spirit of the conversation:

“May the Holy Spirit disturb you and trouble you and set before you an impossible task... until He fills you with His power which alone will enable you to do it. And then, but only then, may the Lord grant you His peace.”



Reflection Questions

1. How do you currently define discipleship—and what shaped that understanding?
2. Where have you experienced a “stuck” moment in moving from hanging out to exploring faith?
3. What spiritual risks have you avoided because of fear or discomfort?
4. Who helped guide you deeper in faith? How did they invite you forward?
5. What would five percent more courage look like for you this week?
6. What “natural on-ramps” exist in your current context?
7. How can group conversations about faith create more safety for exploration?
8. What question could you ask that would open deeper dialogue?
9. How might throwing a party with purpose reflect the joy of the Gospel?
10. What outcome do you need to release to God today?

Subscribe & Review

Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts