EP 035 | Ray Hudson on Pivots in Planting, Building Your Staff, and Engaging Your City

In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, host David Hibiske sits down with church planter Raymond Hudson to discuss his journey of planting a church in Berkeley, California—one of the most challenging places to reach with the gospel. Raymond shares how his early experiences in church planting shaped his calling, the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of loving and serving a city rather than trying to "fix" it. He also offers key insights on leadership development, team building, and financial sustainability for church planters. His story is a powerful testament to faith, adaptability, and the impact of a deeply embedded, service-oriented church.

Welcome to Episode 035 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.

EPISODE LINKS

https://www.ourcitycenter.com/

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 RAYMOND HUDSON?

Raymond Hudson is a dedicated leader with over 15 years of experience in ministry, education, and community development. He has passionately served in various pastoral roles, focusing on creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can grow in their faith, discover their purpose, and impact their communities. In addition to his ministry work, Raymond has led numerous initiatives in education, partnering with schools to support underserved families, championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and mentoring educators to foster culturally responsive classrooms. His heart for empowering others is evident in his work, where he consistently prioritizes equity, collaboration, and innovation to help individuals and organizations thrive. Raymond has been married to his wife Rachel for 17 years, and together, they are the proud parents of four amazing children. As a family, they are deeply committed to faith, service, and creating meaningful connections with those around them. Raymond’s leadership is guided by his passion for helping people maximize their potential, both spiritually and practically, to make a lasting impact in their communities.

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!