Ep. 119 - Steps to Real Change: John Ortberg on Addiction, Discipleship, and Church Growth
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
Release Date: 07/23/2025
Ep. 119 - Steps to Real Change: John Ortberg on Addiction, Discipleship, and Church Growth
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this powerful conversation, Greg Nettle sits down with author and pastor John Ortberg to discuss his newest book, . Drawing inspiration from the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Ortberg reveals why this recovery-based model may actually be the most effective path to real spiritual transformation—for everyone, not just those with addiction. The conversation covers: How AA emerged from discipleship roots in the Oxford Group Why most churches struggle with a “wimpy Step One” How to foster communities of grace-filled vulnerability The critical role of desperation, community, and...
info_outline
Ep. 118 - The Quiet Revival: Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church (with Dave Ferguson)
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
In this powerful episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle is joined by long-time friend and influential church leader . Dave is the founding pastor of , president of , and co-founder of the global church planting network NewThing—now integrated into Exponential. The conversation covers: Dave’s personal and organizational transitions, including appointing a new lead pastor at Community A deep dive into his 5-step leadership apprenticeship model (from his book ) His global perspective on a potential revival among Gen Z, especially in the UK The explosive growth of...
info_outline
Ep. 117 - Micro and Multiethnic Churches and the Future of Church Planting (w/ Dr. Liz Rios and Rev. Len Tang)
The Church Planting Podcast with Greg Nettle
Greg sits down with Dr. Liz Rios (Founder of ) and Rev. Len Tang (Director of the ) to explore the expanding world of multiethnic, micro, and digital church planting. They unpack the rapid growth of microchurches, the increasing leadership of women of color in church planting, and the redefinition of success beyond outdated metrics. The conversation also dives into the barriers multiethnic leaders face—especially in funding and power-sharing—and the urgent need for new pipelines that elevate diverse leaders. Get practical ideas and inspiration for: Starting and supporting digital faith...
info_outline
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_outlineIn this powerful conversation, Greg Nettle sits down with author and pastor John Ortberg to discuss his newest book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Drawing inspiration from the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Ortberg reveals why this recovery-based model may actually be the most effective path to real spiritual transformation—for everyone, not just those with addiction.
The conversation covers:
-
How AA emerged from discipleship roots in the Oxford Group
-
Why most churches struggle with a “wimpy Step One”
-
How to foster communities of grace-filled vulnerability
-
The critical role of desperation, community, and daily practices in spiritual growth
-
How churches can implement the Steps curriculum and even start B12 groups (Bible + 12 Steps)
John also shares about his free daily vodcast ministry, Become New, and upcoming resources for small groups and churches based on Steps, launching Fall 2025.
Whether you're planting a church or trying to revitalize one, this episode offers practical wisdom and a compelling vision for deep, lasting discipleship.
We hope you enjoy this podcast. For more info about Stadia Church Planting and how you can get involved, check out stadia.org. To connect with Greg Nettle, you can find him at GregNettle.com
Episode Index
01:10 - John's new book *Steps* and its origin in the 12 Steps
03:00 - Why *Steps* is for everyone, not just addiction recovery
04:20 - The spiritual roots of AA and the Oxford Group
06:00 - The power of weakness and the gift of desperation
08:00 - Greg shares a baby dedication story and his own approval addiction
10:20 - Why churches struggle with a “wimpy Step One”
12:00 - Biblical examples of desperation and robust transformation
13:20 - How desperation leads to discipleship intensity
14:00 - Discipleship as both program and fellowship
16:00 - Why church needs to be more like an AA meeting
17:30 - The power of confession and shared inadequacy
19:00 - Appropriate vulnerability for pastors and leaders
21:00 - How to help your church take real steps toward transformation
22:20 - Real-life church examples like the “B12 class”
24:00 - Free video curriculum for *Steps* coming Fall 2025
25:15 - Final thoughts: encouragement for church planters