From Programming to Pastoring in Rural America, with Ben Ellefritz

Pastor Ben Ellefritz joins Doug for today’s episode of The Intentional Churches podcast, exploring what church growth, rural revitalization, and alignment around disciple making look like in real life. As Executive Pastor at The Crossing Church, Ben leads in a context where no town has more than 80,000 people—and some have as few as 125. Despite this, The Crossing is thriving across 12 campuses, reaching thousands each weekend.

During their conversation, you'll hear how their church realigned its multi-site strategy after discovering their previous launch model lacked commitment and sustainability. Their 12th campus launch—built entirely on pre-launch engagement, giving, and disciple-making—became their first financially self-sustaining plant from day one.

Ben also unpacks the intentional language around “Difference Makers” (not volunteers), their high expectations for both staff and lay leaders, and how they use visible scoreboards and discipleship pathways to drive alignment around the Great Commission. This conversation is a must-listen for church leaders in rural, suburban, or multi-site contexts who want to strengthen alignment, empower their people, and move from programming to pastoring.

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https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Redefining Church Strategy in a Shifting Culture
01:45 Meet Ben Ellefritz and The Crossing Church
04:07 From Principal to Pastor: Leadership Lessons
07:35 Revitalizing Rural Churches through Campus Acquisition
09:59 Why They Changed Their Church Planting Strategy
12:53 Defining “Difference Makers” Instead of Volunteers
14:52 Staff Gaps and the Future of Lay Leadership
16:11 Rebuilding Disciple Making from Baptism to Maturity
19:51 Using Scoreboards and Systems to Align Staff
22:03 Training Staff to Pastor, Not Just Program
23:54 What Hasn’t Worked: Lessons from Failure

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Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!