The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with church planter, coach, and author Marc Lucenius, lead pastor of 938 Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Marc recently released his new book, Rest for the Restless, a practical and deeply personal exploration of how leaders can sustain healthy ministry without sacrificing their souls. Marc shares the story of planting 938 Church with Stadia Church Planting, navigating the challenges of launching a church just before the pandemic, and leading through the uncertainty that followed. Along the way, he learned firsthand the dangers of burnout, resentment, self-pity, and the relentless pressure many church leaders place on themselves. Drawing from his own experiences and years of ministry leadership, Marc unpacks the biblical principle of Sabbath—not simply as a day off, but as a way of life rooted in trust, enjoyment, and freedom. He challenges the common assumption that productivity and spiritual maturity are the same thing and offers a healthier vision of leadership that flows from rest rather than striving. Greg and Marc also discuss how our personal stories shape our relationship with work, achievement, and ministry. They explore practical ways leaders can embrace rhythms of rest, cultivate meaningful friendships, process emotional wounds, and avoid the subtle traps of burnout. The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder that sustainable ministry isn't about slowing down ambition—it's about learning to live and lead from a place of wholeness, trust, and joy in what God has already accomplished. Table of Contents: 00:00 – 03:20 Introduction to Marc Lucenius, 938 Church, and church planting in Philadelphia. 03:20 – 05:30 Planting through the pandemic and helping launch another church. 05:30 – 08:00 The inspiration behind Rest for the Restless. 08:00 – 11:30 Burnout, exhaustion, and the difference between performing ministry and living it. 11:30 – 15:00 The biblical vision of Sabbath and learning a different story. 15:00 – 18:30 Ceasing vs. switching: why leaders struggle to truly rest. 18:30 – 21:30 Feasting, enjoyment, and building a satisfying life in Christ. 21:30 – 24:30 Emotional health, healing ministry wounds, and sustainable leadership. 24:30 – 27:45 Practical advice for church planters: friendship, accountability, and longevity.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Dhati and Angie Lewis—church planters, leaders at Blueprint Church in Atlanta, and founders of MyBLVD—to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked topics in ministry: how to build a thriving marriage and family while leading at a high level. With over 25 years of marriage, six children, and decades of ministry experience, Dhati and Angie share the intentional rhythms and decisions that have sustained their relationship and family through the challenges of church planting and leadership. They discuss the importance of intentionality, from setting a firm foundation early in marriage (including making divorce a non-option) to consistently learning from others, reading, and seeking wisdom for each new season of life. They also unpack how marriage evolves through different seasons—raising young kids, leading a growing church, and transitioning into empty nesting—and how leaders must regularly reset expectations and communication. The conversation also addresses parenting in ministry, including how to give children both structure and freedom as they grow, and how to navigate difficult moments when kids begin forming their own beliefs and decisions. Dhati and Angie also share powerful insights into multi-ethnic ministry, the challenges and blessings of raising a family in a diverse church context, and the importance of surrounding your family with a strong, supportive community. Finally, they offer practical tools for communication and emotional health in marriage, emphasizing the importance of being present, creating shared language, and consistently engaging one another with honesty and grace. This episode is a must-listen for church planters and leaders who want to build not just a successful ministry—but a healthy, lasting marriage and family alongside it. Table of Contents 00:00 – 02:30 Introduction to Dhati & Angie Lewis and their family. 02:30 – 06:00 Building a strong marriage foundation and intentionality early on. 06:00 – 09:00 Why making divorce "not an option" shaped their relationship. 09:00 – 12:00 Navigating different seasons of marriage and resetting expectations. 12:00 – 15:00 Parenting while planting a church: structure, freedom, and grace. 15:00 – 18:00 Raising kids in ministry and handling real-life challenges. 18:00 – 20:30 Multi-ethnic ministry: challenges and blessings for families. 20:30 – 24:00 Parenting advice: community, honesty, and shared learning. 24:00 – 27:00 Marriage tools: communication, emotional health, and being present. 27:00 – 27:50 Final encouragement for leaders balancing family and ministry.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis, to talk about leadership, church growth, and building healthy ministry environments that reach the next generation. Frank shares his journey—from coming to faith as a teenager in a small rural church, to serving in student ministry, to helping shape family ministry strategies at churches like Elevation Church, and now leading one of the nation's top generosity and stewardship organizations. At the core of the conversation is a practical and eye-opening framework for church leaders: most growth limitations come down to three key areas—parking, kids' space, and the auditorium. Frank explains how these often-overlooked factors directly impact whether new people feel comfortable engaging and returning. He also challenges leaders to think from a guest's perspective, especially families with young children, and to evaluate whether their environments feel safe, engaging, and welcoming—not just technically within capacity. Beyond facilities, Frank shares insights on leadership development and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of focused learning, intentional relationships, and smaller, more meaningful leadership environments rather than just consuming more content. Finally, the conversation highlights emerging trends—especially how young adults are returning home after college and how churches must adapt to engage them and their families in new ways. Frank encourages leaders to think differently about how they disciple and support this generation in a changing cultural landscape. Table of Contents: 00:00 – 02:30 Introduction to Frank Bealer and his journey to faith. 02:30 – 06:30 Early ministry experiences and passion for the next generation. 06:30 – 09:00 Transition into leadership roles and Generis. 09:00 – 14:30 The 3 biggest growth barriers: parking, kids space, and auditorium. 14:30 – 17:00 How to evaluate your church from a guest's perspective. 17:00 – 19:30 Leadership growth: focused learning and building relationships. 19:30 – 22:30 Why smaller, intentional leadership environments matter. 22:30 – 27:30 Emerging trends: young adults returning home and family ministry shifts. 27:30 – 28:15 Closing thoughts and encouragement for church leaders.

In this special episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with his dear friend Kathryn Ransom—a lifelong educator, author, Bible teacher, and faithful kingdom leader who, at 90 years old, continues to teach, learn, and invest in others. Kathryn shares her remarkable life story, shaped by faith-filled parents, a mobile childhood, and deep involvement in the local church from a young age. From teaching Bible classes and mentoring young leaders to supporting missionaries around the world, Kathryn's life reflects a quiet but powerful commitment to serving God faithfully in every season. Throughout the conversation, Kathryn highlights the principles that have sustained her over nine decades: purposeful living, strong relationships, continual learning, and humble service. She talks about her passion for identifying people on the margins, helping them take their next step into leadership, and empowering others rather than controlling outcomes. Greg and Kathryn also discuss healthy longevity—how curiosity, spiritual growth, and relational connection play a vital role in staying vibrant over time. Kathryn's openness to learning new things, embracing technology, traveling the world, and trying unfamiliar experiences offers encouragement to leaders of all ages. This episode is both a tribute and a challenge: a reminder that leadership is not about platform or age, but about faithfulness, generosity, and pouring into others for the long haul. Podcast Contents: 00:00–02:00 Introduction to Kathryn Ransom and why this episode is special. 02:00–06:00 Kathryn's early life, family faith, and formative church experiences. 06:00–10:00 A lifetime of serving: teaching, mentoring, missions, and everyday faithfulness. 10:00–14:00 Identifying and developing leaders—helping people take the next step. 14:00–17:00 Healthy longevity: purpose, relationships, and continual learning. 17:00–20:00 Advice for younger leaders: humility, trust, and empowering others. 20:00–24:00 Rapid-fire wisdom: books, travel, curiosity, and spiritual health.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Michael Frost, internationally recognized missiologist, author, and leading voice in the missional church movement. Michael is the author of influential books including The Shape of Things to Come. Together, Greg and Michael explore what it means to lead, plant, and evangelize in a post-Christian world—a cultural reality where people no longer understand the Christian story, assumptions, or language. Michael shares his personal journey from traditional church leadership into missional theology, explaining how the global church must move beyond attractional and recruitment-based evangelism. He clarifies the difference between post-Christian and post-Christendom cultures and explains why many people today still value Christian ethics—like generosity and hospitality—while rejecting religious authority. The conversation reframes evangelism as a relational journey, not a one-time presentation. Michael introduces the "three stories" model—God's story, our personal story, and the other person's story—as a powerful way to share faith in a way that resonates with people who have little or no biblical framework. This episode challenges church planters and leaders to slow down, listen deeply, and trust that God is already at work in people's lives long before the church shows up. Podcast Contents: 00:00–02:00 Introduction to Michael Frost and the missional church conversation. 02:00–08:00 Michael's story: leaving traditional church leadership and discovering missional theology. 08:00–14:00 What "post-Christian" really means—and why it matters for church planters. 14:00–18:00 Why evangelism feels difficult today and what people are reacting against. 18:00–23:00 Evangelism in a post-Christian world vs. a Christian world. 23:00–27:00 The "three stories" model and practical guidance for relational evangelism. 27:00–29:00 Final encouragement for church planters navigating post-Christian contexts.

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, 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, 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 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

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, 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

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," 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