How Redemption Church is building a leadership pipeline in one of the most unreached states in America — discipleship, theological depth, and adaptive training in a Mormon-influenced context.

In this episode:

–    The origins and growth of Redemption Church and its multi-site expansion

–    Leadership School, residency, and specialized pathways

–    Tailoring training to individual and contextual needs through relational coaching

–    Why discipleship and leadership formation are inseparable

–    Mentoring in a predominantly unreached environment

Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode:

https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast

Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit:

https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast

Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026:

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

Connect with Casey Swails:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-swails-74554a370/

https://redemptionutah.com/

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

John Wills of Champion Forest Church in Houston on building and running a residency that prepares the next generation of ministry leaders — key strategies, hard-won lessons, and the joy of investing in future pastors.

In this episode:

–    The theological foundation and purpose of church residencies

–    Structuring a residency that balances experience and education

–    Recruiting and selecting candidates, including diversity considerations

–    Calling, identity, and developmental stages in ministry formation

–    Financial models: foundation grants and church contributions

Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode:

https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast

Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit:

https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast

Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026:

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

Connect with John Wills:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wills-b3378a172/

https://championforest.org/

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

Alex Davis of Lakes Church on how their leadership development program is shaping pastors, leaders, and volunteers — practical steps, the importance of intentionality, and lessons learned building a culture of growth.

In this episode:

–    The origins and purpose of the Lakes Church leadership residency

–    Structuring a program that integrates into the life of the church

–    Biblical character, personal growth, and discipleship in leadership training

–    Planning and curriculum: customizing online platforms, building a culture of quality

–    Application process, selection, and funding residents

Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode:

https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast

Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit:

https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast

Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026:

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

Connect with Alex Davis:

https://golakeschurch.com/

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

Leadership Development Starts with a Clear Vision 

 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gus Hernandez Jr., executive pastor at Reality Church Miami, as he shares how his church is developing leaders and multiplying ministries within a vibrant, multi-ethnic context. From internships to church planting residencies, Gus reveals practical strategies for leadership development that fuels church growth. 

In this episode: 

• Gus’s journey from the first believer in his family to church planter and leader developer 
• How Reality Church Miami started and scaled within four years 
• The church’s intentional leadership pipeline: summer internships, apprenticeships, and a church planting residency 
• Curriculum insights: spiritual formation, gospel fluency, cultural diversity, and leadership skills 
• The importance of proximity and relational investment in leadership development 
• How leadership growth directly correlates with church growth and outreach 
• Practical tips for starting and scaling residency programs in other churches 
• Lessons learned about fostering humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence in future leaders 
• Creative funding strategies and raising up leaders from within your congregation 
• Future plans: church planting residency and supporting autonomous church launches 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: Leadership development in a growing church context 
02:26 - Gus’s background and call to ministry 
04:30 - How Gus’s early discipleship shaped his leadership approach 
07:14 - Developing leaders through internships and apprenticeships at Reality Church 
09:51 - Curriculum overview: spiritual, theological, cultural, and leadership training 
12:38 - Favorite books and resources for leadership growth 
15:31 - Financial support: stipends, fundraising, and partnerships 
17:24 - Attracting college students and outside recruits into residency programs 
19:07 - The objective of cultivating future church planters and missionaries 
22:05 - Key lessons in leadership development: beginning with the end in mind and relational proximity 
23:04 - Navigating challenges in scaling relational leadership models 
25:30 - The power of prayer and resourcefulness in church planting and leadership training 
26:47 - Developing a church planning residency: process, vision, and future steps 
29:39 - Advice for pastors starting leadership residencies: embrace imperfection and focus on multiplication 
32:47 - Success stories: from summer interns to growing church leaders 
35:53 - The link between leadership development and church growth 
36:42 - Lessons from Gus’s leadership journey and the importance of intentionality 
40:23 - Final thoughts: what leaders should know when launching residency programs 
43:33 - Connecting with Gus: how to get involved or reach out 

Resources & Links: 

• Greg Ogden's Transforming Discipleship 
• Patrick Lencioni’s The Ideal Team Player 

Connect with Gus Hernandez Jr.: 

• Gus’s LinkedIn 
• Gus’s Email 

Additional Notes: 
Gus emphasizes the importance of starting small, building relationally, and staying flexible. His focus on internal leadership cultivation, resourcefulness, and real-world ministry experience provides a robust model for any church committed to multiplication. 

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

The Urgency of Leadership Development in the Local Church 

Host Mark Warnock introduces the Church Residency Podcast with a discussion of the urgent need for new Christian leaders of all types: pastors, missionaries, church planters, and others.  

Key topics: 

• The rising median age of pastors from 44 in the 1990s to 57 in 2020, and what it means for church leadership succession 
• The demographic decline of younger generations in the church and its impact on future leadership pipelines 
• The importance of churches owning the leadership development responsibility rather than relying solely on seminaries 
• How residencies serve as an effective model for training future pastors, missionaries, and church planters 
• The biblical foundation from Jesus and Paul for developing leaders within local churches 
• Practical steps to start a church residency, even for small churches, including partnerships and resources from Send Network 
• The value of community and shared learning among residency leaders to improve programs and avoid imposter syndrome 

Timestamps:  

00:00 - Welcome and overview: why leadership development is urgent for the church  

00:28 - The current crisis: median pastor age rising and implications for church continuity  

01:25 - Statistical snapshot: age shifts and future leadership gaps  

02:21 - The looming retirement of a generation of pastors and the church's need for new leaders  

03:47 - Demographic and cultural factors reducing the pipeline of future pastors  

04:44 - The challenge of seminary pipeline and church-based leadership cultivation  

09:52 - The biblical model: Jesus and Paul’s methods of developing leaders during active ministry  

10:20 - Practical example: churches of all sizes implementing residencies today  

13:38 - How to start a residency: resources, workshops, and partnerships. 

15:32 - Encouragement for churches outside SBC to create their own residencies  

16:30 - The vision: every local church raising up leaders from within  

17:29 - The importance of leadership training for the next generation’s church continuity  

18:51 - The sharing of different approaches to residency programs and community building among leaders  

20:42 - Calls to action: listen, share, and start or improve your church residency 

Resources & Links: 

• Send Network Residency Builders 
• Church Residency Starter Kit  

Connect with Mark Warnock: 

• Email 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Instagram  

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

How can churches raise the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders?

In this Season 1 trailer, host Mark Warnock introduces The Church Residency Podcast and shares the conviction behind the show: leadership development belongs in the local church. As more churches establish residency programs to train and send future leaders, this podcast explores the practical strategies, lessons learned, and real-world experiences of churches investing in the next generation.

Throughout Season 1, you'll hear conversations with residency leaders from across the country about:

• How their residency programs got started
• The vision and philosophy driving their approach
• Curriculum and training structures
• Funding models and church-seminary partnerships
• Successes, failures, and lessons learned
• Practical advice for churches considering a residency program

Whether you're leading an established residency, exploring how to start one, or simply passionate about leadership development in the local church, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation.

Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit.

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Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida

September 29-30, 2026

https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/