The Church Residency Podcast

Family Church
Family Church
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Series

The Church Residency Podcast explores how local churches are training the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders through residency programs. Hosted by Mark Warnock, Residency Director at Family Church in South Florida, each episode features conversations with leaders from churches across the country who are building intentional pathways for leadership development. Learn how residency programs are designed, funded, and implemented, hear lessons learned from both successes and failures, and discover practical strategies for developing leaders through hands-on ministry experience. Whether you're leading an established residency, considering starting one, or simply passionate about raising up future leaders in the local church, this podcast will equip and encourage you to invest in leadership development within the life of the church.

  1. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer ·  Video

    Season 1 Trailer: Why Church Residencies Matter

    How can churches raise the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders? In this Season 1 trailer, host Mark Warnock introduces The Church Residency Podcast and shares the conviction behind the show: leadership development belongs in the local church. As more churches establish residency programs to train and send future leaders, this podcast explores the practical strategies, lessons learned, and real-world experiences of churches investing in the next generation. Throughout Season 1, you'll hear conversations with residency leaders from across the country about: How their residency programs got startedThe vision and philosophy driving their approachCurriculum and training structuresFunding models and church-seminary partnershipsSuccesses, failures, and lessons learnedPractical advice for churches considering a residency programWhether you're leading an established residency, exploring how to start one, or simply passionate about leadership development in the local church, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation. Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  2. Episode 1 ·  Video

    Ep. 1 - The Urgency of Leadership Development in the Local Church

    The Urgency of Leadership Development in the Local Church  Host Mark Warnock introduces the Church Residency Podcast with a discussion of the urgent need for new Christian leaders of all types: pastors, missionaries, church planters, and others.   Key topics:  The rising median age of pastors from 44 in the 1990s to 57 in 2020, and what it means for church leadership succession The demographic decline of younger generations in the church and its impact on future leadership pipelines The importance of churches owning the leadership development responsibility rather than relying solely on seminaries How residencies serve as an effective model for training future pastors, missionaries, and church planters The biblical foundation from Jesus and Paul for developing leaders within local churches Practical steps to start a church residency, even for small churches, including partnerships and resources from Send Network The value of community and shared learning among residency leaders to improve programs and avoid imposter syndrome   Timestamps:   00:00 - Welcome and overview: why leadership development is urgent for the church   00:28 - The current crisis: median pastor age rising and implications for church continuity   01:25 - Statistical snapshot: age shifts and future leadership gaps   02:21 - The looming retirement of a generation of pastors and the church's need for new leaders   03:47 - Demographic and cultural factors reducing the pipeline of future pastors   04:44 - The challenge of seminary pipeline and church-based leadership cultivation   09:52 - The biblical model: Jesus and Paul’s methods of developing leaders during active ministry   10:20 - Practical example: churches of all sizes implementing residencies today   13:38 - How to start a residency: resources, workshops, and partnerships.  15:32 - Encouragement for churches outside SBC to create their own residencies   16:30 - The vision: every local church raising up leaders from within   17:29 - The importance of leadership training for the next generation’s church continuity   18:51 - The sharing of different approaches to residency programs and community building among leaders   20:42 - Calls to action: listen, share, and start or improve your church residency  Resources & Links:  Send Network Residency Builders Church Residency Starter Kit    Connect with Mark Warnock:  Email LinkedIn Facebook Instagram  Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  3. Episode 2 ·  Video

    Ep. 2 - Leadership Development Starts with a Clear Vision

    Leadership Development Starts with a Clear Vision   Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gus Hernandez Jr., executive pastor at Reality Church Miami, as he shares how his church is developing leaders and multiplying ministries within a vibrant, multi-ethnic context. From internships to church planting residencies, Gus reveals practical strategies for leadership development that fuels church growth.  In this episode:  Gus’s journey from the first believer in his family to church planter and leader developer How Reality Church Miami started and scaled within four years The church’s intentional leadership pipeline: summer internships, apprenticeships, and a church planting residency Curriculum insights: spiritual formation, gospel fluency, cultural diversity, and leadership skills The importance of proximity and relational investment in leadership development How leadership growth directly correlates with church growth and outreach Practical tips for starting and scaling residency programs in other churches Lessons learned about fostering humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence in future leaders Creative funding strategies and raising up leaders from within your congregation Future plans: church planting residency and supporting autonomous church launches   Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: Leadership development in a growing church context  02:26 - Gus’s background and call to ministry  04:30 - How Gus’s early discipleship shaped his leadership approach  07:14 - Developing leaders through internships and apprenticeships at Reality Church  09:51 - Curriculum overview: spiritual, theological, cultural, and leadership training  12:38 - Favorite books and resources for leadership growth  15:31 - Financial support: stipends, fundraising, and partnerships  17:24 - Attracting college students and outside recruits into residency programs  19:07 - The objective of cultivating future church planters and missionaries  22:05 - Key lessons in leadership development: beginning with the end in mind and relational proximity  23:04 - Navigating challenges in scaling relational leadership models  25:30 - The power of prayer and resourcefulness in church planting and leadership training  26:47 - Developing a church planning residency: process, vision, and future steps  29:39 - Advice for pastors starting leadership residencies: embrace imperfection and focus on multiplication  32:47 - Success stories: from summer interns to growing church leaders  35:53 - The link between leadership development and church growth  36:42 - Lessons from Gus’s leadership journey and the importance of intentionality  40:23 - Final thoughts: what leaders should know when launching residency programs  43:33 - Connecting with Gus: how to get involved or reach out  Resources & Links:  Greg Ogden's Transforming Discipleship Patrick Lencioni’s The Ideal Team Player   Connect with Gus Hernandez Jr.:  Gus’s LinkedIn Gus’s Email   Additional Notes:  Gus emphasizes the importance of starting small, building relationally, and staying flexible. His focus on internal leadership cultivation, resourcefulness, and real-world ministry experience provides a robust model for any church committed to multiplication.  Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  4. Episode 3 ·  Video

    Ep. 3 - How One Church Is Turning Ordinary People into Leaders

    Alex Davis of Lakes Church on how their leadership development program is shaping pastors, leaders, and volunteers — practical steps, the importance of intentionality, and lessons learned building a culture of growth. In this episode: –    The origins and purpose of the Lakes Church leadership residency –    Structuring a program that integrates into the life of the church –    Biblical character, personal growth, and discipleship in leadership training –    Planning and curriculum: customizing online platforms, building a culture of quality –    Application process, selection, and funding residents   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Alex Davis: https://golakeschurch.com/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  5. Episode 4 ·  Video

    Ep. 4 - The Art of Spotting Potential Leaders

    John Wills of Champion Forest Church in Houston on building and running a residency that prepares the next generation of ministry leaders — key strategies, hard-won lessons, and the joy of investing in future pastors. In this episode: –    The theological foundation and purpose of church residencies –    Structuring a residency that balances experience and education –    Recruiting and selecting candidates, including diversity considerations –    Calling, identity, and developmental stages in ministry formation –    Financial models: foundation grants and church contributions   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with John Wills: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wills-b3378a172/ https://championforest.org/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  6. Episode 5 ·  Video

    Ep. 5 - How a Church Plant in a Hard Place Became a Leadership Development Powerhouse

    How Redemption Church is building a leadership pipeline in one of the most unreached states in America — discipleship, theological depth, and adaptive training in a Mormon-influenced context. In this episode: –    The origins and growth of Redemption Church and its multi-site expansion –    Leadership School, residency, and specialized pathways –    Tailoring training to individual and contextual needs through relational coaching –    Why discipleship and leadership formation are inseparable –    Mentoring in a predominantly unreached environment   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Casey Swails: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-swails-74554a370/ https://redemptionutah.com/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  7. Episode 6 ·  Video

    Ep. 6 - You Need A Commitment to Develop Leaders More than a Dedicated Process

    Kevin Spratt on cultivating leadership at every level — from interns to church planters — with practical frameworks, biblical principles, and honest lessons from growth and transition. In this episode: –    Kevin's journey from camp director to church leadership developer –    Leadership development as advanced discipleship –    Practical models and curriculum approaches for church-based training –    Iterative, personalized strategies for residents and interns –    Setting high standards and allowing self-selection   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Kevin Spratt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdspratt/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  8. Episode 7 ·  Video

    Ep. 7 - The Power of Church–Seminary Partnerships

    Cory Barnes and Ross McKnight of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on how church–seminary collaboration strengthens residencies — the models that work, the obstacles, and the impact on local churches. In this episode: –    The benefits of church–seminary partnerships –    How residency programs enhance practical ministry training –    Different models, and how they scale –    Overcoming common obstacles in forming collaborations –    The evolving role of online education in seminary training   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Ross McKnight: https://www.nobts.edu/prepare-network Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  9. Episode 8 ·  Video

    Ep. 8 - How Family Church Built and Scaled Its Residency Program

    How Family Church scaled its residency to develop bivocational church leaders — the program's history, curriculum, growth strategy, and the emphasis on character, emotional intelligence, and relational leadership. In this episode: –    The origin story of the residency and its place in the multiplication vision –    Structure and curriculum: theological foundation, ministry skills, field experience –    Growth from a handful of students to more than 100 across multiple cohorts and languages –    The bivocational model and how it widens the pipeline –    How campus pastors identify and refer candidates   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  10. Episode 9 ·  Video

    Ep. 9 - Adapt Your Training to Fit Your Context

    Dr. Josh Hutchens on how Overland Church develops and multiplies leaders through Overland Academy and a strategic seminary partnership — equipping members for ministry and for planting new churches. In this episode: –    The origins and growth of Overland Church and its church planting strategy –    The structure and purpose of Overland Academy –    The church–seminary partnership for developing pastors and planters –    How leadership development ties into disciple-making and multiplication –    Financial models and church involvement in seminary education   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Dr. Josh Hutchens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuahutchens/ https://overlandchurch.com/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

  11. Episode 10 ·  Video

    Ep. 10 - The Joy of Developing Leaders at Storyline Church

    Colin Provart on how Storyline Church equips the next generation of pastors through a two-year residency built on theological depth, practical ministry, and leadership growth. In this episode: –    The origin and vision of Storyline Church and its leadership focus –    The structure of the two-year residency and its core components –    Integrating theological education, ministry experience, and leadership training –    Outward-focused leadership with a kingdom mindset –    Real stories of residents growing in gifting, character, and calling   Full show notes, timestamps, and every resource mentioned in this episode: https://gofamilychurch.org/residency-podcast Free — The Church Residency Starter Kit: https://mailchi.mp/b05f61683eff/church-residency-podcast Residency Builder Workshop · Jacksonville, FL · September 29–30, 2026: https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/ Connect with Colin Provart: https://www.storylinechurch.net/ Click here to access the FREE Church Residency Starter Kit. -- Sign up to attend the Residency Builder Event in Jacksonville, Florida September 29-30, 2026 https://www.sendnetwork.com/events/residency-builder-jacksonville-fl/

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About

The Church Residency Podcast explores how local churches are training the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders through residency programs. Hosted by Mark Warnock, Residency Director at Family Church in South Florida, each episode features conversations with leaders from churches across the country who are building intentional pathways for leadership development. Learn how residency programs are designed, funded, and implemented, hear lessons learned from both successes and failures, and discover practical strategies for developing leaders through hands-on ministry experience. Whether you're leading an established residency, considering starting one, or simply passionate about raising up future leaders in the local church, this podcast will equip and encourage you to invest in leadership development within the life of the church.

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