In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Marc Estes, pastor, author, and CEO of Visitor Reach—an AI-driven platform helping churches connect with people in today's digital-first culture.

Marc shares insights from over 40 years in ministry, including his time as senior pastor of Manor House in Portland and his leadership in global church movements that have helped plant churches around the world. Today, his focus is helping churches adapt to a rapidly changing culture—especially in how they engage people spiritually.

At the heart of the conversation is a critical shift: the church must move from a "come and see" model to a "go and be" model. Marc explains that while past generations responded well to invitations, today's culture requires churches to proactively engage people where they already are—relationally, emotionally, and especially digitally, where people spend hours each day searching for meaning, connection, and truth.

Marc also unpacks key ideas from his book, The Road We Must Travel, using the parable of the Good Samaritan to challenge leaders toward a more relational, incarnational approach to ministry. He outlines six key attributes of effective ministry today, including going to people, engaging in healing and discipleship, investing in outreach, multiplying leaders, and building a legacy that extends beyond one generation.

The conversation closes with a hopeful yet urgent challenge: while cultural pressures are rising, so is spiritual openness—with a significant percentage of people searching for answers. Marc believes we may be on the edge of a new spiritual awakening—but only if the church is willing to change how it engages the world.

Resources mentioned: Visitor Reach: a tool to help you connect with guests and follow up thoughtfully Use code: STADIA if you decide to try it Note: This is an affiliate link, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 02:00 Introduction to Marc Estes and his ministry background.

02:00 – 05:00 From senior pastor to CEO: launching Visitor Reach.

05:00 – 08:00 Why churches must engage people in digital spaces.

08:00 – 12:00 Cultural shifts: from "come to church" to "go to people."

12:00 – 18:00 The Good Samaritan framework and the "gospel of go."

18:00 – 23:00 Discipleship, healing ministry, and relational investment.

23:00 – 27:00 Funding outreach and prioritizing mission over maintenance.

27:00 – 31:00 Multiplication: measuring success by sending, not seating.

31:00 – 35:00 Are we on the edge of a spiritual awakening? Final thoughts.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis, to talk about leadership, church growth, and building healthy ministry environments that reach the next generation.

Frank shares his journey—from coming to faith as a teenager in a small rural church, to serving in student ministry, to helping shape family ministry strategies at churches like Elevation Church, and now leading one of the nation's top generosity and stewardship organizations.

At the core of the conversation is a practical and eye-opening framework for church leaders: most growth limitations come down to three key areas—parking, kids' space, and the auditorium. Frank explains how these often-overlooked factors directly impact whether new people feel comfortable engaging and returning.

He also challenges leaders to think from a guest's perspective, especially families with young children, and to evaluate whether their environments feel safe, engaging, and welcoming—not just technically within capacity.

Beyond facilities, Frank shares insights on leadership development and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of focused learning, intentional relationships, and smaller, more meaningful leadership environments rather than just consuming more content.

Finally, the conversation highlights emerging trends—especially how young adults are returning home after college and how churches must adapt to engage them and their families in new ways. Frank encourages leaders to think differently about how they disciple and support this generation in a changing cultural landscape.

Table of Contents:

00:00 – 02:30 Introduction to Frank Bealer and his journey to faith.

02:30 – 06:30 Early ministry experiences and passion for the next generation.

06:30 – 09:00 Transition into leadership roles and Generis.

09:00 – 14:30 The 3 biggest growth barriers: parking, kids space, and auditorium.

14:30 – 17:00 How to evaluate your church from a guest's perspective.

17:00 – 19:30 Leadership growth: focused learning and building relationships.

19:30 – 22:30 Why smaller, intentional leadership environments matter.

22:30 – 27:30 Emerging trends: young adults returning home and family ministry shifts.

27:30 – 28:15 Closing thoughts and encouragement for church leaders.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle talks with Dr. Derwin Gray, co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Derwin is also the recipient of the John Perkins Justice Award and the author of books including How to Heal Our Racial Divide and What's Up with Love?.

Derwin shares his powerful story—from growing up in difficult circumstances in San Antonio, to becoming an NFL player, and eventually encountering Jesus in a life-changing way during training camp in 1997. What began as a search for identity through football ultimately led him to discover that his true identity was found in Christ.

After retiring from the NFL, Derwin and his wife launched a speaking ministry that eventually led to planting Transformation Church, a Jesus-centered multi-ethnic church committed to reconciliation and gospel mission. Their vision was born from a simple but challenging observation: social spaces often appeared more diverse than many churches.

Throughout the conversation, Derwin challenges church leaders to pursue gospel-driven reconciliation, reminding listeners that the cross represents both vertical reconciliation with God and horizontal reconciliation with others. He encourages church planters to develop thick skin, tender hearts, and gospel-shaped minds, especially when navigating the cultural and racial tensions of today's world.

Derwin also urges leaders to anchor their ministry deeply in Scripture and theology rather than political ideologies. His message is clear: the church must return to the teachings of Jesus and live out the biblical vision of a diverse family of believers united in Christ.

In this special episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with his dear friend Kathryn Ransom—a lifelong educator, author, Bible teacher, and faithful kingdom leader who, at 90 years old, continues to teach, learn, and invest in others.

Kathryn shares her remarkable life story, shaped by faith-filled parents, a mobile childhood, and deep involvement in the local church from a young age. From teaching Bible classes and mentoring young leaders to supporting missionaries around the world, Kathryn's life reflects a quiet but powerful commitment to serving God faithfully in every season.

Throughout the conversation, Kathryn highlights the principles that have sustained her over nine decades: purposeful living, strong relationships, continual learning, and humble service. She talks about her passion for identifying people on the margins, helping them take their next step into leadership, and empowering others rather than controlling outcomes.

Greg and Kathryn also discuss healthy longevity—how curiosity, spiritual growth, and relational connection play a vital role in staying vibrant over time. Kathryn's openness to learning new things, embracing technology, traveling the world, and trying unfamiliar experiences offers encouragement to leaders of all ages.

This episode is both a tribute and a challenge: a reminder that leadership is not about platform or age, but about faithfulness, generosity, and pouring into others for the long haul.

Podcast Contents:

00:00–02:00 Introduction to Kathryn Ransom and why this episode is special.

02:00–06:00 Kathryn's early life, family faith, and formative church experiences.

06:00–10:00 A lifetime of serving: teaching, mentoring, missions, and everyday faithfulness.

10:00–14:00 Identifying and developing leaders—helping people take the next step.

14:00–17:00 Healthy longevity: purpose, relationships, and continual learning.

17:00–20:00 Advice for younger leaders: humility, trust, and empowering others.

20:00–24:00 Rapid-fire wisdom: books, travel, curiosity, and spiritual health.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Bryan Loritts, award-winning author, pastor, and nationally recognized voice on multi-ethnic church leadership. Bryan is the author of Right Color, Wrong Culture and has devoted his ministry to helping leaders communicate with clarity, humility, and credibility across cultural and racial differences.

Together, Greg and Bryan explore why communication—not just theology or vision—is the critical factor in building healthy multi-ethnic churches. Bryan shares how his upbringing in African-American church contexts, integrated schools, and white evangelical ministry environments uniquely shaped his ability to communicate across cultures.

They discuss the importance of understanding "trigger words," avoiding unnecessary barriers, and learning how language can either invite people into dialogue or shut conversations down entirely. Bryan explains why leaders must focus not just on what they say, but how and when they say it—especially in a polarized cultural moment where everything feels politicized.

The conversation also highlights Bryan's five-level communication framework, moving from surface-level talk to emotional honesty and transparency. He emphasizes that effective leadership in multi-ethnic settings requires leaders to lead with empathy, grieve with those who grieve, and resist the urge to respond with facts before acknowledging feelings.

Finally, Bryan challenges leaders to embrace incarnational leadership—following Jesus' example by stepping into unfamiliar spaces, building genuine relationships, asking better questions, and learning with humility. This episode offers deeply practical insight for church planters seeking unity, trust, and gospel faithfulness in diverse communities.

Podcast Contents:

00:00–02:00 Introduction to Bryan Loritts and the focus on multi-ethnic communication.

02:00–06:00 Bryan's background and how relationships shaped his ability to communicate across cultures.

06:00–10:00 Why communication—not content—is often the biggest challenge in multi-ethnic churches.

10:00–14:00 Trigger words, politicization, and how language shuts down dialogue.

14:00–18:00 Bryan's five-level communication framework and leading with empathy.

18:00–22:00 Incarnational leadership, proximity, and learning through relationships.

22:00–26:00 Practical steps leaders can take to build trust and credibility across cultures.

26:00–27:30 Final encouragement for church planters navigating diversity and unity.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Michael Frost, internationally recognized missiologist, author, and leading voice in the missional church movement. Michael is the author of influential books including The Shape of Things to Come.

Together, Greg and Michael explore what it means to lead, plant, and evangelize in a post-Christian world—a cultural reality where people no longer understand the Christian story, assumptions, or language.

Michael shares his personal journey from traditional church leadership into missional theology, explaining how the global church must move beyond attractional and recruitment-based evangelism. He clarifies the difference between post-Christian and post-Christendom cultures and explains why many people today still value Christian ethics—like generosity and hospitality—while rejecting religious authority.

The conversation reframes evangelism as a relational journey, not a one-time presentation. Michael introduces the "three stories" model—God's story, our personal story, and the other person's story—as a powerful way to share faith in a way that resonates with people who have little or no biblical framework.

This episode challenges church planters and leaders to slow down, listen deeply, and trust that God is already at work in people's lives long before the church shows up.

Podcast Contents:

00:00–02:00 Introduction to Michael Frost and the missional church conversation.

02:00–08:00 Michael's story: leaving traditional church leadership and discovering missional theology.

08:00–14:00 What "post-Christian" really means—and why it matters for church planters.

14:00–18:00 Why evangelism feels difficult today and what people are reacting against.

18:00–23:00 Evangelism in a post-Christian world vs. a Christian world.

23:00–27:00 The "three stories" model and practical guidance for relational evangelism.

27:00–29:00 Final encouragement for church planters navigating post-Christian contexts.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Russ Ewell, Executive Minister of the Bay Area Christian Church, author of He's Not Who You Think He Is, and founder of Digital Scribbler. Together they explore one of today's most pressing ministry questions: How do we reach, disciple, and develop Gen Z and millennials into kingdom leaders?

Russ shares recent data showing that Gen Z is experiencing the highest levels of anxiety, loneliness, and loss of purpose of any generation in recent history. Yet he insists this generation is also deeply open, idealistic, and eager to make the world better.

He outlines a practical, three-part framework for discipling young people: 1️⃣ Build a foundation in a real relationship with God 2️⃣ Give them personal vision and purpose 3️⃣ Create pathways for leadership development through mentoring, internships, and real responsibility

Russ also explains how technology—when used intentionally—can help overcome human limitations, support inclusion for those with disabilities, and open new doors for spiritual formation. At the same time, he cautions church leaders to help Gen Z navigate the emotional impact of social media and digital overload.

Finally, Russ offers simple, relational approaches any church can begin right away—like small discussion groups, mentoring circles, or "Pizza & Jesus" gatherings—to cultivate trust, spiritual hunger, and leadership potential in the next generation.

Podcast Contents:

00:00–01:00 — Greg introduces Russ Ewell and the focus on reaching the next generation. 01:00–04:00 — Who Gen Z is; mental-health challenges and cultural context. 04:00–08:00 — A practical 3-part discipleship framework: relationship with God, vision, leadership. 08:00–12:00 — Real-life examples: "Double Edge" group, personal discipleship stories. 12:00–16:00 — Why Gen Z is more spiritually open than many assume. 16:00–20:00 — How Russ structures leadership development programs for young adults. 20:00–24:00 — Technology, inclusion, and how digital tools shape Gen Z's spiritual journey. 24:00–27:00 — Why Russ is hopeful about the next generation and where church leaders should focus.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, welcomes long-time friend Andy Sikora, planter and lead pastor of Renew Communities in Cleveland. Fresh off a two-week Patagonia trek, Andy reflects on 15 years of church planting and the lessons learned along the way.

Andy shares how he and his wife moved to Cleveland after serving in young adult ministry, eventually launching Renew in 2011. He discusses the critical role of perseverance, the importance of planting with people rather than alone, and the conviction that God must truly call you to the work. He illustrates these principles with stories of sending out new planters—like CrossFields Church and Burning River Church—and highlights the collaborative work of the Kingdom Collective, a Cleveland-based partnership that funds and supports multiplication.

Greg and Andy also explore sustaining a healthy marriage while leading a church, the power of curiosity for ongoing growth, and why planters should focus less on "sexy" locations and more on God's call to specific people, not just places.

Podcast Contents:

• 00:00 – 02:00 Introduction to Andy Sikora, his role in Cleveland, and Greg & Andy's recent Patagonia trip.
• 02:00 – 06:00 How Andy moved to Cleveland, planted Renew Communities, and what early ministry looked like.
• 06:00 – 10:00 The biggest lessons from 15 years of church planting: perseverance, calling, and doing ministry with others.
• 10:00 – 14:00 Creating a multiplying culture: residents, church planting pipelines, and the Kingdom Collective partnership.
• 14:00 – 18:00 How small churches can still send planters: collaborative funding, shared residencies, and unexpected outreach approaches.
• 18:00 – 23:00 Marriage and ministry: supporting your spouse's identity, staying healthy, and loving the unique calling God gives your family.
• 23:00 – 27:00 Calling to a people rather than a place, and why Cleveland has become home for the Sikora family. Closing thoughts.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host Greg Nettle talks with Joey Odom about the intersection of faith, technology, and personal health. Joey—co-founder of ReclaimWell—explains how constant proximity to our phones is reshaping our relationships, productivity, and even our spiritual lives.

They discuss the concept of "digital thorns" — how smartphones, though powerful tools for discipleship and ministry, can choke out meaningful relationships and intimacy with God. Joey shares practical ways to reclaim time and attention, including simple steps like five minutes a day away from your phone, accountability within small groups, and setting "phone-free" zones for family or worship.

Greg and Joey also explore how church leaders can model digital wellness within their teams using ReclaimWell, an app that helps track intentional time spent away from devices. The conversation closes with encouragement for leaders to lead by example, prioritize presence, and put down their phones—literally—to restore focus and relational depth.

Podcast Contents:

• 00:00 – 01:10 | Introduction: Greg Nettle welcomes Joey Odom and sets up the topic of technology and faith.
• 01:10 – 02:30 | The rise of digital discipleship—and the problem of "digital thorns."
• 02:30 – 06:00 | How our relationship with phones mirrors childhood attachments and impacts relationships.
• 06:00 – 08:45 | Practical steps to break constant proximity and reshape habits.
• 08:45 – 11:00 | Building healthy phone boundaries in families and small groups.
• 11:00 – 13:30 | Swapping phones, redefining dependence, and Jesus' parable of the thorns.
• 13:30 – 17:00 | Introducing ReclaimWell—a wellness and productivity tool for digital balance.
• 17:00 – 21:00 | How the app works: habit loops, team leaderboards, and tracking intentional time away.
• 21:00 – 23:00 | The power of "Let me put down my phone" and valuing relationships.
• 23:00 – 25:00 | Giving God the first fruits of your day—disconnecting to reconnect spiritually.
• 25:00 – 28:45 | How churches can adopt ReclaimWell and lead staff in digital wellness.
• 28:45 – 29:05 | Closing thoughts and call to action: visit reclaimwell.com.

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA and co-author of The Art of Neighboring. Jay shares his unexpected journey into church planting, from studying philosophy at Ohio State to planting Mile High Vineyard in Denver after 9/11.

Key themes include:

• The power of a clear calling—and why clarity often means higher cost.

• The challenges of starting with little money, odd jobs, and slow growth.

• Why multiplying leaders is the foundation for multiplying churches.

• Lessons from The E-Myth on building for replication.

• Evangelism as the heartbeat of church planting, no matter the model or denomination.

Jay encourages listeners to pray for God's heart for the marginalized and to stay focused on the essentials: leading people to Christ, making disciples, and training leaders.

Podcast Contents

• 00:00–02:00 | Intro: Greg welcomes Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA

• 02:00–05:30 | Jay's Ohio State background & early call to ministry

• 05:30–09:00 | Planting Mile High Vineyard after 9/11: obstacles & slow growth

• 09:00–12:00 | The importance of a clear call—and its high cost

• 12:00–15:30 | Lessons from Carol Wimber: "Because it's going to be hard"

• 15:30–18:30 | Multiplication begins with multiplying leaders

• 18:30–21:30 | Insights from The E-Myth for church planting systems

• 21:30–23:30 | Evangelism as the heart of church planting

• 23:30–25:30 | Why unity across denominations matters for mission

• 25:30–26:30 | Final encouragement: focus on people, discipleship, and reproducing leaders