Exponential NEXT Podcast

Exponential NEXT
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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. 2D AGO

    EP 97: Thinking Biblically About AI for Your Church

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 97 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: Chad Williams, CEO of FiveQ agency, provides a comprehensive biblical framework for evaluating AI and technology in ministry. Drawing from Scripture, he traces technology through creation, fall, and redemption to help church leaders make wise decisions about emerging tools. In this episode, Chad addresses the questions your congregation is already asking about AI. He explains why technology reflects God’s creative nature, how sin corrupts its purposes, and how redemption transforms even the most dangerous tools for kingdom impact. You’ll learn four practical evaluation questions for any technology decision: • Can I trust the source? • Is it communicating truth or spreading lies? • Does it amplify or replace human work? • Am I creating or just consuming? Chad demonstrates these principles across five ministry contexts: sermon preparation, administrative tasks, discipleship and pastoral care, outreach and communications, and volunteer training. Each example shows the “human sandwich approach” where human judgment bookends AI processing. Whether you’re responding to concerned congregation members or evaluating AI tools for your team, you’ll gain theological grounding and practical wisdom for stewarding technology in ministry. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next.   Guest: Chad Williams, Five Q, CEO Category: AI NEXT

    36 min

  2. MAR 4

    EP 96: The #1 AI Trend Every Pastor Must Pay Attention To (And Learn In 2026)

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 96 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: AI just removed the technology barrier that’s been killing your best ministry ideas. You’ve had this idea for months. A better way to equip parents. A simple volunteer system. A tool that helps your people apply Scripture to daily life. You can see it clearly. You know it would work. But then: “That would cost thousands.” “We’d need a developer.” Another God-given vision shelved. Kenny Jahng shows pastors how churches are using AI to create custom ministry solutions by simply describing what they need. No programming. No developers. No massive budget. Just you, having a conversation with AI—and watching it build exactly what you need. The prayer system your recovery ministry needs. The family discussion tool. The coordination system that fits YOUR church. AI builds it while you focus on ministry. You’ll see concrete examples, get a simple roadmap, and discover how your pastoral instincts guide AI to serve your vision. Use AI to build what your people actually need. You already know what’s needed. Now AI makes it possible. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next.   Guest: Kenny Jahng, AI NEXT, Director Category: AI NEXT

  3. FEB 25

    EP 95: How to Get Started with Agentic AI for Your Church and Ministry

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 95 Series: Thinking Ahead: Pastors and AI Title: How to Get Started with Agentic AI for Your Church and Ministry Natchi Lazarus breaks down agentic AI in plain language for church leaders who want practical solutions, not complicated tech jargon. Discover how AI agents work 24/7 on your behalf—creating content, posting to social media, and tracking results while you focus on people. You’ll learn the four essential components of AI agent systems, when to use agents versus simple AI tools, and the SONG framework for implementation. Get step-by-step guidance to deploy your first AI agents with no-code tools, understand multi-agent workflows, and set up proper guardrails. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a complete beginner, this episode shows you how to transform AI from a confusing buzzword into a practical tool that multiplies your ministry’s gospel impact without requiring coding skills or technical expertise. This episode is part of the Exponential AI NEXT podcast series. Learn more about how to get up to speed with AI for church at exponential.org/ai-next. Guest: Natchi Lazarus – CC Academy, Founder/CEO Category: AI NEXT

    57 min

  4. FEB 18

    Team Development in a Multiethnic Church Context

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 94 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Team Development in a Multiethnic Church Context Unity matters in every church: but in a multiethnic church, cultivating a unified staff is both more challenging and more consequential. In this episode, we share transferable truths and practical insights to help leaders build effective, mission-aligned multiethnic teams. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Nirup Alphonse – LIFEGATE Church, Lead Pastor Lawrence Hicks – Mosaic Church, Executive Pastor Paul Kroger – Vine & Village, Executive Director Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community

    1 hr

  5. FEB 18

    Community Engagement: Beyond Rhetoric to Results

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 93 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Community Engagement: Beyond Rhetoric to Results Pastors often say, “We’re going to take this city for Christ.” But have we ever actually seen that happen? And many churches claim to love their city—but does the city love the church back? In this episode, we’re joined by proven practitioners who share actionable insights for meeting real, empathetic needs in your community at the bridge of Christ’s humanity. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen – Crossover Church, Lead Pastor Melissa Mixon – CrossPurpose, VP of Legacy Rodrigo Cruz – The United Methodist Church, Executive Assistant to the Bishop for the North Georgia Conference Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community The Power of Asking ‘What If?’

    56 min

  6. FEB 9

    Theological Insights for Building a Healthy Multiethnic Church

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 92 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Theological Insights for Building a Healthy Multiethnic Church New Testament churches were intentionally multiethnic. They were envisioned by Christ in John 17, described by Luke in Acts 11, and prescribed by the apostle Paul throughout his life and writings. In this episode, credible practitioners and scholars come together to discuss the biblical mandate for the multiethnic church. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Derwin Gray – Transformation Church, Lead Pastor Noemi Chavez – Revive Church, Lead Pastor Dr. Dominick Hernandez – Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitics Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments, and Practices of a Diverse Congregation The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World

    1h 4m

  7. FEB 4

    Multiethnic Church Planting, Growth, and Development

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 91 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Multiethnic Church Planting, Growth, & Development Every church planter faces challenges. Those planting multiethnic churches face even more. Where does the passion come from, and how does the vision become reality? This conversation offers practical insight and quotable wisdom for leaders pursuing healthy, gospel-centered multiethnic churches. Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Naeem Fazal – Mosaic Charlotte, Co-Lead Pastor Kristin Mockler Young – Mosaic Charlotte, Co-Lead Pastor Bernard Emerson – Tapestry Church, Lead Pastor Collin Outerbridge – Nona Church, Lead Pastor Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Ex-Muslim: How One Daring Prayer to Jesus Changed a Life Forever Tomorrow Needs You: Seeing Beauty When You Feel Hopeless

    1h 13m

  8. JAN 28

    Transitioning from Homogeneity to Healthy Multiethnicity

    Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 90 Series: Multiplying Healthy Multiethnic Churches Title: Transitioning from Homogeneity to Healthy Multiethnicity In this episode experienced practitioners consider the how and what of transitioning a homogenous church into a healthy multiethnic church. Among other things, we explore personal calling, receptivity of denominational churches of over 100 years, prophetic vision and pace of change, how to foster cross-cultural relationships within the body, and turn the power and pleasure of God that uniquely dwells in unity and diversity, outward to impact and engage the community. The longer the conversation goes, the deeper and more actionable the insights—so be sure to stay tuned to the end! Host: Mark DeYmaz – Multiethnic Church NEXT, Director Guests: Libin Abraham – Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, Lead Pastor Mark Hearn – First Baptist Church of Duluth, Senior Pastor Oscar Acosta – Bend Church of the Nazarene, Co-Pastor RJ Strickland – Bend Church of the Nazarene, Co-Pastor Category: Multiethnic Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Technicolor: Inspiring Your Church to Embrace Multicultural Ministry Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments, and Practices of a Diverse Congregation

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Exponential NEXT
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Exponential
  • Show Website
    Exponential NEXT Podcast

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