Todd Henderson spent nearly 40 years as a Methodist pastor, but COVID revealed a hard truth: he had been making members, not disciples who could make disciples. Despite loving his congregation, he realized the prevailing church model was a "beautiful black hole" that would always consume attempts at pioneering disciple-making movements. At 60 years old, though they are scared and excited in equal measure, Todd and his wife are choosing to rediscover the life and work originally invited them into.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Tyler Ingalls shares his journey from a supportive Christian upbringing to becoming a youth pastor and basketball coach. He discusses the challenges he faced in youth ministry, the importance of holistic discipleship, and the need for parents to engage spiritually with their children. Tyler emphasizes the disconnect between church leaders and families, advocating for a new approach to ministry that fosters genuine relationships and spiritual growth. He also highlights the spiritual hunger of young people and the limitations of current church structures, offering insights on how to create a more effective and engaging environment for discipleship.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer Podcast, Neal Karsten and Britton discuss the unique qualities that make pastors well-suited for pioneering new church models, as well as the challenges they face in this transition. They explore the importance of conviction, the loneliness of pioneering, and the need for detox from traditional church models. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships over programs and the necessity of humility and dependence on God in the pioneering journey.

Summary

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, host Pastor to Pioneer speaks with JJ Hefley, a former pastor turned pioneer of simple church movements. They discuss JJ's journey from traditional ministry to a focus on disciple-making movements, and the challenges of shifting a church's paradigm towards community engagement and ownership. JJ shares insights on the importance of empowering others to share the gospel and the need for churches to adapt to the changing landscape of Christianity in America.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Jim Gulish shares his journey from a traditional pastoral role to pioneering new forms of ministry in Michigan. He discusses his early faith experiences, the challenges of church planting, and the importance of discipleship over mere attendance. Jim emphasizes the need for contextual understanding in ministry and the freedom he has found in being a Christian without the constraints of a title. He encourages fellow pastors to embrace their unique callings and not feel alone in their journeys.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Rod Hammonds, a former pastor who transitioned from a successful business career to ministry. Rod shares his journey of faith, the impact of COVID on his life, and his passion for missions and recovery ministry. He discusses the importance of personal healing and the challenges of navigating church dynamics while pursuing a calling to serve the community. Rod emphasizes the need for patience and trust in God's guidance as he embarks on a new ministry journey, leading a house church and focusing on outreach.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton hosts Brad Pickens and Eric Green, who share their transformative journey from being church elders in a mega church to establishing a network of micro churches focused on discipleship and community. They discuss their personal faith journeys, the challenges of transitioning from traditional church models, and the importance of fostering intimate relationships within their new church context. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in discipleship dynamics, emphasizing the role of families and the community in spiritual growth.

In this episode of the Pastor of Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Paul O'Brien, a former pastor turned hospice chaplain. Paul shares his journey of faith, the challenges he faced in traditional pastoral roles, and his transition to a microchurch model. He discusses the importance of community, the role of shepherding in various contexts, and the freedom he has found in his new ministry approach. Paul emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and the impact of hospitality in reaching others for Christ.

In this episode, Dean Yoder shares his transformative journey from being a firefighter to a pastor, and now navigating life after stepping away from traditional church leadership. He discusses the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the challenges of church mergers, and the pressure of maintaining traditional church expectations. Dean emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in his spiritual growth and the need for obedience to God's calling, even amidst uncertainty. He reflects on the guilt of leaving a pastoral role and the ongoing process of discovering his purpose in the kingdom of God.

Join Britton as he sits down with Luis Ruiz, a long-time friend and fellow pioneer in ministry. Luis shares his journey from a traditional church upbringing to leading a simple, organic church movement in Orlando. Discover how faith, family, and paradigm shifts have shaped his path.