Ep. 102 - Empowering the Next Generation: Carrie Williams on Innovative Church Planting
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
Release Date: 07/10/2024
Ep. 116 - From Church Planter to Tech CEO: Dean Sweetman & the Future of Church Tech
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode, Greg Nettle talks with Dean Sweetman, co-founder and co-CEO of , a digital giving platform now used by over 50,000 churches worldwide. Dean shares his remarkable journey from being a high school dropout and aspiring surfer in Australia to planting over 60 churches globally and building a church tech company processing billions in donations annually. Key highlights: Dean’s unconventional path into church planting across Asia, Africa, and North America. Why demographic research + Holy Spirit leading matters when choosing a church plant location. How a Starbucks app...
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Ep. 115 - Choosing the Opposite: Radical Leadership Lessons with Tammy Melchien
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with longtime friend and teaching pastor Tammy Melchien. Tammy has served at in Chicagoland for over two decades and is releasing her first book, Choosing the Opposite, in October 2025. Tammy reflects on her journey as a church planter in urban Chicago, the unique challenges of being a single woman in ministry, and the joy of seeing lives transformed in a transient, young professional community. She shares the origin story and key insights from her book—rooted in the Sermon on the Mount—and how following Jesus often...
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Ep. 114 - 5 Things Every Church Planter Needs to Know About Kids Ministry
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, host is joined by from Stadia’s post-launch team and two dynamic kids ministry leaders from Georgia— of City Church Griffin and of Foundation Christian Church. Together, they outline five essential principles for church leaders who want to reach and disciple the next generation: Safety isn’t optional – Every church needs a clear child protection policy. Not sure where to start? Ask neighboring churches to share their handbooks. Leadership matters – Recruit leaders who can lead teams, not just love kids. Burnout is real without...
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Ep. 113 - Jet Fuel & Church Planting: Ricky Brown’s 5 Leadership Hazards to Avoid
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
Welcome jet pilot, pastor, and author Ricky Brown to unpack the five “hazardous attitudes” every church leader must watch out for—straight from FAA training and powerfully applied to ministry. Ricky draws on his dual experience as a commercial pilot and church planter to share practical, soul-tending wisdom for avoiding burnout and moral failure. Ricky’s new book, , breaks these down through powerful fables and life lessons. Greg and Ricky dive deep into the signs of anti-authority, invulnerability, macho attitudes, impulsivity, and resignation, and how each can destroy ministry,...
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Ep. 112 - Planting Bold Churches: Brian Tome on Clarity, Resilience, and Staying Healthy
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of the , Greg Nettle welcomes his longtime friend Brian Tome, founder and senior pastor of in Cincinnati. Brian unpacks the unfiltered reality of church planting—from answering a magazine ad with 11 strangers to building a church that reaches tens of thousands weekly. He shares how grit, vision clarity, and authenticity have shaped his journey, recounts his “two-for-one” approach to core team building, and challenges leaders to relentlessly pursue new people, not just transfer Christians. Brian and Greg discuss lessons learned the hard way, the importance of work ethic,...
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Ep. 111 - Navigating Post-Pandemic Church Growth w/ Josh Abernathy & Clint Nolder
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," hosted by Greg Nettle, president of Stadia Church Planting, guests Josh Abernathy and Clint Nolder discuss their experiences as church planters navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They share personal and corporate insights on leading their congregations through unprecedented times, adapting to new realities, and maintaining their mission despite significant obstacles. Key topics include: The impact of the pandemic on church operations and community engagement. Strategies for maintaining church growth and connection during...
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Ep. 110 - Church Planting Essentials: Strategic Insights with Vance Pitman from Send Network
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," Greg Nettle chats with Vance Pitman, president of Send Network and founder of Hope Church Las Vegas. Pitman shares his transformative journey from devotional readings to planting a vibrant, multi-ethnic community church in Las Vegas. He emphasizes the importance of intimacy with Christ, viewing ministry as an overflow of this relationship, and the necessity of contextual church planting strategies suited to urban settings. To connect with Vance and Send Network, visit https://www.namb.net/send-network/ To connect with Greg and Stadia, visit ...
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Ep. 109 - Shielding Your Mission by Leading Like a Bodyguard w/ Don Hamilton - Church Planting Podcast
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," Greg Nettle discusses with Don Hamilton, the author of Lead Like a Bodyguard: 52 Timeless Leadership Lessons. They explore key insights into leadership and church planting, drawing on lessons from the life of Nehemiah. Key topics include handling opposition, celebrating milestones, and the importance of team recognition. Connect with Don: https://www.donmarkhamilton.com/ Get Lead Like a Bodyguard on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9bFU4eD Connect with Stadia and Greg Nettle: https://stadia.org 0:54 - Discussing key leadership lessons from *Lead Like a...
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Ep. 108 - Why Some Church Plants Fail and Others Thrive (with Marc Cleary and Dino Rizzo from ARC)
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," host Greg Nettle, president of Stadia Church Planting, engages with guests Marc Cleary and Dino Rizzo. They discuss the nuances of church planting, the importance of clarity in calling, and the attributes of successful church leaders. Marc and Dino share their extensive experience in fostering thriving church communities through the Association of Related Churches (ARC). They emphasize the significance of financial health, strong personal relationships, and a clear vision for future church leaders. For more about their work, visit ARC's...
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Ep. 107 - Cultivating Collaboration: Church Planting Insights with Chad Clarkson
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, hosted by Greg Nettle of , we dive deep into the world of church planting with guest Chad Clarkson, Executive Director of the . Chad shares his journey and experiences in fostering a culture of collaboration among church planters in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Key topics include the strategic vision based on Acts 1:8, the efficacy of church networks, and the vital roles of mentorship and multi-site strategies. The discussion also touches upon innovative church models and the benefits of being part of a network that both...
info_outlineThis episode of "The Church Planting Podcast" features Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential Next, discussing the challenges and strategies of engaging the next generation in church planting. Carrie shares her journey from personal transformation to leading church initiatives and highlights the importance of apprenticeship and internships to involve young people. The conversation also explores various innovative church planting modalities like micro churches and network churches, which align with the strengths and interests of younger generations. Greg Nettle and Carrie delve into how different approaches, including entrepreneurial and hybrid models, can adapt to contemporary challenges and opportunities in church growth and disciple-making.
Connect with Greg and Stadia Church Planting: https://stadia.org
Connect with Carrie and Exponential Next: https://www.exponential.org/next
Episode Outline with Timestamps:
- [00:00:23] Introduction of Carrie Williams and her background
- [00:01:08] Carrie's journey into ministry and church planting
- [00:02:06] Challenges of engaging the next generation in church planting
- [00:03:16] Discussion on apprenticeship and internships for youth
- [00:04:12] Effective strategies for mobilizing young people
- [00:05:55] Innovations and new modalities in church planting discussed
- [00:07:17] Shift in church planter demographics and implications
- [00:09:39] Growth and potential of micro churches and network churches
- [00:14:00] The hybrid model of church network discussed
- [00:17:00] Exponential's Shark Tank and support for innovative projects
- [00:21:13] Discussion on generational differences and engaging young leaders
- [00:23:15] Future of Exponential and achieving the mission of church multiplication
- [00:24:34] Carrie's current engagements and recommendations