“Back in that day, we didn’t have any church planting resources, any church planting organizations, books on church planting, nothing. So we just prayed.” On this episode we’re joined by Gene Appel, Senior Pastor of Eastside Christian Church, and Mike Breaux who serves on the teaching team of multiple churches throughout the country. Between them, these two ministry giants have over 60+ combined years of church planting wisdom, ministry experience, and encouragement for the next generation of leaders. Mike and Gene share their story of planting Canyon Ridge Christian Church in Las Vegas in 1993, which was really just the beginning of the story God had written for them. A journey of planting churches that plant churches. They give listeners a front row seat to their first church plant story and close with what they’re most hopeful for with the next generation of planters.

Welcome to Episode 008 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with Mike Hickerson and Andy Wood. 

EPISODE LINKS

Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Checkout the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO ARE MIKE BREAUX AND GENE APPEL?

Mike Breaux has spent 40 in ministry trying to bring hope to people. He has worn the hats of student ministry, worship leader, lead pastor, and church planter. He currently is on the teaching team at churches in SoCal, Dallas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Indiana. He and wife Debbie live in Nicholasville, KY and have 3 kids and 10 grandkids.

Gene Appel, senior pastor of Eastside Christian Church, a multi-site church based in Anaheim, CA, began his ministry as a 20-year old intern at Eastside. Gene returned in 2008 to lead Eastside into its next dynamic chapter. Since that time, Eastside has experienced rapid growth, consistently being named among the 100 fastest growing churches in America. Following in the footsteps of his late father, a pastor and Christian leader, Gene sensed God’s call on his life to ministry at an early age. He is a graduate of Lincoln Christian University and has done additional graduate work at Hope International University, who conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Recognized by many as a gifted leader with a passion for following Christ and a sensitivity for hurting people, Gene has coached church leaders from around the world on how to lead churches through healthy change. He is the author of several books and also was an award winning television commentator on CBS2 in Chicago. Gene and his wife Barbara are the parents of 3 married children - Jeremy, Alayna and Jenna, and have three grandsons. Gene’s hobbies include boating, fishing, and water skiing.

SPONSORS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry.

Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.