Church Planting 2.0

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Church Planting 2.0 is a podcast for pastors, church planters, and leaders who want to build healthy, sustainable, and outward-focused churches. Hosted by Jeff Hoglen, D.Min., a church planter, pastor, and ministry coach, this podcast delivers real-world insights on leadership, discipleship, church growth, systems, & spiritual health. These are conversations shaped in the trenches—not theory. Whether you’re planting a church, revitalizing one, or leading through a demanding ministry season, this podcast will help you think clearly, lead faithfully, and build for the long term.

  1. 6D AGO

    5 Indicators of a Healthy Church Culture

    5 Indicators of a Healthy Church Culture In this episode, Jeff Hoglen explores the subtle yet critical signs that reveal whether a church's culture is genuinely healthy. Focusing on practical, measurable indicators, he emphasizes how everyday behaviors and conversations reflect the true health of your church beyond attendance and service metrics. In this episode: The importance of honest conversations as a marker of trust and safety How growth should be measured by transformation, not just attendance Developing leaders intentionally rather than simply assigning roles The significance of processing failure openly without shame What makes outsiders want to stay: authentic hospitality versus performative welcome Timestamps: 00:00 - The real indicators of a healthy church culture 00:31 - The gap between paper ideals and actual culture 01:01 - Beyond attendance: how treatment of others shows health 01:43 - Five practical markers of true church health 02:11 - Indicator 1: Honest conversations are normal, not threatening 02:24 - How unhealthy cultures punish dissent 03:09 - The danger of performance over authenticity 03:39 - Leadership accountability and confronting conflict 04:09 - Indicator 2: People are growing, not just attending 04:56 - The importance of measurable spiritual transformation 05:27 - The state of discipleship in churches today 06:26 - The need to make leadership development a core part of culture 06:55 - Developing leaders early creates pathways for growth 07:24 - The speed of the leader is the speed of the team 07:48 - Leadership development as an ongoing priority 08:15 - Building succession and internal leadership pathways 08:44 - Indicator 4: Failure is processed openly, not hidden 09:14 - How unhealthy cultures hide mistakes and blame 09:43 - Learning from failures fosters trust and growth 10:01 - The dangers of leadership isolation and shame spirals 11:00 - The impact on pastors considering leaving ministry 11:29 - Cultivating a safe environment for honesty 12:13 - Indicator 5: Outsiders desire to stay through genuine hospitality 12:40 - The difference between performative and authentic welcome 13:09 - The importance of real relationships over surface-level gestures 13:42 - Building connections beyond signage and greeting teams 14:11 - Every member should contribute to a culture of hospitality 15:11 - The ongoing effort required to sustain culture 15:41 - Your challenge: honestly assess where your church stands on these indicators 16:11 - Healthy churches prioritize culture over size or budget Resources & Links: Book: "Deep & Wide" by Andy Stanley Barna Group Discipleship Study 2025 (hypothetical link for reference) Craig Groeschel on Leadership Development Pew Research Center - Church and Religion Statistics ChurchPlanting.com – Articles and Resources for church planting, Church growth and multiplication. Connect with Jeff Hoglen: LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter Remember: Cultivating a healthy church culture is an ongoing journey. Focus on these indicators to guide your church toward authentic transformation and lasting impact.

    13 min

  2. MAR 2

    Why Your Church Isn’t Growing—And What To Do About It

    Why isn't my church growing?  Why Your Church Isn’t Growing—And What To Do About It In this episode of Church Planting 2.0, Jeff Hoglen tackles the common question: Why isn't my church growing? He shares honest insights on the hidden reasons behind slow growth and practical steps to foster authentic, sustainable church development. Whether you’re facing a tough season or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable perspectives to help you stay the course with faith and clarity. Key Topics: The reality of slow seasons and trusting growth to GodWhy copying models that don't fit your context can hinder progressThe importance of authentic outreach that reaches the unchurchedMeasuring the right indicators of growth, beyond just attendanceHow insider language and online misrepresentation erode trustAddressing internal issues before expecting external growthPrioritizing disciple-making over attendance numbersPractical action steps: stop comparing, seek honest feedback, invest in depthEmphasizing faithfulness, patience, and trusting God's timingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why isn’t my church growing?00:34 - It's normal to experience slow seasons01:00 - Growth is God's department, faithfulness is ours01:29 - Common blind spot: copying models that don’t fit your context03:24 - The problem with mimicking megachurch strategies04:22 - Different environments attract different people05:19 - Outreach must reach the unchurched, not just Christians06:14 - Measuring growth: attendance vs. discipleship07:09 - Why social media metrics aren’t enough08:16 - When visitors don’t return: insider language and online misrepresentation09:43 - The dangers of the "bait and switch" online10:25 - Building trust through authenticity13:14 - Fix internal brokenness before external growth13:42 - Prioritize internal healing and sustainability14:39 - Growth versus transformation: the true goal15:10 - Discipleship is slow and relational15:39 - Action steps: stop comparing, seek feedback, focus on what you control16:09 - Invest in leadership and long-term health16:46 - Trust that growth is God’s work; faithfulness is ours Resources & Links: Church Done Different: Moving Away from Copy-Paste StrategiesJeff Hoglen - LinkedInchurchplanting.comConnect with Jeff Hoglen: LinkedInTwitterRemember, growth takes time and faithfulness. Keep showing up, keep loving your people, and trust that God is working beyond what numbers can show.

    14 min

  3. FEB 23

    Rethinking Church Governance How to Align Your Constitution with Mission

    In this episode, Jeff Hoglen explores how outdated or overly complex church constitutions can hinder mission and growth. Discover practical steps to streamline governance, empower leadership, and foster a culture of healthy decision-making. Key Topics: The pitfalls of governance theater and how it stalls church momentumHow overly voting-based structures create division and paralysisThe three decision-making lanes: elder, staff, and operational levelsSteps to evaluate and revise your church constitution effectivelyCommon objections and risks in constitutional reformEncouraging a healthy leadership culture over bureaucratic proceduresThe importance of clear authority and delegation for ministry impact  00:00 - How church constitutions can kill momentum and mission 02:01 - The impact of requiring every decision to be voted on 03:00 - Three hidden problems with traditional governance models 04:29 - The difference between serving and merely approving decisions 05:53 - How to structure decision lanes for speed and clarity 07:13 - Steps to evaluate and implement constitutional changes 09:42 - Addressing objections: power grabs, tradition, and bad decisions 12:01 - Risks of revision: losing members or emerging new problems 16:17 - Weighing risks against the cost of staying stuck 17:17 - How bureaucratic structures drain leadership and opportunities 18:28 - When a church’s current bylaws might be enough with better utilization 19:53 - The core question: Is your governance serving the mission? 20:28 - Tools for effective governance: update or abandon monuments ChurchPlanting.com

    16 min

  4. FEB 16

    How Celebrity Culture in the Church Is Ruining Pastors—and What We Can Do About It

    How Celebrity Culture in the Church Is Ruining Pastors—and What We Can Do About It Most pastors are unknowingly risking everything—personal integrity, future influence, and their very lives—by ignoring one simple principle: character before platform. In this eye-opening episode, Jeff Hoglen exposes the shocking truth behind the rising tide of moral failures among church leaders and reveals how built-in isolation and superficial accountability are tearing down spiritual giants from within. You’ll discover how the obsession with visibility and influence often comes at the expense of authentic character, and why most pastors are handed microphones before they’re truly prepared to carry them. Jeff shares surprising research, including how 75% of pastors who experience moral failure cite secrecy and loneliness as root causes—and how this pattern is more common than you think. He breaks down the dangerous cycle of reputation-building without depth, highlighting how big platforms often hide character cracks rather than prevent them. In this episode, Jeff Hoglen tackles the urgent issues of pastoral integrity, the dangers of celebrity culture in ministry, and how character development is essential for lasting leadership. Hear practical insights and biblical principles to strengthen your spiritual foundation. Key Topics The alarming statistics on loneliness, moral failure, and burnout among pastors The influence of social media and celebrity culture on pastoral character The importance of spiritual fathers and deep accountability in leadership Building character through everyday faithfulness and transparency Practical steps to foster accountability and authenticity in ministry The decline of regular spiritual support and the rise of isolation Why long obedience and humility are critical for sustainable ministry Timestamps 00:00 - Why pastors keep falling: the crisis of loneliness and moral failure 02:02 - The importance of character before platform in pastoral ministry 03:02 - The dangers of celebrity culture and superficial influence 03:59 - The risks of handling influence before character is tested 04:29 - The impact of secrecy, isolation, and false perceptions of success 05:35 - The church’s desire for authenticity over superficial appearances 06:05 - The need for transparency and owning mistakes as a leader 07:03 - Managing money, transparency, and decision-making in church leadership 08:00 - The critical role of spiritual fathers versus mentors and coaches 08:31 - The difference between mentorship and deep accountability relationships 09:00 - The necessity of relational authority and tough love in leadership 10:26 - The danger of isolation and the biblical model of spiritual fatherhood 11:20 - Research linking isolation to moral failure among pastors 12:20 - The importance of time-tested character over quick growth 13:06 - Building character through everyday faithfulness and integrity 14:03 - The critical need for actual spiritual submission and accountability 14:31 - Measuring success by obedience, not by attendance or fame 15:02 - Asking tough questions: Who in your life holds you accountable? 15:48 - How to find and cultivate a spiritual father for lasting health 16:17 - The importance of owning sins and demonstrating genuine repentance 16:46 - The call for faithful shepherds over celebrity pastors 17:17 - The necessity of character to withstand temptation and sustain ministry 17:45 - Final encouragement to build character now, in the small moments Resources & Links Barna Group Report on Pastoral Well-Being Pitfalls of Church Leadership Ministry is Messy by Jeff Hoglen  Connect with Jeff Hoglen: ChurchPlanting.com Instagram ChurchPlanting.com Website

    15 min

  5. FEB 9

    What It Means to Be a Church for the City

    In this powerful episode of Church Planting 2.0, host Dr. Jeff Hoglen, D.Min. explores what it truly means for a church to be for the city rather than just in the city. Drawing from his years of church planting and ministry experience, Jeff unpacks how urban ministry goes beyond Sunday gatherings — it’s about gospel presence, real-life. Jeff challenges leaders and church planters to rethink the role of the church in urban contexts, emphasizing that being for the city means living among the people you serve, valuing diverse communities, and responding to real needs with gospel-centered action. This episode invites listeners to move past slogans and strategies, and step into a posture of authentic, incarnational ministry where the church becomes a dependable presence and transformative force in the life of a city. churchplanting.com

    11 min

  6. FEB 2

    Church Planting vs. Revitalization Navigating New

    Join Jeff Hoglen as he delves into the dynamic world of church planting versus revitalization. In this episode, Jeff shares his personal journey and insights on the challenges and rewards of both paths. Discover the importance of vision, leadership, and adaptability, and learn how to navigate existing power structures while honoring traditions and introducing innovation. Whether you're considering starting a new church or breathing new life into an existing one, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration for your spiritual journey. https:/www.churchplanting.com

    14 min

  7. FEB 2

    Why Your Church Isn’t Growing—And What To Do About It

    Why isn't my church growing?  Why Your Church Isn’t Growing—And What To Do About It In this episode of Church Planting 2.0, Jeff Hoglen tackles the common question: Why isn't my church growing? He shares honest insights on the hidden reasons behind slow growth and practical steps to foster authentic, sustainable church development. Whether you’re facing a tough season or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable perspectives to help you stay the course with faith and clarity. Key Topics: The reality of slow seasons and trusting growth to GodWhy copying models that don't fit your context can hinder progressThe importance of authentic outreach that reaches the unchurchedMeasuring the right indicators of growth, beyond just attendanceHow insider language and online misrepresentation erode trustAddressing internal issues before expecting external growthPrioritizing disciple-making over attendance numbersPractical action steps: stop comparing, seek honest feedback, invest in depthEmphasizing faithfulness, patience, and trusting God's timingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why isn’t my church growing?00:34 - It's normal to experience slow seasons01:00 - Growth is God's department, faithfulness is ours01:29 - Common blind spot: copying models that don’t fit your context03:24 - The problem with mimicking megachurch strategies04:22 - Different environments attract different people05:19 - Outreach must reach the unchurched, not just Christians06:14 - Measuring growth: attendance vs. discipleship07:09 - Why social media metrics aren’t enough08:16 - When visitors don’t return: insider language and online misrepresentation09:43 - The dangers of the "bait and switch" online10:25 - Building trust through authenticity13:14 - Fix internal brokenness before external growth13:42 - Prioritize internal healing and sustainability14:39 - Growth versus transformation: the true goal15:10 - Discipleship is slow and relational15:39 - Action steps: stop comparing, seek feedback, focus on what you control16:09 - Invest in leadership and long-term health16:46 - Trust that growth is God’s work; faithfulness is ours Resources & Links: Church Done Different: Moving Away from Copy-Paste StrategiesJeff Hoglen - LinkedInchurchplanting.comConnect with Jeff Hoglen: LinkedInTwitterRemember, growth takes time and faithfulness. Keep showing up, keep loving your people, and trust that God is working beyond what numbers can show.

    14 min

  8. JAN 26

    Why Church Planting Goals Fail in the First 90 Days

    Why Church Planting Goals Fail in the First 90 Days Most church planting goals don’t fail because they’re unbiblical—they fail because they’re unrealistic, unsupported, and disconnected from daily leadership decisions. In this episode, Jeff Hoglen talks honestly about why so many church planters lose momentum within the first 90 days—and what actually keeps goals alive past the hype. Drawing from real church planting experience, this episode tackles: Why enthusiasm fades faster than vision The leadership mistakes that quietly kill momentum How to set goals your team can carry—not just you What to do when progress feels invisible If you’re tired of restarting goals, re-casting vision, or wondering why it feels harder than it should—this podcast episode is for you. keywords: church planting, church planter, church planting podcast, church planter leadership, pastor leadership, ministry leadership, starting a church, church growth, church health, sustainable ministry, church planting goals, leadership burnout, pastor burnout, church planter burnout, vision drift, team leadership, church plant strategy, healthy church, long-term ministry, leadership clarityVisit churchplanting.com

    11 min
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About

Church Planting 2.0 is a podcast for pastors, church planters, and leaders who want to build healthy, sustainable, and outward-focused churches. Hosted by Jeff Hoglen, D.Min., a church planter, pastor, and ministry coach, this podcast delivers real-world insights on leadership, discipleship, church growth, systems, & spiritual health. These are conversations shaped in the trenches—not theory. Whether you’re planting a church, revitalizing one, or leading through a demanding ministry season, this podcast will help you think clearly, lead faithfully, and build for the long term.

Information

  • Creator
    ChurchPlanting.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ChurchPlanting.com
  • Show Website
    Church Planting 2.0

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