Leading People in a Transformational Encounter

Pastor Joumeel McLaurine knows that God had his future in his hands because there is no other explanation for how he is where he is today. As he lay on the floor praying that he would be spared from jail, he remembers saying, “Lord, I don't know how this is all going to work out, but I just want you to know that I'm going to give everything, the rest of my life, to pursuing you, pursuing heaven, and trying to take people with me." And that was the birthplace of Ascend Church.

When Sean and his wife moved to Boston, it was the first time in his life that he was surrounded by people who didn't share his faith. But now, almost 20 years later, he has planted a church where his neighbors have been saved and baptized. Dive into this episode to learn more about Pastor Sean's passion for creating opportunities for relational context in the community with the people who actually need our faith.

Pastor Mark did not want to plant a church. He was happy where he was at with the job he had, but God had other plans. Today, Mark pastors Vantage Point church in Eastvale, California and he has learned a few lessons and what it looks like to step out in faith and let God show up. Dive into this episode where Mark and Brandon talk about being a generous church, discipleship, and helping people experience Christ!

In 2010, Pastor Carl Nichols launched Relevant Church. As he looks back on the last few years, he sees God’s hand constantly at work. In this episode, Carl chats with host, Brandon Cox, about the history of his church and how they got to where they are today. From a church that started with just 8 people to now building an auditorium to seat over 1000, Relevant Church has seen tremendous growth. Of course, it hasn’t come without its challenges. Carl and Brandon discuss a few of Relevant Church’s core beliefs and how they have continued to stick to those beliefs in every decision they make in ministry, staffing, and programming and Carl shares his encouragement to other pastors about authenticity and the importance of getting real.

Tom Kang has served as Lead Pastor of NewStory Church in Los Angeles for less than a year, but in that year, they've changed their name, their location, their denomination, and their leadership structure. Tom knows a thing or two about leading through change. And he understands the power of vision, too. NewStory is determined to impact 1% of one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in the world.

Ryan Nunez didn't aspire to be a Lead Pastor, but when his church family, Palm Valley Church in greater Phoenix, walked through the pain of losing their pastor to a terminal illness, he responded to the call. Now, they continue to grow in a healthy, balanced way thanks in part to the systems they have in place as a purpose driven church.

Ron Sylvia planted The Springs Church in Ocala, Florida with 21 people in an office building. Today, over 3,000 people attend their three campuses. Ron shares with us about how to stay relational even while your church is experiencing growth, and what to do when discouraging moments hit.

Doug Bell was hurt by the church, but he hung on and God blessed! CrossPointe Church has grown into a multi-campus ministry in the northeast Mississippi / Memphis, Tennessee area by loving broken people and being intentional about discipleship and leadership development.

Since planting Eastpoint Church in Spokane, Washington, Kurt Bubna has watched the church grow into a healthy, vibrant fellowship that reaches people "here, near, and far." In this episode, we hear from Kurt about how to cultivate a heart for the nations as well as how to create transformational encounters each weekend.

Twenty years ago, Brian Moss accepted the call to pastor a church in northern Maryland that had plateaued and seemed stuck. But God gave Brian a big dream. Now, Oak Ridge Baptist Church hosts the annual Dream Conference to share the story of their growth and journey toward being a healthy church.