Exponential NEXT Podcast

Is evangelism a lost cause in the American church? Why aren’t more Christians sharing the gospel? What evangelism methods are most effective in 2022 (and beyond)? Join us for a conversation with Exponential CEO Dave Ferguson and evangelism expert guest speakers. They’ll discuss answers to these questions alongside practical wisdom and actionable advice for leaders and everyday missionaries committed to making Jesus known. Guests include: John Wentz, Executive Director, Alpha USA Tomy Wilkerson, Director, Tampa Underground David Docusen, Director, The Neighborliness Center

Be Empowered – Accelerate Your Vision in 2022Episode #3: Forge America Empowering the Church for Missional Movement In this new season of (almost) post-Covid ecclesiology, we’re seeing pastors, church leaders, and planters struggle to find movement. Not only are congregants increasingly tired, mentally retreating, and instilling new rhythms in their life, but leaders are facing these new paradigms as well. All of this results in lower attendance and engagement, with tired leaders trying to find new movement in their community. At Forge America, we see the shifting patterns of church life and faith as opportunities to engage what the church was always designed to be…a missional movements of communities joining God in his mission to announce the Kingdom. So what does “empowering” for missional movement look like? Description of the Show: A conversation around re-missioning the church for movement and the implications of our current cultural and societal struggles on participating in God’s mission. To watch the replay of the his conversation, visit https://multiplication.org/be-empowered-forge-america/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Be Empowered: Accelerate Your Vision in 2022 The Enneagram and Spiritual Practices: discern the best rhythms and disciplines to guide your personal formation and leadership. What if we used the Enneagram as more of a fluid tool toward spiritual maturity than a static personality assessment? Could we curate personalized practices that would allow for greater healing and alignment in our particular journey with Christ? How could our Enneagram type inform our Rule of Life and offer tailored rhythms that not only actually work for us but lean into our unique brand of brokeness? These and other discussion points will be covered by Sarah, Drew, and Laura in this casual conversation about allowing the Enneagram to shape our own spiritual formation as well as guide those we lead.

Be Empowered – Accelerate Your Vision in 2022Planting Churches in the Public Square that Impact the World As followers of Christ we have been called to make disciples and to bring life and hope to a world of decay, disease and death. The New Testament is a wonderful example to us of the kind of disciples that are needed for our world. As we read the Sermon on the Mount and follow the ministry of Jesus, we cannot escape what He did and how He engaged the poor and hurting while, at the same time, dealt with the rich and religiously pious. Jesus engaged the whole person and all of society. If we focus on societal transformation, converts are a must; they are essential. However, now we are also defining their focus and their drive. This is how the early church operated in Antioch. This is also how the church in history grew, as it would work where there were tragedies and issues to be confronted. If we truly care about our communities and care that all domains of society are impacted by the church, then it should lead us to active engagement of churches within their community and in the world at large. What exactly does that look like? One can start churches, build buildings, see baptisms, start programs, do mission work and still see your community degenerate. If, on the other hand, you want to see radical transformation, then the church must be active. The primary place of ministry becomes the domains in society, rather than the church on the corner. Engaging the world is the Father’s comprehensive response to a lost world. When that happens, we are connected with God at a deep level in terms of His will, His mission, and His passion. He begins to multiply that which He wants and he does so incredibly quickly. We need to plant churches that see what the Father sees, and watch as those churches are going to explode. Watch the video replay of this episode.

Missional Vibrancy and Financial Viability, Part 2 — Featured Guest: JAY MOON — Author and Professor of Evangelism & Church Planting and Director of the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics at Asbury Theological Seminary MARK DEYMAZ — A recognized leader in the Multi-ethnic Church Movement Host: BILL COUCHENOUR — Director of Learning Communities at Exponential, he provides strategic and operational oversight of Exponential’s R&D and expanding educational opportunities. He facilitates the Exponential Learning Communities, Multipliers: Leading Beyond Addition. — Many churches today face financial strain; in fact, such strain has forced several churches to close this year. In addition, potential church plants have been delayed or disbanded due to a lack of finances. Jay Moon’s Missional Vibrancy and Financial Viability provides several fresh options to provide hope to churches and church plants in financial distress. Moon offers six non-traditional financial approaches that churches can implement to promote missional impact and financial viability. If you are looking for practical approaches to fund your church plant, these practitioners will describe six alternatives. In addition, they will help you find an approach that fits your particular needs in order for your church to fulfill your missional calling and maintain financial sustainability. Recognizing that each context is unique, important factors will be discussed to help you find an appropriate starting point for your church plant. To watch the video replay on demand, visit: https://multiplication.org/book-tour-missional-vibrancy-and-financial-viability-part-2/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Book Tour: In the Presence of Jesus: A 40-Day Guide to the Intimacy with God You’ve Always Wanted Featured Guests: PAUL BANE — Founder of Mindful Christianity MATT LITTON — Author and bestselling collaborative writer Host: Deb Walkemeyer — Co-Pastor of Light & Life Christian Fellowship in Long Beach, CA — In the stress, noise, and activity of modern life, there is a way of finding inner peace and contentment. In the Presence of Jesus will help you learn to quiet your mind and focus your attention on the grace and love that is only available in God’s presence. Deeply faithful to Scripture and infused with the truth of Christ’s unwavering love on every page, In the Presence of Jesus is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step, daily guide that will empower you to transfer the truth of His everlasting love for you from your head to your heart. This 40-day journey will help you focus on the character of Jesus and open your spirit to His presence in your life. In their book, In the Presence of Jesus, Paul Bane and Matt Litton: Guide you through a 40-day journey to practice the presence of God in new and refreshing ways Teach you how to find inner peace and contentment through the noise and activity of life Demonstrate that God is not “out there,” but is alive here and now with you Help you grow in the practice of contemplation and silence to experience God’s love for you and humanity at large To watch the video replay on demand, visit: https://multiplication.org/book-tour-in-the-presence-of-jesus/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Book Tour — Unlikely Fighter — Featured Guest: GREG STIER — Greg is the founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, a speaker, former pastor, church planter, and youth leader, as well as the author of numerous books. Host: PEYTON JONES — Peyton Jones is an author, church planter, leadership trainer, podcaster and writer. He also founded New Breed Church Planting Network which continues to train front-line first century style apostolic church planters. — Some memories are permanently seared into our childhood brains with a hot iron of adrenaline and fear. For five-year-old Greg, it was the memory of his ma walking back to the house after confronting his stepdad with a splintered, bloodied baseball bat in her hand. Greg Stier was raised in a family of bodybuilding, tobacco-chewing, fist-fighting thugs. He never knew his biological father because his mom had met his dad at a party; she got pregnant, and he left town. Though his mom almost aborted him, in a last-minute twist, Greg’s life was spared for so much more. Unlikely Fighter is the incredible story of how God showed up in Greg’s life—and how he can show up in yours as well. This is a memoir of violence and mayhem—and how God can transform everything. To watch the video replay on demand, visit: https://multiplication.org/book-tour-unlikely-fighter/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Book Tour: Missional Vibrancy and Financial Viability — Featured Guest: JAY MOON — Author and Professor of Evangelism & Church Planting and Director of the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics at Asbury Theological Seminary Host: BILL COUCHENOUR — Director of Learning Communities at Exponential, he provides strategic and operational oversight of Exponential’s R&D and expanding educational opportunities. He facilitates the Exponential Learning Communities, Multipliers: Leading Beyond Addition. — Many churches today face financial strain; in fact, such strain has forced several churches to close this year. In addition, potential church plants have been delayed or disbanded due to a lack of finances. Jay Moon’s Missional Vibrancy and Financial Viability  provides several fresh options to provide hope to churches and church plants in financial distress. Moon offers six non-traditional financial approaches that churches can implement to promote missional impact and financial viability. He combines kingdom innovation with entrepreneurial practice to assist church planters and pastors to impact their communities. He uses a matrix to aid churches in knowing where to start based on the church’s financial liquidity and access to relational networks. Moon references contemporary churches that currently use these approaches. Such churches have changed their financial trajectories. Instead of limiting churches and church plants to traditional funding options, Moon shows effective, alternative models. His step-by-step instructions will help churches chart a new financial course. To watch the video replay on demand, visit: https://multiplication.org/book-tour-missional-vibrancy-and-financial-viability/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Is your church digital presence relevant? Making your presence known the right way… Helpful insight for how to have an effective digital presence can be overwhelming to find these days with so many approaches and products available for church leaders. You need real world applications with practical advice for your new or existing churches as you look to advance your mission. In this Exponential HUB Show, we will be exploring and highlighting key factors that your church needs to be found online so you can connect with more people who need to be reached with the hope and truth of Jesus: Importance of business listings Reviews, Reviews, Reviews! Social Media Website When to run paid ads —– Featured Guests: ERIC BERNHARDT — CEO, M77 Media WALTER CASTRO — Lay Pastors Director, FL Conference, SDA —– To watch the replay of the his conversation, visit https://multiplication.org/is-your-church-digital-presence-relevant/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Starting a church is a daunting task. But starting a “Church of House Churches” has elevated challenges, as there are few examples clearly available, and the ideology is culturally new in the western church. In this episode, we discuss the steps to take as you begin a church consisting of house churches, and the non-negotiable principles to hold on to. —– Featured Guest: JEFF VANDERSTELT — Central Region Elder, SATURATE THE SOUND at Doxa Church Hosts – JASON SHEPPERD, Jason is the Lead Pastor of Church Project in The Woodlands, TX, a “Church of House Churches” —– To watch the replay of the his conversation, visit https://multiplication.org/how-do-your-start-a-church-of-house-churches/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Mobilizing Missional Disciples Reimagine: Planting New Expressions of the Church Led by Everyday People Costing Zero Dollars   New, fresh and dynamic expressions of church that live out new paradigms, seek justice, and mobilize missionaries in everyday life are popping up like weeds growing through the cracks of concrete sidewalks. However, because they are small they are often overlooked. Join us as we hear from two planters and pioneers, Laura Hairston and Drew Thurman, about their unique expressions of the church lead by everyday people. Featured Guests: LAURA HAIRSTON — Upper East Side Pastor, HopeChurch, NYC DREW THURMAN — Church planter & aspiring social entrepreneur in Boston. Watch the replay of this conversation on demand at https://multiplication.org/planting-new-expressions-of-the-church-led-by-everyday-people-costing-zero-dollars/ To learn more about Exponential events visit: https://exponential.org/events

Podcast — Improv Leadership How to Lead Well in Every Moment It’s time to improvise. Featured Guests STAN ENDICOTT – Stan is co-founder and chief cultural officer at Slingshot Group. DAVID A MILLER – David is currently the Chief People and Product Officer at Novus Global. — Anyone who’s learned the basics of an instrument can follow a chord chart or play from sheet music. But great improvisers aren’t limited to the notes on the page; they draw on the theory and techniques they’ve practiced in the past to create something original in the present. The same is true of great leaders. Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but only the best leaders bring out the best in any person, in any situation. These improvisational leaders have mastered the key principles of coaching to build strong teams.

The Revolutionary Disciple Is It Time for Another Revolution? Featured Guests: JIM PUTMAN – Jim is the senior pastor of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho. CHAD HARRINGTON — Chad is the owner of Harrington Interactive Media. — Seismic culture shifts leave Christians wondering how to effect lasting change. While the Bible calls disciples of Jesus to humility, they often display pride. Pride is the enemy of discipleship on every level, and it keeps disciples from making an impact for the kingdom. What is the way forward? In The Revolutionary Disciple, Jim Putman and Chad Harrington offer clear guidance for navigating cultural changes with humility. They walk readers through the Five Spheres of Discipleship and unveil their four core practices of humility along the way. A tapestry of Scripture and stories, this book uncovers the path to ultimate peace for Christians who want a cultural revolution. Take ground for your church, your family, and the kingdom. Bridge the gap between the call to follow Jesus and the commission to make disciples of Jesus. Join the revolution.

Mobilizing Missional Disciples Remission — Moving a congregation of members to a community of missionaries   There’s never been a more important time to mobilize the people of God in the everyday spaces of life. So how then do we take a congregation of members and see them transformed into a community of missionaries? How do we lead people from being consumers of church-y goods and services, to living out the imago dei in the places they live work and play? Join us as we discuss these questions with pastor and author Jon Ritner. Featured Guests: JON RITNER — Lead pastor of Ecclesia Hollywood in Los Angeles, California BETH WOLFF — Beth Wolff is the Lead Pastor at Clarksburg Church in Clarksburg, MD Watch the replay of this conversation on demand at https://multiplication.org/remission-moving-a-congregation-of-members-to-a-community-of-missionaries/ To learn more about Exponential events visit: https://exponential.org/events

Church leaders clearly understand that creating a context for discipleship is our primary calling. Yet it seems many churches struggle to accomplish this clear calling. Some consider size as a predominant factor in the ability of a church to accomplish its discipleship calling. Yet, the first church initiated by the Holy Spirit was immediately comprised of thousands, and church history and the contemporary global church is often made up of thousands of believers connected in one local congregation? Can a church of any size create a context for discipleship? In this episode, we will discuss processes for discipleship in any size context. —– Featured Guest – BILL HULL, Bill is the Co-Founder & President of the Bonhoeffer Project Hosts – JASON SHEPPERD, Jason is the Lead Pastor of Church Project in The Woodlands, TX, a “Church of House Churches” DAVE EDWARDS, Dave serves as Pastor of Discipleship at Church Project in The Woodlands, TX —– To watch the replay of the his conversation, visit https://multiplication.org/can-a-mega-church-successfully-create-context-for-discipleship/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Can a mega church be predominately lay led? Many mega church pastors love the idea of a simple church with empowered lay pastoral leadership. Yet, transitioning a large and existing church may seem impossible. In this episode, we will discuss steps mega churches have taken to transition their church into identified, empowered, entrusted lay pastoral leadership. —– Featured Guest – JEFF CLARK, Jeff is the Lead Pastor of Venture Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Hosts – JASON SHEPPERD, Jason is the Lead Pastor of Church Project in The Woodlands, TX, a “Church of House Churches” DAVE EDWARDS, Dave serves as Pastor of Discipleship at Church Project in The Woodlands, TX —– To watch the replay of the his conversation, visit https://multiplication.org/how-does-a-mega-church-transition-to-distributed-lay-pastoral-leadership/ To learn more about Exponential events, visit https://exponential.org/events

Cracking the Code of 21st Century Ministry Episode 12 — Reactivate Spiritual Dependency Are you listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading on all aspects of ministry? As pastors, we know when we are lead by the Holy Spirit in our ministry sinners are set free, marriages are restored, and disciples are made. But leading a church is also leading a business. That’s a good thing unless it means that the bottom line begins to guide how we do the ministry rather than listening first to how the Holy Spirit wants us to approach these business decisions. This week we’re talking to Kurtis Parks, a church planter with a unique vision to teach the good news through music by fusing story and scripture with song. From a young age, Kurtis set out with a guiding value that he and his wife Sarah still keep in focus today: to intentionally pursue a Spirit-led life. His Spirit-dependence has led him to big stages like American Idol, his previous role as Worship Director for Mark Batterson’s National Community Church, his successful career as a singer-songwriter, and now his church, Bridges Nashville. We’ll discuss how to keep the business of ministry and life dependent on the Holy Spirit to stay connected to the one who called you into ministry. This episode is all about reactivating Spirit dependence: Discover how to cultivate holistic life rhythms Learn how to form transformational prayer habits Find ways to tune your ear to God’s voice ——- Featured Guest — KURTIS PARKS, Lead Pastor of Bridges Church in Nashville, TN Co-Hosts — STEVE PIKE & JASON BOWMAN —— To watch the video replay, click here. To learn more about Exponential conferences, visit exponential.org/events.

Cracking the Code of 21st Century Ministry Episode 11 — Recommit to Multiplication Multiplication was embedded into the lifestyle of the Early Church. For the earliest believers, multiplication was as natural as breathing. The way it happened was simple and easily transferable to the 21st-century reality. Disciples made disciples. Leaders made leaders. Church made churches. Making multiplication a priority requires decisions, actions, and habits that are very different from an addition-based church. Discover next step for your leadership and your church in this next episode of Cracking the Code of 21st Century Ministry. ——- Featured Guest — JEFFERY PORTMANN, Director of the Church Multiplication Network for the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri. Co-Hosts — STEVE PIKE & JASON BOWMAN —— To watch the video replay, click here. To learn more about Exponential conferences, visit exponential.org/events.

Cracking the Code of 21st Century Ministry Episode 10 — Reconsider Core Values As leaders, we often use “multi” words to describe what we want our congregation to look like — multicultural, multi-generational, multi-ethnic. And, we’re motivated to use all of these “multi” words in our core values — because we want to look like Heaven. But while each of our churches may look different from one another, those inside each church can often look the same. The local church can look as diverse as Heaven. We just need to create core values that motivate people to action and connect to the mission of Jesus. Our guest, Paul Durbin, is the Lead Pastor of Belay Church in Boulder, Colorado. Paul and his wife Patty know what it takes to build a faith community, and they have a knack for gathering a diverse group. At their meetings, you’ll find a mix of several cultures and nations. Before Belay, the Durbins led a large, vibrant church in Bejing, China, and their church included people from more than 70 nations and various Christian backgrounds. This congregation enjoyed a remarkable unity and an atmosphere of love. Paul will share how he puts his core values to work and creates an atmosphere where differences are appreciated and people are loved. This episode is all about Reconsidering Your Core Values: Discover how to transform your values into practical application Gain insight on how to really speak the truth in love Learn how to have healthy conversations even when you strongly disagree Find ways to align church values with the mission of Jesus ------- Featured Guest — PAUL DURBIN, Author and Missionary to China called to plant in Boulder, CO Co-Hosts — STEVE PIKE & JASON BOWMAN ------ To watch the video replay, click here. To learn more about Exponential conferences, visit exponential.org/events.

Together Again Episode 4 — Together We Are the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer Featured Guest — GRANT SKELDON, Next Gen Director for Q Ideas Host — CHAD CLARKSON, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Houston Church Planting Network Jesus’ last prayer is recorded in John 17:20-21, and it was for us to be one “Together.” God wants us together forever. We can be the answer to Jesus’ final prayer and help people escape from Hell in this life and the next and experience eternal life. To watch the video replay, click here. To learn more about Exponential Regional conferences, visit exponential.org/events.

Book Tour — When the Universe Cracks Living as God’s People in Times of Crisis When the Universe Cracks is a sweeping, multifaceted look at the role of crisis in the life of faith from an esteemed gathering of pastors, faith leaders, and experts. You’ll find honest and realistic reflections to help you navigate a present trouble or anticipate changes. Inspired by a global pandemic, these writers examine the whole history of God’s people and offer a fresh perspective for every time the universe cracks. Scholar and church leader Angie Ward facilitates this energizing and fascinating discussion. Thought leaders Jo Anne Lyon, Efrem Smith, Christine Jeske, D. A. Horton, Kyuboem Lee, Marshall Shelley, Matt Mikalatos, Sean Gladding, Catherine McNiel, and Lee Eclov each contributed a chapter. When the Universe Cracks is the first in a series of Kingdom Conversations, books that bring together experts and faith leaders to address the most urgent and perplexing challenges of our time in resonant and redemptive ways for each of us and all of us. Watch the video replay of this episode.

Together Webinar Series What Unites Us? Feature Guest: DANIEL YANG - Daniel is the Director of the Send Institute, leading and overseeing all of its initiatives. Prior to directing the institute, he planted a church in Toronto where he also helped recruit, assess, and train church planters through the Send Network and the Release Initiative. Host: CHAD CLARKSON - Chad is the co-founder and now serves as the Executive Director of the Houston Church Planting Network. After being involved in planting churches in Iowa and South Carolina he moved to Houston where he served for ten years as the Pastor of Church Planting and Missions at Clear Creek Community Church. We are the body of Christ — diverse in gifting, diverse in our contexts and diverse in service — but we are united by our commitment to the Lordship of Christ and His mission. When we collaborate and work together, we become a fuller expression of the body of Christ better able to accomplish the Jesus mission. Watch the video replay of this episode.

Featured Guest — Ralph Moore is the Founding Pastor of the Hope Chapel movement. Host — James Grogan is the senior pastor of Community Church Movement, a growing network of churches founded in Chula Vista, California, which includes congregations in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. He is the lead pastor of EastLake Church which is the founding church in the Community Church Movement.   Together: The Great Collaboration Right before Jesus left planet Earth, He reminded His closest followers of His vision for how the mission would be accomplished and gave us this third ‘great’ in John 17:22-23: “…that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me…” This is the Great Collaboration. Yes, we are to “Go”; yes, we are to “Love”; but the missing piece from the mission is that we are to “Go” … and “Love” … but “TOGETHER!” Watch the video replay here.

Together: Together with a Network Featured Guests: Brandon Grant — founding and lead pastor of Rise City Church in Lakeside, CA Nathan Hawkins — West Regional Executive for Stadia Church Planting Host: Bill Couchenour Right before Jesus left planet Earth, He reminded His closest followers of His vision for how the mission would be accomplished and gave us this third ‘great’ in John 17:22-23: “…that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me…” This is the Great Collaboration. Yes, we are to “Go”; yes, we are to “Love”; but the missing piece from the mission is that we are to “Go” … and “Love” … but “TOGETHER!” More churches are needed in the ever-changing spiritual landscape of cities across the United States. This is particularly true in San Diego – one of the least-churched cities in the US. And in order for more churches to be planted to see the spiritual landscape of a city transformed, it’s going to take churches working together to multiply together. In this webinar, the story of the San Diego Church Planting Movement (SDCPM) will be explored to learn about how churches are rallying together to start new churches through methods from planting to campuses to mergers. Let’s Get It Together and commit to the whole Jesus mission to GO–LOVE–TOGETHER. As we each commit to do our part to plant and multiply churches together, we will see level 5 multiplying churches result, movement occur, and the mission of Jesus accomplished. (Matthew 28, Matthew 22 & John 17)

Together Episode 3 —Together As Family GUESTS: DAVE & ANN WILSON, Co-Founders of Kensington Church HOST: DAVE FERGUSON The Great Collaboration starts with intimacy with God and then is lived out in an intimate marriage and healthy family. Doing life “Together” sees the family as the first priority of ministry and not a distraction from difference making or ancillary to life-changing ministry.