Welcome to Disciple Dojo!

The Online Ministry of author, speaker, artist, and Bible geek, JM Smith

What’s up with the name “Disciple Dojo”??

Great question! Anyone who knows me knows that one of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo. Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture. This site, then, is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!

So who is this JM guy and what are his credentials?

James-Michael Smith (M.Div, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a Bible teacher, speaker, author and artist. He has taught seminars and short-term courses in Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and Theology in local churches and ministries around the world. He is also an occasional speaker at CharlotteONE:, a citywide worship gathering of young adults in the metro Charlotte area.

In addition to writing and teaching, JM is also an artist and lifelong martial artist who uses both areas of passion to help support himself in ministry as well as to encourage and equip others who share an interest in either of those disciplines.

The ministry of Disciple Dojo includes enriching the soul through the visual arts…

…as well as equipping the body through the martial arts…

…here in America, as well as around the world…

James-Michael is the kind of bible scholar I like: solid in his evangelical commitments and yet willing to challenge some evangelical pre-suppositions. We need more like him as biblical scholarship moves ahead into the 21st Century.

Talbot Davis – Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

 

For a more detailed look at JM’s doctrinal beliefs, click here.

Legal stuff…

Disciple Dojo is organized as a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) recognized by the State of North Carolina.  In contrast to a traditional LLC small business, an L3C is a private business set up so that:

1. It significantly furthers the accomplishment of charitable or educational purpose and
would not have been formed except to further these purposes;
2. Income production or property appreciation is not a significant purpose; and
3. It does not seek to accomplish political or legislative purpose.

As a religious and artistic ministry organization, Disciple Dojo fulfills these requirements. However, unlike with a traditional 501(c)3 charity (which we are too small to qualify as or afford), donations to Disciple Dojo are not tax-deductible under current IRS regulations.

Nevertheless, any profits from the sale of resources, artwork and donations go to support JM in his calling to the ministry of Christian Discipleship and are greatly appreciated!

Those interested in supporting Discple Dojo can send donations to:

Disciple Dojo, L3C
13623 Christian Tyler Ct.
Charlotte, NC  28278

Checks should be made out to “Disciple Dojo” and include “Ministry Donation” in the subject line.