Leading Conversations
71 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsConversations between J.D. Pearring (Director, Excel Leadership Network) and church planting leaders, innovators, and coaches from around the country.
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Episodes
Conversation with Jeff Snodgrass
April 15, 2024 17:00 - 27 minutes - 63.3 MBJeff Snodgrass is the Lead Pastor at Unite Church located in Pasadena, CA. He grew up in Southern California, where, at 16, he made a life change and began to follow Jesus. After hitting rock bottom in his junior year, he prayed, “Lord, the life I live is now yours. Do with it as you will.” This is the same prayer that led him into ministry and is the same prayer he continues to pray daily. He has been in full-time ministry since 2006 and has an intense passion for making disciples, maximizi...
Conversation with Joshua Lane
April 01, 2024 17:00 - 37 minutes - 84.8 MBJosh was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He worked as a youth pastor in Atwater and Santa Rosa. In 2005, he moved back to Sacramento to pastor Northside Church, a church re-planted from Arcade Church. Like most church plants, bringing it back to a healthy place took work. Through all of that, he developed a partnership with Venture Church Network. He is now on their staff as a Regional Director. Working to develop church leaders and working with church planters. You will be encour...
Conversation with Al Soto
March 15, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 67.8 MBToday's conversation is with Al Soto from Shingle Springs, California. You can't say much more about his journey to become a Christian and his call to ministry; it could be a movie script. His life and journey took turns that one might find hard to believe. This is a conversation you won't want to miss and won't want to end. Make sure that you listen to this one, and you will be amazed at how God can work even today.
Conversation with Vladimir Kotyakov
March 01, 2024 17:00 - 36 minutes - 83.8 MBIt’s just easier to call him Pastor Vlad. Today’s JD has a conversation with Vladimir Kotyakov. He came to the United States at the age of 11. Vladimir has a rich Christian heritage. A grandfather died for his faith in a Russian gulag, and his father and other family members were also pastors in Russia. He is currently serving as pastor at the House of Bread church near Sacramento, California. His journey will inspire you, and you won’t want to miss this conversation. Ministry Partner: htt...
Conversation with Brett and Karla Burner
February 15, 2024 17:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MBBrett and Karla Burner, from Spring Valley, California near San Diego, are from two different backgrounds and countries. They met at a summer camp and have been together ever since. Brett jumped into ministry. Bible studies led to teaching, which led to pastoring. Their journey will encourage you. And if you ever see Swell soda on the menu or in a store, you can thank Brett.
Conversation with Jim Kennon
February 01, 2024 17:00 - 26 minutes - 60.7 MBJim began his walk with Jesus as a seventh grader in Cookeville, Tennessee, when he walked the aisle during a revival meeting and received Christ as his Savior and Lord. He later answered God’s call to the pastorate between his Junior and Senior years in college. His journey with Jesus has spanned five decades and has taken him across the country three times, serving as a lead pastor in four churches. Looking back on his journey with Jesus, Jim joyfully testifies to God’s amazing grace and f...
Conversation with Steve Clifford
January 15, 2024 20:00 - 42 minutes - 96.2 MBA coach at heart, Steve Clifford lived the “Friday Night Lights” life as a high school football coach in Texas. But it was an invitation to a summer camp that changed his life in high school. There, he committed his life to Christ and didn’t look back. Early work in Young Life eventually led to a two-year volunteer commitment to help a church. That two-year commitment turned into a lifetime spent in ministry. Steve’s journey proves that God will provide what you need to succeed. The churches...
Conversation with Aaron Walp
January 01, 2024 18:00 - 34 minutes - 78 MBIf the state of Arizona were a dartboard, the city of Payson would be in the bullseye. It is located near the geographic center of the state. Dr. Aaron Walp, who goes by “Walp” because of serving in law enforcement earlier in life, is J.D.’s guest today. Walp currently serves as the head administrator for a Christian school. Like so many kids, he experienced divorce in his parents’ marriage, and that brought him to a very dark place in his life. He had thoughts of suicide and developed a vis...
Conversation with Steven & Katrina Bentley
December 15, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 66.2 MBIf you were thinking about planting a church, the last place you might consider is Flint, Michigan. It just so happens that Steven and Katrina Bentley followed God’s lead and did just that. From their first date at Taco Bell to enjoying grandchildren today, the Bentleys have always sought after what God wanted them to be doing. Even when people around them said they weren't making “smart” choices, they stepped out in faith and were rewarded for obeying God’s purpose for their lives. When you...
Conversation with Jim Powell
December 01, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 82.4 MBIf you ever wanted to know someone who was from Peoria twice, J.D.’s guest, Jim Powell, is your man. He is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Palm West Community Church. While he grew up in a Christian home, Jim went through all the mechanics of the Luther church his family attended. But he never really understood what it meant to have a relationship with Christ. In college, Jim worked as a DJ in a club and would finish work early in the morning. He is probably under the influence of ...
Conversation with Brent Warren
November 16, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 49.5 MBYou may have never wondered where Panhandle, Texas, is located. If you wanted to find it on a map, think out the square top of Texas, and it’s right in the middle of that. J.D.’s guest on this episode is Brent Warren, pastor of The River in Panhandle. Running from an abusive father when Brent was three, his mom took him and his sister to live with his Godly grandparents. At an early age, he felt the call of God to serve as a pastor. Life challenges led to a failed church plant and a marriage...
Conversation with Tom Mercer
November 01, 2023 19:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MBJ.D.'s guet on this episode is Tom Mercer. Odds are, if you have worked in ministry, you have probably read at least one of Tom's many books. He gew up in a Christain homa and his father was a pastor. Tom had always thought he would go into the “family” business of ministry. However, he witnessed the mistreatment of his father by the church he was serving in, and decided he wasn’t going to be a part of that. He left seminary and joined a friends marketing firm. It was a conversation with tha...
Conversation with Eric Gamero
October 16, 2023 16:00 - 35 minutes - 81.3 MBSometimes, what makes you different makes you who you are. While that may seem obvious, that cannot be truer for Eric Gamero, the pastor of The Local Church in South Florida. Eric had a Cuban father and a Korean mother. The culture clash eventually led to his parent's separation. Spending weekends with his mom meant that he grew up in a Korean church. Accepting Christ at 12 while at a summer camp, he didn’t understand what that looked like until he was 15 and decided to commit his life to se...
Conversation with Travis Rae
October 02, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 62.2 MBOur guest today comes all the way from Holland. Not the land of Tulips, Holland, Michigan. Travis Rae is the Discipleship Pastor at Central Wesleyan Church and the Director of Waters Edge, a church building and planting organization. It truly is a miracle that you can hear from Travis today. His parents (mom pregnant with Travis) were traveling in Eastern Europe on April 26, 1986. The date may not ring a bell, but maybe the word Chornobyl sounds familiar. If not, the Chornobyl nuclear power ...
Conversation with Jamal Jones
September 15, 2023 16:00 - 32 minutes - 74 MBJamal Jones knows he was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home with both of his parents. The youngest of five children, he learned early that he wanted to dedicate his life to serving the Lord. He wasn't sure what that would look like. A successful high school football experience led to a scholarship to play for the Fresno State Bulldogs. While at Fresno State, he became involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His experience in FCA eventually led him to choose a career in Ch...
Conversation with Jeremy McGarity
September 01, 2023 15:00 - 39 minutes - 90.6 MBJ.D.'s guest today is Pastor Jeremy McGarity. Growing up in a non-Christian home, Jeremy loved sports, but mostly baseball. He was drafted out of high school into the Minor Leagues as a pitcher. On the team, Jeremy noticed that the third baseman handled life differently than all the other players. A conversation led to an invite to a Bible study. This led to Jeremy leading the study, and his ministry life just continued after that. His journey will inspire you, and you will not want to miss ...
Conversation with Micah Foster
July 17, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 67.5 MBYes, it's true, J.D.'s guest today was in fact named after the Old Testament prophet Micah. It's in the Bible if you don't remember. It's that one, just past Jonah. As you hear Micah, the one from Fresno, CA, share his journey. You can see how God can take life's challenges and turn them around for his purpose. Growing up in and around ministry, Micah took on several challenges. Finally, it led him to a role where he now serves pastors through his own business called Dream Support. If you ev...
Conversation with John Jackson
July 03, 2023 16:00 - 34 minutes - 79.4 MBIn this episode, JD has a conversation with Dr. John Jackson. He is currently serving as the President of William Jessup University. In his ministry life, he has been a church pastor, a church planter, and a mission leader of a denomination. He has a passion for the local church and a passion for leadership. His ministry experience has taught him valuable lessons about himself and what is essential when someone is in that role. Don't miss this conversation; you will be encouraged and gain va...
Conversation with Jack Hamilton
June 15, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 65.9 MBSome people have been in ministry for a long time and have been a part of some great movements, and then there is Jack Hamilton. He has done both and more. In today's conversation, you will hear Jack's story from the beginning and how God carried him through ministry and service to others ministering. You won't want to miss Jack's story. Listen, and you will truly be inspired.
Conversation with Dave Bennett
June 01, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 63.2 MBJoining the conversation today is no stranger to the Excel Network. Dave Bennet has raised more money for churches than most of us will earn in a lifetime. In today's podcast, Dave shares the life-altering moment when his doctor spoke two words, cancer and malignant. Initially feeling abandoned by God, Dave tells JD how he saw purpose through the challenge and how it has changed his life. Listen to his story today, and you will be encouraged.
Conversation with Elisha Kakwerere
May 15, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 66.9 MBYou will want to hear Elisha's story. It is so easy to think about church planting in the context of the United States. Most planters are thinking about how they will start, grow, and reach their communities for Christ. Imagine all those goals in Africa. Elisha Confronted family mysticism to find Christ and then to find the passion for planting churches. You won't want to miss this conversation. Listen and be inspired.
Conversation with Jonathan Singh
May 01, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 58.5 MBYou might be surprised about the content of today's interview. Jonathan Singh is the pastor of Tribe City Church just outside Phoenix, AZ. With parents that immigrated to the United States, he spent his childhood on the rough street corrners of Queens, NY. Jonathan would hand out tracts while his father preached the gospel. Throughout a journey of ministry service, Jonathan always knew in his heart that he wanted to create a place for a community and people to come together united by the go...
Conversation with TJ and Jess McCall
April 03, 2023 16:00 - 35 minutes - 81.6 MBToday's conversation is with TJ and Jess McCall from Buckeye, AZ. Thier journey has led them through multiple leves of ministry from youth work, associate pastorship, and finally as a lead pastor. It also took them around the country, from Monterey, CA to Paducah, KY, and points in between. They are currently working on a new church plant in Palm Springs, CA. Traveling between Arizona and California to work on building their team and fundraising. If you feel the call to plant a church you wo...
Conversation with Casey and Aimee Graves
March 15, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 69.1 MBToday's conversation is with Casey and Aimee Graves. Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, they felt led to settle in Temecula, CA. In 2019 they planted The Refinery Church. Throughout their marriage, they served as the principal leaders in starting and reimagining ministries that have proven to be effective in helping people come to know Jesus and grow in Him. Temecula has a diverse population is best know for being a high quality Southern California wine region. Just in case you were won...
Conversation with Jim Smith
March 01, 2023 16:00 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MBToday's converastion is with Jim Smith, President of the Pacific Church Network. He has been the President since March, 2006. Jim and his wife, Vicki, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren. He has been in active pastoral ministry since 1979, serving as a youth pastor and ultimately as a Senior Pastor. His ministry has taken him to many countries around the world on short-term mission endeavors. Since 2014, he has also been the pastor of San Antonio Heights Community Church in Upland,...
Conversation with Daniel Nunez
February 15, 2023 17:22 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBThe man, the myth, the legend, Daniel Nunez is the the guest on the podcast today. His journey has been one of faith in an audacious goal of planting 50 churches in the Mexico. It was just crazy enough that only God could make it happen. With a lot of prayer and a lot of work, by the grace of God, church number 50 was launched last month. Learn how how it was done and how Daniel has set up the future that the next 50 can be done. It is a lesson in faithful leadership. Listen and be encourage...
Conversation with Jay Stovall
February 01, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 83.5 MBToday's guest on the podcast is Jay Stovall. From the "jewel of the inland empire," Redlands, California. Does life sometimes feel like you are in a perfect storm of challenges? Then you will appreciate Jay's journey. Recently, the Stovalls had insurance claims out on their car, their house, and their medical insurance. During all of this, his wife gave birth to their third child. Sometimes life circumstances make you feel like God is not on your side. If you are in a spot where you feel tha...
Conversation with Brad and Ann Brucker
January 16, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 70.4 MBIt's an epic episode. Brad and Anne Brucker from Epic Church in Sherwood, Oregon, are interviewed by J.D. It all started with a dance on a rooftop. In addition to EPIC church, they are planting churches and serving African communities with medical care. If you are wondering if you are ready to plant a church, the Brucker's would tell you to "get in the game!" God is doing work around the world. If you are on God's mission, He will take care of you and provide abundance. Listen and be encoura...
Conversation with Julian and Daisy Delmore
January 02, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 66.2 MBIn today's episode, J.D. interviews Julian and Daisy Delmore. As you listen to their story, you will be encouraged to know that God works beyond what can typically be a statistic. Julian and Daisy are a testament to how faith and trust in God, no matter the challenge or the impossibility of a situation, is rewarded when God makes everything come together in his own way. Julian and Daisy seek ways to serve their community in a way that honors God and will demonstrate love and acceptance in th...
Conversation with Chris Pinion
December 15, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBToday's conversation is with Chris Pinion. A pastor in Kansas City or "K.C.K.," a chaplain, and a volunteer fire chief. Chis makes being a part of his community a big part of his ministry. Coming out of a dysfunctional family, his mom was married eight times; Chris shares how God always has a plan, and that plan continues throughout life. You won't want to miss the ventriloquist gospel connection. Listen to the conversation, and you will be inspired.
Conversation with Scott Pearring
December 01, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBIf you'd like to hear from the individual JD calls one of the smartest persons he knows, here is your chance. Today's interview is with his son Scott Pearring. Raised as the son of a church planter, Scott shares his view from the backseat on the journey that led to Excel and his personal faith and professional growth. If you don't have a plan for your future, you will want one after listening. You will be inspired and learn some inside stories.
Conversation with Jeff and Lisa Harrington
November 15, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 21 MBAfter years of working in ministry together, Jeff and Lisa Harrington decided to retire and move to Hawaii. What could be better than palm trees and beautiful beaches? Of course, planting a church. After Jeff and Lisa had spent some time in Hawaii, they saw how life for people living there is not the same as those who vacation there. God placed a call on their hearts to plant Lion's Den Church to meet their needs and serve the people in that community. Listen to their story, and you will be ...
Conversation with Chris Finchum
November 01, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBThe call to church planting can lead someone to many places. In the case of Pastor Chris Finchum, he and his wife were led to Yuba City, CA, from Tampa, FL. After a few trips to visit his wife's family, they both saw the need for a church that could reach the people of the community that had walked away from the Jesus that wasn't the Jesus of the Bible. Of course, the fact that wild chickens roam the local In-n-Out Burger parking lot might have had something to do with it. Chris shares the i...
Conversation with Larry and Deb Walkemeyer
October 17, 2022 15:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBDisregarding her girlfriends' advice to avoid the new football player on their college campus, Deb decided to introduce herself to Larry. That choice lead them both into a remarkable ministry adventure together. They saw God's vision to change from the popular church growth model to a church multiplication model (church planting). Their church caught the vision as, well, and they got going. They trusted in God's vision and worked to make that happen. Listen to their story and be encouraged.
Conversation with Jon Fegan and Christian Axe
September 15, 2022 15:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBJon and Christian were two friends on different journeys in their faith. Both came to realize that God was more than they had initially imagined. After working in various ministry roles in different areas, Jon and Christian were led to plant Fireside Church in September of 2022 near Phoenix, AZ. They would be the first to tell you that you can't give up on God's call and being genuine to yourself and the gifts that God has given you is the key to success. Listen to their journey and be inspi...
Conversation with Justin and Heidi Fox
September 01, 2022 16:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBJustin and Heidi Fox are planting a church in California. It's just not where you might first think of; this part of California is nearly three hundred miles north of San Francisco, in Arcata, CA. Think redwood forests instead of palm trees. It's a community of artists and creatives. You might want to listen to Justin's tip about having the shortest altar call at the end of a sermon. Listen to their story and be encouraged.
Conversation with Larry Osborne
August 15, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBLarry Osborne is a pastor, author, mentor, and leadership consultant. He pioneered several concepts that shape our modern church today, teaching teams, multisite churches, and sermon-based small groups. Larry shares his own journey and how his family and their support shaped his faith. You will be encouraged by his story.
Conversation with Ray & Rachel Hudson
August 01, 2022 16:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBRay and Rachel Hudson are church planters in Berkley, California, arguably one of the most challenging cities in the U.S. to plant a church in. They had to devise a unique plan to reach their community. It's all about loving and serving the city "so hard that they rethink their preconceived notions of faith." Rather than focusing on college students, they strive to impact people who don't typically want "church." City Center Church was the first church ever recognized as one of the top five ...
Conversation with Ken Hendrix
July 16, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBKen Hendrix is a church planter with a long history in ministry that brought him to California for over a decade. Ken and his wife have been back in their home state of Kentucky for several years now. As with most of his ministry work, Ken's original plan was not God's. Inspiration for a church plant became an interim lead pastor position, allowing an existing church to thrive and grow. Ken has also figured out a way for the U.S. government to help fund his missionary outreach program. Liste...
Conversation with Andrew Morrison
June 30, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBSometimes when you are a church planter, you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Andrew Morrison, a church planter in Colorado, can actually calculate that weight. It starts at 675 pounds and goes up from there. Andrew participates nationally in Strongman competitions. So if you ever feel like you have a lot on your shoulders, you can be encouraged by his story.
Conversation with Brian & Sarah Drinkwine (Part 2)
June 15, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThis is part two of our conversation with the Drinkwines. How would you handle your church plant launch when more than half of your launch team is in COVID quarantine and half of your RSVPs cancel for the same reason? Brain & Sarah found themselves in that situation when they launched their second church plant in the Spring of 2022. You will be encouraged by their journey, and you might even want to pack up everything you own and move to Nashville.
Conversation with Brian & Sarah Drinkwine (Part 1)
May 16, 2022 16:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBHow would you handle your church plant launch when more than half of your launch team is in COVID quarantine and half of your RSVPs cancel for the same reason? Brain & Sarah Drinkwine found themselves in that situation when they launched their second church plant in the Spring of 2022. You will be encouraged by their journey, and you might even want to pack up everything you own and move to Nashville.
Conversation with Ken & Carolyn Primeau
May 02, 2022 16:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBKen and his wife Carolyn lead Mercy Road Church Northeast in Indianapolis, Indiana. They share how their desire to be faithful to God's plan for their ministry, brought them both from southern California and Hawaii to the midwest. After hearing their stories, you may just want to go fishing and eat some cookies.
Conversation with Andy Elliott
April 15, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBIf anyone is proof that God has a plan for your life, it is Church planter, Andy Elliott. Currently the pastor of The Beat Church in Round Rock, Texas. The intervention of Christian friends pulled him away from an addiction to alcohol and self-destructive behavior. A willingness to be open to what God wanted him to do, helped him overcome severe social anxiety. You will be encouraged by Andy's journey.
Conversation with Josh Ferris
March 30, 2022 16:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIn this episode, J.D. meets with Josh Ferris, a church planter from Loveland, CO. If there is one takeaway from the conversation, it could be, don't join the Marines without telling your wife first. Beyond that, Josh has learned first hand when you ask God for faith; God provides you with opportunities to develop faith. You will be encouraged by Josh's journey.
Conversation with Luke Allen
March 21, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode, you will hear from Luke Allen. Not only a church planter that has planted other churches out of his own, but the COO of Excel Leadership Network. You will be encouraged by his journey, and after listening, you may feel the need to head to a Cracker Barrell restaurant for a challenging conversation.
Conversation with Geoff Wells
March 01, 2022 19:55 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBIf you have ever been to an Excel Discovery Center, then you have probably met today's guest. From its beginnings, Geoff Wells and his wife Sharon have been a part of Excel Leadership Network. As a retired Army officer, he is often referred to as "The Colonel." Geoff's life story is worth listening to. For anyone that has been lucky enough to meet him, you walk away from that meeting knowing that he is passionate about supporting church planters and how Excel plays a role in expanding God's ...
Conversation with Paul Mints
February 16, 2022 03:55 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBToday's conversation is with Paul Mints, pastor of the TCAL Church in Midland, TX. Paul was fortunate to grow up in a Christian home where both parents demonstrated their commitment to Jesus. His call to ministry came naturally. When Paul was led to plant a church, like most planters, it started with Paul wearing many hats to get all the pieces moving. He developed a novel approach to leadership development that enabled his small team to expand efficiently. Listen to this episode, it will in...
Conversation with Stefen Fussle
January 31, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBAs a church planter or leader, this thought has probably crossed your mind; my work would be much easier if my church were located on a beautiful island paradise in the Pacific. It turns out the opposite is true. Stefen and Amber Fussle launched Awakening church on the island of Maui. Beyond all the typical challenges faced when planting a church, they needed to find a way to navigate a resilient island culture. They established a healthy church community through their dedication to God's mi...
Conversation with Weston Brown
January 17, 2022 17:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWeston Brown led his first church at the young age of 19. He went on to work in various church settings, both large and small, until he finally was led to plant a church in Shreveport, Louisiana. As he shares his journey, he shares how important it is not to get caught up in the operations of a church and lose sight of people in need of the gospel.