

New Churches Podcast
Send Network
The New Churches podcast offers practical answers to your real ministry questions. We aren’t going to provide lofty pie-in-the-sky theories. Instead, we are going to help you in your real ministry context, with your real thoughts, questions, and issues.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
Devoted to Fellowship
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Jeff Medders is joined by Dean Inserra, Elizabeth Woodson, and Will Basham to explore what healthy, gospel-centered community looks like, highlighting fellowship, shared meals, generosity, and authenticity as key elements. Practical insights and real-life examples offer church planters guidance for fostering vibrant, Christ-centered communities in today’s culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 23, 2025 • 43min
Preach Like the Apostles
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida, Trevin Wax, and Patrick Schreiner to explore apostolic preaching in the Book of Acts and its implications for church planting. They examine how Peter and Paul proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus with clarity, contextual awareness, and Spirit-empowered boldness, calling listeners to repentance and faith. Practical insights are shared for keeping preaching Christ-centered, gospel-driven, and responsive to the needs of the audience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 16, 2025 • 39min
The Priority of Prayer and Fasting
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Noah Oldham is joined by Vance Pitman, Bryan Loritts, and J.D. Greear to explore the vital role of prayer and fasting in church planting. Drawing from Acts, they emphasize that prayer isn’t just preparation for ministry—itisthe ministry, shaping church culture and fueling God’s work. They share practical insights for cultivating a prayer-driven church that depends on God’s Spirit rather than strategy alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 9, 2025 • 41min
The Holy Spirit in Church Planting
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Tony Merida is joined by Patrick Schreiner, Jeff Medders, and Jon Kelly to talk about the power of the Holy Spirit in church planting. Beginning in Acts 2, they reflect on Pentecost and how the Spirit empowers ordinary believers to take the gospel to the nations. Together they highlight the Spirit’s role in both the extraordinary and the ordinary—uniting the church in prayer, guiding planters in weakness, fueling mission, and keeping the focus on God’s glory rather than human ambition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 2, 2025 • 44min
Why Plant Churches?
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida, Vance Pitman, and J.D. Greear to kick off a new season exploring church planting through the book of Acts. Together, they discuss the biblical foundations for church planting, why multiplication is essential for God’s kingdom mission, and how both Scripture and practical realities compel churches to plant and send. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
Jeremy Pierre on Pastoral Care as Personal Ministry
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Jeremy Pierre in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the vital role of pastoral care in church planting. Drawing from his experience as a seminary professor and local church pastor, Jeremy casts a compelling vision for personal, proactive, and gospel-shaped ministry to people. He shares insights on building relational trust, asking better questions, and embodying the heart of a shepherd—reminding church planters that pastoring is not just about launching services but faithfully caring for souls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
Barnabas Piper on Cultivating Gospel Culture
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Barnabas Piper in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on what it means to build and sustain a gospel culture in your church. Drawing from his experience at Immanuel Nashville, Barnabas shares practical insights on fostering honesty, safety, and honor in church life—and how Christ-centeredness is the key to lasting unity and transformation. Whether you're planting a church or pastoring an established one, this conversation will help you consider how to lead with humility and create a community marked by the aroma of Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 17, 2025 • 17min
Matt Smethurst on Gospel-Centered Church Planting
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Matt Smethurst in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on calling, culture, and convictions in church planting. Matt shares the story behind the launch of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the power of a sacrificial team. They explore how a robust membership process, a culture of evangelism, and insights from Tim Keller have shaped Matt’s pastoral approach. Whether you're just exploring a call to plant or deep into the journey, this episode offers gospel-rich wisdom and encouragement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 10, 2025 • 18min
Kyle Worley on Union with Christ for the Church Planter’s Soul
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Kyle Worley in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the surprising path that led Kyle to plant Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. Kyle shares how his pastoral heart for a specific people and place drew him into church planting, and how the doctrine of union with Christ has grounded and sustained him through the highs and lows of ministry. From stories of unexpected provision to powerful conversions, this conversation is a timely encouragement for church planters to root their identity not in results, but in their unshakable union with Jesus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 3, 2025 • 17min
Ronnie Martin on Renewal for Church Planters
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Ronnie Martin in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the importance of renewal in the life of a church planter. Drawing from his role in leader care at Harbor Network, Ronnie shares insights on avoiding burnout, cultivating spiritual health, and redefining productivity in ministry. Together, they unpack the heart-level habits that sustain long-term pastoral vitality and explore practical ways pastors can prepare for sabbaticals, establish healthy rhythms, and minister from a place of rest and joy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.