Exponential NEXT Podcast

Exponential NEXT

Welcome to the Exponential NEXT Podcast where ministry and church leaders come together to discuss topics that give you a peek into the future of the church. At Exponential NEXT we focus on discovering what is coming NEXT for the future of the church that can lead to accelerating church multiplication. Join a community of kingdom-minded changemakers exploring innovative models, methods, and approaches for reaching, discipling, and mobilizing people with a strong focus on church planting, together. With new conversations every Wednesday, we will dive into topics we believe will help us all see what’s coming around the corner for the Church. Discover more about Exponential NEXT by visiting us at exponential.org/next.

  1. 12/17/2025

    Ministry Reimagined

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 87 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does it look like to disciple deeply and see that impact multiply widely across communities? In this challenging and hope-filled episode, host Tom Planck, Director of NEXT Ventures, is joined by Walter Harvey of the Wi+H Movement and Paul Watson of the Freedom Initiative. Together, they share innovative, context-specific approaches to discipleship that are helping people grow in faith and become disciple-makers in their own communities. Walter shares how Wi+H Movement partners with churches and emerging pastors to develop culturally relevant and transformative discipleship strategies. Rooted in relationship and local context, their work equips leaders to disciple effectively in the communities they serve. Paul brings insight into the powerful work of Freedom Initiative, which is focused on launching disciple-making movements among those impacted by incarceration in the U.S. By equipping believers, prison ministries, and churches, they’re seeing lives transformed, recidivism reduced, and the Kingdom expanded through the power of deep, replicable discipleship. Whether you’re serving in a traditional church, navigating complex social issues, or longing to see real transformation in your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical models for making disciples who make disciples. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Walter Harvey, President, Wi+H Movement Paul Watson, Founder, Freedom Initiative Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: with.city walter@with.city @Bishop_WalterHarvey Bishop Walter Harvey contagiousdisciplemaking.com @pauldwatson Paul D Watson

  2. 12/10/2025

    Ministry Reimagined

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 86 Series: Ministry Reimagined What will it take to raise up the next generation of Kingdom leaders—and how can the Church equip them to thrive? In this visionary and practical episode, Tom Planck is joined by three catalytic leaders who are deeply invested in multiplying healthy, mission-driven leadership: Jon Wiest of Mobilize the Church, Steve Pike of Urban Islands Project, and Dave Miller of Leadership Pathway. Together, they engage in a powerful conversation about how to find, develop, and unleash change makers for the future of the Church. Jon shares how Mobilize the Church partners with pastors and local leaders to train and resource the body of Christ for movement and mission. Steve discusses how Urban Islands Project is working across multiple cities to launch coaching clusters that support church starters planting in urban contexts simultaneously. And Dave outlines how Leadership Pathway is helping churches build strong leadership pipelines through intentional, in-house residency programs that consistently raise up high-impact leaders. If you’re a church leader, coach, planter, or simply someone passionate about leadership development, this episode offers real tools, tested strategies, and fresh inspiration for building the kind of leaders the Church desperately needs. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Jon Wiest, Co-Founder, Mobilize the Church Steve Pike, President and Founder, Urban Islands Project Dave Miller, Co-Founder, Leadership Pathway Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: mobilizethechurch.com nextwave.community leadershippathway.org

  3. 12/03/2025

    Ministry Reimagined

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 85 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does meaningful ministry look like for the next generation? In this energizing and insightful episode, Tom Planck is joined by Olivia Williamson of Claim Your Campus and Emma Tautolo of AZ Reach, two leaders who are deeply invested in raising up Gen Z through prayer, leadership, and holistic community engagement. Olivia shares how Claim Your Campus is mobilizing middle and high school students to pray for their schools and communities, creating a grassroots movement of young people who are spiritually grounded and bold in their faith. Emma brings a powerful perspective from her work with AZ Reach, which empowers Arizona youth through mentorship, skill-building programs, entrepreneurship training, mental health support, and more. Together, they dive into what it means to reach, equip, and walk alongside a generation navigating immense cultural, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Whether you’re a church leader, youth pastor, parent, or someone passionate about the future of the Church, this conversation offers real stories, practical insights, and fresh vision for engaging Gen Z and beyond. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Olivia Williamson – Director, Claim Your Campus Emma Tautolo – Executive Director, AZ Reach Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: azreach.com @azreach claimyourcampus.com Claim Your Campus App @claimyourcampus

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Exponential NEXT Podcast where ministry and church leaders come together to discuss topics that give you a peek into the future of the church. At Exponential NEXT we focus on discovering what is coming NEXT for the future of the church that can lead to accelerating church multiplication. Join a community of kingdom-minded changemakers exploring innovative models, methods, and approaches for reaching, discipling, and mobilizing people with a strong focus on church planting, together. With new conversations every Wednesday, we will dive into topics we believe will help us all see what’s coming around the corner for the Church. Discover more about Exponential NEXT by visiting us at exponential.org/next.