New Churches Podcast

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Daniel Santander to tackle one of the most urgent and personal questions every church planter must face: How do I not burn out? As part of a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation addresses the real pressures planters experience from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and why endurance in ministry requires more than passion and hard work. The discussion begins with practical wisdom on structuring a weekly schedule that promotes sustainability, then turns to the challenge of handling criticism with humility and resilience. Most importantly, the episode centers on the necessity of abiding in Christ, offering encouragement and guidance for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life in the midst of the demands of planting. Listeners will walk away with pastoral insight, practical rhythms, and gospel-centered encouragement to help them labor faithfully and last for the long haul.

(00:24:01) How should a planter organize his schedule?

(11:43:15) How do you handle criticism?

(20:28:15) How do you maintain abiding in Christ?

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In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Vergil Brown and Daniel Santander to explore one of the most pressing challenges every church planter faces: how to lead well. As part of a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation unpacks a biblical vision of leadership—what it is, how planters should think about their role, and why leadership is more than just a title. The discussion also dives into the practical side of leadership, highlighting the attitudes, actions, and attributes necessary to faithfully lead teams, staff, and volunteers with wisdom and integrity. The episode concludes with a much-needed conversation on leading effective meetings, offering practical guidance for planning, facilitating, and following up in ways that foster clarity and momentum. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of biblical leadership, along with actionable insights to help them lead with purpose, humility, and effectiveness in the context of church planting.

(00:24:01) What is leadership?

(08:10:03) How should leaders act? What attributes are needed?

(22:11:22) How do you lead meetings?

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In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Matt Smethurst to tackle a crucial but often overlooked aspect of church planting: How do I build systems? Using the image of a trellis supporting a growing vine, the conversation highlights how intentional structures help church plants thrive, remain healthy, and bear lasting fruit. Together, they explore why guest follow-up is an essential early system for cultivating meaningful connections, the importance of establishing clear constitutions and bylaws for long-term stability and accountability, and how planters can wisely navigate the often overwhelming world of church technology. Listeners will walk away with practical insights, pastoral wisdom, and a renewed appreciation for the “trellis work” that supports vibrant, sustainable ministry.

(00:24:01) Why is guest follow-up important? How do you do it?

(11:00:02) How should church planters think about constitution and bylaws?

(18:21:21) How does a church planter pick the right technology?

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In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Tony Merida is joined by Matt Smethurst and Daniel Santander to discuss one of the most essential tasks of a church planter: making disciples. As part of a season focused on answering common questions from planters, the conversation explores how to faithfully pursue discipleship in a new church in 21st-century North America. The hosts talk about how to disciple new believers in a church plant, why church membership should be a priority from the beginning, and how to wisely launch key ministries like small groups, children’s ministry, and men’s and women’s discipleship. Listeners will gain practical guidance and pastoral wisdom for cultivating a healthy culture of disciple-making in the life of a new church.

(00:24:01) How do you disciple new converts?

(06:32:16) What are the best practices for a church membership process?

(21:06:04) How do you start groups and ministries?

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In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Matt Smethurst to answer a question many church planters wrestle with: How do I preach engaging sermons? As part of a season focused on the most common “how” questions in church planting, the conversation explores what it really means for preaching to be engaging—not entertaining or gimmicky, but clear, compelling, and faithful to Scripture. Jeff, Tony, and Matt discuss their sermon preparation rhythms, common mistakes planters can make in their study, and why deep work in the text is essential for preaching that connects with people. Drawing on pastoral experience and insights from historic voices like Spurgeon, they also offer practical encouragement for holding a congregation’s attention while remaining sound, biblical, and Christ-centered in every sermon. Listeners will walk away with helpful perspective on sermon preparation, clarity about the goal of engaging preaching, and practical wisdom for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word week after week.

(00:24:01) What do we mean by “engaging”? What do we not mean?

(05:53:10) What are some elements of engaging preaching?

(09:50:19) How do you study for sermons?

(21:04:17) What is your approach for illustrations? 

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