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.
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Episodes
26. Part 1: Developing Female Leaders with Kadi Cole
June 04, 2019 15:02 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBKadi Cole, author of the recent book Developing Female Leaders, shares about how God lead her to research and define the eight best practices that leaders can implement to maximize the potential of women in their churches in this special two-part episode. In part one, Kadi talks about her experiences in nursing, higher education, and vocational ministry and how these roles have uniquely positioned her to speak to leaders, both men and women, to help women lead and grow.
25. I See in You: Empowering Others to Lead with Rachel Hunka
May 14, 2019 17:18 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB“I see in you” (ICNU) conversations are important on the journey of any leader! Rachel Hunka—church planter and Mission Coordinator at the One Center for Leadership in Canton, Ohio—talks about all things leadership in this episode. She covers how she has had significant ICNU conversations through growing up in the church and her seminary experience, as well as how she sets priorities on her leadership journey. Related Links: 3rd Street Community Church Fuller Theological Seminary
I See in You: Empowering Others to Lead with Rachel Hunka
May 14, 2019 17:18 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB“I see in you” (ICNU) conversations are important on the journey of any leader! Rachel Hunka—church planter and Mission Coordinator at the One Center for Leadership in Canton, Ohio—talks about all things leadership in this episode. She covers how she has had significant ICNU conversations through growing up in the church and her seminary experience, as well as how she sets priorities on her leadership journey. Related Links: 3rd Street Community Church Fuller Theological Seminary
24. Leading with Quiet Strength featuring Becky Murphy
April 30, 2019 20:48 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBIntroverts and extroverts—both can be leaders! Leading with quiet strength in today’s fast-paced world can be a challenge. In this episode, Sarah Burnett interviews Becky Murphy, the Assistant for Stadia's Bloom ministry. They talk about practical advice on how to lead as an introvert and make smart choices about leading yourself well. Even extroverts will learn how to lead and include those who tend to be quieter on their teams. Related Links: 16personalities.com 5 Voices: How to Co...
Leading with Quiet Strength featuring Becky Murphy
April 30, 2019 20:48 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBIntroverts and extroverts—both can be leaders! Leading with quiet strength in today’s fast-paced world can be a challenge. In this episode, Sarah Burnett interviews Becky Murphy, the Assistant for Stadia's Bloom ministry. They talk about practical advice on how to lead as an introvert and make smart choices about leading yourself well. Even extroverts will learn how to lead and include those who tend to be quieter on their teams. Related Links: 16personalities.com 5 Voices: How to Co...
How to Make a Global Impact with Andrea Hamilton
April 16, 2019 15:53 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBLeadership. Systems. Finding and building global partnerships. Worthiness. Grace. Grit. Andrea Hamilton, Director of Global Development at Stadia, discusses all of those things and more. This episode will encourage you to think big (while starting small!) as you lead strong in church planting. Related Links: Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert Luptin E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber Gails Girls Connect with Andrea
23. How to Make a Global Impact with Andrea Hamilton
April 16, 2019 15:53 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBLeadership. Systems. Finding and building global partnerships. Worthiness. Grace. Grit. Andrea Hamilton, Director of Global Development at Stadia, discusses all of those things and more. This episode will encourage you to think big (while starting small!) as you lead strong in church planting. Related Links: Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert Luptin E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber Gails Girls Connect with Andrea
Leaning Into Your Gifting with Sue Ferguson
April 02, 2019 16:17 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBHow do we know what our role should be in a church plant? Sue Ferguson tells her story of what it was like starting Community Christian Church 30 years ago. Sue and Sarah chat about the lessons she's learned in leadership, leaning into her giftedness, identity, valuing family and leading a fabulous ministry. She and Sarah also chat about what it's like being married to a highly entrepreneurial spouse and much more. Sue is an Associate Small Groups Director overseeing all the women's gro...
22. Leaning Into Your Gifting with Sue Ferguson
April 02, 2019 16:17 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBHow do we know what our role should be in a church plant? Sue Ferguson tells her story of what it was like starting Community Christian Church 30 years ago. Sue and Sarah chat about the lessons she's learned in leadership, leaning into her giftedness, identity, valuing family and leading a fabulous ministry. She and Sarah also chat about what it's like being married to a highly entrepreneurial spouse and much more. Sue is an Associate Small Groups Director overseeing all the women's gro...
21. Leaving What's Comfortable with Rachel Short
March 19, 2019 20:41 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBRachel Short is the Outreach and Communications Director at Project 938, a church in West Chester, PA that launched on Super Bowl Sunday in 2018. Rachel shares her experience moving from the corporate world to vocational ministry. She covers a lot in this episode—how the church can more effectively tell stories and engage people who are single, the ways the staff team at Project 938 prioritizes rest, and what she is learning in her seminary experience. Related Links: Building a Story Bra...
Leaving What's Comfortable with Rachel Short
March 19, 2019 20:41 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBRachel Short is the Outreach and Communications Director at Project 938, a church in West Chester, PA that launched on Super Bowl Sunday in 2018. Rachel shares her experience moving from the corporate world to vocational ministry. She covers a lot in this episode—how the church can more effectively tell stories and engage people who are single, the ways the staff team at Project 938 prioritizes rest, and what she is learning in her seminary experience. Related Links: Building a Story Bra...
Named+Known with Heidy Tandy
February 26, 2019 18:36 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBAt Exponential East, Bloom will release its fifth book project: Named+Known: Uncovering the Identities of Women Who Plant Churches. On this episode, Sarah interviews Heidy Tandy about the writing and editing process of this project. They also delve into the topic of identity and how women can learn (and re-learn) about themselves and who God has uniquely made them to be. Related Links: Named + Known: Uncovering the Identities of Women Who Plant Churches Anonymous: Naming the God of E...
20. Named+Known with Heidy Tandy
February 26, 2019 18:36 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBAt Exponential East, Bloom will release its fifth book project: Named+Known: Uncovering the Identities of Women Who Plant Churches. On this episode, Sarah interviews Heidy Tandy about the writing and editing process of this project. They also delve into the topic of identity and how women can learn (and re-learn) about themselves and who God has uniquely made them to be. Related Links: Named + Known: Uncovering the Identities of Women Who Plant Churches Anonymous: Naming the God of E...
How I'm Wired with Vanessa Bush
February 12, 2019 17:17 - 25 minutes - 24 MBHow did Vanessa Bush and her family go from growing up and serving in Florida to planting a church in Albuquerque, NM? In this episode, Vanessa shares the story of how she and her husband planted New City Christian Church in Albuquerque and how she has found her niche in writing and business through the Albuquerque Moms Blog. Sarah and Vanessa also talk about identity and giftedness in this encouraging podcast conversation.
19. How I'm Wired with Vanessa Bush
February 12, 2019 17:17 - 25 minutes - 24 MBHow did Vanessa Bush and her family go from growing up and serving in Florida to planting a church in Albuquerque, NM? In this episode, Vanessa shares the story of how she and her husband planted New City Christian Church in Albuquerque and how she has found her niche in writing and business through the Albuquerque Moms Blog. Sarah and Vanessa also talk about identity and giftedness in this encouraging podcast conversation.
Rhythms & Reflections - Sarah Burnett & Heidy Tandy
January 25, 2019 02:27 - 33 minutes - 31 MBSarah Burnett and Heidy Tandy look back on 2018 and look ahead to 2019 in this conversational podcast episode. Make sure you check out the show notes for lots of great ideas for reflection, reading, and growth in this new year. Listen all the way through for some exciting announcements about Bloom in 2019! Related Links: Heidy's Music Recommendations: Jesus Culture - Living with a Fire / Hillsong United - There is More / Chris McClarney Sarah's Book Recommendations: The Glass Castle...
18. Rhythms & Reflections - Sarah Burnett & Heidy Tandy
January 25, 2019 02:27 - 33 minutes - 31 MBSarah Burnett and Heidy Tandy look back on 2018 and look ahead to 2019 in this conversational podcast episode. Make sure you check out the show notes for lots of great ideas for reflection, reading, and growth in this new year. Listen all the way through for some exciting announcements about Bloom in 2019! Related Links: Heidy's Music Recommendations: Jesus Culture - Living with a Fire / Hillsong United - There is More / Chris McClarney Sarah's Book Recommendations: The Glass Castle...
17. Being a Woman in Church Planting with Debbie Jones
December 20, 2018 18:04 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBIt’s always helpful to have someone ahead of us on the journey who has been there. This episode features the founder of Bloom, Debbie Jones, as she shares how this ministry got started and how she has encouraged countless women to live into their own calling. Related Links: Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath Join Stadia's Bloom Community
Being a Woman in Church Planting with Debbie Jones
December 20, 2018 18:04 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBIt’s always helpful to have someone ahead of us on the journey who has been there. This episode features the founder of Bloom, Debbie Jones, as she shares how this ministry got started and how she has encouraged countless women to live into their own calling. Related Links: Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath Join Stadia's Bloom Community
16. Starting Something New with Jessica Bettencourt
December 06, 2018 13:40 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBOne of the hardest parts about church planting is actually getting started! From actually starting a church to even beginning new programs or relationships, being a “starter” is an incredibly valuable skill to have. Jessica Bettencourt, Entrepreneur & RFx Circle Achiever, shares all about getting started and doing hard things in this encouraging episode of the Plant Strong Podcast!
Starting Something New with Jessica Bettencourt
December 06, 2018 13:40 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBOne of the hardest parts about church planting is actually getting started! From actually starting a church to even beginning new programs or relationships, being a “starter” is an incredibly valuable skill to have. Jessica Bettencourt, Entrepreneur & RFx Circle Achiever, shares all about getting started and doing hard things in this encouraging episode of the Plant Strong Podcast!
Developing Your Voice as a Speaker with Laura Buffington
December 03, 2018 20:59 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB30 women have been part of the “Preaching, Teaching, and Storytelling” Learning Community in 2018! This shows us that women in church planting are continuing to find their own unique voice. This episode features Laura Buffington, Content Developer for Rebel Pilgrim Creative Agency, and is a fantastic resource as you hone in on your speaking skillset—whether you’ve been preaching for years or are just getting started. Related Links: Learning To Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor ...
15. Developing Your Voice as a Speaker with Laura Buffington
December 03, 2018 20:59 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB30 women have been part of the “Preaching, Teaching, and Storytelling” Learning Community in 2018! This shows us that women in church planting are continuing to find their own unique voice. This episode features Laura Buffington, Content Developer for Rebel Pilgrim Creative Agency, and is a fantastic resource as you hone in on your speaking skillset—whether you’ve been preaching for years or are just getting started. Related Links: Learning To Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor ...
14. Church Planting in NYC with Jessica Rice
November 08, 2018 17:12 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThis episode covers several different areas in Church Planting: an initial call, the journey to plant, urban church planting, being on staff with your spouse, life with young kids, and even some resources for fashion tips! Listen as Sarah interviews Jessica Rice, Communications Director at Renaissance Church—a 4-year-old Church Plant in Harlem. Links from the show: That Amazing Cuban Restaurant (Bella Cuba) City to City with Redeemer Church Orchard Group Church Planting Storied an...
Church Planting in NYC with Jessica Rice
November 08, 2018 17:12 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThis episode covers several different areas in Church Planting: an initial call, the journey to plant, urban church planting, being on staff with your spouse, life with young kids, and even some resources for fashion tips! Listen as Sarah interviews Jessica Rice, Communications Director at Renaissance Church—a 4-year-old Church Plant in Harlem. Links from the show: That Amazing Cuban Restaurant (Bella Cuba) City to City with Redeemer Church Orchard Group Church Planting Storied an...
13. Intercultural Competence with Michelle Williams
October 11, 2018 17:16 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBThis episode features Michelle Williams, Dean of Students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Michelle defines intercultural competence as having adequate knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to interact in meaningful ways with people whose lives have been shaped by cultures different than your own—an incredibly important topic for any woman in church planting. Duke Divinity School - Center for Reconciliation Reconciling All Things - Emanuel Katongole and Chris Rice Dr. Bre...
Intercultural Competence with Michelle Williams
October 11, 2018 17:16 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBThis episode features Michelle Williams, Dean of Students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Michelle defines intercultural competence as having adequate knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to interact in meaningful ways with people whose lives have been shaped by cultures different than your own—an incredibly important topic for any woman in church planting. Duke Divinity School - Center for Reconciliation Reconciling All Things - Emanuel Katongole and Chris Rice Dr. Bre...
Growing in Confidence with Julie Bullock
September 27, 2018 17:58 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBConfidence. What does healthy confidence look like for women in church planting? Listen as Sarah interviews Julie Bullock, Senior Generosity Strategist at Generis, who had some unique insights into confidence, calling, and how to embrace your own uniqueness as you plant strong! Related Links: Strengths Finder 2.0
12. Growing in Confidence with Julie Bullock
September 27, 2018 17:58 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBConfidence. What does healthy confidence look like for women in church planting? Listen as Sarah interviews Julie Bullock, Senior Generosity Strategist at Generis, who had some unique insights into confidence, calling, and how to embrace your own uniqueness as you plant strong! Related Links: Strengths Finder 2.0
11. Positivity in Planting with Anne Milam
August 15, 2018 14:17 - 34 minutes - 32 MBAnne Milam has played a lot of roles in her 25+ years in ministry and has obtained a lot of wisdom along the way. Heidy Tandy interviews Anne in this episode of the Plant Strong Podcast about how she has stayed positive and maintained an attitude of joy through several stages in her life! Related Links: Psalm 19:14 The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen OnSite Workshops
Positivity in Planting with Anne Milam
August 15, 2018 14:17 - 34 minutes - 32 MBAnne Milam has played a lot of roles in her 25+ years in ministry and has obtained a lot of wisdom along the way. Heidy Tandy interviews Anne in this episode of the Plant Strong Podcast about how she has stayed positive and maintained an attitude of joy through several stages in her life! Related Links: Psalm 19:14 The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen OnSite Workshops
10. Soul Care with Mindy Caliguire
August 01, 2018 19:48 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBHow do you prioritize soul care in the busy world of church planting? According to this episode’s guest, Mindy Caliguire, founder of Soul Care, there is a way to live that doesn’t suck the living daylights out of you! This encouraging conversation will help nourish your soul on the journey. Related Links: Soul Care Resources & Books L'Abri - Edith Schafer Red Moon Rising - Pete Greig and Dave Roberts Soul Care App & Website
Soul Care with Mindy Caliguire
August 01, 2018 19:48 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBHow do you prioritize soul care in the busy world of church planting? According to this episode’s guest, Mindy Caliguire, founder of Soul Care, there is a way to live that doesn’t suck the living daylights out of you! This encouraging conversation will help nourish your soul on the journey. Related Links: Soul Care Resources & Books L'Abri - Edith Schafer Red Moon Rising - Pete Greig and Dave Roberts Soul Care App & Website
9. Vulnerability with Mandy Smith
July 18, 2018 19:40 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBDo you ever have trouble admitting that you’re actually an imperfect human? During this practical conversation, Mandy Smith, Pastor of University Christian Church in Cincinnati, tackles the topic of vulnerability and weakness in leadership and what it really looks like to lead strong. The Vulnerable Pastor by Mandy Smith The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggmann Join Stadia’s “Bloom”
Vulnerability with Mandy Smith
July 18, 2018 19:40 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBDo you ever have trouble admitting that you’re actually an imperfect human? During this practical conversation, Mandy Smith, Pastor of University Christian Church in Cincinnati, tackles the topic of vulnerability and weakness in leadership and what it really looks like to lead strong. The Vulnerable Pastor by Mandy Smith The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggmann Join Stadia’s “Bloom”
8. 'What About Women?' with Greg Nettle
July 04, 2018 10:30 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBWhat an interesting time in the world to be a woman in church planting! In this special episode of the Plant Strong Podcast, Stadia President Greg Nettle—and also a husband, dad, and former pastor—shares three important insights for women that will challenge and encourage you as you learn and lead in 2018. Related Links: Men and Women in the Church by Sarah Sumner Connect with Greg on Twitter @gregnettle or on Instagram @nettleg1 Join Stadia’s “Bloom”
'What About Women?' with Greg Nettle
July 04, 2018 10:30 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBWhat an interesting time in the world to be a woman in church planting! In this special episode of the Plant Strong Podcast, Stadia President Greg Nettle—and also a husband, dad, and former pastor—shares three important insights for women that will challenge and encourage you as you learn and lead in 2018. Related Links: Men and Women in the Church by Sarah Sumner Connect with Greg on Twitter @gregnettle or on Instagram @nettleg1 Join Stadia’s “Bloom”
7. Faith and Justice with Chi Chi Okwu
June 19, 2018 18:15 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBWhat does it truly mean to love our neighbors? Chi Chi Okwu, Senior Community Relations Advisor at World Vision, discusses this question, as well as several other challenging questions for women in church planting as we consider the intersections between our faith and justice. Chi Chi Okwu on Insta and Twitter: @chichiokwu Anonymous: Naming the God of Esther and the Women Who Plant Churches Join Stadia's Bloom Community
Faith and Justice with Chi Chi Okwu
June 19, 2018 18:15 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBWhat does it truly mean to love our neighbors? Chi Chi Okwu, Senior Community Relations Advisor at World Vision, discusses this question, as well as several other challenging questions for women in church planting as we consider the intersections between our faith and justice. Chi Chi Okwu on Insta and Twitter: @chichiokwu Anonymous: Naming the God of Esther and the Women Who Plant Churches Join Stadia's Bloom Community
Intentional Summer with Karrie Thomas
June 05, 2018 16:11 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBIn this mini-episode, Karrie shares a lot of what summer looks like with kids, but there’s also a lot of great ideas for whatever stage of life you’re at in church planting--especially in the area of connecting with God and resting. As the Associate Pastor at Restore Christian Church, she shares some practical examples of how to have fun with your church and family over the summer.
6. Intentional Summer with Karrie Thomas
June 05, 2018 16:11 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBIn this mini-episode, Karrie shares a lot of what summer looks like with kids, but there’s also a lot of great ideas for whatever stage of life you’re at in church planting--especially in the area of connecting with God and resting. As the Associate Pastor at Restore Christian Church, she shares some practical examples of how to have fun with your church and family over the summer.
5. How to Handle Comparison with Dori Gorman
May 22, 2018 19:35 - 32 minutes - 30 MBAs women in church planting, we can easily fall into playing the comparison game: constantly comparing ourselves to others in countless ways. In this episode, Dori Gorman shares her experiences with comparison in ministry and practical ways that she fights comparison in her co-pastoring role at NewStory Church. You will be challenged not only to escape the comparison game, but also to hold tightly to Jesus! Related Links: Anonymous: Naming the God of Esther and the Women Who Plant Churche...
How to Handle Comparison with Dori Gorman
May 22, 2018 19:35 - 32 minutes - 30 MBAs women in church planting, we can easily fall into playing the comparison game: constantly comparing ourselves to others in countless ways. In this episode, Dori Gorman shares her experiences with comparison in ministry and practical ways that she fights comparison in her co-pastoring role at NewStory Church. You will be challenged not only to escape the comparison game, but also to hold tightly to Jesus! Related Links: Anonymous: Naming the God of Esther and the Women Who Plant Churche...
4. Plant Strong: Legacy with Gail Hamilton
April 24, 2018 11:45 - 37 minutes - 35 MBWhen you think about leaving a legacy, what comes to mind? Gail Hamilton shares about empowering other women, both in her daily life and around the world. You may want to have a tissue ready for this one. Related Links: Gail's Girls Lovegail.com Join Stadia's Bloom Community
Plant Strong: Legacy with Gail Hamilton
April 24, 2018 11:45 - 37 minutes - 35 MBWhen you think about leaving a legacy, what comes to mind? Gail Hamilton shares about empowering other women, both in her daily life and around the world. You may want to have a tissue ready for this one. Related Links: Gail's Girls Lovegail.com Join Stadia's Bloom Community
3. Plant Strong: Boundaries with Suzi Lantz
April 24, 2018 11:35 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBSometimes in ministry we just get tired, overspent, and burnt out. Join Suzi Lantz as she shares how she says yes to the important things and no to the rest on her quest to still be rocking out healthy ministry throughout her entire life. Related Links: 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive Join Stadia's Bloom Community
Plant Strong: Boundaries with Suzi Lantz
April 24, 2018 11:35 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBSometimes in ministry we just get tired, overspent, and burnt out. Join Suzi Lantz as she shares how she says yes to the important things and no to the rest on her quest to still be rocking out healthy ministry throughout her entire life. Related Links: 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive Join Stadia's Bloom Community
2. Plant Strong: Embracing the Unexpected with Lisa Bennett
April 24, 2018 11:14 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBDo you have expectations about what you believe your church planting story will look like? Lisa Bennett candidly shares about how God continues to show her how to deal with detours and ambiguity through the ups and downs of this journey.
Plant Strong: Embracing the Unexpected with Lisa Bennett
April 24, 2018 11:14 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBDo you have expectations about what you believe your church planting story will look like? Lisa Bennett candidly shares about how God continues to show her how to deal with detours and ambiguity through the ups and downs of this journey.
1. Plant Strong: Accepting the Call with Vanessa Pugh
April 09, 2018 16:55 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBHow do you figure out if you are called to plant a church? At 19 years old Vanessa became a Christian and shortly thereafter a pastor’s wife. For Vanessa and her husband Scott church planting was not even on their radar. After attending church planter assessment center they knew they were called to plant a church, and that God had truly been preparing them. Join Stadia's Bloom Community Velocity Church in Cleveland