Movements in America Substack Audio

I hate how the word networking makes me feel. It feels like something I want to avoid, but it’s actually the highest value activity that I can do to accomplish my strategic plan in 2026. In this episode, I share lessons I’ve learned about networking to find movement catalysts, and how it’s more about making friends than networking anyway.To see my overall strategic plan for 2026, see the post HERE* Want to learn more about Movements in America? —> Get The Book* Sign up to pray for my ministry! —> Pray* Donate to support my work —> Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

The easiest places to start movements often come with a hidden cost. In this episode, I explain why disciples struggle after leaving prisons, schools, and the military, and how grounding people in Scripture, not methods, helps them endure and adapt.* Want to learn more about Movements in America? —> Get The Book* Sign up to pray for my ministry! —> Pray* Donate to support my work —> Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Church Planting and Disciple Making Movements are a hot topic in the missions world today, but a lot of people have doubted that movements could happen in the West. They often say, “Why isn’t it happening here?”My substack was created to say “they are happening here” and this podcast is a prime example. It’s Part 2 of a case study of the first modern church planting movement in the west.Find Part 1 HERE* Want to learn more about Movements in America? —> Get The Book* Sign up to pray for my ministry! —> Pray* Donate to support my work —> Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Church Planting and Disciple Making Movements are a hot topic in the missions world today, but a lot of people have doubted that movements could happen in the West. They often say, “Why isn’t it happening here?”My substack was created to say “they are happening here” and this podcast is a prime example. It’s Part 1 of a case study of the first modern church planting movement in the west.* Want to learn more about Movements in America? —> Get The Book* Sign up to pray for my ministry! —> Pray* Donate to support my work —> Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

What does movement strategy actually look like on the ground? In this episode, I share my concrete plans, goals, and challenges for multiplying church networks in Raleigh-Durham. And I invite your feedback!Get The Book | Pray | Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Why do so many disciple-making efforts stall at addition and never get to multiplication? In this episode, I unpack the single factor that makes the difference: leadership development.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

If you were dropped into a random American city with no contacts, where would you begin? In this episode, I explore the “lowest hanging fruit” for disciple-making movements in the U.S. Drawing from years of tracking churches and networks, I explain why prisons, schools, and military bases consistently produce the strongest multiplication, and how you can think strategically about where to start new streams of multiplying disciples.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

A year-end reflection on what resonated most in Movements in America this past year. This post looks back with gratitude and honesty as we prepare to step into a new year.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, I unpack one of the most critical lessons for movement practitioners in America: churches thrive when they’re planted as networks, not isolated groups. If you want to see true disciple-making momentum, start by building a network.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

I share how a moment of frustration in the mission field led to breakthrough insight. By tracking real data, comparing results, and facing uncomfortable truths, I discovered what was (and wasn’t) producing lasting fruit.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Is Gen Z leading a new spiritual revival, or are we just seeing what we want to see? I explore the data, psychology, and faith behind the growing optimism about America’s youngest generation.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

When Acts 19:10 says that Paul’s ministry reached the entire population of Asia, how many people was that? This post digs into some numbers so we can get a more full picture of Paul’s mission work and strategy.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Most people have never heard of Bill and Susan Smith—yet their fingerprints are on more disciple-making movements than anyone else in the world. In this episode, I share their story, what I’ve learned from them, and a surprising realization: the goal has never been movements. It’s always been lost people finding Jesus.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In disciple-making movements in America, developing elders isn’t just an afterthought—it’s essential for sustaining growth and health. In this episode, I share lessons learned, mistakes made, and insights gained from raising up shepherds who can lead simple churches well. If you care about multiplying leaders who will guard the flock and advance the mission, this conversation is for you.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America ->Get the book HERE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, I reflect on five years of ministry in Raleigh-Durham after 3.5 foundational years in Houston. I share key lessons the Lord has taught me about leadership development, elder training, building a church of churches, and why true networking starts with friendship. Whether you're pioneering a movement or just trying to take the next step in making disciples who make disciples, I pray these reflections will encourage and equip you on the journey.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, I reflect on my years helping to start churches and train leaders in Houston—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently if I could start over. From raising leaders too quickly to rethinking oikos evangelism and the role of apostolic leaders, this is an honest look at the real challenges behind trying to spark a disciple-making movement in an American city—and what Scripture and experience have taught me along the way.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

I don’t like being negative, but I do care about being honest. In this episode, I share some sobering stats about the state of Christianity in America—from sexual ethics and generosity to church dropout rates—and why they reveal a deeper problem: we’re not actually making disciples.I also talk about what Jesus modeled—and why I believe a return to His way of life and disciple-making is the only real path forward.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Is Christianity in America really stabilizing—or are we just telling ourselves it is? In this episode, I explore recent data on religious affiliation and church attendance, dig into the surprising gap between what Christians say and what they actually do, and share why these numbers are fueling my passion to pursue disciple-making movements across the country. If you care about the future of the Church in America, this episode is for you.Get The Book (Audiobook) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

What makes some church-planting leaders far more effective than others? In this episode, I dive into firsthand insights from the most fruitful movement leaders in the U.S.—those who have seen true multiplication. What do they do differently? From deep abiding in Christ to the strategic use of tools, from bold gospel-sharing to the tough decisions that fuel growth, we uncover the key factors that separate multiplication from stagnation. Whether you’re planting churches, making disciples, or just passionate about seeing the gospel spread, this episode is packed with practical wisdom!Get The Book | Pray | Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

How do you start a simple church in a suburban neighborhood? In this episode, we sit down with Steve and Paula, who share their journey of building a faith community right in their home. From neighborhood cookouts to Bible studies and intentional hospitality, they reveal practical steps for reaching the unchurched and implementing disciple-making movement strategies. If you're wondering how to bring church to where you live, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.This podcast is a bit different than what I usually post on this Substack, but I think it will be a blessing to you as it has been for me.Get The Book | Pray | Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, I dive into the rich history of the church in Asia as explored in Volume II of Samuel Moffett’s A History of Christianity in Asia. I share key insights from his missional perspective, categorizing practices into ineffective, sometimes effective, and always effective.Whether you’re involved in missions or simply curious about the global church, this episode offers valuable reflections and encouragement from the great cloud of witnesses across different cultures and time periods.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Church Planting Movements (CPMs) thrive in rural villages worldwide, but in America, they often hit a wall. Why? Our individualistic culture disrupts the natural relational networks that fuel gospel multiplication.In this episode, I unpack why traditional CPM strategies don’t seem to work in the U.S. and share a key breakthrough: Urban Villages. Instead of focusing on geography, we need to engage in workplaces, sports leagues, and interest-based communities—modern-day villages where relationships naturally form.Join me as we explore how you can apply Luke 10 principles in an American context and make disciples right where you are.🎧 Listen now and start identifying your urban village!Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE)Post here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, we tackle the biggest challenge to disciple-making and church-planting movements in America: social isolation. Discover why relational disconnection slows the spread of the gospel—and learn a powerful strategy to overcome it by creating events with intent.Hear the story of Hip Hop Hope, an inspiring outreach that built new communities in Houston and sparked lasting discipleship. Plus, get practical tips on how to make your events Frequent, Intentional, and Targeted (FIT) to fuel gospel movements.Ready to reimagine how events can transform communities and lives? Tune in now and join the conversation!Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Social isolation is the biggest obstacle to disciple-making movements in America. But what’s the solution? In this episode, I share a practical, biblically-rooted strategy that worked in my own life: building relationships and leveraging your network. Whether you’re a new believer with a broad social circle or someone rooted in a community of Christians, there’s a way for you to multiply disciples. Listen in as I recount personal stories of gospel sharing, lessons learned from failure, and how God used simple obedience to spark transformation in others.See the post here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

Social isolation is the biggest obstacle to disciple-making movements in America. But what’s the solution? In this episode, I share a practical, biblically-rooted strategy that worked in my own life: building relationships and leveraging your network. Whether you’re a new believer with a broad social circle or someone rooted in a community of Christians, there’s a way for you to multiply disciples. Listen in as I recount personal stories of gospel sharing, lessons learned from failure, and how God used simple obedience to spark transformation in others.See the post here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com

In this episode, we’ll explore how fragmented relationships and social isolation hinder gospel multiplication in the U.S.Learn more about how God is multiplying disciples and churches in America from my book Movements in America (find the book HERE)Check out the Substack post here: https://movementsinamerica.substack.com/p/the-1-obstacle-to-disciple-making This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit movementsinamerica.substack.com