Advertise on podcast: The Acts 29 Podcast

Welcome to On Church Planting, an all-new iteration of the Acts 29 podcast. To kick off the season, we're starting with the most important thing every church planter must do: pray. No matter what stage of planting you are in, your most essential and most powerful action should be kneeling before the throne of God.

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Dr. Samuel Vitalino, lead pastor of Esperança Church in Orlando, Florida, and Vitor Belfort, Brazilian-American professional boxer and mixed martial artist, for a compelling conversation on calling, discipline, and the pursuit of true victory. Together, they explore what it means to be equipped for the work of ministry and how God gives gifts not for personal glory, but for the sake of the gospel. Drawing from both pastoral leadership and the world of elite competition, they reflect on the desire for success and the reality that victory is not just a single moment, but a lifelong journey. Whether in ministry or the arena, the call is to train, fight, and pursue excellence in what God has given you, only to discover that the greatest prize was never the platform, but Christ Himself.

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Joby Martin of The Church of Eleven22 to talk about the heart of ministry and the importance of leading from a place of spiritual health. Together, they emphasize that being ministered to must come before ministering to others. They also reflect on the role church planters play in shaping the culture of their churches, modeling authenticity and setting the tone for how people live and lead. With a focus on disciple-making, the conversation highlights our responsibility to plant, water, and cultivate, while trusting God to do what only he can do. This episode is a timely reminder that we don’t need more tips and tricks—we need an encounter with the living God. And as we step into the calling of the Great Commission, we’re not meant to do it alone. Acts 29 exists to come alongside church planters as partners in that mission because every player needs a coach, and it’s time to get in the game.

Adam sits down with Todd Hickox for a Fireside Chat at Acts 29 Conference 2025

In this episode, Adam Flynt sits down with Jim Essian of Paradox Church in Fort Worth, Texas, to discuss God’s heart for the nations and the church’s role in His global mission. Jim reflects on the dangers of “color blindness” in the church and the importance of recognizing culture and narrative while remaining anchored in what ultimately unites the people of God—worship of Jesus. Grounded in the reality that God initiated the mission and invites us to join Him, they highlight how Scripture functions as a missional handbook for the church. For pastors and church planters navigating questions of race, culture, and prejudice, this conversation offers insight and encouragement to pursue gospel unity while keeping God’s global heart at the center of the church’s mission.

Adam sits down with Bobbie Brooks for a Fireside Chat at Acts 29 Conference 2025

Steve Bang Lee from Mariners Church joins host Adam Flynt to explore how much of human history was shaped by awe and wonder—and why so many people today feel restless, as if something is missing. They discuss how humanity is often “haunted by transcendence,” searching for escape or meaning, and why church planters must know their communities well enough to perceive that ache, pray for divine intervention, and paint a better story rooted in the gospel. The conversation also reflects on how losing awe in God leads us to place it elsewhere, and why prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential for restoring true wonder.

Acts 29 President Brian Howard joins Adam Flynt for a network-wide update on where God is leading Acts 29 in this pivotal season. They unpack the NEXT initiative—a call to step into the widespread spiritual enthusiasm and to participate in the mission of making disciples, with a bold vision to plant 200 churches and raise $6 million over the next three years. The conversation also explores practical ways churches and individuals can grow in generosity and deepen partnership through shared mission, including the life-giving impact of building relationships at gatherings like the upcoming Pastors and Wives Retreat this June. Whether you’re new to Acts 29 or actively engaged in the network, this episode invites you into the broader conversation about where we are and how God may be calling us forward together.

Adam sits down with Ronnie Goble for a Fireside Chat at Acts 29 Conference 2025

Moments of spiritual renewal have marked church history in powerful ways. Adam Flynt leads a timely conversation with Matt Chandler and Jamin Roller, asking how the church should respond when God seems to be stirring again. Reflecting on historic movements of the Spirit, they discuss the signs of renewed curiosity, repentance, and hunger for Jesus emerging across college campuses, in public conversations, and within local churches. The question isn’t whether something is happening, but whether we will simply observe it or step faithfully into it. Together, they call pastors and church planters to steward this moment with humility and obedience, asking the question that shapes it all: Is Jesus truly our greatest treasure?

Guest host Scott Zeller is joined by Adam Ramsey and Dwight Bernier for a thoughtful conversation on church-to-church partnerships and why they matter for the global vision of the church. They explore how the healthiest partnerships don’t start with strategy, but with genuine curiosity that grows into intentional friendship. Along the way, they touch on the unique challenges of ministry in Canada (including a lighthearted nod to polar bears) and give three truths that should not be underestimated. Overall, this episode reminds us that Acts 29 is more than an organization—it’s a network of churches on mission together.

A change in theological conviction can unravel and rebuild a pastor’s ministry at the same time. Kyllum Lewis from Life Centre Church in Australia shares his story—from charismatic roots and leading his parents’ church to embracing new convictions that reshaped how he leads and loves his people. Kyllum opens up about the emotional and spiritual weight of pastoring, his experience with anxiety and panic attacks, and how the Psalms reminded him that our struggles are not our identity. He also reflects on why outside counsel is essential in challenging seasons and the warning signs church planters should pay attention to. Through it all, Kyllum brings us back to one steady truth: God’s grace really is that good.

In this episode, the Church Planting Wives team—Jeanine Martínez de Urrea, Jaye Bice, and Sara Davis—come together from across the U.S. and Latin America to talk about the joys and challenges of being married to a church planter. They share what they love most about this unique calling, why it’s vital for Acts 29 to invest in church planters’ wives, and offer wisdom for women walking this same journey. You’ll also get a sneak peek at what’s coming next for Acts 29’s Church Planting Wives ministry.