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.

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 Marc Estes, pastor, author, and CEO of Visitor Reach—an AI-driven platform helping churches connect with people in today's digital-first culture.

Marc shares insights from over 40 years in ministry, including his time as senior pastor of Manor House in Portland and his leadership in global church movements that have helped plant churches around the world. Today, his focus is helping churches adapt to a rapidly changing culture—especially in how they engage people spiritually.

At the heart of the conversation is a critical shift: the church must move from a "come and see" model to a "go and be" model. Marc explains that while past generations responded well to invitations, today's culture requires churches to proactively engage people where they already are—relationally, emotionally, and especially digitally, where people spend hours each day searching for meaning, connection, and truth.

Marc also unpacks key ideas from his book, The Road We Must Travel, using the parable of the Good Samaritan to challenge leaders toward a more relational, incarnational approach to ministry. He outlines six key attributes of effective ministry today, including going to people, engaging in healing and discipleship, investing in outreach, multiplying leaders, and building a legacy that extends beyond one generation.

The conversation closes with a hopeful yet urgent challenge: while cultural pressures are rising, so is spiritual openness—with a significant percentage of people searching for answers. Marc believes we may be on the edge of a new spiritual awakening—but only if the church is willing to change how it engages the world.

Resources mentioned:
Visitor Reach: a tool to help you connect with guests and follow up thoughtfully
Use code: STADIA if you decide to try it
Note: This is an affiliate link, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 02:00
Introduction to Marc Estes and his ministry background.

02:00 – 05:00
From senior pastor to CEO: launching Visitor Reach.

05:00 – 08:00
Why churches must engage people in digital spaces.

08:00 – 12:00
Cultural shifts: from "come to church" to "go to people."

12:00 – 18:00
The Good Samaritan framework and the "gospel of go."

18:00 – 23:00
Discipleship, healing ministry, and relational investment.

23:00 – 27:00
Funding outreach and prioritizing mission over maintenance.

27:00 – 31:00
Multiplication: measuring success by sending, not seating.

31:00 – 35:00
Are we on the edge of a spiritual awakening? Final thoughts.

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 episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle talks with Dr. Derwin Gray, co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Derwin is also the recipient of the John Perkins Justice Award and the author of books including How to Heal Our Racial Divide and What's Up with Love?.

Derwin shares his powerful story—from growing up in difficult circumstances in San Antonio, to becoming an NFL player, and eventually encountering Jesus in a life-changing way during training camp in 1997. What began as a search for identity through football ultimately led him to discover that his true identity was found in Christ.

After retiring from the NFL, Derwin and his wife launched a speaking ministry that eventually led to planting Transformation Church, a Jesus-centered multi-ethnic church committed to reconciliation and gospel mission. Their vision was born from a simple but challenging observation: social spaces often appeared more diverse than many churches.

Throughout the conversation, Derwin challenges church leaders to pursue gospel-driven reconciliation, reminding listeners that the cross represents both vertical reconciliation with God and horizontal reconciliation with others. He encourages church planters to develop thick skin, tender hearts, and gospel-shaped minds, especially when navigating the cultural and racial tensions of today's world.

Derwin also urges leaders to anchor their ministry deeply in Scripture and theology rather than political ideologies. His message is clear: the church must return to the teachings of Jesus and live out the biblical vision of a diverse family of believers united in Christ.

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.