Next Town Podcast

What actually helps a church grow; and what quietly slows it down?In this episode, Anthony Harper and Jay Jones get real about the systems, structure, and culture behind healthy growth. Not hype. Not guesswork. The kind of things that actually help a church move forward without burning people out or losing its mission.They talk through:The difference between fast growth and healthy growthThe hidden things that quietly stall momentumHow the right systems make ministry smoother, not heavierWhy culture matters more than most leaders thinkIf you’ve ever felt like things are growing but also getting harder, this conversation will hit home.

Rev. Art Wilson is the founding pastor of The International Church of Metro Detroit and a leader with a truly global ministry. In this episode, Pastor Wilson shares his journey of church planting, building a multicultural congregation, and how God opened unexpected doors, leading to ministry at the United Nations.This conversation explores the burden to reach people from every nation and culture, the power of vision, and what becomes possible when the church steps beyond its walls. This episode, hosted by Scott Armstrong, Joumeel Mclaurine, and Devin Akers, will challenge you to think bigger and reach farther.

Drawing from the Book of Acts and real-life stories from Detroit to Washington, D.C., this episode reframes church planting as the work of the whole church, not just individuals. The panel explores biblical precedent, partnership models, and the dangers of isolation, while addressing common fears around control, recruitment, and trust.Hosts Darron Sistrunk and Joumeel McLaurine sit down with Jerry West (Pastor of Freedom Church and Metro Missionary to Washington, D.C.), Tim Richmond (Metro Detroit District Superintendent and Metro Missionary), and Scott Sistrunk (Director of North American Missions) to discuss church planting partnerships. 

Join the conversation as Scott Sistrunk and Jerry West unpack the mission, vision, and impact of the Metro Missions program, clearing up misconceptions and sharing firsthand stories of transformation. From the earlier days of Metro missionaries in Detroit, to a more recent church plant in Washington, D.C.; this conversation highlights how missionaries can be sent and supported to metro areas by the whole church.Scott Armstrong and Darron Sistrunk host this inspiring discussion on the needs, opportunities, and the future of ministry in North America’s metro cities.

Join hosts Kenneth Stewart and Devin Akers as they explore the realities of bi-vocational ministry with guests Nathaniel Burmeister and Travis Worthington. Hear inspiring stories of church planting, practical tips for balancing ministry, work, and family, and strategies to avoid burnout. Discover how boundaries, energy management, and passion can help pastors thrive while serving in multiple roles.

How do you turn interest into identity? Momentum into maturity? Crowds into a church? In this episode, Scott Armstrong and Kenneth Stewart sit down with Tim Richmond, Devin Akers, and Joumeel McLaurine for a powerful conversation on the process of transforming a gathering of guests into a thriving, discipled church. If you’re a church planter, pastor, or leader who wants to move beyond attendance spikes and build a solid church family, this episode will give you the language, strategy, and confidence to guide people from showing up to belonging.

Joe and Jessica Giunta share their journey into inner city ministry; from pastoring a great church in Florida, to a thrift store moment, to the heart of Detroit. They unpack the misconceptions of inner city ministry, the power of prayer, and simply loving people. From burn barrels with the homeless to raising kids in the city, this episode is a compelling look at what happens when the church shows up, stays, and partners for real change.

Join us as we talk Redemption, Coaching, Church Planting, Healthy Rhythms, Functional Discipleship and more.

In this episode, Rev. David McGovern the unique challenges and opportunities in Los Angeles, the impact of recent wildfires, and how the church stepped up to serve their community in a time of crisis. He also reflects on raising four daughters and the joy of involving his family in ministry.This is a heartfelt conversation filled with vision, sacrifice, and hope. Whether you’re planting, pastoring, or preparing for your own next town, you’ll be inspired by the passion and perspective Rev. McGovern brings to the table.

In this episode, we interview Rev. Jimmy Toney, visionary pastor, seasoned church planter, and passionate preacher. Rev. Toney shares powerful lessons on the benefits of serving, preaching with intention, and teaching spiritual maturity in a church plant context.Whether you're preparing to plant, already in the trenches, or looking for fresh fire to reach the Next Town, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and Apostolic clarity.

In this episode of The Next Town Podcast, we sit down with Rev. Tim Gaddy—pastor, leader, and visionary—to explore the heart of church planting, the habits of effective leadership, and the keys to sustainable ministry growth. With decades of experience, Rev. Gaddy shares practical insights, timeless principles, and personal stories that will challenge and inspire every church planter and ministry leader. Don’t miss this rich conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and encouragement for the journey ahead.

In this premiere episode, we’re diving straight into the heart of church planting with dynamic pastors and church planters Scott Armstrong, North American Missions Director of Education, Devin Akers, Raleigh, NC, Joumeel McLaurine, Royal Oak, MI, and Darren Sistrunk, Plymouth, MI.Hear the raw, unfiltered stories of launching churches from scratch, building community in unexpected places, and watching lives transformed—like Sheila, a skeptic turned believer in a coffee shop, and Alex, a former atheist now daily praying over his pastor.Get ready for laughs, honesty, and powerful moments that will light a fire in your soul. From epic wins to gut-punch setbacks, this episode captures what it really looks like to follow God’s call and build something eternal.Whether you're planning of planting a church, already in the trenches, or just need fresh inspiration—tune in today. Let’s go to The Next Town!