Brian Kelly sits down with Pilgrim Benham to talk through what makes church plants healthy and sustainable. They cover the move of Calvary Chapel Bible College to the West Church campus in Bradenton, how online and legacy training are expanding, and what planters should consider when choosing urban or suburban contexts. The conversation lands on a “garden planting” model, practical training pipelines for preachers and pastors, and why long-term partnerships beat parachute launches.
Episode highlights
• CCBC’s new season in Bradenton and the growing online footprint
• Urban church realities vs. suburban stability• “Garden planting” as a reproducible approach for nearby towns• Building a preaching pipeline and pastoral residency before sending
• Funding, partnerships, and why two years of prep often pays off
• A vision to equip, send, and support planters
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast with Brian Kelly. In this episode, Brian is joined by Daniel Williams to introduce a special guest, David Downs, who has been serving in Turin, Italy, for nearly two decades. David shares his journey of moving overseas, navigating cultural and bureaucratic challenges, and seeing God provide in unexpected ways.
You’ll hear about the realities of planting a church in a city of over two million people, the importance of pursuing unity among evangelical churches, and the vision for raising up leaders and establishing a lasting gospel presence in northern Italy.
If you’ve ever wondered what long-term missions and church planting look like in Europe, this conversation offers an honest and encouraging perspective on both the trials and the triumphs of ministry in Italy.
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
On today’s episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly and co-host Nick Cady sit down with their friend Kike Torres from Mexico. Over the last 14 years, Kike has been part of planting 13 churches—some from scratch, others through replanting struggling congregations.
Kike talks about the central role prayer has played in these works, including a simple but powerful practice of praying for nine months before launching a church. He also shares how his team builds preaching calendars together, raises up pastors through residency, and stays connected through monthly prayer and training calls.
The conversation ranges from fresh stories of church plants inMexico and Panama, to lessons on leadership, pastoral health, and the signs of revival beginning to stir in Mexico.
What you’ll hear about:
· Why prayer is the starting point for every new church
· The nine-month prayer model for discerning church plants
· Building and training preaching teams across multiple congregations
· Why healthy pastors are the key to healthy churches
· How churches in Mexico are preparing for both revival and opposition
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, host Brian Kelly and co-host Daniel Williams sit down with Ricardo “Kaka” Monteiro, a church planter and pastor from Brazil. Kaka shares his compelling journey from São Paulo to pastoring a growing church in Curitiba, including how a word from the Lord during the pandemic launched him into leadership.
Kaka talks candidly about the decision to plant a second church in downtown Curitiba, the importance of raising up trusted leaders, and why he’s taking a sabbatical before launching again. The conversation touches on missionary life, parenting across cultures, and the strategic value of staying connected through conferences and online cohorts.
With laughter, honest insights, and a vision for multiplication, this episode highlights how God is at work in Brazil—and how rest, relationships, and a strong leadership team make long-term ministry sustainable.
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome back to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast! Inthis episode, Brian Kelly is joined by Pastor Brian Brodersen and Pastor Nick Cady for a lively and insightful conversation about church planting around the globe—from Europe to Latin America to New England. They talk about the need to reignite passion for planting in places where momentum has slowed, and highlight fresh opportunities in places like Peru, Brazil, Hungary, and Portugal. You’ll hear stories about swimming with dolphins, encounters with gators, and the challenges of learning a new language—but at the heart of it all is a shared vision to raise up new leaders, support national pastors, and see the gospel spread through healthy, thriving churches. Don’t miss this fun and faith-filled conversation on where the Spirit is moving and how you can be a part of it.
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, host Brian Kelly is joined by Bruce Zachary and special guest Ryan Marr, lead pastor of a thriving church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Together they dive deep into the lessons learned from leading through transition, pastoring in a transient community, and shepherding a church with a complex history and a massive former-Walmart facility.
Ryan shares candid insights about taking the reins after a difficult transition, honoring the past while building for the future, and how five years of patience helped rebuild trust and culture. They discuss everything from ESL outreach to managing multi-million-dollar maintenance, navigating staff changes with compassion, and understanding nonprofit financials—all while staying rooted in the calling to care for people.
Whether you're a church planter, a pastor stepping into transition, or someone dreaming about what’s possible, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. And don’t miss Ryan’s final word to planters: “Don’t do it alone—find a realfriend.”
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The CGN International Ministry Conference June 22-25 https://conference.calvarychapel.com/ministry-2025
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In thedropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Hey everyone, Pastor Brian here, and welcome back to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast. In today’s episode, I sit down with my good friend Aaron Smith, a church planter with one of the most unique sending stories I’ve ever heard. Aaron was originally sent as a missionary to Mexico—but it was actually a church in Mexico that ended up sending him back to the U.S. to plant a church in Florida. We talk about how the Lord led him and his wife step by step—from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico, and then supernaturally to Port Charlotte, Florida. You’ll hear how God used a pastor’s face, a shoulder injury, a random bookstore conversation, and even a Facebook comment to confirm his calling. This one’s packed with encouragement and practical wisdom for anyone thinking about planting a church or raising up leaders. Let’s dive in.
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The CGN International Ministry Conference June 22-25 https://conference.calvarychapel.com/ministry-2025
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
*****
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, hosts Brian Kelly and Nick Cady sit down with Joe Paskewich, a seasoned church planter from New England. Joe shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a gospel-deprived region to leading a multi-site church and witnessing a spiritual awakening in one of the most historically resistant areas in America. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of planting churches in New England, the unexpected revival happening in places like Vermont, and why this region is a prime mission field today. Whether you’re considering church planting or looking for inspiration, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to engage in the work of the gospel.
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly talks with Alan Stoddard about his journey from pastoring to planting Imagine Church in Cresson, Texas. They discuss the importance of cross-cultural ministry, church planting partnerships, and how technology, like daily online devotionals, can support discipleship. Alan shares his vision for launching on Easter 2025 and becoming a sending church for future planters.
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Links from the show:
https://www.youvideototext.com
https://www.instagram.com/alan_stoddard/reel/DGO3JZlp0rq/
https://www.planningcenter.com/
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
*****
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church PlantingWebsite: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast with Brian Kelly! In this episode, I sit down with two incredible leaders, Daniel Williams and Marlon Brown, to dive into a crucial yet often overlooked topic for church planters: personal devotions and caring for the soul. We discuss the importance of cultivating a daily quiet time with God, how it strengthens your relationship with Him, and why it’s essential for sustaining the demands of ministry. Whether you're planting a church, leading a congregation, or simply seeking to grow spiritually, this conversation will inspire and equip you to prioritize your time with the Lord. Let’s get started!
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode, Brian Kelly sits down with two incredible guests, Ted Leavenworth and Tommy Cota, to dive into the power of fellowship and its transformative role in ministry. Together, they unpack the value of creating cohorts intentional small groups of pastors and church leaders designed to provide encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom.
Whether you’re planting a new church, leading an established congregation, or simply looking for ways to build stronger connections in ministry, this conversation will inspire and equip you. Ted and Tommy share practical insights and personal stories that highlight why fellowship isn’t just important—it’s essential for sustaining and growing healthy churches.
Tune in and be encouraged as we explore how collaboration and community can strengthen leaders and advance the mission of the church. Let’s get started!
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast I’m Brian Kelly, joined by my co-host Nick Cady. Today, we’re tackling a topic that every church planter will face, but many find challenging: managing money and finances in a church plant. This is one of those areas where wisdom, planning, and stewardship can make or break a ministry's impact.
We’re thrilled to have Seth Allingham with us for this episode. Seth has extensive experience in church finances and administration, and he’s here to help us navigate the practical and biblical aspects of managing resources in ministry. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already in the trenches, this episode is packed with insights that will help you steward what God has entrusted to your church. Let’s dive in!
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, I sat down with my friend and assistant pastor, Josiah Hart, here at West Church in Florida. Josiah and I explored the vital role of an assistant pastor—not just as a support but as an essential partner in ministry. We unpacked how an assistant pastor brings balance, depth, and a unique skill set that lifts both the lead pastor and the congregation. Whether you're starting a church plant or strengthening an established one, you’ll hear insights on teamwork, service, and the countless ways an assistant pastor helps a church flourish.
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, where we explore practical strategies for growing and launching new churches. Today, host Brian Kelly sits down with Billy Almaguer to dive into the unique process of planting a church in a school building. From navigating logistics to building community partnerships, they'll share key insights and lessons learned from their own experiences. Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh ideas, this episode will equip you with the tools and inspiration to plant a thriving church in an unconventional space.
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Links from the show:
https://www.awakencity.church/
https://www.churchonwheels.com/
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast. Today, host Brian Kelly sits down with seasoned pastor Wayne Taylor for a conversation titled, "It's Never Too Late to Plant a Church." Wayne, a key figure in the Jesus Movement, has served faithfully for decades and now embarks on the exciting journey of church planting. Tune in as Pastor Wayne shares his wisdom, experiences, and what’s driving him to step into this new chapter of ministry. Whether you're thinking about planting a church or just curious, this episode is filled with encouragement and insight!
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Support Church Plating – https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving In the dropdown select “Church Planting”
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, host Brian Kelly sits down with guests Daniel Williams and Billy Almaguer to discuss the crucial role of staying connected with other pastors and churches during the church planting journey. They dive into the benefits of building strong networks, sharing resources, and learning from one another’s experiences to foster growth and resilience. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your church plant, this conversation offers valuable insights to keep you grounded and connected.
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Links from the show:
https://www.awakencity.church/
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast with your host, Brian Kelly, and co-host, Jeff Gipe! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Stephan Calhoun, originally from the United States and now working with Hellenic Ministries in Greece, and Dan Vorm from Fellowship Bible Church. They'll be sharing their inspiring journey of church planting in Greece, highlighting some very exciting opportunities. Stephan and Dan have been part of Operation Joshua and have distributed over 1.5 million Bibles to homes across Greece. Join us as we delve into their experiences, challenges, and the incredible potential for growth in this vibrant region. Let's dive in!
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Links from the show:
The Oikos Summer Experience - https://oikosnetwork.net/
Hellenic Ministries - https://hellenicministries.org/
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
Welcome to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, where we explore the frontiers of faith and the future of the church. I’m your host, Brian Kelly, joined by my insightful co-host, Daniel Williams. Today, we’re thrilled to have a very special guest, Pastor Zeddie Muzungu from Uganda.
In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of church planting in Uganda. Pastor Zeddie will share his unique experiences, the challenges he’s faced, and the incredible stories of community transformation through the power of the Gospel. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of faith in Uganda. Welcome, Pastor Zeddie!
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EXPOSITORS GATHERING UGANDA: https://expositorscollective.org/gatherings/
Support an expositor for the conference here:
https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving (select Expositors Uganda)
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, host Brian Kelly sits down with Clay Worrell and Rafael Manzanares. They share heartfelt stories about their journeys in church planting and their unique experiences with having unbelievers in their congregations. The discussion dives into the challenges and opportunities that arise when unbelievers come to church, offering insights and practical advice for church planters. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on bridging the gap between faith and skepticism.
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
CGN International Conference Archives: https://vimeo.com/calvarychapel
Welcome to another episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, hosted by Brian Kelly. Today, we're joined by Daniel Williams and Josh Black, who will share their insights on how to effectively support church planters. From prayer and financial backing to hands-on discipleship and community outreach, this episode covers essential strategies to nurture and grow new congregations.
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The cultivate church planting podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows, ways to support the ministry.
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG