Welcome to On Church Planting, an all-new iteration of the Acts 29 podcast. To kick off the season, we're starting with the most important thing every church planter must do: pray. No matter what stage of planting you are in, your most essential and most powerful action should be kneeling before the throne of God.

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Dr. Samuel Vitalino, lead pastor of Esperança Church in Orlando, Florida, and Vitor Belfort, Brazilian-American professional boxer and mixed martial artist, for a compelling conversation on calling, discipline, and the pursuit of true victory. Together, they explore what it means to be equipped for the work of ministry and how God gives gifts not for personal glory, but for the sake of the gospel.

Drawing from both pastoral leadership and the world of elite competition, they reflect on the desire for success and the reality that victory is not just a single moment, but a lifelong journey.

Whether in ministry or the arena, the call is to train, fight, and pursue excellence in what God has given you, only to discover that the greatest prize was never the platform, but Christ Himself.

Adam sits down with Todd Hickox for a Fireside Chat at Acts 29 Conference 2025

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Joby Martin of The Church of Eleven22 to talk about the heart of ministry and the importance of leading from a place of spiritual health. Together, they emphasize that being ministered to must come before ministering to others.

They also reflect on the role church planters play in shaping the culture of their churches, modeling authenticity and setting the tone for how people live and lead. With a focus on disciple-making, the conversation highlights our responsibility to plant, water, and cultivate, while trusting God to do what only he can do.

This episode is a timely reminder that we don’t need more tips and tricks—we need an encounter with the living God. And as we step into the calling of the Great Commission, we’re not meant to do it alone. Acts 29 exists to come alongside church planters as partners in that mission because every player needs a coach, and it’s time to get in the game.

Adam sits down with Bobbie Brooks for a Fireside Chat at Acts 29 Conference 2025

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Jim Essian of Paradox Church in Fort Worth, Texas, to discuss God’s heart for the nations and the church’s role in His global mission. Jim reflects on the dangers of “color blindness” in the church and the importance of recognizing culture and narrative while remaining anchored in what ultimately unites the people of God—worship of Jesus. Grounded in the reality that God initiated the mission and invites us to join Him, they highlight how Scripture functions as a missional handbook for the church. For pastors and church planters navigating questions of race, culture, and prejudice, this conversation offers insight and encouragement to pursue gospel unity while keeping God’s global heart at the center of the church’s mission.

Steve Bang Lee from Mariners Church joins host Adam Flynt to explore how much of human history was shaped by awe and wonder—and why so many people today feel restless, as if something is missing. They discuss how humanity is often “haunted by transcendence,” searching for escape or meaning, and why church planters must know their communities well enough to perceive that ache, pray for divine intervention, and paint a better story rooted in the gospel. The conversation also reflects on how losing awe in God leads us to place it elsewhere, and why prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential for restoring true wonder.

Acts 29 President Brian Howard joins Adam Flynt for a network-wide update on where God is leading Acts 29 in this pivotal season. They unpack the NEXT initiative—a call to step into the widespread spiritual enthusiasm and to participate in the mission of making disciples, with a bold vision to plant 200 churches and raise $6 million over the next three years. The conversation also explores practical ways churches and individuals can grow in generosity and deepen partnership through shared mission, including the life-giving impact of building relationships at gatherings like the upcoming Pastors and Wives Retreat this June. Whether you’re new to Acts 29 or actively engaged in the network, this episode invites you into the broader conversation about where we are and how God may be calling us forward together.