Exponential NEXT Podcast

We live in one of the most divisive and divided times in our nation’s history. We are increasingly polarized over a growing number of topics including race. People of color are increasingly frustrated while white leaders are increasingly confused and paralyzed with how to engage the conversation. Many remain silent for fear of saying the wrong things.

Join special guest civil rights leader Dr. John Perkins with co-hosts pastor Efrem Smith and Exponential CEO Todd Wilson in a conversation on what unity is and is not. Our words matter, so before we can have constructive conversations on how to unify the Church, we must first talk about what exactly it means to be unified.

Don’t miss this important conversation as we unpack the following topics:

The definition of “unity,” including what it is and what it is not

The Biblical dimensions of unity

Why unity is so important in conversations about race

To equip people to embrace their own definition of unity

In this podcast, Exponential President Dave Ferguson and 2020 conference speaker Michael Carrion discuss what it means to work together as a church family. Michael reminds us of the importance of the work we are called to and the potential impact our churches can have on our communities. In the face of the lostness of the world, Michael explains that it is important to do ministry together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit stressing that, "the success and future of church planting is collaboration."

In this podcast, Exponential President Dave Ferguson and 2020 conference speaker Greg Surratt discuss why it's important to be a part of a church planting network. Greg explains that churches are more effective at accomplishing their missions and pastors are healthier when they are in a network. With the great diversity in church planting networks, no one needs to go it alone; there is a tribe for everyone. As Greg repeats throughout the episode, "don't do ministry alone."

In this podcast, Exponential President Dave Ferguson and 2020 conference speaker Pete Scazzero discuss what it practically looks like be together with God and what it means to take a biblical sabbath. Pete explains that, in Western culture, our worth is in what we do and pastors are experiencing a growing level of exhaustion. Sometimes, even the idea of sabbath sounds like a burden because there is too much on our minds and schedules. However, as Pete points out, a sabbath is not a "have-to," it's a tremendous grace.

In this podcast, Exponential President Dave Ferguson and 2020 conference speaker Kadi Cole discuss what it practically looks like to develop and empower female leaders regardless of theological beliefs. Kadi explains that a lack of clarity and communication in what a church believes often inhibits women from stepping into roles their churches want them to fill. As Kadi points out, getting this right by articulating how everyone can live out their God-given calling will segue into greater credibility with the diverse leaders in our communities and ultimately brings the gospel to greater reaches.

Ron Edmondson joins us for the next episode of the Made for More Podcast. Ron shares what he has learned about finding clarity in his calling as he made the decision to move from the business world into full-time ministry where he has spent the last 15 years leading churches.

Mark Batterson joins us for the next episode of the Made for More Podcast. An author, pastor and personal friend, Mark shares some of his backstory that ultimately led him to preach and write, including what he calls his “summer of seeking” and the moment that brought him to Washington, D.C., where he and his wife, Lora, would eventually plant National Community Church.

Thom Rainer joins us for the next episode of the Made for More Podcast. Thom shares his journey of discovering his unique identify and specific markers that led him from banking to vocational ministry.

Os Guinness joins us for the next episode of the Find Your Calling Podcast.  His book The Call provides a solid theological foundation and basis for understanding calling

In this insightful conversation, he shares his story of discovering his calling and the many factors that contributed to finding specific clarity.