In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle welcomes Dr. Ray Chang—former church planter, Corporate Manager of Faith-Based Engagement & Partnerships at Thrivent, and longtime Stadia board member—to discuss one of the greatest challenges church planters face: finances.

Ray shares his journey from growing up in a Korean immigrant church to planting multi-ethnic churches in Washington, D.C., and Southern California. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, experiences, and moments of faith that shaped his calling and passion for helping churches thrive.

Drawing on decades of ministry and his current work at Thrivent, Ray offers practical wisdom on funding a church plant, developing healthy financial systems, and cultivating a biblical culture of generosity. He explains why church planters must balance trusting God's provision with wise financial planning, accountability, and long-term stewardship.

Greg and Ray also discuss why many pastors hesitate to talk about money, and how teaching generosity is ultimately about making better disciples—not simply raising funds. Ray encourages leaders to develop financial health personally before leading others and highlights practical resources available to churches through Thrivent.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that generosity is contagious. Through stories from his own ministry, Ray demonstrates how simple acts of generosity can open doors for the gospel and inspire entire congregations to live more open-handed lives.

Table of Contents:

00:00 – 03:00
Introduction to Ray Chang, his church planting journey, and ministry background.

03:00 – 07:00
From church planter to Thrivent: helping churches thrive financially.

07:00 – 11:00
The biggest financial challenges facing church planters today.

11:00 – 15:00
Trusting God's provision while building wise financial systems.

15:00 – 18:30
Teaching generosity as a discipleship issue—not just a fundraising strategy.

18:30 – 21:30
Practical financial tools and resources available to church leaders.

21:30 – 24:30
Why generosity changes lives and strengthens the church.

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 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.