New Churches Podcast How Do I Build a Team?
Feb 17, 2026
Tony Merida, pastor and author with deep church leadership experience, and Matt Smethurst, pastor who moved a core team to start a new church, discuss building a launch team. They cover recruiting committed members, vision casting and timelines, spotting and developing leaders, training core teams through study and practice, evangelism rhythms, and identifying elders and deacons for long-term health.
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Run Regular Vision And Screening Events
- Do build a recruiting rhythm: host regular vision nights and an informational presentation to screen interest efficiently.
- Invite people to pray, discuss, and then decide so they count the cost before committing.
Be Transparent About Cost And Expectations
- Do be honest about risks and expectations when inviting people to join a plant to avoid future conflict.
- Take time with awkward conversations and don’t rush yeses; let people pray and decide.
Spot Talent In Ordinary Church Settings
- Tony recruited Donnie after spotting his gift and gathering spirit in a choir context and inviting him to lead worship at a prayer meeting.
- Donnie brought people and later joined the plant, illustrating discernment and patience in recruiting.
