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On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Erin sit down with Sean Kelly, Lead Pastor of Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana, for a candid conversation about succession, silos, and what it really takes to bring alignment back to a growing church. Sean shares his journey in Ohio to stepping into a historic, multi-generational church, navigating a leadership transition. Together, they unpack why churches drift into siloed ministry, how misalignment slowly creeps in, and what practical leaders can do to realign their staff, systems, and preaching around the Great Commission. From staff trust-building tools like the “Four Helpfuls,” to cross-functional VIP teams, to using preaching as a catalyst for radical alignment, this episode is full of actionable insight for senior pastors, executive pastors, and church leadership teams who want to move from good activity to unified mission. If you’re leading through transition, or sensing your church has energy but lacks clarity, this conversation will help you diagnose misalignment and take your next faithful step forward. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 – “If we were fired tomorrow…”: why change feels harder than it is 00:22 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast 00:35 – Erin returns after a major generosity initiative 01:29 – Meet Sean Kelly: background, family, and pastoral journey 02:43 – Ministry context: Youngstown, Ohio and multi-campus leadership 04:28 – Why Sean said yes to Mount Pleasant Christian Church 06:18 – Leading through succession: what went right (and why it mattered) 09:47 – Context matters: understanding Greenwood & the Indianapolis area 11:43 – The Restoration Movement and Christian Church distinctives 13:11 – First impressions: culture, DNA, and early warning signs 16:47 – Why silos form—and how leaders unknowingly reinforce them 18:02 – The “Four Helpfuls” tool: right, wrong, missing, confused 21:49 – From good to great: aligning people, roles, and accountability 24:07 – What is a VIP (Very Important Project)? 26:45 – Building alignment through cross-functional teams 29:01 – Low-hanging fruit and momentum-building wins 30:08 – Using preaching to drive Radical Alignment (Erin’s approach) 34:23 – Sean’s preaching framework: mission-anchored sermons 37:21 – Aligning ministry programs with the pulpit 39:02 – Discernment rhythms and organizational focus 42:34 – Final encouragement + Radical Alignment book mention Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug sits down with longtime broadcaster, ministry leader, and AI researcher Drew Dickens for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on AI, spirituality, and the future of the Church. With more than 30 years of vocational ministry experience—and a front-row seat to the rise of artificial intelligence—Drew helps church leaders move beyond fear and hype to thoughtfully engage how AI is already shaping the pulpit, the pew, and spiritual formation. Together, Doug and Drew explore: Why AI is morally neutral—and how the Church must lead with discernment instead of fearHow AI is quietly becoming a spiritual authority in people’s livesThe threat AI poses to embodiment, community, and relational discipleshipWhat pastors need to understand about how congregants are already using AI for therapy, prayer, and guidanceHow church leaders can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement for Spirit-led formationPractical ways AI can support relational evangelism without replacing human connectionDrew also shares a powerful personal story that illustrates both the real comfort and the real dangers of AI—and why everything must ultimately be brought back into Spirit-filled community. If you’re a senior pastor, ministry leader, or church staff member wondering how to lead faithfully in a rapidly changing digital landscape, this conversation will help you think clearly, lead courageously, and shepherd wisely in the age of AI. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 – A late-night conversation with AI that changed everything 01:00 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast 01:26 – Meet Drew Dickens: broadcaster, ministry leader, and early AI adopter 03:10 – Drew’s journey from national radio to evangelism and contemplative prayer apps 05:19 – Reaching hundreds of thousands daily through Scripture and meditation 06:33 – Why AI is everywhere—and why most people don’t even realize it 07:14 – Is AI “of the devil”? A biblical framework for discernment 08:38 – What history teaches us about technology and temptation 10:30 – Why pastors can’t ignore how AI is shaping everyday spirituality 11:14 – How congregants are already using AI in their spiritual lives 13:37 – The three biggest threats AI poses to the Church 14:55 – Threat #1: AI and the erosion of spiritual authority 16:47 – Threat #2: Disembodiment and the loss of real community 18:06 – Threat #3: Algorithm-driven spiritual formation 19:47 – How pastors should educate and lead their congregations around AI 21:55 – Why transparency from the pulpit matters more than fear 24:39 – Embodiment, discipleship, and why relationships still matter most 26:17 – AI as therapist: what church leaders need to understand now 28:03 – A deeply personal story: grief, AI, and prayer at 1 a.m. 30:31 – Bringing AI experiences into Spirit-filled community 33:22 – Evangelism, awe, and what AI can never replace 35:30 – Why relational evangelism transforms the believer 38:07 – Using AI to practice gospel conversations wisely 39:58 – A powerful evangelism tool pastors should pay attention to 42:34 – AI debating theology: creativity without replacing the Spirit 44:12 – Revival, Gen Z, and the Church’s moment of responsibility 47:13 – AI as a tool for exploration—not authority 48:10 – Where to learn more from Drew Dickens 50:09 – Final encouragement for church leaders navigating AI faithfully Website: intentionalchurches.com The Radical Alignment Book Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog YouTube: @IntentionalChurches Facebook: Intentional Churches Instagram: @IntentionalChurches X/Twitter: @IntentChurches

On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug talks with Chris Steele about the incredible transformation happening at North Terrace Church in Zanesville, Ohio. Chris shares the honest story of how their team realized they were making church attenders instead of disciples, and how that single insight pushed them to rebuild unity, clarify their mission, and align everything around the Great Commission. You’ll hear how that alignment sparked a movement of everyday people leading their friends to Jesus, resulting in 34 baptisms in 2023, 125 in 2024, and already 138 baptisms this year. Chris explains how prayer, simple tools, and personal ownership of “the one” have reshaped their entire culture. If you’re a church leader looking to rebuild momentum, re-ignite evangelism, or move your people toward mission, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical next steps. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:intentionalchurches.com Timestamps 00:00 Welcome + Why This Story Matters01:25 Chris Steele’s Ministry Background03:02 Early Faith Influences05:01 Ministry Journey & Leadership Wounds07:19 Zanesville Culture & Ministry Context11:17 Opportunities and Challenges in Appalachia13:35 Rebuilding Generosity and Discipleship18:15 Early Culture Shifts at North Terrace23:10 COVID Collapse & Losing Half the Church24:07 Realizing They Weren’t Making Disciples26:44 Building a New Discipleship Pathway28:55 A Turning Point: Staff & Elder Unity30:42 Discovering IC’s Tools and Language31:46 The “One More” Mission34:11 The Baptism Explosion36:26 Everyday People Leading Their One37:37 Young Families Searching for Purpose41:36 Preparing for Future Growth43:36 How to Join the IC Learning Community Links Website: intentionalchurches.comThe Radical Alignment BookBlog: intentionalchurches.com/blogYouTube: @IntentionalChurchesFacebook: Intentional ChurchesInstagram: @IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: @IntentChurches

On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Bart unpack the heart behind Radical Alignment: The Surprising Journey of Becoming an Intentional Church—the brand-new book that takes church leaders inside the “why” behind the IC toolbox. Together, they share the behind-the-scenes story of how the book came to life—from early church interviews and the conference book challenge to the powerful stories that emerged along the way. You’ll hear about ice-bath baptisms in Florida, a thousand-person Tennessee church mobilizing 597 members to reach their “One,” and the connection between personal Great Commission ownership and lasting church alignment. Doug and Bart also explore how urgency, clarity, and obedience are reshaping churches across the IC network, why Radical Alignment serves as a prequel to the original Intentional Church book, and how every leader can reframe their calling through the lens of the Great Commission. If you’ve ever wondered how to make evangelism personal again—or how to help your church rediscover its core mission—this conversation will encourage, challenge, and reorient you to what matters most. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:intentionalchurches.com 00:00 The Gathering Church and a 70-Year-Old’s Ice Bath Baptism 02:04 Doug and Bart Catch Up on Life, Travel, and Nicknames 05:12 Florida Church Plant Stories: Courage and Obedience 09:51 When Baptism Becomes a Movement 13:06 Planting, Watering, and Trusting God for the Growth 15:23 Inside the “One Life” Project and Culture Change in Churches 18:50 Writing Radical Alignment: The Story Behind the Book 20:53 The “Why” Behind the IC Toolbox 23:08 How IC’s Learning Community Shaped the Book 26:07 Why Radical Alignment Is a Team Study, Not a Solo Read 27:30 The 25 Foundational Beliefs and IC’s Secret Sauce 29:27 Church Stories that Prove Great Commission Alignment Works 31:21 The Hope for Church Leaders Who Read Radical Alignment 34:17 Doug’s Challenge: “Relational Evangelism Is the Football” 35:26 From the Road: Nashville’s Airport Gridlock Story 38:33 Travel Chaos, Grace, and Gratitude 39:30 Closing Thoughts and Book Details Website: intentionalchurches.comGet The Book: Radical AlignmentBlog: intentionalchurches.com/blogYouTube: @IntentionalChurchesFacebook: Intentional ChurchesLinkedIn: Intentional Churches LinkedInInstagram: @IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: @IntentChurches Join the conversation and tell us how you’re leading your church toward Great Commission alignment.

On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Erin sit down with Pastor Riley Halliday, a former U.S. Air Force special operations leader who’s now leading Manna Church in Newport News, Virginia. Riley shares how his church embraces the constant movement of military life as a disciple-making opportunity. With families rotating every two years, his team trains every believer to live on mission, ready to reach their “One” wherever God sends them next. We unpack how urgency can fuel alignment, what it takes to build a training and sending culture, and why clarity beats complexity every time. If your church is in a transient community or you need fresh inspiration to fight for alignment around the Great Commission, this conversation will stir you up. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment 00:00 Training and Sending with Urgency in a Military Church 00:33 Doug and Erin Welcome Riley Halliday to the Podcast 02:04 Meet Riley: From Air Force Special Operations to Church Planting 05:06 The Birth of Manna Church and a Vision for Military Families 07:26 Launching During COVID and Finding God’s Provision Through a Merger 09:51 How a 100-Year-Old Church Became Manna’s New Home 10:39 Leading Near Military Bases: Nellis, Creech, and Beyond 12:54 The Two-Year Window: Training and Sending Before Families Move 14:13 Micro-Sites, Military Moves, and Multiplying Disciples 15:05 How Military Life Fuels Disciple-Making and Multiplication 16:19 Doug on “Radical Alignment” and Reuniting Evangelism and Discipleship 18:33 Fighting for Clarity and Simplicity in a Growing Church 19:59 How Canyon Ridge Fought for Vision and Alignment 22:08 Creating a Culture That Repeats the Mission 23:36 Practical Tools: Circle-Ups, Vision Rhythms, and For the One Bracelets 27:28 Keeping Alignment Simple, Transferable, and Repeatable 29:00 Fighting Misalignment with Elders, Staff, and New Ideas 31:30 Saying “No” to Good Things to Protect the Mission 33:42 When Church Members Want a Bookstore (and Other Distractions) 34:40 How the IC Toolbox and ChurchOS Keep Teams on Track 37:01 Every New Initiative Is an Opportunity for Alignment—or Drift 38:05 Riley’s Lesson: You Reproduce Who You Are, Not What You Say 39:59 Doug’s Closing Thoughts: Returning to the Root of the Great Commission 40:53 The Radical Alignment Book and Upcoming Assessment Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Doug and co-host Daniel Goulding sit down with Andy Cook, Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, to unpack why relational evangelism belongs at the center of discipleship. Together they explore sobering stats (60% of U.S. churches are stagnant or declining), Gen Z’s surprising openness to spiritual conversations, and the practical rhythms leaders can model—from Alpha tables to breakfast-booth friendships. Daniel shares church-plant lessons around decisions and baptisms, while Andy unpacks BGC research, revitalization cohorts, and the vision behind the Amplify Conference. Along the way, they wrestle with transfer growth vs. true conversion, the seeker-sensitive debate, preaching clearly into cultural issues, and how “radical alignment” mobilizes everyday believers. The conversation is actionable, hopeful, and data-informed. New to Intentional Churches? Start here:https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Sobering Statistic: 60% of Churches in Decline or Stagnant 01:03 Meet Co-Host Daniel Goulding and His Church Plant Story 01:21 Andy Cook’s Journey: From Willow Creek to Wheaton College 03:28 Daniel’s Radical Conversion: From Fraternity Life to Faith 06:43 Early Lessons in Relational Evangelism 08:03 Inviting Friends, Broken Hearts, and the “Lonely Bench” at Willow 10:33 Why Evangelism Must Begin with Leaders 13:32 Everyday Evangelism: Breakfast Tables and Baptism Stories 15:02 Making Evangelism a Regular Appointment on the Calendar 16:56 Why Andy Leads Alpha and Steps Outside the Christian Bubble 17:13 Inside the Billy Graham Center and Its Institutes 20:30 State of Evangelism in America Today 23:15 Transfer Growth vs. True Kingdom Growth 24:48 Why Evangelism Feels Scary—and Why It’s Still Biblical 26:20 Bad Evangelism vs. Good Evangelism: Learning Like Toddlers 28:56 Discipleship and Evangelism: Two Sides of the Same Coin 30:40 Can You Have Deep Discipleship Without Evangelism? 32:23 Gen Z’s Spiritual Openness and New Research Insights34:46 Preaching Boldly into Cultural Issues36:58 Calling Men to Biblical Masculinity37:50 Convening Evangelism Leaders at the Billy Graham Center39:18 Digital Spaces, AI, and the Future of Evangelism40:18 The Amplify Conference: Keeping Evangelism Central40:56 The Radical Alignment Assessment and New Data Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

David Ashcraft joins Doug and co-host Daniel Goulding on this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, sharing lessons from decades of leadership at LCBC in Pennsylvania. From painful early years where elders walked out, to the explosive growth that brought thousands of people across multiple campuses, David unpacks how radical alignment and a relentless focus on “best vs. good” shaped a disciple-making movement. During their conversation, you’ll hear why alignment matters more than keeping everyone happy, how LCBC codified its culture without losing passion, and what the 90–10 rule teaches us about the need for some people to be upset if you’re truly moving forward. David also unpacks how to discern between “good” opportunities and the “best” mission, and he shares honestly about the personal cost leaders pay to remain faithful through seasons of growth. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS: 00:00 When Elders Walk Out: The Pain of Early Leadership 01:10 Meet Co-Host Daniel Goulding and His Church Plant Story 02:44 David Ashcraft’s Journey: From Texas to Pennsylvania 04:48 Facing Opposition: Letters from Abe and the Worship Wars 07:11 LCBC’s Growth: From 150 to 25,000 Across 25 Campuses 08:23 The Core Issue: Alignment vs. Misalignment in the Church 09:40 Good vs. Best: The Principle that Guides Every Decision 11:19 Lessons from Rapid Growth and Staff Alignment Challenges 14:00 Codifying Culture: From Intuition to Intentionality 16:33 Multi-Site Expansion and Why Limitations Became Opportunities 18:52 Stewardship, Buildings, and Keeping the Mission Central 22:12 Guarding Staff Culture While Scaling Fast 25:56 The 90–10 Rule: Leading with Clarity, Not Popularity 29:20 Picking Battles Carefully Without Losing Alignment 33:52 Codifying the “Gut”: Axioms and Culture Statements 39:02 Encouragement for Leaders in Shrinking or Struggling Churches 43:25 The Real Cost of Growth and Leadership Pain 45:25 Why David Stepped Into The Advantage and Global Leadership Network 47:17 Final Wisdom: Lead, Don’t Chase Popularity Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Pastor Ben Ellefritz joins Doug for today’s episode of The Intentional Churches podcast, exploring what church growth, rural revitalization, and alignment around disciple making look like in real life. As Executive Pastor at The Crossing Church, Ben leads in a context where no town has more than 80,000 people—and some have as few as 125. Despite this, The Crossing is thriving across 12 campuses, reaching thousands each weekend. During their conversation, you'll hear how their church realigned its multi-site strategy after discovering their previous launch model lacked commitment and sustainability. Their 12th campus launch—built entirely on pre-launch engagement, giving, and disciple-making—became their first financially self-sustaining plant from day one. Ben also unpacks the intentional language around “Difference Makers” (not volunteers), their high expectations for both staff and lay leaders, and how they use visible scoreboards and discipleship pathways to drive alignment around the Great Commission. This conversation is a must-listen for church leaders in rural, suburban, or multi-site contexts who want to strengthen alignment, empower their people, and move from programming to pastoring. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 Redefining Church Strategy in a Shifting Culture01:45 Meet Ben Ellefritz and The Crossing Church04:07 From Principal to Pastor: Leadership Lessons07:35 Revitalizing Rural Churches through Campus Acquisition09:59 Why They Changed Their Church Planting Strategy12:53 Defining “Difference Makers” Instead of Volunteers14:52 Staff Gaps and the Future of Lay Leadership16:11 Rebuilding Disciple Making from Baptism to Maturity19:51 Using Scoreboards and Systems to Align Staff22:03 Training Staff to Pastor, Not Just Program23:54 What Hasn’t Worked: Lessons from Failure Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Kicking off Season 9 of Intentional Churches, Doug is joined by IC co-founder, Bart Rendel, for a behind-the-scenes look at Intentional Churches, their leadership rhythms, and the realities many pastors face today. Bart introduces “the spanking machine”—a vivid and humorous metaphor born out of ministry burnout. Together Bart and Doug explore the constant pressure church leaders face from the unrelenting pace of weekend ministry and the need to name it honestly. The heart of the episode centers on the remarkable story of First Christian Church in Newburgh, Indiana. Once a thriving congregation, FCC faced deep decline after leadership transitions, financial hardship, and even a tornado. When the Intentional Churches team engaged with them, they found a deeply committed leadership team willing to lean in and realign around the Great Commission.  Bart and Doug close the episode by reflecting on signs of spiritual awakening across the country, highlighting churches seeing dramatic growth and salvations—not because of gimmicks, but because of alignment with Jesus’ mission. This is an episode for pastors who feel weary, discouraged, or unsure of what’s next. It’s a reminder that the spiritual moment is here—but the church must be ready. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 Revival Requires Two Things01:44 Bart Hates Vacations02:56 The Origin of “The Spanking Machine”06:47 Courageous Leadership Stories07:49 The Comeback of FCC Newburgh12:06 COVID Super-Spreader Story16:27 What’s Happening at FCC Now19:24 Prayer, Pain, and Progress20:40 Other Signs of Spiritual Momentum21:52 Bart and Doug’s Random Thoughts24:46 Are We Ready for Revival?25:16 The Need for Great Commission Alignment Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

In this final episode of season 8, Doug sits down with Paige Peltier of Leadership Pathway to unpack what it really looks like to develop young leaders for long-term ministry impact. Paige draws on her journey through multiple ministry roles at Chapel Street Church and shares how strategic flexibility in staffing—based on a leader’s growth and God’s prompting—can dramatically impact retention and effectiveness. Together, Doug and Paige dive into the two-year residency model at the heart of Leadership Pathway, where churches commit to hands-on, intentional development and coaching of next-gen leaders. Paige explains how Leadership Pathway partners with churches not only to recruit residents but also to equip staff with tools for leadership coaching. She also offers direct insights for church leaders wrestling with team structure, staff culture, and how to practically support the growth of Gen Z and Millennial leaders. For any church leader wondering how to build a pipeline of future leaders and move away from the “microwave mentality” of quick hires, this conversation will provide a hopeful and highly practical blueprint.  New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 Helping People Is Slow, But Worth It01:17 Meet Paige Peltier03:16 Paige’s Journey at Chapel Street Church06:28 Staff Flexibility & Finding Best Contribution09:47 Churches Must Shift How They Develop Staff11:11 What Leadership Pathway Really Does14:27 Why Residencies Are So Valuable16:15 Development Is Messy—And Mission-Critical19:49 Gen Z Leaders: What Churches Need to Know23:14 Advice for Older & Younger Generations24:45 Leadership Pathway by the Numbers26:48 What Great Churches Are Doing Right29:00 One Next Step to Get Started Developing Leaders31:11 Paige’s Encouragement to Church Leaders Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Sherwood Oaks Christian Church has walked through significant change in recent years—from a leadership transition after 40 years and weathering the challenges of COVID to launching a new campus. Maggie Mobley, Executive of Ministries at Sherwood Oaks, joins Erin and Doug on today’s episode of Intentional Churches to talk about how to find clarity and alignment during seasons of disruption. During their conversation, Maggie opens up about the courage it took to sunset beloved events that were no longer missional and how having a common language and calendaring rhythms empowered the staff to have hard, healthy conversations. Together the three also discuss developing a team culture, leading change in different campus contexts, and how Maggie helped transition the staff from skepticism to ownership of a shared vision.  Whether you’re navigating transition on your own team, evaluating programs, or trying to build trust amongst your people, this episode offers rich insights into the power of alignment and evaluation. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 The Cost of Legacy Programs01:17 Meet Maggie Moberly03:15 The Unique Context of Bloomington06:09 Differences Between Campuses07:06 Church History and Leadership Transitions09:55 Deciding to Partner with IC12:49 Wins From Installing ChurchOS15:27 Killing Sacred Cows with Courage18:11 How the Team is Developing Differently20:45 Creating Space for Hard Conversations22:07 Modeling Feedback and Evaluation Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

On this week’s episode of the Intentional Churches podcast, pastor Tom Kopp joins Erin and Doug to share the inspiring transformation of Kimball Christian Church in rural Minnesota. Despite being located in a town of just 800, the church has become one of the largest churches in the restoration movement in the state, defying expectations through a strong vision and a deep commitment to The Great Commission. In this candid conversation, Tom unpacks how focusing on church culture, casting a consistent vision, and making small yet intentional shifts can lead to an outsized impact. From implementing the “three-minute rule” for welcoming guests to celebrating baptisms churchwide, Tom shares practical strategies that any church can adopt, regardless of size. Together, the three also discuss Tom’s involvement in a ChurchOS One Team cohort, which has catalyzed a new wave of mission-minded leadership among churches across Minnesota. With humor, wisdom, and hard-earned insight, this episode offers a blueprint for revitalization and unity in small church contexts, all while keeping the focus on reaching the one. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS: 00:00 Three-Minute Rule: A Culture of Guest Awareness 01:29 Tom’s Ministry Background and Family 04:05 Small-Town Ministry in Kimball, Minnesota 07:49 A 150-Year Legacy and New Growth 09:51 Building a Culture of Joy and Evangelism 12:56 Navigating Growth Resistance 15:32 Dripping Vision Weekly 17:08 The Drift Toward Inward Focus 19:30 ChurchOS Cohort Impact in Minnesota 22:37 Tangible Church Growth and Baptism Stories 26:31 Practical Tips for Churches Starting the Journey 29:17 Personal Connection Over Systems 32:17 Preaching for Transformation 33:08 What Large Churches Can Learn from Small Churches Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Eric Rauch from 2|42 Church joins Doug and Erin for this week’s Intentional Churches conversation—exploring what it means to lead churches through a true disciple-making transformation. Together the three share honest reflections, practical adjustments, and philosophical shifts away from attractional church models and toward multiplying disciples.  The episode explores how both 2|42 and Erin’s church, Canyon Ridge, are redefining what it means to lead congregations into spiritual maturity and mission. They discuss practical shifts—from canceling outdated programs to redesigning volunteer engagement—and offer a window into the tough but rewarding process of redefining metrics and expectations. Plus Eric shares how his team made it harder, not easier, to get baptized—shifting from events to journeys. Finally they look at what happens when churches stop simply informing and start truly equipping—using tools, powerful questions, and active collaboration to multiply disciples who will be the hands and feet of Jesus.  New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 No More "Versus": Discipleship and Evangelism01:06 Meet Eric Rauch from 2|42 Church04:21 2|42's Multi-Site History and Cultural Dynamics06:20 Adopting Three Churches Pre-COVID07:57 Redefining Disciple-Making and Evangelism10:26 From Attractional to Multiplying Movement14:33 Why Make the Shift? Leadership Insights16:37 Tangible Program and Strategy Changes20:49 Rethinking Group Models: The Kitchen Metaphor23:29 Discovery Bible Study as Group Strategy24:56 Rethinking Engagement Pathways30:27 Volunteer Orientation and Retention32:10 Baptism: Event to Journey35:28 Highlights from the IC Conference Pre-Con38:28 Biggest Takeaways and Collaborative Learning41:35 Final Thoughts on Collaboration and Next Steps Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Dr. Carlos Kelly, Senior Pastor of Beulahland Bible Church in Middle Georgia, joins Erin and Doug for a candid conversation on shifting church culture from consumerism to intentional evangelism and discipleship. With over 26 years in ministry and a legacy-rich church behind him, Dr. Kelly explains how Beulahland’s engagement with ChurchOS has reignited his pastoral passion and started that culture shift away from consumer Christianity. Together the three talk about the challenges of pastoring in a food desert—where Carlos’ church has become a vital source of basic needs like food and community support. Through strategic clarity, patient leadership, and collaboration with a steering team, Beulahland is seeing younger demographics, especially those ages 18–35, engage at unprecedented levels. Carlos also discusses the impact of defining clear reach zones for each campus, redesigning the church’s web presence through the lens of “the one,” and creating representation of young adults in leadership and communication roles. If you're a church leader navigating change, this episode offers encouragement, strategic wisdom, and a powerful testimony of what God can do through intentional, Spirit-led planning and teamwork. New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS:00:00 Dr. Carlos Kelly Introduction01:15 Beulahland’s Legacy and Community Impact05:40 What It Means to Serve in a Food Desert07:27 Moving from Consumerism to Discipleship11:48 Practical First Steps Toward Culture Shift14:51 Fruit from a Younger Generation19:03 Braxton’s Journey from Attender to Leader23:12 Shifting from Solo Leadership to Collaboration29:44 Building the Right Steering Team33:25 Defining Success and Discipleship Culture36:06 Two Campuses, Two Reach Zones37:56 Leading Through Resistance and Grief Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!

Today Erin and Doug are joined by Drew Moore of Canyon Ridge Christian Church to talk all about how to unleash—rather than curtail—the dynamic young leaders on your church staff. Following the organizational upheaval of COVID-19, Drew and his team leaned into flexibility, collaboration, and contribution-based leadership—moving away from hierarchical systems and expertise-driven silos. The result? More than half of their staff is now made up of younger leaders. Drew walks listeners through exactly how this happened—from flattening structures and inviting internal volunteers into staff roles to focusing on unleashing people rather than fitting rigid positions.  Drew also unpacks some practical methods his team has used, like “Development Days,” liberating structures, peer-driven feedback loops, and guided corporate discernment. And these aren't just theoretical tools—they’ve led to real-life multiplication. This conversation is a must-listen for any church leader wanting to future-proof their staff culture and embrace the call to multiply leaders in meaningful ways, no matter their age.  New to Intentional Churches? Start here: https://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment CHAPTERS: 00:00 Space to Fail 01:24 Meet Drew Moore 02:25 Canyon Ridge’s Staff Culture Shift 04:51 From Hierarchy to Collaboration 05:28 Where Are Future Staff Coming From? 07:12 Cultivating Contribution from Within 08:29 Challenges of a Young Staff 12:35 Practical Development Structures 16:42 Advantages of a Young Staff 18:24 Innovations from Young Leaders 20:44 Leading Across Generations 24:40 Prioritizing Contribution Over Role 27:54 Guided Discernment & Staff Clarity 30:23 Redefining Multiplication 32:55 Relational Evangelism & Simple Tools 35:17 Releasing Agency to Young Leaders 38:32 Authority, Mess, and the Priesthood 39:05 Mental Models and Generational Collaboration 41:51 Unified Contribution Across Generations Website: https://intentionalchurches.comThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17CThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurchesFacebook: https://facebook.com/intentionalchurchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentional-churches/mycompany/Instagram: https://instagram.com/IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: https://x.com/intentchurches Join the conversation and let us know how you are leading your church toward the Great Commission!