

Cultivate - Calvary Chapel Church Planting
Calvary Global Network (CGN)
Tune in to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast hosted by Brian Kelly, where seasoned church planters share their insights and experiences. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of starting gospel-centered churches. With practical advice and inspiring stories, this podcast equips and encourages aspiring church planters on their journey. Whether you're just beginning or well into your planting process, Cultivate provides valuable guidance and support to help you thrive in your mission. Cultivate is part of the Calvary Chapel Global Network of Churches.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 39min
Italy & The Realities of Church Planting in Europe – David Downs & Daniel Williams
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast with Brian Kelly. In this episode, Brian is joined by Daniel Williams to introduce a special guest, David Downs, who has been serving in Turin, Italy, for nearly two decades. David shares his journey of moving overseas, navigating cultural and bureaucratic challenges, and seeing God provide in unexpected ways.You’ll hear about the realities of planting a church in a city of over two million people, the importance of pursuing unity among evangelical churches, and the vision for raising up leaders and establishing a lasting gospel presence in northern Italy.If you’ve ever wondered what long-term missions and church planting look like in Europe, this conversation offers an honest and encouraging perspective on both the trials and the triumphs of ministry in Italy.*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Sep 1, 2025 • 34min
From Prayer To Planting 13 Churches in 14 Years - Nick Cady & Kike Torres
On today’s episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly and co-host Nick Cady sit down with their friend Kike Torres from Mexico. Over the last 14 years, Kike has been part of planting 13 churches—some from scratch, others through replanting struggling congregations.Kike talks about the central role prayer has played in these works, including a simple but powerful practice of praying for nine months before launching a church. He also shares how his team builds preaching calendars together, raises up pastors through residency, and stays connected through monthly prayer and training calls.The conversation ranges from fresh stories of church plants inMexico and Panama, to lessons on leadership, pastoral health, and the signs of revival beginning to stir in Mexico.What you’ll hear about:· Why prayer is the starting point for every new church· The nine-month prayer model for discerning church plants· Building and training preaching teams across multiple congregations· Why healthy pastors are the key to healthy churches· How churches in Mexico are preparing for both revival and opposition*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Aug 1, 2025 • 30min
Church Planting In Brazil - Daniel Williams, & Kaká Monteiro
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, host Brian Kelly and co-host Daniel Williams sit down with Ricardo “Kaka” Monteiro, a church planter and pastor from Brazil. Kaka shares his compelling journey from São Paulo to pastoring a growing church in Curitiba, including how a word from the Lord during the pandemic launched him into leadership.Kaka talks candidly about the decision to plant a second church in downtown Curitiba, the importance of raising up trusted leaders, and why he’s taking a sabbatical before launching again. The conversation touches on missionary life, parenting across cultures, and the strategic value of staying connected through conferences and online cohorts.With laughter, honest insights, and a vision for multiplication, this episode highlights how God is at work in Brazil—and how rest, relationships, and a strong leadership team make long-term ministry sustainable.*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
Church Planting Where The Spirit Is Moving – Brian Brodersen and Nick Cady
Welcome back to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast! Inthis episode, Brian Kelly is joined by Pastor Brian Brodersen and Pastor Nick Cady for a lively and insightful conversation about church planting around the globe—from Europe to Latin America to New England. They talk about the need to reignite passion for planting in places where momentum has slowed, and highlight fresh opportunities in places like Peru, Brazil, Hungary, and Portugal. You’ll hear stories about swimming with dolphins, encounters with gators, and the challenges of learning a new language—but at the heart of it all is a shared vision to raise up new leaders, support national pastors, and see the gospel spread through healthy, thriving churches. Don’t miss this fun and faith-filled conversation on where the Spirit is moving and how you can be a part of it.*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BGThe cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.

Jun 1, 2025 • 40min
Transition, Leadership & Longevity - Bruce Zachary & Ryan Marr
Ryan Marr, the lead pastor of a vibrant church in St. Petersburg, Florida, shares his journey of navigating church transitions and rebuilding trust after challenging leadership changes. He dives into his experiences in a transient community and managing a massive former Walmart facility. Ryan offers valuable insights on the importance of patience in leadership, effective financial management, and the emotional complexities of guiding a church. He encourages fellow planters to foster genuine relationships and reminds them that no one should lead alone.

May 1, 2025 • 38min
From Mexico to Florida - A Church Plant Journey
Hey everyone, Pastor Brian here, and welcome back to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast. In today’s episode, I sit down with my good friend Aaron Smith, a church planter with one of the most unique sending stories I’ve ever heard. Aaron was originally sent as a missionary to Mexico—but it was actually a church in Mexico that ended up sending him back to the U.S. to plant a church in Florida. We talk about how the Lord led him and his wife step by step—from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico, and then supernaturally to Port Charlotte, Florida. You’ll hear how God used a pastor’s face, a shoulder injury, a random bookstore conversation, and even a Facebook comment to confirm his calling. This one’s packed with encouragement and practical wisdom for anyone thinking about planting a church or raising up leaders. Let’s dive in.*****The CGN International Ministry Conference June 22-25 https://conference.calvarychapel.com/ministry-2025*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Apr 1, 2025 • 37min
Reviving New England: Church Planting in a Historic Mission Field – Nick Cady and Joe Paskewich
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, hosts Brian Kelly and Nick Cady sit down with Joe Paskewich, a seasoned church planter from New England. Joe shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a gospel-deprived region to leading a multi-site church and witnessing a spiritual awakening in one of the most historically resistant areas in America. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of planting churches in New England, the unexpected revival happening in places like Vermont, and why this region is a prime mission field today. Whether you’re considering church planting or looking for inspiration, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to engage in the work of the gospel.*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BGThe cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Mar 1, 2025 • 39min
From Pulpit to Planting: Alan Stoddard’s Church Planting Journey”
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly talks with Alan Stoddard about his journey from pastoring to planting Imagine Church in Cresson, Texas. They discuss the importance of cross-cultural ministry, church planting partnerships, and how technology, like daily online devotionals, can support discipleship. Alan shares his vision for launching on Easter 2025 and becoming a sending church for future planters.*****Links from the show:https://www.youvideototext.comhttps://www.instagram.com/alan_stoddard/reel/DGO3JZlp0rq/https://www.planningcenter.com/*****Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”*****The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.comThe CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.orgPledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Jan 1, 2025 • 40min
Personal Devotions and Spiritual Care - Daniel Williams and Marlon Brown
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast with Brian Kelly! In this episode, I sit down with two incredible leaders, Daniel Williams and Marlon Brown, to dive into a crucial yet often overlooked topic for church planters: personal devotions and caring for the soul. We discuss the importance of cultivating a daily quiet time with God, how it strengthens your relationship with Him, and why it’s essential for sustaining the demands of ministry. Whether you're planting a church, leading a congregation, or simply seeking to grow spiritually, this conversation will inspire and equip you to prioritize your time with the Lord. Let’s get started!
*****
Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
*****
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting
Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Jan 1, 2025 • 34min
Creating Cohorts - Ted Leavenworth and Tommy Cota
In this episode, Brian Kelly sits down with two incredible guests, Ted Leavenworth and Tommy Cota, to dive into the power of fellowship and its transformative role in ministry. Together, they unpack the value of creating cohorts intentional small groups of pastors and church leaders designed to provide encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom.
Whether you’re planting a new church, leading an established congregation, or simply looking for ways to
build stronger connections in ministry, this conversation will inspire and equip you. Ted and Tommy share practical insights and personal stories that highlight why fellowship isn’t just important—it’s essential for sustaining and growing healthy churches.
Tune in and be encouraged as we explore how collaboration and community can strengthen leaders and advance the mission of the church. Let’s get started!
*****
Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the
dropdown select “Church Planting”
*****
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting
Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
*****
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting
Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG