Iowa Church Leaders Podcast

In this episode of the Iowa Church Leaders Podcast, Tom Steele sits down with Jerry Harris, Publisher of The Christian Standard and former Lead Pastor of The Crossing Church in Quincy, Illinois. With decades of ministry experience and a deep love for the Restoration Movement, Jerry offers thoughtful insight into the changing landscape of the church, reflects on the movement's rich heritage, and shares his hope for its future. Whether you're a pastor, elder, ministry leader, or simply passionate about the Church, this conversation will encourage you to lead with faithfulness, wisdom, and a renewed vision for making disciples of King Jesus. https://www.cemchurches.org/events

On this episode of the Iowa Church Leaders Podcast, Tom sits down with Chaz Robbins from Spire to talk about the vision behind the transition from the North American Christian Convention to Spire—and why this gathering still matters for Restoration Movement church leaders today. In this conversation, Chaz shares the heart behind the rebrand, the mission of Spire, and how the conference is designed to encourage, equip, and resource church leaders from every ministry context. Whether you're a pastor, elder, ministry leader, church planter, or volunteer leader, Spire exists to help strengthen you for the Kingdom work God has called you to in your region and community. Tom and Chaz also discuss the importance of networking, spiritual encouragement, practical ministry tools, and why gatherings like Spire continue to play a valuable role in uniting and strengthening leaders across the Restoration Movement. To learn more or register for the conference, visit Spire Conference Registration Interested in the preconference opportunities? Check them out here: Spire Preconference Registration Use promo code CEM75 for registration savings.

Episode Summary In this episode, Tom sits down with longtime preacher and ministry leader Rowlie Hutton. Rowlie has spent more than 35 years serving churches across the Dakotas, Montana, and Nebraska, and brings a seasoned, pastoral perspective to the conversation. A graduate of Dakota Bible College and Montana State University–Northern, Rowlie has also served a term in the Montana State Senate, where he focused on Sanctity of Life legislation. Rowlie shares stories from his life and ministry, what he's learning in this season, and how he continues investing in younger leaders—usually with a strong cup of coffee and plenty of laughter. He also talks about his current work as Chief Development Officer for Renew University, and why he believes Renew is uniquely positioned to strengthen and support Restoration Movement churches in Iowa. If you're a church leader looking for encouragement, wisdom, and a hopeful vision for the future of ministry in our region, this conversation will be a gift. To learn more, make sure and check out RenewUniversity.org

In this episode of the Iowa Church Leaders Podcast, Tom chats with one of the CEM Board Members and Pastor of Central Church of Christ in Griswold, Iowa. Together, they reflect on his years of ministry in Iowa and talk about the exciting direction CEM is heading—developing a more clearly defined Iowa Restoration Movement Church Network. You'll hear how this renewed vision is striving to help churches across our state connect, raise up new leaders, encourage current pastors, and care well for ministry families serving in Iowa.

Clayton Hentzel is the Lead Pastor at The Crossing. The Crossing is an independent, non-denominational church headquartered in Quincy, Illinois, associated with the Christian Churches in the Restoration Movement.[1] The church oversees locations in Hannibal, Missouri, Jacksonville, Illinois, Keokuk, Iowa, Kirksville, Missouri, Lima, Illinois, Macomb, Illinois, Monmouth, Illinois, Mount Sterling, Illinois, Pike County, Illinois, and two locations in Quincy, Illinois and maintains an online presence.