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Natives Follow Jesus

Author: Daron Butler

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The Natives Follow Jesus podcast recognizes that following Jesus as Native American / First Nation disciples is getting more and more challenging. You don’t have to follow Jesus all alone. Join me every week where you can find positive and encouraging content as you seek to follow Jesus as best as you can.
Daron Butler is the host of this weekly show where episodes drop every Monday morning at 6am. Daron is a full-blooded Navajo. His Navajo family are followers of Jesus spanning three generations. He has served as a pastor in the local church and serves as Hospice Chaplain in his community presently. He has over 30 years experience in serving many people groups.
Episode segments will highlight native cultural insights, devotions from the Bible, prayer for you as you follow Jesus among your own people and amid the cultures of the world, and spotlighting indigenous followers of Jesus who are seeking to be a mission force. There will be bonus episodes where Daron will interview other Natives who are following Jesus. You will gain perspective from their personal journey and you will find inspiration to keep following Jesus. Daron intends to offer you insight, inspiration, and community on your spiritual journey as you follow Jesus.
Why this podcast? I find that those who follow Jesus as a Native American or First Nations disciple span a wide spectrum of locations. Some are from the USA and others are from CANADA. You may be someone who is from the reservation (or reserve) or from the city. You might be full-blooded or part-blooded. You may have started following Jesus while immersed in your native culture or you found Jesus yet are curious about your native background. You may be someone who speaks your native language fluently or one who can’t say any words in the tongue of your ancestors. You may have many questions unanswered. Daron invites you to join him on your spiritual quest to follow Jesus.
He wants to connect with you, offer a prayer for you, and to suggest ways for you to keep following Jesus as a Native person.
So what are you waiting for? Engage with him on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus
Please tell your friends that the show is available to listen to for free in any app that supports podcasts.
Remember,
"Wherever you are, God sees you. You are NOT alone! Keep following Jesus!"
64 Episodes
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SHOW NOTES:The New Year often brings mixed emotions for Native and First Nation communities—hope, grief, resilience, fatigue, and longing. This episode invites Indigenous believers to step into the New Year not with shallow optimism, but with deep, Jesus-centered hope rooted in God’s faithfulness, healing, and promise of renewal.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter.Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesusRead about the stats of MMIP, the Missing Murdered Indigenous Peoples from 2024 here. Despite the horrific numbers, you can hope in the LORD.For an insight into the people who are MMIP, peruse the landing page of the MMIW Bureau of Indian Affairs webpage here. Remember the names and photos are current missing and/or murder individuals.Here are the ways you can step into hope as you move into the new year: Offer practical ways to step into hope: Naming grief before God, Setting intentions instead of resolutions, Praying with the land, Reconnecting with community, Choosing one spiritual practice to develop or to enhance for the year, and Trusting Jesus with what you cannot carry alone.Here is one way that I found to hear from God by reading the Bible with the help of The Bible Recap. Find how to start the bible reading plan here. I have found this resource helpful for my walk with God.Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can learn how to begin the journey of renewal when you need restoration and hope. Thanks for listening!
SHOW NOTES:Christmas can be complicated for Indigenous believers—carrying beauty, joy, pain, and cultural tension all at once. This episode explores how Native followers of Jesus can engage Advent and Christmas in ways that honor Christ, respect Indigenous identity, and hopefully heal past wounds. We reflect on Advent as a season of waiting, hope, and re-engaging how God the Creator entered into His Creation among the overlooked.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter.Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesusGive a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you hear how to engage the new year as a follower of Jesus
SHOW NOTES: Prayer was never meant to be carried alone. For Native peoples, prayer has always been communal—gathered in circles where every voice matters and Creator is present among the people. In this episode, we explore how Native believers in Jesus intercede together for families, communities, and the land, blending Indigenous wisdom with biblical teaching on shared prayer.  LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Read about the power of circles in the community context here. This is just one way to harness the concept of a circle to promote unity, inclusion, and being seen and heard. Remember: biblical truths overrule shapes--the Bible teaches community and one way to picture unity is a circle. The Bible also teaches hierarchy--pastor leads congregation. So a pyramid may be a better shape to teach that truth. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can hear how God has answered prayer and sometimes in a miraculous manner.
SHOW NOTES: For Native peoples, the land has always been a place of prayer, of memory, and of encounter with God the Creator. Scripture affirms this sacred truth: creation itself speaks of God’s glory. In this episode, we explore how praying with Creation—on the mountains, by the rivers, in the fields, and under the sky—deepens your relationship with God and invites you to listen in new ways. Listen now. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus I believe that humans need to pray to the Creator rather than His creation. But I want you to read, A Native prayer so that you can read a prayer from that style. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can discover community prayer circles where followers of Jesus can intercede in prayer for people and with creation together.
SHOW NOTES: Prayer was never meant to be merely a ritual. It’s a relationship. In our newest episode of Natives Follow Jesus, we explore how Indigenous and biblical traditions both invite humans into honest, intimate conversation with God Himself.Come rediscover a way of praying that feels like connection, not pressure; like intimacy, not just words to speak out into the world.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Watch Wally Brown who shares his perspective on prayer as a Navajo Traditional Teacher here. Read Jesus' words about prayer in John 6:5-15 here. Peruse an overview about "what is Prayer?," posted on Got Questions website here.Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out more about praying with the land/creation in mind.
SHOW NOTES: “A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more,” a quote from Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Professor My vision for this Podcast is for you to discover who you could be; an appeal to be better yourself, a call to become something more—someone more like Jesus.  In Indigenous communities, vision is scarce. To walk the good road is unclear and seemingly impossible. This episode looks forward with anticipation, inviting you and this community into the next chapter of the journey for the Natives Follow Jesus Podcast while giving thanks to God, the Creator for every story and step so far.  LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Discover the quote from Rosabeth Moss Kanter here. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you will join Daron for an Advent Season series on the Power of Prayer.
SHOW NOTES: In Indigenous communities, gratitude isn’t only taught—it’s expressed and modeled. Elders teach by example, and by presence, and by passing on what it means to walk the good road. This episode celebrates the one-year journey of the Natives Follow Jesus Podcast and give thanks to God, the Creator for every story and step so far. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Honor the life and legacy of my friend Arlen Melendez--fellow board member serving with me for CHIEF and renowned leader of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Reno, Nevada. here. Read also his tribute from the NCAI, National Association of American Indians here. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode where I offer a vision for the year ahead in 2026.
SHOW NOTES: Faith is meant to be shared—not just with words, but with life. In this episode of Natives Follow Jesus, we explore how storytelling and example carry faith across generations. Listen and learn how to pass on wisdom that lasts. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Hear how powerful story remains among Indigenous people. Listen to the story of Katha (Catherine) Lafferty here. Thanks to TedXVictoria for posting this testimony. You can teach in story too. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you will join me for the next series about Prayer.
SHOW NOTES: Do dreams and visions still matter? In this episode of Natives Follow Jesus, we explore how God speaks through spiritual experiences—and how to discern His voice with wisdom rooted in Scripture and Native tradition. Listen and learn to walk in the Spirit with clarity and peace.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out how to balance your faith and your career.
SHOW NOTES: As Native followers of Jesus, we know the spirit world is real. In this special episode, we talk about why discernment matters during Halloween and how to honor Creator while guarding our hearts and homes. Listen and walk wisely. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Follow me on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can understand spiritual experiences in a Jesus-centered way.
SHOW NOTES: The Holy Spirit still speaks—but are we listening? In this episode of Natives Follow Jesus, we explore how Indigenous wisdom and biblical truth meet in the sacred practice of listening.Through silence and story, we learn to hear the gentle voice of God--if we but get still, remain silent, and quietly listen. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Follow me on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Read about hearing God's voice from Ralph F. Wilson who posts bible studies on JesusWalk.com. Read his devotional and best practices here. One fascinating contrast between the Majority Western Culture and Indigenous Culture is succinctly illustrated in a table created by Lilly Roderick. Find the unique perspectives here. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out how to discern spiritual experiences of dreams and visions.
SHOW NOTES: Wisdom isn’t just what we know—it’s how we walk. In this episode, we honor Nativeelders who live out godly wisdom, connecting Indigenous spiritual tradition andbiblical truth. Listen to how they walk the good road with Jesus. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can discover how to hear the Holy Spirit's voice as you follow Jesus.
SHOW NOTES: On this special episode, we pause to reflect on the meaning of Indigenous Peoples Day in 2025. We'll recount history, share stories, explore how faith and culture intersect in remembrance and hope, and invite you listeners to live faithfully--not only on this day, but every day.   LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Follow CHIEF ministries here. Disclosure: I am on the Board of CHIEF and I endorse the events and ministry opportunities offered by CHIEF. Follow On Eagles Wings Ministries here. Ron Hutchcraft Ministries equips Native American and First Nation people to follow Jesus better and to encourage and equip Native Followers of Jesus to go to the world to share Christ. Follow Broken Arrow Bible Rance on Instagram @brokenarrowbibleranch so that you can pray for every summer camping outreach where children from Native American and other cultures are given the opportunity to hear about Jesus. Check out the National Association of Native Evangelicals, NANE, group who seek to equip, unite, and to encourage Native followers of Jesus to make more and better disciples of Jesus in their own tribal groups and into the world. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out how you can walk in wisdom, witness, and renewal in your Christian walk.
SHOW NOTES: This special milestone episode celebrates God’s faithfulness in bringing Natives Follow Jesus to 50 episodes.It will honor the journey so far, highlight key themes and testimonies, and share vision for what’s ahead.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you discover how biblical discernment can help you live out an Indigenous life for Jesus.
SHOW NOTES: Creation speaks if we’re willing to listen. In this episode, we explore how God revealsHimself through nature and how Native ways can help you hear His voice. Join usas we walk the good road of listening to Creator through creation. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when we celebrate the 50th episode of Native Follow Jesus!
SHOW NOTES: The earth is the Lord’s — we are only caretakers. In this episode, we explore what it means to be stewards, not owners, through Scripture, discipleship, and Native values of land as sacred. You will discover how you are a caretaker of God's earth. You are a caretaker of what God already owns! Listen and be inspired to walk gently upon creation.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out how to God speaks through nature and ceremony to you.
SHOW NOTES: Land is more than property — it is sacred gift. In this episode, we explore a Native Christian theology of land rooted in Genesis 2:15. Discover how Scripture and Indigenous wisdom together call us to care for creation as holy trust. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Watch the clip of Yuchi descendant Tom Hendrix from the Muscle Shoals documentary here. Explore the Native Land Digital website to discover what Indigenous Peoples lived in your area here.Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out how more about the sacredness of the land where you live.
SHOW NOTES: Many Native counselors and healers today utilize native practices that seek to connect a person to his/her community and to the earth using natural remedies and traditional songs and chants to bring healing. Whereas, modern counseling engages the individual, one-on-one counseling and therapy sessions in an austere, clinical environment.   I wonder if a counselor can weave together three powerful strands—faith in Christ, the science of psychology, and Indigenous wisdom to offer a holistic and godly form of help to bring healing to Native Peoples, and to all peoples of the cultures of the world.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Read about Native American quotes on healing where I found the quote of Shaman Sun Bear here. With discernment, read the experiment of Sun Bear and his way of healing for all people at the website of his shamanic teachings here.Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode as we launch a new series about land and its significance for Native Peoples and how respecting the land honors God, the Creator.
SHOW NOTES: Forgiveness and justice often feel like opposites—but in God’s Kingdom, they walk hand-in-hand. In this episode, we wrestle with Micah 6:8, exploring how to release bitterness without letting go of the pursuit of truth and restoration. Hurt happens in this world. When you get hurt, what do you do? Can you forgive without excusing harm? Can you leave vengeance in God's hands? Listen now. Consider what is shared. Move forward today. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Read the digital accounts of the Trail of Tears from two perspectives from a Cherokee and a U.S. Soldier here. Watch the trailer for The Long Walk here. Consider how this would affect you if this were not fiction but for real? Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode when you can find out if you can blend faith in Jesus, human psychology, and native tradition.
SHOW NOTES: The integration of Christian faith with Indigenous healing practices requires careful discernment and a commitment to avoid syncretism. The goal is to show how Natives Who Follow Christ can fulfill the best aspects of your native culture while confronting and discarding anything that might be contrary to the Bible and your Christian faith.   LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Integrating native healing practices with Christian ways. Read about Franciscan fathers' journey here. Listen to Craig Smith on The Indigenous Faith podcast about his journey of healing after a horrific automobile accident. Find the series entitled, Christ My Healer, Christ My Health. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.comJoin us for the next episode, Forgiveness and Justice –A hard but holy tension (Micah 6:8).
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