In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, Brandon Bowers, Lead Pastor and planter of Awaken Church in Charleston, South Carolina, joins David Hibiske to share his 12-year journey of church planting—from parachuting in with a team of nine to launching two campuses and navigating growing pains. Brandon unpacks the highs, lows, and leadership lessons he's learned along the way, including the importance of missional clarity, team alignment, and staying rooted in conviction. Whether you're just starting out or years into your plant, Brandon’s insights will both challenge and encourage you to lead with purpose and perseverance.

Welcome to Episode 037 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

EPISODE LINKS

http://www.awakenchurch.cc

@_brandonbowers

Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/

WHO IS BRANDON BOWERS?

Brandon Bowers is the founding and Lead Pastor of Awaken Church in Charleston, SC and is passionate about seeing people far from God awakened to life in Christ. Awaken was planted in 2013 with a team of nine people and is now a multisite church of 2000 people that has celebrated 800+ baptisms. With a heavy focus on small group relational discipleship, almost 50% of weekend attendees are engaged in small groups meeting throughout the region. Brandon received a MA in Missiology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, serves as a Leadership Catalyst with SC Baptist Convention, and is the author of Rise Above the Lies, which details his planting journey with Awaken and leadership insights discovered along the way. He has been married to his college sweetheart Ashley since 2003 and they have four kids and live in the suburbs of Charleston.

SPONSORS

Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.

A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you're ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!

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