New Churches Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How Do I Raise Money? Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Vergil Brown to answer two of the most common—and often most stressful—questions church planters face: How do I raise money, and how do I find a space? Continuing the season’s focus on the “how” of church planting, the conversation offers practical guidance on building financial support, creating a healthy and realistic budget, and securing the right rental facility. Listeners will gain clear, actionable insight to help them raise funds faithfully, steward resources wisely, and choose a space that supports their mission.

(00:24:01) What is the best way for a church planter to raise support?

(17:02:21) How should a planter think about a budget?

(27:02:22) How do I find a space?

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How Do I Engage the City? Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Tony Merida is joined by Vergil Brown and Jeff Medders to tackle a crucial question for church planters: How do I faithfully engage my city with the hope of the gospel? As part of a season focused on the practical “how” questions of church planting, this conversation explores the essential heart shift that must take place in a planter—moving from simply leading a church to living as a missionary in their context. The discussion offers encouragement on personal evangelism, cultivating meaningful relationships, and proclaiming Christ with clarity and compassion. The guests also provide practical coaching on identifying domains of influence, forming wise community partnerships, and serving the city without losing gospel focus. Listeners will come away with biblical vision, practical strategies, and fresh encouragement for engaging their city with intentionality and hope.

(00:24:01) 1st question: How can a planter think and act like a missionary?

(08:29:19) 2nd question: What’s your best advice and encouragement on how to evangelize?

(22:41:00) 3rd question: How do you find your domains of influence and wise partnerships?

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How Do I Build a Team? Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Matt Smethurst to address one of the most important—and often challenging—realities of church planting: building a team. As part of a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores how planters can thoughtfully recruit people to join the mission and why clarity, character, and shared conviction matter in the early days. The discussion also dives into the ongoing work of discipling and developing leaders within the launch team and how to identify and vet future elders and deacons. Listeners will walk away with biblical insight, seasoned counsel, and practical guidance for building a strong foundation for a new church.

(00:24:01) How do you recruit people to a church planting team?

(06:07:00) What are the best practices for building a team?

(16:02:04) What evangelism tools do you recommend?

(21:08:10) How can a planter identify elders and deacons?

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How Do I Cast Vision? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Tony Merida and Adam Muhtaseb to address one of the most frequently used—and often misunderstood—ideas in church planting: vision. As part of a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores what vision truly is, how a planter faithfully casts vision, and why clarity and consistency matter more than creativity alone. The discussion also dives into the practical work of writing vision and values, as well as the role of a church planting prospectus—what it should include, what it should avoid, and how it serves planters as they raise support, recruit a team, and invite others into the mission. Listeners will walk away with biblical grounding, seasoned counsel, and practical tools for leading others toward a shared, God-given future.

(00:32:14) What is vision and how do you cast it?

(12:26:00) What advice do you have on writing vision and values?

(17:44:23) What needs to be in a prospectus?

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How Do I Know I'm Called? Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of theNew Churchespodcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Daniel Santander to tackle one of the most foundational questions every prospective church planter asks:How do I know I’m called?As the first episode in a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores what biblical calling really is, how a man can discern whether he’s called to pastoral ministry—and whether that calling is best lived out through planting, revitalization, or pastoring an existing church—and why every healthy planter must be sent by a local church. Listeners will walk away with theological clarity, pastoral wisdom, and practical guidance for discerning God’s direction and embracing the church-centered nature of the planting task.

Resources: What Great Pastors Do

(00:24:00) What is calling? How do you know if you are called?

(09:35:00) How do you know if you are a planter, revitalizer, or lay

pastor?

(20:26:15) Why is a sending church important and how can a church planter foster that relationship?

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Shepherding with Gospel Vision Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Noah Oldham, Tony Merida, and Patrick Schreiner, to explore the often-overlooked role of pastoral care, offering practical advice on shepherding a congregation, protecting against false teaching, fostering unity, and cultivating enduring relationships with church members. Listeners gain both biblical insight and real-world strategies for sustaining long-term, healthy ministry.

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When Conflict Happens Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, Noah Oldham sits down with pastors Will Basham, Bryan Loritts, and Jon Kelly to explore the inevitable conflicts church planters face, drawing lessons from Acts 15. They discuss practical strategies for navigating disagreements, fostering healthy conflict, and leading with humility, patience, and grace. Listeners gain insights on maintaining unity, protecting relationships, and modeling Christlike responses amid the challenges of planting and leading a church.

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Raising Leaders and Teams Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Jon Kelly, Elizabeth Woodson, and Dean Inserra to explore Acts 16 and the principles of church planting and leadership development. They discuss identifying and mentoring leaders, fostering shared ownership on church teams, and equipping young adults and students to serve effectively. Listeners gain practical insights for building healthy, mission-driven churches rooted in discipleship and spiritual growth.

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Biblical Diversity in the Church Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Elizabeth Woodson, Dean Inserra, and Bryan Loritts to explore the diversity of the early church in Acts, focusing on the church at Antioch. They discuss how cultural, ethnic, and social differences shaped gospel ministry, offering practical insights for church planters seeking to reach their entire communities with intentionality and love. Listeners will gain encouragement and guidance for fostering authentic unity, representation, and “gospel greed” in their own local churches.

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Everyday Evangelism Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New Churches Podcast, Trevin Wax is joined by Will Basham, Bryan Loritts, and Jon Kelly to explore personal evangelism through the lens of the Book of Acts. They discuss practical strategies for church leaders to cultivate evangelistic habits, engage their communities, and equip church members to share the gospel authentically. From identifying “low-hanging fruit” to leveraging personal testimonies, this conversation highlights how evangelism is both the lifeblood of church planting and a vital part of following Jesus.

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