The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle

Greg Nettle | Stadia Church Planting
  • 4.9 (18)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

The podcast for church planters and the leaders who champion them. Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, interviews pastors, planters, and ministry leaders about church leadership, multiplication, fundraising, discipleship, and staying healthy for the long haul — so you can start and lead a thriving, growing, multiplying church for the next generation. Powered by Stadia. Learn more at https://stadia.org/podcasts.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 139 - Obe Arellano on the Future of Latino Church Planting

    Obe Arellano shares why Latino church planting and next-generation leadership represent an important opportunity for the Church in the United States. Drawing from more than 20 years of church planting experience, Obe explains the complexity of the Latino and Hispanic church and what it takes to develop culturally relevant, multiplying churches. Obe and Greg Nettle begin by unpacking terminology like Latino, Hispanic, and Brown Church, including why these communities cannot be treated as a single culture. Obe explains the differences across countries, languages, immigration generations, and cultural experiences—and why understanding those differences matters for church leaders. Obe also shares his own journey from becoming a Christian at 17 to planting his first church at 22 and eventually helping develop Exponential Español, a Latino-led multiplication ministry created to provide Spanish-speaking pastors and church planters with resources, relationships, training, and opportunities to pursue multiplication. The conversation explores one of the biggest opportunities facing the Latino church: developing second- and third-generation Latino leaders who can reach both Latino communities and the broader culture around them. Obe describes the Latino church as a "both-and" church—Latino and American, Spanish- and English-speaking, immigrant and native-born, traditional and contemporary. Greg and Obe also discuss the challenge of transitioning leadership from first-generation immigrant leaders to U.S.-born Latino leaders. Rather than preserving one particular cultural expression of church, Obe challenges pastors to remain focused on ensuring that the gospel of Jesus continues to reach the next generation. For churches thinking about multiplication, Obe offers a practical starting point: look for Latino leaders who are already in your congregation, invest in them, and help them explore what God may be calling them to start. Table of Contents:  00:00 – Meet Obe Arellano & Latino church planting 02:21 – Latino, Hispanic or Brown Church? Understanding the terminology 05:16 – Obe's journey from new Christian to young church planter 08:12 – Finding church planting training & Exponential 10:17 – The vision behind Exponential Español 12:02 – Building culturally relevant support for Latino church planters 14:12 – What makes the Latino church unique? 16:13 – Developing the next generation of Latino leaders 18:27 – The leadership transition facing Hispanic churches 23:53 – How existing churches can multiply Latino church planters

  2. Sep 2

    Ep. 138 - Scott Lessing on Prison Ministry, Discipleship & Church Planting

    Scott Lessing shares the remarkable story of planting a church inside Lorain Correctional Institution and how prison ministry can become true disciple-making and church planting. Through consistent relationships, weekly worship, leadership development, and reentry ministry, Scott and Grace Church are seeing God transform lives both inside and outside the prison. Scott serves at Grace Church, a Christian and Missionary Alliance church near Cleveland, Ohio. What began when the warden asked for something more than traditional prison ministry has grown into a church community with weekly services, dozens of volunteers, Bible studies, Alpha, Rooted, recovery ministry, baptisms, a School of Ministry, and intentional discipleship. Greg and Scott also explore the biblical foundation for this work through Luke 4:18 and Matthew 25, discussing Jesus' call to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, and to care for those who are incarcerated. Scott explains why the goal isn't simply to bring a church service into a prison but to build relationships and make disciples who can eventually disciple and lead others. One of the most powerful stories is of a man who spent 47 years incarcerated, completed Grace Church's School of Ministry, was released, joined the church's staff, and was preparing to return to the prison—this time to preach. The church also walks alongside people after release through employment connections, housing support, community, and continued discipleship. Scott's story challenges every church leader to reconsider what it means to go to people instead of simply expecting people to come to church. As he explains, their prison ministry has changed Grace Church itself, creating a congregation that looks more diverse, more broken, and, in his words, more like the first-century church. Resources: True Freedom Ministries — the Ohio prison ministry discussed in the episode; its current site describes ministry at Lorain Correctional Institution. True Freedom Ministries Leadership / Michael Swiger — learn more about Michael Swiger, whom Scott discusses in the episode. Scripture mentioned: Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61, Matthew 25 Table of Contents:  00:00 – Meet Scott Lessing and the prison church story 03:27 – Why prison ministry matters for church planting 06:18 – How the prison church began 11:16 – Luke 4, Matthew 25 & the biblical foundation 13:43 – Reentry ministry and discipleship after prison 14:33 – What a weekly prison church service looks like 16:07 – Developing leaders inside the prison 18:27 – Baptisms, Bible questions & life transformation 21:37 – Going to people instead of waiting for them to come

  3. Aug 19

    Ep. 137 - Dave Ferguson on the 4 Practices of a Multiplier

    Dave Ferguson shares how healthy leaders can multiply their impact without sacrificing their health along the way. Drawing from his new book, Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact, Dave offers a practical framework for becoming a healthy, disciple-making leader who champions reproduction. Greg Nettle and Dave discuss why multiplication begins with who you are—not simply what you accomplish. Dave explains his principle that "you reproduce who you are and what you do," challenging church planters to pay attention to both their inner health and the leadership practices they're modeling for others. Dave introduces the **four gauges of a multiplier—relational, physical, mental, and spiritual—**based on Luke 2:52. He shares a simple daily practice for evaluating those four areas, recognizing drift, and making course corrections before unhealthy patterns derail a leader's ministry or relationships. The conversation then turns to the four practices of a multiplier: making disciple-makers, establishing spiritual communities, mobilizing new leaders, and launching new church expressions. Dave and Greg explore how these practices reflect the way Jesus developed and sent leaders—and why multiplication should remain part of a leader's life regardless of the size or stage of their ministry. Dave also offers a memorable challenge for church planters: don't work more—multiply more. Sustainable Kingdom impact isn't about personally doing everything. It's about investing in people who will continue making disciples, developing leaders, and planting churches long after you've released them to lead.   Table of Contents:  00:00 – Dave Ferguson and the future of church multiplication 02:28 – Exponential's 16% Mission and multiplying churches 04:47 – Why Dave wrote Multiplier 06:19 – "You reproduce who you are and what you do" 09:03 – Leadership drift and the danger of ignoring your health 12:00 – The four gauges: relational, physical, mental & spiritual 20:58 – The four practices of a multiplier 24:51 – Don't work more—multiply more 27:27 – Why leaders must keep making disciple-makers

  4. Aug 6

    Ep. 136 - Will Blanchard on the 4 Traits of Multiplying Churches

    Will Blanchard shares the four characteristics found in churches that consistently multiply leaders, disciples, and new churches. Drawing from years of church planting experience and doctoral research, he explains why fewer than one-half of one percent of churches in North America are truly multiplying—and what every church leader can learn from them. Will serves as Teaching Pastor and Multiplication Team Leader at Fellowship Bible Church in Northwest Arkansas, where he helps equip leaders to plant churches and build multiplying ministries. In this conversation with Greg Nettle, he unpacks the four vital components that emerged through years of studying multiplying churches across North America. Together, they discuss how churches can intentionally build a multiplication-focused identity, develop a disciple-making culture, create leadership pipelines, and establish clear pathways for assessing, equipping, and sending church planters. Rather than relying on programs or quick fixes, Will demonstrates how multiplication becomes part of a church's DNA through intentional leadership and long-term investment in people. Whether you're planting a new church, leading an established congregation, or hoping to become a more sending-oriented church, this episode offers practical principles to help your ministry move beyond growth and toward lasting Kingdom multiplication. Resources Mentioned Fellowship Bible Church: https://www.fellowshipnwa.org/ Exponential: https://exponential.org/ Stadia Church Planting: https://stadiachurchplanting.org/ Table of Contents 00:00 – 04:20 Introduction to Will Blanchard and his church planting journey. 04:20 – 08:45 The research behind multiplying churches and why so few actually multiply. 08:45 – 12:45 Vital Component #1: Building a multiplication-shaped identity. 12:45 – 19:10 Vital Component #2: Creating a disciple-making culture. 19:10 – 22:50 Vital Component #3: Developing intentional leadership pipelines. 22:50 – 26:40 Vital Component #4: Establishing a pathway for assessing and sending church planters. 26:40 – 27:25 Final encouragement: Why the future of the Church is still full of hope.

  5. Jul 8

    Ep. 135 - How Healthy Churches Build a Culture of Generosity

    In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle welcomes Dr. Ray Chang—former church planter, Corporate Manager of Faith-Based Engagement & Partnerships at Thrivent, and longtime Stadia board member—to discuss one of the greatest challenges church planters face: finances. Ray shares his journey from growing up in a Korean immigrant church to planting multi-ethnic churches in Washington, D.C., and Southern California. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, experiences, and moments of faith that shaped his calling and passion for helping churches thrive. Drawing on decades of ministry and his current work at Thrivent, Ray offers practical wisdom on funding a church plant, developing healthy financial systems, and cultivating a biblical culture of generosity. He explains why church planters must balance trusting God's provision with wise financial planning, accountability, and long-term stewardship. Greg and Ray also discuss why many pastors hesitate to talk about money, and how teaching generosity is ultimately about making better disciples—not simply raising funds. Ray encourages leaders to develop financial health personally before leading others and highlights practical resources available to churches through Thrivent. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that generosity is contagious. Through stories from his own ministry, Ray demonstrates how simple acts of generosity can open doors for the gospel and inspire entire congregations to live more open-handed lives. Table of Contents: 00:00 – 03:00 Introduction to Ray Chang, his church planting journey, and ministry background. 03:00 – 07:00 From church planter to Thrivent: helping churches thrive financially. 07:00 – 11:00 The biggest financial challenges facing church planters today. 11:00 – 15:00 Trusting God's provision while building wise financial systems. 15:00 – 18:30 Teaching generosity as a discipleship issue—not just a fundraising strategy. 18:30 – 21:30 Practical financial tools and resources available to church leaders. 21:30 – 24:30 Why generosity changes lives and strengthens the church.

  6. Jun 17

    Ep. 134 - Burned Out in Ministry? Finding Rest Without Losing Your Passion

    In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with church planter, coach, and author Marc Lucenius, lead pastor of 938 Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Marc recently released his new book, Rest for the Restless, a practical and deeply personal exploration of how leaders can sustain healthy ministry without sacrificing their souls. Marc shares the story of planting 938 Church with Stadia Church Planting, navigating the challenges of launching a church just before the pandemic, and leading through the uncertainty that followed. Along the way, he learned firsthand the dangers of burnout, resentment, self-pity, and the relentless pressure many church leaders place on themselves. Drawing from his own experiences and years of ministry leadership, Marc unpacks the biblical principle of Sabbath—not simply as a day off, but as a way of life rooted in trust, enjoyment, and freedom. He challenges the common assumption that productivity and spiritual maturity are the same thing and offers a healthier vision of leadership that flows from rest rather than striving. Greg and Marc also discuss how our personal stories shape our relationship with work, achievement, and ministry. They explore practical ways leaders can embrace rhythms of rest, cultivate meaningful friendships, process emotional wounds, and avoid the subtle traps of burnout. The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder that sustainable ministry isn't about slowing down ambition—it's about learning to live and lead from a place of wholeness, trust, and joy in what God has already accomplished. Table of Contents:  00:00 – 03:20 Introduction to Marc Lucenius, 938 Church, and church planting in Philadelphia. 03:20 – 05:30 Planting through the pandemic and helping launch another church. 05:30 – 08:00 The inspiration behind Rest for the Restless. 08:00 – 11:30 Burnout, exhaustion, and the difference between performing ministry and living it. 11:30 – 15:00 The biblical vision of Sabbath and learning a different story. 15:00 – 18:30 Ceasing vs. switching: why leaders struggle to truly rest. 18:30 – 21:30 Feasting, enjoyment, and building a satisfying life in Christ. 21:30 – 24:30 Emotional health, healing ministry wounds, and sustainable leadership. 24:30 – 27:45 Practical advice for church planters: friendship, accountability, and longevity.

  7. May 20

    Ep. 133 - House Churches, Spiritual Leadership & Lasting Impact with Josh Benadum

    In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle talks with church planter, network leader, and author Josh Benadum about the future of church planting, the rise of house churches, and what it takes to cultivate a life of lasting spiritual influence. Josh and his wife, Mary, lead a growing network of house churches in Orlando through Acacia House Churches, while also collaborating with organizations like Brave Future and Youth for Christ. Josh also shares insights from his new book, A Life That Leads: Pursuing Christ and Impacting Others. The conversation begins with Josh unpacking why he believes house churches and microchurch movements are becoming an increasingly important strategy for reaching people in today's culture. Drawing from both the New Testament model and modern movements, he explains how smaller, decentralized communities can empower everyday leaders, create deeper discipleship, and reach people traditional models may miss. Josh also describes how their Orlando network functions—balancing local autonomy with shared leadership, coaching, and larger gatherings that unite the churches for worship and encouragement. The second half of the conversation focuses on Josh's new book and the question that has shaped much of his ministry: How can ordinary believers develop lives of deep, lasting spiritual impact? Drawing from his experiences growing up on the mission field in Cambodia and years of pastoral ministry, Josh reflects on the qualities and disciplines that sustain Christian leaders over the long haul. Greg and Josh discuss practical leadership traits like hospitality, gentleness, zeal, gratitude, and friendship, while also addressing the hidden dangers of bitterness, materialism, and spiritual drift. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership is not reserved for pastors or platform personalities—it's a calling for every follower of Jesus. Table of Contents 00:00 – 02:30 Introduction to Josh Benadum and the vision behind planting in Orlando. 02:30 – 06:00 House churches, microchurches, and why these models matter today. 06:00 – 09:30 How Josh's network of house churches functions and grows. 09:30 – 13:30 The story behind Josh's book A Life That Leads. 13:30 – 16:30 Leadership is for everyone—not just pastors or platform leaders. 16:30 – 20:00 Developing qualities like hospitality, gentleness, and zeal. 20:00 – 23:00 How leaders sustain growth and avoid burnout or drift. 23:00 – 25:30 The importance of friendship, gratitude, and spiritual discipline. 25:30 – 26:20 Final encouragement for church planters and leaders.

  8. Apr 29

    Ep. 132 - Marriage, Ministry & Multiplication: Leading Without Losing Your Family

    In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Dhati and Angie Lewis—church planters, leaders at Blueprint Church in Atlanta, and founders of MyBLVD—to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked topics in ministry: how to build a thriving marriage and family while leading at a high level. With over 25 years of marriage, six children, and decades of ministry experience, Dhati and Angie share the intentional rhythms and decisions that have sustained their relationship and family through the challenges of church planting and leadership. They discuss the importance of intentionality, from setting a firm foundation early in marriage (including making divorce a non-option) to consistently learning from others, reading, and seeking wisdom for each new season of life. They also unpack how marriage evolves through different seasons—raising young kids, leading a growing church, and transitioning into empty nesting—and how leaders must regularly reset expectations and communication. The conversation also addresses parenting in ministry, including how to give children both structure and freedom as they grow, and how to navigate difficult moments when kids begin forming their own beliefs and decisions. Dhati and Angie also share powerful insights into multi-ethnic ministry, the challenges and blessings of raising a family in a diverse church context, and the importance of surrounding your family with a strong, supportive community. Finally, they offer practical tools for communication and emotional health in marriage, emphasizing the importance of being present, creating shared language, and consistently engaging one another with honesty and grace. This episode is a must-listen for church planters and leaders who want to build not just a successful ministry—but a healthy, lasting marriage and family alongside it. Table of Contents 00:00 – 02:30 Introduction to Dhati & Angie Lewis and their family. 02:30 – 06:00 Building a strong marriage foundation and intentionality early on. 06:00 – 09:00 Why making divorce "not an option" shaped their relationship. 09:00 – 12:00 Navigating different seasons of marriage and resetting expectations. 12:00 – 15:00 Parenting while planting a church: structure, freedom, and grace. 15:00 – 18:00 Raising kids in ministry and handling real-life challenges. 18:00 – 20:30 Multi-ethnic ministry: challenges and blessings for families. 20:30 – 24:00 Parenting advice: community, honesty, and shared learning. 24:00 – 27:00 Marriage tools: communication, emotional health, and being present. 27:00 – 27:50 Final encouragement for leaders balancing family and ministry.

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The podcast for church planters and the leaders who champion them. Greg Nettle, President of Stadia Church Planting, interviews pastors, planters, and ministry leaders about church leadership, multiplication, fundraising, discipleship, and staying healthy for the long haul — so you can start and lead a thriving, growing, multiplying church for the next generation. Powered by Stadia. Learn more at https://stadia.org/podcasts.

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