What's the one thing you can't live without? In this episode of Blueprint for Revival, Mike Plunket looks at the life of Isaac — a man who lost everything but his need for water — to ask what's truly essential in our own lives.

Drawing from Genesis 26 and Paul's declaration "for me to live is Christ," Mike unpacks why renewal doesn't usually come from finding something new, but from digging again into wells God's people have already found life in before: the gospel, prayer, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and genuine community. He traces this pattern from Isaac's wells to the outpouring at Pentecost, showing how God brings unity without erasing the beautiful diversity He created.

Every well runs the risk of getting clogged — not because the source dried up, but because fear, pride, or complacency filled it back in. This episode asks: which well does God want you to reopen?

Blueprint for Revival is a weekly teaching series from Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

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What if the confusion, division, and anxiety we see around us today isn't a surprise to God — but part of a pattern He's always worked within? In this opening episode of Blueprint for Revival, Mike Plunket unpacks three words that define our calling in this cultural moment: Resistance, Renewal, and Resilience.

Drawing from Ephesians 1 and the story of the desperate father in Mark 9, Mike explores why so many people today aren't simply indifferent to the gospel — they're spiritually resistant, having been "inoculated" by a watered-down version of Christianity that leaves them thinking they've already rejected the real thing. He makes the case that the answer isn't better programs or more effort, but a return to genuine dependence on God.

Mike closes with seven practical responses to prepare your own heart for renewal — from deepening your prayer life to watching for divine appointments — reminding us that God's blueprint for His Church hasn't changed, and He's still writing this story.

Blueprint for Revival is a weekly teaching series from Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

In this episode of the Collective Leadership Podcast, Metro District Interim Superintendent Omar Niebles sits down with Reverend Brian McMillan — Lead Pastor of CenterPoint Church in Massapequa, NY, and Metro District Director of Church Planting — for a rich conversation about the future of church planting in the Metro District and beyond.

Brian shares the story of planting CenterPoint in 2002 with just 25 people, no money, and nothing but faith — and what that journey taught him about reaching the unchurched. He breaks down the three biggest obstacles church planters face today (finances, launch teams, and facilities), and casts a compelling vision for what it would look like for the Metro District to move from simply planting churches to becoming a church planting district — where Kingdom expansion is woven into the DNA of every congregation.

Whether you've never planted a church or you've been doing it for decades, this episode will challenge and inspire you to ask: How can my church play a part in something bigger?

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

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What does it look like to pursue kingdom justice and mercy in a deeply divided cultural moment? In this episode of the Collective Leadership Podcast, Interim District Superintendent Omar Niebles and Kingdom Justice and Mercy Coordinator Jasmine Young sit down with Rev. Phil Gilmore, lead pastor of Saint John's Community Baptist Church in Newark, NJ.

With over 25 years in pastoral ministry — serving the same neighborhood where he grew up — Phil shares how his church and city come together across differences to meet real needs, from food distribution to workforce development. The conversation dives into the challenges pastors face navigating divisive cultural and political conversations, the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice rooted in Scripture rather than partisan allegiance, and how the church can engage issues of poverty, immigration, and justice without losing its identity in Christ.

Phil also shares practical wisdom on having hard conversations with grace, encouraging believers to approach others with a posture of education over judgment — and challenges all of us to consider what it means to be "purple" in a red-and-blue world.

Whether you're a pastor wrestling with how to lead through division or a believer trying to stay rooted in the kingdom, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Join Metro District Interim Superintendent Omar Niebles and special guests for an in-depth conversation about church production, technology, and ministry excellence.

In this episode:

• Nick Simpson (Metro District Communications Coordinator)
• Michael Hoddy (Lead Pastor, Long Hill Chapel & Founder of Somerset Media Group)
• Luis Sanchez (Sunday Experience Coordinator, Risen King)

What you'll learn: 🎥 The true value of production in church ministry - it's not just about Sunday mornings 💡 How to build and empower your tech team, even with limited resources 🎯 Why excellence in production is about serving people, not perfection 🔧 Practical tips for churches at every stage - from mobile setups to multi-camera systems 👥 The power of investing in young volunteers and seeing tech as discipleship

Key takeaways:

• Production is ministry, not just a technical function
• Start where you are with what you have - even smartphones can create powerful content
• Focus on people over equipment - invest in your team's growth
• Excellence means doing your best with what God has provided
• Young people (especially middle schoolers!) can become your greatest tech assets

Whether you're a church leader wondering how to improve your production quality, a volunteer looking to grow, or someone passionate about using technology for Kingdom impact, this episode provides both practical wisdom and spiritual insight.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

In this episode of the Collective Leadership Podcast, Interim District Superintendent Omar Niebles sits down with Joel Koenigsberg, Director of Leadership Development, to explore the transformative practice of spiritual listening. Joel opens up about his personal journey—from struggling with distraction and the constant urge to fix problems, to discovering the profound impact of truly listening to God, others, and even himself.

Drawing from his experiences with spiritual direction and the wisdom of James 1:19 ("be quick to listen, slow to speak"), Joel shares how spiritual listening has reshaped not only his personal walk with God but also his approach to church leadership. He discusses the power of asking "curious questions" rather than jumping to solutions, the importance of creating space for the Spirit to speak through conversations, and how slowing down can actually accelerate spiritual growth in both individual lives and congregational settings.

Joel also addresses the unique challenges church leaders face—the pressure to have answers, the temptation to fill every silence, and the courage it takes to simply be present with people in their struggles. Whether you're leading a church, serving on a team, or simply wanting to become more present in your relationships, this conversation offers invaluable insights on how spiritual listening can transform the way we connect with God and others.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jessica Ng, Youth Pastor at Queens Herald Church in Queens, New York. In this episode, Jessica shares her transformative approach to youth ministry that's creating ripple effects throughout her multigenerational, multilingual Chinese-American church.

Discover how Jessica has cultivated a culture of soul care among teenagers, teaching them to identify lies, hear God's voice, and pray for one another with remarkable spiritual maturity. Learn about her journey from being a teen in the youth group to becoming its leader, navigating cultural dynamics of honor and shame while empowering the next generation.

Jessica discusses practical strategies for bridging generational gaps, creating safe spaces for authentic conversation, and helping youth see their schools as mission fields. She also shares insights on investing in volunteer leaders, partnering with parents, and the beautiful moments of reconciliation happening across generations.

Whether you're in youth ministry, interested in soul care, or passionate about intergenerational church dynamics, this episode offers valuable wisdom on seeing young people the way God sees them - as deeply loved children with incredible potential to transform their families, schools, and communities.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

In this inspiring episode of the Collective Leadership Podcast, hosts Omar Niebles and Kelvin Walker sit down with Steve Hartmann, Lead Pastor of Lighthouse Alliance Community Church in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Steve shares the remarkable 25-year journey of a church that has become deeply woven into the fabric of its community through unexpected ministries born from listening to God's leading.

From a thrift store that employs widows and serves as a ministry hub, to pickleball courts that have connected the church with hundreds in the 55+ community, to hosting high school sports banquets and an annual 5K run that has raised over $130,000 for local athletics—Steve demonstrates how being available to the Holy Spirit can transform a church into a vital center for the community.

Key topics discussed include:

• How organic, Spirit-led ministries prove more fruitful than our best laid strategic programs
• The power of noticing people and meeting practical needs as evangelism
• Creative approaches to financing Kingdom work through community partnerships
• The importance of sowing seeds without demanding immediate church growth
• Practical insights from "The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations" for natural evangelism
• How disasters like Hurricane Sandy are able to become avenues for establishing and building long-term community trust

This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for churches of any size seeking to expand their gospel footprint through authentic community engagement. Steve's non-traditional path to ministry provide a refreshing perspective on how God prepares and uses willing servants to reach their communities in unexpected ways.

Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about seeing the church become a beacon of hope through practical love and service.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

In this powerful episode of the Collective Leadership Podcast (Season 4), hosts Omar Niebles and District Superintendent Kelvin Walker sit down with Pablo Garcia, Executive Pastor of Global and Local Partnerships at Princeton Alliance Church, to explore the incredible ripple effect of missions work across generations.

Pablo shares his deeply personal journey from growing up as a pastor's kid in one of Lima, Peru's poorest neighborhoods to becoming a missions leader in the United States. His story beautifully illustrates how one missionary's five years of census-taking in 1920s Peru created a chain reaction that would eventually lead to Pablo's family coming to faith and his current role in preparing the next generation of missionaries.

Key topics discussed include:

• The legacy of Alliance missions in Peru, starting with Raymond Clark in the 1920s
• Growing up in ministry and learning valuable lessons about self-care and family priorities
• Pablo's unexpected 12-year journey serving at a Chinese church in New York
• The transformative power of churches becoming sending churches rather than just funding churches
• How God's provision enabled Pablo to complete his education debt-free
• The importance of cross-cultural ministry and kingdom multiplication

This episode is a testament to God's faithfulness across generations and cultures, showing how saying "yes" to God's calling—even when it means counting people for five years—can impact countless lives decades later. It's a must-listen for anyone involved in missions, church leadership, or wondering about the long-term impact of their ministry investments.

The Collective Leadership Podcast focuses on kingdom renewal and holistic gospel transformation, featuring conversations with leaders from the Metro District of the Christian & Missionary Alliance.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Join us for this final episode of Season 3 of the Collective Leadership Podcast. In this episode, we get to hear from Rev. Ashley Tringale, Executive Pastor at Risen King Alliance Church, and her journey to becoming the executive pastor. In the episode, we will hear from Ashley about what it takes to make a good executive pastor and the kind of relationship that is needed to keep in step with the lead pastor of a church. If you are a pastor that would benefit from having an executive pastor but do not know when to start, this episode is for you. If you are an executive pastor desiring to grow in your leadership, this episode is for you.

Metro District Podcast is the voice of the Metro District, Christian and Missionary Alliance — resourcing and connecting churches across NY, NJ, and PA.

This episode is part of Blueprint for Revival, a weekly teaching series with Mike Plunket.

🌐 Learn more: https://metrocma.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📍 2 Denman Ave, Clark, NJ 07066

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_cma/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metrodistrictcma

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode — and if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.