Host Jeff Medders is joined by Barnabas Piper in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on what it means to build and sustain a gospel culture in your church. Drawing from his experience at Immanuel Nashville, Barnabas shares practical insights on fostering honesty, safety, and honor in church life—and how Christ-centeredness is the key to lasting unity and transformation. Whether you're planting a church or pastoring an established one, this conversation will help you consider how to lead with humility and create a community marked by the aroma of Christ.

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Matt Smethurst in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on calling, culture, and convictions in church planting. Matt shares the story behind the launch of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the power of a sacrificial team. They explore how a robust membership process, a culture of evangelism, and insights from Tim Keller have shaped Matt’s pastoral approach. Whether you're just exploring a call to plant or deep into the journey, this episode offers gospel-rich wisdom and encouragement.

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Kyle Worley in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the surprising path that led Kyle to plant Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. Kyle shares how his pastoral heart for a specific people and place drew him into church planting, and how the doctrine of union with Christ has grounded and sustained him through the highs and lows of ministry. From stories of unexpected provision to powerful conversions, this conversation is a timely encouragement for church planters to root their identity not in results, but in their unshakable union with Jesus.

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Ronnie Martin in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the importance of renewal in the life of a church planter. Drawing from his role in leader care at Harbor Network, Ronnie shares insights on avoiding burnout, cultivating spiritual health, and redefining productivity in ministry. Together, they unpack the heart-level habits that sustain long-term pastoral vitality and explore practical ways pastors can prepare for sabbaticals, establish healthy rhythms, and minister from a place of rest and joy.

Host Jeff Medders is joined by J.T. English in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the vital link between evangelism and discipleship in church planting. J.T. shares insights from his experience in post-Christian Denver, explains the importance of grounding new converts in sound doctrine, and introduces the Deep Discipleship curriculum as a practical tool for church planters looking to cultivate lasting spiritual growth in their congregations.

Host Jeff Medders is joined by Vance Pitman, Matt Carter, and Jen Oshman for a final discussion on applying key essentials to church planting teams. They explore how a love for the church and the nations can be recognized in prospective team members and the impact this has on the plant. The conversation also covers the importance of cultivating community, supporting the planting pastor, and the practical skills needed from team members. Finally, they offer encouragement to those considering joining a church planting team. Join us next season for more insights!

Jeff Medders is the director of theology and content for Send Network and general editor for New Churches. He is also an author, a preacher, and a PhD student in biblical spirituality at Southern Seminary, studying Charles Spurgeon and the Song of Songs. Jeff is a native Houstonian, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Matt Carter is vice president of mobilization for Send Network, the largest church planting network in North America. He was also founding pastor of The Austin Stone Church. During his tenure at The Stone, the church sent over 300 full-time missionaries to unreached people groups around the world. Matt holds an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children.

Vance Pitman is president of Send Network, founding pastor of Hope Church, and author ofUNBURDENED: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live Through YouandThe Stressless Life: Experiencing the Unshakable Presence of God’s Indescribable Peace. As a seasoned church planter and now leader of the largest church planting organization in North America, Vance seeks to inspire people to join in God’s eternal, redemptive mission of making disciples by multiplying the Church all over North America so that the nations may come to know Him.  Vance and his wife Kristie have four children and four grandchildren and live in Georgia.

Jen Oshman is an author (Enough about Me, Cultural Counterfeits, Welcome, and It’s Good to be a Girl), podcaster (All Things), church planter’s wife, and mom of four teen and young adult daughters. She has served as a missionary and church planter for over two decades on three continents. She currently resides in Colorado, where she is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redemption Parker.

Host Noah Oldham is joined by Matt Carter, Vance Pitman, and Mark Lee to discuss practical leadership in church planting. They explore the difference between practical and pragmatic leadership, the importance of vision casting, and the role of cultural fit in planting. The conversation also covers key topics like fundraising for church plants and maintaining Christ-centered motives amid growth and excellence. Tune in for insights on leading faithfully and effectively.

Noah Oldham is the executive director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10. In both these roles, he led his church and dozens of others to plant churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership and is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. He writes, speaks, and trains in the areas of two of his greatest passions: the local church and physical fitness.Noahand Heather have been married since 2005 and have five children.

Matt Carter is vice president of mobilization for Send Network, the largest church planting network in North America. He was also founding pastor of The Austin Stone Church. During his tenure at The Stone, the church sent over 300 full-time missionaries to unreached people groups around the world. Matt holds an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children.

Vance Pitman is president of Send Network, founding pastor of Hope Church, and author ofUNBURDENED: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live Through YouandThe Stressless Life: Experiencing the Unshakable Presence of God's Indescribable Peace. As a seasoned church planter and now leader of the largest church planting organization in North America, Vance seeks to inspire people to join in God’s eternal, redemptive mission of making disciples by multiplying the Church all over North America so that the nations may come to know Him.  Vance and his wife Kristie have four children and four grandchildren and live in Georgia.

Mark Lee planted VantagePoint Church in Eastvale, California in 2008. Since then, the church has helped plant 10 other churches around the country. Mark also serves on the Lead Team of Church Planters for Send Network.

Host Matt Carter is joined by Tony Merida, Vance Pitman, and Trevin Wax to discuss the essential role of global missions in church planting. They explore why global engagement is a marker of a faithful planter, how churches can cultivate a heart for the nations, and the importance of partnerships with global churches. The discussion also covers practical ways to go beyond financial support and actively bless international ministries.

Matt Carter is vice president of mobilization for Send Network, the largest church planting network in North America. He was also founding pastor of The Austin Stone Church. During his tenure at The Stone, the church sent over 300 full-time missionaries to unreached people groups around the world. Matt holds an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children.

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the vice president of planter development for Send Network. He also serves as a Board member for The Gospel Coalition. Tony has written several books including, The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. He’s happily married to Kimberly, and they have five children.

Vance Pitman is president of Send Network, founding pastor of Hope Church, and author ofUNBURDENED: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live Through YouandThe Stressless Life: Experiencing the Unshakable Presence of God's Indescribable Peace. As a seasoned church planter and now leader of the largest church planting organization in North America, Vance seeks to inspire people to join in God’s eternal, redemptive mission of making disciples by multiplying the Church all over North America so that the nations may come to know Him.  Vance and his wife Kristie have four children and four grandchildren and live in Georgia.

Trevin Wax is vice president of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed toThe Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, andChristianity Today.He has taught courses on mission and ministry at Wheaton College and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. He is a founding editor of The Gospel Project, has served as publisher for the Christian Standard Bible, and is the author of multiple books, includingThe Thrill of Orthodoxy, The Multi-Directional Leader, Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, andGospel Centered Teaching.His podcast isReconstructing Faith.He and his wife, Corina, have three children.

Host Tony Merida is joined by Bryan Loritts and Mark Lee to discuss a church planter’s understanding and love for the Church. They explore foundational questions about the nature and role of the Church, the importance of biblical leadership, and practical steps for developing elders, pastors, and deacons. The conversation also covers leadership development, pastoral care, and what it means for planters to truly love and shepherd the church Christ purchased with His blood.

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the vice president of planter development for Send Network. He also serves as a Board member for The Gospel Coalition. Tony has written several books including, The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. He’s happily married to Kimberly, and they have five children.

Bryan Loritts is the teaching pastor at The Summit Church. An award-winning author of seven books, Dr. Loritts has spent the bulk of his ministry serving and resourcing the multiethnic church. He co-founded Fellowship Memphis in 2003 and serves as the president of The Kainos Movement, an organization committed to seeing the multiethnic church become the new normal. His ministry takes him across the globe annually, as he speaks at conferences, churches, and retreats. Bryan has been a featured speaker for Catalyst and the Global Leadership Summit. Currently, he serves on the board of Biola University and is a regular visiting professor at Grimke Seminary. He is also the vice president of regions for the Send Network. He is the husband of Korie, and the father of Quentin, Myles, and Jaden.

Mark Lee planted VantagePoint Church in Eastvale, California in 2008. Since then, the church has helped plant 10 other churches around the country. Mark also serves on the Lead Team of Church Planters for Send Network.

Host Noah Oldham is joined by Jeff Medders, Bryan Loritts, and Jen Oshman to explore how Theology, Mission, and Teaching apply to church planting teams. They discuss why theology isn’t just the planter’s responsibility, how team members can grow in their understanding of Scripture, and the role of teaching within a team. They also cover expectations for evangelism and disciple-making while balancing work and ministry. Finally, they offer advice on developing and empowering team members.

Jeff Medders is the director of theology and content for Send Network and general editor for New Churches. He is also an author, a preacher, and a PhD student in biblical spirituality at Southern Seminary, studying Charles Spurgeon and the Song of Songs.Jeffis a native Houstonian, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Noah Oldham is the executive director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10. In both these roles, he led his church and dozens of others to plant churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership and is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. He writes, speaks, and trains in the areas of two of his greatest passions: the local church and physical fitness. Noah and Heather have been married since 2005 and have five children.

Bryan Loritts is the teaching pastor at The Summit Church. An award-winning author of seven books, Dr. Loritts has spent the bulk of his ministry serving and resourcing the multiethnic church. He co-founded Fellowship Memphis in 2003 and serves as the president of The Kainos Movement, an organization committed to seeing the multiethnic church become the new normal. His ministry takes him across the globe annually, as he speaks at conferences, churches, and retreats. Bryan has been a featured speaker for Catalyst and the Global Leadership Summit. Currently, he serves on the board of Biola University and is a regular visiting professor at Grimke Seminary. He is also the vice president of regions for the Send Network. He is the husband of Korie, and the father of Quentin, Myles, and Jaden.

Jen Oshman is an author (Enough about Me, Cultural Counterfeits, Welcome, and It’s Good to be a Girl), podcaster (All Things), church planter’s wife, and mom of four teen and young adult daughters. She has served as a missionary and church planter for over two decades on three continents. She currently resides in Colorado, where she is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redemption Parker.