Intentional Churches Podcast

David Ashcraft joins Doug and co-host Daniel Goulding on this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, sharing lessons from decades of leadership at LCBC in Pennsylvania.From painful early years where elders walked out, to the explosive growth that brought thousands of people across multiple campuses, David unpacks how radical alignment and a relentless focus on “best vs. good” shaped a disciple-making movement.During their conversation, you’ll hear why alignment matters more than keeping everyone happy, how LCBC codified its culture without losing passion, and what the 90–10 rule teaches us about the need for some people to be upset if you’re truly moving forward. David also unpacks how to discern between “good” opportunities and the “best” mission, and he shares honestly about the personal cost leaders pay to remain faithful through seasons of growth.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS: 00:00 When Elders Walk Out: The Pain of Early Leadership 01:10 Meet Co-Host Daniel Goulding and His Church Plant Story 02:44 David Ashcraft’s Journey: From Texas to Pennsylvania 04:48 Facing Opposition: Letters from Abe and the Worship Wars 07:11 LCBC’s Growth: From 150 to 25,000 Across 25 Campuses 08:23 The Core Issue: Alignment vs. Misalignment in the Church 09:40 Good vs. Best: The Principle that Guides Every Decision 11:19 Lessons from Rapid Growth and Staff Alignment Challenges 14:00 Codifying Culture: From Intuition to Intentionality 16:33 Multi-Site Expansion and Why Limitations Became Opportunities 18:52 Stewardship, Buildings, and Keeping the Mission Central 22:12 Guarding Staff Culture While Scaling Fast 25:56 The 90–10 Rule: Leading with Clarity, Not Popularity 29:20 Picking Battles Carefully Without Losing Alignment 33:52 Codifying the “Gut”: Axioms and Culture Statements 39:02 Encouragement for Leaders in Shrinking or Struggling Churches 43:25 The Real Cost of Growth and Leadership Pain 45:25 Why David Stepped Into The Advantage and Global Leadership Network 47:17 Final Wisdom: Lead, Don’t Chase PopularityWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Pastor Ben Ellefritz joins Doug for today’s episode of The Intentional Churches podcast, exploring what church growth, rural revitalization, and alignment around disciple making look like in real life. As Executive Pastor at The Crossing Church, Ben leads in a context where no town has more than 80,000 people—and some have as few as 125. Despite this, The Crossing is thriving across 12 campuses, reaching thousands each weekend.During their conversation, you'll hear how their church realigned its multi-site strategy after discovering their previous launch model lacked commitment and sustainability. Their 12th campus launch—built entirely on pre-launch engagement, giving, and disciple-making—became their first financially self-sustaining plant from day one.Ben also unpacks the intentional language around “Difference Makers” (not volunteers), their high expectations for both staff and lay leaders, and how they use visible scoreboards and discipleship pathways to drive alignment around the Great Commission. This conversation is a must-listen for church leaders in rural, suburban, or multi-site contexts who want to strengthen alignment, empower their people, and move from programming to pastoring.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 Redefining Church Strategy in a Shifting Culture01:45 Meet Ben Ellefritz and The Crossing Church04:07 From Principal to Pastor: Leadership Lessons07:35 Revitalizing Rural Churches through Campus Acquisition09:59 Why They Changed Their Church Planting Strategy12:53 Defining “Difference Makers” Instead of Volunteers14:52 Staff Gaps and the Future of Lay Leadership16:11 Rebuilding Disciple Making from Baptism to Maturity19:51 Using Scoreboards and Systems to Align Staff22:03 Training Staff to Pastor, Not Just Program23:54 What Hasn’t Worked: Lessons from FailureWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Kicking off Season 9 of Intentional Churches, Doug is joined by IC co-founder, Bart Rendel, for a behind-the-scenes look at Intentional Churches, their leadership rhythms, and the realities many pastors face today. Bart introduces “the spanking machine”—a vivid and humorous metaphor born out of ministry burnout. Together Bart and Doug explore the constant pressure church leaders face from the unrelenting pace of weekend ministry and the need to name it honestly.The heart of the episode centers on the remarkable story of First Christian Church in Newburgh, Indiana. Once a thriving congregation, FCC faced deep decline after leadership transitions, financial hardship, and even a tornado. When the Intentional Churches team engaged with them, they found a deeply committed leadership team willing to lean in and realign around the Great Commission. Bart and Doug close the episode by reflecting on signs of spiritual awakening across the country, highlighting churches seeing dramatic growth and salvations—not because of gimmicks, but because of alignment with Jesus’ mission. This is an episode for pastors who feel weary, discouraged, or unsure of what’s next. It’s a reminder that the spiritual moment is here—but the church must be ready.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 Revival Requires Two Things01:44 Bart Hates Vacations02:56 The Origin of “The Spanking Machine”06:47 Courageous Leadership Stories07:49 The Comeback of FCC Newburgh12:06 COVID Super-Spreader Story16:27 What’s Happening at FCC Now19:24 Prayer, Pain, and Progress20:40 Other Signs of Spiritual Momentum21:52 Bart and Doug’s Random Thoughts24:46 Are We Ready for Revival?25:16 The Need for Great Commission AlignmentWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

In this final episode of season 8, Doug sits down with Paige Peltier of Leadership Pathway to unpack what it really looks like to develop young leaders for long-term ministry impact. Paige draws on her journey through multiple ministry roles at Chapel Street Church and shares how strategic flexibility in staffing—based on a leader’s growth and God’s prompting—can dramatically impact retention and effectiveness.Together, Doug and Paige dive into the two-year residency model at the heart of Leadership Pathway, where churches commit to hands-on, intentional development and coaching of next-gen leaders. Paige explains how Leadership Pathway partners with churches not only to recruit residents but also to equip staff with tools for leadership coaching. She also offers direct insights for church leaders wrestling with team structure, staff culture, and how to practically support the growth of Gen Z and Millennial leaders.For any church leader wondering how to build a pipeline of future leaders and move away from the “microwave mentality” of quick hires, this conversation will provide a hopeful and highly practical blueprint. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 Helping People Is Slow, But Worth It01:17 Meet Paige Peltier03:16 Paige’s Journey at Chapel Street Church06:28 Staff Flexibility & Finding Best Contribution09:47 Churches Must Shift How They Develop Staff11:11 What Leadership Pathway Really Does14:27 Why Residencies Are So Valuable16:15 Development Is Messy—And Mission-Critical19:49 Gen Z Leaders: What Churches Need to Know23:14 Advice for Older & Younger Generations24:45 Leadership Pathway by the Numbers26:48 What Great Churches Are Doing Right29:00 One Next Step to Get Started Developing Leaders31:11 Paige’s Encouragement to Church LeadersWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Sherwood Oaks Christian Church has walked through significant change in recent years—from a leadership transition after 40 years and weathering the challenges of COVID to launching a new campus. Maggie Mobley, Executive of Ministries at Sherwood Oaks, joins Erin and Doug on today’s episode of Intentional Churches to talk about how to find clarity and alignment during seasons of disruption.During their conversation, Maggie opens up about the courage it took to sunset beloved events that were no longer missional and how having a common language and calendaring rhythms empowered the staff to have hard, healthy conversations. Together the three also discuss developing a team culture, leading change in different campus contexts, and how Maggie helped transition the staff from skepticism to ownership of a shared vision. Whether you’re navigating transition on your own team, evaluating programs, or trying to build trust amongst your people, this episode offers rich insights into the power of alignment and evaluation.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 The Cost of Legacy Programs01:17 Meet Maggie Moberly03:15 The Unique Context of Bloomington06:09 Differences Between Campuses07:06 Church History and Leadership Transitions09:55 Deciding to Partner with IC12:49 Wins From Installing ChurchOS15:27 Killing Sacred Cows with Courage18:11 How the Team is Developing Differently20:45 Creating Space for Hard Conversations22:07 Modeling Feedback and EvaluationWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

On this week’s episode of the Intentional Churches podcast, pastor Tom Kopp joins Erin and Doug to share the inspiring transformation of Kimball Christian Church in rural Minnesota. Despite being located in a town of just 800, the church has become one of the largest churches in the restoration movement in the state, defying expectations through a strong vision and a deep commitment to The Great Commission.In this candid conversation, Tom unpacks how focusing on church culture, casting a consistent vision, and making small yet intentional shifts can lead to an outsized impact. From implementing the “three-minute rule” for welcoming guests to celebrating baptisms churchwide, Tom shares practical strategies that any church can adopt, regardless of size.Together, the three also discuss Tom’s involvement in a ChurchOS One Team cohort, which has catalyzed a new wave of mission-minded leadership among churches across Minnesota. With humor, wisdom, and hard-earned insight, this episode offers a blueprint for revitalization and unity in small church contexts, all while keeping the focus on reaching the one.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS: 00:00 Three-Minute Rule: A Culture of Guest Awareness 01:29 Tom’s Ministry Background and Family 04:05 Small-Town Ministry in Kimball, Minnesota 07:49 A 150-Year Legacy and New Growth 09:51 Building a Culture of Joy and Evangelism 12:56 Navigating Growth Resistance 15:32 Dripping Vision Weekly 17:08 The Drift Toward Inward Focus 19:30 ChurchOS Cohort Impact in Minnesota 22:37 Tangible Church Growth and Baptism Stories 26:31 Practical Tips for Churches Starting the Journey 29:17 Personal Connection Over Systems 32:17 Preaching for Transformation 33:08 What Large Churches Can Learn from Small ChurchesWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Eric Rauch from 2|42 Church joins Doug and Erin for this week’s Intentional Churches conversation—exploring what it means to lead churches through a true disciple-making transformation. Together the three share honest reflections, practical adjustments, and philosophical shifts away from attractional church models and toward multiplying disciples. The episode explores how both 2|42 and Erin’s church, Canyon Ridge, are redefining what it means to lead congregations into spiritual maturity and mission. They discuss practical shifts—from canceling outdated programs to redesigning volunteer engagement—and offer a window into the tough but rewarding process of redefining metrics and expectations.Plus Eric shares how his team made it harder, not easier, to get baptized—shifting from events to journeys. Finally they look at what happens when churches stop simply informing and start truly equipping—using tools, powerful questions, and active collaboration to multiply disciples who will be the hands and feet of Jesus. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 No More "Versus": Discipleship and Evangelism01:06 Meet Eric Rauch from 2|42 Church04:21 2|42's Multi-Site History and Cultural Dynamics06:20 Adopting Three Churches Pre-COVID07:57 Redefining Disciple-Making and Evangelism10:26 From Attractional to Multiplying Movement14:33 Why Make the Shift? Leadership Insights16:37 Tangible Program and Strategy Changes20:49 Rethinking Group Models: The Kitchen Metaphor23:29 Discovery Bible Study as Group Strategy24:56 Rethinking Engagement Pathways30:27 Volunteer Orientation and Retention32:10 Baptism: Event to Journey35:28 Highlights from the IC Conference Pre-Con38:28 Biggest Takeaways and Collaborative Learning41:35 Final Thoughts on Collaboration and Next StepsWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Dr. Carlos Kelly, Senior Pastor of Beulahland Bible Church in Middle Georgia, joins Erin and Doug for a candid conversation on shifting church culture from consumerism to intentional evangelism and discipleship. With over 26 years in ministry and a legacy-rich church behind him, Dr. Kelly explains how Beulahland’s engagement with ChurchOS has reignited his pastoral passion and started that culture shift away from consumer Christianity.Together the three talk about the challenges of pastoring in a food desert—where Carlos’ church has become a vital source of basic needs like food and community support. Through strategic clarity, patient leadership, and collaboration with a steering team, Beulahland is seeing younger demographics, especially those ages 18–35, engage at unprecedented levels.Carlos also discusses the impact of defining clear reach zones for each campus, redesigning the church’s web presence through the lens of “the one,” and creating representation of young adults in leadership and communication roles. If you're a church leader navigating change, this episode offers encouragement, strategic wisdom, and a powerful testimony of what God can do through intentional, Spirit-led planning and teamwork.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignmentCHAPTERS:00:00 Dr. Carlos Kelly Introduction01:15 Beulahland’s Legacy and Community Impact05:40 What It Means to Serve in a Food Desert07:27 Moving from Consumerism to Discipleship11:48 Practical First Steps Toward Culture Shift14:51 Fruit from a Younger Generation19:03 Braxton’s Journey from Attender to Leader23:12 Shifting from Solo Leadership to Collaboration29:44 Building the Right Steering Team33:25 Defining Success and Discipleship Culture36:06 Two Campuses, Two Reach Zones37:56 Leading Through Resistance and GriefWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurchesJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Drew Moore, Lead Pastor at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, dives into empowering young leaders in today's church staff culture. He shares how their team shifted from rigid hierarchies to collaborative structures post-COVID, resulting in a dynamic workforce where over half are young leaders. Drew discusses practical strategies such as 'Development Days' and peer feedback loops, emphasizing the value of contribution over position. His insights are a game-changer for church leaders aiming to nurture the next generation while fostering an inclusive environment.

From digital congregations to rapidly growing local churches, leaders from across the country gather in this special live panel episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, recorded at the IC Conference. Co-hosted by Erin Johnston and Daniel Goulding, Lead Pastor at Echoes Church in Phoenix, AZ, this engaging conversation digs into the real-world challenges churches are facing—from building space constraints and volunteer fatigue to measuring success and navigating cultural shifts.The panel includes leaders from diverse church contexts—Logan Phillips, Worship Pastor at Stateline Church in Rockford, Illinois, Katie Blemker, Executive Minister at North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville, Ohio, Mark Lutz, Lead Pastor of Lux Digital Church,  Antoine Davis, Sr., Associate Pastor of Evangelism at Hope Church, in Orlando, Florida. Together they openly share what’s working, what’s broken, and how Intentional Churches tools have helped shape their responses. Topics include evangelism versus discipleship, radical alignment to mission, rethinking metrics, and embracing tension as a sign of progress.Mark Lutz unpacks how Lux Digital is designed for a very specific "one," and how their ministry methods—including camera angles and language—are tailored for a digital native. Katie and Logan speak to the rapid growth and logistical hurdles they face, while Antoine Davis Sr.'s focus on simplifying the Gospel and engaging the 99 to reach the one has sparked exciting growth and cultural shift in his context. He emphasizes the power of building evangelism into church culture rather than treating it as an event.This episode is a must-listen for any church leader wrestling with the tension between sending and forming, trying to mobilize a congregation, or simply trying to keep up with what’s next. No easy answers here—just leaders learning together.New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Intros02:30 What’s Keeping You Up at Night?09:45 Evangelism vs. Discipleship: The Tension15:10 What’s Working in Your Context Right Now22:40 Radical Alignment to the Great Commission28:15 How Are You Measuring Success?30:00 One Thing to Figure Out in the Next Five Years31:00 Final ReflectionsJoin the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches