Pastor to Pioneer

In this episode, Stephen Vanover shares his journey from pastoring to pioneering a more relational, disciple-making approach outside traditional church models. He discusses the systemic issues in church engagement, the importance of authentic discipleship, and practical steps for living out faith in everyday life.

In this episode, Britton sits down with Taylor, a pastor, pilot, and lavender farmer from the Iowa City area, who shares his unlikely journey to becoming a church planter. Taylor opens up about a decade of trying every program, model, and strategy imaginable to reach one of the least churched communities in Iowa, only to conclude that the Sunday morning system itself is fundamentally unable to produce sold-out disciples of Jesus. With their school venue cutting them off and building costs proving prohibitive, Taylor and his church are one month away from transitioning their congregation into house churches led by co-leaders, embracing a model built on shared ownership, mutual discipleship, and dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than pastoral performance. Recorded right in the middle of the transition, this conversation is a rare and honest look at what it actually feels like to be in the thick of radical church change — the freedom, the shame, the uncertainty, and the deep conviction that Jesus is worth the risk.

In this inspiring interview, Abraham Torres shares his journey from traditional church roles to pioneering a home church movement in Orlando. Discover how he shifted from institutional church models to simple, relational gatherings rooted in love, discipleship, and community, emphasizing the importance of shepherding, love, and practical faith in everyday life.

In this episode, Joe Freudenberg shares his journey from being a pastor to becoming a successful business owner in the pickleball court industry. He discusses the challenges he faced in navigating career confusion, the importance of finding clarity in the wilderness, and how he integrated his faith into his work. Joe also emphasizes the significance of coaching others and the unique skills that pastors possess in the marketplace. He provides insights into his current business landscape, community engagement, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, John Ray shares his transformative journey from a traditional pastoral role to a more decentralized approach to ministry. After a personal crisis, John and his wife focused on restoration and healing, ultimately leading them to gather simply with their family and others. He discusses the challenges of church leadership, the importance of community, and the fulfillment he found in the insurance industry. John emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and the power of the Holy Spirit in guiding gatherings, encouraging others to embrace a simpler, more relational approach to faith.

In this episode, Felipe Echeverri shares his transformative journey from a corporate career to full-time ministry, highlighting the challenges and experiences that shaped his faith. He discusses the deep existential questions he faced as a teenager, his experiences with church hurt, and the importance of community in healing. Felipe emphasizes the need for a new approach to church that prioritizes mission over institutionalism, and he shares his vision for creating an organic church culture in Orlando. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the importance of identity, purpose, and the ongoing journey of faith.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Gavin Duerson, a simple church disciple-making practitioner from Lexington, Kentucky. Gavin shares his journey from being a mascot at the University of Kentucky to working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and eventually transitioning to leading a network of simple churches. He discusses the impact of his daughter's special needs on his faith and ministry, emphasizing the importance of love, connection, and understanding God's grace. Gavin advocates for a decentralized approach to church, focusing on mentoring and supporting others in their faith journeys, and highlights the significance of living out the Great Commission in everyday life.

In this episode, Jeff Jackson shares his transformative journey from being a pastor to an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of community, accountability, and extreme obedience to God, as well as his struggles with sin and the journey towards redemption. Jeff emphasizes the need for a decentralized church model and the power of miracles and healing within a supportive community. His story serves as an encouragement for those navigating their own faith journeys, reminding listeners of the importance of authentic relationships and the ongoing work of God in their lives.

In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Turner Moore, a former traditional church pastor who transitioned to leading a home church. Turner shares his journey from a mega church environment to a more intimate church setting, discussing the challenges and realizations he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of family dynamics, the role of the Holy Spirit in worship, and the significance of personal transformation in ministry. Turner also talks about starting a lawn care business as a means of providing for his family while pursuing his calling in a new church model.

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.