In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Tony Merida is joined by Patrick Schreiner, Jeff Medders, and Jon Kelly to talk about the power of the Holy Spirit in church planting. Beginning in Acts 2, they reflect on Pentecost and how the Spirit empowers ordinary believers to take the gospel to the nations. Together they highlight the Spirit’s role in both the extraordinary and the ordinary—uniting the church in prayer, guiding planters in weakness, fueling mission, and keeping the focus on God’s glory rather than human ambition.
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Why Plant Churches?
In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida, Vance Pitman, and J.D. Greear to kick off a new season exploring church planting through the book of Acts. Together, they discuss the biblical foundations for church planting, why multiplication is essential for God’s kingdom mission, and how both Scripture and practical realities compel churches to plant and send.
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Jeremy Pierre on Pastoral Care as Personal Ministry
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Jeremy Pierre in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on the vital role of pastoral care in church planting. Drawing from his experience as a seminary professor and local church pastor, Jeremy casts a compelling vision for personal, proactive, and gospel-shaped ministry to people. He shares insights on building relational trust, asking better questions, and embodying the heart of a shepherd—reminding church planters that pastoring is not just about launching services but faithfully caring for souls.
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Barnabas Piper on Cultivating Gospel Culture
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Barnabas Piper in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on what it means to build and sustain a gospel culture in your church. Drawing from his experience at Immanuel Nashville, Barnabas shares practical insights on fostering honesty, safety, and honor in church life—and how Christ-centeredness is the key to lasting unity and transformation. Whether you're planting a church or pastoring an established one, this conversation will help you consider how to lead with humility and create a community marked by the aroma of Christ.
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21:53
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Matt Smethurst on Gospel-Centered Church Planting
Host Jeff Medders is joined by Matt Smethurst in this special episode of the New Churches podcast for a discussion on calling, culture, and convictions in church planting. Matt shares the story behind the launch of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and the power of a sacrificial team. They explore how a robust membership process, a culture of evangelism, and insights from Tim Keller have shaped Matt’s pastoral approach. Whether you're just exploring a call to plant or deep into the journey, this episode offers gospel-rich wisdom and encouragement.
The New Churches podcast offers practical answers to your real ministry questions. We aren’t going to provide lofty pie-in-the-sky theories. Instead, we are going to help you in your real ministry context, with your real thoughts, questions, and issues.
New Zealand