EPISODE 059: Leading a “Crazy Faith” Series at Your Church
In this episode we discuss what we learned through teaching Mike Todd's "Crazy Faith" series at our church. We share how we were able to raise our largest offering ever, the logistics of giving it all away, and what we will do differently next time. If you're curious about what Crazy Faith is or whether it could be a good fit for your congregation, this conversation is for you!
EPISODE 058: Surprise! Here’s a Quarter of a Million Dollars!
As a part of their Crazy Faith Super Sunday service, Transformation Church (Tulsa, OK) unexpectedly blessed our congregation with a check for $270,000. How did that come about?! In this episode we share the good, the bad and the ugly that comes from publicly receiving such a large gift.
EPISODE 057: Relaunching With Less
Relaunching in the post-covid world likely means making more happen with less resources. It's not easy, but here are some creative ideas to help when you have fewer attendees, volunteers and dollars than ever.
EPISODE 056: Planting Single: An Interview with Jonathan Brooker
What's it like to plant a church as a single guy? As you can probably imagine it comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities! In this episode we talk with Jonathan Brooker, pastor of Alive Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He shares the struggles of moving to a new city alone, launching a life-giving church from scratch, and finding love along the way. Even if you are already married, his story provides insight into the best ways to minister to singles in your church and on your staff. (And of course, Jonathan's wisdom goes far beyond this one topic. You'll love this wide-ranging conversation with a planter you need to know!)
EPISODE 055: What to Do When People Leave Your Church
It's inevitable - people are going to leave your church (for biblical and unbiblical reasons). And when they do, it can be hard not to take it personally. In this episode we discuss the pain of pastoring fickle people, and how to protect your heart and ministry when you feel wounded and inadequate.
EPISODE 054: Apostolic Church Planting with Luke Reid
What if you decided to plant your next campus in a different country or even on a different continent? What does it take to raise a church to self-sufficiency, turn it over to local leadership and then move your family to a new city in order to start the process all over again? Luke Reid is the founding pastor of Resound Church a multisite church with campuses on 3(!) continents. In today's episode he shares his experience with apostolic, global church planting, leadership development and engaging your spouse and kids in the mission of God.
EPISODE 053: Creative Capital Campaigns
Fundraising doesn't stop at launch day! In this episode, Dan and Amber contrast two capital campaigns they led at Connect Church. One was a bit of a flop, while the other nearly doubled its target. No matter what you are raising funds for, we want to help you do it creatively and effectively.
BONUS EPISODE: The Radical 60 Challenge
The “75 Hard” challenge is sweeping the nation. And while investing in your mental and physical health is a great thing, we want people to invest equally in their spiritual health also. In this episode, Dan and Amber breakdown “The Radical 60 Challenge,” a sixty day spiritual boot camp that is transforming lives here in Calgary, and may be helpful to your congregation as well.
EPISODE 052: Negotiating a Warehouse Lease for your Church
Negotiating a lease with a commercial landlord can feel foreign and stressful. What is a TI? How do I know what the rent will actually be? What are the hidden costs of a buildout? In this episode, we share the basics of leasing a warehouse for your church, plus pro tips to give you the upper hand in your contract negotiations!
EPISODE 051: Finding a Permanent Space for your Church
Whether you've lost your venue due to COVID, or you are simply ready to be done with set up and tear down every Sunday, you have probably considered finding a building of your own. But what does it take to purchase or to lease commercial space? What basics do you need to know, and what hidden pitfalls should you avoid? In this episode we share what we've learned as we begin negotiating a commercial warehouse lease.
EPISODE 050: Hidden Racism in our Churches: Interview with George & Jontelle Gibson
What's it like to be the only Black family in a White church? How can we spot hidden racism, and root it out before it undermines our church? In what ways do we subconsciously marginalize voices of color on Sundays?In the episode we talk to George and Jontelle Gibson, Black parents who have spent the majority of their lives in White churches. (One of those churches was the congregation that Amber and I served at for 10 years. Surely we were never complicit in any racism, right? Right?) It's a raw and timely conversation, and we hope it helps you to create a church that reflects the diversity of heaven!
EPISODE 049: What Will Church look Like Post-COVID 19?
We are currently in the middle of what will likely be the defining event of our lifetime, and it's natural to wonder what ministry will be like when we can meet in person once again (an eventuality that some of you are already dealing with). In this episode we share some of our thoughts on what to expect in the next 12 months, we warn against rushing back to "normal church," and Dan publicly calls out one of his ministry heroes. Enjoy!
EPISODE 048: Digital Small Groups (Interview with Pradeepan Jeeva)
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced churches to cease meeting in person; all ministry has been moved online. In this episode, we interview Pradeepan Jeeva, pastor of Kalos Church in Bellevue, Washington. He shares their approach to building community via online platforms like Zoom, and discusses why he believes most churches are looking in the wrong places for their inspiration regarding digital church.
Follow Pradeepan and Kalos Church on Instagram! Subscribe to Kalos Church's YouTube channel (and Connect Church, if you're feeling extra generous).
EPISODE 047: Pastoring During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak is quickly and dramatically reshaping communities. Schools, churches, and travels are being shut down in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. What does it mean to pastor during a pandemic? How do we continue to *be* the church if the we can't gather *with* the church? We discuss these questions (and many more practical considerations) in this episode of New Church Hustle.
EPISODE 046: Building a Launch Team of 200 (Interview with Andy & Christy Cass)
Although Echo Church (Rochester, MN) only launched a few months ago, they have rocketed out of the gate! In this episode, Dan sits down with co-pastors Andy and Christy Cass to discuss what it takes to have a strong start in a tough city. Echo Church Instagram Echo Church Online
EPISODE 045: Church Governance You Won’t Hate
Church governance is a necessity, but for many pastors, it is also a headache. In this episode, we discuss a hybrid approach to spiritual and legal leadership that will bring you joy - not frustration - in the years to come.
Connect Church Constitution Connect Church Bylaws Connect Church Overseer Request
EPISODE 044: Missional Ministry through “Apartment Life”
At the heart of every church plant is a commitment to reaching people where they live and work. 6 months ago, Dan and Amber began partnering with a ministry known as "Apartment Life"; they moved into an apartment with a mandate from the property owner to build relationships and increase community among the tenants (and in return they receive 70% off their rent!). This program is producing all kinds of gospel fruit, so we decided to sit down with Apartment Life Canada's director, David Mcllveen, to discuss partnerships between church planters and Apartment Life.
EPISODE 043: Building an Online Presence that Translates into Sunday Visitors
Brad Hampton is the planter of Soco Church in Bentonville Arkansas, a 2 year old church plant with multiple campuses and over 1,000 in attendance. In this episode Brad shares his prelaunch marketing strategy, as well as how they have consistently turned online connections into Sunday morning visitors. Brad drops nugget after nugget of advertising GOLD, and no matter where you are at in your planting journey, you do not want to miss this conversation!
EPISODE 042: Building Multiplication into Your Church Plant DNA
Nearly every church plant these days has goals of multiplying into more congregations. But how do you know if you're ready? And how do you make multiplication not just a goal, but one of your church's values? In this episode we discuss a pathway to multiplication that your church can begin following from day one!
EPISODE 041: Creating The Best Kids Ministry Around (pt 2)
How many kids will show up at your launch service? How do you ensure that the children at your church are safe? How do you get the most out of your curriculum? In part two of our episode on kids ministry, we answer these questions and more! Plus, for some bizarre and never-fully-explained reason, Amber does the entire podcast with a blindfold on.
EPISODE 040: Creating The Best Kids Ministry Around
Kids ministry is key for any church, but it's especially critical in a new church plant! In this episode, we discuss the differing expectations of parents, children and volunteers regarding kids ministry, how to choose the right Kids Coordinator, and whether you should hire kids care workers on Sundays.
EPISODE 039: Connection Cards: The Least Sexy (But Oh-So-Important) Part Of Sunday Mornings
Nobody gets hyped over a connection card. But these little slips of paper are key to an effective guest follow up system! We tell you what works and what doesn't when it comes to getting your visitor's contact info.
EPISODE 038: Holiday Services: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Holidays like Christmas and Easter typically bring the biggest influx of visitors each year. But they also bring the biggest pressures and budgets. In this episode we discuss how to make the most of holiday services - without losing your mind in the process.
EPISODE 037: Dealing With Underperforming Volunteers
How do you deal with volunteers who are not performing at the level you need them to? One option is to simply complain about them, but that won't produce any results. In this episode we lay out a simple 3-step process we've implemented to take dream teamers from struggling to thriving!
EPISODE 036: Developing a Yearly Preaching Calendar (Without Stealing Other Pastors’ Content)
Getting ahead when planning your sermons can make pastoring so much easier. In this episode we talk about how to do it, and the tools that will make sermon research and creation a breeze. Plus we have a frank discussion regarding when and if it's okay to preach material that was written by another pastor.
SERMON CONTENT & SUPPORT RESOURCES:
Open.Life.Church
Seeds -- Church on the Move
12 Stone Church
NewSpring Network
Pixel Preacher
Creation Swap
Wired Churches
North Point Church
One Church Resources
EPISODE 035: Q&A on Effective Preaching in a Church Plant
In this episode, we answer common questions about what makes for effective preaching in a church plant setting.
EPISODE 034: Next Steps: Why Your Volunteer Base Isn’t Growing (pt 2)
In our last episode we discussed the importance of a weekly process for getting people out of the seats and on to a serve team. This week we discuss the nuts and bolts of a 3 week Next Steps track, and we share every mistake we've made as we continually attempt to figure out the most efficient way to assimilate new visitors.
EPISODE 033: Next Steps: Why Your Volunteer Base Isn’t Growing (pt 1)
Whether you call it Next Steps, Growth Track, Crash Course or something else, a weekly assimilation class is one of the most critical pieces of your church plant. Unfortunately, most new churches either don't run a Next Steps class or make mistakes that compromise its effectiveness. Today we're beginning a conversation in which we lay out our experience; how our Next Steps went from completely ineffective to vibrant in the space of just three months!
EPISODE 032: Church Plant Salaries: How Much is Too Much?
When you begin planting a church, you may have to do something that most people never have to deal with - setting a salary for yourself. To navigate this issue well, you will have to manage the tension between your church plant's needs and your family's needs. In this episode, we share some best practices and biggest mistakes when it comes to church planter salaries.
EPISODE 031: Free Market Small Groups (pt 2): Keys to Winning
In part two of our discussion on free-market small groups, we discuss who is qualified to lead a group (and who isn't), the one simple goal every small group exists to accomplish, uncommon metrics for small group success, and how to get more people into groups each semester. View our online small group leader training by clicking HERE.
EPISODE 030: Free Market Small Groups: Why Nearly Everything Seminary Taught me about Small Groups was Wrong
Groups are absolutely vital to a healthy church. But in a new church plant, you typically have a lack of leaders and people can be hesitant to make a long-term commitment to people they don't know (and perhaps won't even like!). That's why we've become big fans of the "Free Market" small group system. It allows Christians to be quickly trained to use their hobbies and interests as an opportunity to help other people take a step closer to Christ. In the first of two episodes, we lay out this counter intuitive approach to grouping, and how it can revolutionize community and leadership development at your church.
EPISODE 029: Defining Your Own Role as a Woman in Church Planting: A convo between Stephanie Lueck & Amber Sweaza
Thriving as a woman in the world of church planting can sometimes be tricky. You have to navigate expectations and responsibilities that men often do not. You may feel pressure to fit into the mold of "submissive pastor's wife" or "fierce female preacher." But what if you simply gave yourself permission to be yourself? What if you stopped worrying about the "ideal" church planting woman, and simply got comfortable with who God has made you to be? In today's episode Amber sits down with Stephanie Lueck, one of the founding pastors of City Life Church in Vancouver, British Columbia. They discuss the joys and hurdles of being a woman in ministry, and share varied perspectives on what God has called them to do in their local church. MEN - DON'T SLEEP ON THIS EPISODE! This is one your wife will want you to hear.
EPISODE 028: Life-Giving Services: Creating Sundays Everyone Will Love
What does a Life-Giving church service look like? Is it only about the energy and vibe, or is there more to it? How do we balance the needs of mature Christians with the needs of lost people in the same hour? Why can’t my church clap on beat?! This episode is a deep dive into effective Sunday mornings.
EPISODE 027: The Trough of Sorrow: What to do when nothing seems to be working
The business world has developed a concept called "The Trough of Sorrow" that every church planter can relate to. It's the name for that long stretch of time when you are working harder than ever, but seeing less results than ever. It WILL hit every church planter sooner or later, so this episode we discuss what to do when nothing seems to be working.
EPISODE 026: Rest: Taking a Day Off is Hard Work!
When you sign up to be a church planter, you sign up to be BUSY. How do you prioritize rest when all you want to do is hustle for Jesus? We share hard-earned lessons around sabbath and vacations in this episode. (Tempted to skip this session? That probably means this is one you need to hear.)
EPISODE 025: Podcasting: Sermons and Side Hustles; Everything You Need to Know
What's the process for creating a great sermon podcast? Which parts are essential, and what is a waste of time? And, if you wanted to start a podcast as a hobby, what should you know ahead of time? Plus, we share a behind the scenes look at how NCH operates, what it costs, our download statistics and more.
EPISODE 024: Healthy Culture: The Key to Unstoppable Volunteers
You have people sitting in the seats, but you need them serving on a team. How do you motivate them when you can't pay them? This week's episode is all about the power of a healthy culture to create and sustain committed volunteers. (Plus we share the dumbest excuses people have given us as to why they can’t serve on Sundays - prepare for eye rolls aplenty!)
EPISODE 023: A Planter You Need To Know: Andrew Beresford, ServeCity Toronto (Part 2)
In this episode, we continue our interview with planter Andrew Beresford of ServeCity Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our conversation includes why fundraising is easier than you think it is, navigating tension with other churches in your area, and how church planting impacts your mental health. Follow Andrew and ServeCity on Instagram: @GAndrewBeresford | @ServeCityToronto
EPISODE 022: A Planter You Need To Know: Andrew Beresford, ServeCity Toronto (Part 1)
In today's episode, we interview Andrew Beresford, planter of ServeCity Church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We discuss discerning a call to plant, starting a church without losing your family, and dealing with people who leave your church over petty things. Follow Andrew and ServeCity on Instagram: @GAndrewBeresford | @ServeCityToronto
EPISODE 021: Launch Day: Getting People to Return Next Week (Part 2)
Launch day is just the first of 5,000 future church services. How do you help ensure people return week after week? A big component is the environment and "feel" of your services. In this episode, we talk about creating a church vibe that is ALIVE and IMPRESSIVE. We cover what to preach at your first service, as well as what to do if your venue is too large or too small for your expected launch day attendance.
EPISODE 020: Launch Day: What to Expect at Your First Service (Part 1)
Launch Day is arguably the scariest part of starting a church. You're mind is haunted by questions like, "Have we done enough?" "Is God really in this thing, or are we making a huge mistake?" "Is our team ready?" "Will anyone even show up?" In this week's episode we share our launch day experiences, help you anticipate how many people are likely to show up at your first service, and discuss why many of the people who come on launch day are likely not coming back (and why that's a good thing).
EPISODE 019: Preview Services are a Bad Idea: Plus Other Prelaunch Mistakes to Avoid
Typical church planting wisdom relies heavily on preview services to gain momentum before launch. But what if preview services do more harm than good? And what are other mistakes church planters make in the prelaunch season? We share our missteps so you can avoid the pitfalls many planters wander into.
EPISODE 018: Building a Thriving Worship Ministry (Part 2): An Interview with Sunil John
Worship ministry is a huge component of starting a new church (after all, congregational singing occupies about a third of a typical Sunday morning service). But where do you find talented musicians? How do we prevent worship from becoming a performance? What about lost people - Should they be on stage? Are worship team auditions really a thing? And what's the difference between PRACTICE, REHEARSAL and SOUNDCHECK? In this episode, Amber sits down with Sunil John (IG: @SunilJohn), worship pastor at Experience Church (IG: @ECCalgary) to talk about the philosophy and practice of building a healthy, passionate and unified worship ministry in your church.
EPISODE 017: Building a Thriving Worship Ministry (Part 1): An Interview with Sunil John
Worship ministry is a huge component of starting a new church (after all, congregational singing occupies about a third of a typical Sunday morning service). But where do you find talented musicians? How do we prevent worship from becoming a performance? What about lost people - Should they be on stage? Are worship team auditions really a thing? And what's the difference between PRACTICE, REHEARSAL and SOUNDCHECK? In this episode, Amber sits down with Sunil John (IG: @SunilJohn), worship pastor at Experience Church (IG: @ECCalgary) to talk about the philosophy and practice of building a healthy, passionate and unified worship ministry in your church.
EPISODE 016: Bonus! Leadership Development Using the Enneagram
Almost every church planter assessment utilizes a personality test of some type (e.g. DISC, Meyers-Briggs, and StrengthsFinders). Many churches are also discovering the power of incorporating these tools into their leadership pipeline. At Connect Church we've been using the Enneagram to help people better understand themselves, and in this episode we discuss why we think you might find it helpful too.
SHOW NOTES: Online Enneagram test | Download our ENNEAGRAM PACKET and our ENNEAGRAM BINGO
EPISODE 015: Developing Your Launch Team: Learn from our Mistakes!
Your first services will rise or fall with the quality of your launch team. But how do you discover and develop a great launch team? How come so many planters (including us) get this wrong? We tackle one of the most important aspects of launching a church in this week's episode!
EPISODE 014: Start Up Parties #2: What Not To Do!
In the second of our Start Up Party episodes, we cover what to say during your vision cast, how to follow up with those who come, and the big mistakes you must avoid!
Click here to see our interest cards and follow up emails. (Plus some other free goodies you might find helpful!)
EPISODE 013: Start Up Parties #1: The Secret Sauce to Discovering Your Launch Team
How do you get people to join your church before your church starts meeting? The answer is the Start Up Party! In the first of two episodes on Start Up Parties, we walk through choosing the best times, locations and advertising strategies for your interest gatherings.
EPISODE 012: Co-Leading a Church Plant: Great Idea or Terrible Decision? The answer is “Yes”
Can a church really function with two people in the driver's seat? Aren't both your marriage and ministry at risk when you co-lead a church plant? Yes (and we still think it's worth it)! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be married to your coworker in ministry.
EPISODE 011: Community Events & Engagement: Reaching Beyond Sundays
Having killer Sunday services won't be enough to reach people. Although some people will respond to a "come and see" invitation, more often than not you will have to "go and be" before they're willing to give you a chance. So we breakdown how to host community events that lead to first time guests on Sundays. PLUS: Dan tries in vain to explain what he meant by the phrase "lady donuts."
EPISODE 010: Website & Social Media: Turning Virtual Visitors into Real Life Ones
People will visit you online before they ever visit you in person. How do you ensure your virtual presence motivates people to come check you out in the flesh? We share our thoughts in this week's episode. PLUS: 5 Churches you've likely never heard of that you should be following on Instagram right now!
EPISODE 009: Cheers & Jeers: We Highlight New Church Brands We Love & Some We Really Don’t
Let's talk specifics: How do you design a logo you love? (You don't.) How do you choose colors that reflect your culture? (Carefully.) In this episode we share stories of lawsuits, theft, and plant brands we love (as well as church brands we really don't).
EPISODE 008: Logos on Everything! Discovering & Developing Your Church Plant’s Brand
Names, logos, colors, and fonts - Over the next two episodes we're discussing how to develop a brand for your church plant that sets you apart. We highlight churches that have done it well, as well as stories from those who wish they would have handled it differently.
EPISODE 007: The Key to Healthy Relationships with other Pastors & Churches in Your City
Often, there is a bit of tension and territoriality between a new church and established churches. But it doesn't have to be that way in your city! In fact, there is only one thing you need to know as the "new guy on the block" to ensure your relationships with the pastor down the street are healthy and life-giving. Tune in to this week's episode to find out what it is!
EPISODE 006: How to Write a Mission Statement You LOVE
Every church plant has some form of a mission statement, vision, and values list. But are they really necessary? What separates the great ones from the ones that get forgotten as soon as they're written? In this episode, we share real life examples and best practices to help you craft a mission statement that energizes your church for years to come!
EPISODE 005: Choosing a City & Neighborhood
Okay - You're feeling pretty certain that God has called you to plant a church. Now the question is, "Where?" How do you select a region, city or neighborhood in which to start? Should you stay in your current town or move far away? Is there anywhere you **shouldn't** plant? In this episode, we dive into these murky waters and challenge you to consider two factors above all others. Even if you already know where you're headed, we think this will be a helpful conversation!
EPISODE 004: I Need Money! Fundraising for Your Church Plant
Church planting takes money - A LOT of money. How do you raise $50,000 - $100,000+ to get a church started well? In this episode, Dan and Amber share their fundraising experience, wisdom and mistakes.
EPISODE 003: Church Plant Models: Launch Large vs Missional Communities
What are the benefits and risks of the "launch large" model of church planting? How do you know if it's the right approach or if you should pursue missional communities instead? Dan shares his experience, and Amber shares fighting words. It's a hot take on one of church plantings' hot topics!
EPISODE 002: Find your tribe: Denominations, Networks & Assessments
After you've discerned a call to plant, one of the first things you'll have to figure out is whether you will affiliate with a particular denomination or church planting network. In this episode, Dan and Amber share their experience being a part of both a denomination (Southern Baptist) and a network (Association of Related Churches). It's an honest look at what you gain and what you give up when you choose a tribe. And later in the episode, we discuss why you should go through a formal church planting assessment as soon as possible!
EPISODE 001: Is God calling me to plant a church?
The journey to start a new church always begins with a call. Sometimes that call is clear and obvious, other times, it is hazy and uncertain. No matter what, it's always scary! In this episode of New Church Hustle, we talk through what it's like to sense a call and to wonder whether it really comes from God. How confident do you have to be in order to move forward? Who should you talk to? What are the red flags you should watch out for as you process a potential call to church planting?
Even if you are already well past launch, this conversation can help remind you of your own calling; those early days when you had big dreams and basically no answers!
BONUS EPISODE (C): Portable & Excellent: Life-Giving Services in Rented Spaces
It would be nice if you had a building of your own, wouldn't it? But the reality for most new churches is that you are going to be mobile in the beginning, and potentially for a while. And since the early days of your plant are the most tenuous and critical, being portable AND excellent is an absolute necessity!
In this bonus episode of New Church Hustle we tell you everything we know about creating awesome services in a venue you don't own. We're talking about how to select the right location, limiting factors you can't overlook, how to develop excellence in your "set up" volunteers, and the surprising link between your website and the school/theatre/bar you meet in.
Plus, we tell you about that time a light tree fell over in the middle of our service and nearly killed someone.
BONUS EPISODE (A): The Deadly Sin of Church Planting: Unhealthy Comparison
When you start a new church (or podcast!), it surfaces in your mind lots of questions about your motivation, qualification and expectations.
"Why would anybody want to listen to you?"
"What makes you think you can make this thing work?"
"How come you don't have a platform like that guy?"
"You'll never have the talents of that girl."
In this bonus episode, we're introducing ourselves and tackling the deadly sin of church planting - unhealthy comparison. At its best, comparison can serve as inspiration for what is possible. At its worst, comparison can kill your dreams before they ever get off the ground. It is one of the most difficult and dangerous struggles for church planters.
So let's talk about how to kill unhealthy comparison. Let's find a way to collaborate, rather than compete.
BONUS EPISODE (B): Hustle More & Pray Less? Balancing our Role with God's Role in a New Church
How much of a new church depends on God, and how much depends on you? It's a very real tension! In this episode we discuss how to realistically balance big faith and hard work. Plus we discuss what to expect from the podcast moving forward.