Exponential NEXT Podcast

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 98 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Description: AI is a “force multiplier” for the Kingdom, but instead of being a friend or an enemy, you should make AI your frenemy. In this episode, Jason Morris introduces the “Art of AI Jiu-Jitsu”, teaching pastors how to use AI as an “adversarial network” to leverage its power while avoiding its weaknesses. Since the average church cannot afford to “own the compute” or “own the model,” the speaker argues that the greatest opportunity for pastors to use AI without becoming a commodity is to own the data. Some of the critical issues to discuss internally with church leadership are: Own the Prompts: The question of “who owns the prompts” is becoming more valuable than ever, and pastors should reuse and share them among staff to create efficiency and save time. Build Contextual Equity: Create a knowledge base of best practices around prompts to help onboard new staff and volunteers quickly. Leverage Context: Since “content is no longer the king… context is”, your unique human context with your church is your “superpower” that AI will never have. Focus on the Human Element: AI is designed for “dopamine, not truth” and excels at “sycophancy”. Pastors should prioritize relationships, care, and speaking the “cold hard truth”, actions AI cannot produce. Jason leads the conversation by showing how AI can be used to handle the “grunt work” like administration and research, freeing you to focus on the relationships and community that only humans can provide. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next. Guest: Jason Morris, thechurch.digital, Director of Equipping & Mobilization Category: AI NEXT

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 97 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: Chad Williams, CEO of FiveQ agency, provides a comprehensive biblical framework for evaluating AI and technology in ministry. Drawing from Scripture, he traces technology through creation, fall, and redemption to help church leaders make wise decisions about emerging tools. In this episode, Chad addresses the questions your congregation is already asking about AI. He explains why technology reflects God’s creative nature, how sin corrupts its purposes, and how redemption transforms even the most dangerous tools for kingdom impact. You’ll learn four practical evaluation questions for any technology decision: • Can I trust the source? • Is it communicating truth or spreading lies? • Does it amplify or replace human work? • Am I creating or just consuming? Chad demonstrates these principles across five ministry contexts: sermon preparation, administrative tasks, discipleship and pastoral care, outreach and communications, and volunteer training. Each example shows the “human sandwich approach” where human judgment bookends AI processing. Whether you’re responding to concerned congregation members or evaluating AI tools for your team, you’ll gain theological grounding and practical wisdom for stewarding technology in ministry. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next.   Guest: Chad Williams, Five Q, CEO Category: AI NEXT

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 96 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: AI just removed the technology barrier that’s been killing your best ministry ideas. You’ve had this idea for months. A better way to equip parents. A simple volunteer system. A tool that helps your people apply Scripture to daily life. You can see it clearly. You know it would work. But then: “That would cost thousands.” “We’d need a developer.” Another God-given vision shelved. Kenny Jahng shows pastors how churches are using AI to create custom ministry solutions by simply describing what they need. No programming. No developers. No massive budget. Just you, having a conversation with AI—and watching it build exactly what you need. The prayer system your recovery ministry needs. The family discussion tool. The coordination system that fits YOUR church. AI builds it while you focus on ministry. You’ll see concrete examples, get a simple roadmap, and discover how your pastoral instincts guide AI to serve your vision. Use AI to build what your people actually need. You already know what’s needed. Now AI makes it possible. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next.   Guest: Kenny Jahng, AI NEXT, Director Category: AI NEXT

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 95 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: How to Get Started with Agentic AI for Your Church and Ministry Natchi Lazarus breaks down agentic AI in plain language for church leaders who want practical solutions, not complicated tech jargon. Discover how AI agents work 24/7 on your behalf—creating content, posting to social media, and tracking results while you focus on people. You’ll learn the four essential components of AI agent systems, when to use agents versus simple AI tools, and the SONG framework for implementation. Get step-by-step guidance to deploy your first AI agents with no-code tools, understand multi-agent workflows, and set up proper guardrails. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a complete beginner, this episode shows you how to transform AI from a confusing buzzword into a practical tool that multiplies your ministry’s gospel impact without requiring coding skills or technical expertise. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next. Guest: Natchi Lazarus – CC Academy, Founder/CEO Category: AI NEXT

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 94 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Team Development in a Multiethnic Church Context Unity matters in every church: but in a multiethnic church, cultivating a unified staff is both more challenging and more consequential. In this episode, we share transferable truths and practical insights to help leaders build effective, mission-aligned multiethnic teams. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Nirup Alphonse – LIFEGATE Church, Lead Pastor Lawrence Hicks – Mosaic Church, Executive Pastor Paul Kroger – Vine & Village, Executive Director Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 93 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Community Engagement: Beyond Rhetoric to Results Pastors often say, “We’re going to take this city for Christ.” But have we ever actually seen that happen? And many churches claim to love their city—but does the city love the church back? In this episode, we’re joined by proven practitioners who share actionable insights for meeting real, empathetic needs in your community at the bridge of Christ’s humanity. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen – Crossover Church, Lead Pastor Melissa Mixon – CrossPurpose, VP of Legacy Rodrigo Cruz – The United Methodist Church, Executive Assistant to the Bishop for the North Georgia Conference Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community The Power of Asking ‘What If?’

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 92 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Theological Insights for Building a Healthy Multiethnic Church New Testament churches were intentionally multiethnic. They were envisioned by Christ in John 17, described by Luke in Acts 11, and prescribed by the apostle Paul throughout his life and writings. In this episode, credible practitioners and scholars come together to discuss the biblical mandate for the multiethnic church. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Derwin Gray – Transformation Church, Lead Pastor Noemi Chavez – Revive Church, Lead Pastor Dr. Dominick Hernandez – Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitics Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments, and Practices of a Diverse Congregation The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 91 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Multiethnic Church Planting, Growth, & Development Every church planter faces challenges. Those planting multiethnic churches face even more. Where does the passion come from, and how does the vision become reality? This conversation offers practical insight and quotable wisdom for leaders pursuing healthy, gospel-centered multiethnic churches. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Naeem Fazal – Mosaic Charlotte, Co-Lead Pastor Kristin Mockler Young – Mosaic Charlotte, Co-Lead Pastor Bernard Emerson – Tapestry Church, Lead Pastor Collin Outerbridge – Nona Church, Lead Pastor Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Ex-Muslim: How One Daring Prayer to Jesus Changed a Life Forever Tomorrow Needs You: Seeing Beauty When You Feel Hopeless

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 90 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Transitioning from Homogeneity to Healthy Multiethnicity In this episode experienced practitioners consider the how and what of transitioning a homogenous church into a healthy multiethnic church. Among other things, we explore personal calling, receptivity of denominational churches of over 100 years, prophetic vision and pace of change, how to foster cross-cultural relationships within the body, and turn the power and pleasure of God that uniquely dwells in unity and diversity, outward to impact and engage the community. The longer the conversation goes, the deeper and more actionable the insights—so be sure to stay tuned to the end! Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Libin Abraham – Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, Lead Pastor Mark Hearn – First Baptist Church of Duluth, Senior Pastor Oscar Acosta – Bend Church of the Nazarene, Co-Pastor RJ Strickland – Bend Church of the Nazarene, Co-Pastor Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Technicolor: Inspiring Your Church to Embrace Multicultural Ministry Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments, and Practices of a Diverse Congregation  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 89 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Sociological Insights: Evaluating the Movement Past, Present, and Future Join sociologists Michael Emerson and Geoge Yancey to consider the history and trajectory of the Multiethnic Church Movement from the late 1990s to the present day. The conversation explores pains and gains over the past twenty-five years and what is needed to press on to maturity over the next quarter of this 100-year movement, which describes what is today the 2nd largest category of churches in the U.S. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Michael Emerson – Rice University, Harry and Hazel Chavanne Fellow in Religion and Public Policy George Yancey – Baylor University, Professor of Institute for Studies of Religion and Sociology Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Divided by Faith, 1st edition Divided by Faith, 2nd edition United by Faith  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 88 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Developing Your CQ® This episode dives deep into the why, how, and what of developing Cultural Intelligence (CQ®). The conversation explores the four components of CQ—Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action—and explains how pastors, staff teams, and entire churches can strengthen their CQ. With actionable insight and discussion of the CQ assessment tool, this robust interaction offers practical guidance for all who seek to understand diverse others and lead them to walk, work, and worship God together as one in the local church for the sake of the Gospel. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Harry Li – Mosaix Global Network, Senior Consultant Graham McKeague – Mosaix Global Network, Certified CQ® Facilitator Jaye Goosby Smith – Pepperdine University, Vice President for Community Belonging and Chief Diversity Officer Markus Lloyd – Threaded, Founder/CEO Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Mosaix

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 87 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does it look like to disciple deeply and see that impact multiply widely across communities? In this challenging and hope-filled episode, host Tom Planck, Director of NEXT Ventures, is joined by Walter Harvey of the Wi+H Movement and Paul Watson of the Freedom Initiative. Together, they share innovative, context-specific approaches to discipleship that are helping people grow in faith and become disciple-makers in their own communities. Walter shares how Wi+H Movement partners with churches and emerging pastors to develop culturally relevant and transformative discipleship strategies. Rooted in relationship and local context, their work equips leaders to disciple effectively in the communities they serve. Paul brings insight into the powerful work of Freedom Initiative, which is focused on launching disciple-making movements among those impacted by incarceration in the U.S. By equipping believers, prison ministries, and churches, they’re seeing lives transformed, recidivism reduced, and the Kingdom expanded through the power of deep, replicable discipleship. Whether you’re serving in a traditional church, navigating complex social issues, or longing to see real transformation in your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical models for making disciples who make disciples. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Walter Harvey, President, Wi+H Movement Paul Watson, Founder, Freedom Initiative Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: with.city walter@with.city @Bishop_WalterHarvey Bishop Walter Harvey contagiousdisciplemaking.com @pauldwatson Paul D Watson

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 86 Series: Ministry Reimagined What will it take to raise up the next generation of Kingdom leaders—and how can the Church equip them to thrive? In this visionary and practical episode, Tom Planck is joined by three catalytic leaders who are deeply invested in multiplying healthy, mission-driven leadership: Jon Wiest of Mobilize the Church, Steve Pike of Urban Islands Project, and Dave Miller of Leadership Pathway. Together, they engage in a powerful conversation about how to find, develop, and unleash change makers for the future of the Church. Jon shares how Mobilize the Church partners with pastors and local leaders to train and resource the body of Christ for movement and mission. Steve discusses how Urban Islands Project is working across multiple cities to launch coaching clusters that support church starters planting in urban contexts simultaneously. And Dave outlines how Leadership Pathway is helping churches build strong leadership pipelines through intentional, in-house residency programs that consistently raise up high-impact leaders. If you’re a church leader, coach, planter, or simply someone passionate about leadership development, this episode offers real tools, tested strategies, and fresh inspiration for building the kind of leaders the Church desperately needs. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Jon Wiest, Co-Founder, Mobilize the Church Steve Pike, President and Founder, Urban Islands Project Dave Miller, Co-Founder, Leadership Pathway Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: mobilizethechurch.com nextwave.community leadershippathway.org  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 85 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does meaningful ministry look like for the next generation? In this energizing and insightful episode, Tom Planck is joined by Olivia Williamson of Claim Your Campus and Emma Tautolo of AZ Reach, two leaders who are deeply invested in raising up Gen Z through prayer, leadership, and holistic community engagement. Olivia shares how Claim Your Campus is mobilizing middle and high school students to pray for their schools and communities, creating a grassroots movement of young people who are spiritually grounded and bold in their faith. Emma brings a powerful perspective from her work with AZ Reach, which empowers Arizona youth through mentorship, skill-building programs, entrepreneurship training, mental health support, and more. Together, they dive into what it means to reach, equip, and walk alongside a generation navigating immense cultural, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Whether you’re a church leader, youth pastor, parent, or someone passionate about the future of the Church, this conversation offers real stories, practical insights, and fresh vision for engaging Gen Z and beyond. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Olivia Williamson – Director, Claim Your Campus Emma Tautolo – Executive Director, AZ Reach Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: azreach.com @azreach claimyourcampus.com Claim Your Campus App @claimyourcampus

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 84 Series: Ministry Reimagined What if evangelism wasn’t just about sharing the message of Jesus—but about sharing life with others? In this inspiring and deeply practical episode, host Tom Planck is joined by Akie Hadeed, Founder of Streets of Prayer, and Molly Soderstrom, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Brook. Together, they explore the transformative power of relational evangelism, where faith is shared not from a platform but from the context of real, everyday relationships. Akie shares the global vision behind Streets of Prayer, an app and movement aiming to raise up a billion Spirit-filled followers of Jesus to cover every person and every place in persistent prayer by the year 2030. Molly brings her passion for multiplying everyday disciple-makers through The Brook, a movement mobilizing young professionals to live out the Gospel across generations. This conversation offers encouragement, strategy, and a renewed vision for how personal connection can open doors for spiritual transformation. Whether you’re in full-time ministry or simply want to love your neighbors better, you’ll be equipped and inspired to live and lead as a bridge builder in your own community. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Akie Hadeed, CEO/Founder, Streets of Prayer Molly Soderstrom, Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Brook Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: streetsofprayer.com thebrook.city @thebrook.city  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 83 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does ministry look like when the church goes beyond four walls and into the digital world? In this thought-provoking and timely episode, host Tom Planck sits down with Anne Bosarge, founder of Digital Discipleship and Mark Lutz, Founder and Lead Pastor of Lux Digital Church, to explore how technology is reshaping the way we reach, disciple, and walk with people in their faith journeys. Anne and Mark share their unique perspectives on building real, authentic relationships, even when those relationships begin on a screen. From online prayer and community to virtual mentorship and spiritual formation, we unpack both the incredible opportunities and real challenges of doing ministry in digital spaces. Whether you’re leading a church, launching a digital ministry, or just wondering how to better engage people online, this conversation will expand your vision for what’s possible. Ministry in the digital era isn’t about replacing face-to-face connection; it’s about leveraging technology to make the Gospel more accessible than ever before. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Anne Bosarge, Founder, Digital Discipleship Mark Lutz, Founder and Lead Pastor, Lux Digital Church Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: digitaldiscipleship.online Digital Discipleship: Reimagining the Great Commission in a Digital World luxdigitalchurch.com mark@luxdigitalchurch.com  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 82 Series: Ministry Reimagined What happens when the Church doesn’t wait for people to come but goes to where they already are? In this insightful and energizing episode hosted by Tom Planck, Director of NEXT Ventures, sits down with Drew Cline of South City 2.0/317 Coffee & Cafe and Shane Boyd of Gathering of Nomads to explore what it truly means to be a sent community. These two leaders are reaching people in vastly different, but equally impactful, contexts: Drew is engaging and discipling people in and around Central Arkansas, while Shane is ministering to individuals and families living in RV parks across the country. Together, they share powerful stories and practical strategies for how they’re discipling, equipping, and mobilizing believers outside of traditional church models. From house gatherings and mobile communities to persistent presence and relational evangelism, this episode unpacks fresh, contextual approaches to ministry that meet people where they are – literally. If you’re passionate about church planting, mission-driven community, or reimagining how the Gospel moves in the world today, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to think beyond the building. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Drew Cline, Elder & Lead Pastor, South City 2.0/317 Coffee & Cafe Shane Boyd, Founder, Gathering of Nomads Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: gatheringofnomads.com gatheringofneighbors.com southcity.org dcline@southcity.org 317.coffee

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 81 Series: A Called Generation Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode welcomes Austin Rockwell, founder of Kamp Love and leader with Nissi Young Adults. Austin is a passionate disciple-maker whose journey has shaped thriving ministries for college students and young adults across the country. Every calling comes with a cost but the transformation is worth it. Carrie and Austin dive into the often-unspoken realities behind growth, leadership, and living out your purpose. Austin shares deeply from his own story; navigating grief and purpose after the tragic loss of his best friend, using that pain as fuel to launch Kamp Love, and persevering through seasons of doubt, exhaustion, and sacrifice. His journey paints a raw and hopeful picture of what it really means to step into God’s call, day after day. In this episode, you’ll discover: How setbacks, loss, and struggle can become the very foundation for your greatest impact What it looks like to keep serving when the path is unclear and ministry feels costly The spiritual and emotional price of becoming who you’re meant to be—and how God meets you in the “messy middle” Stories from Kamp Love’s growth and Nissi Young Adults—reminders that the deepest transformation often comes outside your comfort zone Practical encouragement for leading, loving, and pressing forward, even when the journey feels uphill Austin’s perspective is honest and hope-filled, shaped by hundreds of camping trips, thousands of lives impacted, and countless lessons learned on the front lines of ministry. Whether you’re a leader, volunteer, or simply hungry to grow, this episode will invite you to count the true cost and embrace the beautiful, hard, and redemptive work of becoming. You are not alone. Every part of your story, no matter the cost, is preparing you for a purpose greater than you imagine. — Host: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Guest: Austin Rockwell, Founder, Kamp Love Category: Generation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: kamplove.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 80 Series: A Called Generation Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode features Rachel McCord, celebrity entrepreneur, speaker, author, founder of Holy Spirit Vibe and The McCord List, and a shining example of resilience, faith, and bold living. You are made for more and you don’t have to play small. In this motivating episode, Carrie and Rachel dive into what it means to truly live from your full potential. Rachel shares the real-life lessons she’s learned on her journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to building nine companies, overcoming severe health challenges (including open-heart surgery), and becoming a mentor and inspiration to millions around the world. What you’ll explore: Moving Beyond Limits: How to recognize and break through the self-doubt, fear, and comparison that keep you playing small. Embracing Your Story: Ways to turn pain, setbacks, and even “messy middles” into fuel for growth and use your past as a launchpad for your future. Faith and Purpose in Action: Rachel’s testimony on how her faith and obedience to God’s call transformed her life, led her to launch Holy Spirit Vibe, and gave her a passion to help others encounter healing and freedom. Practical Steps to Maximize Your Potential: Strategies to protect your energy, steward your influence, and show up fully no matter your current season or platform. Rachel’s authenticity and faith shine through as she encourages listeners to stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start living boldly today. Her story is a reminder that you have unique gifts, an important mission, and unlimited potential right where you are. Expect real talk, practical encouragement, and an invitation to rise into everything you’re created to be. You don’t have to settle. You’re called to live fully, freely, and on purpose. — Host: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Guest: Rachel McCord, Founder, Holy Spirit Vibe and The McCord List Category: Generation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: HolySpiritVibe.com TheMcCordList.com

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 79 Series: A Called Generation Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode features Cheryl Nembhard, Executive Director of the Women’s Speaker Collective. Where you are is not an accident; it’s an assignment. Carrie and Cheryl explore what it truly means to embrace the power of your current position, no matter how grand, ordinary, or overlooked it may feel. Drawing from Cheryl’s experience, this conversation is packed with real-world insight for anyone wondering how to make an impact right where they are. You’ll hear: Why your seat, your current role, season, or circumstance, is an endorsement from God, not a waiting room for something “better”. How to steward influence with integrity, whether you’re a student, entry-level employee, volunteer, or emerging leader. The freedom that comes from trusting that God has gone before you, securing your purpose and position, so you can lead from a place of rest and confidence, not striving or comparison. We will remind you that you don’t need a title or platform to change the world. You just need to show up, right where you are, with faithfulness and courage. This episode will challenge you to see your current position as a gift and a launchpad for all God wants to do in and through you. — Host: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Guest: Cheryl Nembhard, Executive Director, Women’s Speaker Collective Category: Generation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Women’s Speaker Collective Website @cherylnembhard on Instagram ‘On the Path’ podcast ‘Together We Rise’ Podcast