Church Planter Podcast

What happens when hardly anyone shows up to church, the worship leader is gone, there’s no sermon prepared, and the pastor is running on four hours of sleep? Most church planters would cancel. Peyton didn’t—and it turned into one of the most meaningful Sundays he’s ever experienced.In this episode, Peyton tells the story of a tiny gathering that turned into a powerhouse discipleship moment. A recovering addict asked real questions. A brand-new believer learned how to pray out loud for the first time. Walls dropped, Scripture came alive, and the Spirit showed up in ways no carefully planned service could have produced.This episode is a reminder that church planting is not about the show—it’s about people. When you let discipleship take the lead, Jesus gets the spotlight.If you’ve ever wondered how to create a culture where people talk, ask honest questions, pray for each other, and grow on Sundays—not just listen—this one is for you.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cpp

In this episode, the Peyton & Pete kicks things off reminiscing about the early days of The Church Planter Podcast before diving into one of the most practical topics for planters today: how and where to meet.Peyton unpacks his current church plant journey and explores creative ways to gather—whether in homes, co-working spaces, or even pubs. Together, he and Pete talk about balancing depth and width in ministry, why mission should shape your model, and how old rhythms like weekly communion can bring new life to a community on mission.If you’ve ever wondered how to grow beyond your living room without losing authenticity—or how to make disciples in the middle of your neighborhood’s everyday spaces—this conversation will give you plenty to think about (and laugh about).Highlights include:Why consistency matters more than ever in podcasting and pastoringPeyton’s vision for churches meeting in shared workspaceThe real-world costs of renting schools and community centersBlending centralized gatherings with sc

In this powerful conversation, Peyton Jones sits down with Christian Mungai, Global Movement Pastor at Mariners Church and author of People Are the Wealth, to explore how the global landscape of missions is shifting — and why that’s good news for the Church.Born in Kenya and now serving in California, Christian shares his remarkable family story that traces the full circle of missions: from the Scottish missionaries who reached his grandfather to his own call as a missionary to North America. Together, he and Peyton unpack how the center of Christianity has moved to the Global South, what that means for Western churches, and how a new era of interdependent mission is emerging.They discuss the African proverb behind his book title — “Money can make you rich, but only people make you wealthy” — and why relationships, not results, are the true measure of ministry. You’ll also hear the surprising story of how Mariners Church adopted Kenya’s Mizizi discipleship process, transforming it into Rooted, now used by tho

In this episode, Chestly Lunday sits down with Carey Nieuwhof — pastor, author, and host of The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast — to talk about how churches and leaders can stay healthy and innovative in a rapidly changing world.Carey unpacks why most great ideas have a five-to-seven-year shelf life, how leaders can navigate the “second S-curve” without losing their identity, and why humility and curiosity are key to long-term influence. They dive into the future of church models — from micro-expressions to digital communities — and explore how to build platforms that serve a mission instead of egos.Whether you’re a pastor, entrepreneur, or digital innovator, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what growth, character, and calling look like in the new era of church leadership.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else

What happens when your disciple-making actually works?In this episode, Pete and Peyton dive deep into Discipology—Peyton’s newest project and framework for mobilizing every believer. Forget the buzzwords about “multiplication.” This is about what Jesus actually did: sending ordinary people two by two to change the world.Peyton unpacks the three rhythms of disciple-making—Teaching, Time, and Tactics—and explains why most churches stop short of the third. Then he explores what happens when those rhythms start producing fruit and your systems can’t keep up. From the chaos of growth in Acts 6 to a modern-day electrician who accidentally started a movement, this one’s full of real stories, field-tested wisdom, and classic Peyton energy.If you’ve ever wondered what comes after the multiplication movement—or how to survive the disruption that comes when disciples start multiplying—this episode is for you.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listeni

What does it take to lead the first truly digital generation? In this episode, Chestly Lunday sits down with leadership expert and author Tim Elmore to talk about his latest book, The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace. Together they unpack what makes Gen Z unique, the myths leaders often believe about them, and why this generation might actually be the solution—not the problem—for the future of the church and the workplace.From stories of innovation and frustration in corporate America, to fresh insights on belonging, authority, and discipleship, Tim and Chestly explore how pastors, church planters, and leaders of all kinds can build teams where Gen Z thrives. Whether you’re planting a church or leading in another sphere, this conversation will help you move from gatekeeping to guiding, and discover why the future really does begin with ZResources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:The Future Begins with ZReliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingTha

In this episode, Pete and Peyton dive into the often-overlooked practice of mentorship and its vital connection to discipleship. Reflecting on stories from Charlie Kirk, early church history, and their own church planting journeys, they explore why asking for a mentor is essential, what healthy mentoring relationships look like, and how they differ from coaching and training.From stories of Peyton’s mentors to Pete’s business insights, the conversation unpacks both the joys and pitfalls of seeking guidance, the responsibility of mentees to act on what they learn, and how disciple-making naturally flows out of intentional mentoring. Whether you’re planting a church, leading a ministry, or just hungry to grow, this episode will challenge you to pursue mentors and become one for others.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doi

Peyton has finally caught up on his Star Wars, which means it's time for a special edition of the Church Planter Podcast where Peyton and Pete don't talk about church planting. Get ready for Peyton's thoughts on a galaxy far, far away, along with a healthy dose of Alien and Jeeps.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast service to help us connect with more church planters.

In this special episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Pete and Peyton respond to the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With the nation divided and emotions raw, they reflect on Kirk’s public witness, his unapologetic faith, and the way he embodied respectful dialogue in a culture that often rewards division. Together, they wrestle with how pastors and church leaders should shepherd their people through such a moment—balancing grief, political tension, and the call to point back to Christ. This is a sober, heartfelt conversation about faith under fire, the dangers of conflating politics and the gospel, and the role of spiritual leaders when tragedy shakes a nation.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast

What if the way we think about poverty is all wrong? In this episode, Chestly Lunday sits down with Brian Fikkert, co-author of When Helping Hurts and founder of the Chalmers Center, to unpack why many well-meaning church strategies can actually do more harm than good.Brian shares his journey from economics professor to equipping churches around the world to serve the poor in ways that honor their dignity and relationships. Together, Chestly and Brian dig into questions like:Why is poverty more than just a lack of material resources?How can churches avoid treating symptoms and instead address the deeper, relational causes of poverty?What does it look like to shift from building orphanages to strengthening families?How can marketplace ministry and meaningful work become central to mission strategy?Whether you’re a church planter, pastor, or just someone wrestling with how to serve the vulnerable in your community, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink what it truly means to help without h

In this episode, Peyton Jones and Pete Mitchell tackle the challenge of sharing the gospel in a world overloaded with noise and distraction. From the rise of short-form content to the temptation of controversy-driven clicks, they explore what it means to “do the work of an evangelist” today. Peyton unpacks the biblical distinction between being a witness and proclaiming the good news, while Pete draws parallels between evangelism and marketing—showing how principles of attention-grabbing can be leveraged without compromising the message.Together, they discuss how church planters can avoid the trap of Pharisaical call-outs, enter the conversations people are already having, and use digital tools wisely to connect real people with the hope of Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise with the gospel in today’s distracted age, this conversation will give you clarity, conviction, and some practical next steps.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed

In this month’s Fully-Funded Church Planter episode, brought to you in partnership with Reliant, Chestly Lunday and Jon Crawford put church planter Logan Mabe in the fundraising “hot seat.” Logan shares the vision behind his new church in Chula Vista, San Diego, and the real challenges of balancing co-vocational ministry, family life, and raising the funds needed to launch strong.Together, Jon and Chestly coach him through practical next steps—clarifying vision, maximizing return on investment for his time, building healthy donor relationships, and even stretching faith to make bold asks. Along the way, they highlight how funding isn’t neutral: it shapes mission, ministry, and the speed of the church’s momentum.If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension of fundraising while planting, this episode will give you both encouragement and tangible strategies to help you take your next step toward becoming a fully-funded church planter.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Reliant at partner@relia

In this episode, Chestly Lunday sits down with Jacob Lierz, Missions Pastor at LifeMission Church in Kansas City, to challenge conventional thinking on global missions. Jacob shares his powerful journey—from becoming a Christian at his home church to planting a church in a refugee camp in Djibouti, and now leading a reimagined missions strategy that prioritizes family-based care over institutional orphanages.They unpack the uncomfortable truths behind short-term trips, the harmful unintended consequences of orphanage-based missions, and why local churches need a new framework for global outreach. Jacob offers a compelling call to action for church planters: don’t delay global engagement. Prayer, generosity, and sending are part of your church’s DNA from day one.They also talk about reverse culture shock, raising globally-minded kids, and how poverty in the developing world compares to American need. Whether you’re planting in the inner city or training teams for Nepal, this episode will stretch your perspecti

In this episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Peyton Jones and Pete Mitchell tackle a topic that’s rarely discussed but critical to the health of your church plant—how to run a leadership meeting. Peyton shares his philosophy of open, transparent meetings, the structure he uses to keep them productive, and why listening often matters more than talking. You’ll hear practical tips on setting the tone, prioritizing issues, fostering unity without voting, and creating space for every voice to be heard. Plus, along the way, you’ll get plenty of stories—from supernatural disruptions to unexpected moments of team collaboration—that illustrate how leadership meetings can be both Spirit-led and highly effective.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to

In this wide-ranging, rabbit-trail-rich episode, Peyton and Pete go full Loveline-meets-Lancashire-hotpot. What starts with a nostalgic nod to late-night radio quickly unravels into a theological deep dive covering Jordan Peterson’s spiritual journey, why Wesleyan theology still matters, and how different “gospels” throughout church history reflect the multi-faceted diamond of salvation.Peyton shares why he moved from Calvinism to Free Methodism (spoiler: it’s not for the branding) and how resurrection power is the part we’ve left out of modern soteriology. Pete drops a powerful recap of Free Burma Rangers—a documentary about frontline faith, radical sacrifice, and the gospel lived out under fire.Oh yeah, and they cover Comic-Con access tips, real-time church planter giving strategies, and a whole lot of this and that along the way.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where n

In this episode, Peyton returns from the UK with fresh ink and even fresher stories of what God is doing through a tattoo shop-turned-discipleship hub in Wales. From hilarious misadventures with a British dog to profound reflections on the sovereignty of God, Peyton walks us through a surprising chain of events that began with a simple Starbucks conversation—and continues to ripple through a church planting movement.Then, in light of John MacArthur’s passing, Peyton and Pete offer a thoughtful (and sometimes blunt) reflection on his legacy: the strengths, the blind spots, and what every leader can learn from a life of bold teaching and fierce convictions. Along the way, they explore how the APEST framework helps us stay balanced and avoid letting our strengths become our downfall.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing

In this episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Chestly Lunday interviews Nick Hall—evangelist, author, and founder of Pulse—about how to reach the next generation with the gospel. Nick shares stories of calling, risk, and revival, including how a simple prayer on a college campus turned into a nationwide movement to call young people back to Jesus.Chestly and Nick talk about the hunger they're seeing in Gen Z, why evangelism needs to be bold and relational, and how church planters can lean into prayer and obedience rather than platform-building. It’s a vulnerable and hope-filled conversation about dreaming big and starting small.You’ll hear:How to step into a calling before you feel “ready”What Gen Z is really looking for in the churchWhy the future of evangelism will look more like community than celebrityResources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Pulse EvangelismReliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else

What if your church stopped trying to be a lake and became a river instead?In this episode, Peyton Jones and Pete Mitchell sit down with Larry Walkemeyer, longtime pastor of Light & Life Christian Fellowship and the author of The River Church. Larry shares the radical vision God gave him and his wife Deb: instead of growing bigger, their church would grow deeper and wider by sending. That vision turned 39 parking spots into 33 church plants.Larry unpacks the biblical inspiration behind the river metaphor (Ezekiel 47), the ego-surrendering challenges of multiplication, and how prayer, generosity, and Spirit-led leadership shaped a culture of movement. Along the way, he shares powerful stories—from sending a former gang member to plant a thriving church, to watching a seemingly “failed” plant bear unexpected fruit on Capitol Hill.If you're a church planter or pastor dreaming of a multiplying movement, this conversation will stir your spirit and expand your imagination.Resources and Links Mentioned in this E

Six hundred episodes. Over a decade of laughs, lessons, and legendary missteps. For this milestone moment, Church Planter Podcast flips the mic—Chestly Lunday interviews the duo who started it all: Peyton Jones and Pete Mitchell.From their earliest interviews using Google Hangouts (complete with digital Dr. Seuss hats), to the infamous “TomTom cougar voice incident” at Saddleback, nothing is off-limits. They swap war stories from the church planting trenches, revisit the wildest guest moments, and reflect on what they’ve learned after 600 episodes of keeping it real for planters everywhere.Expect laughter, unexpected wisdom, a few inside jokes, and a reminder that church planting doesn’t have to be lonely...or uptight.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Reliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people, no one else is reaching.Make sure to review an

In this episode of the Fully-Funded Church Planter, Chestly Lunday sits down with Demeko Bivens to talk about the unique dynamics of planting churches in urban environments.Demeko shares what he’s learned about entering a city with humility, listening before leading, and building a church that reflects the diversity and complexity of the people it serves. From the dangers of rushing vision to the importance of spiritual authority in underserved contexts, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone planting in or around the urban core.Whether you're planting in the city or simply want to understand what urban ministry requires, this episode offers a grounded, Spirit-led look at what it means to serve faithfully in complex places.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Reliant at partner@reliant.orgReliant Mission: reliant.org/cppNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the church planter podcast. We’re here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing t