Summary

In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, Alan Stoddard interviews Kenneth Priest about new believer discipleship. They discuss the alarming statistics regarding the lack of follow-up for new believers in churches, the challenges faced in discipling adults, and the importance of immediate engagement and community support. Kenneth shares insights from his experience and the development of a new resource aimed at helping churches implement effective discipleship strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to nurturing new believers and creating a culture of discipleship within the church.

Takeaways

• Only one in ten new believers is actually discipled.
• Most churches lack a strategy for new believer follow-up.
• Immediate engagement is crucial for new believers.
• Discipling should be a relational process, not just a program.
• Resources for new believers must be accessible and relevant.
• Creating a culture of discipleship requires intentionality.
• Decision guides can help facilitate follow-up and support.
• Engaging new believers in community enhances their growth.
• Churches need to train decision guides for effective follow-up.
• A structured approach to discipleship can lead to lasting change.

Chapters

00:00 The Need for New Believer Follow-Up

10:17 Strategies for Effective Discipleship

20:08 Creating a Relational Discipleship Model

30:15 Implementing Decision Guides in Churches

New Believer: How to Disciple to New Believers

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cody King about his journey of faith, the challenges of church planting, and the unexpected changes in ministry. Cody shares his personal transformation, the impact of grief on his ministry, and the importance of being open to God's direction. The discussion also touches on family life, the joy of teaching, and the significance of following God's call in our lives.

Takeaways

• Cody King experienced a significant transformation in his faith journey.
• He was called to ministry shortly after giving his life to the Lord.
• Church planting was initially not part of Cody's plan.
• Cody's journey included a transition from Colorado to Florida.
• Unexpected changes in ministry can lead to new opportunities.
• Grief can play a significant role in ministry transitions.
• Holding life in an open hand allows for God's direction.
• Clarity in teaching is essential for effective communication.
• Family life and traditions, like visiting Disney, are important.
• Following God's call can lead to fulfilling and unexpected paths.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, hosts Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss various frustrations and observations about church culture. They explore topics such as casual worship, the importance of proper practices during communion, dress code dilemmas, communication issues during announcements, youth engagement in worship, and the selection of music. The conversation is light-hearted yet serious, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and share their thoughts.

Takeaways

• Church culture often includes unspoken frustrations.
• Casual worship can sometimes detract from the seriousness of the service.
• Proper practices in communion are essential for maintaining the symbolism.
• Dress code in church can be a sensitive topic.
• Announcements should be planned to avoid disruption.
• Youth engagement in adult services can be beneficial if done thoughtfully.
• Worship music should be familiar to the congregation for effective participation.
• Transition prayers should be genuine and not just a formality.
• Inappropriate attire can distract from the worship experience.
• Feedback from the congregation is crucial for church improvement.

Haddon Robinson Message: The Church of God in Christ Chicken Restaurant.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss effective strategies for outreach during the holiday season. They explore various methods for churches and individuals to engage their communities, emphasizing the importance of follow-up strategies for new visitors, the significance of Christmas Eve services, and the thoughtful selection of gifts for outreach. The conversation encourages listeners to take action in their personal ministries and to leverage the holiday season for evangelism.

Takeaways

• It's not too late for churches to engage in outreach.
• Fall festivals can be a great way to invite the community.
• Personal outreach can happen right at home during Halloween.
• Having a follow-up strategy is crucial for new visitors.
• Gifts should be practical and meaningful for outreach.
• Christmas Eve services are prime opportunities for evangelism.
• Engaging the community during Thanksgiving can open doors for the gospel.
• Utilizing resources like books can enhance outreach efforts.
• Planning for future events is essential for ongoing engagement.
• Never give up on sharing the gospel, even after many years.

Dr. OS Hawkins book, The Christmas Code.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage with Bob Tiede, a leader in Campus Crusade for Christ, as they discuss the transformative power of leading with questions in ministry and leadership. Bob shares his journey from a traditional leadership style to one that emphasizes inquiry and listening, highlighting the importance of developing future leaders and fostering genuine relationships through effective communication. The conversation explores how Jesus exemplified this approach and its implications for discipleship and evangelism.

Takeaways

• Developing the next generation of leaders is crucial for any organization.
• Leadership should not just be about telling but about asking questions.
• Leading with questions can lead to more effective outcomes than traditional methods.
• Jesus used questions as a powerful tool for communication and teaching.
• Listening is a vital skill in leadership and requires the Holy Spirit's guidance.
• People feel valued when they are listened to and their answers are affirmed.
• Questions can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.
• Effective discipleship involves exploring people's stories through questions.
• Good questions can transform group discussions and enhance learning.
• The impact of a question can linger long after the conversation ends.

Summary

In this episode, Alan Stoddard, Kenneth Priest, and Brian Kelly discuss the effective use of social media and technology in church planting. They explore the philosophy behind social media use, the importance of having a website, and how to utilize email marketing through platforms like MailChimp. The conversation also covers creating engaging video content, measuring the effectiveness of social media strategies, and the significance of personal connections with the congregation. Additionally, they discuss the integration of AI in content creation and the importance of time management in social media engagement.

Takeaways

• Social media is essential for modern church communication.
• Encouragement and ministry should be the focus of social media.
• A website is crucial for church identity and information.
• MailChimp helps streamline email communication with the congregation.
• Video content can enhance engagement and connection.
• Personal interactions are more valuable than analytics.
• Consistency in communication builds trust and connection.
• AI can assist in creating polished content efficiently.
• Time management is key to effective social media use.
• Text messaging can enhance communication with the congregation.

Summary

In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard, Kenneth Priest, Terry Kizer, and Randy Adams discuss the journey of church planting through Apex Church Planting. They explore the challenges and transformations within the independent Baptist movement, the importance of exegeting communities, and the supportive community Apex provides for church planters. The conversation also delves into the assessment process for aspiring church leaders and the encouragement needed for those feeling called to ministry.

Takeaways

• Apex Church Planting was founded to support church planters.
• The independent Baptist movement is undergoing significant transformation.
• Exegeting the community is crucial for effective ministry.
• COVID-19 prompted a reevaluation of church models and practices.
• Apex fosters a supportive community for church planters.
• The assessment process is designed to help, not hinder, aspiring pastors.
• Success in ministry is defined by faithfulness, not numbers.
• Encouragement and mentorship are vital for church planters.
• Apex aims to extend its reach beyond Texas, even internationally.
• The importance of maintaining personal relationships in ministry is emphasized.

Resources:

Sermon-Based Small Groups Article

Groups that Grow book

7 things:

1. Talk about it from the pulpit
2. Interview satisfied persons
3. Host small groups “fair”
4. Train leaders
5. Provide a convenient time & place
6. Organize groups
7. Prioritize biblical community

- BONUS: start new groups

The Gospel Invitation Book for $1.

Summary

In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Nick Cady (White Fields Community Church) explore the complexities of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers, particularly focusing on the concepts of baptism and empowerment. They discuss the transition from traditional Baptist beliefs to Calvary Chapel perspectives, the significance of the Holy Spirit in ministry, and the importance of understanding the different relationships believers have with the Holy Spirit. The dialogue emphasizes the need for churches to create environments that allow for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the practical implications of this in ministry settings.

Great Book on the Holy Spirit - Perspectives on Spirit Baptism

Takeaways

• The conversation is a collaboration between two podcasts.
• Alan Stoddard has a background in theology and church planting.
• Transitioning from Baptist to Calvary Chapel involves complex theological questions.
• The role of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood in church settings.
• There is a distinction between the indwelling and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 19 presents a unique case for understanding the Holy Spirit's work.
• The prepositional approach helps clarify relationships with the Holy Spirit.
• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry.
• Churches should create opportunities for people to receive the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit is a vital member of the Trinity and should not be overlooked.