Ep. 113 - Jet Fuel & Church Planting: Ricky Brown’s 5 Leadership Hazards to Avoid
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
Release Date: 04/30/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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 ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineWelcome 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, The 5 Hazardous Attitudes: Ways to Win the War Within, 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, marriages, and leadership if not confronted.
Explore more of Ricky’s work, speaking, and resources at rickybrown.org.
02:15 - Planting a 70% unchurched church during the pandemic
04:00 - Tending to your soul as a leader
05:35 - The story behind “The 5 Hazardous Attitudes”
06:15 - Overview of the 5 attitudes: anti-authority, invulnerability, macho, impulsivity, resignation
08:00 - Anti-authority and unresolved trauma
10:00 - Invulnerability: "It won’t happen to me"
12:45 - Macho: Proving your worth as a leader
15:00 - Impulsivity: Acting too fast under pressure
18:50 - Guardrails for impulsivity: See your team as safety rails, not speed bumps
20:00 - Aviation stories that mirror leadership failures
23:00 - Resignation: Why leaders give up too soon
25:00 - Leading through darkness and not quitting before breakthrough
26:30 - Where to find Ricky’s book and workbook: [rickybrown.org](https://www.rickybrown.org/)
27:00 - Final words on biblical leadership and self-awareness