New Churches Podcast

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Matt Smethurst to tackle a crucial but often overlooked aspect of church planting: How do I build systems? Using the image of a trellis supporting a growing vine, the conversation highlights how intentional structures help church plants thrive, remain healthy, and bear lasting fruit. Together, they explore why guest follow-up is an essential early system for cultivating meaningful connections, the importance of establishing clear constitutions and bylaws for long-term stability and accountability, and how planters can wisely navigate the often overwhelming world of church technology. Listeners will walk away with practical insights, pastoral wisdom, and a renewed appreciation for the “trellis work” that supports vibrant, sustainable ministry. (00:24:01) Why is guest follow-up important? How do you do it? (11:00:02) How should church planters think about constitution and bylaws? (18:21:21) How does a church planter pick the right technology? Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel Santander, a church planter with international, hands-on discipling experience. Matt Smethurst, a pastor skilled in discipleship and church membership. They discuss discipling new converts through shared life and mentoring. They defend early, covenantal membership as a foundation. They offer practical timing and stewardship for launching groups and ministries.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Matt Smethurst to answer a question many church planters wrestle with: How do I preach engaging sermons? As part of a season focused on the most common “how” questions in church planting, the conversation explores what it really means for preaching to be engaging—not entertaining or gimmicky, but clear, compelling, and faithful to Scripture. Jeff, Tony, and Matt discuss their sermon preparation rhythms, common mistakes planters can make in their study, and why deep work in the text is essential for preaching that connects with people. Drawing on pastoral experience and insights from historic voices like Spurgeon, they also offer practical encouragement for holding a congregation’s attention while remaining sound, biblical, and Christ-centered in every sermon. Listeners will walk away with helpful perspective on sermon preparation, clarity about the goal of engaging preaching, and practical wisdom for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word week after week. (00:24:01) What do we mean by “engaging”? What do we not mean? (05:53:10) What are some elements of engaging preaching? (09:50:19) How do you study for sermons? (21:04:17) What is your approach for illustrations?  Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Vergil Brown to answer two of the most common—and often most stressful—questions church planters face: How do I raise money, and how do I find a space? Continuing the season’s focus on the “how” of church planting, the conversation offers practical guidance on building financial support, creating a healthy and realistic budget, and securing the right rental facility. Listeners will gain clear, actionable insight to help them raise funds faithfully, steward resources wisely, and choose a space that supports their mission. (00:24:01) What is the best way for a church planter to raise support? (17:02:21) How should a planter think about a budget?  (27:02:22) How do I find a space?  Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Tony Merida is joined by Vergil Brown and Jeff Medders to tackle a crucial question for church planters: How do I faithfully engage my city with the hope of the gospel? As part of a season focused on the practical “how” questions of church planting, this conversation explores the essential heart shift that must take place in a planter—moving from simply leading a church to living as a missionary in their context. The discussion offers encouragement on personal evangelism, cultivating meaningful relationships, and proclaiming Christ with clarity and compassion. The guests also provide practical coaching on identifying domains of influence, forming wise community partnerships, and serving the city without losing gospel focus. Listeners will come away with biblical vision, practical strategies, and fresh encouragement for engaging their city with intentionality and hope. (00:24:01) 1st question: How can a planter think and act like a missionary? (08:29:19) 2nd question: What’s your best advice and encouragement on how to evangelize? (22:41:00) 3rd question: How do you find your domains of influence and wise partnerships? Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Tony Merida and Adam Muhtaseb to address one of the most frequently used—and often misunderstood—ideas in church planting: vision. As part of a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores what vision truly is, how a planter faithfully casts vision, and why clarity and consistency matter more than creativity alone. The discussion also dives into the practical work of writing vision and values, as well as the role of a church planting prospectus—what it should include, what it should avoid, and how it serves planters as they raise support, recruit a team, and invite others into the mission. Listeners will walk away with biblical grounding, seasoned counsel, and practical tools for leading others toward a shared, God-given future.(00:32:14) What is vision and how do you cast it?(12:26:00) What advice do you have on writing vision and values?(17:44:23) What needs to be in a prospectus?Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of theNew Churchespodcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Daniel Santander to tackle one of the most foundational questions every prospective church planter asks:How do I know I’m called?As the first episode in a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores what biblical calling really is, how a man can discern whether he’s called to pastoral ministry—and whether that calling is best lived out through planting, revitalization, or pastoring an existing church—and why every healthy planter must be sent by a local church. Listeners will walk away with theological clarity, pastoral wisdom, and practical guidance for discerning God’s direction and embracing the church-centered nature of the planting task.Resources: What Great Pastors Do(00:24:00) What is calling? How do you know if you are called? (09:35:00) How do you know if you are a planter, revitalizer, or lay pastor?(20:26:15) Why is a sending church important and how can a church planter foster that relationship?Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Noah Oldham, Tony Merida, and Patrick Schreiner, to explore the often-overlooked role of pastoral care, offering practical advice on shepherding a congregation, protecting against false teaching, fostering unity, and cultivating enduring relationships with church members. Listeners gain both biblical insight and real-world strategies for sustaining long-term, healthy ministry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Basham, a seasoned pastor and church planter, shares insights on navigating church conflicts. He’s joined by Bryan Loritts, a leadership expert, who introduces frameworks for understanding conflict dynamics. Jon Kelly emphasizes humility and patience while providing practical policies for a healthy church culture. Together, they discuss the importance of support networks, the need for asking questions in disputes, and strategies for handling public conflicts wisely. Expect valuable lessons on maintaining unity and fostering forgiveness in pastoral settings.