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.
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