In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle talks with church planter, network leader, and author Josh Benadum about the future of church planting, the rise of house churches, and what it takes to cultivate a life of lasting spiritual influence.

Josh and his wife, Mary, lead a growing network of house churches in Orlando through Acacia House Churches, while also collaborating with organizations like Brave Future and Youth for Christ. Josh also shares insights from his new book, A Life That Leads: Pursuing Christ and Impacting Others.

The conversation begins with Josh unpacking why he believes house churches and microchurch movements are becoming an increasingly important strategy for reaching people in today's culture. Drawing from both the New Testament model and modern movements, he explains how smaller, decentralized communities can empower everyday leaders, create deeper discipleship, and reach people traditional models may miss.

Josh also describes how their Orlando network functions—balancing local autonomy with shared leadership, coaching, and larger gatherings that unite the churches for worship and encouragement.

The second half of the conversation focuses on Josh's new book and the question that has shaped much of his ministry: How can ordinary believers develop lives of deep, lasting spiritual impact? Drawing from his experiences growing up on the mission field in Cambodia and years of pastoral ministry, Josh reflects on the qualities and disciplines that sustain Christian leaders over the long haul.

Greg and Josh discuss practical leadership traits like hospitality, gentleness, zeal, gratitude, and friendship, while also addressing the hidden dangers of bitterness, materialism, and spiritual drift. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership is not reserved for pastors or platform personalities—it's a calling for every follower of Jesus.

Table of Contents

00:00 – 02:30
Introduction to Josh Benadum and the vision behind planting in Orlando.

02:30 – 06:00
House churches, microchurches, and why these models matter today.

06:00 – 09:30
How Josh's network of house churches functions and grows.

09:30 – 13:30
The story behind Josh's book A Life That Leads.

13:30 – 16:30
Leadership is for everyone—not just pastors or platform leaders.

16:30 – 20:00
Developing qualities like hospitality, gentleness, and zeal.

20:00 – 23:00
How leaders sustain growth and avoid burnout or drift.

23:00 – 25:30
The importance of friendship, gratitude, and spiritual discipline.

25:30 – 26:20
Final encouragement for church planters and leaders.