Church Planting 2.0

17h ago

Why Ministry Experience Is More Valuable Than Ever in the AI Age

Discover why lived ministry experience surpasses information and models in leadership. Jeff Hoglen explores how sharing real stories of failure and success can uniquely equip emerging leaders and strengthen churches. In this episode:The limitations of AI and information in ministry today · Why experience cannot be replaced by technology or data · The importance of sharing failures and lessons learned · How to turn ministry stories into teaching tools · The value of honesty, tension, and reflection in stories · How experience fosters wisdom and decision-making · Practical advice for seasoned leaders mentoring younger pastors · Developing future leaders through shared stories and lessons Timestamps: 00:00 - The value of lived ministry experience over information or models00:32 - The rise of AI and the diminishing value of information alone01:03 - Why experience provides irreplaceable insights and lessons01:32 - The importance of sharing failure stories, not just success02:01 - Real-life moments technology cannot replicate02:30 - How experience helps navigate conflict, trust, and disappointment03:01 - Sharing process and lessons behind principles03:31 - The power of honesty and transparency in ministry stories04:01 - Using stories to teach about over-promising and pressure04:28 - Mistakes, failures, and the wisdom they bring04:58 - Living long enough to see principles in action05:26 - Recognizing signs of burnout, pressure, and growth challenges05:43 - Why books prepare, but experience teaches complexity06:11 - The need for interpretation and guidance for younger leaders06:40 - The importance of sharing failures responsibly07:11 - How to tell stories that help without exposing others unethically07:40 - The impact of stories on decision-making and ministry health08:10 - Teaching through personal stories about promotion and outreach08:39 - The importance of context and understanding pressure08:54 - How stories illustrate principles more powerfully than rules09:03 - Recognizing and avoiding common leadership pitfalls09:32 - Using stories to promote reflection and learning09:40 - How stories can prevent recurring mistakes09:54 - Turning past experiences into preparation for others10:44 - The importance of honesty and transparency in storytelling11:15 - The significance of identifying tension in ministry stories11:29 - Embracing the hard truths to connect with others’ challenges11:59 - Explaining lessons learned through real-life situations12:28 - Clarifying and emphasizing the moral of the story12:51 - The power of stories to help others recognize their own situations12:59 - How to effectively communicate the significance of your experience13:29 - The importance of sharing what went wrong and what was learned13:35 - Identifying long-term impacts of decisions13:54 - How honest reflection shapes wiser future choices14:14 - Using stories to inform and prepare the next generation14:26 - The benefits of early, honest conversations with emerging leaders14:30 - The role of mentorship and storytelling in leadership development14:59 - Leaders’ responsibility to share lessons learned the hard way15:27 - Questions to ask experienced leaders for wisdom15:56 - Stories reveal how principles were formed and applied16:26 - The rarity and value of true wisdom in ministry16:56 - Faithfulness, mistakes, and conversations as sources of wisdom17:25 - How to incorporate stories into coaching and teaching17:53 - The unique advantage of experiential wisdom over AI-driven data18:18 - Sharing stories to develop future leaders within the church18:46 - The importance of honesty and transparency with the next generation19:15 - Final encouragement to keep learning, sharing, and mentoring churchplanting.com Open Arms International MInstries Jeff Hoglen

Jul 24

5 Systems That Predict Whether Your Church Plant Survives

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen dives into five essential systems that determine the long-term sustainability of your church plant, far beyond the initial launch hype. Discover how small, unglamorous practices can be the difference between survival and exponential growth. KEY TOPICS • Why most church plants fail to reproduce after five years and the importance of systems over events • The significance of a rapid guest follow-up system within 24-48 hours and its impact on retention • Building a discipleship pathway that leads to real spiritual transformation, not just attendance • Developing a leadership pipeline early to ensure future elders and pastors are raised up • Creating an effective volunteer pipeline to engage and retain new volunteers sustainably • The importance of cultivating a sending culture instead of a keeping culture for church multiplication • The concept of bus factor in church leadership and how to prevent burnout and critical dependency • How to implement these systems from the start and build longevity into your church plant 00:00 - The real indicator of your church plant's longevity: systems not launchday02:12 - Why launch Sunday reveals little about five-year survival prospects03:12 - The power of follow-up: 85% of first-time guests return with a quickcall04:11 - The shocking stats on guest follow-up and the importance of personalconnection05:47 - Discipleship as the key to transformation and why attendance isn’tenough06:45 - The gap between pastors’ priorities and reality in discipleship amongChristians09:13 - The importance of a leadership pipeline and preparing for the future10:32 - The role of the 'bus factor' and preventing critical man-dependencies12:02 - Why most church volunteers and leaders are at risk of burnout and howto develop them15:05 - Building a volunteer pipeline for sustainable growth and avoidingburnout16:59 - The critical need for a sending culture to enable church multiplication19:07 - How to intentionally build and reinforce these five essential systemsfrom day one20:36 - Trusting God’s growth while faithfully building biblical systems21:04 - The challenge: pick one system and improve it before next week Connect with Jeff Hoglen: • ChurchPlanting.com • Jeff Hoglen Facebook • ChurchPlanting.com on Facebook • JeffHoglen.com Big Ideas 1. Building systems outlasts talentor passion 2. Discipleship is a systemicobligation, not optional 3. The ‘bus factor’ exposesleadership fragility 4. Cultivating a sending culture is amultiplier 5. Long-term growth demands a focuson unseen, unglamorous systems

Jul 16

Is Your Church's System Actually a System?

Most churches unknowingly rely on systems that only work when the lead pastor is physically present — risking collapse when they're gone. What if a simple, boring checklist could prevent that disaster and unlock stronger, more resilient ministry?I n this eye-opening episode, Jeff Hoglen reveals how many churches' biggest vulnerabilities are hidden behind familiar routines that only exist in leaders’ memories. Using surprising insights from hospitals, aeronautics, and real-world church failures, he shows why the most effective systems are often the simplest—and why they need to survive beyond just one person's knowledge. You'll discover: • Why most church systems are just memories— and how to turn them into written, scalable processes. • The shocking impact of checklists in hospitals, saving thousands of lives— and how similar "boring" routines can safeguard your church. • The importance of protecting your church's most critical moments, just like pilots protect takeoff. • How to create a seamless leadership transition by building transparency and process into your church’s DNA. • Actionable steps to develop “sterile cockpit” standards for your high-stakes moments— from guest check-in to altar calls. Failure to build resilient systems leaves your church vulnerable to leadership gaps, inconsistent follow-up, and missed opportunities for spiritual growth. But implementing simple, clear checklists and honest conversations can transform chaos into continuity—giving your congregation the stability it needs to thrive, no matter who’s in charge. Why this works: This episode hooks with the urgent question of church stability outside of the lead pastor, appealing to leaders who want to safeguard their ministries. It emphasizes clear, concrete strategies—like checklists and communication—to evoke trust and curiosity. The relatable hospital and aviation examples pique interest and communicate that simple routines can have huge impacts, making listeners eager to learn how to apply these principles to their churches. Key Topics: • The critical difference between a system and a mere memory. • Lessons from hospital checklists that save lives and how they apply to church processes. • The importance of documenting high-stakes moments with clear checklists to ensure consistency. • Why the most crucial part of a church's success happens in moments of high risk, such as guest check-in and follow-up. • How to create "sterile cockpit" standards during these high-stakes minutes to safeguard spiritual and organizational health. • The significance of leadership succession planning and transparent communication for church sustainability. • The biblical model for leadership transfer as demonstrated in Moses and Joshua, emphasizing multiplication over dependency. Timestamps: 00:00 - The church system accountability question you can't ignore 02:02 - The role of the Holy Spirit versus systems in salvation and growth 03:16 - Why much of pastors' "systems" are just personal memory 04:15 - Lessons from the Crystal Cathedral and First Baptist Dallas leadership struggles 06:38 - The hospital ICU checklist: saving lives through boring systems 08:34 - How checklists prevent mistakes in critical moments in church processes 09:36 - Making high-stakes moments in church safe for the Spirit’s move 10:55 - The sterile cockpit rule and applying it to church leadership moments 12:18 - Identifying and protecting your church’s highest risk moments 13:36 - Why leadership transition planning is a vital, transparent process 14:34 - Biblical principles for succession: Moses, Joshua, and multiplication 15:20 - Building systems that survive new leaders and ensure continuity 16:40 - Action step: Document a high-stakes moment in your church 17:08 - Have an honest conversation about succession and contingency planning 18:07 - Call to build something resilient that the Holy Spirit can move through Connect with Jeff Hoglen: • churchplanting.com • Jeffhoglen.com

Jul 6

How to Keep Momentum After Launch Sunday!

If you've ever put your heart into launching a new church,you know the adrenaline rush of Launch Sunday. But what comes next? This episode offers practical insights to keep the momentum alive long after that initial launch, ensuring your church continues to grow spiritually and numerically. Key Topics • The significance of momentum and common pitfalls after Launch Sunday • Strategies for maintaining and building momentum over time • The importance of follow-up, celebrating wins, and volunteer encouragement • Cultivating an outward focus and consistent vision casting • Discipleship as the core of enduring growth, not just attendance • Stewarding momentum rather than manufacturing it Timestamps 00:00 - The real challenge after Launch Sunday: sustainingmomentum 00:30 - Launch Sunday is just the starting line, not the finish line 01:28 - Why momentum leaks and how to prevent it 02:55 - Tracking meaningful engagement over attendance numbers 03:23 - The importance of celebrating wins and recognizing volunteers 04:54 - Keep volunteers encouraged through appreciation and connection 06:19 - Maintaining outward focus with community engagement 06:50 - Continually cast vision and keep the mission clear 09:20 - Shift focus from attendance to disciple-making 10:26 - The danger of growing crowds without spiritual growth 11:27 - Building a sustainable church culture over time 12:23 - The importance of faithfulness over one-time events 12:52 - Final encouragement: steward momentum through daily faithfulness Resources & Links churchplanting.com Connect with Jeff Hoglen jeffhoglen.com

Jul 1

From Invisible to Unavoidable How Your Church Can Truly Reach Its Community

Your church has been in the neighborhood for two decades — and your neighbors still don't know you exist. Or worse, they know you exist and they just don't care. In this episode, we dig into why the "come to us" model is dead, and lay out a real, reproducible strategy for churches that are serious about breaking through and finally reaching their community. Scripture References: Matthew 5:14-16 — "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Acts 2:44-47 — The early church's community presence and favor Luke 15:4 — The shepherd who leaves the 99 Matthew 28:19 — "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" Are you wondering if your church is making a real impact nearby? Jeff Hoglen dives deep into why traditional "come to us" strategies fail and shares practical, proven ways to embed your church into the life of your neighborhood. If your community isn't noticing, this episode is essential listening for church leaders committed to transformation. Main Topics Covered: The limitations of the "come to us" model and why it no longer works Four key shifts churches must make to engage their neighborhoods effectively How to turn participation into trust and build credible relationships Practical system for everyday outreach: map, bless, connect, celebrate The importance of church leaders modeling presence and relationally-driven ministry Timestamps: 00:00 - Is your church invisible to your neighborhood? Why it matters 02:29 - Debunking the traditional "come to us" approach 03:00 - The stark reality: most unchurched people are not wandering toward church 03:28 - The power of personal invitation from trusted relationships 04:16 - Introducing four strategic shifts to reach your community 04:44 - Shift 1: From programs to presence in the neighborhood 05:41 - How authentic presence opens doors for real relationships 06:56 - Shift 2: From Sunday-only focus to daily relationship-building 07:47 - Engaging your church community as everyday missionaries 09:12 - Shift 3: From transactional outreach to earning trust 09:59 - Credibility is built quietly through authentic service 12:12 - Shift 4: From one-time events to sustainable systems — the four-step process 13:09 - Step 1: Map your neighbors; know their names 14:09 - Step 2: Bless your neighborhood with simple acts of kindness 14:39 - Step 3: Connect through low-barrier community events 15:06 - Step 4: Celebrate and share stories of God’s work in neighborhoods 16:06 - Leading the way: pastors as neighborhood neighbors, not distant managers 17:04 - Practical challenge: Introduce yourself to three neighbors this week 18:04 - The real mission field is right outside your door Resources & Links: ChurchPlanting.com – for more on missional strategies and community engagement Source Citations: Barna Group, The State of the Church 2020 — 38% of U.S. adults are "unchurched" Barna Group, Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age, 2018 — 47% of Millennials agree that it is wrong to share your faith LifeWay Research, Churchless, 2014 (Ed Stetzer & Thom Rainer) — Most unchurched people have been invited to church; the barrier is relational credibility. Thom Rainer, Becoming a Welcoming Church, 2018 — 82% of unchurched people say they would attend church if a friend invited them Leadership Network / Exponential Network community engagement research NAMB Church Planting research on community presence and conversion rates Keywords: church outreach strategy, how to reach your community, church not growing, missional church, church community engagement, how to break through in your neighborhood, church evangelism strategy, church planting outreach, reaching unchurched people

Jun 24

Should You Plant, Revitalize, or Adopt a Church?

Discover the often-overlooked strategies for extending kingdom impact by exploring the three primary paths: church planting, adopting, and fostering. This episode challenges believers to consider their role in revitalizing existing churches and communities with intentionality and clarity. Key Topics: The limitations and opportunities in church planting versus revitalization How church adoption differs from planting and the necessary commitments The role and process of fostering churches for temporary support and reconciliation Statistical insights on church decline and transition strategies Practical questions to determine which path suits your church and community Timestamps: 00:00 - Why conversation about church planting is incomplete without considering existing churches 00:30 - Common misconceptions around church planting and other strategies 00:59 - The stark reality of declining churches in America and globally 01:22 - The three paths for extending church impact: planting, adopting, and fostering 01:52 - Defining church planting: starting from scratch and what it really entails 02:21 - Challenges and realities of church planting efforts and resource needs 03:27 - The concept of church adoption: partnership that assumes full responsibility 04:51 - The importance of cultural transplantation in church adoption 06:08 - When adoption fails: the significance of resource capacity and leadership health 07:35 - What is church fostering? A support-oriented, temporary partnership 09:10 - Practicalities and boundaries in fostering relationships 11:02 - The importance of clarity in fostering agreements and process 12:01 - The necessity of cultural transformation in church adoption 13:23 - Handling membership transitions and preserving healthy church DNA 14:52 - The burden and benefits of adopting or fostering—knowing your church's capacity 16:40 - When fostering turns into adoption or should be concluded 18:05 - Situations where fostering is the best path for church health restoration 20:08 - Essential guidelines for effective fostering relationships 21:45 - Managing leadership and maintaining independence in fostering 22:42 - Recognizing when fostering should transition to adoption or conclusion 24:09 - Practical framework for determining the appropriate strategy for struggling churches 25:55 - Challenging the church to look around their local community for opportunities 26:52 - The call to action: plant, adopt, or foster in your Jerusalem Resources & Links: Association of Related Churches (ARC) for resources on church planting and growth strategies Churchplanting.com Connect with Jeff Hoglen: Twitter Website Final Thoughts: The church's future doesn't just depend on planting new churches but also valuing and revitalizing the churches already present in our communities. Take the initiative in your local context—plant, adopt, or foster—and participate in God's kingdom expansion.

Jun 15

What to Do When Core Leaders Get Tired

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen explores the crucial topic of leadership fatigue within church communities. He shares five actionable insights to help leaders recognize signs of exhaustion early, foster rest, and develop resilient teams that thrive long-term. Key Topics: Recognizing early signs of leadership fatigue before burnoutEncouraging leaders to take intentional rest as stewardshipDifferentiating between exhaustion caused by ministry versus personal issues. Building leadership pipelines to distribute workload effectively Reminding leaders of their original purpose to reignite passion Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Addressing leadership fatigue in ministry00:31 - Why leaders get tired, not necessarily lazy or uncommitted01:00 - Signs of fatigue: energy drops, withdrawal, emotional shifts01:56 - The importance of monitoring both ministry and personal wellbeing03:22 - Giving leaders permission to rest and recognizing rest as stewardship04:34 - Understanding the real causes of fatigue beyond ministry overload05:04 - How to ask questions and listen to leaders’ underlying issues06:25 - The importance of sharing leadership load and developing pipelines07:44 - Building a culture of multiplying future leaders08:12 - Reminding leaders why they started and renewing their purpose08:42 - The significance of encouragement and perspective during exhaustion09:12 - Leaders are people: caring well for their emotional and physical health09:43 - Rest is part of strategic leadership, not weakness10:14 - Final encouragement: slow down to grow stronger Resources & Links:John Maxwell Leadership Principles churchplanting.com Church Planting Done Different: Moving Beyond the Cookie-Cutter Copy-Paste by Jeff Hoglen Remember: Healthy leadership fosters healthy churches. Recognize fatigue early, prioritize rest, and invest in developing future leaders to sustain your ministry’s impact.

Jun 10

Why Your Church Is Broke.... It's Probably Not What You Think

In this episode, Jeff Hoglen addresses a common challenge faced by church leaders: How to fund growth amid limited resources. He explores the core issues behind stagnant finances and practical solutions grounded in diagnosis, leadership, and strategic planning. Key Topics: The importance of diagnosing the real problem: culture, allocation, or revenueHow to shift from a budget conversation to a discipleship and formation conversationThe significance of a strong culture of generosity and consistent teaching on givingAligning church expenses directly with mission-driven prioritiesPractical steps for leveraging networks, asking for partnership, and running effective vision campaignsThe role of bivocational models in sustainable church growthDeveloping high-capacity leaders to foster generosity and discipleshipThe example of Nehemiah’s strategic approach to community rebuildingJeff Hoglen explains why most advice skips crucial diagnosis and how that leads to spinning wheelsHe discusses the three core church financial problems and how to identify themHow to build a culture of generosity that sustains growth over timePractical tips for reallocating budgets to maximize mission impactThe power of network asking and running vision campaigns with clarityThe long-term benefits of investing in leaders and developing people rather than just focusing on fundraisingChurch Plantology by Peyton JonesThe North American Mission Board (NAMB)Stadia MissionsJeff Christofferson on Co-vocational StructuresLinkedInTwitterIn this episode: Timestamps:00:00 - How churches can fund growth when resources are tight00:33 - The mistake of jumping straight to solutions without diagnosis01:02 - The three key problems: culture, allocation, and revenue01:30 - Why a discipleship approach is essential for generosity02:25 - Jesus’ emphasis on money as a spiritual indicator03:35 - Shifting from a budget talk to a formation conversation04:26 - Building a strong, consistent culture of generosity04:56 - How to evaluate and realign church expenses with mission06:45 - When to consider bivocational models for sustainability07:13 - The power of marketplace engagement and partnership asking08:36 - The story of Nehemiah as a model for strategic planning09:27 - Running clear, vision-driven campaigns that inspire giving10:47 - How to craft a compelling vision that fuels generosity11:17 - Developing leaders to foster long-term growth and giving12:34 - The importance of investing in high-capacity people13:31 - Summarizing the path: diagnose, build culture, realign resources, and ask boldly14:28 - Final encouragement and call to action Resources & Links: CP on Facebook ChurchPlanting.com Connect with Jeff Hoglen: JeffHoglen.com

Church Planting 2.0

Why Ministry Experience Is More Valuable Than Ever in the AI Age

5 Systems That Predict Whether Your Church Plant Survives

Is Your Church's System Actually a System?

How to Keep Momentum After Launch Sunday!

From Invisible to Unavoidable How Your Church Can Truly Reach Its Community

Should You Plant, Revitalize, or Adopt a Church?

What to Do When Core Leaders Get Tired

Why Your Church Is Broke.... It's Probably Not What You Think

About

Information

Church Planting 2.0

Episodes

Why Ministry Experience Is More Valuable Than Ever in the AI Age

5 Systems That Predict Whether Your Church Plant Survives

Is Your Church's System Actually a System?

How to Keep Momentum After Launch Sunday!

From Invisible to Unavoidable How Your Church Can Truly Reach Its Community

Should You Plant, Revitalize, or Adopt a Church?

What to Do When Core Leaders Get Tired

Why Your Church Is Broke.... It's Probably Not What You Think

About

Information