Exponential NEXT Podcast

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 103 Series: From Soil to Forest: The Practice of Networked Ministry Description: In this episode, Patrick O’Connell and Rodrigo Cano explore the transition from isolated to collaborative ministry through the power of networks. Rodrigo shares his extensive experience managing microchurches and leading the Chicagoland Collective, highlighting how shared Kingdom vision can address spiritual needs on a massive scale. Host: Patrick O’Connell, Networks NEXT, Director Guest: Rodrigo Cano – Chicagoland Collective, Director Links Shared in Episode: Chicagoland Collective Website Category: Networks NEXT  

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 81 Series: A Called Generation Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode welcomes Austin Rockwell, founder of Kamp Love and leader with Nissi Young Adults. Austin is a passionate disciple-maker whose journey has shaped thriving ministries for college students and young adults across the country. Every calling comes with a cost but the transformation is worth it. Carrie and Austin dive into the often-unspoken realities behind growth, leadership, and living out your purpose. Austin shares deeply from his own story; navigating grief and purpose after the tragic loss of his best friend, using that pain as fuel to launch Kamp Love, and persevering through seasons of doubt, exhaustion, and sacrifice. His journey paints a raw and hopeful picture of what it really means to step into God’s call, day after day. In this episode, you’ll discover: How setbacks, loss, and struggle can become the very foundation for your greatest impact What it looks like to keep serving when the path is unclear and ministry feels costly The spiritual and emotional price of becoming who you’re meant to be—and how God meets you in the “messy middle” Stories from Kamp Love’s growth and Nissi Young Adults—reminders that the deepest transformation often comes outside your comfort zone Practical encouragement for leading, loving, and pressing forward, even when the journey feels uphill Austin’s perspective is honest and hope-filled, shaped by hundreds of camping trips, thousands of lives impacted, and countless lessons learned on the front lines of ministry. Whether you’re a leader, volunteer, or simply hungry to grow, this episode will invite you to count the true cost and embrace the beautiful, hard, and redemptive work of becoming. You are not alone. Every part of your story, no matter the cost, is preparing you for a purpose greater than you imagine. — Host: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Guest: Austin Rockwell, Founder, Kamp Love Category: Generation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: kamplove.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 78 Series: A Called Generation Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode welcomes Will Garinger, the visionary founder of Run With Christ (RWC), a movement that’s united thousands of runners in faith and fitness across North America and beyond. Passion is more than a feeling. It’s a compass pointing you toward your calling. In this inspiring conversation, Carrie and Will explore how God can take a simple passion, even one you once disliked, like running, and turn it into a powerful platform for purpose and community. Will shares his journey from being a reluctant runner to launching a global ministry that now gathers hundreds every Saturday for worship, prayer, and 5K runs, all while creating space for people to encounter Jesus and each other. You’ll hear: How to recognize when your passion is God’s invitation: Will’s story of starting RWC at just 19, with no formal plan or team, and watching it explode into a movement that’s changing lives in over 30 cities and multiple countries. The unexpected ways God shapes your calling: Will’s realization that his past experiences, even the ones that felt isolating, were preparing him to build a community where everyone feels known, seen, and loved. The power of showing up: Practical insights on taking bold steps, even when you feel unqualified or overwhelmed, and how God multiplies small acts of obedience into something far greater than you imagined. Living a life that glorifies God through your passions: Why Run With Christ is only 20% about running and 80% about ministry, outreach, and creating a space where faith and fitness collide. Whether you’re searching for your passion, wrestling with doubt, or ready to take the next step, this episode will challenge you to listen to the voice of your calling and trust that God can use your unique story, interests, and even your hesitations to make a lasting impact. — Host: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Guest: Will Garinger, Founder, Run With Christ Category: Generation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: @runwchrist on Instagram Website coming soon: runwchrist.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 72 Series: Church Expressions NEXT Forget the building, forget the budget – what if all you needed was your neighbors? Join Brian Johnson and Rob Wegner, leaders of the Kansas City Underground, as they share their powerful journey into microchurch planting. The Kansas City Underground equips people to live as missionaries in their own networks through rhythms of prayer, listening, eating, serving, and storytelling. Microchurches—defined as extended spiritual families—emerge from these relational networks, led by unpaid leaders who embrace the mission of Jesus in everyday life. Discover how to empower everyday believers to lead, foster authentic community, and live out the mission of Jesus in their own circles. This episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to see ministry opportunities all around you. — Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guests: Rob Wegner, Co-Founder and Director, KC Underground Brian Johnson, Co-Founder and Director, KC Underground Category: Church Expressions NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: KC Underground KC Underground YouTube Channel StarfishyoU Substack Extraordinary Prayer – Exponential eBook Deeply Rooted – Exponential eBook

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 64 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church To fully represent the Imago Dei it requires both men and women stepping into their calling and using thier gifts. Join us as we have a candid conversation with two amazing leaders doing just that! — Hosts: Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director Guests: Efrem Smith, Midtown Church, Co-Lead Senior Pastor Susie Gamez, Midtown Church, Co-Lead Senior Pastor Category: Women NEXT — Resource mentioned in this episode: Exponential Women NEXT Midtown Church

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 59 Series: Digital Discipleship From a landlocked church in rural Indiana, Tyler Sansom has led First Capital Church and Church Anywhere to plant campuses around the world—despite limited resources, but with incredible impact. In this conversation, we explore how digital tools like Church Anywhere’s web platform are bringing the Gospel to the nations. Tyler’s story is a powerful reminder that when we trust God and step out in faith, the possibilities are limitless—and the best part? Anyone can do it. — Host: Mark Lutz, Digital Church NEXT, Director Guest: Tyler Sansom, First Capital Christian Church, Lead Pastor Category: Digital Church NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: Exponential YouTube Channel

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 53 Series: Multiethnic Church Planting For this episode, join our conversation with missiologist Daniel Yang as he shares how the world is coming to us through immigration. We also talk about the tremendous need and value of planting immigrant churches, as well as ethnic specific churches, to reach all the nations. — Hosts: Len Tang – Multiethnic Church Planting NEXT, Director Corey Lee – Fuller Church Planting Initiative, Director of Content and Partnerships Guest: Daniel Yang – World Relief, National Director of Churches of Welcome Category: Multiethnic Church Planting NEXT — Resource mentioned in this episode: Daniel Yang’s Seminary Now course, Church Planting for the Future