Plant Strong Podcast: Championing Women in Church Planting
201 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsThe Plant Strong Podcast features women and men from all over the country who are serving and leading in diverse ministry contexts. You will hear stories from leadership veterans to women in the beginning years of church planting. Each episode will encourage you no matter your role in church planting.
This podcast is produced by Bloom, a ministry of Stadia. Stadia is an organization that plants churches all over the world that intentionally care for children. Host Lisa Bennett planted Lifebridge Church in the Atlanta area with her husband Jeff, where they still live with their two daughters Madi and Macy.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
85. Nancy Beach: Transitions and Healthy Teams
January 05, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBToday on the show Lisa interviews Nancy Beach. Nancy is a Leadership Coach, speaker and author. Nancy shares her wealth of knowledge and hard fought wisdom in creating healthy teams and transitioning leaders in and out while keeping a soft heart through it all. You'll feel overwhelmingly seen as she shares her story and champions your efforts. Transitions by William Bridges Ruth Haley Barton
84. Heidy and Lisa's Year End Celebration!
December 08, 2021 13:00 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MBYou won't want to miss this all things year-in-review! Director of Bloom, Heidy Tandy joins Lisa in our 4th annual Year End Celebration! Gather book recommendations, hear lessons learned and get a sneak peek of Bloom 2022. Try Softer by Aundi Kolber Unaffendable by Brant Hansen Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee Mitford Series by Jan Karon I Am Restored by Lecrae The Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell
83. Race and Responsibility: Engagement for the Long Haul - Yucan Chiu
November 24, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 53.3 MBToday Lisa interviews Yucan Chiu who serves on the leadership team of Stadia as Catalyst for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In this timely interview Yucan highlights the need for personal relationships and deep self-reflection into who God is calling us to be as we continue to plant churches that care for all people. Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah Healing Prayer by Dennae Pierre Rally by Britney Winn Lee
83. Kadi Cole: Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days
November 10, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 53 MBListen to the latest episode of the Plant Strong Podcast where Kadi Cole shares about her latest book, “Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days”. Kadi is an author and speaker who is passionate about serving the community by working with leaders to increase their effectiveness in whatever role of influence they have been given. In this episode, Kadi talks about how you can understand and overcome your own challenges to lean into God’s best for your leadership, no matter your stage of life or s...
81. Fearless In Spite of Fear: Betsy Spring
October 27, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBLisa hosts another Fearless conversation with Betsy Spring! Betsy is BACK on the podcast sharing her experiences from the messy middle of transitioning out of a church planting staff role as she follows God’s leading into the unknown. This episode will point you back to Jesus and living fearless in spite of your fear!
80. Hard Conversations: Two Friends Talk About Race - Angela Cachero
September 29, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBDo. Not. Miss. This. Interview. Angela Cachero is a church planter and Music Director at Risen Church in San Diego, California. She also serves on the Stadia Team in the area of Discovery and Assessment. In this episode, Angela courageously lets us in to her story, sharing experiences from which we can all learn and grow, particularly as we think and dream about the future of the church. Lisa and Angela also wrestle with how to respond to racial injustice in the context of brave and authenti...
79. Fearless in Spite of Fear with Lisa Bennett
September 15, 2021 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBThis solo Lisa Bennett episode is full of wisdom, resources, and encouragement. Lisa introduces our new fall series: Fearless in Spite of Fear and discusses two areas of her life where she has a tendency to lean into fear. Make sure you listen all the way until the end, where Lisa shares a beautiful reading that encompasses her current season in life! The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier Unoffendable by Brent Hanson The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
78. Kerry Smith - NextGen: Impact Built to Sustain
September 01, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBKerry Smith is the Director of Women and Children at Good News Church in Powell, Ohio. She is also the host of the Gathered Courage Podcast and an editor for the Plant Strong Podcast! Kerry covers lots of ground in this episode—listen for her wisdom on why she has eliminated the word busy from her vocabulary and how children aren’t the church of the future, but the church of NOW. Practices that have helped Kerry Get up 1 1/2 hours earlier than your family "I am" list Deleted word "bus...
77. Leilani Sizemore- Telling your time what to do
August 18, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBThis episode is for anyone who can get a little overwhelmed when looking at the calendar! Leilani Sizemore, Director of Operations at Creekside Church, shares how you can find ways to boss around your time. She gives a ton of practical advice in a shame and guilt-free way that will empower you to lead strong in your own daily life!
76. A Conversation with Courtney Wright: COO of Christian Alliance of Pastors
August 04, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBWe’re back! And get ready! This episode is packed with leadership wisdom from Courtney Wright: COO of the Christian Alliance of Pastors. Courtney is a powerhouse leader with a story that is evidence of God’s kindness. She will inspire you to amplify your impact in your own sphere of influence using your unique, God-given gifts.
75. Listening with Intention: Heidy and Lisa discuss discernment
July 07, 2021 16:25 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBHow do you make sense of all the voices in our lives? Lisa Bennett and Heidy Tandy talk through all of the perspectives that we navigate as we live our own individual stories as church planting women. This episode will help you identify the voices that matter to you and think through how you can be intentionally listening for God’s voice above everything else. Show Notes: Jen Antonucci - 50 Janet Mcmahon - 66 Shaila Visser - 65
74. Edible Theology with Kendall Vanderslice
June 23, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBBread making was a 2020 pandemic project for many people, but for Kendall Vanderslice it is a way of life! Kendall is a baker, writer, speaker, and expert on all things related to church around the table. This conversation will encourage you to creatively gather your community and gives several ideas on how to make connection around the table work for your people. It may even make you a bit hungry for some bread. Edible Theology on Instagram
73. Shauna Pilgreen- Love Where You Live
June 09, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIf you have spent any time in or around church planting, you will resonate with the experiences of this episode’s guest! Shauna Pilgreen is a church planter and author of the book “Love Where You Live”. What really shines in this episode is Shauna’s passion for Jesus and heart for her city. She talks about the importance of proximity with your neighbors, their family’s weekend rhythms, and how to lean into each unique season of ministry. Love Where You Live
72. Angela Craig- Courage to Live Your Calling
May 26, 2021 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBAngela Craig is a pastor, professor, and all around DIGITAL CHURCH EXPERT! This episode is packed with truth about finding the courage to live your calling. Angela shares how she led and launched a Facebook Church and the leadership lessons she learned along the way. Her story will help you find ways to be fearless in your own sphere of influence!
71. Kristi Gaultiere- Journey of the Soul
May 12, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBDo you feel as if your soul might be hitting the proverbial wall? Dr. Kristi Gaultiere—licensed psychotherapist and spiritual director for women in ministry and pastors’ wives—talks about the effects of the last year on women (yay 2020/2021). She also gives a ton of resources on how to rest and reflect in ministry regardless of your stage in ministry. Make sure you check out the show notes for all of the tools she references in this packed episode! Show Notes: https://journeyofthesoul.o...
70. Bianca Juarez Olthoff- Fearless in the Fire
April 28, 2021 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBDid you miss the 2021 Virtual Bloom Retreat? Or do you wish that you could listen again to Bianca Juarez Olthoff’s powerful message and interview? This episode is for you! Bianca walks you through the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and explores what it looks like to live fearlessly even in the midst of the fire. Grab your Bible, notebook, and a pen and get ready to learn from Bianca Juarez Olthoff!
69. Rachel Stewart: Unpacking Ministry and the Marketplace
April 14, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBShould your church be on tiktok? Rachel Stewart’s answer just may surprise you! Rachel founded Copper Hive Consulting: a Marketing and Business Strategy network to help leaders stay focused on what matters—helping people. Lisa and Rachel also cover all things personality assessments and why it matters to know who you are as you lead and serve in church planting. Show Notes: Grit by Angela Duckworth Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast Social Media Marketing with Michael Stelzner Tra...
68. Jennie Prior: A Conversation about Helpful Helping
March 31, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBWhat’s it been like to be a board certified Hospital Chaplain through a global pandemic? Reverend Jennifer Prior (Jennie) shares what is has been like to care for people in their darkest moments. Jennie also talks about how she rests and takes care of herself when life is heavy and overwhelming. This episode will challenge you to stay curious as you care for people on your church planting journey.
67. Beth Cross- Thriving in Leadership Redefined
March 17, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBDo you love people before you try to lead people? Listen in as Beth Cross, Director of Institutional Advancement at Mid Atlantic Christian University (as well as many other life roles!), shares about how to see people even through our differences and disagreements. Beth candidly shares about her experiences in several diverse leadership roles in the church, the nonprofit world, higher education, and parenting! https://www.macuniversity.edu
66. Janet McMahon-Finding Your Voice in Leadership and Life
March 03, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBJanet McMahon, Community Life Pastor at Restore Community Church in Kansas City, MO shares her recent journey of finding her voice even after 25+ years in ministry. She talks about what it looks like to fully embrace the love of Jesus as we lead and love people, even as we walk through hard circumstances or disagreement. You may need a tissue or two for this incredible story. Resources mentioned in this episode: Pete Scazzero and his Emotionally Healthy resources Emotionally Healthy Spi...
65. Shaila Visser- Making Jesus Greater
February 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBYou’re going to want to listen to this episode more than once! Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada, redefines and clarifies evangelism and gives several creative ways to be hope and joy in your own sphere of influence. She also talks about being hospitable versus showing hospitality and why that distinction matters. Grab a notebook and get ready to take notes on this wisdom-packed episode. Links to mentions in the show! Alpha Darrell Johnson All things Shaila Visser
64. Lisa Bennett-The Scoop on Your Host (and How I Hope that Connects Us!)
February 03, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBLisa Bennett wants to be your friend! Seriously. Listen to this episode to get to know more about all things Lisa and her story. Make sure you listen all the way to the end for an encouraging reminder about how we treat ourselves and live in our current season! Shared on the show today: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown I Thought it Was Just Me (But it Wasn't) by Brene Brown Mr Rogers Mug Parent Cue on Facebook
Lisa Bennett-The Scoop on Your Host (and How I Hope that Connects Us!)
February 03, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBLisa Bennett wants to be your friend! Seriously. Listen to this episode to get to know more about all things Lisa and her story. Make sure you listen all the way to the end for an encouraging reminder about how we treat ourselves and live in our current season! Shared on the show today: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown I Thought it Was Just Me (But it Wasn't) by Brene Brown Mr Rogers Mug Parent Cue on Facebook
63. Katie Alesso- Expectations and Extroverts in Church Planting
January 20, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 39.7 MBThis episode covers a LOT of ground! Lisa interviews Katie Alesso, Connections Pastor at Thrive Los Angeles. Katie shares about how God has uniquely wired her for ministry through extroversion and relationships and how that all connects with her journey in church planting. You’ll also learn Katie’s definition of a Sunday afternoon mega-nap. Resources shared on the show today: Managing Leadership Anxiety By Steve Cuss Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero A Women of No ...
Katie Alesso- Expectations and Extroverts in Church Planting
January 20, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 39.7 MBThis episode covers a LOT of ground! Lisa interviews Katie Alesso, Connections Pastor at Thrive Los Angeles. Katie shares about how God has uniquely wired her for ministry through extroversion and relationships and how that all connects with her journey in church planting. You’ll also learn Katie’s definition of a Sunday afternoon mega-nap. Resources shared on the show today: Managing Leadership Anxiety By Steve Cuss Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero A Women of No ...
62. Tim Celek- Good News for A New Year
January 06, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBWe’re kicking off 2021 with a bang! Stadia’s Director of New Church Growth and Multiplication, Tim Celek, talks about his experience starting and pastoring a church for 30 years. Tim also talks about using every single day for kingdom impact. This episode is packed with encouragement and Scripture—2 things every church planter needs this year! The Question Behind the Question by John G Miller The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Tim Celek- Good News for A New Year
January 06, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBWe’re kicking off 2021 with a bang! Stadia’s Director of New Church Growth and Multiplication, Tim Celek, talks about his experience starting and pastoring a church for 30 years. Tim also talks about using every single day for kingdom impact. This episode is packed with encouragement and Scripture—2 things every church planter needs this year! The Question Behind the Question by John G Miller The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
61. Heidy Tandy and Lisa Bennett -2020 Wrap Up: Celebrate, Reflect, and Dream
December 09, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB2020 has been quite the year! Lisa Bennett and Heidy Tandy look back and look ahead on this annual tradition of the Plant Strong Podcast. The ladies discuss ways to celebrate even in such a difficult year and some of their favorite things from 2020 (spoiler alert: they also discuss their preferred type of Christmas décor and reveal some new learnings about the Enneagram).
Heidy Tandy and Lisa Bennett -2020 Wrap Up: Celebrate, Reflect, and Dream
December 09, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB2020 has been quite the year! Lisa Bennett and Heidy Tandy look back and look ahead on this annual tradition of the Plant Strong Podcast. The ladies discuss ways to celebrate even in such a difficult year and some of their favorite things from 2020 (spoiler alert: they also discuss their preferred type of Christmas décor and reveal some new learnings about the Enneagram).
60. Real talk with Jo Saxton
November 25, 2020 13:00 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBJo Saxton is an author, speaker, church planter, and leadership coach. Her most recent book, Ready to Rise, released in April. This interview is from the 2020 Virtual Bloom Retreat, where Lisa asked Jo several questions directly from the Bloom Community. You will need a pen and paper for all of the knowledge that Jo drops in this episode! You can also check out Jo’s leadership coaching that she references at https://www.josaxton.com/coaching.
Real talk with Jo Saxton
November 25, 2020 13:00 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBJo Saxton is an author, speaker, church planter, and leadership coach. Her most recent book, Ready to Rise, released in April. This interview is from the 2020 Virtual Bloom Retreat, where Lisa asked Jo several questions directly from the Bloom Community. You will need a pen and paper for all of the knowledge that Jo drops in this episode! You can also check out Jo’s leadership coaching that she references at https://www.josaxton.com/coaching.
59. Irene Rollins - My Struggle in the Silence
November 11, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBThis powerful episode features Pastor Irene Rollins: she shares her story of transformation from addiction and working through trauma (*you may want to give this one a pre-listen prior to having littles around). This episode is one of healing and hope. You’ll even smile at how God brings light into even the darkest of moments on the church planting journey. Boundaries for Leaders- Dr. Henry Cloud Changes that Heal- Dr. Henry Cloud Necessary Endings- Dr. Henry Cloud
Irene Rollins - My Struggle in the Silence
November 11, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBThis powerful episode features Pastor Irene Rollins: she shares her story of transformation from addiction and working through trauma (*you may want to give this one a pre-listen prior to having littles around). This episode is one of healing and hope. You’ll even smile at how God brings light into even the darkest of moments on the church planting journey. Boundaries for Leaders- Dr. Henry Cloud Changes that Heal- Dr. Henry Cloud Necessary Endings- Dr. Henry Cloud
58. Kyra White - The Balance Between Surviving and Thriving
October 28, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBDo you feel like your life is going in several different directions all at once? Kyra White—Church Planter, Wife, Mom, and School Principal from Detroit, Michigan—shares about how compartmentalizing different areas of your life is actually helpful and necessary. Lisa and Kyra also talk about the importance of boundaries with social media and how we can lead ourselves well in ministry to thrive instead of just survive.
Kyra White - The Balance Between Surviving and Thriving
October 28, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBDo you feel like your life is going in several different directions all at once? Kyra White—Church Planter, Wife, Mom, and School Principal from Detroit, Michigan—shares about how compartmentalizing different areas of your life is actually helpful and necessary. Lisa and Kyra also talk about the importance of boundaries with social media and how we can lead ourselves well in ministry to thrive instead of just survive.
57. Leilani Sizemore - First Year Celebrations and Surprises!
October 14, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBHave you ever asked God why He wired you the way he did? Leilani Sizemore, Director of Operations at Creekside Church in North Paulding, GA, shares how God has used her strategic brain for impact in unexpected ways on the church planting journey. Leilani and Lisa also talk through loneliness in ministry and how to lean into Jesus with all of it.
Leilani Sizemore - First Year Celebrations and Surprises!
October 14, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBHave you ever asked God why He wired you the way he did? Leilani Sizemore, Director of Operations at Creekside Church in North Paulding, GA, shares how God has used her strategic brain for impact in unexpected ways on the church planting journey. Leilani and Lisa also talk through loneliness in ministry and how to lean into Jesus with all of it.
56. Valarie Grimes on Online Discipleship and Community
September 30, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBThis episode is packed with wisdom from Valarie Grimes-- Lead Pastor of Radiant Church in Savannah, GA. Valarie shares her experience of hearing God’s voice through deep loss and pain. She also talks about the power of discipleship even through the unique challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Valarie Grimes on Online Discipleship and Community
September 30, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBThis episode is packed with wisdom from Valarie Grimes-- Lead Pastor of Radiant Church in Savannah, GA. Valarie shares her experience of hearing God’s voice through deep loss and pain. She also talks about the power of discipleship even through the unique challenges brought on by COVID-19.
55. Sheila Brown on Celebrating 10 Years of Church Planting
September 16, 2020 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MB10 years in church planting! This is what we’re celebrating with Sheila Brown from Journey Church in Jackson, TN. Sheila looks back on her 10 years post-launch and shares some hard-earned wisdom from along the way.
Sheila Brown on Celebrating 10 Years of Church Planting
September 16, 2020 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MB10 years in church planting! This is what we’re celebrating with Sheila Brown from Journey Church in Jackson, TN. Sheila looks back on her 10 years post-launch and shares some hard-earned wisdom from along the way.
54. Heidy Tandy on Bloom 101: Relationships
September 02, 2020 12:00 - 48 minutes - 45.1 MBWhat is Bloom all about? Spoiler alert: relationships. Whether you’re new to Bloom or have been engaged with this community for a while, this episode will help you dig more into why Bloom exists and how to get engaged and involved with other women who are maximizing their roles in starting churches.
Heidy Tandy on Bloom 101: Relationships
September 02, 2020 12:00 - 48 minutes - 45.1 MBWhat is Bloom all about? Spoiler alert: relationships. Whether you’re new to Bloom or have been engaged with this community for a while, this episode will help you dig more into why Bloom exists and how to get engaged and involved with other women who are maximizing their roles in starting churches.
53. Vicki Diller on Church Planting in a Pandemic
August 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBVicki Diller is the Community Pastor of Crossroads Columbus. She shares about her experience in launching a church during a global pandemic—something completely unexpected when the dream of planting a church first entered her story. Lisa and Vicki also talk through what it’s like to be a working mom and how Team Diller manages their busy life with intention.
Vicki Diller on Church Planting in a Pandemic
August 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBVicki Diller is the Community Pastor of Crossroads Columbus. She shares about her experience in launching a church during a global pandemic—something completely unexpected when the dream of planting a church first entered her story. Lisa and Vicki also talk through what it’s like to be a working mom and how Team Diller manages their busy life with intention.
52. Shannon Smith on Secure Leadership for the Long Haul
August 05, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBShannon Smith from Momentum Church in Cleveland, Ohio shares her story of learning about her own gifts and how she manages others’ expectations. She gives a ton of resources and tools for growth to help you on your church planting journey. You will surely want to grab a pen and paper for this episode!
Shannon Smith on Secure Leadership for the Long Haul
August 05, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBShannon Smith from Momentum Church in Cleveland, Ohio shares her story of learning about her own gifts and how she manages others’ expectations. She gives a ton of resources and tools for growth to help you on your church planting journey. You will surely want to grab a pen and paper for this episode!
51. Jan Limiero on Working from a Place of Rest
July 22, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBJan Limiero is incredibly full of wisdom. Hear her tell her story of pursuing silence and solitude in several stages of her life—including her amazing journey on the Camino De Santiago! This episode will empower you to start where you are and grow from there.
Jan Limiero on Working from a Place of Rest
July 22, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBJan Limiero is incredibly full of wisdom. Hear her tell her story of pursuing silence and solitude in several stages of her life—including her amazing journey on the Camino De Santiago! This episode will empower you to start where you are and grow from there.
50. Jennifer Antonucci on Authentic Relationships and Mental Health
July 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBThis episode keeps it real. Lisa interviews Jennifer Antonucci, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor—as well as a church planter! Jen and Lisa have a candid conversation about mental health through the lens of authentic relationships.