Dean Inserra: Authentic Discipleship

On this episode of The Bounce, host Bob Lepeen chats with Pastor Dean Insera about the importance of childlike faith and following Jesus on the journey toward becoming a true disciple. They discuss the meaning of repentance, the significance of developing healthy habits, and the role evangelism plays in disciple-making. They also touch on the topic of gender and sexuality from a biblical perspective. With a focus on empowering pastors to make disciples, this episode offers practical advice for cultivating a thriving Christian life, featuring helpful resources like Dean's Bible study "Marks of a Disciple" and his books on purity culture. Tune in to learn more about how to become an authentic disciple of Christ.

Dean Inserra is a pastor and author based in Tallahassee, Florida. He is the pastor at City Church in Tallahassee and has written several books, including The Unsaved Christian and Purity. Dean's Bible study on the subject provides insight into what a healthy, thriving disciple of Christ looks like compared to a generic churchgoer. His book, The Unsaved Christian, discusses the difference between casual cultural Christianity and authentic biblical Christianity in our culture today. Dean's work and writing have made him a valuable resource in the world of church planting and strengthening pastors.

Timestamped Overview

[00:05:29] Being a faithful Christian involves following Jesus and not just having nominal cultural Christianity. Discipleship and evangelism are both important aspects of faith.

[00:09:06] Don't mistake the secondary benefits of faith for the gospel itself. Jesus is not just a source of guidance or motivation, he is the savior and invites us to live with him.

[00:10:38] Use material possessions as tools to lead people to Christ instead of emphasizing their temporary benefits. Forgiveness of sins and being reconciled with God through Christ is the primary need. Share personal experiences to connect with the person and point them towards the gospel.

[00:14:13] The speaker apologizes for being on the phone and explains that the first marker of a healthy Christian life is a repentant life - not just at conversion, but constantly being aware of and turning away from sin. Repentance is necessary to understand the kindness, love, and holiness of God.

[00:15:37] Regular repentance through prayer and confession, not playing "attorney" in our relationship with God, and listening to others' feedback is important for believers to maintain the right pattern of life.

[00:21:29] Discipleship is about cultivating healthy habits and routines, rather than solely focusing on authenticity and feelings. These habits should include prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church, which connect us to God's voice, ear, and body. There are no strict rules for when to engage in these habits, as long as they are practiced consistently.

[00:24:10] Creating healthy habits in prayer and faith is important, like having a plan or reading plans/apps. We should value these habits as much as physical activities and not get caught up in trendy ideas about authenticity.

[00:35:05] Rejecting gender and sexual norms is rejecting God as per the example in Romans 1. The Bible is clear on gender and sexuality, and rejecting them is rebelling against God. However, one can struggle with cultural immersion or family members who do not follow these norms. The Bible's teaching on gender and sexuality is as clear as love your neighbor and Jesus rising from the grave. Paul chose same-sex relations as an example of rebellion against God. Ultimately, our problem is a posture of rejecting God for what we want, not just in sexuality.

[00:38:12] The speaker believes that incorporating evangelism as part of discipleship is important and that churches should prioritize creating a culture of inviting friends and celebrating baptism. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of evangelizing to the people we know, rather than just targeting atheists and agnostics.

[00:41:51] Build relationships and trust with churches that prioritize caring for people and preaching the word over style. Ensure clean and friendly children's ministry and a welcoming environment. Avoid political and insensitive topics. Confidence in the whole experience is crucial for inviting others.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

"Marks of a Disciple" by Dean Inserra: https://www.amazon.com/Marks-Disciple-Bible-Measurements-Growth/dp/153597866X

- City Church in Tallahassee (Dean's church): https://www.citychurchtallahassee.com/

- "The Unsaved Christian" by Dean Inserra: https://www.amazon.com/Unsaved-Christian-Reaching-Cultural-Christianity/dp/0802418805

- Bethlehem Seminary: https://bcsmn.edu/

- The Great Commission Collective (GCC): https://gccollective.org