“Nobody can out-local the local church.” - Pastor Carey Nieuwhof

On the latest episode of Unscripted, Marc Cleary, Director of Church Planting at ARC, and Noah Herrin, pastor of Way Church, an ARC church plant located in Nashville, sit down with pastor, author, and leadership expert Carey Nieuwhof for a conversation full of insight and hope for the next generation of leaders.

From his start in law school to pastoring Connexus Church in Canada, Carey has spent decades studying church health, leadership, and cultural trends. In this episode, he unpacks what he is seeing right now among churches and leaders across the world and why he’s never been more optimistic.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The Non-Derivative Church: The most effective churches in the next decade will stop copying formulas and start embracing their unique voice.

• Slow Is Pro: Data shows the strongest church plants are the ones that build patiently, raise strong cores, and grow through relationships.

• The Gen Z Revival: In the UK, church attendance among young adults has quadrupled since 2018, and Carey believes that same spark is spreading across North America. “Gen Z has seen what the world offers and found it empty. They’re looking for hope, and the church is sitting on a gold mine.”

• AI and the Human Soul: Carey addresses the growing use of artificial intelligence for companionship and what it means for the church. Real connection is what people are longing for.

• Finishing Strong: “Work twice as hard on your character as you do on your competency,” Carey challenges. “The people closest to you should get the best version of you.”

This conversation is a masterclass in leadership and a powerful reminder of why church planting still matters more than ever. As Carey said, “Ten thousand churches close every year, and only three thousand open. We need more church planters.”

Listen now to hear Carey’s wisdom and heart for the next generation of leaders, along with practical encouragement for pastors navigating growth, calling, and the challenges of modern ministry.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,180 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“Church is really a longevity sport.” - Pastor Peter Haas

This week on Unscripted, Pastors Dino and DeLynn Rizzo take you to the heart of Minneapolis for a powerful and authentic conversation with Pastors Peter and Carolyn Haas of Substance Church, one of ARC’s earliest church plants (#15!). They’re also joined by their Executive Pastor, Nate Puccini, who shares his own journey from business owner to ministry leader.

From Peter’s radical nightclub salvation story, to planting Substance in one of the most unchurched cities in America, this episode is filled with unforgettable moments:

• The Origin Story: how a DJ and a high school sweetheart followed God’s call to reach young, educated, unchurched people in Minneapolis.

• Leading Together: Peter & Carolyn’s honest look at co-leading as a married couple and how conflict, teamwork, and growth comes through fighting for each other.

• The Long Road: Eight buildings fell through before they finally moved into their miracle space. They share how perseverance, faith, and miracle stories shaped their family and church.

• The Heart of Substance: creative ministry, outreach to thousands of families each week, and a calling to reach the nations through their city.

• Advice for Planters & Leaders: raw lessons about sacrifice, resilience, family priorities, and why you must not quit.

Whether you’re a church planter, a ministry leader, or just someone needing encouragement in the fight of faith, this episode will remind you that God still does miracles, and your story is still being written.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,180 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“The immature person wants the car to come out of the box. But the mature person knows the picture doesn’t always match the pieces. God shows you a picture, but hands you the pieces. And if you’ll build, the fruit will come.” – Manny Arango

In the latest episode of Unscripted, Pastor Dino Rizzo interviews a dynamic young leader, Dr. Manny Arango. From Italy trips and carnivore diets to Legoland lessons and planting a new church in Houston, their conversation is raw and enlightening.

Manny shares a powerful story about buying his son a Lego set. His son saw the picture on the box but lost interest as soon as he realized it came in pieces. Manny realized that maturity means being willing to build—when all you’ve got are pieces.

In this conversation you’ll hear:

• Why ugly seasons can actually be the most fruitful ones

• How honor opens doors for growth and leadership

• Manny’s perspective on church hurt…and how healing happens

• The story behind launching The Garden in Houston

• Why he created ARMA, a platform to make theology accessible to everyone
  

Manny’s journey—from growing up in poverty and pain, to leading a global teaching platform, to now stepping into church planting—is a testament that God uses every piece, even the hard ones, to build something beautiful.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,161 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Unscripted, Dino sits down with two of the most impactful and genuine voices in the global Church—Steve and Charlotte Gambill.

From humble beginnings serving in Bradford, England, to now coaching pastors and leaders across the globe, their story is one of faithfulness, grit, and God-sized vision. They open up about the early days of ministry (including Charlotte throwing up before her first sermon!), navigating marriage and leadership as a team, and the powerful reminder that calling isn’t about platform—it's about consistency.

Here are a few things you'll take away from this conversation:

• The value of starting small and showing up consistently

• How to recognize and steward your true ability—not just your availability

• Why leaving well matters just as much as stepping into something new

• How to support your spouse’s calling without losing your own

• What it means to be a specialist in ministry, not just a generalist

You’ll laugh. You’ll get a little teary. You’ll feel the permission to slow down and lean into the long game of building the Church—right where you are.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,161 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“We don’t have a next gen problem, we have a discipleship problem.”

In this powerful and personal episode of Unscripted, Dino and DeLynn Rizzo sit down with Grant and Cheyanne Skeldon—leaders, bridge-builders, and voices to the next generation.

From their garage-turned-studio in Franklin, TN, the Skeldons open up about the loneliness many young Christian leaders face, the vital role of intentional discipleship, and how building core memories can matter more than consuming more content. You’ll hear their story of launching THINQ, investing in young leaders across the country, and helping plant Way Church with Noah and Maddie Herrin.

Whether you’re a church planter, mentor, or just navigating how to stay faithful in today’s world, this episode is full of practical wisdom and timely encouragement—especially around:

• Creating safe spaces where leaders can "take their cape off"

• Why discipleship is the real next gen strategy

• What to do when you're running ahead of Jesus’ pace

• The importance of mentoring and building leaders who last

• How to get effectively and creatively engage your community
  

Don’t miss this authentic conversation about faith, friendship, and the future of the Church.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,161 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What Happens When Two Longtime Friends Talk Unscripted?

Get ready for one of the most honest, hilarious, and impactful episodes of Unscripted yet—because Dino Rizzo sits down with none other than Pastor Randy Bezet, founder of Bayside Community Church and one of ARC’s very first church planters.

With 25+ years of friendship and ministry between them, this conversation is as rich as it is real. From crazy early church leadership experiences to building community in a post-COVID world, Pastor Randy opens up about the lessons that shaped his leadership and his heart for the next generation, church planters, and the global Church.

You’ll hear about:

• What it means to be a sending church
• Why people don’t just want a friendly church—they want a friend
• How to keep your joy and fight cynicism in a world that’s constantly on edge
• The power of being generous, relational, and intentional as a leader

Whether you’re a pastor, a church planter, or just someone hungry for real talk about faith and leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and kingdom perspective.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On the latest episode of Unscripted, Dino and Delynn Rizzo sit down in Richmond, Virginia with two of ARC’s finest—Josh and Crystal Whitlow of Heights Church—for an honest, hilarious, and hope-filled conversation about what it really takes to plant and build a life-giving church.

From launching with 426 people (and dropping to 80 the next week) to raising babies while raising a church, to transforming a former CVS into a church-home and grocery store for those in need, Josh and Crystal share the real story—every miracle, meltdown, and moment of growth along the way.

You’ll hear about:

• Their wild church planting journey and how ARC gave them more than a playbook—it gave them lifelong friends.

• The power of generational faith and building a church with your whole family.

• Why they’re passionate about not just being a big church—but being a church with weight.

• The heart behind their new grocery experience that brings dignity and support to hundreds each week.
  

Whether you’re a pastor, planter, or just need encouragement to keep showing up—this episode will remind you that what you bring to the table matters deeply, you're doing better than you realize, and the call is always worth it.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,160 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In the latest episode of Unscripted, Pastor Dino Rizzo sits down with Pastor Mark Francey—co-founding pastor with his wife, Rachelle, of Oceans Church in Orange County—for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about leadership, church planting, and what it looks like to follow God's call with honor and patience.

From serving under the pastoral leadership of Rachelle’s parents in Boise, Idaho for 17 years to launching a church that's now shaking California—and soon the nation—Mark opens up about the long road from janitor to church planter. He unpacks how submission and humility paved the way, and why obedience always wins in the long run.

They talk:

• The early days of Oceans Church (and their lowest Sunday ever)

• What it really takes to plant a church

• Why slammed doors are often setups for God’s greatest provision

• The heart behind Baptize America, a nationwide revival effort through water baptism

• And the importance of becoming confident in your own grace

Whether you’re a church planter, a leader, or just someone asking, “What’s next, God?”—this episode is full of timeless wisdom and contagious passion for the Church.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Coaches do more than just draw up plays and win games—they shape lives. In this episode of Unscripted, Tommy Kyle shares how his journey as a player, coach, and ministry leader has helped him serve and impact the next generation.

Tommy has spent his life investing in coaches, helping them see their role not just as game strategists but as life mentors. Since 2008, he has led Nations of Coaches, a ministry dedicated to equipping coaches to achieve their higher calling—shaping the character of young athletes. Before stepping into this role, Tommy’s journey took him from playing college basketball at Tennessee Temple University to serving with SCORE International, a global sports ministry, and later coaching high school basketball for over a decade. Under his leadership, Decatur Heritage Christian Academy made three state Final Four appearances and won five area titles. But his greatest impact has been in the lives of coaches and athletes beyond the scoreboard.

In this episode, you'll hear more about:

🏀 From Player to Pastor – How Tommy’s basketball journey led him to a mission field bigger than he imagined.

🏀 Why Coaches are Culture Shapers – Billy Graham once said, “One coach will impact more people in a year than the average person will in a lifetime.” Tommy is making sure those coaches are equipped to lead with character.

🏀 The Power of Discipleship – The moment Tommy realized he knew the basketball playbook better than the Bible—and how it changed his life.

🏀 March Madness or March Ministry? – The unseen challenges of college basketball, from coaching transitions to student-athlete pressure, and how prayer is making an impact.🏀 How Churches Can Get in the Game – Ways pastors and churches can support college programs, adopt a team, and be a part of what God is doing in sports.

Tommy and his wife, Heather, live in Decatur and have eight children. His passion for mentoring coaches has led to the placement of hundreds of character coaches and chaplains in college basketball programs nationwide—including at some of the top-ranked schools in the country.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves sports, leadership, or simply seeing faith lived out in unexpected places. Whether you’re a coach, a pastor, or just someone who wants to make a difference, Tommy’s story will inspire you to think bigger about where and how God can use you.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠.

“As evangelists, we don’t make disciples. All discipleship is local. We don’t do missions outside the local church.”

The next Unscripted Podcast features an incredible conversation with Dr. Rob Hoskins, President of OneHope—a global movement committed to reaching the next generation with the Gospel. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to impact millions, this episode will inspire and challenge you in ways you didn’t expect.

In this candid conversation, Dino and Rob dive deep into:

The story behind OneHope’s mission to bring God’s Word to every child in the world.

How a vision in 1987 turned into a movement reaching 152 million kids annually.

Why missions is at risk in the American church—and how we can’t afford to let that happen.

The importance of generosity, collaboration, and church planting in fulfilling the Great Commission.

How pastors can practically align their church’s mission strategy for greater impact.

OneHope is one of the most impactful ministries you may not have heard of—but they’ve been shaping the future of global missions for decades. You’ll leave this episode stirred to action and equipped with fresh insight on how your church or ministry can play a part in reaching the world.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠. 

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠.