Exponential NEXT Podcast

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 87 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does it look like to disciple deeply and see that impact multiply widely across communities? In this challenging and hope-filled episode, host Tom Planck, Director of NEXT Ventures, is joined by Walter Harvey of the Wi+H Movement and Paul Watson of the Freedom Initiative. Together, they share innovative, context-specific approaches to discipleship that are helping people grow in faith and become disciple-makers in their own communities. Walter shares how Wi+H Movement partners with churches and emerging pastors to develop culturally relevant and transformative discipleship strategies. Rooted in relationship and local context, their work equips leaders to disciple effectively in the communities they serve. Paul brings insight into the powerful work of Freedom Initiative, which is focused on launching disciple-making movements among those impacted by incarceration in the U.S. By equipping believers, prison ministries, and churches, they’re seeing lives transformed, recidivism reduced, and the Kingdom expanded through the power of deep, replicable discipleship. Whether you’re serving in a traditional church, navigating complex social issues, or longing to see real transformation in your community, this episode offers both inspiration and practical models for making disciples who make disciples. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Walter Harvey, President, Wi+H Movement Paul Watson, Founder, Freedom Initiative Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: with.city [email protected] @Bishop_WalterHarvey Bishop Walter Harvey contagiousdisciplemaking.com @pauldwatson Paul D Watson

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 86 Series: Ministry Reimagined What will it take to raise up the next generation of Kingdom leaders—and how can the Church equip them to thrive? In this visionary and practical episode, Tom Planck is joined by three catalytic leaders who are deeply invested in multiplying healthy, mission-driven leadership: Jon Wiest of Mobilize the Church, Steve Pike of Urban Islands Project, and Dave Miller of Leadership Pathway. Together, they engage in a powerful conversation about how to find, develop, and unleash change makers for the future of the Church. Jon shares how Mobilize the Church partners with pastors and local leaders to train and resource the body of Christ for movement and mission. Steve discusses how Urban Islands Project is working across multiple cities to launch coaching clusters that support church starters planting in urban contexts simultaneously. And Dave outlines how Leadership Pathway is helping churches build strong leadership pipelines through intentional, in-house residency programs that consistently raise up high-impact leaders. If you’re a church leader, coach, planter, or simply someone passionate about leadership development, this episode offers real tools, tested strategies, and fresh inspiration for building the kind of leaders the Church desperately needs. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Jon Wiest, Co-Founder, Mobilize the Church Steve Pike, President and Founder, Urban Islands Project Dave Miller, Co-Founder, Leadership Pathway Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: mobilizethechurch.com nextwave.community leadershippathway.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 85 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does meaningful ministry look like for the next generation? In this energizing and insightful episode, Tom Planck is joined by Olivia Williamson of Claim Your Campus and Emma Tautolo of AZ Reach, two leaders who are deeply invested in raising up Gen Z through prayer, leadership, and holistic community engagement. Olivia shares how Claim Your Campus is mobilizing middle and high school students to pray for their schools and communities, creating a grassroots movement of young people who are spiritually grounded and bold in their faith. Emma brings a powerful perspective from her work with AZ Reach, which empowers Arizona youth through mentorship, skill-building programs, entrepreneurship training, mental health support, and more. Together, they dive into what it means to reach, equip, and walk alongside a generation navigating immense cultural, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Whether you’re a church leader, youth pastor, parent, or someone passionate about the future of the Church, this conversation offers real stories, practical insights, and fresh vision for engaging Gen Z and beyond. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Olivia Williamson – Director, Claim Your Campus Emma Tautolo – Executive Director, AZ Reach Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: azreach.com @azreach claimyourcampus.com Claim Your Campus App @claimyourcampus

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 84 Series: Ministry Reimagined What if evangelism wasn’t just about sharing the message of Jesus—but about sharing life with others? In this inspiring and deeply practical episode, host Tom Planck is joined by Akie Hadeed, Founder of Streets of Prayer, and Molly Soderstrom, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Brook. Together, they explore the transformative power of relational evangelism, where faith is shared not from a platform but from the context of real, everyday relationships. Akie shares the global vision behind Streets of Prayer, an app and movement aiming to raise up a billion Spirit-filled followers of Jesus to cover every person and every place in persistent prayer by the year 2030. Molly brings her passion for multiplying everyday disciple-makers through The Brook, a movement mobilizing young professionals to live out the Gospel across generations. This conversation offers encouragement, strategy, and a renewed vision for how personal connection can open doors for spiritual transformation. Whether you’re in full-time ministry or simply want to love your neighbors better, you’ll be equipped and inspired to live and lead as a bridge builder in your own community. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Akie Hadeed, CEO/Founder, Streets of Prayer Molly Soderstrom, Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Brook Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: streetsofprayer.com thebrook.city @thebrook.city

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 83 Series: Ministry Reimagined What does ministry look like when the church goes beyond four walls and into the digital world? In this thought-provoking and timely episode, host Tom Planck sits down with Anne Bosarge, founder of Digital Discipleship and Mark Lutz, Founder and Lead Pastor of Lux Digital Church, to explore how technology is reshaping the way we reach, disciple, and walk with people in their faith journeys. Anne and Mark share their unique perspectives on building real, authentic relationships, even when those relationships begin on a screen. From online prayer and community to virtual mentorship and spiritual formation, we unpack both the incredible opportunities and real challenges of doing ministry in digital spaces. Whether you’re leading a church, launching a digital ministry, or just wondering how to better engage people online, this conversation will expand your vision for what’s possible. Ministry in the digital era isn’t about replacing face-to-face connection; it’s about leveraging technology to make the Gospel more accessible than ever before. — Host: Tom Planck, Director, NEXT Ventures Guest: Anne Bosarge, Founder, Digital Discipleship Mark Lutz, Founder and Lead Pastor, Lux Digital Church Category: Innovation NEXT — Resources mentioned in this episode: digitaldiscipleship.online Digital Discipleship: Reimagining the Great Commission in a Digital World luxdigitalchurch.com [email protected]