Leading Alignment in a Fast-Growing Church, with Chris Steele

On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug talks with Chris Steele about the incredible transformation happening at North Terrace Church in Zanesville, Ohio.

Chris shares the honest story of how their team realized they were making church attenders instead of disciples, and how that single insight pushed them to rebuild unity, clarify their mission, and align everything around the Great Commission.

You’ll hear how that alignment sparked a movement of everyday people leading their friends to Jesus, resulting in 34 baptisms in 2023, 125 in 2024, and already 138 baptisms this year. Chris explains how prayer, simple tools, and personal ownership of “the one” have reshaped their entire culture.

If you’re a church leader looking to rebuild momentum, re-ignite evangelism, or move your people toward mission, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical next steps.

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Timestamps

00:00 Welcome + Why This Story Matters
01:25 Chris Steele’s Ministry Background
03:02 Early Faith Influences
05:01 Ministry Journey & Leadership Wounds
07:19 Zanesville Culture & Ministry Context
11:17 Opportunities and Challenges in Appalachia
13:35 Rebuilding Generosity and Discipleship
18:15 Early Culture Shifts at North Terrace
23:10 COVID Collapse & Losing Half the Church
24:07 Realizing They Weren’t Making Disciples
26:44 Building a New Discipleship Pathway
28:55 A Turning Point: Staff & Elder Unity
30:42 Discovering IC’s Tools and Language
31:46 The “One More” Mission
34:11 The Baptism Explosion
36:26 Everyday People Leading Their One
37:37 Young Families Searching for Purpose
41:36 Preparing for Future Growth
43:36 How to Join the IC Learning Community

Links

Website: intentionalchurches.com
The Radical Alignment Book
Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog
YouTube: @IntentionalChurches
Facebook: Intentional Churches
Instagram: @IntentionalChurches
X/Twitter: @IntentChurches