Exponential NEXT Podcast

Epizodai

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  EP 123: Becoming All Things 16.09.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 123 Series: Urban Missions 101: Why America’s Cities Need Missionaries Too Description: What does contextualization actually mean, and why does it matter in urban missions? Daniel Yang brings theological and cultural insight to the conversation, helping listeners understand how cities shape Gospel ministry today. This conversation is part of a collaboration between Exponential NEXT and MyBLVD, working together to equip and encourage leaders serving on mission in cities across the country. Host: Dhati Lewis – Urban Missions NEXT, Director Guest: Daniel Yang – World Relief, National Director of Churches of Welcome Category: Urban Missions NEXT  
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  EP 122: The Complexity and Sustainability of the Call 09.09.2026 1val 15min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 122 Series: Urban Missions 101: Why America’s Cities Need Missionaries Too Description: What does it take to sustain ministry in today’s cities? In this two-part conversation, Dhati Lewis is joined by James Hobson and Pete Contreras to explore the realities of urban mission beyond traditional ministry models. From entrepreneurship, nonprofits, and creative funding strategies to serving across multiple ministry contexts at once, they discuss why many urban leaders are embracing a both/and approach to ministry. These episodes offer a candid look at the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts required to build lasting Gospel impact in the city. This conversation is part of a collaboration between Exponential NEXT and MyBLVD, working together to equip and encourage leaders serving on mission in cities across the country. Host: Dhati Lewis – Urban Missions NEXT, Director Guests: James Hobson – Hill City Community Church (Lynchburg), Pastor Pete Contreras – New Vision Church (San Diego), Pastor Category: Urban Missions NEXT  
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  EP 121: Hyperlocal Mission 02.09.2026 46min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 121 Series: Urban Missions 101: Why America’s Cities Need Missionaries Too Description: Dhati Lewis and Dale Huntington explore what it means to lead where you live, work, and worship. From neighborhood discipleship to navigating violence, addiction, and broken systems, this episode highlights the depth and complexity of hyperlocal ministry. This conversation is part of a collaboration between Exponential NEXT and MyBLVD, working together to equip and encourage leaders serving on mission in cities across the country. Host: Dhati Lewis – Urban Missions NEXT, Director Guest: Dale Huntington – City Life Church (San Diego), Pastor Category: Urban Missions NEXT  
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  EP 120: The Cost of Staying 26.08.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 120 Series: Urban Missions 101: Why America’s Cities Need Missionaries Too Description: In one of the most personal episodes of the series, Dhati and Angie Lewis open up about the emotional, relational, and spiritual costs of urban ministry and the unexpected gifts that come with it. Together, they reflect on what ministry in the city has cost them, what it has given them, and why healthy support systems are essential for long-term faithfulness. This honest conversation explores calling, sacrifice, enduring, and the deep joys that make the mission worth it. This conversation is part of a collaboration between Exponential NEXT and MyBLVD, working together to equip and encourage leaders serving on mission in cities across the country. Host: Dhati Lewis – Urban Missions NEXT, Director Guest: Angie Lewis – MyBLVD, Missionary Care Director Category: Urban Missions NEXT  
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  EP 119: The Mission Field We Avoid 19.08.2026 58min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 119 Series: Urban Missions 101: Why America’s Cities Need Missionaries Too Description: Why do we often think of missions as something that only happens overseas? In this episode, Dhati Lewis is joined by Missie Branch and Isaac Badaraco to help us rethink America’s cities as strategic mission fields and see urban missionaries through a new lens. Together, they explore the realities of staying rooted in difficult contexts, the calling and sacrifice required for long-term ministry, and the support urban missionaries need to faithfully serve where God has placed them. This conversation is part of a collaboration between Exponential NEXT and MyBLVD, working together to equip and encourage leaders serving on mission in cities across the country. Host: Dhati Lewis – Urban Missions NEXT, Director Guests: Missie Branch – MyBLVD, CEO Isaac Badaraco – One Life Christian Church (Long Island), Pastor Category: Urban Missions NEXT  
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  EP 118: Candid Conversation with Andrea Chung 12.08.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 118 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, Andrea Chung shares her inspiring journey into ministry. She reflects on how a gentle prompting from God during a college summer break opened the door to a life of serving others, and how the faithful legacy of her father’s ministry helped shape her calling. Andrea also shares about planting and leading a church in Orange County, California alongside her husband, Will, offering encouragement to those seeking to faithfully follow God’s leading wherever He calls. Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Andrea Chung – Beloved Church, Co-Lead Pastor Category: Women NEXT  
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  EP 117: Candid Conversation with Missie Branch 05.08.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 117 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, Missie Branch shares her journey of faithfully walking with Jesus through various seasons of life, ministry, and leadership. From serving in a church plant to running a baking business to leading MyBLVD, Missie reflects on the importance of helping Christ-followers discover and live out their God-given calling. Her story offers wisdom, encouragement, and a compelling vision for serving God’s mission both within the local church and throughout the marketplace. Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Missie Branch – MyBLVD, CEO Links Shared in Episode: MyBLVD website Category: Women NEXT  
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  EP 116: Candid Conversation with Simi John 29.07.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 116 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, Simi John shares her passion for preaching and teaching the Gospel both within the local church and through her professional vocation as a physical therapist. Simi reflects on her journey of immigrating from India, the ways God has shaped her faith and calling, and her deep commitment to faithfully teaching Scripture. She also speaks about her heart to encourage and equip women to embrace their God-given calling, helping elevate the voices and leadership of God’s daughters for the flourishing of the Church and the advancement of the Kingdom. Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Simi John – Speaker/Author Links Mentioned: Simi John – Speaker/Author Category: Women NEXT  
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  EP 115: Candid Conversation with Ashley Weece 22.07.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 115 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, Ashley Weece shares her journey of planting a church alongside her husband while raising a young family. With honesty and grace, she reflects on the joys and challenges of ministry, her passion for serving the Church, and the realities of navigating both affirmation and opposition in her calling. Her story is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and faithful obedience to God. Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Ashley Weece – Iron Coast Church, Associate Pastor Category: Women NEXT  
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  EP 114: Candid Conversation with Vanessa Cruz 15.07.2026 33min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 114 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, we are joined by Vanessa Cruz as shares thoughtful insights on the discipleship needs of the next generation. Drawing from her work with Urban Youth Workers Institute, she offers a compelling vision for whole-life discipleship and its transformative impact on young people today. Vanessa highlights the importance of shaping not only the future of the Church, but also investing deeply in the spiritual formation, leadership, and flourishing of the next generation in the present. Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Vanessa Cruz – Urban Youth Workers Institute, Director of Church Leadership Links Shared in Episode: Urban Youth Workers Institute Category: Women NEXT  
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  Bonus Episode: 7 Disruptive Church Trends Defining 2026 14.07.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Bonus Episode Description: What if the biggest shifts shaping the future of the Church are already happening…and most leaders are just starting to notice? In this one-hour conversation, Dave Ferguson, Carey Nieuwhof, and Carrie Williams unpack the 7 Disruptive Church Trends Defining 2026…from the surprising rise of Gen Z faith to the quiet crisis of leadership pipelines, from algorithm-driven discipleship to the looming impact of AI. This isn’t just a trends conversation, it’s a wake-up call and a window of opportunity. You’ll explore: Why young adults are returning to church in unexpected ways The troubling gap as young women disengage while men re-engage How evangelism is moving from the stage to the street (and screen) Why preaching must shift from content delivery to real encounter The reality that your church is competing with algorithms for discipleship A coming leadership shortage few churches are ready for And how AI will reshape everything…and why the Church might be uniquely positioned to respond This special bonus podcast episode is both hopeful and sobering…a conversation about renewal, disruption, and what it will take to faithfully lead in a rapidly changing world. If you care about the future of the Church, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Hosts: Dave Ferguson – Exponential CEO, President, and Co-Founder Carrie Williams – Executive Director of Exponential NEXT Guest: Carey Nieuwhof – Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Pastor, and Podcaster Links Shared in Episode: 2026 Church Trends Report Exponential National Conferences West Central Women in the Church Survey Report 2025 Category: Exponential NEXT
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  EP 113: Candid Conversation with Jaime Levi 08.07.2026 58min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 113 Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church Description: In this episode of Candid Conversations About Women and the Church, Jaime Levi shares her journey of deconstruction, being drawn back to following Jesus through the genuine love of two co-workers. Jaime shares that early on her return to following Jesus she heard God say He was going to use her voice, but it has been a journey of navigating working with both healthy and unhealthy leaders. She shares about leaving a toxic church culture, planting a church that struggled, and eventually launching a whole missional network of churches through Trinitas Communities, as well as The New Eve, which is committed to helping women reclaim their voice! Hosts: Sue Ferguson – Women NEXT, Co-Director Noemi Chavez – Women NEXT, Co-Director Guest: Jaime Levi – Trinitas Church, Pastor Links Shared in Episode: The New Eve website Category: Women NEXT  
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  EP 112: Exploring Affinity Church Planting 01.07.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 112 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: What if church planting wasn’t tied to a place—but to a people? In this episode, we will explore anew the conversation surrounding the innovative world of affinity church planting—a model focused on reaching specific communities rather than geographic regions. Join us as we hear from Steven Barr, founder of Cast Member Church, which ministers to Walt Disney Company employees around the world, and Victor Glover, leader of Fathers on the Move, a movement planting churches within federal and state prisons. Through powerful stories and practical insight, they share how relational discipleship, hospitality, and trust-building can lead to deep spiritual transformation—often in places the traditional church may not reach. This conversation challenges conventional models and invites you to imagine how God might be calling you to minister to the people you’re uniquely positioned to reach. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guests: Steven Barr, Co-Founder & Visionary Leader, Cast Member Church Victor Glover, CEO/Executive Director, Fathers on the Move Links Shared in Episode: Fathers on the Move Last Days World Outreach Ministries Cast Member Church Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 111: Exploring Network Church Planting 24.06.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 111 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: Can a church actually grow by getting smaller? Join Bill Couchenour as we revisit his discussion with Jason Shepperd, founder of Church Project in The Woodlands, Texas, to uncover the secrets to Network Church Planting. Explore the power of relational communities, discover how to cultivate leaders from within, and learn how to use your church building as a shared resource for the community. For pastors curious about transitioning from traditional church models, Jason offers thoughtful advice: start small, lead with biblical conviction, and let the vision take root gradually. This episode invites you to rethink what it means to plant—and multiply—churches in ways that are relational, reproducible, and rooted in everyday life. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Host: Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guest: Jason Shepperd, Founder and Lead Pastor, Church Project Links Shared in Episode: A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology churchproject.org rethinkandreturnpodcast.com goodgodgospel.com   Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 110: Exploring Microchurch Planting 17.06.2026 52min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 110 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: Forget the building, forget the budget – what if all you needed was your neighbors? Come along as we explore this conversation again with Brian Johnson and Rob Wegner, leaders of the Kansas City Underground, as they share their powerful journey into microchurch planting. The Kansas City Underground equips people to live as missionaries in their own networks through rhythms of prayer, listening, eating, serving, and storytelling. Microchurches—defined as extended spiritual families—emerge from these relational networks, led by unpaid leaders who embrace the mission of Jesus in everyday life. Discover how to empower everyday believers to lead, foster authentic community, and live out the mission of Jesus in their own circles. This episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to see ministry opportunities all around you. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guests: Rob Wegner, Co-Founder and Director, KC Underground Brian Johnson, Co-Founder and Director, KC Underground Links Shared in Episode: KC Underground KC Underground YouTube Channel StarfishyoU Substack eBooks through EX: Extraordinary Prayer Deeply Rooted Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 109: Exploring Digital Church Planting 10.06.2026 34min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 109 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: What happens when church planting takes an unexpected turn—and it’s exactly what God intended? In this episode, join us as we take another look at the conversation between our hosts Carrie Williams and Bill Couchenour and Justin and Janae Klatt, founders of Imagine Church Global, a fully digital faith community born from obedience and innovation. What began as a traditional church plant in Phoenix shifted online when the Klatts realized people across the country wanted to join—but couldn’t move. Through Spirit-led moments and creative risk-taking, Imagine Church Global emerged as a week-long, app-based experience where “community builders” lead flexible, discussion-driven gatherings. This model reaches those often excluded from physical churches—like flight attendants, RVers, or the homebound around the country and around the world. This episode is a powerful reminder that God moves in unexpected ways—and that new expressions of the Church can meet people right where they are. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guests: Justin Klatt – Co-Founder and Co-Pastor, Imagine Church Global Janae Klatt – Co-Founder and Co-Pastor, Imagine Church Global Links Shared in Episode: Imagine.church IG: @imaginechurchglobal   Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 108: Exploring Entrepreneurial Church Planting 03.06.2026 47min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 108 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: What if your church could fight hunger AND fuel your soul? Let’s revisit the forward-thinking approach of entrepreneurial church planting with our guests, Carl Johnson and Scott Woller. These innovative leaders are embedding their churches in the heart of their communities, using coffee shops, grocery stores, and workforce development programs as powerful expressions of their mission. Whether you’re a church planter, pastor, or just curious about new models of ministry, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think beyond the building—and plant churches that meet people where they are. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guests: Carl Johnson, Lead Pastor, Faith City Church Network Scott Woller, Pastor/Planting Pastor, Corner Church Links Shared in Episode: [email protected] www.corner.coffee www.corner.church Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 107: Exploring Multisite Church Planting 27.05.2026

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 107 Series: Exploring Distinct Expressions Within the Landscape of Church Planting Description: Is your church ready to reach more people in more places? Join us as we revisit this conversation and dive into the world of multisite church with Christy Gibas, Lead Pastor of The Table Church. Drawing from her own leadership journey, Christy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her church has reproduced its ministry into multiple locations. She unpacks the vision, strategy, and lessons learned along the way—offering practical insights for any church exploring the multisite church planting model. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about growth, leadership, and multiplying ministry impact. This expression is highlighted in a free resource called ‘The Atlas’ which can be found on our website at exponential.org/atlas. Hosts: Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential Guest: Christy Gibas, Lead Pastor, The Table Church Links Shared in Episode: Table Resources Table Crash Course Category: Church Expressions NEXT  
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  EP 106: Cultivating What Outlives You 20.05.2026 56min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 106 Series: From Soil to Forest: The Practice of Networked Ministry Description: In this episode, Patrick O’Connell and guest Andrew Hoffman discuss the evolution of church planting networks and the shift from isolated ministry to collaborative missional work. Host: Patrick O’Connell, Networks NEXT, Director Guest: Andrew Hoffman, Bay Area Church Planting Network, Director Links Shared in Episode: Bay Area Church Planting Network Category: Networks NEXT  
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  EP 105: From Table to Impact 13.05.2026 47min

  Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 105 Series: From Soil to Forest: The Practice of Networked Ministry Description: In this episode, Patrick O’Connell is joined by guest Corey Garris to explore the foundational role of networks in church multiplication. Garris, a leader with the Front Range Multiplication Network (FRMN) in Denver, shares insights on shifting from isolated ministry to collaborative action. Host: Patrick O’Connell, Networks NEXT, Director Guest: Corey Garris – Front Range Multiplication Network, Catalyst Links Shared in Episode: Reproducing Network Accelerator Category: Networks NEXT