The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, welcomes long-time friend Andy Sikora, planter and lead pastor of Renew Communities in Cleveland. Fresh off a two-week Patagonia trek, Andy reflects on 15 years of church planting and the lessons learned along the way. Andy shares how he and his wife moved to Cleveland after serving in young adult ministry, eventually launching Renew in 2011. He discusses the critical role of perseverance, the importance of planting with people rather than alone, and the conviction that God must truly call you to the work. He illustrates these principles with stories of sending out new planters—like CrossFields Church and Burning River Church—and highlights the collaborative work of the Kingdom Collective, a Cleveland-based partnership that funds and supports multiplication. Greg and Andy also explore sustaining a healthy marriage while leading a church, the power of curiosity for ongoing growth, and why planters should focus less on "sexy" locations and more on God's call to specific people, not just places. Podcast Contents: 00:00 – 02:00 Introduction to Andy Sikora, his role in Cleveland, and Greg & Andy's recent Patagonia trip. 02:00 – 06:00 How Andy moved to Cleveland, planted Renew Communities, and what early ministry looked like. 06:00 – 10:00 The biggest lessons from 15 years of church planting: perseverance, calling, and doing ministry with others. 10:00 – 14:00 Creating a multiplying culture: residents, church planting pipelines, and the Kingdom Collective partnership. 14:00 – 18:00 How small churches can still send planters: collaborative funding, shared residencies, and unexpected outreach approaches. 18:00 – 23:00 Marriage and ministry: supporting your spouse's identity, staying healthy, and loving the unique calling God gives your family. 23:00 – 27:00 Calling to a people rather than a place, and why Cleveland has become home for the Sikora family. Closing thoughts.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle talks with Joey Odom about the intersection of faith, technology, and personal health. Joey—co-founder of ReclaimWell—explains how constant proximity to our phones is reshaping our relationships, productivity, and even our spiritual lives. They discuss the concept of "digital thorns" — how smartphones, though powerful tools for discipleship and ministry, can choke out meaningful relationships and intimacy with God. Joey shares practical ways to reclaim time and attention, including simple steps like five minutes a day away from your phone, accountability within small groups, and setting "phone-free" zones for family or worship. Greg and Joey also explore how church leaders can model digital wellness within their teams using ReclaimWell, an app that helps track intentional time spent away from devices. The conversation closes with encouragement for leaders to lead by example, prioritize presence, and put down their phones—literally—to restore focus and relational depth.   Podcast Contents: 00:00 – 01:10 | Introduction: Greg Nettle welcomes Joey Odom and sets up the topic of technology and faith. 01:10 – 02:30 | The rise of digital discipleship—and the problem of "digital thorns." 02:30 – 06:00 | How our relationship with phones mirrors childhood attachments and impacts relationships. 06:00 – 08:45 | Practical steps to break constant proximity and reshape habits. 08:45 – 11:00 | Building healthy phone boundaries in families and small groups. 11:00 – 13:30 | Swapping phones, redefining dependence, and Jesus' parable of the thorns. 13:30 – 17:00 | Introducing ReclaimWell—a wellness and productivity tool for digital balance. 17:00 – 21:00 | How the app works: habit loops, team leaderboards, and tracking intentional time away. 21:00 – 23:00 | The power of "Let me put down my phone" and valuing relationships. 23:00 – 25:00 | Giving God the first fruits of your day—disconnecting to reconnect spiritually. 25:00 – 28:45 | How churches can adopt ReclaimWell and lead staff in digital wellness. 28:45 – 29:05 | Closing thoughts and call to action: visit reclaimwell.com.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA and co-author of The Art of Neighboring. Jay shares his unexpected journey into church planting, from studying philosophy at Ohio State to planting Mile High Vineyard in Denver after 9/11. Key themes include: The power of a clear calling—and why clarity often means higher cost. The challenges of starting with little money, odd jobs, and slow growth. Why multiplying leaders is the foundation for multiplying churches. Lessons from The E-Myth on building for replication. Evangelism as the heartbeat of church planting, no matter the model or denomination. Jay encourages listeners to pray for God's heart for the marginalized and to stay focused on the essentials: leading people to Christ, making disciples, and training leaders. Podcast Contents 00:00–02:00 | Intro: Greg welcomes Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA 02:00–05:30 | Jay's Ohio State background & early call to ministry 05:30–09:00 | Planting Mile High Vineyard after 9/11: obstacles & slow growth 09:00–12:00 | The importance of a clear call—and its high cost 12:00–15:30 | Lessons from Carol Wimber: "Because it's going to be hard" 15:30–18:30 | Multiplication begins with multiplying leaders 18:30–21:30 | Insights from The E-Myth for church planting systems 21:30–23:30 | Evangelism as the heart of church planting 23:30–25:30 | Why unity across denominations matters for mission 25:30–26:30 | Final encouragement: focus on people, discipleship, and reproducing leaders

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Brian Hofmeister, founding pastor of Lakepoint Church in Muskego, Wisconsin. Brian shares the powerful story of how his church moved from a single church plant to becoming a multiplying, sending church. Key themes include: How a church of any size can invest in multiplication from the beginning Why Lakepoint committed 10% of its budget to future church plants—even in its early years Lessons learned from developing residents and sending planters during the COVID-19 pandemic A compelling vision for shared church family identity, including joint baptism services How to embed multiplication into your church's DNA and avoid burnout as a sending pastor Whether you're a new church planter, a pastor of an established congregation, or someone investing in church planting, Brian's practical wisdom will challenge and inspire you to think beyond your walls. 🎧 Listen to more episodes and explore church planting resources at Stadia.org. Connect with Brian and Lakepoint Church at https://www.lakepointmuskego.org. 01:15 - Why Milwaukee? Brian's background and calling 02:00 - Multiplication from day one: giving, sending, mindset 03:00 - Funding church plants as a small church 05:00 - Early attempts at developing church planters 06:00 - Lessons from failure and God's timing 08:00 - Year 8: Becoming a true sending church 09:30 - Residency structure and expectations 11:00 - Coaching residents toward launching 12:00 - Sending people: what the congregation commits 13:30 - Impact on Lakepoint's culture 14:30 - When the culture clicked: "Who's next?" 15:30 - Parenting metaphor: moving toward shared multiplication 16:30 - Partnering churches and co-parenting new plants 17:30 - The messy, slow process of residency and vision 18:30 - Training the next generation of multiplying churches 19:30 - Family reunion baptisms and shared wins 20:30 - Advice to new planters: start with generosity 21:30 - Exact budget %s Lakepoint committed early on 22:00 - Message to established churches: mentorship matters 23:30 - What the church was always meant to be 24:00 - Closing thoughts & future vision

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle welcomes Mark DeYmaz, founding pastor of Mosaic Church in Little Rock and a leading voice in the multiethnic church movement. Mark pulls back the curtain on how his church is thriving through missional vitality and church economics—generating revenue, leveraging real estate, serving the poor, and reaching their community with tangible expressions of the Gospel. Topics include: The three-legged church model (spiritual, social, financial). How Mosaic transformed a Kmart into a 100,000 sq. ft. center of ministry and enterprise. Why your church needs a nonprofit arm to access grants (including $80B in opioid funds available through 2038). The importance of long obedience in the same direction. Real stories of hope—including a homeless community preaching courage back to Mark. Helpful resources: Mosaix Network — conferences, coaching, and content Mark's books on Amazon Midtown Event Center – Mosaic's multi-use space This is a masterclass in leadership, sustainability, and Gospel innovation. A must-listen for every church leader looking to thrive in the 21st century. 01:00 - Mark's upcoming book on the Prayer of St. Francis 02:45 - Overview of Mosaic Church's mission and context 04:00 - Economic challenges of inner-city churches 06:00 - Transforming a former Kmart into a ministry hub 08:00 - "That is the church" — redefining what church looks like 09:00 - How to get started: shifting your mindset 10:00 - The 3-legged church model: spiritual, social, financial 12:00 - Creating a nonprofit to apply for grants 14:00 - Rethinking biblical stewardship 15:30 - Grants, real estate, and income strategies 17:00 - Opioid nexus grant: $80B available through 2038 18:30 - Mosaix Network and national conference 20:00 - Why it's the premier multiethnic church conference 21:00 - What excites Mark most about the future of church 22:00 - Matthew 5:16 and the power of visible good works 23:30 - Why sustainability takes 7–10 years (or more) 24:30 - Faith and tears: a homeless community encourages Mark 26:30 - Final thoughts and encouragement for church planters

In this powerful conversation, Greg Nettle sits down with author and pastor John Ortberg to discuss his newest book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Drawing inspiration from the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Ortberg reveals why this recovery-based model may actually be the most effective path to real spiritual transformation—for everyone, not just those with addiction. The conversation covers: How AA emerged from discipleship roots in the Oxford Group Why most churches struggle with a "wimpy Step One" How to foster communities of grace-filled vulnerability The critical role of desperation, community, and daily practices in spiritual growth How churches can implement the Steps curriculum and even start B12 groups (Bible + 12 Steps) John also shares about his free daily vodcast ministry, Become New, and upcoming resources for small groups and churches based on Steps, launching Fall 2025. Whether you're planting a church or trying to revitalize one, this episode offers practical wisdom and a compelling vision for deep, lasting discipleship. We hope you enjoy this podcast. For more info about Stadia Church Planting and how you can get involved, check out stadia.org. To connect with Greg Nettle, you can find him at GregNettle.com Episode Index 01:10 - John's new book *Steps* and its origin in the 12 Steps   03:00 - Why *Steps* is for everyone, not just addiction recovery   04:20 - The spiritual roots of AA and the Oxford Group   06:00 - The power of weakness and the gift of desperation   08:00 - Greg shares a baby dedication story and his own approval addiction   10:20 - Why churches struggle with a "wimpy Step One"   12:00 - Biblical examples of desperation and robust transformation   13:20 - How desperation leads to discipleship intensity   14:00 - Discipleship as both program and fellowship   16:00 - Why church needs to be more like an AA meeting   17:30 - The power of confession and shared inadequacy   19:00 - Appropriate vulnerability for pastors and leaders   21:00 - How to help your church take real steps toward transformation   22:20 - Real-life church examples like the "B12 class"   24:00 - Free video curriculum for *Steps* coming Fall 2025   25:15 - Final thoughts: encouragement for church planters  

In this powerful episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle is joined by long-time friend and influential church leader Dave Ferguson. Dave is the founding pastor of Community Christian Church, president of Exponential, and co-founder of the global church planting network NewThing—now integrated into Exponential. The conversation covers: Dave's personal and organizational transitions, including appointing a new lead pastor at Community A deep dive into his 5-step leadership apprenticeship model (from his book Hero Maker) His global perspective on a potential revival among Gen Z, especially in the UK The explosive growth of microchurches His upcoming book Multiplier (coming March 2026) Challenges the Church must face to reach the next generation, including creating safe, peace-filled spaces for those deconstructing or new to faith A must-listen for anyone passionate about multiplication, innovation, and the future of the Church. 01:15 – Dave's leadership transition at Community Christian   04:05 – Merging NewThing into Exponential   06:40 – Dave's new role as CEO of Exponential   08:00 – Life Planning: What it is and who should do it   12:00 – 5-Step Apprenticeship Model explained   15:20 – Preview of Dave's new book: *Multiplier*   16:15 – The "Quiet Revival" among Gen Z in the UK   19:45 – US stats: A spiritual shift is happening   21:18 – Church hurt & challenges for church multiplication   23:00 – Peace as the new apologetic   24:30 – Global microchurch movement—how it started   27:00 – Story: 177+ microchurches through online training   29:00 – Why now is the time to empower global leaders   29:50 – Final encouragement & close

Greg sits down with Dr. Liz Rios (Founder of Passion2Plant) and Rev. Len Tang (Director of the Fuller Church Planting Initiative) to explore the expanding world of multiethnic, micro, and digital church planting. They unpack the rapid growth of microchurches, the increasing leadership of women of color in church planting, and the redefinition of success beyond outdated metrics. The conversation also dives into the barriers multiethnic leaders face—especially in funding and power-sharing—and the urgent need for new pipelines that elevate diverse leaders. Get practical ideas and inspiration for: Starting and supporting digital faith communities Funding justice-centered churches Co-vocational and multi-vocational planting models Joining the Multiethnic Church Planting Collaborative Training through Passion2Plant   01:45 – The rise of microchurches and reimagined planting models 03:30 – Global influence on U.S. microchurch models 04:00 – Women of color stepping into church planting 05:00 – Digital and micro as natural expressions for multiethnic women leaders 06:30 – Letting go of traditional church planting metrics 07:00 – Digital church planting: cost, reach, and community impact 08:30 – Examples of digital church leaders reinvesting in their communities 10:00 – Financial sustainability and co-/tri-vocational leadership 12:00 – Challenges in multiethnic church planting: politics and funding 13:00 – Expanding the definition of multiethnic: immigrant, ethnic-specific, multiracial 14:30 – Power sharing and leadership dynamics in multiethnic models 18:45 – Kingdom diversity: Galatians and Revelation visions 20:00 – Demographic shifts and the need for diverse leadership pipelines 21:30 – Opportunities: Black church planting summit, Stadia's statement of lament 23:00 – Slowing down, building trust, and unlearning systems 26:30 – How to get involved: Passion2Plant and Fuller's Collaborative 28:00 – Final encouragement and closing thoughts

In this episode, Greg Nettle talks with Dean Sweetman, co-founder and co-CEO of Tithely, a digital giving platform now used by over 50,000 churches worldwide. Dean shares his remarkable journey from being a high school dropout and aspiring surfer in Australia to planting over 60 churches globally and building a church tech company processing billions in donations annually. Key highlights: Dean's unconventional path into church planting across Asia, Africa, and North America. Why demographic research + Holy Spirit leading matters when choosing a church plant location. How a Starbucks app experience inspired the creation of Tithely. The impact of recurring digital giving on financial stability for churches. Future of church tech: AI, VR, and holographic gospel preaching. Resources mentioned: Tithely's free tools for church planters (https://get.tithe.ly/) Stadia Church Planting (https://stadia.org) Learn more about church planting with Stadia: https://stadia.org/discovery 01:18 – Dean's early life & conversion story   02:44 – Becoming a youth pastor and seminary in Australia   04:10 – Global missions & planting churches in Asia and Africa   06:08 – Real estate and bi-vocational ministry   07:30 – Choosing Atlanta for church planting   09:13 – The power of sending leaders to plant   11:00 – Planting 60+ churches through C3 movement   13:07 – The Starbucks moment: inspiration for Tithely   16:09 – Launching the first giving app with his son   17:11 – Sabbatical and shifting from pastor to entrepreneur   18:28 – Explosive growth during COVID (12K churches in 6 weeks)   20:14 – Building an all-in-one church platform   21:11 – Discipleship through digital giving   23:31 – Tech adoption in younger generations   24:18 – Getting started with Tithely   25:01 – Power of recurring giving   26:15 – AI, AR, and the future of church tech    

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with longtime friend and teaching pastor Tammy Melchien. Tammy has served at Community Christian Church in Chicagoland for over two decades and is releasing her first book, Choosing the Opposite, in October 2025. Tammy reflects on her journey as a church planter in urban Chicago, the unique challenges of being a single woman in ministry, and the joy of seeing lives transformed in a transient, young professional community. She shares the origin story and key insights from her book—rooted in the Sermon on the Mount—and how following Jesus often means doing the opposite of what feels natural. Together, they discuss: Collaborative sermon prep and teaching team leadership Why Choosing the Opposite emerged out of pandemic-era frustration How church leaders can love radically, lead humbly, and create margin for hearing God 📖 Preorder Choosing the Opposite (available October 7, 2025) 01:16 - Church planting in Chicago   02:29 - Challenges as a single woman planter   04:21 - High turnover in urban ministry   06:07 - Joys of urban church planting   06:32 - Tammy's new book: *Choosing the Opposite*   08:08 - COVID, conflict, and the failure of discipleship   09:44 - The Seinfeld inspiration for the book title   11:14 - Beatitudes and thinking upside down   12:20 - Loving radically in hard ministry moments   15:24 - Vulnerability and secure leadership   17:05 - Judgment, grace, and honoring others' journeys   20:34 - Hearing from Jesus: margin & intentionality   24:11 - Encouragement for single church planters   25:58 - Why spiritual intimacy matters most   27:07 - Book release details & closing 

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle is joined by Tim Celek from Stadia's post-launch team and two dynamic kids ministry leaders from Georgia—Brittany Ara of City Church Griffin and Robyn Alexander of Foundation Christian Church. Together, they outline five essential principles for church leaders who want to reach and disciple the next generation: Safety isn't optional – Every church needs a clear child protection policy. Not sure where to start? Ask neighboring churches to share their handbooks. Leadership matters – Recruit leaders who can lead teams, not just love kids. Burnout is real without shared responsibility. Let kids serve – Kids and teens need hands-on opportunities to experience their faith, not just hear about it. Know your 'one' – Ditch cookie-cutter strategies and design ministry that fits your local community's needs and rhythms. Recruit with vision, not guilt – Celebrate wins from the stage, don't beg for volunteers. Help your team build a long-term system for healthy recruiting. They also share fun, creative ideas like using an ice cream truck for outreach and creating dual summer camp models for different demographics. It's a practical, passionate guide for any church looking to multiply its impact through children's ministry. 00:26 – Meet Brittany Ara & Robyn Alexander   02:10 – Why Stadia Prioritizes the Next Generation   03:15 – 5 Things Every Church Leader Needs to Know   03:45 – #1: Safety Must Come First   07:13 – #2: Healthy Kids Ministry Requires Strong Leadership   12:00 – #3: Empower Kids & Teens to Serve   14:00 – Creative Outreach Ideas: Ice Cream Truck Ministry   17:00 – Involving Kids in "Big Church"   19:11 – #4: Forget What You've Seen Before – Know Your Community   21:00 – Real-Life Camp Examples That Meet Families Where They Are   25:39 – Balancing Technology in Kids Ministry   26:00 – #5: Volunteer Recruiting Should Be Vision-Driven   29:00 – What Keeps These Leaders Going  

Welcome jet pilot, pastor, and author Ricky Brown to unpack the five "hazardous attitudes" every church leader must watch out for—straight from FAA training and powerfully applied to ministry. Ricky draws on his dual experience as a commercial pilot and church planter to share practical, soul-tending wisdom for avoiding burnout and moral failure. Ricky's new book, The 5 Hazardous Attitudes: Ways to Win the War Within, breaks these down through powerful fables and life lessons. Greg and Ricky dive deep into the signs of anti-authority, invulnerability, macho attitudes, impulsivity, and resignation, and how each can destroy ministry, marriages, and leadership if not confronted. Explore more of Ricky's work, speaking, and resources at rickybrown.org. View Ricky's Speaker Reel Instagram: @allthingsrickyb   Connect with Greg Nettle and Stadia Church Planting at https://stadia.org   01:00 - Meet Ricky Brown: Pastor, pilot, and author 02:15 - Planting a 70% unchurched church during the pandemic 04:00 - Tending to your soul as a leader 05:35 - The story behind "The 5 Hazardous Attitudes" 06:15 - Overview of the 5 attitudes: anti-authority, invulnerability, macho, impulsivity, resignation 08:00 - Anti-authority and unresolved trauma 10:00 - Invulnerability: "It won't happen to me" 12:45 - Macho: Proving your worth as a leader 15:00 - Impulsivity: Acting too fast under pressure 18:50 - Guardrails for impulsivity: See your team as safety rails, not speed bumps 20:00 - Aviation stories that mirror leadership failures 23:00 - Resignation: Why leaders give up too soon 25:00 - Leading through darkness and not quitting before breakthrough 26:30 - Where to find Ricky's book and workbook: [rickybrown.org](https://www.rickybrown.org/) 27:00 - Final words on biblical leadership and self-awareness

In this episode of the Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle welcomes his longtime friend Brian Tome, founder and senior pastor of Crossroads Church in Cincinnati. Brian unpacks the unfiltered reality of church planting—from answering a magazine ad with 11 strangers to building a church that reaches tens of thousands weekly. He shares how grit, vision clarity, and authenticity have shaped his journey, recounts his "two-for-one" approach to core team building, and challenges leaders to relentlessly pursue new people, not just transfer Christians. Brian and Greg discuss lessons learned the hard way, the importance of work ethic, and the pain and payoff of staying true to your calling—even when it means "ripping people's ears off" before they rip off yours. Brian also dives into Crossroads' outreach—like fighting sex trafficking in Nepal, developing software for prison ministry, and building the CityLink Center. He reflects on personal health, relational boundaries, and leading with authenticity (yes, even smoking a Marlboro onstage once to make a point!). The conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone in the trenches of church leadership or just starting out. Books/Resources Mentioned: The Five Marks of a Man by Brian Tome Man Camp Robert Lewis' books on outreach and apologetics 01:20 - Brian's journey to Cincinnati and unexpected beginnings 03:08 - The reality of early church planting: 11 people, high risk 04:30 - Building the core: relentless networking and vision casting 05:28 - Church planting in the 90s: no playbook, pure hustle 06:07 - Work ethic and chasing the right people for the vision 08:01 - Defining and protecting the church's vision 09:21 - Vision morphs: from seeker to world-changing community 10:23 - Crossroads' growth: campuses, online reach, and impact 11:11 - Outreach: Fighting sex trafficking, prison ministry, CityLink Center 12:00 - How outreach became central to Crossroads' DNA 13:44 - Outrageous generosity and its ripple effect 14:21 - What Brian wishes he knew starting out: double-edged sword of no systems 15:54 - Creativity vs. standardization: finding your unique path 16:50 - The power and limitation of mentors and advice 18:52 - Keys to long-term health: personal, relational, spiritual 21:19 - Building authentic relationships inside the church 22:43 - Hobbies, friendships, and avoiding isolation in ministry 23:09 - The cost and value of authenticity in leadership 24:51 - Navigating church culture: authenticity and boundaries 26:13 - Authenticity means sharing struggles, not just victories 27:32 - Preaching: teaching rhythms, preparation, and team development 30:05 - Finding your own preaching rhythm and developing others 31:44 - Loving your spouse while leading a growing church 32:55 - Last words: legacy, faithfulness, and friendship

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," hosted by Greg Nettle, president of Stadia Church Planting, guests Josh Abernathy and Clint Nolder discuss their experiences as church planters navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They share personal and corporate insights on leading their congregations through unprecedented times, adapting to new realities, and maintaining their mission despite significant obstacles. Key topics include: The impact of the pandemic on church operations and community engagement. Strategies for maintaining church growth and connection during lockdowns. Personal challenges and growth experienced by the church leaders. Listeners can find more information about Stadia Church Planting at https://stadia.org Episode Index 00:00:01 - Introduction by Greg Nettle, president of Stadia Church Planting. 00:00:57 - Introduction of guests, Josh Abernathy and Clint, and the episode's focus. 00:01:01 - Josh Abernathy shares the story of starting City Church and leading through the pandemic. 00:02:31 - Discussion on the impact of the pandemic's timing coinciding with the church's anniversary. 00:03:18 - Clint talks about his church planting experience in Newnan, Georgia. 00:04:50 - The personal impact of the pandemic on church leaders. 00:06:25 - Challenges of not having a physical meeting space during early pandemic closures. 00:07:14 - Managing differing opinions within the church community during the pandemic. 00:08:08 - Josh describes personal and leadership challenges during the pandemic. 00:09:56 - Mental health and the need for counseling among church leaders. 00:11:17 - Exploring the possibility of quitting ministry due to pandemic pressures. 00:12:29 - Reflecting on the church's role and response during the pandemic. 00:15:11 - How the pandemic solidified the mission and values of their churches. 00:18:10 - Adapting church methods to maintain mission integrity during restrictions. 00:19:37 - Clint discusses the shift in community engagement and evangelistic efforts post-pandemic. 00:22:54 - Decision to stop live streaming services to foster better community and discipleship. 00:26:08 - The importance of church happening beyond Sunday services. 00:27:45 - Closing remarks by Greg Nettle and gratitude expressed to guests for their insights

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," Greg Nettle chats with Vance Pitman, president of Send Network and founder of Hope Church Las Vegas. Pitman shares his transformative journey from devotional readings to planting a vibrant, multi-ethnic community church in Las Vegas. He emphasizes the importance of intimacy with Christ, viewing ministry as an overflow of this relationship, and the necessity of contextual church planting strategies suited to urban settings. To connect with Vance and Send Network, visit https://www.namb.net/send-network/ To connect with Greg and Stadia, visit https://stadia.org 00:00:01 - Introduction by Greg Nettle 00:00:25 - Introduction of Vance Pitman 00:01:02 - Welcome and conversation begins 00:01:59 - Vance's call to church planting 00:03:01 - Decision to plant in Las Vegas 00:04:01 - Moving and preparing for Las Vegas 00:05:13 - The role of intimacy in ministry 00:06:26 - The impact of church planting on Pitman's family 00:07:10 - Importance of listening to God's voice 00:08:23 - Challenges of moving to Las Vegas with family 00:09:09 - The success of Hope Church in transforming lives 00:10:20 - Advice for church planters on family and faith 00:11:09 - Church diversity and authenticity 00:13:11 - Team-based church planting approach 00:14:12 - Vance's extensive church planting experience 00:15:00 - Shifts in church planting strategies 00:17:18 - Biblical foundations for urban church planting 00:18:58 - The rise of micro churches and co-vocational planters 00:21:22 - Future trends in church planting 00:23:02 - Lessons learned from decades of ministry 00:25:17 - Key advice for new church planters 00:26:19 - Global impact and mission of the church 00:27:25 - How to connect with Send Network 00:28:15 - Closing remarks and sports talk

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," Greg Nettle discusses with Don Hamilton, the author of Lead Like a Bodyguard: 52 Timeless Leadership Lessons. They explore key insights into leadership and church planting, drawing on lessons from the life of Nehemiah. Key topics include handling opposition, celebrating milestones, and the importance of team recognition. Connect with Don: https://www.donmarkhamilton.com/ Get Lead Like a Bodyguard on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9bFU4eD Connect with Stadia and Greg Nettle: https://stadia.org 0:54 - Discussing key leadership lessons from *Lead Like a Bodyguard* and their applications in church planting 8:09 - How to handle opposition as a church leader and its implications in church planting 10:16 - The importance of celebrating achievements and recognizing team contributions in leadership 16:04 - Discussing the need for moral integrity and the challenges leaders face 19:44 - Strategies for effectively managing change within the church context 24:34 - Insights into balancing roles as a leader and a parent  

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," host Greg Nettle, president of Stadia Church Planting, engages with guests Marc Cleary and Dino Rizzo. They discuss the nuances of church planting, the importance of clarity in calling, and the attributes of successful church leaders. Marc and Dino share their extensive experience in fostering thriving church communities through the Association of Related Churches (ARC). They emphasize the significance of financial health, strong personal relationships, and a clear vision for future church leaders. For more about their work, visit ARC's website: https://www.arcchurches.com To connect with host Greg Nettle and Stadia, visit https://stadia.org [00:00:00] Introduction by Greg Nettle [00:01:09] Welcome guests Marc Cleary and Dino Rizzo [00:02:06] Dino Rizzo's backstory in church planting [00:03:25] Marc's entry into church planting [00:04:29] Current trends and successful attributes in church planting [00:06:10] Importance of clarity in calling [00:07:17] Discussion on the need for a compelling vision [00:10:12] Criteria for a successful church plant [00:11:02] Importance of a healthy marriage for church planters [00:13:01] Financial scrutiny and its importance [00:15:43] Encouraging young church planters [00:17:37] Advice for older individuals considering church planting [00:19:48] Red flags in potential church planters [00:25:07] Conclusion and partnership discussion between ARC and Stadia

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, hosted by Greg Nettle of Stadia Church Planting, we dive deep into the world of church planting with guest Chad Clarkson, Executive Director of the Houston Church Planting Network (HCPN). Chad shares his journey and experiences in fostering a culture of collaboration among church planters in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Key topics include the strategic vision based on Acts 1:8, the efficacy of church networks, and the vital roles of mentorship and multi-site strategies. The discussion also touches upon innovative church models and the benefits of being part of a network that both challenges and supports church planters. [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest Chad Clarkson. [00:01:30] Chad discusses the origins and vision of the Houston Church Planting Network. [00:03:34] Explanation of HCPN's impact on church planting in Houston. [00:06:02] Challenges and successes of sustaining a church planting network. [00:07:25] The vision, mission, and values of HCPN. [00:09:00] Metrics of success: how many churches have been started. [00:11:19] Benefits for church planters in joining a network. [00:13:56] Discussion on residencies and their importance in church planting training. [00:16:18] Sources of church planting residents and the attributes of successful planters. [00:17:34] Networking opportunities and resources for church planters. [00:18:56] Diversity in church planting models and the financial structure of HCPN. [00:22:01] Expanding church planting efforts to the Latino community. [00:24:33] Conclusion and thanks to guest.

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," hosted by Greg Nettle, president of Stadia, the discussion features Jon Ferguson, co-founding pastor of Community Christian Church and a pioneer in church multiplication. The conversation covers the benefits and challenges of team leadership in church planting, drawing from Jon's extensive experience and his co-leadership with his brother, Dave Ferguson. Key topics include the advantages of starting with a team, the importance of complementary skills within the team, and the potential pitfalls of team dynamics. The episode also delves into the concepts of micro churches and bi-vocational church planting, highlighting their growing relevance and effectiveness in the current religious landscape. Jon and Greg discuss several resources and books that have influenced their approaches, including Jon's book "Exponential" and the new "Bless" practices for community engagement, detailed in their recent publication. For listeners interested in exploring these resources, you can check out "Exponential" on Amazon and learn more about the "Bless" practices on the BLESS app's website. Episode Outline with Timestamps [00:00:19] Introduction of Jon Ferguson and his background [00:01:08] Discussion on team leadership in church planting [00:05:22] Celebrating 35 years of Community Christian Church [00:07:17] Advantages of starting church plants in teams [00:10:23] Identifying essential team roles and dynamics [00:14:45] Shift to discussing micro churches and co-vocational models [00:19:13] Discussing the potential downsides and challenges of team planting [00:23:32] Personal insights from Jon on leadership roles [00:26:53] Personal anecdotes and the importance of community engagement [00:31:35] Introduction of the Bless app for community outreach  

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle, President of Stadia, discusses the delicate balance between faith and financial wisdom with COO Matt Murphy. They explore the challenges and strategies involved in managing church finances, highlighting the importance of having a plan, understanding the risks of poor stewardship, and the necessity of wise investing. They also emphasize the pitfalls of financial management in church settings, such as over-saving or reckless spending. The episode provides valuable insights for church leaders on navigating finances with faith and prudence. Key topics include the parable of talents and building on solid foundations as illustrated in Matthew 7.' [00:01:20] - Faith in Finances: Matt discusses how faith influences financial decisions in church planting. [00:03:14] - Financial Foolishness: Exploring what constitutes financial foolishness. [00:04:13] - Pitfalls of Financial Management: Discussion on the balance between faith and practical financial stewardship. [00:06:06] - Biblical Insights on Finances: Examples from the book of Matthew on managing resources. [00:08:27] - Leadership and Financial Oversight: The role of vision and strategic budgeting in church finances. [00:10:51] - Vision and Financial Challenges: How shifting visions can complicate financial planning. [00:15:28] - Reserve Funds and Budgeting: Strategies for maintaining financial health and planning for the future. [00:21:28] - Importance of Business Acumen in Boards: The balance of faith and business expertise in governance. [00:24:27] - Gratitude in Finance: The importance of thanking and acknowledging donors.