Church Planting 2.0

ChurchPlanting.com
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Church Planting 2.0 is the podcast for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders who want practical strategies that actually work. Hosted by Jeff Hoglen of ChurchPlanting.com, this podcast delivers real-world insights on church planting, leadership, discipleship, outreach, preaching, church systems, volunteer culture, and ministry growth. No hype. No fluff. Just practical tools, honest conversations, and proven strategies to help you build healthy churches and develop strong leaders. Practical insights. Proven strategies. Real church stories.

  1. What to Do When Core Leaders Get Tired

    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.

    9 min

  2. 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

    12 min

  3. Jun 1

    Exposed: The Real Reason Churches Fail at Making Disciples

    Are you ready to move from attendance to discipleship? Tune in, take action, and start leading your church toward a true, life-changing mission today.In this episode, Jeff Hoglen dives deep into the disconnect many churches face: you experience good attendance but low discipleship. He emphasizes that while churches excel at gathering people, they often fall short in forming believers into true followers of Jesus. The core question: how do we move from audiences to fully discipled disciples?Key Topics Covered: The difference between attendance and discipleship systemsWhy a clear next step is essential for spiritual growthThe importance of relationships in transformational discipleshipDiscipleship as the church’s mission, not just a programPractical steps for pastors and leaders to invite deeper commitmentThe Great CommissionActs 2:42-47Craig Groeschel on DiscipleshipBarnagroup ResearchTwitterLinkedInTimestamps:00:00 - Why attendance isn’t equivalent to discipleship00:31 - The gap between gathering and spiritual transformation00:58 - Jesus' Great Commission: from filling seats to making disciples01:28 - The reality of systems built for attendance, not transformation01:57 - The lack of a pathway from first visit to deep discipleship02:26 - Data: Only one in five church-going adults have a biblical worldview02:55 - The difference between a discipleship program and process03:22 - Why activity isn’t the same as spiritual formation03:51 - The necessity of a clear, specific next step04:21 - The impact of timely follow-up on spiritual decisions04:50 - How low barriers increase engagement05:19 - What a practical next step looks like in a church context05:49 - The relational environment as the primary setting for discipleship06:24 - Jesus’ model of relational discipleship06:51 - Building relational infrastructure: authentic groups and accountability07:21 - Acts 2 church: an example of relational discipleship in practice08:14 - Moving from "discipleship light" to real life-on-life accountability08:43 - Discipleship has to be the church’s mission, not just a ministry09:32 - The sequence: church growth follows faithful disciplemaking09:57 - Measuring success by transformation, not attendance10:27 - Financial priorities: discipleship formation vs. Sunday production10:57 - Discipleship is an active ongoing process, not a one-time decision11:25 - The power of personalized invitations to go deeper11:56 - Identifying and calling up faithful, hungry members12:25 - The model of personal invitation: the true core of discipleship13:43 - From gathering to aligning around a spiritual mission14:06 - Creating clear, relational pathways from curiosity to commitment14:32 - Discipleship is costly—time, ego, intentionality15:01 - Practical challenge: Pray and reach out to three people this week15:30 - The foundation: starting small, personal, and immediate16:01 - Closing encouragement: become intentional in disciplemaking Connect with Jeff Hoglen: • ChurchPlanting.com• JeffHoglen.com

    13 min
  4. When Church Attendance Drops...

    May 25

    When Church Attendance Drops...

    5 Things to Do When Church Attendance Drops In this episode of Church Plan 2.0, Jeff Hoglen addresses a common challenge for church leaders: what to do when attendance drops. He shares five practical, grounded strategies to navigate this often emotional situation with wisdom and purpose. Key Topics: The emotional impact of attendance drops and the importance of leadership stabilityWhy not to overreact by making drastic changes immediatelyAsking better questions to understand the underlying issuesPersonal shepherding and relationship-building with missing attendeesRefocusing outreach efforts and cultivating an invitation cultureReturning to core fundamentals to rebuild strength and momentumThe importance of patience, persistence, and faithfulness in ministryRich Birch, Unseminary Podcast Timestamps:00:00 - Understanding the emotional effects of attendance drops on church leaders00:29 - The importance of not panicking and making rash changes00:54 - How to assess if attendance dips are part of a trend or just a moment01:22 - The significance of cultural context in attendance patterns01:51 - Asking better questions: Are guests returning? Are relationships forming?02:17 - Handling large attendance events and subsequent dips responsibly02:44 - The risk of reacting emotionally to attendance patterns03:13 - Building stability through cultural awareness and patience03:43 - The importance of leadership consistency amid fluctuations04:11 - Recognizing and addressing seasonal and external influences04:41 - How weather, holidays, and life stages affect attendance05:10 - Identifying patterns and avoiding unnecessary fear05:39 - Asking deeper questions about connection and engagement06:10 - Monitoring relational health in the church06:39 - The value of clear vision and momentum maintenance07:09 - Leadership’s role in asking tough questions and staying focused07:35 - Recognizing signs of loss of momentum and routine drift08:07 - Keeping vision and mission at the forefront of church life08:34 - Reaching out personally to absent members09:03 - The power of relational follow-up over criticism09:33 - Recognizing silent struggles of church members10:02 - When departures are not due to offense but circumstances10:33 - Building a culture of outreach and invitation11:02 - Practical ways to promote evangelism and invitation culture11:41 - Avoiding insularity by focusing on outsiders and community outreach12:10 - Recommended resources for fostering invite culture (Rich Birch, Unseminary)12:37 - Consistent follow-up and creating welcoming environments13:07 - Simple, intentional outreach strategies with social media and events13:45 - Ensuring greeters and environments encourage open access for newcomers14:13 - The church’s core mission to reach the unreached, not just entertain14:42 - Returning to the basics: preaching clearly, praying passionately, and discipling intentionally15:12 - Going back to fundamentals like leadership development and follow-up15:41 - The importance of authenticity and truth in today’s church climate16:05 - Faithfulness in ministry and trusting God’s timing16:34 - The danger of chasing superficial trends at the expense of the core17:02 - Encouragement from Galatians 6:9 about perseverance and patience17:31 - Ministry seasons: planting, watering, and trusting God for growth17:59 - The call to lead prayerfully and consistently, not emotionally18:28 - Final encouragement: healthy growth is a long-term process rooted in faithfulness Resources & Links: • ChurchPlanting.com • Jeff Hoglen Facebook • ChurchPlanting.com on Facebook • JeffHoglen.com

    16 min

  5. May 21

    The 5 Most Powerful Ways to Lead

    The 5 Most Powerful Ways to LeadIn this episode, Jeff Hoglen emphasizes the importance of revisiting the fundamentals of leadership. Instead of chasing new trends, he advocates for strengthening core qualities that have stood the test of time—leading with heart, clarity, timing, activity, and love. Key Topics: ·      The significance of evaluating how you lead, notjust what or where ·      The importance of foundational leadershipqualities over flashy tactics ·      Five basic yet powerful ways to lead: Godly,simple, timely, active, and loving ·      How strong fundamentals prevent leaders fromplateauing or burning out ·      Practical questions to assess your leadershipeffectiveness ·      The role of love and relational connection inlong-term influence Timestamps: 00:00 - The importance of working on how we lead, not just what or where00:32 - Foundations matter: why leaders fail when their basics crack01:03 - Introduction to five foundational ways to lead01:20 - Inspiration from Artie Davis on checking the basics01:49 - The significance of having solid basics in leadership02:19 - Lead Godly: empowering others with humility and service (Matthew 23)02:48 - The importance of heart-driven leadership focused on service03:14 - Making decisions with others' growth in mind rather than self-promotion03:35 - Leadership as a posture of the heart, not just behavior04:03 - The need to continually check and correct our motives04:22 - Lead Simply: clarity over complexity in communication and initiatives04:52 - Overcoming overcomplication and focusing on what truly matters05:29 - Leaders like Craig Rochelle and Andy Stanley on simplicity and focus06:08 - Assessing what part of your leadership needs simplification06:36 - Lead Timely: knowing when to act and when to wait07:05 - The balance of movement: moving at the right moment and seeking counsel08:04 - Lead Actively: the importance of presence and engagement08:42 - Leadership is not about delegation alone, but being actively involved09:08 - The power of showing up and leading in the trenches09:37 - The impact of personal presence on team motivation and commitment10:24 - Encourage active engagement to foster sacrifice and follow-through10:33 - Lead Lovingly: love as the ultimate leadership foundation (1 Corinthians 13)11:03 - Genuine love as the key to healthy, effective leadership11:34 - Love in leadership is sacrificial, honest, and consistent12:03 - The correlation between loving the people you lead and long-term success12:44 - A quote highlighting love as the greatest indicator of leadership effectiveness13:13 - Reflective questions on how well you lead in each of the five areas13:30 - Picking one area for improvement and focusing on it for a week14:20 - The importance of mastering the basics: lead godly, simply, timely, actively, and lovingly15:25 - Encouragement to lead well and use your unique gifting to impact the world   Resources & Links: • Artie Davis / Cornerstone Church • Craig Groeschel - Focused Church Leadership • Andy Stanley - Clarity in Leadership Connect with Jeff Hoglen: • ChurchPlanting.com• Jeff Hoglen Facebook• ChurchPlanting.com on Facebook• JeffHoglen.com

    12 min

  6. May 11

    12 Things Every Church Needs to Know in Year One

    12 Things Every Church Needs to Know in Year One Launching a new church is filled with challenges, nerves, and big dreams. In this episode, Jeff Hoglen shares practical, biblically grounded insights on what it takes to survive and thrive during the critical first year of church planting. Whether you're in the early stages or planning ahead, these tips will help you build a resilient foundation. Key topics: The importance of humility over proving yourself Why outreach is the lifeblood of new churches Understanding the slow but steady process of God's work Creating a spiritual culture of service and generosity The significance of vision from the very first day Prioritizing your city as the primary mission field Spirit-led worship as a catalyst for change Discipleship through caring for the poor Making outreach a core focus, not just a program The influence of leadership modeling on church culture Practical steps for identifying immediate growth areas The role of prayer and intentionality in leadership Timestamps: 00:00 - The realities of launching a church and the fears involved 01:00 - The #1 mistake: trying to prove yourself instead of staying humble 01:58 - Outreach as the lifeblood for building momentum 03:23 - Guard your time and avoid inward-focused ministry traps 04:25 - Trusting the slow but meaningful process of God's work 04:55 - Creating a culture of service and generosity 05:55 - The importance of prioritizing people over success 06:53 - Teaching on living generously to sustain the vision 08:00 - Dreaming big from day one: building for multiplication 08:52 - Your immediate city as the primary mission field 09:21 - Spirit-inspired worship as the environment for true change 10:46 - Discipleship includes caring for the poor 11:45 - Outreach must be the engine, not a side program 12:37 - The impact of your leadership exemplified in church culture 13:24 - Leaders set the tone through their actions and attitudes 14:27 - Focus on one area from the list—start today! Resources & Links:  Steve Sjogren – Servant Evangelism  Reach Out! : 77 Ways to Ignite Your Church's Mission Connect with Jeff Hoglen: ChurchPlanting.com Jeff Hoglen Facebook ChurchPlanting.com on Facebook JeffHoglen.com Remember, implementing these lessons one step at a time makes the journey manageable and sustainable. Focus on the one area God is highlighting for your church now and trust Him to grow it from there.

    13 min

  7. May 4

    Why Guests Visit Once and Never Return

    Most churches are losing first-time guests before they even hear the sermon — because everything happening before that, like parking or a smile, makes or breaks their entire experience. If you think worship or great preaching is enough to keep newcomers coming back, think again. The real secret is what happens before they even take their seat, and surprisingly, it’s all about first impressions and genuine connection. In this eye-opening episode, Jeff Hoglen dives into the often-overlooked moments that send guests out the door for good. You’ll discover why the parking lot can kill your church growth and learn simple, practical adjustments—like walking your campus with fresh eyes—that could make all the difference. Jeff unpacks research from Tom Rainer and shares how the first 10 minutes shape a guest’s entire experience, even before the service begins. You'll also hear how small acts of kindness, intentional signage, and authentic hospitality can turn visitors into members. We break down the critical timing for follow-up—why reaching out within 24 to 48 hours skyrockets the chance of a recurring visitor—and how a handwritten note or genuine call beats automated follow-ups every time. Plus, Jeff highlights the core need of modern seekers: belonging. They want to feel like they have a place at the table before they even believe or understand the theology. This episode is perfect for pastors, leaders, and volunteers committed to transforming their welcome culture and building a church that truly feels like family from the very first visit. If you’re ready to stop losing guests and start creating a community that invites people to stay, this conversation is your game changer. Your guest’s experience begins long before they hear the first song. Make every moment count — because when you focus on belonging, people don’t just attend. They return. Main topics covered: The critical importance of first impressions before the sermon starts How parking, signage, and simple navigation affect guest retention The tension between guest anonymity and meaningful connection The vital role of follow-up within the first 48 hours Why belonging, not just belief, keeps visitors coming back Practical steps to improve guest experience and build community Timestamps: 00:00 - The frustration of first-time guests not returning 00:40 - The first impression begins in the parking lot 01:50 - How signage and campus navigation influence guest retention 02:42 - Guests decide whether to come back within 10 minutes of arrival 03:11 - Why the parking lot experience is crucial to guest impressions 04:07 - The importance of a welcoming environment from the start 05:00 - How interactions and treatment of guests impact their decision 06:00 - The tension between guest anonymity and connection 07:12 - The value of genuine, low-pressure interactions 08:42 - Creating spaces for authentic relationships without forcing them 09:40 - Critical post-visit follow-up within 24-48 hours 10:19 - Personal follow-up methods that impact return rates 11:44 - Belonging versus belief — what truly keeps people coming back 12:14 - The importance of community over just attending events 13:12 - Practical ways to foster relationships and build community 14:12 - Focus on one area to significantly improve guest retention 14:40 - Every visitor counts — be intentional and ready for new guests Resources & Links: Tom Rainer on church guest retention Barner Group research on Belonging and engagement Books by Jeff Hoglen Churchplanting.com Connect with Jeff Hoglen: ChurchPlanting.com on FaceBook Twitter LinkedIn

    12 min

  8. Apr 27

    How to Build a Healthy Church Culture

    How to Build a Healthy Church Culture Most churches overlook the one factor that determines whether they thrive or decline — their culture. In this episode, Jeff Hoglen reveals how rapid growth is often sabotaged by unnoticed cultural cracks and shares strategies to build a life-giving church environment. Discover why the culture you allow is the culture you create, even if it’s unintentional. Jeff breaks down the vital differences between stated values and actual behaviors—showing how leadership modeling, conflict resolution, and celebrating wins shape your community from the inside out. You'll learn how dishonest conflict, gossip, or neglecting small moments can silently devastate your church’s unity and trust. You’ll uncover: The realities every church leader must confront to build a healthy culture How modeling authentic behavior sets the tone more than formal policies Why conflict handled poorly is often the biggest threat to community health—and how to resolve it biblically and effectively The importance of celebrating what matters to foster growth A simple “culture audit” to identify blind spots This episode is for pastors, church leaders, and volunteers committed to transformation. Ignoring culture risks stagnation but shaping it positions your church for sustainable growth and lasting impact. Key topics Why culture trumps vision and strategy in church growth The distinction between stated and actual church values How leadership models behaviors that shape culture Handling conflict constructively using Matthew 18 principles The impact of gossip and how to prevent it Celebrating wins to reinforce desired behaviors Conducting a culture audit to identify gaps between words and actions The role of organizational health in church effectiveness Timestamps: 00:00 - Why church culture is the most overlooked yet critical element 00:30 - The danger of losing people through backdoor exit despite appealing strategies 00:58 - Peter Drucker’s principle: "Culture eats strategy for breakfast" 01:27 - How unhealthy culture causes strategic plateau and decline 01:56 - Four realities every church leader must understand about culture 02:24 - The difference between stated values and lived values 02:51 - The importance of organizational health according to Patrick Lencioni 03:15 - What behaviors are truly valued in your church 03:42 - The importance of honesty and integrity at all levels of leadership 04:12 - The necessity of self-awareness in culture building 04:41 - Leaders model behaviors that followers emulate 05:10 - The impact of private modeling over mandated rules 05:39 - The significance of setting the tone through daily interactions 06:09 - The question: "What does my team observe in me?" 06:39 - How leadership modeling shapes the actual culture 07:07 - Handling conflict: avoiding or exploding, and its consequences 07:38 - The biblical framework for conflict resolution (Matthew 18) 08:08 - Strategies for healthy conflict engagement in the church 08:38 - The destructive nature of gossip and how to address it 09:24 - Zero-tolerance approach to gossip to protect the culture 09:54 - Redirecting and addressing gossip effectively 10:29 - The importance of focusing on positive reinforcement 11:00 - What you celebrate is what you will see repeated 11:30 - The impact of public celebration on culture formation 12:27 - Making celebration a core leadership discipline 12:57 - Practical tips: starting with wins, giving shout outs 13:25 - Building a deliberate, healthy church culture is a leadership choice 13:40 - Culture is shaped over time through intentional effort 14:08 - Conducting a culture audit: what would a first-time guest observe? 14:38 - Closing encouragement: seeing your culture clearly is the first step toward improvement Resources & Links The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Matthew 18 Bible Passage Books by Jeff Hoglen Churchplanting.com Connect with Jeff Hoglen: ChurchPlanting.com on Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

    13 min
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About

Church Planting 2.0 is the podcast for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders who want practical strategies that actually work. Hosted by Jeff Hoglen of ChurchPlanting.com, this podcast delivers real-world insights on church planting, leadership, discipleship, outreach, preaching, church systems, volunteer culture, and ministry growth. No hype. No fluff. Just practical tools, honest conversations, and proven strategies to help you build healthy churches and develop strong leaders. Practical insights. Proven strategies. Real church stories.

Information

  • Creator
    ChurchPlanting.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ChurchPlanting.com
  • Show Website
    Church Planting 2.0

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