Intentional Churches Podcast

Doug Parks & Erin Johnston
  • 4.8 (17)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED DAILY

Church Leader, shift your focus from mere institutional insights to individual transformation. Be intentional. Join hosts Doug Parks (CEO and Co-Founder of Intentional Churches) and Erin Johnston (Co-Executive Pastor of Canyon Ridge Christian Church) as they share weekly thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways that will resource you to help your people encounter Jesus. Take the step toward authentic discipleship of your congregation so you can mobilize the ninety-nine to reach the one.

  1. APR 15

    Radical Alignment: One Solution, with Doug & Bart

    In this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug, Bart, and Erin unpack one of the most critical chapters in Radical Alignment—what alignment really means and why so many churches struggle to achieve it. From consensus-driven mediocrity to the hidden forces of individualized preferences and institutional thinking, this conversation gets to the root of why churches drift—and how to lead them back to clarity and momentum. You’ll hear real stories from church leaders, practical insights on identifying misalignment, and a powerful reminder that alignment doesn’t start with strategy—it starts with personal ownership of the Great Commission. If you’ve ever felt like your church is busy but not moving forward, this episode will help you diagnose the real issue and give you a path toward true alignment. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment Timestamps 00:00 – Why consensus decision-making leads to mediocrity 01:00 – What “alignment” actually means in the church 02:30 – Alignment = mutual ownership of the Great Commission 05:20 – The two forces driving misalignment in every church 08:30 – Real example: programs creeping back post-COVID 10:40 – Institutional thinking vs. mission-driven decisions 12:00 – The hidden danger of language drift on your team 14:00 – Why alignment must be constantly tended 16:30 – The myth of “arriving” at alignment 18:00 – Symptoms of misalignment leaders often ignore 19:30 – Unity vs. consensus: what the Bible actually teaches 21:00 – Why healthy tension is a sign of alignment 22:30 – Stop solving problems—start managing tensions 24:00 – Finding your “true north” as a leadership team 26:00 – Thinking vs. outcomes: what alignment really measures 27:00 – Personal alignment before church alignment 29:00 – Why Great Commission ownership must start with leaders 31:00 – Mind, heart, and action: the alignment framework 33:00 – Tools and assessments to measure real alignment 35:00 – Philippians reimagined through a mission lens 38:30 – Final advice: why alignment is worth the cost 40:00 – Daily practices to sustain alignment 42:00 – Invitation to Alignment Workshops

    43 min

  2. MAR 18

    Radical Alignment: Encouraging Discoveries, with Doug & Bart

    In this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, we shift from challenges to encouragement—and what we’re seeing right now across the Church is incredibly hopeful. While many narratives suggest decline, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Churches are growing. Young people are showing up. Leaders are leaning in. And something deeper is beginning to take shape. Doug, Bart, and Erin unpack some of the most encouraging discoveries emerging from churches that are aligning around the Great Commission—and what it means for your church, your leadership, and your future. You’ll hear real stories from churches across the country, insights from the first-ever Partner Church Summit, and practical ways leaders are rediscovering the life-giving power of personally owning the mission of Jesus. This conversation will challenge the narratives you’ve been hearing—and replace them with something far more powerful: hope rooted in action. If you’ve been wondering whether the Church’s best days are behind us… this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Is the Church really in decline? Challenging the narrative 01:15 – Introducing Radical Alignment and the Alignment Workshop 03:00 – Why church leaders need encouragement right now 04:00 – The Partner Church Summit: unity across diverse churches 06:00 – A spiritual awakening and what’s happening beneath the surface 08:30 – The danger of fear-based church narratives 10:00 – Why the future of the Church is brighter than you think 11:00 – The opportunity with the next generation of leaders 14:30 – What younger leaders are really looking for in older leaders 16:30 – The untapped power of multigenerational leadership 18:30 – The turning point: It starts with you 19:30 – Why owning the Great Commission is life-giving 21:00 – Real stories of churches seeing transformation and growth 24:30 – Practical ways to integrate mission into everyday life 26:30 – Staff vs. personal ownership: breaking the mindset barrier 27:30 – Simple practices: prayer calendars and relational rhythms 29:00 – Preparing to share your faith naturally and consistently 31:00 – Low-cost, high-impact ways to lead your team into alignment 33:00 – Final encouragement for church leaders Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    34 min

  3. MAR 4

    Radical Alignment: Challenging Discoveries, with Doug & Bart

    In this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Erin Johnston sits down with Doug Parks and Bart Rendel to talk about their newest book, Radical Alignment. After more than a decade of working with over a thousand churches, Doug and Bart share the surprising lessons they’ve learned about why alignment in the church is much harder than they expected—and why it matters more than ever. The conversation explores the hidden challenges many churches face: the pull of Christian consumerism, the difficulty of collaboration between churches, impulsive leadership decisions, and the growing disconnect between evangelism and discipleship. Doug and Bart also explain why Radical Alignment serves as a “prequel” to their earlier work—laying the biblical and missional foundation for what it truly means to be an intentional church. If you're a church leader trying to move your church from an inward focus to mission-focused disciple making, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Podcast01:57 – Why Write This Book Now?04:30 – The Journey of Learning from 1,000+ Churches07:05 – Why This Book Is the Best Starting Point for Leaders 08:26 – When Big Vision Meets Real Challenges 11:17 – Why Collaboration Between Churches Is So Difficult 13:10 – The Role of Theology, Mission, and Church Identity 14:11 – Leadership Impulsiveness and “Not Invented Here” Thinking 17:40 – The Dynamic Work of God in Reaching People 22:10 – The Challenge of Christian Consumerism 25:00 – Institutional Thinking vs Personal Mission 27:10 – Why Staff Culture Often Reinforces Consumerism 31:00 – Real Examples of Institutional Thinking in Churches 36:49 – The Dangerous Divide Between Evangelism and Discipleship 39:17 – Rediscovering the Biblical Model of Disciple Making 41:17 – Measuring Spiritual Depth the Right Way 43:11 – The Adventure of Owning the Great Commission Personally 45:00 – How Leaders Can Start Moving Toward Alignment Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    46 min

  4. FEB 11

    Radical Alignment: 1000 Churches (and Counting), with Doug & Bart

    On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Bart kick off Season 10 with a candid and energizing conversation about what’s happening beneath the surface at Intentional Churches. Yes, there’s a little “Storytime with Bart” (including airline boarding chaos and a mysterious food allergy, but the heart of this episode is much deeper. Doug and Bart unpack why Radical Alignment and personal ownership of the Great Commission is proving to be one of the most transformative discoveries of their entire ministry journeys. This isn’t about adding another program.It’s about rediscovering the fundamental mission of the Church. If you’re a church leader who feels tired, stretched thin, or stuck maintaining complexity, this episode may reawaken something in you. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – A surprising confession: parenting differently because of Radical Alignment 01:10 – Welcome to Season 10 of the Intentional Churches Podcast 01:26 – Why 2026 feels like a turning point for Intentional Churches 02:00 – Storytime with Bart: Southwest airline boarding chaos 06:46 – Entitlement, culture, and what airlines reveal about society 09:13 – Bart’s unexpected (and serious) allergy scare 12:13 – Transition: Why Radical Alignment is reshaping everything 13:16 – Bart reflects on 20 years of ministry models and what’s changed 16:30 – The discovery: There isn’t one model — there are biblical fundamentals 17:12 – How personal ownership of the Great Commission transforms everything 19:06 – Why many discipleship pathways miss heart transformation 23:28 – Macro strategies vs. micro relational mission 26:24 – Evangelism: From transactional to transformational 30:47 – Why this moment feels urgent in a rapidly changing culture 32:35 – Introducing the Radical Alignment Assessment 34:00 – How simple meeting changes are unlocking momentum 37:58 – A powerful story of conviction and mercy in action 40:22 – 18 churches fly in for 24 hours — what that signals 41:30 – “This is beyond us now.” A movement forming 43:27 – Encouragement for tired church leaders 44:40 – Season 10 preview and what’s coming next Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    45 min

  5. JAN 21

    From Silos to Alignment, with Sean Kelly

    On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Erin sit down with Sean Kelly, Lead Pastor of Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana, for a candid conversation about succession, silos, and what it really takes to bring alignment back to a growing church. Sean shares his journey in Ohio to stepping into a historic, multi-generational church, navigating a leadership transition. Together, they unpack why churches drift into siloed ministry, how misalignment slowly creeps in, and what practical leaders can do to realign their staff, systems, and preaching around the Great Commission. From staff trust-building tools like the “Four Helpfuls,” to cross-functional VIP teams, to using preaching as a catalyst for radical alignment, this episode is full of actionable insight for senior pastors, executive pastors, and church leadership teams who want to move from good activity to unified mission. If you’re leading through transition, or sensing your church has energy but lacks clarity, this conversation will help you diagnose misalignment and take your next faithful step forward. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 – “If we were fired tomorrow…”: why change feels harder than it is 00:22 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast 00:35 – Erin returns after a major generosity initiative 01:29 – Meet Sean Kelly: background, family, and pastoral journey 02:43 – Ministry context: Youngstown, Ohio and multi-campus leadership 04:28 – Why Sean said yes to Mount Pleasant Christian Church 06:18 – Leading through succession: what went right (and why it mattered) 09:47 – Context matters: understanding Greenwood & the Indianapolis area 11:43 – The Restoration Movement and Christian Church distinctives 13:11 – First impressions: culture, DNA, and early warning signs 16:47 – Why silos form—and how leaders unknowingly reinforce them 18:02 – The “Four Helpfuls” tool: right, wrong, missing, confused 21:49 – From good to great: aligning people, roles, and accountability 24:07 – What is a VIP (Very Important Project)? 26:45 – Building alignment through cross-functional teams 29:01 – Low-hanging fruit and momentum-building wins 30:08 – Using preaching to drive Radical Alignment (Erin’s approach) 34:23 – Sean’s preaching framework: mission-anchored sermons 37:21 – Aligning ministry programs with the pulpit 39:02 – Discernment rhythms and organizational focus 42:34 – Final encouragement + Radical Alignment book mention Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    44 min

  6. JAN 7

    AI, Spirituality, and the Future of the Church, with Drew Dickens

    On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug sits down with longtime broadcaster, ministry leader, and AI researcher Drew Dickens for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on AI, spirituality, and the future of the Church. With more than 30 years of vocational ministry experience—and a front-row seat to the rise of artificial intelligence—Drew helps church leaders move beyond fear and hype to thoughtfully engage how AI is already shaping the pulpit, the pew, and spiritual formation. Together, Doug and Drew explore: Why AI is morally neutral—and how the Church must lead with discernment instead of fearHow AI is quietly becoming a spiritual authority in people’s livesThe threat AI poses to embodiment, community, and relational discipleshipWhat pastors need to understand about how congregants are already using AI for therapy, prayer, and guidanceHow church leaders can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement for Spirit-led formationPractical ways AI can support relational evangelism without replacing human connectionDrew also shares a powerful personal story that illustrates both the real comfort and the real dangers of AI—and why everything must ultimately be brought back into Spirit-filled community. If you’re a senior pastor, ministry leader, or church staff member wondering how to lead faithfully in a rapidly changing digital landscape, this conversation will help you think clearly, lead courageously, and shepherd wisely in the age of AI. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 – A late-night conversation with AI that changed everything 01:00 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast 01:26 – Meet Drew Dickens: broadcaster, ministry leader, and early AI adopter 03:10 – Drew’s journey from national radio to evangelism and contemplative prayer apps 05:19 – Reaching hundreds of thousands daily through Scripture and meditation 06:33 – Why AI is everywhere—and why most people don’t even realize it 07:14 – Is AI “of the devil”? A biblical framework for discernment 08:38 – What history teaches us about technology and temptation 10:30 – Why pastors can’t ignore how AI is shaping everyday spirituality 11:14 – How congregants are already using AI in their spiritual lives 13:37 – The three biggest threats AI poses to the Church 14:55 – Threat #1: AI and the erosion of spiritual authority 16:47 – Threat #2: Disembodiment and the loss of real community 18:06 – Threat #3: Algorithm-driven spiritual formation 19:47 – How pastors should educate and lead their congregations around AI 21:55 – Why transparency from the pulpit matters more than fear 24:39 – Embodiment, discipleship, and why relationships still matter most 26:17 – AI as therapist: what church leaders need to understand now 28:03 – A deeply personal story: grief, AI, and prayer at 1 a.m. 30:31 – Bringing AI experiences into Spirit-filled community 33:22 – Evangelism, awe, and what AI can never replace 35:30 – Why relational evangelism transforms the believer 38:07 – Using AI to practice gospel conversations wisely 39:58 – A powerful evangelism tool pastors should pay attention to 42:34 – AI debating theology: creativity without replacing the Spirit 44:12 – Revival, Gen Z, and the Church’s moment of responsibility 47:13 – AI as a tool for exploration—not authority 48:10 – Where to learn more from Drew Dickens 50:09 – Final encouragement for church leaders navigating AI faithfully Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    51 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Leading Alignment in a Fast-Growing Church, with Chris Steele

    On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug talks with Chris Steele about the incredible transformation happening at North Terrace Church in Zanesville, Ohio. Chris shares the honest story of how their team realized they were making church attenders instead of disciples, and how that single insight pushed them to rebuild unity, clarify their mission, and align everything around the Great Commission. You’ll hear how that alignment sparked a movement of everyday people leading their friends to Jesus, resulting in 34 baptisms in 2023, 125 in 2024, and already 138 baptisms this year. Chris explains how prayer, simple tools, and personal ownership of “the one” have reshaped their entire culture. If you’re a church leader looking to rebuild momentum, re-ignite evangelism, or move your people toward mission, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical next steps. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 Welcome + Why This Story Matters01:25 Chris Steele’s Ministry Background03:02 Early Faith Influences05:01 Ministry Journey & Leadership Wounds07:19 Zanesville Culture & Ministry Context11:17 Opportunities and Challenges in Appalachia13:35 Rebuilding Generosity and Discipleship18:15 Early Culture Shifts at North Terrace23:10 COVID Collapse & Losing Half the Church24:07 Realizing They Weren’t Making Disciples26:44 Building a New Discipleship Pathway28:55 A Turning Point: Staff & Elder Unity30:42 Discovering IC’s Tools and Language31:46 The “One More” Mission34:11 The Baptism Explosion36:26 Everyday People Leading Their One37:37 Young Families Searching for Purpose41:36 Preparing for Future Growth43:36 How to Join the IC Learning Community Links Website: intentionalchurches.comThe Radical Alignment BookBlog: intentionalchurches.com/blogYouTube: @IntentionalChurchesFacebook: Intentional ChurchesInstagram: @IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: @IntentChurches

    45 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    The Heart Behind Radical Alignment, with Bart Rendel

    On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Bart unpack the heart behind Radical Alignment: The Surprising Journey of Becoming an Intentional Church—the brand-new book that takes church leaders inside the “why” behind the IC toolbox. Together, they share the behind-the-scenes story of how the book came to life—from early church interviews and the conference book challenge to the powerful stories that emerged along the way. You’ll hear about ice-bath baptisms in Florida, a thousand-person Tennessee church mobilizing 597 members to reach their “One,” and the connection between personal Great Commission ownership and lasting church alignment. Doug and Bart also explore how urgency, clarity, and obedience are reshaping churches across the IC network, why Radical Alignment serves as a prequel to the original Intentional Church book, and how every leader can reframe their calling through the lens of the Great Commission. If you’ve ever wondered how to make evangelism personal again—or how to help your church rediscover its core mission—this conversation will encourage, challenge, and reorient you to what matters most. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:intentionalchurches.com 00:00 The Gathering Church and a 70-Year-Old’s Ice Bath Baptism 02:04 Doug and Bart Catch Up on Life, Travel, and Nicknames 05:12 Florida Church Plant Stories: Courage and Obedience 09:51 When Baptism Becomes a Movement 13:06 Planting, Watering, and Trusting God for the Growth 15:23 Inside the “One Life” Project and Culture Change in Churches 18:50 Writing Radical Alignment: The Story Behind the Book 20:53 The “Why” Behind the IC Toolbox 23:08 How IC’s Learning Community Shaped the Book 26:07 Why Radical Alignment Is a Team Study, Not a Solo Read 27:30 The 25 Foundational Beliefs and IC’s Secret Sauce 29:27 Church Stories that Prove Great Commission Alignment Works 31:21 The Hope for Church Leaders Who Read Radical Alignment 34:17 Doug’s Challenge: “Relational Evangelism Is the Football” 35:26 From the Road: Nashville’s Airport Gridlock Story 38:33 Travel Chaos, Grace, and Gratitude 39:30 Closing Thoughts and Book Details Website: intentionalchurches.comGet The Book: Radical AlignmentBlog: intentionalchurches.com/blogYouTube: @IntentionalChurchesFacebook: Intentional ChurchesLinkedIn: Intentional Churches LinkedInInstagram: @IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: @IntentChurches Join the conversation and tell us how you’re leading your church toward Great Commission alignment.

    40 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Church Leader, shift your focus from mere institutional insights to individual transformation. Be intentional. Join hosts Doug Parks (CEO and Co-Founder of Intentional Churches) and Erin Johnston (Co-Executive Pastor of Canyon Ridge Christian Church) as they share weekly thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways that will resource you to help your people encounter Jesus. Take the step toward authentic discipleship of your congregation so you can mobilize the ninety-nine to reach the one.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Parks & Erin Johnston
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Intentional Churches

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