The CGN Podcast

How did Jesus develop ministry leaders? Should all pastors and ministry leaders engage in leadership development? What are the biblical and practical foundations for healthy leadership development in the local church? In this episode, Kellen Criswell discusses these important questions with seasoned ministry trainer, Rod Thompson. Pastor Thompson has been used by the Lord to relationally mentor and deploy nearly 200 men and women into fruitful ministry around the world over the last three decades. In addition to serving as a pastor, church planter and missionary, Pastor Thompson continues to engage in training leaders for ministry in many places today, including the United States, Serbia, Italy, the Philippines and more.

What is the biblical portrait of personal and spiritual maturity? What are the primary historic and contemporary approaches to spiritual formation? How can church leaders help church members cultivate spiritual maturity on a congregational level? Listen in as Dr. Randy Roberts, President and Professor of Christian Spirituality at Western Seminary, discuss these crucial questions, and more.

In this episode, Kellen Criswell talks with Pastor Phil Metzger about the history and future of missions in Eastern Europe, and some specific lessons from his involvement that can benefit modern missions in both the global and local-church context.

In this episode, Kellen Criswell, Director of CGN, and Pastor and Bible Commentator, David Guzik, discuss important issues related to the theory and practice of biblical preaching. Their conversation covers important questions, including: What is Spirit-empowered preaching? What is Christ-centered preaching? How should we understand what the apostle meant by, “the whole counsel of God?” What are common preaching pitfalls for new preachers and more experienced preachers?

“In this episode Brian Brodersen and Kellen Criswell discuss the past and present of Calvary Chapel on formal ministry training and education. Important questions tackled in their conversation include: - Why has Calvary Chapel often been labeled ‘Anti-intellectual’? - Why are many Calvary Chapel leaders today experiencing new openness to using theological seminaries for part of their ministry preparation? - Why are the flagship Calvary Chapel Bible Colleges in Europe and North America pursuing formal accreditation? - What do these changes mean (and not mean) regarding Calvary Chapel’s historic commitment to the idea that formal education is not a necessary prerequisite for serving in ministry leadership?”

In this episode, Kellen Criswell, Director of CGN, discusses topics in Mission Theology and Church Planting Methods with Dr. Ed Stetzer.

Pastors Brian Brodersen and Richard Cimino discuss the current state of missions in Europe, their experiences planting churches, and the exciting opportunities and needs for new church planters, pastors, and leaders.

What does the Bible say about women in church leadership? In this episode, listen to Dr. Gerry Breshears on pursuing biblical faithfulness and humility in developing your understanding and ministry practice on this timely issue.

In this episode, Kellen Criswell sits down with Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary to discuss practical applications of the Gospel message, and processing when to partner with, and when to divide from other Christian ministries.

In this episode, Kellen Criswell, Director of CGN, breaks down the Vision, Mission, and Initiatives of Calvary Global Network.