Claim OwnershipExponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast
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Listen to interviews with ministry leaders and church planters committed to multiplication as they share insights, stories and lessons from their real-life experiences of planting churches and making disciples.
114 Episodes
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In this powerful and refreshingly grounded conversation, Josh and Berlinda O’Callaghan (Lifehouse Church, Murray Bridge) share their journey of raising up young leaders, sending them out to plant churches, and embracing the rhythms of loss and renewal that come with multiplication. From shrinking youth ministries to church planters rising from the ranks, they unpack what it really means to invest deeply, live incarnationally, and cultivate kingdom-minded leadership in a regional context.Together we explore how planting churches in country towns isn’t a step down, but often the most catalytic move a church can make. With honesty, hope, and hard-won wisdom, Josh and Bel call us to a slower, more relational, Spirit-empowered vision for multiplying leaders and churches—where discipleship looks like training, not just trying, and where every “goodbye” makes room for another “yes” to the mission.Whether you’re leading in the suburbs, the city, or the country, this episode will stir your faith for what’s possible when we see people as Jesus does—and dare to send them.
What if the future of mission and church impact wasn’t led by celebrity voices or content creators, but by cartographers—those mapping new paths of redemptive imagination?In this episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we explore what God might be doing through business leaders, innovators, and risk-takers who carry a vision for kingdom transformation across every sphere of society. This conversation leans into the sacred tension between holy ambition and humble formation, between sustainability and spirit-led innovation, and asks what role the Church must play in creating the kind of table where entrepreneurs, pastors, and prophets can dream together.We also introduce the idea of Redemptive Ventures—a growing movement and initiative designed to activate capital, collaboration, and courage around gospel-fuelled vision.🔗 Learn more about Redemptive Ventures: https://www.redemptive.au
What happens when leaders stop asking, “Which model wins?” and start asking, “How do multiple models work together for Kingdom impact?” In this episode, Gary Rucci unpacks the leadership shifts behind Australia’s “blended ecology” — from rows to tables, from platform to people, from building church to making disciples who make disciples. We explore hybrid expressions (large gatherings and table church), the rise of microchurches, why unity across tribes matters, and how denominations are beginning to validate smaller, contextual communities without losing necessary governance and care. Gary shares grassroots stories (running clubs, factory lunchrooms, beach gatherings), a pro-Kingdom posture that refuses “mega vs. micro,” and a practical vision for churches holding multiple models in one movement so more Australians hear the gospel. If you lead a church, a network, or a denomination, this conversation will help you rethink success and re-tool your ecosystem for multiplication.
In this compelling episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Dianne Jarvey, National Faith Community Development Secretary for The Salvation Army Australia, to explore what it truly takes to catalyse renewal within a historic denomination.With vulnerability, wisdom, and passion, Dianne unpacks the Salvation Army’s intentional journey away from maintenance mode and back to its movemental roots — marked by innovation, inclusion, and grassroots disciple-making. From coffee carts to paddleboard churches, she shares how small, faithful experiments are weaving a powerful spiritual web across the nation.We explore the role of shock absorbers and bridge builders, the theology of innovation, and the importance of permission-giving leadership cultures. Most of all, this is a story of hope: that God is not done with the Church, and that fresh winds of the Spirit are blowing — even in the most unexpected places.Whether you’re a denominational leader, church planter, or pastor navigating change, this conversation will encourage you to dream again, unlearn, and join in what God is already doing.“Be faithful in the little things, and God will do the big things with you.” — Dianne Jarvey
In this candid conversation, James Murray names three missteps from his planting journey—and the shifts they sparked. He unpacks starting against something instead of for a Spirit-given burden, leading from comparison rather than calling, and copy-pasting models instead of discerning a context-shaped approach. James then shares the course corrections: becoming burden-driven, reframing Sundays for edification that fuels everyday mission, and adopting a healthier scorecard—baptism, obedience, endurance, and multiplication over mere attendance. It’s a practical, pastoral guide for leaders who want depth without losing mission—and who are ready to lead differently.
In this compelling episode, we’re joined by Coz Crosscombe—a seasoned disciple-maker and urban missionary who has spent decades planting churches in some of the most marginalised communities in Philadelphia and Western Sydney.Coz challenges the Australian Church to reimagine multiplication—not just as a strategy for growth, but as a call to proximity, partnership, and empowerment. What if we stopped planting churches for the poor, and started planting churches with the poor? What does it mean to raise up truly Indigenous leaders—those who carry the heartbeat of their community?This is a deeply honest and practical conversation for any leader serious about gospel impact where it’s needed most. If you care about planting churches that reflect the fullness of the Kingdom, this one’s not to be missed.
In this honest and soul-stirring episode, we sit down with Will Chung, church planter and pastor of Beloved Church in California. From his radical encounter with Jesus as a teenager to pioneering a church in the middle of a global pandemic, Will shares the remarkable journey that shaped his call to plant—and the spiritual resilience it has demanded along the way.We explore:The challenges and opportunities of planting young in the midst of social unrest and deconstructionThe tension between ministry fruitfulness and soul healthWill’s shift from putting God first to making God the center of everythingHow deep friendships, therapy, and intentional rhythms of soul care are essential for sustainable leadershipWith insight, vulnerability, and wisdom beyond his years, Will invites us to consider what it means to lead with spiritual integrity in a distracted age.🔊 Whether you're discerning a call to plant, in the thick of leadership, or longing for healthier patterns of ministry—this conversation is for you.
Cass Langton joins the podcast to share her remarkable journey from global creative leadership at Hillsong to co-planting The Local, a flourishing new church in Sydney’s northwest. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Cass opens up about creativity as a sacred tool for discipleship, the unexpected and sometimes reluctant steps into church planting, and the breathtaking stories of redemption that have marked their first year. She also reflects on empowering women in leadership, intergenerational renewal, and why now may be the most exciting time for the church in Australia. This episode is a timely reminder: when we make space for beauty, community, and obedience to the Spirit, God moves powerfully.
What does it take to spark a church planting movement? For Pastor David Storer, it starts with releasing the next generation.In this episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, David shares his remarkable journey from a supernatural encounter with Jesus in a backpacker hostel to becoming a catalytic leader in the Australian church planting landscape. With decades of experience, David unpacks how empowering young leaders, embracing risk, and creating space for others to rise has shaped movements like HarvestNet and impacted planters nationwide.Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or just beginning to explore your call, this conversation will stir your faith for what’s possible when we believe in others and champion the future of the church.
🎙️ New Episode – Scott Sanders on Multiplying Churches Across AustraliaIn this episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by Scott Sanders, Executive Director of Reach Australia and one of the leading voices in church multiplication in the country.As we gear up for our National Gathering this August—where Scott will be one of our keynote speakers—we dive into the heart behind Reach Australia’s vision: thousands of healthy, evangelistic, multiplying churches. Scott shares powerful insights from over 15 years of church planting leadership, including: • The critical role of the local leader’s heart in fostering evangelism • Practical systems that help churches reach the lost and mature disciples • What churches can do now—whether big or small—to engage in church planting • Why building a regional ecosystem matters for long-term multiplication • A sneak peek into his upcoming keynote from the book of ActsWhether you’re a pastor, planter, or simply passionate about the future of the church in Australia, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.🔗 Tune in now and be inspired for what God could do in and through your church!
What if the next great move of God is already stirring among Gen Z? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Charlie from Exponential Australia is joined by Jeri Jones Sparks — pastor, evangelist, and convener of the first-ever Next Gen Stream at the Exponential National Conference. Jeri shares her own story of coming to faith as a Gen Z leader shaped by mission, her insights into what the church often gets wrong (and right) about engaging the next generation, and why she believes Gen Z is uniquely positioned for kingdom impact.Together, they unpack the spiritual hunger rising among young adults, why Gen Z is more open to faith than many assume, and how older leaders can disciple and empower younger voices in mission and leadership. If you’re leading in the church or just sensing a quiet call to start something new, this episode is for you.🌱 Bonus: Jeri offers a sneak peek into the vision for the Next Gen Stream at Exponential Conference — a bespoke, up-close-and-personal experience for under-30s with world-class speakers.Don’t miss this hopeful, honest, and Spirit-filled conversation about the future of the church — and the generation ready to lead it.
🎙️ “Let Me Show You How to Build My Church”In this compelling episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we sit down with keynote speaker Nadia Marychurch in the lead-up to Exponential Conference 2025. From years in a prominent New Zealand church to planting from scratch in Ottawa, Nadia shares her deeply personal journey of simplification, soul work, and the unexpected beauty of learning to trust God’s quiet voice.Nadia opens up about how she and her husband Levi threw out the rulebook—literally—and let God teach them how to build church differently. With refreshing honesty, she speaks about leaving behind metrics, reclaiming Indigenous Christian heritage, rediscovering the power of hospitality, and her vision for a more integrated, thoughtful, and culturally rooted expression of church leadership.This episode is a must-listen for anyone longing for deeper substance over surface-level success. It’s a preview of the kind of rich, qualitative leadership Nadia will speak to at the upcoming conference—and an invitation to lead differently.🎧 Listen now and prepare your heart for what God might be calling you to build.
In this special episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we’re joined once again by Jon Tyson, Lead Pastor of Church of the City New York and a keynote speaker at this year’s National Conference. From the heart of Times Square to the local streets of Australia, Jon shares his deep sense of hope for the global Church—pointing to signs of spiritual hunger, unity across movements, and an unprecedented openness to Jesus, especially among the next generation.Jon reflects on revival culture, the fruit of years of daily prayer, and the simple decision to build a church that seeks God above all else. He offers insights into the emerging Awaken Network, the importance of preparing for Gen Alpha, and a prophetic invitation to double down in this season of growing opportunity.This episode previews the powerful message Jon will bring in August—calling us to believe that Jesus really meant it when He said we would do “greater things.” Tune in, be stirred, and start praying bigger prayers for your city.Listen now — revival might be closer than we think.
🎙️ New Episode: “Thou Shalt Not Burn Out” with Mindy CaliguireIn this rich and timely conversation, Charlie sits down with spiritual formation leader and Soul Care founder Mindy Caliguire ahead of her keynote at the Exponential Australia National Conference.Together they explore the deep and often overlooked connection between leadership health and soul health—and why a life at “Godspeed” might be the antidote to the burnout epidemic. Mindy unpacks the difference between godly sacrifice and self-destructive overextension, the importance of discernment, and the power of reflective leadership.She also shares about her journey through personal collapse, the rise of a quiet movement among executive female leaders, and her hope for a generation of church leaders who are saying a deep, holy no to the “crazy.”🔥 Don’t miss this honest, hopeful, and practical episode that speaks straight to the heart of every leader longing for greater things—without losing their soul in the process.🔗 Listen now — and be inspired to raise your sails for whatever God might call you into next.Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
🎙️ New Episode – Jackie Pullinger: Called to Go, Compelled by LoveIn this special episode of the Exponential Australia Church Leaders Podcast, we’re joined by one of our 2025 National Gathering keynote speakers, Jackie Pullinger — a missionary icon whose decades of ministry in Hong Kong’s infamous Walled City have stirred faith and bold obedience around the world.Jackie shares her remarkable journey: from responding to a call at age five, to boarding a ship with £10 and arriving in Hong Kong in 1966 — ready to give her life for just one soul. What followed was a Spirit-led ministry among the addicted, the poor, and the marginalized, marked by healing, deliverance, and radical love.In this episode, Jackie challenges leaders: • To pursue the Kingdom of God in every part of life, not just the pulpit • To open themselves afresh to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit • To step out in faith — even without all the answers • And to stop waiting for a move of God… and become one.This is a timely and timeless word for anyone sensing the stirring of the Spirit to step into something greater. A must-listen as we prepare our hearts for what God will do in August on the Gold Coast.🔗 Listen now — and be inspired to raise your sails for whatever God might call you into next.Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
HINGE MOMENTS & FRESH FACESThis is one of our more exciting episodes of 2025. This fortnight we are joined by four different church planting couples from across Australia, and from four different denominations, all being called to plant great churches in 2025. We hear of their exhilarating and unique journeys, the stirring that led to their planting, and the creative and unique contributions they feel led to make for the Kingdom and Jesus' church in Australia. If you are looking for some hope and inspiration, then this episode is for you! Be encouraged by what the Lord is doing through a new batch of young Aussie leaders.Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
WHERE THERE IS DISCIPLE MAKING, THERE IS MOVEMENTThis fortnight we are joined by a bit of an Aussie Church Planting legend, in Colin Stoodley. Late last year Colin released his manifesto, after many years of church planting and consultancy, across multiple denominations and networks, entitled "The Genius in the Kingdom". In this podcast Colin talks about some of the sustainable markers of healthy church planting, and broadly some of the trends across the Australian church when it comes to effective church planting. This podcast provided immense hope of where we are at as the church in Australia, and some of the great momentum that is being felt. Tune in!Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
THE GOD WHO SEESThis fortnight we are delighted to be joined, all the way from the UK, by Kate Coleman. Kate shares her journey as one who is passionate about breaking ground for God. Both as one that was saved from no Christian background, thrown into Christian leadership in a tradition that initially did not recognise her as a leader, and a multiplicity of ways that she has been breaking ground ever since. Kate was the first Black Female Ordained within her tradition in the UK, and she has become critically acclaimed for her influence across the British church for her reflections on leadership shifts required in our churches. One of the highlights of this conversation was her reflections upon Haggar, and the God who sees us. Both when we are discouraged and despondent, and yet sensing the call to Pioneer. But also for those who are in seats of power with the potential to release others into leadership! Tune in today.Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
THE FUTURE IS BI-VOCATIONALThis fortnight we are joined by author, Andrew Hamilton. This is a touching episode as we dive both into his recent family tragedy, and the pains and promises of God that come with that. As well as focusing upon Andrew's big passion of Bi Vocational Ministry; opportunities to vocationally work alongside our ministry for the purposes of mission, pragmatics, and finance. Hear some refreshing insights, and why the Church in Australia must be aware of the opportunities and challenges ahead.Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
ECOSYSTEMS & PLANTING This fortnight we are joined by our friend across the ditch, Jonathan Dove. Jonathan both leads Grace City Church in Auckland, in addition to helping to lead the Auckland Church Leaders Network. In this conversation Jonathan shares about the significance of ecosystems, and the WHOLE church in its flourishing. Morover, Jonathan shares about how integral planting is, and the journey Grace City have been on when it comes to envisioning, and working through a Learning Community process, to the place where they are now launching a church!Instagram - www.instagram.com/exponential_australia Facebook - www.facebook.com/exponentialausAvailable now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
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