Ep. 85 - Creating a Network of Churches on a Common Mission (with Jason Lantz)

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg talks with Dr. Scott Todd, president of One Child and co-founder of Bridgeley, discussing the impactful role of church planting in caring for children globally. Scott shares insights from his extensive experience in child development and church collaboration, emphasizing the strategic use of technology through Bridgeley to foster intercultural relationships and direct support for children in need. They delve into the potential of churches as hope centers, where local champions (teachers, coaches, youth pastors) are empowered to support children's growth and development. The dialogue highlights the importance of strategic, faith-driven efforts to engage the next generation in meaningful causes, demonstrating how technological advancements can bridge the gap between supporters and frontline communities, thus enhancing the global church's mission.

One Child: https://www.onechild.org/
Bridgeley: https://www.bridgeley.org/

00:00:20 - Scott's Background and Connections with Stadia and Greg
00:02:33 - Scott Todd on the Mission of Reaching Kids in Hard Places
00:03:22 - Introduction to One Child and Bridgely
00:04:50 - The Role of Technology in Child Care
00:07:04 - Personal Sponsorship Stories and Bridgely's Impact
00:09:14 - Addressing Entitlement and Compassion through Bridgely
00:10:07 - How to Get Involved with Bridgely and One Child
00:11:42 - Global Perspective on Risks and Opportunities for Children
00:14:07 - Engaging the Next Generation with Purpose and Learning
00:17:11 - Parenting for Impact and Encouraging Young Agents of Change
00:19:01 - Raising Kids with Global Awareness and Compassion
00:22:07 - Hope Centers and the Church's Role in Child Development
00:25:37 - Practical Steps for Engaging with Bridgely and One Child

This episode features a deep dive into leading churches effectively through politically and racially charged environments. Hosted by Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, the episode welcomes Chuck Mingo and Troy Jackson, co-founders of Undivided, focusing on racial healing and justice. The discussion revolves around the necessity of courage, empathy, and practical steps for church leaders to foster unity and address sensitive issues. Key highlights include the introduction of the "Living Undivided" book and Bible study, strategies for pastoral leadership in divisive times, and the importance of listening and empathy in building a community. For more about "Living Undivided," visit Undivided. For more info about Stadia Church Planting visit https://stadia.org

Episode Index:

• [00:00:25] Guests introduction: Chuck Mingo and Troy Jackson, their work with Undivided
• [00:01:19] Importance of the episode’s topic for church leaders
• [00:01:31] Discussion on "Living Undivided" book
• [00:02:31] Reflections on the upcoming politically and racially charged months
• [00:04:02] The necessary postures for leaders during challenging times
• [00:05:38] Equipping church members for healthy, diverse conversations
• [00:08:47] Developing empathy within the church community
• [00:11:10] Breaking out of echo chambers for broader perspectives
• [00:12:22] Introduction of the Living Undivided Bible Study
• [00:15:21] Guidance for pastors in navigating political and racial discussions
• [00:23:12] Addressing immigration as a key issue for church leadership
• [00:31:42] Navigating racial tensions and understanding within the church community
• [00:34:35] Participation in undivided virtual cohorts for church leaders

Join host Greg Nettle and Josh Burnett (church.tech) for a discussion on the integration of generative AI and technology in church planting and leadership. Josh shares his journey from being a preaching intern at Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY) to starting Revolution Church in Annapolis, focusing on community needs like child hunger. Following these church leadership roles, Josh and his wife Sarah founded Flourish, a nonprofit operating system, and later, Church.Tech, which offers AI tools for churches. We're taking a deep dive into the potential of AI in sermon preparation and church management, in order to increase the time church leaders can spend with people and increase productivity and creativity.

Introduction (00:00-00:57)
Josh Burnett's background and journey (00:58-02:35)
Transition to church planting (02:36-04:31)
Experiences at Revolution Church (04:32-05:43)
Addressing child hunger in Annapolis (05:44-07:50)
Transitioning out of church leadership (07:51-09:18)
Founding Flourish and Church.Tech (09:19-11:00)
Theological considerations of AI in church (11:01-14:20)
Practical applications of AI in sermon preparation (14:21-17:55)
Church.Tech's features and goals (17:56-20:42)
Future developments in Church.Tech (20:43-23:00)
Conclusion and thanks (23:01-28:40)

Connect with resources mentioned in this episode:
https://church.tech
https://onflourish.org/
https://stadia.org

Greg talks to Daniel Escobar about multiplying and training disciples, Latino culture, and the need to learn from each other on this encore episode of the Church Planting Podcast. Daniel Escobar was born and raised in Baja California, Mexico. Daniel relocated to Virginia in 2002, two years after getting married. He first planted Iglesia La Red in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2005. Seven years later he and his family moved to Washington DC to plant the second church in 2015. In 2017, he and his wife founded La Red Network, which is a church planting network in the US and Latin America that he is the director of. This is now his main focus in ministry. La Red Network has taken him many places around the world and allowed him to live in Mexico and Argentina. He is also a business owner in different industries in the private and government sectors.

Connect with Daniel

https://larednetwork.org

https://www.facebook.com/larednetwork

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-red-podcast/id1568755174

Connect with Greg 

https://stadia.org

Note: This is a rebroadcast of Episode 67. This encore episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," hosted by Greg Nettle, features Warren Bird, ECFA's Senior Vice President of Research and Equipping. The focus is on Bird's comprehensive study titled "The New Faces of Church Planting," which is the largest ever study of church planters, involving 2,700 participants, mostly in North America. Key findings include the rising trend of church multiplication, with an increased desire and actual implementation of church planting networks. The episode discusses various factors contributing to successful church multiplication, such as being part of a multiplication group, setting specific goals, and the leader's involvement in developing new leaders. Greg and Warren also cover the increasing prevalence of multiracial churches, especially among younger church planters, and the implications of digital technology in church planting. The episode emphasizes the importance of church planting in the growth and innovation of Christianity, highlighting the role of church planters in experimenting with new approaches to reach diverse populations.

Content mentioned in this episode:

• "The New Faces of Church Planting" report: https://www.ecfa.org/Surveys.aspx

Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, and church planter Dave Jane talk about what you can do to lead well and help yourself and your staff balance ministry and family during the holidays. The discussion centers around managing the aftermath of the Christmas season for church leaders, focusing on maintaining staff and family health.

Dave and Greg talk about five vital areas of ministry and family health for the holidays:

Adapting Traditions: Dave Jane shares how his family and church staff adapt Christmas traditions to accommodate the demands of church services, including the involvement of children in church activities.

Staff Care and Appreciation: Ideas like Christmas bonuses, staff traditions, and taking a break between Christmas and New Year are discussed as ways to appreciate and care for church staff.

Dealing with Post-Christmas Adrenaline Crash: Both leaders talk about the physical and emotional toll of the festive season on church leaders, offering strategies like sleep, family involvement, outdoor activities, and planning downtime to recuperate.

Spiritual and Emotional Health: They touch upon the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being, guarding against burnout and temptations post the festive rush.

Practical Leadership Tips: The episode also includes practical tips for church leadership, such as advanced planning of sermon series and engaging in servant leadership within the family post the big church events.

For more information about how to connect with Stadia and resources related to church planting and leadership, you can visit Stadia Church Planting's website at stadia.org.

Join host Greg Nettle and guest Jeff Bennett, focusing on their passion for learning and reading. They discuss ten books and podcasts that have impacted them, offering insights into leadership, spirituality, and personal growth.

Top 10 Resources Mentioned in this podcast in no particular order

From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks:

https://www.amazon.com/From-Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness/dp/059319148X

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara:

https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593420835

l My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore:

https://www.amazon.com/All-My-Knotted-Up-Life/dp/149645570X

Life Without Lack by Dallas Willard:

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Without-Lack-Living-Fullness/dp/1400208215

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey:

https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Matthew-McConaughey/dp/0593139135

Once You See by Jeff Christofferson:

https://www.amazon.com/Once-You-See-Temptations-Western/dp/1734868844

Right Color, Wrong Culture by Brian Loritz:

https://www.amazon.com/Right-Color-Wrong-Culture-Organization/dp/0802412506

"What It's Like To Be" Podcast by Dan Heath: 

https://www.danheath.com/what-its-like-to-be/

"The Fourth Quarter of Your Life" by Matthew Kelly, Thomas Hunt: https://a.co/d/9mmCvIG

"Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools" by Tyler Staton: A book about prayer that addresses roadblocks to praying and invites deeper engagement with God 

https://a.co/d/2P7vM38

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," Greg Nettle interviews Brian Ziegler, a church planter and senior leader of Rivertree Fairless. Brian shares his remarkable journey of overcoming personal challenges and his commitment to church planting.

Links and organizations mentioned on today's podcast episode:

• Rivertree Fairless: Church Website
• Brian Ziegler's Book, "A Paralyzing Redemption": Amazon Link
• Compassion International: Official Website
• Christian Children Homes of Ohio (CCHO): Official Website
• Stadia Church Planting: Official Website

Greg welcomes Tim Celek to the podcast. During Tim's tenure as Lead Pastor, the Crossing Church in Costa Mesa, CA resourced five new churches, which makes Tim's role of Senior Director of New Church Growth with Stadia the perfect fit for this Harley-loving church planter. Tim loves to sail, loves to ride, and he loves to help new church planters. On this episode, Tim shares the top five challenges he's seeing in church leadership and church planting today.

Connect with Greg and Tim at https://stadia.org