Religion & SpiritualityReligionSpiritualityEducationSelf-Improvement

Natives Follow Jesus

Daron Butler

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!"

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S2 · E8
Today · 32 min
The Courage to Ask For Help
SHOW NOTES: We often talk about being strong, standing firm, and enduring difficult seasons. But what happens when the person everybody depends on is the one who needs help? In this episode of The Warrior Heart, we’re talking about the courage to ask for help and why spiritual warriors need community. We’ll look at Moses, Aaron, and Hur as they stood together in battle, and the four friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus when he couldn’t get there on his own. Whether you’re a new Christian, pastor, chaplain, ministry leader, parent, or everyday follower of Jesus, here’s an important reminder: you can be strong in your faith and still need support. Asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s humility. It’s wisdom. And sometimes, it’s one of the most courageous steps we can take. You don’t have to fight every battle alone. Join us as we explore what it means to follow Jesus, carry one another’s burdens, and build the kind of Christian community where people can find strength together. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode to learn how to respond with Jesus-like humility, patience, and self-control.
S2 · E7
Tuesday · 34 min
The Warrior Heart Addresses Battle Fatigue
SHOW NOTES: Even spiritual warriors get tired. In this episode, you will find that following Jesus doesn't mean we never experience burnout, grief, or exhaustion. It means learning to recognize when we're weary, bringing our burdens to Jesus, receiving help from others, and allowing God to restore our strength. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out how to balance your faith and your career.
S2 · E6
October 26 · 43 min
What Makes a Spiritual Warrior?
SHOW NOTES: A spiritual warrior doesn’t have to prove their strength through anger. They learn to walk in humility, practice discipline, choose courage, and depend on Jesus for endurance. In this first episode of our new series, The Warrior Heart, we’re going to talk about rejecting anger as our master and embracing humility, discipline, and courage as we learn to follow Jesus better. Listen now to discover how to follow Jesus better. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can learn how you can work through burnout, grief, and spiritual exhaustion in the Christian life.
S2 · E5
October 19 · 42 min
Real Stories of Walking in Beauty
SHOW NOTES: Three stories. Three painful journeys. One faithful God who meets us where we are and walks with us toward hope. Not perfect stories. Not stories where everything worked out exactly the way somebody wanted. Not stories where following Jesus meant there were no more tears, struggles, or hard days. We’re going to hear from Native people who have walked through some painful seasons of life and have experienced the presence, faithfulness, and hope of God along the way. God has not stopped caring for us. Psalm 147:3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 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. Please hear the story of Carroll Hill, Mohawk when abuse almost pushed him over the edge. Please hear the story of Gilbert Bekkatla, Dene who faced the tragic, sudden death of his son Junior from a car accident. Please hear the story of Mike Peters, Odawa, who found God coming to his rescue when he felt rejected, alone, and out of control. Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next series to learn how you can find spiritual courage and endurance in Jesus amid the daily grind of life.
S2 · E4
October 12 · 40 min
When God Restores the Peace
SHOW NOTES: Sometimes our grandparents and elders helped us recognize moments of peace, balance, and hope. Their words, their prayers, their patience, and the way they lived remind us that God is still at work in our lives. Through Jesus, we can find peace in the middle of trouble, hope in seasons of loss, and the strength to keep walking in beauty. God doesn't ask you to pretend life is perfect. He invites you to bring your brokenness to Jesus, receive His peace, and help others find hope along the way. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you hear how God restored peace, hope, and healing in the lives of Native People.
S2 · E3
October 5 · 31 min
What the Elders Teach Us About Character
SHOW NOTES: Our elders taught us that character matters. They ideally showed us how to love people, keep our word, be patient, help others, and remain faithful through hard times. But, oftentimes, they fell short. Sometimes they reflected low character or a mean character. As followers of Jesus, you can discover that godly qualities can develop in you with the help of the Holy Spirit. You can begin a new legacy of godly character for those who follow behind you. The next generation can see godly character in you as you follow Jesus and surrender to God, the Holy Spirit. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode where we listen to testimonies from those who follow Jesus and learned how to discover peace, find hope, and heal wounds.
S2 · E2
September 28 · 42 min
The Holy Pace
SHOW NOTES: Jesus didn’t live in a hurry. He walked, listened, stopped, rested, prayed, and paid attention to people. Following Jesus means learning that we don’t have to live at the pace of a culture that constantly tells us to hurry. In this episode we discover the holy pace of Jesus and how we can walk with Jesus and find renewal and closeness to 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out how elders can inspire you to reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life.
S2 · E1
September 21 · 32 min
Walking in Beauty in a Broken World
SHOW NOTES: Walking in Beauty with Jesus does not mean living in a perfect world. It means learning to walk with Jesus, with others, and through life faithfully--even when life is broken. Life does not always stay in harmony and peace. There are times when relationships are broken, families hurt, communities struggle, and our own hearts become weighted down and tired. Following Jesus does not remove you from those realities. Jesus can teach you to walk through them. He will walk through them with you. The goal is not to pretend everything is beautiful. The goal is to learn how to walk in beauty even when the world around us isn't beautiful. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out why Native people understand slowing down in life is better for you than a manic pace.
#100
September 15 · 28 min
EPISODE 100: The Journey Ahead
SHOW NOTES: Episode 99 was a celebration of where we’ve been. Episode 100 is about where we’re going. The story isn’t finished. We made it to 100 Episodes--not because the journey has been easy, but because God has been faithful. We are still here. We are still Native. And we will follow Jesus. This is not a finish line. It's a starting line for the next season. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out how to move from just talking about your faith and to move forward in living out your faith.
#99
September 7 · 27 min
EPISODE 99: We're Still Here
SHOW NOTES: Psalm 78:4 “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord…” We made it to 99 episodes—not because the journey has been easy, but because God has been faithful. We are still here. We are still Native. And we still follow Jesus. Opening 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when celebrate 100 episodes!
#98
September 1 · 34 min
Episode 98: Walk Like You Belong
SHOW NOTES: What would change in your life if you really believed that you belonged to Jesus? It's more than knowing it in your head or just saying it at church, but really believing that you belong to Jesus. In this episode, you’ll discover how you should live in light of rejecting the lies and replacing them with God's truth. You can live differently when you embrace God's design, stop comparing, renew your mind, and start walking confidently with Jesus. You belong to Jesus. Live like it. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode.
#97
August 24 · 33 min
EPISODE 97: Healing the Inner Voice
SHOW NOTES: You have an inner voice that replays things that you have heard from childhood into adulthood. Sometimes those messages are debilitating and destructive. But there is hope. Jesus can change the way you think about yourself. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Jesus wants you to transform the way you see yourself by seeing yourself from His eyes. The world may see you one way. But Jesus sees you in a different way. Jesus can change the way you see yourself. Listen now and discover how. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when we talk about belonging. Because sometimes you can be surrounded by people and still feel like you don’t belong anywhere. But what happens when you discover that your deepest belonging isn’t found in people’s approval? It’s found in Jesus.
#96
August 17 · 31 min
EPISODE 96: Stop Comparing Your Journey
SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we’re going to talk about something many of us struggle with: Comparison. Because sometimes the biggest reason we can’t see what God has placed in us is because we’re too busy looking at what He placed in somebody else. We’ll ask: “Whose Mirror Are You Looking Into?” Comparison steals joy and confidence. Jesus doesn’t call you to live somebody else’s life. Jesus simply says, “Follow Me.” 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode we’re going to talk about something that often comes after comparison: feeling like an imposter. That feeling that says: “Who am I to do this?” “I’m not qualified.” “Somebody is going to find out that I don’t really belong here.” We’re going to talk about how God can use people who don’t feel qualified—and why your insecurity doesn’t have to have the final word.
#95
August 11 · 38 min
EPISODE 95: God, the Creator of All Things Doesn’t Make Mistakes
SHOW NOTES: God intentionally created you with purpose. Your life is not an accident, and your Creator doesn’t make mistakes. God made you in His image. He does not make junk. When you start believing what God says about you, your life can transform from hopelessness to hopeful. Listen now to find hope 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out how to refrain from comparing yourself to others--sometimes the biggest reason you can't see what God has placed in you is because you're too busy looking at somebody else.
#94
August 3 · 31 min
Episode 94: CHOSEN, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
SHOW NOTES: Some of you have believed lies for so long that they sound like your own voice. But not every voice speaking into your life is telling you the truth. In this episode, you'll confront the lies you may be keeping in your mind and heart. And replace them with God's truth instead. Join us for this new series--Chosen, Not Forgotten: Finding Your Identity in Christ. No matter the lies you keep listening to, as a follower of Jesus, you are rooted in Jesus Christ. Replace the lies with God's truth. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode to discover why comparison steals your joy and how Jesus can teach you to see yourself through God's eyes rather than the eyes of the world.
#93
July 27 · 39 min
EPISODE 93: Walking in Beauty Beyond the Stereotype
SHOW NOTES: When your identity is rooted in Christ, you are free to reject stereotypes, honor your heritage, love your neighbors, and help the next generation walk confidently in who God created them to be. Let's carry the conversations forward. Live for Jesus as Native People! 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Shout out to Notah Begay III who received the Payne Stewart Award on July 20, 2026 who has used his platform to serve his native community with positive mentoring and to offer golf to native children and native youth. Watch how Notah received notification of his award live on-air from the link above. One language revitalization opportunity is Dine Bizaad App on Apple Apps developed by AlbertHaskie, Navajo. Check out app here. Disclaimer: Referencing app is no endorsement of app. Read the Bible resources that I have used/are using: "Read the Word" with Pastor John Soper refers to Mission 119, a guided daily Bible reading and audio commentary program designed to help Christians read through the entire Bible. And, The Bible Recap, a chronological bible reading plan developed by Tera-Leigh Cobble to help you read through the whole bible in a year. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode where you can learn how to follow Jesus as a Native person.
#92
July 20 · 37 min
EPISODE 92: Native Joy Is Resistance
SHOW NOTES: This episode is a celebration of Beyond the Stereotype series. The first six episodes dismantled false narratives. This episode tells the better story—not by ignoring pain, but by showing that pain never had the final word. Native joy is a testimony to God’s sustaining grace. This episode brings the series full circle. Episode 1 begins with “We’re Still Here.” Episode 7 tells you how you’re still here—not merely surviving, but laughing, worshiping, gathering around the table, and following Jesus. My hope is that it offers listeners a vision that reflects the heart of Natives Follow Jesus: our joy is not the absence of pain; it is the evidence of God’s faithfulness through every generation. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode where we finish this series with a reflection on walking in beauty beyond the stereotype.
#91
July 13 · 40 min
Episode 91: Poverty is Not Our Identity
SHOW NOTES: This episode is an opportunity to challenge one of the most persistent misconceptions about Native communities: reducing us to poverty. Listen now as this episode acknowledges real economic hardships without allowing those hardships to define Native identity. Hear how Indigenous People celebrate the joy, laughter, creativity, and hope that have sustained Native people across generations. May you correct misconceptions as I seek to paint a fuller picture of Native life and 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Check out native business owners: Myron Lizer, Ace Hardware, Gallup NM and Karen Schell, Chee's Indian Store, I-40 eight miles from Arizona-New Mexico stateline. Peruse James Tsoodle's artwork. James is Kiowa. Read about the use of native traditional quillwork for Lily Gladstone's Oscar dress here. Follow native creator, Jennifer Berg, who creates knitted native clothing--on Instagram, @native.knitter to view her amazing creations. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you discover Native Joy as resistance to hopelessness.
#90
July 6 · 37 min
Episode 90: We Are Not All the Same Spiritually
SHOW NOTES: Native followers of Jesus often feel misunderstood by both Native and Christian communities. Some people assume all Native Americans practice the same spirituality. Others assume that becoming a Christian means leaving Native identity behind. Many Native followers of Jesus live in the tension between these assumptions. Some have been told they are “not Native anymore” because they follow Jesus. Others have felt misunderstood in churches that viewed Native culture with suspicion. This episode explores how following Jesus and honoring your Native identity are not mutually exclusive. It also invites listeners to distinguish between the person of Jesus and the painful ways Christianity has sometimes been used by people in positions of power. 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. The 3D Gospel resource--view a video summary of the three worldviews: Guilt/Innocence; Shame/Honor; and Fear/Power here. I believe Native and Indigenous Worldview is a Fear/Power worldview. For those who have experienced "Church Hurt," this video offers a good explanation that someone's hurtful actions do not represent Jesus. Thanks to @seansarantos for his succinct overview. If you associate Christianity with those painful experiences perpetrated by others, then you are mistaken. Their harmful actions do not reflect the character of Jesus. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode where you will confront the reservation stereotype that poverty is the plight of all Native American and First Nation Peoples.
#89
June 29 · 33 min
EPISODE 89: The Strong Silent Native
SHOW NOTES: Native men and women are often expected to stay silent about pain. This episode explores the difference between strength and silence, and why emotional healing is an important part of following 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 Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks. Listen to the story of Heather Demaray here from Prairie Public News Room. Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com Join us for the next episode when you can find out how we are not all the same spiritually.

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