Episode 46: Rethinking Church: Focusing on the Great Commission- Tim Mezera
Release Date: 05/22/2024
Pastor to Pioneer
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton hosts Jeff Duerler and Andy Dalton from LifeSpring Community Church in Cincinnati. They share their unique journey from traditional church settings to pioneering microchurch movements. Jeff discusses his long pastoral journey, the transition from multi-site to autonomous churches, and the divine guidance that led them to explore church planting. Andy shares his personal story of obedience and the call to church planting, emphasizing the importance of family considerations and the influence of disciple-making movements. Together, they...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Mark Douglas, exploring his journey from a traditional pastoral role to a more transformative approach to ministry. Mark shares his experiences of feeling inadequate and frustrated within the prevailing church model, the challenges he faced in his ministry, and the realizations that led him to seek a different path. The conversation delves into the systemic issues within the church, the importance of evangelism, and the personal struggles that shaped Mark's faith journey. He discusses the challenges of resignation, the...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Suzie Judd, a pastor and catalyst for disciple-making movements. Suzie shares her journey of faith, her early life, and the formation of her church with her husband, Matt. They discuss their approach to evangelism, the impact of signs and wonders, and the importance of empowering believers to share their faith. Suzie emphasizes the need for lasting fruit in ministry and the challenges they faced in transitioning their church's focus towards equipping every believer to be a laborer in the harvest.
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode, Nick Roe shares his journey from being a youth pastor to stepping away from the traditional church model to pursue real estate and personal wellness. He discusses his early faith experiences, the challenges he faced in church leadership, and the business mindset he applied to ministry. Nick reflects on the struggles with bitterness and the importance of seeking help, ultimately leading to personal transformation and a focus on health and wellness. Nick emphasizes the importance of personal growth, discipleship, and the impact of this transition on his family, ultimately...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Duncan Slaughter, who shares his transformative journey from a life of partying to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus. Duncan recounts his early life filled with challenges, a supernatural encounter that changed his perspective, and his eventual decision to pursue seminary and church planting. He emphasizes the importance of discipleship and community in his ministry, ultimately leading to the establishment of a network of house churches in Houston. He discusses the importance of discipleship, the balance between structure...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this conversation, Britton Smith and Neal Karsten explore the complexities of transitioning church models, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by different approaches to disciple-making. They discuss three primary paths: transitioning existing churches, adopting a hybrid model, and pioneering new works. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical difficulties faced by pastors and congregations during these transitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding foundational issues and the dynamics of church movements.
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In part 2 of our mini series, Neal Karsten join us again to discuss 8 different cracks we see in the foundation of the institution. The conversation explores the challenges faced by modern churches regarding branding, competition, and the implications of centralization versus decentralization. They emphasize the importance of aligning church practices with biblical foundations rather than merely following established customs. They explore the complexities of church customs, the role of money in church dynamics, and the importance of flexibility in church practices. They discuss the potential...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
This is episode 1 of a special 3 part podcast series with our guest Neal Karsten. In episode 1, Britton and Neal navigate the complexities of church community, discipleship, and the impact of COVID-19 on traditional church models. They reflect on their experiences of gathering in homes, the challenges of empowering others, and the need for foundational changes within the church system. The discussion also highlights the importance of evaluating practices against biblical standards and recognizing the difference between individuals and the church system they operate within. In this...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Guy Caskey, who shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a passionate disciple-maker and church planter. Guy discusses his early struggles with identity and substance abuse, his radical encounter with God, and his subsequent call to ministry. He reflects on the challenges of navigating traditional church culture, the importance of discipleship, and the impact of global missions. Throughout the conversation, Guy emphasizes the need for authenticity, relationship-building, and a Christ-centered approach to...
info_outlinePastor to Pioneer
In this episode, Britton and Daniel Towner discuss Daniel's journey from a non-church background to becoming a pastor and pioneer in Philadelphia. Daniel shifted from an acting career in New York City, to a pastoral role in ministry, including a role as a director of discipleship, and is now pioneering a simple movement. The conversation highlights the importance of faith, community, and the pursuit of lost souls. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, the challenges of support raising, and the transformative power of being present in the community. Daniel discusses the significance of...
info_outlineTim Mezera shares his journey from pastoring a multi-site church to transitioning to house churches and disciple-making in Detroit. The transition was prompted by a realization that the focus on numbers and finances was not aligned with the call to make disciples. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Tim had a powerful encounter with the fear of the Lord and a renewed focus on the Great Commission. He and his wife made the decision to rethink church and transitioned to a network of house churches.