Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 81
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode welcomes Austin Rockwell, founder of Kamp Love and leader with Nissi Young Adults. Austin is a passionate disciple-maker whose journey has shaped thriving ministries for college students and young adults across the country.
Every calling comes with a cost but the transformation is worth it.
Carrie and Austin dive into the often-unspoken realities behind growth, leadership, and living out your purpose. Austin shares deeply from his own story; navigating grief and purpose after the tragic loss of his best friend, using that pain as fuel to launch Kamp Love, and persevering through seasons of doubt, exhaustion, and sacrifice. His journey paints a raw and hopeful picture of what it really means to step into God’s call, day after day.
In this episode, you’ll discover:

How setbacks, loss, and struggle can become the very foundation for your greatest impact
What it looks like to keep serving when the path is unclear and ministry feels costly
The spiritual and emotional price of becoming who you’re meant to be—and how God meets you in the “messy middle”
Stories from Kamp Love’s growth and Nissi Young Adults—reminders that the deepest transformation often comes outside your comfort zone
Practical encouragement for leading, loving, and pressing forward, even when the journey feels uphill

Austin’s perspective is honest and hope-filled, shaped by hundreds of camping trips, thousands of lives impacted, and countless lessons learned on the front lines of ministry. Whether you’re a leader, volunteer, or simply hungry to grow, this episode will invite you to count the true cost and embrace the beautiful, hard, and redemptive work of becoming.
You are not alone. Every part of your story, no matter the cost, is preparing you for a purpose greater than you imagine.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Austin Rockwell, Founder, Kamp Love
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
kamplove.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 80
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode features Rachel McCord, celebrity entrepreneur, speaker, author, founder of Holy Spirit Vibe and The McCord List, and a shining example of resilience, faith, and bold living.
You are made for more and you don’t have to play small.
In this motivating episode, Carrie and Rachel dive into what it means to truly live from your full potential. Rachel shares the real-life lessons she’s learned on her journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to building nine companies, overcoming severe health challenges (including open-heart surgery), and becoming a mentor and inspiration to millions around the world.
What you’ll explore:

Moving Beyond Limits: How to recognize and break through the self-doubt, fear, and comparison that keep you playing small.
Embracing Your Story: Ways to turn pain, setbacks, and even “messy middles” into fuel for growth and use your past as a launchpad for your future.
Faith and Purpose in Action: Rachel’s testimony on how her faith and obedience to God’s call transformed her life, led her to launch Holy Spirit Vibe, and gave her a passion to help others encounter healing and freedom.
Practical Steps to Maximize Your Potential: Strategies to protect your energy, steward your influence, and show up fully no matter your current season or platform.

Rachel’s authenticity and faith shine through as she encourages listeners to stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start living boldly today. Her story is a reminder that you have unique gifts, an important mission, and unlimited potential right where you are.
Expect real talk, practical encouragement, and an invitation to rise into everything you’re created to be.
You don’t have to settle. You’re called to live fully, freely, and on purpose.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Rachel McCord, Founder, Holy Spirit Vibe and The McCord List
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
HolySpiritVibe.com
TheMcCordList.com

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 79
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode features Cheryl Nembhard, Executive Director of the Women’s Speaker Collective.
Where you are is not an accident; it’s an assignment.
Carrie and Cheryl explore what it truly means to embrace the power of your current position, no matter how grand, ordinary, or overlooked it may feel. Drawing from Cheryl’s experience, this conversation is packed with real-world insight for anyone wondering how to make an impact right where they are.
You’ll hear:

Why your seat, your current role, season, or circumstance, is an endorsement from God, not a waiting room for something “better”.
How to steward influence with integrity, whether you’re a student, entry-level employee, volunteer, or emerging leader.
The freedom that comes from trusting that God has gone before you, securing your purpose and position, so you can lead from a place of rest and confidence, not striving or comparison.

We will remind you that you don’t need a title or platform to change the world. You just need to show up, right where you are, with faithfulness and courage. This episode will challenge you to see your current position as a gift and a launchpad for all God wants to do in and through you.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Cheryl Nembhard, Executive Director, Women’s Speaker Collective
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Women’s Speaker Collective Website
@cherylnembhard on Instagram
‘On the Path’ podcast
‘Together We Rise’ Podcast

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 78
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode welcomes Will Garinger, the visionary founder of Run With Christ (RWC), a movement that’s united thousands of runners in faith and fitness across North America and beyond.
Passion is more than a feeling. It’s a compass pointing you toward your calling.
In this inspiring conversation, Carrie and Will explore how God can take a simple passion, even one you once disliked, like running, and turn it into a powerful platform for purpose and community. Will shares his journey from being a reluctant runner to launching a global ministry that now gathers hundreds every Saturday for worship, prayer, and 5K runs, all while creating space for people to encounter Jesus and each other.
You’ll hear:

How to recognize when your passion is God’s invitation: Will’s story of starting RWC at just 19, with no formal plan or team, and watching it explode into a movement that’s changing lives in over 30 cities and multiple countries.
The unexpected ways God shapes your calling: Will’s realization that his past experiences, even the ones that felt isolating, were preparing him to build a community where everyone feels known, seen, and loved.
The power of showing up: Practical insights on taking bold steps, even when you feel unqualified or overwhelmed, and how God multiplies small acts of obedience into something far greater than you imagined.
Living a life that glorifies God through your passions: Why Run With Christ is only 20% about running and 80% about ministry, outreach, and creating a space where faith and fitness collide.

Whether you’re searching for your passion, wrestling with doubt, or ready to take the next step, this episode will challenge you to listen to the voice of your calling and trust that God can use your unique story, interests, and even your hesitations to make a lasting impact.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Will Garinger, Founder, Run With Christ
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
@runwchrist on Instagram
Website coming soon: runwchrist.org

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 77
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential NEXT, this episode features special guest Ali Parsons, licensed minister at the Church of Eleven22 and founder and host of the podcast, ‘Neighbors’.
Your personality isn’t an obstacle; it’s a clue to your calling.
In this engaging episode, Carrie and Ali explore the dynamic relationship between who you are and what you’re called to do. Through honest conversation and practical wisdom, they unpack how your personality traits, those quirks, passions, and even struggles, are intentional gifts, designed to help you thrive in your unique purpose.
You’ll explore:

How embracing your God-given wiring paves the way for greater clarity in your calling
Misconceptions about personality and purpose (and why you don’t have to fit a mold to make an impact)
Ali’s journey of learning to lead authentically, and how her personal story shaped her ministry path
Tangible steps to align your strengths with your mission, no matter your Enneagram type, introvert/extrovert status, or background

Whether you’ve ever wondered, “Am I too much…or not enough?”, this episode will remind you that you’re built for this. Discover how your individuality is the key to living out your calling with confidence and freedom.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Ali Parsons, Licensed Minister, Church of Eleven22 and Founder/Host of Neighbors Podcast
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Ali’s Instagram
Neighbors Podcast Instagram
Neighbors Podcast

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 76
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential, this episode features special guest Elyse Mahan, preacher, campus pastor at Church For The One, author, and well-known encourager with a story as real as it gets.
Every setback, every victory, every messy middle – none of it was wasted.
In this candid and hope-filled episode, Carrie sits down with Elyse to unpack how your past, with all its twists, turns, and surprises, has been essential preparation for where you are now and where you’re called to go next.
Elyse draws from her rich experiences as a pastor’s kid in Australia, her season of heartbreak and fresh starts, and her passion for seeing people come alive in faith and purpose. With vulnerability and wisdom, she shares how God can use even our most unexpected chapters as training ground for our calling.
You’ll discover:

Why your history, even the parts you’d rather forget, has equipped you for today’s opportunities and challenges
How to move beyond shame or regret and find meaning in every season
Stories of trusting God through heartbreak, healing, and new beginnings
Practical steps to use your unique journey as fuel for your future

Whether you feel stuck, disqualified, or are simply craving a little hope, this conversation will remind you: your past was preparation. Nothing is wasted, and you’re right on time for all that’s to come.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Elyse Mahan, Preacher, Church for the One
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Elyse’s Instagram
elysemurphy.com

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 75
Series: A Called Generation
Hosted by Carrie Williams, Executive Director of Exponential, with special guest Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, speaker, founder of BLINC, and author of The Catalyst Leader and H3 Leadership, this episode kicks off the series with a powerful reminder:
Purpose is the why. Calling is the how.
You were born for this moment. In this episode, Carrie and Brad unpack what it means to live with purpose (your “why”) and how your current season, no matter how uncertain or unexpected, can be the very place where your calling (your “how”) starts to take shape.
Together, they explore:

Why your life and experiences are uniquely positioned for this time
How to recognize purpose in your present, even if it feels messy or unclear
The difference between discovering your purpose and walking out your calling
Practical ways to start moving in purpose, right where you are

No matter where your at on your journey, this episode will encourage you to stop waiting for clarity and start living with intention. You have a “why” and your “how” begins now.
—
Host:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Guest:
Brad Lomenick, Former President of Catalyst, Founder of H3 Leadership
Category: Generation NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
H3 Leadership Podcast
H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 74
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
What if church planting wasn’t tied to a place—but to a people? In this episode, we explore the innovative world of affinity church planting—a model focused on reaching specific communities rather than geographic regions. Join us as we hear from Stephen 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.
—
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
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Fathers on the Move website
Last Days World Outreach Ministries website
Cast Member Church website

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 73
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
Can a church actually grow by getting smaller? Join Bill Couchenour as he sits down 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.
—
Host:
Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential
Guest:
Jason Shepperd, Founder and Lead Pastor, Church Project
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
A Church of House Churches: An Articulated and Applied Ecclesiology
Church Project
Rethink and Return Podcast
Good. God. Gospel.

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 72
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
Forget the building, forget the budget – what if all you needed was your neighbors? Join 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.
—
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
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
KC Underground
KC Underground YouTube Channel
StarfishyoU Substack
Extraordinary Prayer – Exponential eBook
Deeply Rooted – Exponential eBook

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 71
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
What happens when church planting takes an unexpected turn—and it’s exactly what God intended? In this episode, hosts Carrie Williams and Bill Couchenour talk with 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.
—
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
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Imagine Church
janae@imagine.church
justin@imagine.church
Imagine Church Instagram

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 70
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
What if your church could fight hunger AND fuel your soul? Discover 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.
—
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
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Faith City Church
scott@cornerchurch.tv
Corner Coffee
Corner Church

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 69
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
Is your church ready to reach more people in more places? 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.
—
Hosts:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential
Guest:
Christy Gibas, Lead Pastor, The Table Church
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Table Church – Disciple-Making Tools
Start a Table Crash Course

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 68
Series: Church Expressions NEXT
In this episode, join hosts Carrie Williams and Bill Couchenour as they sit down with Léonce Crump—Co-Founder and Senior Pastor of United Church—for an honest and inspiring conversation about traditional church planting. From his journey in the NFL to his calling into vocational ministry, Léonce opens up about the path that led him to plant a traditional church. He shares not only his personal story, but also the realities of starting, leading, and sustaining a church in today’s cultural landscape. Tune in for a moving conversation about calling, perseverance, and the complex, rewarding journey of church planting.
—
Hosts:
Carrie Williams, Executive Director, Exponential NEXT
Bill Couchenour, Deployment Director, Exponential
Guest:
Léonce Crump, Co-Founder and Senior Pastor, United Church
Category: Church Expressions NEXT
—
Resource mentioned in this episode:
United Church

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 67
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
In this episode Inés Velásquez-McBryd shares her journey to becoming a church planter and lead pastor. She also shares about the lessons learned and the community impact of leading a church through challenging seasons!
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guest:
Inés Velásquez-McBryde, The Church We Hope For, Co-Founder & Lead Pastor
Category: Women NEXT
—
Resource mentioned in this episode:
The Church We Hope For

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 66
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
What does it mean to go first—when no one who looks like you has gone before? In this episode of the the series, Sue and Lori talk with Rev. Dr. Kate Coleman—the first Black woman ordained as a Baptist minister in the UK—and Rev. Cham Kaur-Mann—the first and only Asian woman minister in the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Together, they reflect on the challenges of being first, what they’ve learned, and the legacy they hope to leave for women in ministry.
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guests:
Rev. Dr. Kate Coleman, Founding Director, Next Leadership
Rev. Cham Kaur-Mann, Co-Director, Next Leadership
Category: Women NEXT
—
Resource mentioned in this episode:
Metamorph by Kate Coleman

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 65
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
Molly answered God’s call to move her family to Denver with a heart for reaching the lonely and lost young adults living there. By using some need unique connecting strategies that do not include Sunday gatherings Molly and her team are having a huge impact through The Brook. Molly also shares some valuable things she learned about herself and her leadership along the way!
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guest:
Molly Soderstrom, The Brook, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Category: Women NEXT
—
Resource mentioned in this episode:
The Brook

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 64
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
To fully represent the Imago Dei it requires both men and women stepping into their calling and using thier gifts. Join us as we have a candid conversation with two amazing leaders doing just that!
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guests:
Efrem Smith, Midtown Church, Co-Lead Senior Pastor
Susie Gamez, Midtown Church, Co-Lead Senior Pastor
Category: Women NEXT
—
Resource mentioned in this episode:
Exponential Women NEXT
Midtown Church

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 63
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
While many of us lead within our church community, Mimi Chan felt God calling her to lead in her corporate job at Amazon! In this episode Mimi will share how God led her to start Christians at Amazon, and how He has grown into a international movement!
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guest:
Mimi Chan, Amazon Books, Head of Events Marketing
Category: Women NEXT

Exponential NEXT Podcast Episode 62
Series: Candid Conversations About Women and the Church
Sometimes ministry takes a turn we didn’t expect. Sometimes that change leaves us lost, hurting, and even angry. In this episode, Katrina Boatright shares what God taught her about finding healing and new purpose after an unexpected turn.
—
Hosts:
Sue Ferguson, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Lori Ruffin, Women NEXT, Co-Director
Guest:
Katrina Boatright, Distinctive Daughters, Founder
Category: Women NEXT
—
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Katrina’s Website
Distinctive Daughters