Reinventing Church

Is the Sunday sermon carrying more of your church's discipleship than it was ever meant to? 

Season 4 of Reinventing Church starts with the practice most churches build their whole week around. Derek traces preaching from Nehemiah's wooden platform to the modern weekend experience, and Dave Rhodes of Clarity House joins Derek and Danielle to talk about what a sermon that trains people actually looks like. 

This season, we're going looking for evidence that a better way already exists. Every other week, Dave Rhodes or Shane Stacey helps us rethink one core church practice. In between, you'll hear from everyday influencers, ordinary people bringing their faith into their workplace, neighborhood and friendships. 

In this episode: 

• Why Scripture makes preaching central but never sufficient 
• What Luther did after discovering his parishes couldn't recite the Lord's Prayer 
• George Whitefield's "rope of sand" and the moment sermons shifted from formation to decision 
• Dave's "say it, see it, try it, tie it" model, borrowed from coaching soccer 
• A two-minute change any church can make after the sermon this Sunday 

Your one-week experiment: After the next sermon you hear, take two minutes before you leave. Write one sentence for each question: What is God saying to me? What am I going to do about it this week? Put the second sentence where you'll see it on Wednesday.

Links & resources: 

• Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB6NR8YPZETl2eSJnjTzsTth_sccfJFXQ&si=MiueutcJG-ssLGj9 
• Clarity House: https://clarityhouse.us 
• Get The Ordinary Altar, Derek's weekly email: https://dereksanford.com 

In this bonus episode, you'll hear snippets from interviews with real people who have walked through our "Handcrafted" training, discovered their two-word God-given calling, and are in the process of learning what that means wherever they live, work, learn, and play. 

In this bonus episode, we are sharing part two of Pastor Derek's sermon to Grace Church on what it means to be a "Dream Disciple" in our specific context at Grace Church. This sermon will give you a deeper glimpse into our overall vision as we continue to reinvent church. 

In this bonus episode, we are sharing part one of Pastor Derek's sermon to Grace Church on what it means to be a "Dream Disciple" in our specific context at Grace Church. This sermon will give you a good look at the practical discipleship principles and markers we are calling each person to as we continue to reinvent church. 

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Dr John Dickson, host of the podcast "Undeceptions," to talk about the state of the church in America and evangelism today. We also take some live Q&A with a studio audience.

In Episode 40, Derek and Danielle unpack their top leadership “mic drop” moments of the season and turn them into simple, actionable practices for pastors. They also pull back the curtain on essential systems, a unique cultural moment of spiritual hunger, and a practical tool for planning meaningful half-day personal retreats.

In this episode, we explore how churches can shift from event-driven ministry to environments where real discipleship happens. Hear from Shane Stacey, Andrew Silbert, and Sarah Burtt as they unpack practical ways to design worship spaces, mid-size trainings, and small groups that actually produce transformation.

If you’re longing for a healthier way to lead your church, this episode will encourage you. Dave Rhodes calls leaders to become hero-makers, and Pastor Jamaal Williams shows how everyday disciples can own real ministry in their own spaces. It’s practical, honest, and full of next steps you can use this week.

What if your church became known less for who it gathers and more for who it sends? 
This week’s Reinventing Church episode unpacks Dave Rhodes' challenge to move from seeker to sender, rethinking what we celebrate, track, and multiply. Then Derek talks with Chris Bellinger about how churches can train and release everyday missionaries right where they are. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at Grace’s new development roles and a practical “Now to Next” prayer tool for friendship and discipleship.

In this episode, Derek and Danielle, along with Pastor Sarah Burtt and the Clarity House team, tackle the shift from growth to depth. They unpack how to design discipleship environments that form people, not just fill rooms, share a behind-the-scenes look at mind-mapping job descriptions, and introduce four simple practices any leader can use to develop people, not just delegate tasks. Perfect for pastors and church leaders ready to rethink what “success” looks like in their ministry.