Confessions of a Church Planter

Obedience always costs something — but what about when the cost is living in the in-between? In this episode, I share the story of leaving the U.S. to return to New Zealand and plant a church. From the struggles our kids faced rebuilding community, to the ache of living ‘not where we were and not yet where we’re called,’ this is about learning to trust God in the middle — in the unknown. If you’ve ever felt stuck between what was and what’s ahead, this one’s for you.”

Two and a half years into planting a church, we still doesn’t feel “enough.” Not polished enough, not smart enough, not ready. But maybe that’s the point. Like Moses at the burning bush, God isn’t looking for perfection — He’s looking for surrender. In this episode, We talk about the power of letting go, the danger of clinging too tightly, and why God doesn’t recruit the qualified — He qualifies the available.

When we planted our church, I thought we’d launch with 300 people. We barely hit 30. In the middle of doubt, Joshua 1 reminded me: strength holds on, courage steps out—and we need both. This episode unpacks three ways to be strong and three ways to be courageous when following God into the unknown.

Starting a church sounds exciting, faith-filled, and maybe even a little glamorous—but the truth? Most days feel more like stumbling forward with equal parts hope and chaos. In this very first episode of Confessions of a Church Planter, Martin pulls back the curtain on the beginnings of planting a church with his wife, Nicole. From the weight of leaving behind comfort, to figuring things out as you go, this episode is an honest (and slightly unpolished) confession: we don’t always know what we’re doing—but we know the One who does.If you’ve ever stepped into something bigger than yourself and thought, “What have we gotten into?”—this one’s for you.