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what problem could we solve here in the what problem could we solve here in the city for people like what's the problem city for people like what's the problem city for people like what's the problem that is glaring to us and we lived in that is glaring to us and we lived in that is glaring to us and we lived in the city for about 6 months before we the city for about 6 months before we the city for about 6 months before we realized what the problem was but the realized what the problem was but the realized what the problem was but the problem was loneliness that was the problem was loneliness that was the problem was loneliness that was the problem that we saw everywhere no matter problem that we saw everywhere no matter problem that we saw everywhere no matter the age and so everything that we do at the age and so everything that we do at the age and so everything that we do at our church it's it sounds crazy but our church it's it sounds crazy but our church it's it sounds crazy but we're actually thinking Community First we're actually thinking Community First we're actually thinking Community First welcome to the car newoff leadership welcome to the car newoff leadership welcome to the car newoff leadership podcast on YouTube hey I'm so glad you podcast on YouTube hey I'm so glad you podcast on YouTube hey I'm so glad you joined us today we're going to sit down joined us today we're going to sit down joined us today we're going to sit down with Noah Haron we're going to talk with Noah Haron we're going to talk with Noah Haron we're going to talk about high growth church planting so about high growth church planting so about high growth church planting so whey church when we recorded this whey church when we recorded this whey church when we recorded this conversation was about 14 months old conversation was about 14 months old conversation was about 14 months old they have grown to 6 to 800 young adults they have grown to 6 to 800 young adults they have grown to 6 to 800 young adults average age of 25 and they're leading average age of 25 and they're leading average age of 25 and they're leading not with content but Community there's not with content but Community there's not with content but Community there's so much in this episode I think you're so much in this episode I think you're so much in this episode I think you're going to love and this episode is part going to love and this episode is part going to love and this episode is part of a five episode series here on YouTube of a five episode series here on YouTube of a five episode series here on YouTube on the five disruptive Church trends on the five disruptive Church trends on the five disruptive Church trends that will rule 2025 to get into series that will rule 2025 to get into series that will rule 2025 to get into series I've got a free leader guide which I've got a free leader guide which I've got a free leader guide which includes all five Trends in detail that includes all five Trends in detail that includes all five Trends in detail that you can download at 2025 church you can download at 2025 church you can download at 2025 church trends.com again that's 2025 church trends.com again that's 2025 church trends.com again that's 2025 church trends.com that's free to you I really trends.com that's free to you I really trends.com that's free to you I really hope it'll help you and your team so hope it'll help you and your team so hope it'll help you and your team so please if you're enjoying this like please if you're enjoying this like please if you're enjoying this like subscribe and leave a comment to join subscribe and leave a comment to join subscribe and leave a comment to join the conversation about the principles we the conversation about the principles we the conversation about the principles we cover in this interview and now a word cover in this interview and now a word cover in this interview and now a word from today's sponsors and then we will from today's sponsors and then we will from today's sponsors and then we will dive into my conversation with Noah dive into my conversation with Noah dive into my conversation with Noah Heron this episode is brought to you by Heron this episode is brought to you by Heron this episode is brought to you by the art of leadership academy hey the art of leadership academy hey the art of leadership academy hey leaders I'm hosting a live coaching call

leaders I'm hosting a live coaching call leaders I'm hosting a live coaching call on this year's 2025 disruptive Church on this year's 2025 disruptive Church on this year's 2025 disruptive Church Trends this is where I'm going to go Trends this is where I'm going to go Trends this is where I'm going to go beyond what we covered on the podcast beyond what we covered on the podcast beyond what we covered on the podcast and I will share exclusive insights and I will share exclusive insights and I will share exclusive insights provide practical strategies and I'm provide practical strategies and I'm provide practical strategies and I'm actually going to coach uh a church actually going to coach uh a church actually going to coach uh a church leader through the challenges they're leader through the challenges they're leader through the challenges they're having with evangelism in real time and having with evangelism in real time and having with evangelism in real time and then I will take your questions live on then I will take your questions live on then I will take your questions live on Zoom it all happens next Tuesday it's Zoom it all happens next Tuesday it's Zoom it all happens next Tuesday it's time sensitive January 21st it's time sensitive January 21st it's time sensitive January 21st it's exclusively for members of the art of exclusively for members of the art of exclusively for members of the art of leadership academy and as a member leadership academy and as a member leadership academy and as a member you're going to get access to live you're going to get access to live you're going to get access to live coaching calls like this every month coaching calls like this every month coaching calls like this every month plus you'll also get resources courses plus you'll also get resources courses plus you'll also get resources courses and a community designed to help you and a community designed to help you and a community designed to help you grow your leadership and reach more grow your leadership and reach more grow your leadership and reach more people if you're not a member yet now is people if you're not a member yet now is people if you're not a member yet now is the time to join head on over to the the time to join head on over to the the time to join head on over to the artof leadership academy.com to learn artof leadership academy.com to learn artof leadership academy.com to learn more I'd love to see you on the call more I'd love to see you on the call more I'd love to see you on the call next week as we plan to lead into 2025 next week as we plan to lead into 2025 next week as we plan to lead into 2025 together again that's the artof together again that's the artof together again that's the artof leadership academy.com to join today leadership academy.com to join today leadership academy.com to join today this episode is brought to you by Glue this episode is brought to you by Glue this episode is brought to you by Glue plus so have you heard glue plus is plus so have you heard glue plus is plus so have you heard glue plus is revolutionizing church leadership and revolutionizing church leadership and revolutionizing church leadership and it's growing quickly every single day 11 it's growing quickly every single day 11 it's growing quickly every single day 11 new churches join glue plus to leverage new churches join glue plus to leverage new churches join glue plus to leverage its powerful tools that's 3x the rate its powerful tools that's 3x the rate its powerful tools that's 3x the rate since just the summer for churches and since just the summer for churches and since just the summer for churches and when you sign up here's what you get you when you sign up here's what you get you when you sign up here's what you get you get unlimited texting and groups to get unlimited texting and groups to get unlimited texting and groups to connect with your people you get their connect with your people you get their connect with your people you get their new mover program to welcome new new mover program to welcome new new mover program to welcome new neighbors to your church you get impact neighbors to your church you get impact neighbors to your church you get impact track ing tools to measure success and track ing tools to measure success and track ing tools to measure success and you get exclusive discounts on Ministry

you get exclusive discounts on Ministry you get exclusive discounts on Ministry resources glute plus is quickly becoming resources glute plus is quickly becoming resources glute plus is quickly becoming the fastest growing platform for pastors the fastest growing platform for pastors the fastest growing platform for pastors and Ministry leaders don't miss out be and Ministry leaders don't miss out be and Ministry leaders don't miss out be part of this movement early and you can part of this movement early and you can part of this movement early and you can say I was one of the first so sign up say I was one of the first so sign up say I was one of the first so sign up today at glue. uslu plus and unlock the today at glue. uslu plus and unlock the today at glue. uslu plus and unlock the tools to build a thriving stress-free tools to build a thriving stress-free tools to build a thriving stress-free Ministry while focusing on what matters Ministry while focusing on what matters Ministry while focusing on what matters most faith and now you can use the code most faith and now you can use the code most faith and now you can use the code carry save 20 for an extra 20% off go to carry save 20 for an extra 20% off go to carry save 20 for an extra 20% off go to glue. usgl plus that's g. glue. usgl plus that's g. glue. usgl plus that's g. USG o p u s Noah welcome to the podcast USG o p u s Noah welcome to the podcast USG o p u s Noah welcome to the podcast uh thanks for having me kri it's an uh thanks for having me kri it's an uh thanks for having me kri it's an honor hey it's a real joy to have you honor hey it's a real joy to have you honor hey it's a real joy to have you here so I would love to know we're here so I would love to know we're here so I would love to know we're thinking about church planting today uh thinking about church planting today uh thinking about church planting today uh my wife and I we spent uh a month in my wife and I we spent uh a month in my wife and I we spent uh a month in Franklin we got to go to Way Church Franklin we got to go to Way Church Franklin we got to go to Way Church really impressed I've been following really impressed I've been following really impressed I've been following from afar I don't know shortly after from afar I don't know shortly after from afar I don't know shortly after launch or something like that uh but to launch or something like that uh but to launch or something like that uh but to be in the room see it in the house you be in the room see it in the house you be in the room see it in the house you were of course away that weekend yeah were of course away that weekend yeah were of course away that weekend yeah right I was so bummed yeah well we were right I was so bummed yeah well we were right I was so bummed yeah well we were bummed that you weren't there uh but bummed that you weren't there uh but bummed that you weren't there uh but Grant skeldon did an awesome job but I Grant skeldon did an awesome job but I Grant skeldon did an awesome job but I would love to know what were any would love to know what were any would love to know what were any experiences early in life that made you experiences early in life that made you experiences early in life that made you like prepared you I'm not talking about like prepared you I'm not talking about like prepared you I'm not talking about calling like I feel called to plant calling like I feel called to plant calling like I feel called to plant church but it's a particular skill set church but it's a particular skill set church but it's a particular skill set that I think Church Planters have that that I think Church Planters have that that I think Church Planters have that you have to have to be good at what you you have to have to be good at what you you have to have to be good at what you do what early experiences in your life do what early experiences in your life do what early experiences in your life prepared you to be a church planter yeah

prepared you to be a church planter yeah prepared you to be a church planter yeah I think uh financially growing up my I think uh financially growing up my I think uh financially growing up my parents were pastors and I always tell parents were pastors and I always tell parents were pastors and I always tell people my parents they were blessed but people my parents they were blessed but people my parents they were blessed but there were some Seasons we would walk by there were some Seasons we would walk by there were some Seasons we would walk by the lake and Ducks would throw bread at the lake and Ducks would throw bread at the lake and Ducks would throw bread at us you know what I mean there were some us you know what I mean there were some us you know what I mean there were some Seasons where we were we were pretty Seasons where we were we were pretty Seasons where we were we were pretty poor and um I wouldn't trade my poor and um I wouldn't trade my poor and um I wouldn't trade my childhood and and growing up for childhood and and growing up for childhood and and growing up for anything but um by the time I was 18 I anything but um by the time I was 18 I anything but um by the time I was 18 I was pretty much on my own my parents was pretty much on my own my parents was pretty much on my own my parents would help out when I went to school would help out when I went to school would help out when I went to school with occasional you know groceries or with occasional you know groceries or with occasional you know groceries or gas money stuff like that but by the gas money stuff like that but by the gas money stuff like that but by the time I got to college um I was paying time I got to college um I was paying time I got to college um I was paying for my own rent I was paying for uh my for my own rent I was paying for uh my for my own rent I was paying for uh my own car payments my own health insurance own car payments my own health insurance own car payments my own health insurance everything and so at 18 uh I started everything and so at 18 uh I started everything and so at 18 uh I started bartending at Outback bartending at Outback bartending at Outback Steakhouse well there's the Highlight Steakhouse well there's the Highlight Steakhouse well there's the Highlight crazy um and I think just like from a crazy um and I think just like from a crazy um and I think just like from a age having to figure out how to make it age having to figure out how to make it age having to figure out how to make it just kind of like jumping out there just kind of like jumping out there just kind of like jumping out there financially jumping out there um even financially jumping out there um even financially jumping out there um even relationally like I quickly realized hey relationally like I quickly realized hey relationally like I quickly realized hey there there's money to be made um you I there there's money to be made um you I there there's money to be made um you I wasn't thinking about Ministry at that wasn't thinking about Ministry at that wasn't thinking about Ministry at that point in time at all but there's money point in time at all but there's money point in time at all but there's money to be to be made if you can just be good to be to be made if you can just be good to be to be made if you can just be good with people and and just be a young with people and and just be a young with people and and just be a young person who follows through on their word person who follows through on their word person who follows through on their word there's there's an opportunity for for there's there's an opportunity for for there's there's an opportunity for for me and so um I've always been prettyy me and so um I've always been prettyy me and so um I've always been prettyy entrepreneurial uh was bartending and entrepreneurial uh was bartending and entrepreneurial uh was bartending and then I started a little side hustle in then I started a little side hustle in then I started a little side hustle in college with some uh social media and college with some uh social media and college with some uh social media and photography and stuff like that and I

photography and stuff like that and I photography and stuff like that and I think looking back that scrappiness that think looking back that scrappiness that think looking back that scrappiness that is required for church planting started is required for church planting started is required for church planting started when I was in college um really from a when I was in college um really from a when I was in college um really from a financial need versus like a natural financial need versus like a natural financial need versus like a natural bent if that makes sense what did your bent if that makes sense what did your bent if that makes sense what did your parents do for a living yeah so um my parents do for a living yeah so um my parents do for a living yeah so um my mom was actually a uh Middle School mom was actually a uh Middle School mom was actually a uh Middle School teacher for a while and then my dad was teacher for a while and then my dad was teacher for a while and then my dad was a youth pastor for a long time a youth pastor for a long time a youth pastor for a long time eventually became an executive pastor eventually became an executive pastor eventually became an executive pastor and then um now he's a lead pastor and and then um now he's a lead pastor and and then um now he's a lead pastor and so um my dad's been in Ministry since so um my dad's been in Ministry since so um my dad's been in Ministry since before I was born and then my mom has before I was born and then my mom has before I was born and then my mom has always kind of been in the education always kind of been in the education always kind of been in the education space yeah and again you know Ministry space yeah and again you know Ministry space yeah and again you know Ministry doesn't always pay well right like in a doesn't always pay well right like in a doesn't always pay well right like in a lot of cases it doesn't um so it was in lot of cases it doesn't um so it was in lot of cases it doesn't um so it was in the context of ministry that made you the context of ministry that made you the context of ministry that made you kind of realize at 18 I'm out on my own kind of realize at 18 I'm out on my own kind of realize at 18 I'm out on my own That's No Slam against your parents That's No Slam against your parents That's No Slam against your parents right um right um right um why did that do you know why that didn't why did that do you know why that didn't why did that do you know why that didn't have the opposite impact like okay have the opposite impact like okay have the opposite impact like okay church is poor I'm going to go like sell church is poor I'm going to go like sell church is poor I'm going to go like sell something you know I'm GNA sell cars for something you know I'm GNA sell cars for something you know I'm GNA sell cars for a living make a million I'm gonna do a living make a million I'm gonna do a living make a million I'm gonna do some startup uh make M Why didn't it some startup uh make M Why didn't it some startup uh make M Why didn't it send you in the opposite direction of send you in the opposite direction of send you in the opposite direction of the church I think a lot of it had to do the church I think a lot of it had to do the church I think a lot of it had to do with my parents just seeing the with my parents just seeing the with my parents just seeing the Fulfillment that came from their lives Fulfillment that came from their lives Fulfillment that came from their lives um and I've always been someone who's um and I've always been someone who's um and I've always been someone who's been probably too much aware of of what been probably too much aware of of what been probably too much aware of of what I waste or don't waste so like my I waste or don't waste so like my I waste or don't waste so like my biggest fear is wasting my life like it biggest fear is wasting my life like it biggest fear is wasting my life like it always has been like I don't want to always has been like I don't want to always has been like I don't want to look back and realize I wasted a you look back and realize I wasted a you look back and realize I wasted a you know a year of my life or or a season of

know a year of my life or or a season of know a year of my life or or a season of my life focused on the wrong things and my life focused on the wrong things and my life focused on the wrong things and so um I think like seeing the way my so um I think like seeing the way my so um I think like seeing the way my parents wouldn't trade you know anything parents wouldn't trade you know anything parents wouldn't trade you know anything for what they were allowed to to do for what they were allowed to to do for what they were allowed to to do through Ministry and the way that that through Ministry and the way that that through Ministry and the way that that fulfilled them and the way that they fulfilled them and the way that they fulfilled them and the way that they literally were like man every season of literally were like man every season of literally were like man every season of our life has been so fulfilling M um I our life has been so fulfilling M um I our life has been so fulfilling M um I think by the time I did feel called to think by the time I did feel called to think by the time I did feel called to vocational Ministry it was just like vocational Ministry it was just like vocational Ministry it was just like this is a great way for me to live my this is a great way for me to live my this is a great way for me to live my life to the fullest um and there was a life to the fullest um and there was a life to the fullest um and there was a calling story and all those things as calling story and all those things as calling story and all those things as well but I just really felt good about well but I just really felt good about well but I just really felt good about if I do this and pursue this I'm not if I do this and pursue this I'm not if I do this and pursue this I'm not going to look back and feel like I I going to look back and feel like I I going to look back and feel like I I wasted something wasted something wasted something so so tell me more about what you did so so tell me more about what you did so so tell me more about what you did from 18 how old were you when you from 18 how old were you when you from 18 how old were you when you planted whey Church um we moved to planted whey Church um we moved to planted whey Church um we moved to Nashville in 27 the church launched Nashville in 27 the church launched Nashville in 27 the church launched right before I turned 28 wow okay so right before I turned 28 wow okay so right before I turned 28 wow okay so those those intervening years that those those intervening years that those those intervening years that decade between leaving home figuring it decade between leaving home figuring it decade between leaving home figuring it out what what else prepared you to out what what else prepared you to out what what else prepared you to launch a church yeah so uh when I was 21 launch a church yeah so uh when I was 21 launch a church yeah so uh when I was 21 that was kind of the moment that I went that was kind of the moment that I went that was kind of the moment that I went all in for Jesus um so grew up in church all in for Jesus um so grew up in church all in for Jesus um so grew up in church uh had a relationship with the Lord but uh had a relationship with the Lord but uh had a relationship with the Lord but kind of was running from um a lot of the kind of was running from um a lot of the kind of was running from um a lot of the faith uh in colge famil with that faith uh in colge famil with that faith uh in colge famil with that pattern at 1920 yeah yeah so I went pattern at 1920 yeah yeah so I went pattern at 1920 yeah yeah so I went through about a threeyear stretch there through about a threeyear stretch there through about a threeyear stretch there where I was running pretty hard um long where I was running pretty hard um long where I was running pretty hard um long story short actually dedicated my life story short actually dedicated my life story short actually dedicated my life to the Lord through a Judah Smith sermon

to the Lord through a Judah Smith sermon to the Lord through a Judah Smith sermon uh on YouTube uh I know he's a mutual uh on YouTube uh I know he's a mutual uh on YouTube uh I know he's a mutual friend of ours and he's he's um one of friend of ours and he's he's um one of friend of ours and he's he's um one of the best communicators of the Gospel I the best communicators of the Gospel I the best communicators of the Gospel I think of of a generation and one of his think of of a generation and one of his think of of a generation and one of his sermons really spoke to me in college um sermons really spoke to me in college um sermons really spoke to me in college um dedicated my life to Jesus and and a dedicated my life to Jesus and and a dedicated my life to Jesus and and a couple months later I was feeling like couple months later I was feeling like couple months later I was feeling like this craving to grow in my faith um and this craving to grow in my faith um and this craving to grow in my faith um and started a Bible study with some guys on started a Bible study with some guys on started a Bible study with some guys on the Lee University basketball team which the Lee University basketball team which the Lee University basketball team which is where I was going to school and uh is where I was going to school and uh is where I was going to school and uh the only way I know how to describe it the only way I know how to describe it the only way I know how to describe it is um God's hand was just on this little is um God's hand was just on this little is um God's hand was just on this little bible study because literally in the bible study because literally in the bible study because literally in the beginning I would just read or one of us beginning I would just read or one of us beginning I would just read or one of us would read a chapter of scripture we would read a chapter of scripture we would read a chapter of scripture we would talk about it and by the end of would talk about it and by the end of would talk about it and by the end of that semester um we had over 200 college that semester um we had over 200 college that semester um we had over 200 college students meeting to read the Bible and students meeting to read the Bible and students meeting to read the Bible and um actually thrown into preaching that um actually thrown into preaching that um actually thrown into preaching that way because eventually you can't do a way because eventually you can't do a way because eventually you can't do a Bible study when it gets to a certain Bible study when it gets to a certain Bible study when it gets to a certain size someone study anymore you know and size someone study anymore you know and size someone study anymore you know and uh the f I mean I remember the first uh the f I mean I remember the first uh the f I mean I remember the first time um we had over like 70 people one time um we had over like 70 people one time um we had over like 70 people one of my friends was like I think you're of my friends was like I think you're of my friends was like I think you're going to have to preach and I was like I going to have to preach and I was like I going to have to preach and I was like I think you're going to have to preach and think you're going to have to preach and think you're going to have to preach and uh this is a true story I've told Pastor uh this is a true story I've told Pastor uh this is a true story I've told Pastor Judah this but um I preached from memory Judah this but um I preached from memory Judah this but um I preached from memory uh one of Judah Smith's sermons that uh one of Judah Smith's sermons that uh one of Judah Smith's sermons that night because I just I didn't want to be night because I just I didn't want to be night because I just I didn't want to be a preacher I I never signed up to do a preacher I I never signed up to do a preacher I I never signed up to do that you know and I just felt this that you know and I just felt this that you know and I just felt this pressure and I was like well Judah said pressure and I was like well Judah said pressure and I was like well Judah said it better than I would so I'm just going it better than I would so I'm just going it better than I would so I'm just going to go with what I remember from his to go with what I remember from his to go with what I remember from his sermon and um I've apologized since then sermon and um I've apologized since then sermon and um I've apologized since then but that was really how I got into but that was really how I got into but that was really how I got into Ministry was this Bible study that grew

Ministry was this Bible study that grew Ministry was this Bible study that grew it we weren't trying to make a you know it we weren't trying to make a you know it we weren't trying to make a you know a a Young Adult Ministry but it grew and a a Young Adult Ministry but it grew and a a Young Adult Ministry but it grew and then um I ended up leading that for five then um I ended up leading that for five then um I ended up leading that for five years so graduated college there was a years so graduated college there was a years so graduated college there was a pastor in town that took a chance on me pastor in town that took a chance on me pastor in town that took a chance on me and said hey I know you um you know and said hey I know you um you know and said hey I know you um you know didn't go to school to be Pastor or go didn't go to school to be Pastor or go didn't go to school to be Pastor or go to Seminary but I I see a calling on to Seminary but I I see a calling on to Seminary but I I see a calling on your life and we'd like to pay you so your life and we'd like to pay you so your life and we'd like to pay you so you don't have to bartend anymore uh at you don't have to bartend anymore uh at you don't have to bartend anymore uh at night um which honestly was a great night um which honestly was a great night um which honestly was a great evangelism strategy for the Young Adult evangelism strategy for the Young Adult evangelism strategy for the Young Adult Ministry bartending but um so I did that Ministry bartending but um so I did that Ministry bartending but um so I did that for five years LED this college Ministry for five years LED this college Ministry for five years LED this college Ministry of about 700 college students and then of about 700 college students and then of about 700 college students and then um for two years uh I just did full-time um for two years uh I just did full-time um for two years uh I just did full-time evangelism so preaching at churches and evangelism so preaching at churches and evangelism so preaching at churches and universities and conferences prior to us universities and conferences prior to us universities and conferences prior to us starting the church starting the church starting the church why do you think leadership pivoted to why do you think leadership pivoted to why do you think leadership pivoted to you uh in college because you're like you uh in college because you're like you uh in college because you're like you said to your friend no you you teach you said to your friend no you you teach you said to your friend no you you teach it and he's like you did so how much of it and he's like you did so how much of it and he's like you did so how much of it was self- selection how much of it is it was self- selection how much of it is it was self- selection how much of it is uh other people saying well you're the uh other people saying well you're the uh other people saying well you're the natural leader I'd love to break that natural leader I'd love to break that natural leader I'd love to break that down and and the question under the down and and the question under the down and and the question under the question is what were some of the the question is what were some of the the question is what were some of the the emerging skills for becoming a church emerging skills for becoming a church emerging skills for becoming a church planter I think the college season I've planter I think the college season I've planter I think the college season I've never actually thought about that but never actually thought about that but never actually thought about that but right now thinking back I had so much right now thinking back I had so much right now thinking back I had so much passion and I've noticed that oftentimes passion and I've noticed that oftentimes passion and I've noticed that oftentimes when people have freshly made a decision when people have freshly made a decision when people have freshly made a decision for Christ the passion's at an all-time for Christ the passion's at an all-time for Christ the passion's at an all-time high you know it's so high and so I was

high you know it's so high and so I was high you know it's so high and so I was so passionate I was the one who was so passionate I was the one who was so passionate I was the one who was pushing the gatherings in the beginning pushing the gatherings in the beginning pushing the gatherings in the beginning I was the one who was you know inviting I was the one who was you know inviting I was the one who was you know inviting people to it and so I honestly think people to it and so I honestly think people to it and so I honestly think that maybe in the beginning the the that maybe in the beginning the the that maybe in the beginning the the leadership going in my direction leadership going in my direction leadership going in my direction probably came because they were tired of probably came because they were tired of probably came because they were tired of me talking about about this this uh me talking about about this this uh me talking about about this this uh Bible study you're so passionate you do Bible study you're so passionate you do Bible study you're so passionate you do it yeah it was like okay you plan it it yeah it was like okay you plan it it yeah it was like okay you plan it okay you you know you talk at it and um okay you you know you talk at it and um okay you you know you talk at it and um I think I I've always loved people and I think I I've always loved people and I think I I've always loved people and and I was actually studying and I was actually studying and I was actually studying communication I wanted to be a broadcast communication I wanted to be a broadcast communication I wanted to be a broadcast journalist and so I I loved journalist and so I I loved journalist and so I I loved communicating I just had never done it communicating I just had never done it communicating I just had never done it in that context before and so um I think in that context before and so um I think in that context before and so um I think maybe once I started it started doing it maybe once I started it started doing it maybe once I started it started doing it were there were people there who uh saw were there were people there who uh saw were there were people there who uh saw something that I didn't see in myself something that I didn't see in myself something that I didn't see in myself until later which was just the ability until later which was just the ability until later which was just the ability to talk about Jesus um in a way that to talk about Jesus um in a way that to talk about Jesus um in a way that that made sense or resonated but I think that made sense or resonated but I think that made sense or resonated but I think in the beginning it was really just in the beginning it was really just in the beginning it was really just passion that kind of gave me the passion that kind of gave me the passion that kind of gave me the leadership take it a little bit further leadership take it a little bit further leadership take it a little bit further now now now and uh get leading up to leading to and uh get leading up to leading to and uh get leading up to leading to starting wayy Church what made you think starting wayy Church what made you think starting wayy Church what made you think it's going to be church planting yeah it's going to be church planting yeah it's going to be church planting yeah let's leave it there what what made you let's leave it there what what made you let's leave it there what what made you think it's going to be a church plant think it's going to be a church plant think it's going to be a church plant for me so when I was in college and that for me so when I was in college and that for me so when I was in college and that Bible study I just started I was being Bible study I just started I was being Bible study I just started I was being discipled by a church planter so I discipled by a church planter so I discipled by a church planter so I started going to this little Church started going to this little Church started going to this little Church Plant it was only it only been around Plant it was only it only been around Plant it was only it only been around for less than a year the pastor I for less than a year the pastor I for less than a year the pastor I thought was just the coolest guy uh just thought was just the coolest guy uh just thought was just the coolest guy uh just he just had this this Faith level that he just had this this Faith level that he just had this this Faith level that inspired me so much as um a newer you

inspired me so much as um a newer you inspired me so much as um a newer you know soldout believer and I remember one know soldout believer and I remember one know soldout believer and I remember one time we were having coffee and I said time we were having coffee and I said time we were having coffee and I said why would you do that like what like he why would you do that like what like he why would you do that like what like he was on staff at a at a much bigger was on staff at a at a much bigger was on staff at a at a much bigger Church in another role making more F Church in another role making more F Church in another role making more F than he was as a church planter I was than he was as a church planter I was than he was as a church planter I was like why would you do that and he said like why would you do that and he said like why would you do that and he said um you have to be you kind of have to be um you have to be you kind of have to be um you have to be you kind of have to be crazy to be a church planter um and and crazy to be a church planter um and and crazy to be a church planter um and and he said this phrase and this is this is he said this phrase and this is this is he said this phrase and this is this is going to sound uh funny but he said going to sound uh funny but he said going to sound uh funny but he said Church Planters are kind of like the Church Planters are kind of like the Church Planters are kind of like the Navy Seals of the kingdom of Navy Seals of the kingdom of Navy Seals of the kingdom of God he said you kind of have to be a God he said you kind of have to be a God he said you kind of have to be a little crazy to jump out of that little crazy to jump out of that little crazy to jump out of that airplane and when he said that I was airplane and when he said that I was airplane and when he said that I was like I want to be that you know and and like I want to be that you know and and like I want to be that you know and and I just remember I was like 21 you know I just remember I was like 21 you know I just remember I was like 21 you know 22 but was a really like memorable 22 but was a really like memorable 22 but was a really like memorable moment for me where I was like man moment for me where I was like man moment for me where I was like man there's something about his faith level there's something about his faith level there's something about his faith level that really attracts me like God has to that really attracts me like God has to that really attracts me like God has to be in it for it to work but then as I be in it for it to work but then as I be in it for it to work but then as I got older I started to notice some got older I started to notice some got older I started to notice some weaknesses in myself um I I knew I weaknesses in myself um I I knew I weaknesses in myself um I I knew I wanted to be a lead Pastor one day but wanted to be a lead Pastor one day but wanted to be a lead Pastor one day but the idea of taking over something that the idea of taking over something that the idea of taking over something that someone else had built really scared me someone else had built really scared me someone else had built really scared me because I think that the way I'm wired because I think that the way I'm wired because I think that the way I'm wired is to build from the ground up like like is to build from the ground up like like is to build from the ground up like like like some people listening to this might like some people listening to this might like some people listening to this might say man church planting that sounds so say man church planting that sounds so say man church planting that sounds so difficult I think taking something for difficult I think taking something for difficult I think taking something for me would have been far more difficult me would have been far more difficult me would have been far more difficult than building something from scratch than building something from scratch than building something from scratch just because um the patience that it just because um the patience that it just because um the patience that it requires to to shift a culture and to requires to to shift a culture and to requires to to shift a culture and to shift a vision maybe from what you're shift a vision maybe from what you're shift a vision maybe from what you're taking over um there are I have friends

taking over um there are I have friends taking over um there are I have friends who are really really great at that but who are really really great at that but who are really really great at that but if I did that I think I would mess it if I did that I think I would mess it if I did that I think I would mess it all all all up what what would make you think that up what what would make you think that up what what would make you think that you're not suited for it um I think I I you're not suited for it um I think I I you're not suited for it um I think I I think I'll get a think I'll get a think I'll get a vision and of the way that I I feel like vision and of the way that I I feel like vision and of the way that I I feel like God's calling me to do something and I God's calling me to do something and I God's calling me to do something and I will just run after it so hard and I'm will just run after it so hard and I'm will just run after it so hard and I'm ready to run right now and I want to ready to run right now and I want to ready to run right now and I want to make the changes right now and so just make the changes right now and so just make the changes right now and so just an example would be if I if I was to an example would be if I if I was to an example would be if I if I was to take over a church that had been around take over a church that had been around take over a church that had been around for 50 years um obviously there's going for 50 years um obviously there's going for 50 years um obviously there's going to be different Visions there's going to to be different Visions there's going to to be different Visions there's going to be different ideas and I think I would be different ideas and I think I would be different ideas and I think I would be tempted to change things too quickly be tempted to change things too quickly be tempted to change things too quickly in a way that probably wouldn't do a in a way that probably wouldn't do a in a way that probably wouldn't do a great job of of maybe honoring some of great job of of maybe honoring some of great job of of maybe honoring some of the things that were really great things the things that were really great things the things that were really great things and could still be great things just and could still be great things just and could still be great things just because I want to you know I've got this because I want to you know I've got this because I want to you know I've got this Vision in my head and so church planting Vision in my head and so church planting Vision in my head and so church planting um there are definitely difficulties for um there are definitely difficulties for um there are definitely difficulties for sure I'm sure we'll get to but but one sure I'm sure we'll get to but but one sure I'm sure we'll get to but but one of the real pros in my vantage point was of the real pros in my vantage point was of the real pros in my vantage point was that hey we got a clean set Clean Slate that hey we got a clean set Clean Slate that hey we got a clean set Clean Slate so we can just try things and if it so we can just try things and if it so we can just try things and if it doesn't work we're a church plant so we doesn't work we're a church plant so we doesn't work we're a church plant so we can change it the next day you know and can change it the next day you know and can change it the next day you know and so that really um was attractive to me so that really um was attractive to me so that really um was attractive to me so tell me about some of the other so tell me about some of the other so tell me about some of the other businesses you did leading into the businesses you did leading into the businesses you did leading into the decision to come to Nashville and start decision to come to Nashville and start decision to come to Nashville and start Way Church like you mentioned social Way Church like you mentioned social Way Church like you mentioned social media I think a few other things what media I think a few other things what media I think a few other things what what did that entrepreneurial streak what did that entrepreneurial streak what did that entrepreneurial streak look like for you so in college uh a look like for you so in college uh a look like for you so in college uh a hobby of mine was photography so I just

hobby of mine was photography so I just hobby of mine was photography so I just started taking um really like landscape started taking um really like landscape started taking um really like landscape photos I would go on Hikes and take photos I would go on Hikes and take photos I would go on Hikes and take these photos and then uh my sophomore these photos and then uh my sophomore these photos and then uh my sophomore year at College I started to pick up year at College I started to pick up year at College I started to pick up some steam on the internet with these some steam on the internet with these some steam on the internet with these like think like like North Carolina fall like think like like North Carolina fall like think like like North Carolina fall landscape like on a mountain like I was landscape like on a mountain like I was landscape like on a mountain like I was taking those kind of photos and um I taking those kind of photos and um I taking those kind of photos and um I started getting reached out to by uh started getting reached out to by uh started getting reached out to by uh clothing companies really saying hey clothing companies really saying hey clothing companies really saying hey we'll pay you to take that same photo we'll pay you to take that same photo we'll pay you to take that same photo you stand in the photo with our clothes you stand in the photo with our clothes you stand in the photo with our clothes and we'll pay you um and so I did it for and we'll pay you um and so I did it for and we'll pay you um and so I did it for uh Urban Outfitters I did it for H&M uh uh Urban Outfitters I did it for H&M uh uh Urban Outfitters I did it for H&M uh for 21 like some big like clothing for 21 like some big like clothing for 21 like some big like clothing companies and they were paying way companies and they were paying way companies and they were paying way better than Outback steak better than Outback steak better than Outback steak c um even with all the tips yeah even c um even with all the tips yeah even c um even with all the tips yeah even with the tips so uh that was that was with the tips so uh that was that was with the tips so uh that was that was how it started it was just kind of like how it started it was just kind of like how it started it was just kind of like freelance you know doing photography and freelance you know doing photography and freelance you know doing photography and then um prior to us launching the church then um prior to us launching the church then um prior to us launching the church I kind of stopped the photography and I kind of stopped the photography and I kind of stopped the photography and and went full-time into Ministry but and went full-time into Ministry but and went full-time into Ministry but even today like um I started a LLC even today like um I started a LLC even today like um I started a LLC called Mana creative with some friends called Mana creative with some friends called Mana creative with some friends and um we just helped churches and in and um we just helped churches and in and um we just helped churches and in small businesses with their social media small businesses with their social media small businesses with their social media strategies and content and stuff like strategies and content and stuff like strategies and content and stuff like that and so um that's been something that and so um that's been something that and so um that's been something that's just kind of evolved over time that's just kind of evolved over time that's just kind of evolved over time but I've always had a a love for but I've always had a a love for but I've always had a a love for creativity and for social media um just creativity and for social media um just creativity and for social media um just amplifying messages online so would you amplifying messages online so would you amplifying messages online so would you say you're kind of a serial entrepreneur say you're kind of a serial entrepreneur say you're kind of a serial entrepreneur I think so yeah think my wife I mean not I think so yeah think my wife I mean not I think so yeah think my wife I mean not even 30 yet but probably yeah probably

even 30 yet but probably yeah probably even 30 yet but probably yeah probably okay that's good to know if for people okay that's good to know if for people okay that's good to know if for people listening out there I mean you're you're listening out there I mean you're you're listening out there I mean you're you're you're literally months into this we you're literally months into this we you're literally months into this we can't marked two years full years since can't marked two years full years since can't marked two years full years since the church launched but uh that's one of the church launched but uh that's one of the church launched but uh that's one of the reasons I wanted to have this the reasons I wanted to have this the reasons I wanted to have this conversation with you is people are conversation with you is people are conversation with you is people are thinking what does it take to be a thinking what does it take to be a thinking what does it take to be a church planter now right like in this church planter now right like in this church planter now right like in this environment what would you say are a environment what would you say are a environment what would you say are a couple of the the couple of the the couple of the the key characteristics key characteristics key characteristics qualities qualities qualities skills gifts that that a church planter skills gifts that that a church planter skills gifts that that a church planter needs I think uh we we I don't even know needs I think uh we we I don't even know needs I think uh we we I don't even know if this is a a word um but we say the if this is a a word um but we say the if this is a a word um but we say the word uh pivotable all the time okay uh word uh pivotable all the time okay uh word uh pivotable all the time okay uh you just have to be I mean you can think you just have to be I mean you can think you just have to be I mean you can think it's going to be this way and in a it's going to be this way and in a it's going to be this way and in a moment's notice it's a completely moment's notice it's a completely moment's notice it's a completely different way we we thought we were different way we we thought we were different way we we thought we were going to launch in this venue four weeks going to launch in this venue four weeks going to launch in this venue four weeks before we started the church we found before we started the church we found before we started the church we found out nope you can't meet here anymore I out nope you can't meet here anymore I out nope you can't meet here anymore I mean that was literally our story um but mean that was literally our story um but mean that was literally our story um but it's not just with venues it's with it's it's not just with venues it's with it's it's not just with venues it's with it's with team members you know you you you with team members you know you you you with team members you know you you you begin to grow a team and and you think begin to grow a team and and you think begin to grow a team and and you think hey everyone on this team is going to be hey everyone on this team is going to be hey everyone on this team is going to be with us forever and that's just not the with us forever and that's just not the with us forever and that's just not the case you know it's just not the case so case you know it's just not the case so case you know it's just not the case so depressing and so true yeah everybody's depressing and so true yeah everybody's depressing and so true yeah everybody's there it's like I'm building the team there it's like I'm building the team there it's like I'm building the team that's going to last forever and then that's going to last forever and then that's going to last forever and then you don't and you've had that already you don't and you've had that already you don't and you've had that already you're how many months at recording 14 you're how many months at recording 14 you're how many months at recording 14 months 14 months 14 months into it and months 14 months 14 months into it and months 14 months 14 months into it and already like yeah had to Pivot pivot already like yeah had to Pivot pivot already like yeah had to Pivot pivot pivot yeah and and I'm talking like you pivot yeah and and I'm talking like you pivot yeah and and I'm talking like you know we we kind of um built a team for

know we we kind of um built a team for know we we kind of um built a team for N9 months before starting the church and N9 months before starting the church and N9 months before starting the church and there were people who joined the team there were people who joined the team there were people who joined the team before we started the church and we're before we started the church and we're before we started the church and we're off the team by the time we started the off the team by the time we started the off the team by the time we started the church you know in a 9-month period and church you know in a 9-month period and church you know in a 9-month period and um you know many of them had amazing um you know many of them had amazing um you know many of them had amazing reasons for that but it it just you got reasons for that but it it just you got reasons for that but it it just you got to be pivotable I would say that's the to be pivotable I would say that's the to be pivotable I would say that's the number one thing uh so that's such a big number one thing uh so that's such a big number one thing uh so that's such a big issue I want to pause there for a issue I want to pause there for a issue I want to pause there for a minute don't don't tell stories I mean minute don't don't tell stories I mean minute don't don't tell stories I mean assume everybody's listening and I know assume everybody's listening and I know assume everybody's listening and I know you would anyway but like can you give you would anyway but like can you give you would anyway but like can you give us some of the the the reasons that us some of the the the reasons that us some of the the the reasons that people might be voluntarily opting out people might be voluntarily opting out people might be voluntarily opting out or you might be tapping on the shoulder or you might be tapping on the shoulder or you might be tapping on the shoulder going hey not sure you're the right guy going hey not sure you're the right guy going hey not sure you're the right guy for us yeah what what happened I think for us yeah what what happened I think for us yeah what what happened I think misconceptions right I I think it was misconceptions right I I think it was misconceptions right I I think it was actually uh Chad vich one time I heard actually uh Chad vich one time I heard actually uh Chad vich one time I heard him say that um unspoken expectations him say that um unspoken expectations him say that um unspoken expectations are premeditated resentment that is so true you know when resentment that is so true you know when you're when you're transplanting you you're when you're transplanting you you're when you're transplanting you have all this Vision in your head and have all this Vision in your head and have all this Vision in your head and and you can see where you're going but and you can see where you're going but and you can see where you're going but there's so many things that are there's so many things that are there's so many things that are happening and you're trying to just happening and you're trying to just happening and you're trying to just build relationships with people that um build relationships with people that um build relationships with people that um everyone is filling the gap of what you everyone is filling the gap of what you everyone is filling the gap of what you haven't filled through vision and haven't filled through vision and haven't filled through vision and communication with what they think it's communication with what they think it's communication with what they think it's going to be and so I think there were going to be and so I think there were going to be and so I think there were people who joined the team early who people who joined the team early who people who joined the team early who were like this is the kind of church were like this is the kind of church were like this is the kind of church we're going to be this is how we're we're going to be this is how we're we're going to be this is how we're going to do evangelism or this is what going to do evangelism or this is what going to do evangelism or this is what our worship is going to be like and then our worship is going to be like and then our worship is going to be like and then the closer we got they were like oh this the closer we got they were like oh this the closer we got they were like oh this wasn't what I thought it was going to be wasn't what I thought it was going to be wasn't what I thought it was going to be it's not that I don't love what you guys it's not that I don't love what you guys it's not that I don't love what you guys are doing and I'm not rooting for it I'm

are doing and I'm not rooting for it I'm are doing and I'm not rooting for it I'm just looking for a different experience just looking for a different experience just looking for a different experience and so we bless those people you know we and so we bless those people you know we and so we bless those people you know we were like hey we totally get it there were like hey we totally get it there were like hey we totally get it there are so many great churches in Nashville are so many great churches in Nashville are so many great churches in Nashville why would we try to keep you from going why would we try to keep you from going why would we try to keep you from going to one that um that you're going to feel to one that um that you're going to feel to one that um that you're going to feel like you can run in more so what were like you can run in more so what were like you can run in more so what were this is really important what were some this is really important what were some this is really important what were some of the vision disconnects yeah um there of the vision disconnects yeah um there of the vision disconnects yeah um there were there were some Vision disconnects were there were some Vision disconnects were there were some Vision disconnects for sure around uh just the way that we for sure around uh just the way that we for sure around uh just the way that we were going to do even were going to do even were going to do even evangelism um so we do small groups uh evangelism um so we do small groups uh evangelism um so we do small groups uh in a very particular way um in a very particular way um in a very particular way um everything that we do at our church everything that we do at our church everything that we do at our church comes down to Community First which is a comes down to Community First which is a comes down to Community First which is a little bit unique but our our age uh little bit unique but our our age uh little bit unique but our our age uh demographic is very young um you saw demographic is very young um you saw demographic is very young um you saw when you visited oh yeah I was blown when you visited oh yeah I was blown when you visited oh yeah I was blown away I'm I'm I'm impressed that I away I'm I'm I'm impressed that I away I'm I'm I'm impressed that I guessed it I thought 25 and you told me guessed it I thought 25 and you told me guessed it I thought 25 and you told me at lunch today it was 25 yeah that's at lunch today it was 25 yeah that's at lunch today it was 25 yeah that's that's the average age average age of a that's the average age average age of a that's the average age average age of a church 25 yeah it's incredible and um church 25 yeah it's incredible and um church 25 yeah it's incredible and um what we what we asked when we got to what we what we asked when we got to what we what we asked when we got to Nashville was what problem could we Nashville was what problem could we Nashville was what problem could we solve solve here in the city for people solve solve here in the city for people solve solve here in the city for people like what's the problem that is glaring like what's the problem that is glaring like what's the problem that is glaring to us and we lived in the city for about to us and we lived in the city for about to us and we lived in the city for about 6 months before we realized what the 6 months before we realized what the 6 months before we realized what the problem was but the problem was problem was but the problem was problem was but the problem was loneliness that was the problem that we loneliness that was the problem that we loneliness that was the problem that we saw everywhere no matter the age um in saw everywhere no matter the age um in saw everywhere no matter the age um in the New York Times actually came out the New York Times actually came out the New York Times actually came out with an article I think it was in 2021 with an article I think it was in 2021 with an article I think it was in 2021 after covid had hit saying uh someone after covid had hit saying uh someone after covid had hit saying uh someone way way smarter than me called the time way way smarter than me called the time way way smarter than me called the time we're living in the loneliness epidemic we're living in the loneliness epidemic we're living in the loneliness epidemic and what we've noticed is that someone

and what we've noticed is that someone and what we've noticed is that someone could live in an awesome City like could live in an awesome City like could live in an awesome City like opportunity everywhere but if they don't opportunity everywhere but if they don't opportunity everywhere but if they don't find Community they're going to leave find Community they're going to leave find Community they're going to leave that place like if they don't find that place like if they don't find that place like if they don't find people that they feel connected to in a people that they feel connected to in a people that they feel connected to in a deep way it's only a matter of time deep way it's only a matter of time deep way it's only a matter of time before they leave their job and find before they leave their job and find before they leave their job and find another one in another place wow however another one in another place wow however another one in another place wow however you could live in a city that you don't you could live in a city that you don't you could live in a city that you don't like at all traffic's bad you know you like at all traffic's bad you know you like at all traffic's bad you know you don't like the food options whatever but don't like the food options whatever but don't like the food options whatever but if you find Community you're you're if you find Community you're you're if you find Community you're you're there for the Long Haul and so there for the Long Haul and so there for the Long Haul and so everything that we do at our church it's everything that we do at our church it's everything that we do at our church it's it sounds crazy but we're actually it sounds crazy but we're actually it sounds crazy but we're actually thinking Community First because we thinking Community First because we thinking Community First because we found if we can get people to like the found if we can get people to like the found if we can get people to like the experience they're so much more open to experience they're so much more open to experience they're so much more open to hearing the gospel living on Mission hearing the gospel living on Mission hearing the gospel living on Mission doing all the things we we hope that doing all the things we we hope that doing all the things we we hope that they'll do at our church but we're they'll do at our church but we're they'll do at our church but we're trying to plan everything around can we trying to plan everything around can we trying to plan everything around can we have someone Truly find friends here and have someone Truly find friends here and have someone Truly find friends here and um I really think the reason we've been um I really think the reason we've been um I really think the reason we've been able to see what we've seen is because able to see what we've seen is because able to see what we've seen is because the people of our church like buying the people of our church like buying the people of our church like buying into that that into that that into that that Vision did you make that up like where Vision did you make that up like where Vision did you make that up like where did that come from cuz I don't think did that come from cuz I don't think did that come from cuz I don't think I've heard that before and I talked to a I've heard that before and I talked to a I've heard that before and I talked to a lot of church leaders this whole idea of lot of church leaders this whole idea of lot of church leaders this whole idea of Community First I mean I've written Community First I mean I've written Community First I mean I've written about it I'm like content used to be about it I'm like content used to be about it I'm like content used to be scarce now it's plentiful Community used scarce now it's plentiful Community used scarce now it's plentiful Community used to be plentiful now it's scarce but I'm to be plentiful now it's scarce but I'm to be plentiful now it's scarce but I'm not I'm not claiming credit for that not I'm not claiming credit for that not I'm not claiming credit for that idea it's just that's a really that idea it's just that's a really that idea it's just that's a really that really resonates and I don't know that I really resonates and I don't know that I really resonates and I don't know that I know anyone else who did something like

know anyone else who did something like know anyone else who did something like that um I've definitely been inspired by that um I've definitely been inspired by that um I've definitely been inspired by a lot of different people and so um I I a lot of different people and so um I I a lot of different people and so um I I think though the first thing that think though the first thing that think though the first thing that inspired that concept was actually the inspired that concept was actually the inspired that concept was actually the lack of community I had experienced um lack of community I had experienced um lack of community I had experienced um in in in my life so uh at most most in in in my life so uh at most most in in in my life so uh at most most churches we hope people go and get in a churches we hope people go and get in a churches we hope people go and get in a small group the problem is not small small group the problem is not small small group the problem is not small groups the problem is that often times groups the problem is that often times groups the problem is that often times in small groups Community doesn't happen in small groups Community doesn't happen in small groups Community doesn't happen um and that could be for lots of um and that could be for lots of um and that could be for lots of different reasons it could be because different reasons it could be because different reasons it could be because the vibe's not right in that group or the vibe's not right in that group or the vibe's not right in that group or whatever but but I think the biggest whatever but but I think the biggest whatever but but I think the biggest thing that I experienced is that um it thing that I experienced is that um it thing that I experienced is that um it was just like let's just you know throw was just like let's just you know throw was just like let's just you know throw these people in a small group and let's these people in a small group and let's these people in a small group and let's hope Community happens instead of hope Community happens instead of hope Community happens instead of intentionally planning for Community to intentionally planning for Community to intentionally planning for Community to happen in so what's the difference how happen in so what's the difference how happen in so what's the difference how does yeah so like um for instance when does yeah so like um for instance when does yeah so like um for instance when we before we started the church we do we before we started the church we do we before we started the church we do these interest Gatherings the interest these interest Gatherings the interest these interest Gatherings the interest Gathering was just a facade to try to Gathering was just a facade to try to Gathering was just a facade to try to get people into Community as soon as get people into Community as soon as get people into Community as soon as they would come to this interest they would come to this interest they would come to this interest Gathering um we would give them a name Gathering um we would give them a name Gathering um we would give them a name tag but the name tag had two fill-in the tag but the name tag had two fill-in the tag but the name tag had two fill-in the blanks a small one for the name and then blanks a small one for the name and then blanks a small one for the name and then the other Fillin the blank was what's the other Fillin the blank was what's the other Fillin the blank was what's one thing you could talk about for hours one thing you could talk about for hours one thing you could talk about for hours so every time these people who are so every time these people who are so every time these people who are coming to hear about the church uh coming to hear about the church uh coming to hear about the church uh walked in the door they were immediately walked in the door they were immediately walked in the door they were immediately seeing what someone else was passionate seeing what someone else was passionate seeing what someone else was passionate about and it started organic about and it started organic about and it started organic conversation where did that idea come conversation where did that idea come conversation where did that idea come from my wife she's brilliant that's from my wife she's brilliant that's from my wife she's brilliant that's great but we were like you know all great but we were like you know all great but we were like you know all these people are here we don't want them

these people are here we don't want them these people are here we don't want them to be attached to us we want them to be to be attached to us we want them to be to be attached to us we want them to be attached to each other and so we've attached to each other and so we've attached to each other and so we've taken that same principle in our small taken that same principle in our small taken that same principle in our small groups and we've wired our small group groups and we've wired our small group groups and we've wired our small group curriculum not around again this is curriculum not around again this is curriculum not around again this is going to sound really crazy I'm going to going to sound really crazy I'm going to going to sound really crazy I'm going to get um emails about this maybe but uh get um emails about this maybe but uh get um emails about this maybe but uh instead of like hey what does John for instead of like hey what does John for instead of like hey what does John for say what's the theological meaning of say what's the theological meaning of say what's the theological meaning of this our small group questions the goal this our small group questions the goal this our small group questions the goal of the question is to provoke of the question is to provoke of the question is to provoke vulnerability and community vulnerability and community vulnerability and community first so we're we're not asking like first so we're we're not asking like first so we're we're not asking like theologically what is what Jesus said theologically what is what Jesus said theologically what is what Jesus said you know mean here we we're trying to you know mean here we we're trying to you know mean here we we're trying to ask questions like how have you seen ask questions like how have you seen ask questions like how have you seen this be true in your life what Jesus this be true in your life what Jesus this be true in your life what Jesus just said will you share that with share just said will you share that with share just said will you share that with share a a moment in your life where um where a a moment in your life where um where a a moment in your life where um where your weakness actually led to strength your weakness actually led to strength your weakness actually led to strength because when when someone is able to get because when when someone is able to get because when when someone is able to get vulnerable in a conversation there's a vulnerable in a conversation there's a vulnerable in a conversation there's a link that happens there community-wise link that happens there community-wise link that happens there community-wise that's so much different than me just that's so much different than me just that's so much different than me just being like the answer to this being like the answer to this being like the answer to this theological question is this so so even theological question is this so so even theological question is this so so even in like our small group discussion in like our small group discussion in like our small group discussion questions even in how we plan out small questions even in how we plan out small questions even in how we plan out small groups like this week no one opened groups like this week no one opened groups like this week no one opened their Bible we gave each small group a their Bible we gave each small group a their Bible we gave each small group a budget for food and we just said break budget for food and we just said break budget for food and we just said break bread around the table and share what bread around the table and share what bread around the table and share what the highs and lows of this season of way the highs and lows of this season of way the highs and lows of this season of way group small groups have been and just group small groups have been and just group small groups have been and just break have have a meal together um we've break have have a meal together um we've break have have a meal together um we've paid for groups to go play Top Golf paid for groups to go play Top Golf paid for groups to go play Top Golf together because we're just trying to together because we're just trying to together because we're just trying to make friends happen first and then we make friends happen first and then we make friends happen first and then we believe they'll go deeper after

believe they'll go deeper after believe they'll go deeper after that okay I got a million questions that okay I got a million questions that okay I got a million questions um it almost sounds like the model um it almost sounds like the model um it almost sounds like the model you're describing like if you look at you're describing like if you look at you're describing like if you look at most churches and particularly Church most churches and particularly Church most churches and particularly Church plants it's like attract and connect plants it's like attract and connect plants it's like attract and connect attract and connect we'll get everybody attract and connect we'll get everybody attract and connect we'll get everybody together big group big room eventually together big group big room eventually together big group big room eventually we'll figure out a way for you and we'll figure out a way for you and we'll figure out a way for you and Maddie your wife to connect with five Maddie your wife to connect with five Maddie your wife to connect with five other people or whatever it seems like other people or whatever it seems like other people or whatever it seems like what you're saying is connection what you're saying is connection what you're saying is connection attracts MH it's the opposite of attract attracts MH it's the opposite of attract attracts MH it's the opposite of attract and connect connection attracts AB and connect connection attracts AB and connect connection attracts AB so the other thing that I'm thinking so the other thing that I'm thinking so the other thing that I'm thinking about about about is if you think about gen Z and you're is if you think about gen Z and you're is if you think about gen Z and you're squarely a gen Z squarely a gen Z squarely a gen Z Church uh talk about Comm I don't even Church uh talk about Comm I don't even Church uh talk about Comm I don't even want to make a statement talk about want to make a statement talk about want to make a statement talk about community in the context of gen Z is it community in the context of gen Z is it community in the context of gen Z is it is it an acquired skill is it something is it an acquired skill is it something is it an acquired skill is it something they're naturally good at is it they're naturally good at is it they're naturally good at is it something they're craving something they're craving something they're craving is it something they have in other is it something they have in other is it something they have in other places are they as lonely as the places are they as lonely as the places are they as lonely as the research says explore that a little bit research says explore that a little bit research says explore that a little bit more um I definitely think jiny is more um I definitely think jiny is more um I definitely think jiny is craving Community even if they might not craving Community even if they might not craving Community even if they might not be able to articulate that right so like be able to articulate that right so like be able to articulate that right so like obviously they can articulate what they obviously they can articulate what they obviously they can articulate what they need they're one of the smartest need they're one of the smartest need they're one of the smartest Generations on the planet but what I Generations on the planet but what I Generations on the planet but what I mean by that is we found that there's a mean by that is we found that there's a mean by that is we found that there's a craving inside of Jin Z that they often craving inside of Jin Z that they often craving inside of Jin Z that they often don't realize is the lack of community don't realize is the lack of community don't realize is the lack of community because we have all these great because we have all these great because we have all these great resources at at our fingertips um I was resources at at our fingertips um I was resources at at our fingertips um I was I was really inspired by a book I read

I was really inspired by a book I read I was really inspired by a book I read by Pastor Andy Stanley I'm blanking on by Pastor Andy Stanley I'm blanking on by Pastor Andy Stanley I'm blanking on the name you'll you'll probably know it the name you'll you'll probably know it the name you'll you'll probably know it I know most of his books try the content I know most of his books try the content I know most of his books try the content but it was a little tiny uh book all but it was a little tiny uh book all but it was a little tiny uh book all about vision statements and and sticky about vision statements and and sticky about vision statements and and sticky Mission stat I know I think it isn't it Mission stat I know I think it isn't it Mission stat I know I think it isn't it uh making Vision stick that's it making uh making Vision stick that's it making uh making Vision stick that's it making making Vision stick I read that book making Vision stick I read that book making Vision stick I read that book classic and I and I and I read the story classic and I and I and I read the story classic and I and I and I read the story about how they created their mission about how they created their mission about how they created their mission statement at North Point in the early statement at North Point in the early statement at North Point in the early days and it so inspired me because it days and it so inspired me because it days and it so inspired me because it was all about Community for unbelievers was all about Community for unbelievers was all about Community for unbelievers and so we were so inspired by that that and so we were so inspired by that that and so we were so inspired by that that we made our mission statement creating a we made our mission statement creating a we made our mission statement creating a community that unbelievers want to be a community that unbelievers want to be a community that unbelievers want to be a part of and we did that because of what part of and we did that because of what part of and we did that because of what you're alluding to which is that we you're alluding to which is that we you're alluding to which is that we found that if the community is so good found that if the community is so good found that if the community is so good amongst genin Z Millennials whatever amongst genin Z Millennials whatever amongst genin Z Millennials whatever generation unbelievers will be attracted generation unbelievers will be attracted generation unbelievers will be attracted to the community part before anything to the community part before anything to the community part before anything else and and then when they come and else and and then when they come and else and and then when they come and they see oh wait you guys like you guys they see oh wait you guys like you guys they see oh wait you guys like you guys are Christians like you guys love Jesus are Christians like you guys love Jesus are Christians like you guys love Jesus like you know I'm not sure how I feel like you know I'm not sure how I feel like you know I'm not sure how I feel about the Bible or Jesus but man you about the Bible or Jesus but man you about the Bible or Jesus but man you guys have way better Community than guys have way better Community than guys have way better Community than anything that I've experienced in this anything that I've experienced in this anything that I've experienced in this city like I just want to hang out with city like I just want to hang out with city like I just want to hang out with you guys that has led to more salvations you guys that has led to more salvations you guys that has led to more salvations at our church than any other thing like at our church than any other thing like at our church than any other thing like we we've seen 420 people give their life we we've seen 420 people give their life we we've seen 420 people give their life to Christ in our first 14 months and I to Christ in our first 14 months and I to Christ in our first 14 months and I would guess over 200 of those came from would guess over 200 of those came from would guess over 200 of those came from friendships not you know p stal invites friendships not you know p stal invites friendships not you know p stal invites or social media Clips or any of those or social media Clips or any of those or social media Clips or any of those things how do you track that salvations things how do you track that salvations things how do you track that salvations um so we track the salvations that

um so we track the salvations that um so we track the salvations that directly happen in way groups so we've directly happen in way groups so we've directly happen in way groups so we've actually had people who um I guess I actually had people who um I guess I actually had people who um I guess I should back up we do 10 week seasons for should back up we do 10 week seasons for should back up we do 10 week seasons for groups and then six week off Seasons to groups and then six week off Seasons to groups and then six week off Seasons to give everyone breaks and two of the 10 give everyone breaks and two of the 10 give everyone breaks and two of the 10 weeks we do um we call them missionary weeks we do um we call them missionary weeks we do um we call them missionary mindset weeks no Bible no worship you mindset weeks no Bible no worship you mindset weeks no Bible no worship you pick a public space this is something we pick a public space this is something we pick a public space this is something we took from a Ed ster idea but um you pick took from a Ed ster idea but um you pick took from a Ed ster idea but um you pick a public space you invite non-Christian a public space you invite non-Christian a public space you invite non-Christian friends family co-workers to come hang friends family co-workers to come hang friends family co-workers to come hang out with your way group so we've done out with your way group so we've done out with your way group so we've done Super Bowl cookout parties we've done Super Bowl cookout parties we've done Super Bowl cookout parties we've done bowling alleys whatever we're not bowling alleys whatever we're not bowling alleys whatever we're not evangelizing to them at these gatherings evangelizing to them at these gatherings evangelizing to them at these gatherings we're just trying to make friends hey me we're just trying to make friends hey me we're just trying to make friends hey me and a bunch of people were going bowling and a bunch of people were going bowling and a bunch of people were going bowling tonight do you want to come we'll pay tonight do you want to come we'll pay tonight do you want to come we'll pay for you hey uh we're having a Super Bowl for you hey uh we're having a Super Bowl for you hey uh we're having a Super Bowl cookout come hang out and then they come cookout come hang out and then they come cookout come hang out and then they come they make friends they have no idea that they make friends they have no idea that they make friends they have no idea that it's a church Affiliated group they're it's a church Affiliated group they're it's a church Affiliated group they're just making friends many of them today just making friends many of them today just making friends many of them today we have I would guess 20 plus people in we have I would guess 20 plus people in we have I would guess 20 plus people in groups right now who are atheist don't groups right now who are atheist don't groups right now who are atheist don't follow Jesus love the community so much follow Jesus love the community so much follow Jesus love the community so much that they keep coming to a Christian that they keep coming to a Christian that they keep coming to a Christian small group well you're answering a small group well you're answering a small group well you're answering a question I had because there were so question I had because there were so question I had because there were so many young adults and you know young many young adults and you know young many young adults and you know young adults a lot of them probably still adults a lot of them probably still adults a lot of them probably still single right based on but I'm like are single right based on but I'm like are single right based on but I'm like are these a whole bunch of church kids who these a whole bunch of church kids who these a whole bunch of church kids who just left like Mom and Dad Church no I just left like Mom and Dad Church no I just left like Mom and Dad Church no I guess not no uh you know I think we guess not no uh you know I think we guess not no uh you know I think we definitely have that for sure for sure definitely have that for sure for sure definitely have that for sure for sure but um yeah I mean we've had 420

but um yeah I mean we've had 420 but um yeah I mean we've had 420 something salvations um you know there something salvations um you know there something salvations um you know there are some of those that they they never are some of those that they they never are some of those that they they never come back there's some of those that um come back there's some of those that um come back there's some of those that um gave their life to Jesus they're not gave their life to Jesus they're not gave their life to Jesus they're not from Nashville they were visiting from Nashville they were visiting from Nashville they were visiting whatever but uh we have so many young whatever but uh we have so many young whatever but uh we have so many young believers that are Church it is believers that are Church it is believers that are Church it is unbelievable I'm talking the guy that unbelievable I'm talking the guy that unbelievable I'm talking the guy that was security with me this past M day was security with me this past M day was security with me this past M day gave his life to Jesus through one of gave his life to Jesus through one of gave his life to Jesus through one of our small groups four months ago started our small groups four months ago started our small groups four months ago started serving at the church uh you know was serving at the church uh you know was serving at the church uh you know was was in the Army for four years and join was in the Army for four years and join was in the Army for four years and join our security team and he's like one of our security team and he's like one of our security team and he's like one of the best stories I've ever heard you the best stories I've ever heard you the best stories I've ever heard you know but we have our church is full of know but we have our church is full of know but we have our church is full of of new Believers like that wow um so of new Believers like that wow um so of new Believers like that wow um so just to cut down in the number of emails just to cut down in the number of emails just to cut down in the number of emails you're going to get after this podcast you're going to get after this podcast you're going to get after this podcast uh I mean you've talked about Community uh I mean you've talked about Community uh I mean you've talked about Community First Community First obviously I mean First Community First obviously I mean First Community First obviously I mean I've seen you teach uh you do believe I've seen you teach uh you do believe I've seen you teach uh you do believe the Bible you think the Bible's the Bible you think the Bible's the Bible you think the Bible's important how does it fit into your important how does it fit into your important how does it fit into your strategy yeah so um every single Sunday strategy yeah so um every single Sunday strategy yeah so um every single Sunday we give a very clear gospel presentation we give a very clear gospel presentation we give a very clear gospel presentation so um it doesn't matter if uh we're so um it doesn't matter if uh we're so um it doesn't matter if uh we're preaching on dating or relationships or preaching on dating or relationships or preaching on dating or relationships or if we're preaching um on giving I'm if we're preaching um on giving I'm if we're preaching um on giving I'm going to figure out a way to present the going to figure out a way to present the going to figure out a way to present the gospel at the end of the sermon and uh gospel at the end of the sermon and uh gospel at the end of the sermon and uh we also have we we've seen a lot of we also have we we've seen a lot of we also have we we've seen a lot of fruit from from that but then we do it fruit from from that but then we do it fruit from from that but then we do it in a unique way I don't know if Grant in a unique way I don't know if Grant in a unique way I don't know if Grant did this the Sunday that you were there did this the Sunday that you were there did this the Sunday that you were there um but when we do the gospel um but when we do the gospel um but when we do the gospel presentation I say you may have grown up presentation I say you may have grown up presentation I say you may have grown up or gone to a church where it gets to

or gone to a church where it gets to or gone to a church where it gets to this moment for someone to make a this moment for someone to make a this moment for someone to make a decision to follow Christ and often decision to follow Christ and often decision to follow Christ and often times um whoever is leading that moment times um whoever is leading that moment times um whoever is leading that moment we'll say hey we want everyone to close we'll say hey we want everyone to close we'll say hey we want everyone to close your eyes at our church we ask everyone your eyes at our church we ask everyone your eyes at our church we ask everyone to open their eyes because we want you to open their eyes because we want you to open their eyes because we want you to know this isn't a moment that you to know this isn't a moment that you to know this isn't a moment that you should be ashamed of but you should be should be ashamed of but you should be should be ashamed of but you should be really excited about and everyone in our really excited about and everyone in our really excited about and everyone in our church wants to see it because we made church wants to see it because we made church wants to see it because we made that decision and it's reminding us of that decision and it's reminding us of that decision and it's reminding us of why we do what we do and so we have them why we do what we do and so we have them why we do what we do and so we have them raise their hand in front of everyone raise their hand in front of everyone raise their hand in front of everyone and our church goes nuts no way like it and our church goes nuts no way like it and our church goes nuts no way like it is like better than a Super Bowl cheer is like better than a Super Bowl cheer is like better than a Super Bowl cheer no I missed that one and um and so like no I missed that one and um and so like no I missed that one and um and so like this past Sunday I preached on giving this past Sunday I preached on giving this past Sunday I preached on giving did a Salvation opportunity and eight did a Salvation opportunity and eight did a Salvation opportunity and eight people gave their life to Jesus and our people gave their life to Jesus and our people gave their life to Jesus and our church went crazy and it's just it's church went crazy and it's just it's church went crazy and it's just it's reminding the people who are there reminding the people who are there reminding the people who are there who've been cuz we have people in our who've been cuz we have people in our who've been cuz we have people in our church who've been following following church who've been following following church who've been following following Jesus for 45 years um it's reminding Jesus for 45 years um it's reminding Jesus for 45 years um it's reminding them of the mission and the new people them of the mission and the new people them of the mission and the new people are going man these people they are for are going man these people they are for are going man these people they are for me like they just went crazy because of me like they just went crazy because of me like they just went crazy because of the decision I just made like I I might the decision I just made like I I might the decision I just made like I I might have found a place here you know and so have found a place here you know and so have found a place here you know and so those two things I think on Sundays have those two things I think on Sundays have those two things I think on Sundays have really really just it's just kept it to really really just it's just kept it to really really just it's just kept it to where um leading people to Jesus is not where um leading people to Jesus is not where um leading people to Jesus is not just a pastoral thing it's like our just a pastoral thing it's like our just a pastoral thing it's like our church like wants it so church like wants it so church like wants it so you know they want to be a part of it you know they want to be a part of it you know they want to be a part of it which is really cool what other which is really cool what other which is really cool what other decisions have you made in these first decisions have you made in these first decisions have you made in these first 14 months in the pre-launch that would 14 months in the pre-launch that would 14 months in the pre-launch that would be different so Community First by the

be different so Community First by the be different so Community First by the way I a couple of before we get to that way I a couple of before we get to that way I a couple of before we get to that question a couple of things people are question a couple of things people are question a couple of things people are going to want to know uh how big are going to want to know uh how big are going to want to know uh how big are your way groups uh you said they meet 10 your way groups uh you said they meet 10 your way groups uh you said they meet 10 weeks on six weeks off something like weeks on six weeks off something like weeks on six weeks off something like that do the same groups reconstitute or that do the same groups reconstitute or that do the same groups reconstitute or you mix it up just give us a mechanic you mix it up just give us a mechanic you mix it up just give us a mechanic yeah so we leave that up to the attender yeah so we leave that up to the attender yeah so we leave that up to the attender um if they go so we ask them to stay in um if they go so we ask them to stay in um if they go so we ask them to stay in the same group for the season because the same group for the season because the same group for the season because it's only 10 weeks during the offseason it's only 10 weeks during the offseason it's only 10 weeks during the offseason that's the free-for-all so you can reup that's the free-for-all so you can reup that's the free-for-all so you can reup um the the size of the group is um the the size of the group is um the the size of the group is dependent on the host so if the host dependent on the host so if the host dependent on the host so if the host feels good about 15 people in their home feels good about 15 people in their home feels good about 15 people in their home great you can have a Max of 15 we have great you can have a Max of 15 we have great you can have a Max of 15 we have groups as small as eight as large as 22 groups as small as eight as large as 22 groups as small as eight as large as 22 um we don't really want them to be um we don't really want them to be um we don't really want them to be larger than 20 uh once they hit 20 we larger than 20 uh once they hit 20 we larger than 20 uh once they hit 20 we encourage to start a new group um every encourage to start a new group um every encourage to start a new group um every offseason it gives us a chance to look offseason it gives us a chance to look offseason it gives us a chance to look at the group size and to uh kind of at the group size and to uh kind of at the group size and to uh kind of reevaluate how many new groups do we reevaluate how many new groups do we reevaluate how many new groups do we need to start next season it's just been need to start next season it's just been need to start next season it's just been a good reset and um we push them really a good reset and um we push them really a good reset and um we push them really really hard during the offseason we really hard during the offseason we really hard during the offseason we share testimonies of what's happening in share testimonies of what's happening in share testimonies of what's happening in the groups we have people who our the groups we have people who our the groups we have people who our leading groups share the group leading groups share the group leading groups share the group announcement on stage why they care announcement on stage why they care announcement on stage why they care about way group so much Etc and then um about way group so much Etc and then um about way group so much Etc and then um the content itself is sermon based um so the content itself is sermon based um so the content itself is sermon based um so we're discussing the ser the week after we're discussing the ser the week after we're discussing the ser the week after the sermon yeah um myself and our the sermon yeah um myself and our the sermon yeah um myself and our executive Pastor uh as well as our executive Pastor uh as well as our executive Pastor uh as well as our community director kind of coordinate community director kind of coordinate community director kind of coordinate the content each week but the questions the content each week but the questions the content each week but the questions that we're asking are always provoking

that we're asking are always provoking that we're asking are always provoking Community First um thoughts what other Community First um thoughts what other Community First um thoughts what other strategic decisions did you make that strategic decisions did you make that strategic decisions did you make that might not be your typical cie cookie might not be your typical cie cookie might not be your typical cie cookie cutter Church Plant um we don't cutter Church Plant um we don't cutter Church Plant um we don't stream and and um that was again stream and and um that was again stream and and um that was again Community First in mind uh we want Community First in mind uh we want Community First in mind uh we want people to come and with our AG people to come and with our AG people to come and with our AG demographic we knew if we streamed we demographic we knew if we streamed we demographic we knew if we streamed we would only be encouraging a would only be encouraging a would only be encouraging a digital um age to be more digital and I digital um age to be more digital and I digital um age to be more digital and I love digital I mean I use it non-stop so love digital I mean I use it non-stop so love digital I mean I use it non-stop so this is not a slight on digital in any this is not a slight on digital in any this is not a slight on digital in any way but we just felt like that was way but we just felt like that was way but we just felt like that was actually a strategic decision for our actually a strategic decision for our actually a strategic decision for our context was to not stream and so we post context was to not stream and so we post context was to not stream and so we post the sermon the day after um but we try the sermon the day after um but we try the sermon the day after um but we try to create as much fomo as possible about to create as much fomo as possible about to create as much fomo as possible about being in the room uh so fear of missing being in the room uh so fear of missing being in the room uh so fear of missing out um yeah so we try to create that out um yeah so we try to create that out um yeah so we try to create that through everything including our through everything including our through everything including our gathering so we've never streamed and um gathering so we've never streamed and um gathering so we've never streamed and um we don't really want to because it it's we don't really want to because it it's we don't really want to because it it's just really worked well for us um my mom just really worked well for us um my mom just really worked well for us um my mom doesn't like that CU she prefers to she doesn't like that CU she prefers to she doesn't like that CU she prefers to she wants to listen in to our second service wants to listen in to our second service wants to listen in to our second service when theirs is done you know but um so when theirs is done you know but um so when theirs is done you know but um so that was a really intentional decision that was a really intentional decision that was a really intentional decision and then um I think something else that and then um I think something else that and then um I think something else that um that that we did was like um that that we did was like um that that we did was like we growing up in in my parents church we growing up in in my parents church we growing up in in my parents church they would always put the young people they would always put the young people they would always put the young people on stage um we're putting the spiritual on stage um we're putting the spiritual on stage um we're putting the spiritual moms and dads on stage as much as

moms and dads on stage as much as moms and dads on stage as much as possible uh that was my biggest fear possible uh that was my biggest fear possible uh that was my biggest fear planting as I felt like I was too young planting as I felt like I was too young planting as I felt like I was too young why would why would an older person you why would why would an older person you why would why would an older person you know sit under my leadership I I can't know sit under my leadership I I can't know sit under my leadership I I can't tell this man how to be a great dad he's tell this man how to be a great dad he's tell this man how to be a great dad he's he already is you know I need to be he already is you know I need to be he already is you know I need to be asking him um God's surrounded us with asking him um God's surrounded us with asking him um God's surrounded us with amazing amazing we call chronologically amazing amazing we call chronologically amazing amazing we call chronologically Superior Superior Superior Saints and uh we lean into their wisdom Saints and uh we lean into their wisdom Saints and uh we lean into their wisdom and we put them on stage for as much as and we put them on stage for as much as and we put them on stage for as much as we can um leading as much as we can and we can um leading as much as we can and we can um leading as much as we can and I think that that was a intentional I think that that was a intentional I think that that was a intentional decision um and it's provided more fruit decision um and it's provided more fruit decision um and it's provided more fruit than I ever could have thought um what than I ever could have thought um what than I ever could have thought um what kind of fruit so the young people coming kind of fruit so the young people coming kind of fruit so the young people coming to our church going man I want to learn to our church going man I want to learn to our church going man I want to learn from them you know I I want to be from them you know I I want to be from them you know I I want to be discipled by them I want to be in their discipled by them I want to be in their discipled by them I want to be in their way group I want to uh you know I want way group I want to uh you know I want way group I want to uh you know I want to get to know that that person um the to get to know that that person um the to get to know that that person um the the statistics around broken families in the statistics around broken families in the statistics around broken families in genin Z is pretty astronomical you know genin Z is pretty astronomical you know genin Z is pretty astronomical you know high and so um I think a lot of our high and so um I think a lot of our high and so um I think a lot of our church has found spiritual moms and dads church has found spiritual moms and dads church has found spiritual moms and dads through them and that has just been the through them and that has just been the through them and that has just been the biggest blessing I mean our church would biggest blessing I mean our church would biggest blessing I mean our church would would be really struggling without those would be really struggling without those would be really struggling without those couples who strategically made a couples who strategically made a couples who strategically made a decision to go to a younger church and decision to go to a younger church and decision to go to a younger church and be missional which they could you know be missional which they could you know be missional which they could you know they could be at a church where it's they could be at a church where it's they could be at a church where it's it's all their age it's easier for them it's all their age it's easier for them it's all their age it's easier for them but they came to set up and tear down but they came to set up and tear down but they came to set up and tear down and to pour into a bunch of young people and to pour into a bunch of young people and to pour into a bunch of young people and and and um it's one of my favorite parts of our um it's one of my favorite parts of our um it's one of my favorite parts of our church is those couples you know and I

church is those couples you know and I church is those couples you know and I think I think hearing a story like this think I think hearing a story like this think I think hearing a story like this can leave people in my generation older can leave people in my generation older can leave people in my generation older a bit younger uh feeling very threatened a bit younger uh feeling very threatened a bit younger uh feeling very threatened we like oh we kind of missed out but we like oh we kind of missed out but we like oh we kind of missed out but even that Sunday there and we know a lot even that Sunday there and we know a lot even that Sunday there and we know a lot of people who go to away Church um the of people who go to away Church um the of people who go to away Church um the Embrace of your generation to us is been Embrace of your generation to us is been Embrace of your generation to us is been been so encouraging to the point where been so encouraging to the point where been so encouraging to the point where after our Sunday at Way Church people after our Sunday at Way Church people after our Sunday at Way Church people like want pictures you know get your like want pictures you know get your like want pictures you know get your backdrops your stepping repeats Etc and backdrops your stepping repeats Etc and backdrops your stepping repeats Etc and I remember one dm I got that Sunday was I remember one dm I got that Sunday was I remember one dm I got that Sunday was like well you guys like it or not you like well you guys like it or not you like well you guys like it or not you adopted us it's like yeah that's great adopted us it's like yeah that's great adopted us it's like yeah that's great but that is very much the vibe of your but that is very much the vibe of your but that is very much the vibe of your church right is that generational or is church right is that generational or is church right is that generational or is that a way church thing um I think it's that a way church thing um I think it's that a way church thing um I think it's generational honestly to I think I think generational honestly to I think I think generational honestly to I think I think it's generational we we're craving to it's generational we we're craving to it's generational we we're craving to learn and um it's funny I was talking to learn and um it's funny I was talking to learn and um it's funny I was talking to our mutual friend Grant skeldon and he our mutual friend Grant skeldon and he our mutual friend Grant skeldon and he was saying how I just had never thought was saying how I just had never thought was saying how I just had never thought about this like for Our Generation it's about this like for Our Generation it's about this like for Our Generation it's intimidating to ask someone like you if intimidating to ask someone like you if intimidating to ask someone like you if you would pour into us we're intimidated you would pour into us we're intimidated you would pour into us we're intimidated like I I thought about that but he said like I I thought about that but he said like I I thought about that but he said I've talked to more older leaders who I've talked to more older leaders who I've talked to more older leaders who feel that same intimidation about asking feel that same intimidation about asking feel that same intimidation about asking if they can pour into younger leaders or if they can pour into younger leaders or if they can pour into younger leaders or like what you know I don't know you know like what you know I don't know you know like what you know I don't know you know for whatever reason whatever insecurity for whatever reason whatever insecurity for whatever reason whatever insecurity that you might have in in your mind to that you might have in in your mind to that you might have in in your mind to reach out to a younger person but it's reach out to a younger person but it's reach out to a younger person but it's it's on both sides and so the magic it's on both sides and so the magic it's on both sides and so the magic happens when you have the older person happens when you have the older person happens when you have the older person who's asking anyways and the younger

who's asking anyways and the younger who's asking anyways and the younger person who's asking anyways and I think person who's asking anyways and I think person who's asking anyways and I think right now we're experiencing something right now we're experiencing something right now we're experiencing something special where we have hungry younger special where we have hungry younger special where we have hungry younger people and we have older people who are people and we have older people who are people and we have older people who are just like I want to pour out to whoever just like I want to pour out to whoever just like I want to pour out to whoever wants this and it's just been it's been wants this and it's just been it's been wants this and it's just been it's been awesome well my wife and I are awesome well my wife and I are awesome well my wife and I are definitely at that point where we we definitely at that point where we we definitely at that point where we we find a lot of life in people you know find a lot of life in people you know find a lot of life in people you know younger than us and we have lots of younger than us and we have lots of younger than us and we have lots of peers our age or a little bit older but peers our age or a little bit older but peers our age or a little bit older but there's just a a life that comes to us there's just a a life that comes to us there's just a a life that comes to us in the process of building into the Next in the process of building into the Next in the process of building into the Next Generation and honestly it's a form of Generation and honestly it's a form of Generation and honestly it's a form of reverse mentoring too you just learn so reverse mentoring too you just learn so reverse mentoring too you just learn so much uh and and it's genuinely enjoyable much uh and and it's genuinely enjoyable much uh and and it's genuinely enjoyable um so your your approach to the weekend um so your your approach to the weekend um so your your approach to the weekend experience what else what other experience what else what other experience what else what other intentional decisions did you make intentional decisions did you make intentional decisions did you make because it's it's three or four worship because it's it's three or four worship because it's it's three or four worship songs and a message and occasionally songs and a message and occasionally songs and a message and occasionally baptisms Etc but what were some of the baptisms Etc but what were some of the baptisms Etc but what were some of the intentional choices you made in intentional choices you made in intentional choices you made in designing how you would do weekends at designing how you would do weekends at designing how you would do weekends at whe church so we do a weekly thing whe church so we do a weekly thing whe church so we do a weekly thing called way track um we didn't invent it called way track um we didn't invent it called way track um we didn't invent it we we took uh something that Church of we we took uh something that Church of we we took uh something that Church of the Highlands in in Arc um they call it the Highlands in in Arc um they call it the Highlands in in Arc um they call it growth track we just added away in front growth track we just added away in front growth track we just added away in front of it but um we made it a one week thing of it but um we made it a one week thing of it but um we made it a one week thing so there's lot to it would basically be so there's lot to it would basically be so there's lot to it would basically be a for those who aren't familiar a a for those who aren't familiar a a for those who aren't familiar a membership next steps allinone kind of a membership next steps allinone kind of a membership next steps allinone kind of a class right and um there are churches class right and um there are churches class right and um there are churches who do it one week there are churches who do it one week there are churches who do it one week there are churches who do it for five weeks long uh we felt who do it for five weeks long uh we felt who do it for five weeks long uh we felt like it would be really hard with our like it would be really hard with our like it would be really hard with our demographic of so many parents with demographic of so many parents with demographic of so many parents with young kids to get them to come back to

young kids to get them to come back to young kids to get them to come back to that class more than one week so we do that class more than one week so we do that class more than one week so we do it every Sunday it's right um during our it every Sunday it's right um during our it every Sunday it's right um during our last service we do three services and last service we do three services and last service we do three services and it's during our third service um and it's during our third service um and it's during our third service um and it's a 45 minute class led by core it's a 45 minute class led by core it's a 45 minute class led by core people on our team um mostly led by a people on our team um mostly led by a people on our team um mostly led by a couple in their 50s who's kind of a couple in their 50s who's kind of a couple in their 50s who's kind of a spiritual mom and dad at our church and spiritual mom and dad at our church and spiritual mom and dad at our church and that class has been phenomenal in so that class has been phenomenal in so that class has been phenomenal in so many different ways it's it's where many different ways it's it's where many different ways it's it's where people can ask any question they want people can ask any question they want people can ask any question they want about the church um we give a brief about the church um we give a brief about the church um we give a brief vision and Mission kind of uh talk and vision and Mission kind of uh talk and vision and Mission kind of uh talk and then that's where they can sign up to then that's where they can sign up to then that's where they can sign up to join the team um they can serve join the team um they can serve join the team um they can serve literally the next week if they want to literally the next week if they want to literally the next week if they want to uh depending on where they want to serve uh depending on where they want to serve uh depending on where they want to serve they want to serve in kids background they want to serve in kids background they want to serve in kids background track couple different things but if you track couple different things but if you track couple different things but if you want to be a greeter we can have you want to be a greeter we can have you want to be a greeter we can have you Shadow the very next week um and so that Shadow the very next week um and so that Shadow the very next week um and so that was a real intentional decision because was a real intentional decision because was a real intentional decision because again we are like people want community again we are like people want community again we are like people want community and the second thing that they want is and the second thing that they want is and the second thing that they want is they want purpose and so if we can give they want purpose and so if we can give they want purpose and so if we can give them great community and an opportunity them great community and an opportunity them great community and an opportunity to serve here right away that's going to to serve here right away that's going to to serve here right away that's going to increase our chance of them really increase our chance of them really increase our chance of them really diving in and following Jesus in our diving in and following Jesus in our diving in and following Jesus in our community um and so we give people an community um and so we give people an community um and so we give people an opportunity to serve there as well as opportunity to serve there as well as opportunity to serve there as well as join a group in in that class um and join a group in in that class um and join a group in in that class um and that's been I mean that's that's our that's been I mean that's that's our that's been I mean that's that's our funnel right like that's that's the funnel right like that's that's the funnel right like that's that's the thing that keeps everything growing and thing that keeps everything growing and thing that keeps everything growing and going and um the people who teach the going and um the people who teach the going and um the people who teach the class are phenomenal um our executive class are phenomenal um our executive class are phenomenal um our executive Pastor Connor does an amazing job with Pastor Connor does an amazing job with Pastor Connor does an amazing job with all the systems to make it flow but all the systems to make it flow but all the systems to make it flow but that's been a game changer for that's been a game changer for that's been a game changer for us uh about the weekend format it it it

us uh about the weekend format it it it us uh about the weekend format it it it feels familiar like you go to a lot of feels familiar like you go to a lot of feels familiar like you go to a lot of churches like that why did you Embrace churches like that why did you Embrace churches like that why did you Embrace like worship music yeah why did you not like worship music yeah why did you not like worship music yeah why did you not do something decidedly off track that do something decidedly off track that do something decidedly off track that way um I think it works you know and I I way um I think it works you know and I I way um I think it works you know and I I like it um we are about to do some like it um we are about to do some like it um we are about to do some mixups more so just because I want to mixups more so just because I want to mixups more so just because I want to try it so I'm about to start preaching try it so I'm about to start preaching try it so I'm about to start preaching first for for just a couple months just first for for just a couple months just first for for just a couple months just to see how it goes preach first worship to see how it goes preach first worship to see how it goes preach first worship later okay so we'll do we're gonna and later okay so we'll do we're gonna and later okay so we'll do we're gonna and this will happen in January but we're this will happen in January but we're this will happen in January but we're gonna try um one kind of upbeat song gonna try um one kind of upbeat song gonna try um one kind of upbeat song give everyone a chance to come in uh give everyone a chance to come in uh give everyone a chance to come in uh there'll be a host who comes up and there'll be a host who comes up and there'll be a host who comes up and welcomes everyone and then I will take welcomes everyone and then I will take welcomes everyone and then I will take it right after that moment and go it right after that moment and go it right after that moment and go straight into the sermon and um we used straight into the sermon and um we used straight into the sermon and um we used to do this at our College Ministry that to do this at our College Ministry that to do this at our College Ministry that was our flow and what I liked about it was our flow and what I liked about it was our flow and what I liked about it was it gives you a response to or a was it gives you a response to or a was it gives you a response to or a chance to respond in worship to the word chance to respond in worship to the word chance to respond in worship to the word and we just had some personally my wife and we just had some personally my wife and we just had some personally my wife and I really meaningful moments in and I really meaningful moments in and I really meaningful moments in response during that format and so we response during that format and so we response during that format and so we just were like hey we've been doing this just were like hey we've been doing this just were like hey we've been doing this for 14 months this way let's just try it for 14 months this way let's just try it for 14 months this way let's just try it and see if people like it and um if they and see if people like it and um if they and see if people like it and um if they don't we'll just go back um so but we're don't we'll just go back um so but we're don't we'll just go back um so but we're going to try it out I can think of some going to try it out I can think of some going to try it out I can think of some leaders who would say wait a minute leaders who would say wait a minute leaders who would say wait a minute we're growing really rapidly you know we're growing really rapidly you know we're growing really rapidly you know you went from church plant to how many you went from church plant to how many you went from church plant to how many people now on a typical Sunday um about people now on a typical Sunday um about people now on a typical Sunday um about 700 yeah yeah 700 young adults this is 700 yeah yeah 700 young adults this is 700 yeah yeah 700 young adults this is working don't mess with it you're like working don't mess with it you're like working don't mess with it you're like I'm gonna mess with it talk to leaders I'm gonna mess with it talk to leaders I'm gonna mess with it talk to leaders who are afraid to make change I'm afraid to make change okay

change I'm afraid to make change okay that's honest that's honest that's honest um but when I think about why I'm afraid um but when I think about why I'm afraid um but when I think about why I'm afraid to make change I think it's because I'm to make change I think it's because I'm to make change I think it's because I'm believing the lie that people are coming believing the lie that people are coming believing the lie that people are coming because of a service because of a service because of a service flow or they're coming because of the flow or they're coming because of the flow or they're coming because of the LIE LIE LIE of you fill in the blank on what your of you fill in the blank on what your of you fill in the blank on what your crutch is for what you think is keeping crutch is for what you think is keeping crutch is for what you think is keeping your church afloat and so I have to your church afloat and so I have to your church afloat and so I have to speak to myself and remind myself speak to myself and remind myself speak to myself and remind myself they're not coming for the service flow they're not coming for the service flow they're not coming for the service flow they're you know they might enjoy our they're you know they might enjoy our they're you know they might enjoy our worship team they're amazing they might worship team they're amazing they might worship team they're amazing they might enjoy my style of teaching I you know I enjoy my style of teaching I you know I enjoy my style of teaching I you know I hope I want to grow as a communicator hope I want to grow as a communicator hope I want to grow as a communicator but if we're doing our job right they're but if we're doing our job right they're but if we're doing our job right they're coming because they meet Jesus every coming because they meet Jesus every coming because they meet Jesus every week and if that is the case Jesus can week and if that is the case Jesus can week and if that is the case Jesus can meet them in any service flow and um I meet them in any service flow and um I meet them in any service flow and um I don't know I I think also like there was don't know I I think also like there was don't know I I think also like there was a time when everyone wasn't doing three a time when everyone wasn't doing three a time when everyone wasn't doing three or four songs and then the sermon and or four songs and then the sermon and or four songs and then the sermon and then someone was like hey let's try this then someone was like hey let's try this then someone was like hey let's try this and it's and it worked and so why not and it's and it worked and so why not and it's and it worked and so why not try something and um yeah I mean trying try something and um yeah I mean trying try something and um yeah I mean trying something you're afraid to try could be something you're afraid to try could be something you're afraid to try could be the next thing we all the next thing we all the next thing we all do right right and it's it's not that do right right and it's it's not that do right right and it's it's not that hard to switch it back you know we're hard to switch it back you know we're hard to switch it back you know we're talking about for most most churches talking about for most most churches talking about for most most churches we're talking about 70 to 90 minute we're talking about 70 to 90 minute we're talking about 70 to 90 minute service we can change it the next week service we can change it the next week service we can change it the next week if we don't like it yeah it's not it's if we don't like it yeah it's not it's if we don't like it yeah it's not it's not like permanent as it's not chiseled not like permanent as it's not chiseled not like permanent as it's not chiseled and stone yeah hardest part of church and stone yeah hardest part of church and stone yeah hardest part of church planting so far oh man this episode is

planting so far oh man this episode is planting so far oh man this episode is brought to you by ecfa trust is the brought to you by ecfa trust is the brought to you by ecfa trust is the Cornerstone of impactful ministry and as Cornerstone of impactful ministry and as Cornerstone of impactful ministry and as leaders and donors you know that leaders and donors you know that leaders and donors you know that integrity and accountability are integrity and accountability are integrity and accountability are non-negotiable and that's where ecfa non-negotiable and that's where ecfa non-negotiable and that's where ecfa comes in for over four decades ecfa has comes in for over four decades ecfa has comes in for over four decades ecfa has been a beacon of trust holding been a beacon of trust holding been a beacon of trust holding Ministries to biblical standards of Ministries to biblical standards of Ministries to biblical standards of financial accountability and governance financial accountability and governance financial accountability and governance today more than 2700 organizations today more than 2700 organizations today more than 2700 organizations proudly display the ecfa seal signaling proudly display the ecfa seal signaling proudly display the ecfa seal signaling to millions of donors that their to millions of donors that their to millions of donors that their contributions are stewarded with utmost contributions are stewarded with utmost contributions are stewarded with utmost care for Ministry leaders ecfa offers a care for Ministry leaders ecfa offers a care for Ministry leaders ecfa offers a way to demonstrate accountability and way to demonstrate accountability and way to demonstrate accountability and build confidence and for donors it's a build confidence and for donors it's a build confidence and for donors it's a reminder that their generosity is reminder that their generosity is reminder that their generosity is helping Advance God's work with helping Advance God's work with helping Advance God's work with Integrity trust is something we build Integrity trust is something we build Integrity trust is something we build together one Ministry one donor one step together one Ministry one donor one step together one Ministry one donor one step at a time you can learn more at ec.org at a time you can learn more at ec.org at a time you can learn more at ec.org Triumph that's e cfa.org Triumph that's e cfa.org Triumph that's e cfa.org Triumph I wasn't prepared for the weight laughing with you weight laughing with you great answer I just I wasn't I heard great answer I just I wasn't I heard great answer I just I wasn't I heard people talk about it um and the best way people talk about it um and the best way people talk about it um and the best way I know how to describe it K is like if I know how to describe it K is like if I know how to describe it K is like if you and I didn't know each other and we you and I didn't know each other and we you and I didn't know each other and we just met and you were like let's go get just met and you were like let's go get just met and you were like let's go get coffee and get to know each other that coffee and get to know each other that coffee and get to know each other that first hour conversation that you and I first hour conversation that you and I first hour conversation that you and I would have together I would probably would have together I would probably would have together I would probably learn a lot about you you'd probably learn a lot about you you'd probably learn a lot about you you'd probably learn a lot about me but we probably

learn a lot about me but we probably learn a lot about me but we probably wouldn't go crazy deep there's a chance wouldn't go crazy deep there's a chance wouldn't go crazy deep there's a chance we would I probably wouldn't share like we would I probably wouldn't share like we would I probably wouldn't share like the darkest sin I'm struggling with with the darkest sin I'm struggling with with the darkest sin I'm struggling with with you yeah I probably wouldn't ask for you yeah I probably wouldn't ask for you yeah I probably wouldn't ask for your your your advice for my advice for my advice for my marriage with a pastor especially like a marriage with a pastor especially like a marriage with a pastor especially like a lead Pastor there's such a buil-in trust lead Pastor there's such a buil-in trust lead Pastor there's such a buil-in trust that people have with you which is a that people have with you which is a that people have with you which is a huge honor right like I'm not I'm so huge honor right like I'm not I'm so huge honor right like I'm not I'm so grateful for that but the amount of grateful for that but the amount of grateful for that but the amount of conversations I've had with people in conversations I've had with people in conversations I've had with people in the last 14 months that went there the last 14 months that went there the last 14 months that went there really fast you know I'm like man we're really fast you know I'm like man we're really fast you know I'm like man we're you know thinking I'm just getting you know thinking I'm just getting you know thinking I'm just getting coffee and mixing I hey what's your name coffee and mixing I hey what's your name coffee and mixing I hey what's your name right right it's like well I'm having an right right it's like well I'm having an right right it's like well I'm having an affair you know or whatever whatever it affair you know or whatever whatever it affair you know or whatever whatever it happens to be I'm sure that's happened happens to be I'm sure that's happened happens to be I'm sure that's happened and it's so hard for me to hear that and and it's so hard for me to hear that and and it's so hard for me to hear that and not carry that for afterwards and so not carry that for afterwards and so not carry that for afterwards and so thankfully I have an amazing you know uh thankfully I have an amazing you know uh thankfully I have an amazing you know uh set of parents who I'm I've been set of parents who I'm I've been set of parents who I'm I've been learning from I have amazing mentors and learning from I have amazing mentors and learning from I have amazing mentors and and our board has been so fantastic and and our board has been so fantastic and and our board has been so fantastic and helping me learn how to how to process helping me learn how to how to process helping me learn how to how to process some of that but I just I just didn't some of that but I just I just didn't some of that but I just I just didn't know and that's than College Ministry know and that's than College Ministry know and that's than College Ministry for sure okay cuz theoretically that was for sure okay cuz theoretically that was for sure okay cuz theoretically that was happening in college with 700 students happening in college with 700 students happening in college with 700 students or whatever it was yeah no you're right or whatever it was yeah no you're right or whatever it was yeah no you're right because that weight issue has come up in because that weight issue has come up in because that weight issue has come up in so many conversations with leaders and I so many conversations with leaders and I so many conversations with leaders and I felt it when I became a pastor I felt it felt it when I became a pastor I felt it felt it when I became a pastor I felt it lift when I stepped out of the lead lift when I stepped out of the lead lift when I stepped out of the lead Pastor role and the weight associated Pastor role and the weight associated Pastor role and the weight associated with what I'm doing now I would say as a with what I'm doing now I would say as a with what I'm doing now I would say as a credit to all the pastors watching and credit to all the pastors watching and credit to all the pastors watching and listening it's not what I experienced as

listening it's not what I experienced as listening it's not what I experienced as a lead a lead a lead pastor and the the guy who took over for pastor and the the guy who took over for pastor and the the guy who took over for me Jeff Brody yeah like within a month me Jeff Brody yeah like within a month me Jeff Brody yeah like within a month he was like the waight the weight that's he was like the waight the weight that's he was like the waight the weight that's a very real thing anything else about a very real thing anything else about a very real thing anything else about the weight um there there's the other the weight um there there's the other the weight um there there's the other stuff too uh that that I what I just stuff too uh that that I what I just stuff too uh that that I what I just shared is the biggest thing I was shared is the biggest thing I was shared is the biggest thing I was unprepared for but but the other weight unprepared for but but the other weight unprepared for but but the other weight like the finances you know you're you're like the finances you know you're you're like the finances you know you're you're we have a small staff but just thinking we have a small staff but just thinking we have a small staff but just thinking about you know this this I want to make about you know this this I want to make about you know this this I want to make sure that they can pay their bills and sure that they can pay their bills and sure that they can pay their bills and that they're comfortable financially and that they're comfortable financially and that they're comfortable financially and um things like uh we recently found out um things like uh we recently found out um things like uh we recently found out we most likely will will be losing the we most likely will will be losing the we most likely will will be losing the venue that that we've been meeting in venue that that we've been meeting in venue that that we've been meeting in for the last 14 months slips it in there for the last 14 months slips it in there for the last 14 months slips it in there we just recently found out yeah yeah and we just recently found out yeah yeah and we just recently found out yeah yeah and so uh you know that's that's kept me up so uh you know that's that's kept me up so uh you know that's that's kept me up the last five nights um thinking about the last five nights um thinking about the last five nights um thinking about that Al so that's like recent recent so that Al so that's like recent recent so that Al so that's like recent recent so recent and um and so there there's all recent and um and so there there's all recent and um and so there there's all these little things that you College these little things that you College these little things that you College Ministry we had I never once thought Ministry we had I never once thought Ministry we had I never once thought about the tithing that was coming in as about the tithing that was coming in as about the tithing that was coming in as like oh wait that's essential to run all like oh wait that's essential to run all like oh wait that's essential to run all of these Ministries and to pay my Sal I of these Ministries and to pay my Sal I of these Ministries and to pay my Sal I never thought about that my biggest never thought about that my biggest never thought about that my biggest concern was I'm trying to get these concern was I'm trying to get these concern was I'm trying to get these college students to do what they said college students to do what they said college students to do what they said they were going to do you know to to they were going to do you know to to they were going to do you know to to show up on time and um stack these show up on time and um stack these show up on time and um stack these shares for me you know uh so it was just shares for me you know uh so it was just shares for me you know uh so it was just immediate and um and yeah I'm very immediate and um and yeah I'm very immediate and um and yeah I'm very grateful for for God's grace and just grateful for for God's grace and just grateful for for God's grace and just great people to learn from because it great people to learn from because it great people to learn from because it it's definitely caught me off guard

it's definitely caught me off guard it's definitely caught me off guard you're married um two children under the you're married um two children under the you're married um two children under the age of four is that right yes it's right age of four is that right yes it's right age of four is that right yes it's right yeah you and Maddie are co-pastors yeah you and Maddie are co-pastors yeah you and Maddie are co-pastors co-lead co-lead co-lead pastors how and I mean this in in the pastors how and I mean this in in the pastors how and I mean this in in the most tender most tender most tender way how has leading a church impact in way how has leading a church impact in way how has leading a church impact in your your your marriage you know um we're very open our marriage you know um we're very open our marriage you know um we're very open our first year of marriage was so hard like first year of marriage was so hard like first year of marriage was so hard like very very difficult um like that was six very very difficult um like that was six very very difficult um like that was six years ago five years ago six years ago years ago five years ago six years ago years ago five years ago six years ago yes yeah and uh it was very difficult yes yeah and uh it was very difficult yes yeah and uh it was very difficult for a lot of different reasons um one we for a lot of different reasons um one we for a lot of different reasons um one we we just got married so I think I think we just got married so I think I think we just got married so I think I think that's true for for a lot of people that's true for for a lot of people that's true for for a lot of people their first year is very difficult um their first year is very difficult um their first year is very difficult um just the normal adjustments but I think just the normal adjustments but I think just the normal adjustments but I think a big reason it was so difficult was a big reason it was so difficult was a big reason it was so difficult was because um unclear because um unclear because um unclear expectations so we just had very expectations so we just had very expectations so we just had very different expectations for not just our different expectations for not just our different expectations for not just our marriage but our individual callings our marriage but our individual callings our marriage but our individual callings our our individual lives she was working in our individual lives she was working in our individual lives she was working in the marketplace was crushing it had a the marketplace was crushing it had a the marketplace was crushing it had a great job um great job um great job um I was just starting to travel and preach I was just starting to travel and preach I was just starting to travel and preach a little bit and was wanting to pursue a little bit and was wanting to pursue a little bit and was wanting to pursue that in a way that was taking away a that in a way that was taking away a that in a way that was taking away a little bit from our marriage and we just little bit from our marriage and we just little bit from our marriage and we just never talked about it um all that to say never talked about it um all that to say never talked about it um all that to say that first year we thank the Lord for it that first year we thank the Lord for it that first year we thank the Lord for it so much because we were finally able to so much because we were finally able to so much because we were finally able to break through in our communication of break through in our communication of break through in our communication of expectations um we had a a pastor who um expectations um we had a a pastor who um expectations um we had a a pastor who um was given us some premarital and was given us some premarital and was given us some premarital and post-marital counseling and uh and he

post-marital counseling and uh and he post-marital counseling and uh and he said um there's a difference between said um there's a difference between said um there's a difference between assumed expectations and agreed assumed expectations and agreed assumed expectations and agreed expectations and that just one little expectations and that just one little expectations and that just one little phrase changed our marriage so so true phrase changed our marriage so so true phrase changed our marriage so so true those of us who've been married a long those of us who've been married a long those of us who've been married a long time could probably uh yeah I better time could probably uh yeah I better time could probably uh yeah I better take that home today oh man it's it we take that home today oh man it's it we take that home today oh man it's it we we literally say that phrase probably we literally say that phrase probably we literally say that phrase probably once a week still and um long story once a week still and um long story once a week still and um long story short leading this church together is short leading this church together is short leading this church together is the first time in our marriage where the first time in our marriage where the first time in our marriage where both of us are are doing the same thing both of us are are doing the same thing both of us are are doing the same thing in the same direction all the time time in the same direction all the time time in the same direction all the time time and there are some days we drive drive and there are some days we drive drive and there are some days we drive drive each other crazy I was going to say is each other crazy I was going to say is each other crazy I was going to say is that a good thing it actually has been a that a good thing it actually has been a that a good thing it actually has been a great thing for us uh I know some people great thing for us uh I know some people great thing for us uh I know some people it doesn't work and I I totally it doesn't work and I I totally it doesn't work and I I totally understand why why it wouldn't but for understand why why it wouldn't but for understand why why it wouldn't but for our personalities it works so well she's our personalities it works so well she's our personalities it works so well she's great at so many more things than I am great at so many more things than I am great at so many more things than I am even okay at and so I let her uh as as even okay at and so I let her uh as as even okay at and so I let her uh as as Jin Z would say I let her Jin Z would say I let her Jin Z would say I let her [Music] [Music] [Music] cook um and and then I kind of do my you cook um and and then I kind of do my you cook um and and then I kind of do my you know vision and teaching thing and and know vision and teaching thing and and know vision and teaching thing and and she does um pretty much everything else she does um pretty much everything else she does um pretty much everything else at our church I mean really she has her at our church I mean really she has her at our church I mean really she has her hand all over our church and um and then hand all over our church and um and then hand all over our church and um and then we come together and we talk big picture we come together and we talk big picture we come together and we talk big picture stuff but we really just kind of handle stuff but we really just kind of handle stuff but we really just kind of handle our own things and um it's it's been our own things and um it's it's been our own things and um it's it's been really great for our marriage to have a really great for our marriage to have a really great for our marriage to have a common goal and something that we work common goal and something that we work common goal and something that we work on together well I found working on together well I found working on together well I found working together can either be the best thing together can either be the best thing together can either be the best thing that ever happened to you or the worst that ever happened to you or the worst that ever happened to you or the worst thing that ever happened to you and it thing that ever happened to you and it thing that ever happened to you and it doesn't always work out sure that way um

doesn't always work out sure that way um doesn't always work out sure that way um social media you said you don't live social media you said you don't live social media you said you don't live stream but you have a pretty active stream but you have a pretty active stream but you have a pretty active social media presence personally and social media presence personally and social media presence personally and also for your church can you talk a also for your church can you talk a also for your church can you talk a little bit about your philosophy behind little bit about your philosophy behind little bit about your philosophy behind it because you you get a lot of it because you you get a lot of it because you you get a lot of Engagement from the number of followers Engagement from the number of followers Engagement from the number of followers like highly highly engaged followers so like highly highly engaged followers so like highly highly engaged followers so church- wise I mean so much of what church- wise I mean so much of what church- wise I mean so much of what we're doing uh at our church I've gotten we're doing uh at our church I've gotten we're doing uh at our church I've gotten from this podcast I told you I told you from this podcast I told you I told you from this podcast I told you I told you offline like glad this podcast has has offline like glad this podcast has has offline like glad this podcast has has really and I mean this uh I tell this to really and I mean this uh I tell this to really and I mean this uh I tell this to every body and not just to to your face every body and not just to to your face every body and not just to to your face but krie this podcast has impacted me so but krie this podcast has impacted me so but krie this podcast has impacted me so much um I cannot think of of a resource much um I cannot think of of a resource much um I cannot think of of a resource that's helped me more in being a lead that's helped me more in being a lead that's helped me more in being a lead Pastor than the conversations that you Pastor than the conversations that you Pastor than the conversations that you bring to us every week so um thank you bring to us every week so um thank you bring to us every week so um thank you so much and so just the trends that you so much and so just the trends that you so much and so just the trends that you share regularly the the guests that you share regularly the the guests that you share regularly the the guests that you have on um social media is the front have on um social media is the front have on um social media is the front door of your church and so we believe door of your church and so we believe door of your church and so we believe that we've seen the fruit of that we that we've seen the fruit of that we that we've seen the fruit of that we have people who come every week as first have people who come every week as first have people who come every week as first time guests because of something they time guests because of something they time guests because of something they saw online um and so we want to Steward saw online um and so we want to Steward saw online um and so we want to Steward that well um I'm pretty Hands-On with that well um I'm pretty Hands-On with that well um I'm pretty Hands-On with the direction of the Social Media stuff the direction of the Social Media stuff the direction of the Social Media stuff just because I like it well and you did just because I like it well and you did just because I like it well and you did it right like it was a business so to it right like it was a business so to it right like it was a business so to speak I like it and so um but I don't speak I like it and so um but I don't speak I like it and so um but I don't run it so we have a team uh of about run it so we have a team uh of about run it so we have a team uh of about eight people everything from photos eight people everything from photos eight people everything from photos video capturing editing um making video capturing editing um making video capturing editing um making Graphics posting coming up with ideas Graphics posting coming up with ideas Graphics posting coming up with ideas you know we're always looking for you know we're always looking for you know we're always looking for Instagram reels or things that can do

Instagram reels or things that can do Instagram reels or things that can do that are just different than just a a that are just different than just a a that are just different than just a a sermon clip or a um or a photo you know sermon clip or a um or a photo you know sermon clip or a um or a photo you know we're just trying to find something we're just trying to find something we're just trying to find something going back to that Community idea we're going back to that Community idea we're going back to that Community idea we're trying to find something that when trying to find something that when trying to find something that when people see it they're like I want to be people see it they're like I want to be people see it they're like I want to be a part of that group of people that's a part of that group of people that's a part of that group of people that's that's the kind of yeah you really do on that's the kind of yeah you really do on that's the kind of yeah you really do on your on your account it feels like you your on your account it feels like you your on your account it feels like you focus on focus on focus on ideas um teaching points and then on the ideas um teaching points and then on the ideas um teaching points and then on the way Church account you focus on way Church account you focus on way Church account you focus on community it's a lot of it's like Seth community it's a lot of it's like Seth community it's a lot of it's like Seth Golden's definition of culture People Golden's definition of culture People Golden's definition of culture People Like Us do things like this right I like Like Us do things like this right I like Like Us do things like this right I like that which is when you look at the Way that which is when you look at the Way that which is when you look at the Way Church account it's kind of like oh Church account it's kind of like oh Church account it's kind of like oh people like us do things like this yeah people like us do things like this yeah people like us do things like this yeah yeah yeah yeah um are you on Tik Tok or just Instagram um are you on Tik Tok or just Instagram um are you on Tik Tok or just Instagram uh yes I am you are I need to be more uh yes I am you are I need to be more uh yes I am you are I need to be more exactly which was my exactly which was my exactly which was my question same yeah um where are you question same yeah um where are you question same yeah um where are you getting the most traction on social getting the most traction on social getting the most traction on social Instagram for sure um which is Instagram for sure um which is Instagram for sure um which is interesting because say people say sorry interesting because say people say sorry interesting because say people say sorry to interrupt no Instagram is Millennial to interrupt no Instagram is Millennial to interrupt no Instagram is Millennial platform you're barely a millennial J platform you're barely a millennial J platform you're barely a millennial J Z's on Tik Tok but you're getting a lot Z's on Tik Tok but you're getting a lot Z's on Tik Tok but you're getting a lot of attaction with Jen Z on Instagram of attaction with Jen Z on Instagram of attaction with Jen Z on Instagram yeah I think j z like they spend the yeah I think j z like they spend the yeah I think j z like they spend the most time on Tik Tok but they all have most time on Tik Tok but they all have most time on Tik Tok but they all have Instagram accounts right and so like I Instagram accounts right and so like I Instagram accounts right and so like I have a a brother-in-law who's jiny he's have a a brother-in-law who's jiny he's have a a brother-in-law who's jiny he's he's 23 and um I was just talking to him he's 23 and um I was just talking to him he's 23 and um I was just talking to him about this the other day because I'm about this the other day because I'm about this the other day because I'm trying to learn from him and I was like trying to learn from him and I was like trying to learn from him and I was like what do you spend the most time on he's what do you spend the most time on he's what do you spend the most time on he's like he's like definitely Tik Tok and he like he's like definitely Tik Tok and he like he's like definitely Tik Tok and he showed me his screen time you know and showed me his screen time you know and showed me his screen time you know and and he's like I spend way more time on and he's like I spend way more time on and he's like I spend way more time on Tik Tok but he this is what he said he Tik Tok but he this is what he said he Tik Tok but he this is what he said he said but Instagram is kind of like my

said but Instagram is kind of like my said but Instagram is kind of like my like my like my like my LinkedIn and that made me feel made feel LinkedIn and that made me feel made feel LinkedIn and that made me feel made feel old oh man six years might as well be 60 old oh man six years might as well be 60 old oh man six years might as well be 60 right right well he he said like I don't right right well he he said like I don't right right well he he said like I don't he said I'll post whatever on Tik Tok he said I'll post whatever on Tik Tok he said I'll post whatever on Tik Tok I'll consume whatever on T but on I'll consume whatever on T but on I'll consume whatever on T but on Instagram like I'm really thinking about Instagram like I'm really thinking about Instagram like I'm really thinking about what I'm going to post like that's the what I'm going to post like that's the what I'm going to post like that's the you know the St grown sort of grown up you know the St grown sort of grown up you know the St grown sort of grown up that's my big brother okay so I think that's my big brother okay so I think that's my big brother okay so I think like the content that we're sharing on like the content that we're sharing on like the content that we're sharing on Instagram is is still being consumed by Instagram is is still being consumed by Instagram is is still being consumed by Jin Z but the reason why we're about to Jin Z but the reason why we're about to Jin Z but the reason why we're about to start posting more on Tik Tok is because start posting more on Tik Tok is because start posting more on Tik Tok is because they're spending all their time on Tik they're spending all their time on Tik they're spending all their time on Tik Tok and our church is made up of so many Tok and our church is made up of so many Tok and our church is made up of so many of those people were missing a huge of those people were missing a huge of those people were missing a huge opportunity there I think um but we're opportunity there I think um but we're opportunity there I think um but we're we're also seeing traction from we're also seeing traction from we're also seeing traction from Instagram ads and Facebook ads oh okay Instagram ads and Facebook ads oh okay Instagram ads and Facebook ads oh okay it just brings yeah Facebook ads that's it just brings yeah Facebook ads that's it just brings yeah Facebook ads that's the one thing left on Facebook right the one thing left on Facebook right the one thing left on Facebook right yeah yeah totally right Facebook I mean yeah yeah totally right Facebook I mean yeah yeah totally right Facebook I mean they've got the market on that and they've got the market on that and they've got the market on that and Marketplace yes yes but we've seen um Marketplace yes yes but we've seen um Marketplace yes yes but we've seen um really good traction from that I will really good traction from that I will really good traction from that I will say say say like I think right now there's there's a like I think right now there's there's a like I think right now there's there's a Temptation not for not for for everyone Temptation not for not for for everyone Temptation not for not for for everyone I I definitely felt this when we started I I definitely felt this when we started I I definitely felt this when we started the church it was like oh Facebook ads the church it was like oh Facebook ads the church it was like oh Facebook ads let's just put some money into that let's just put some money into that let's just put some money into that that'll work it works but what works way that'll work it works but what works way that'll work it works but what works way better still is um good culture good better still is um good culture good better still is um good culture good Community Word of Mouth invites you know Community Word of Mouth invites you know Community Word of Mouth invites you know um we found that Facebook ads will um we found that Facebook ads will um we found that Facebook ads will definitely get people in the door if you definitely get people in the door if you definitely get people in the door if you put enough money into it but um what put enough money into it but um what put enough money into it but um what keeps them there are the other things keeps them there are the other things keeps them there are the other things are you on YouTube yes and what kind of

are you on YouTube yes and what kind of are you on YouTube yes and what kind of traction are you seeing there any tips traction are you seeing there any tips traction are you seeing there any tips good YouTube traction I think um you good YouTube traction I think um you good YouTube traction I think um you know for for the size of our church I know for for the size of our church I know for for the size of our church I feel good about it we probably get feel good about it we probably get feel good about it we probably get somewhere between 500 and a th000 views somewhere between 500 and a th000 views somewhere between 500 and a th000 views each week on the sermons yeah so almost each week on the sermons yeah so almost each week on the sermons yeah so almost the same as you're in person somewhere the same as you're in person somewhere the same as you're in person somewhere in that range yeah and I think honestly in that range yeah and I think honestly in that range yeah and I think honestly a lot of those people who are watching a lot of those people who are watching a lot of those people who are watching are are are um uh I think I think that they're not um uh I think I think that they're not um uh I think I think that they're not from Nashville if I'm if I'm honest I from Nashville if I'm if I'm honest I from Nashville if I'm if I'm honest I think they're from other places they're think they're from other places they're think they're from other places they're seeing it on social media or maybe you seeing it on social media or maybe you seeing it on social media or maybe you know some other place um if you were know some other place um if you were know some other place um if you were advising other church leaders on good advising other church leaders on good advising other church leaders on good use of social what's like the one bad use of social what's like the one bad use of social what's like the one bad habit you wish all church leaders would habit you wish all church leaders would habit you wish all church leaders would stop and one thing you wish hey try this stop and one thing you wish hey try this stop and one thing you wish hey try this sample this yeah uh I think we can't use sample this yeah uh I think we can't use sample this yeah uh I think we can't use our social media Pages as our social media Pages as our social media Pages as advertisements doesn't work it shouldn't advertisements doesn't work it shouldn't advertisements doesn't work it shouldn't be a bulletin you know with all your be a bulletin you know with all your be a bulletin you know with all your events and all those things um events and all those things um events and all those things um I I I think now now just to back up but I I I think now now just to back up but I I I think now now just to back up but you say but you actually run Instagram you say but you actually run Instagram you say but you actually run Instagram and Facebook ads so can you explain and Facebook ads so can you explain and Facebook ads so can you explain exactly what's great point so the exactly what's great point so the exactly what's great point so the Facebook and Instagram ads we're Facebook and Instagram ads we're Facebook and Instagram ads we're targeting those to people who don't targeting those to people who don't targeting those to people who don't follow our account so that's to try to follow our account so that's to try to follow our account so that's to try to get people to come to to church you know get people to come to to church you know get people to come to to church you know that's it's going to be a little that's it's going to be a little that's it's going to be a little different we do like collages of photos different we do like collages of photos different we do like collages of photos of community that's that's our go-to of community that's that's our go-to of community that's that's our go-to okay and and there's some information okay and and there's some information okay and and there's some information about like you know I think the text on about like you know I think the text on about like you know I think the text on our current ads say something like find our current ads say something like find our current ads say something like find your people at church and and and then your people at church and and and then your people at church and and and then there's like a little button that says

there's like a little button that says there's like a little button that says visit this Sunday and if they click that visit this Sunday and if they click that visit this Sunday and if they click that it sends them to a page where they can it sends them to a page where they can it sends them to a page where they can kind of tell us they're coming we get a kind of tell us they're coming we get a kind of tell us they're coming we get a little gift for them that kind of a little gift for them that kind of a little gift for them that kind of a thing but that's not your daily organic thing but that's not your daily organic thing but that's not your daily organic feed correct okay correct I just wanted feed correct okay correct I just wanted feed correct okay correct I just wanted to delineate and for for our daily to delineate and for for our daily to delineate and for for our daily organic feed just this is this is all my organic feed just this is this is all my organic feed just this is this is all my secret right here for social media um secret right here for social media um secret right here for social media um this the only strategy we run it's is this the only strategy we run it's is this the only strategy we run it's is this this this helpful if if you can run you know helpful if if you can run you know helpful if if you can run you know through the lens of is this going to through the lens of is this going to through the lens of is this going to promote Community or is this helpful if promote Community or is this helpful if promote Community or is this helpful if you're if you're helpful to people you're if you're helpful to people you're if you're helpful to people they're going to interact with your they're going to interact with your they're going to interact with your content and that's something you do such content and that's something you do such content and that's something you do such a great job of it's like if it if it a great job of it's like if it if it a great job of it's like if it if it adds value to their life even if they adds value to their life even if they adds value to their life even if they don't like my voice even if they don't don't like my voice even if they don't don't like my voice even if they don't like the way I look like if adds value like the way I look like if adds value like the way I look like if adds value to their life they're going to interact to their life they're going to interact to their life they're going to interact with the content and they're going to with the content and they're going to with the content and they're going to eventually you know identify with our eventually you know identify with our eventually you know identify with our mission because they're being helped by mission because they're being helped by mission because they're being helped by it so what is the bi biggest difference it so what is the bi biggest difference it so what is the bi biggest difference in your personal leadership time in your personal leadership time in your personal leadership time management tiet where you want from management tiet where you want from management tiet where you want from launch to 14 months later where you know launch to 14 months later where you know launch to 14 months later where you know if you look at classic church growth if you look at classic church growth if you look at classic church growth barriers 200's the hardest one to Break barriers 200's the hardest one to Break barriers 200's the hardest one to Break 85% of churches never make it most 85% of churches never make it most 85% of churches never make it most Church plants fail you know you've read Church plants fail you know you've read Church plants fail you know you've read the stats you know the data 500's the stats you know the data 500's the stats you know the data 500's another big barrier and you're now another big barrier and you're now another big barrier and you're now closing in on Thousand closing in on Thousand closing in on Thousand barrier what difference has that made in barrier what difference has that made in barrier what difference has that made in your leadership in just over a year what your leadership in just over a year what your leadership in just over a year what are you not doing that you used to do are you not doing that you used to do are you not doing that you used to do what do you have to start doing that you what do you have to start doing that you what do you have to start doing that you didn't do before yeah or take it

didn't do before yeah or take it didn't do before yeah or take it whatever Direction you want um I think whatever Direction you want um I think whatever Direction you want um I think when we started the church uh earlier in when we started the church uh earlier in when we started the church uh earlier in our conversation I told you like I'll our conversation I told you like I'll our conversation I told you like I'll get I'll have like a vision I want to get I'll have like a vision I want to get I'll have like a vision I want to run after it and in the beginning I run after it and in the beginning I run after it and in the beginning I wanted to be a part of all of it you wanted to be a part of all of it you wanted to be a part of all of it you know got to make sure this is what I know got to make sure this is what I know got to make sure this is what I want yeah yeah something that really Set want yeah yeah something that really Set want yeah yeah something that really Set Me Free um I was with a great leader Me Free um I was with a great leader Me Free um I was with a great leader someone I look up to a lot Jonathan Puda someone I look up to a lot Jonathan Puda someone I look up to a lot Jonathan Puda oh yeah JP yeah Legend uh just think the oh yeah JP yeah Legend uh just think the oh yeah JP yeah Legend uh just think the world of him and he was talking from world of him and he was talking from world of him and he was talking from Ephesians 4 on um uh I think it's Ephesians 4 on um uh I think it's Ephesians 4 on um uh I think it's Ephesians 4:12 that says that a Ephesians 4:12 that says that a Ephesians 4:12 that says that a Christian leader that our job is to Christian leader that our job is to Christian leader that our job is to equip the Saints for the work of the equip the Saints for the work of the equip the Saints for the work of the ministry and I was that just set me free ministry and I was that just set me free ministry and I was that just set me free hearing him talk about it and so hearing him talk about it and so hearing him talk about it and so something I'm I'm trying to do I need to something I'm I'm trying to do I need to something I'm I'm trying to do I need to do a much better job of it is equipping do a much better job of it is equipping do a much better job of it is equipping other people to do the work of the other people to do the work of the other people to do the work of the ministry instead of trying to do all the ministry instead of trying to do all the ministry instead of trying to do all the new ministry that's come from growth um new ministry that's come from growth um new ministry that's come from growth um and so I'm trying to get really good at and so I'm trying to get really good at and so I'm trying to get really good at saying no and be excited about saying no saying no and be excited about saying no saying no and be excited about saying no um we talked offline about our executive um we talked offline about our executive um we talked offline about our executive Pastor he's been a massive blessing um Pastor he's been a massive blessing um Pastor he's been a massive blessing um we need to make some hires soon uh and we need to make some hires soon uh and we need to make some hires soon uh and and you shared shared that with me I and you shared shared that with me I and you shared shared that with me I totally agree um yeah tell tell totally agree um yeah tell tell totally agree um yeah tell tell everybody your Staffing paid Staffing at everybody your Staffing paid Staffing at everybody your Staffing paid Staffing at at 700 people on a weekend uh we have at 700 people on a weekend uh we have at 700 people on a weekend uh we have two two two fulltime and we have a part-time um

fulltime and we have a part-time um fulltime and we have a part-time um staff member who's doing a phenomenal staff member who's doing a phenomenal staff member who's doing a phenomenal job as well but um two fulltime two job as well but um two fulltime two job as well but um two fulltime two fulltime that's lean okay that's very fulltime that's lean okay that's very fulltime that's lean okay that's very lean if you were wondering it's lean lean if you were wondering it's lean lean if you were wondering it's lean Noah yeah yeah and and well and it is Noah yeah yeah and and well and it is Noah yeah yeah and and well and it is lean and we're ready um and and it's lean and we're ready um and and it's lean and we're ready um and and it's time but a pro that has come from that time but a pro that has come from that time but a pro that has come from that has been the volunteer culture has had has been the volunteer culture has had has been the volunteer culture has had to be strong to fill in those gaps um to be strong to fill in those gaps um to be strong to fill in those gaps um and that's a it's a testament to the and that's a it's a testament to the and that's a it's a testament to the volunteers that we have at our church volunteers that we have at our church volunteers that we have at our church the way that they serve we have a team the way that they serve we have a team the way that they serve we have a team we call them our coordinator team it's we call them our coordinator team it's we call them our coordinator team it's 10 couples um right now and they really 10 couples um right now and they really 10 couples um right now and they really put in the hours of part-time staff put in the hours of part-time staff put in the hours of part-time staff every week but none of them are paid and every week but none of them are paid and every week but none of them are paid and um they run our church legitimately how um they run our church legitimately how um they run our church legitimately how do you motivate that a lot of people do you motivate that a lot of people do you motivate that a lot of people would be saying I talked to leaders last would be saying I talked to leaders last would be saying I talked to leaders last week who like I just got to pay more week who like I just got to pay more week who like I just got to pay more people yeah I think you're overstaffed people yeah I think you're overstaffed people yeah I think you're overstaffed um you know how how do you motivate um you know how how do you motivate um you know how how do you motivate people to work like parttime people to work like parttime people to work like parttime staff uh without paying them this is a staff uh without paying them this is a staff uh without paying them this is a new revelation like I'm talking in the new revelation like I'm talking in the new revelation like I'm talking in the last couple weeks so I have not done last couple weeks so I have not done last couple weeks so I have not done this as well as I hope to do this in the this as well as I hope to do this in the this as well as I hope to do this in the future but I read an awesome book future but I read an awesome book future but I read an awesome book recently called the culture code and I recently called the culture code and I recently called the culture code and I highly recommend it um I don't know if highly recommend it um I don't know if highly recommend it um I don't know if the guy who wrote it is Christian but the guy who wrote it is Christian but the guy who wrote it is Christian but it's a fascinating read about building it's a fascinating read about building it's a fascinating read about building culture and creating buyin and the whole culture and creating buyin and the whole culture and creating buyin and the whole premise of the book uh we we've all premise of the book uh we we've all premise of the book uh we we've all heard that analogy of like there's two heard that analogy of like there's two heard that analogy of like there's two people in the woods cutting down a tree people in the woods cutting down a tree people in the woods cutting down a tree one guy sharpens his axe for 10 minutes one guy sharpens his axe for 10 minutes one guy sharpens his axe for 10 minutes the other guy starts chopping right away

the other guy starts chopping right away the other guy starts chopping right away the guy who sharpens the axe wins well the guy who sharpens the axe wins well the guy who sharpens the axe wins well this book is all about how if you want this book is all about how if you want this book is all about how if you want to create a great culture and do to create a great culture and do to create a great culture and do something that really matters that you something that really matters that you something that really matters that you should spend your time sharpening the A should spend your time sharpening the A should spend your time sharpening the A and the sharpening the axe is creating and the sharpening the axe is creating and the sharpening the axe is creating connection on your team and so that connection on your team and so that connection on your team and so that coordinator group um that's pouring out coordinator group um that's pouring out coordinator group um that's pouring out so much we meet two times a month that's so much we meet two times a month that's so much we meet two times a month that's it and those two meetings last about an it and those two meetings last about an it and those two meetings last about an hour and a half each P um respectively hour and a half each P um respectively hour and a half each P um respectively and we probably spend over an hour of and we probably spend over an hour of and we probably spend over an hour of that time connecting in about 30 minutes that time connecting in about 30 minutes that time connecting in about 30 minutes talking what needs to get done um at our talking what needs to get done um at our talking what needs to get done um at our last meeting we just went around the last meeting we just went around the last meeting we just went around the room and honored a couple that uh was room and honored a couple that uh was room and honored a couple that uh was stepping out of leadership at our church stepping out of leadership at our church stepping out of leadership at our church and people were in tears honoring this and people were in tears honoring this and people were in tears honoring this couple um I'm getting choked up right couple um I'm getting choked up right couple um I'm getting choked up right now thinking about the moment that we now thinking about the moment that we now thinking about the moment that we share together and you know I had things share together and you know I had things share together and you know I had things that we needed to get to but it was it that we needed to get to but it was it that we needed to get to but it was it was legitimately an hour full of just was legitimately an hour full of just was legitimately an hour full of just honor and love and breaking bread honor and love and breaking bread honor and love and breaking bread together and I think like my together and I think like my together and I think like my misconception has always been I'm gonna misconception has always been I'm gonna misconception has always been I'm gonna inspire people through what needs to inspire people through what needs to inspire people through what needs to happen I'm going to inspire people I'm happen I'm going to inspire people I'm happen I'm going to inspire people I'm going to get them to buy in by my vision going to get them to buy in by my vision going to get them to buy in by my vision and and that has a place for sure but I and and that has a place for sure but I and and that has a place for sure but I think we get people to buy in by think we get people to buy in by think we get people to buy in by relational relational relational equity and when they feel a part of a equity and when they feel a part of a equity and when they feel a part of a group that loves them and that cares group that loves them and that cares group that loves them and that cares they'll pour out for that group you know they'll pour out for that group you know they'll pour out for that group you know and so I'm trying to do a better job of

and so I'm trying to do a better job of and so I'm trying to do a better job of cultivating that I think we've done some cultivating that I think we've done some cultivating that I think we've done some of that on accident and we're going to of that on accident and we're going to of that on accident and we're going to try to do more of it and by intention try to do more of it and by intention try to do more of it and by intention going going going forward what made you because it sounds forward what made you because it sounds forward what made you because it sounds like you launched with that DNA of like you launched with that DNA of like you launched with that DNA of Community First Right Community itself Community First Right Community itself Community First Right Community itself is is is attractional what made you decide that attractional what made you decide that attractional what made you decide that was going to be the DNA of Way Church was going to be the DNA of Way Church was going to be the DNA of Way Church because I think it's remarkable it's not because I think it's remarkable it's not because I think it's remarkable it's not like it's out there in The Ether it's like it's out there in The Ether it's like it's out there in The Ether it's not like everybody's doing it and you're not like everybody's doing it and you're not like everybody's doing it and you're just cop being where where did that come just cop being where where did that come just cop being where where did that come from what motivated it so the two years from what motivated it so the two years from what motivated it so the two years prior to the start of voy church I was a prior to the start of voy church I was a prior to the start of voy church I was a full-time evangelist um we lived in full-time evangelist um we lived in full-time evangelist um we lived in Atlanta Georgia big you know massive Atlanta Georgia big you know massive Atlanta Georgia big you know massive City we had a really bad City we had a really bad City we had a really bad community and um it was it was hard for community and um it was it was hard for community and um it was it was hard for me because I was always gone so I would me because I was always gone so I would me because I was always gone so I would come back I'd miss you know Miss the come back I'd miss you know Miss the come back I'd miss you know Miss the Hangouts I'd miss the birthday parties Hangouts I'd miss the birthday parties Hangouts I'd miss the birthday parties whatever I was preaching all weekend whatever I was preaching all weekend whatever I was preaching all weekend long um it was hard for my wife because long um it was hard for my wife because long um it was hard for my wife because she's getting invited to these married a she's getting invited to these married a she's getting invited to these married a couple Hangouts but she's the only one couple Hangouts but she's the only one couple Hangouts but she's the only one with no spouse by herself yeah on top of with no spouse by herself yeah on top of with no spouse by herself yeah on top of that Atlanta was was just difficult for that Atlanta was was just difficult for that Atlanta was was just difficult for us because everything's so spread out so us because everything's so spread out so us because everything's so spread out so it was hard to navigate you you couldn't it was hard to navigate you you couldn't it was hard to navigate you you couldn't just go hang right but then we went to just go hang right but then we went to just go hang right but then we went to go start the church and we started go start the church and we started go start the church and we started meeting with different pastors and meeting with different pastors and meeting with different pastors and leaders and we had heard um from several leaders and we had heard um from several leaders and we had heard um from several pastors and and and and pastors we love pastors and and and and pastors we love pastors and and and and pastors we love deeply admire and respect say things deeply admire and respect say things deeply admire and respect say things like hey be careful going into Ministry like hey be careful going into Ministry like hey be careful going into Ministry with friends you know um with friends you know um with friends you know um it doesn't end well for most people and it doesn't end well for most people and it doesn't end well for most people and we were like well great we're about to we were like well great we're about to we were like well great we're about to plant a church with some of our best

plant a church with some of our best plant a church with some of our best friends you know Grant cheyen skellon um friends you know Grant cheyen skellon um friends you know Grant cheyen skellon um shout out to them I know they've been on shout out to them I know they've been on shout out to them I know they've been on the podcast they they were the first the podcast they they were the first the podcast they they were the first couple that said hey we're in to help couple that said hey we're in to help couple that said hey we're in to help start Way Church and we're like well start Way Church and we're like well start Way Church and we're like well it's too late for us you know like these it's too late for us you know like these it's too late for us you know like these are some of our we're we're already are some of our we're we're already are some of our we're we're already going you know to Nashville and so it going you know to Nashville and so it going you know to Nashville and so it started with a deep craving and then it started with a deep craving and then it started with a deep craving and then it moved from that to this is the only way moved from that to this is the only way moved from that to this is the only way way we can do it like us personally way we can do it like us personally way we can do it like us personally wired we don't want to just have a great wired we don't want to just have a great wired we don't want to just have a great church that has great Community we want church that has great Community we want church that has great Community we want to have great Community for to have great Community for to have great Community for ourselves how what a shame it would be ourselves how what a shame it would be ourselves how what a shame it would be for us to have a church that thrives on for us to have a church that thrives on for us to have a church that thrives on community and for us as the pastors not community and for us as the pastors not community and for us as the pastors not to have it and so that that's really to have it and so that that's really to have it and so that that's really been the heartbeat it's been like we're been the heartbeat it's been like we're been the heartbeat it's been like we're desperate for it like we want it and so desperate for it like we want it and so desperate for it like we want it and so we want it for you too and um I can we want it for you too and um I can we want it for you too and um I can honestly say right now two years in honestly say right now two years in honestly say right now two years in being in Nashville we've never had being in Nashville we've never had being in Nashville we've never had better friends we've never had closer better friends we've never had closer better friends we've never had closer Community um we're doing Ministry with Community um we're doing Ministry with Community um we're doing Ministry with our best friends and there's been hard our best friends and there's been hard our best friends and there's been hard moments there will definitely be more moments there will definitely be more moments there will definitely be more but it's been worth it so on that note but it's been worth it so on that note but it's been worth it so on that note uh I'm sure there have been a few hard uh I'm sure there have been a few hard uh I'm sure there have been a few hard moments there will probably be more and moments there will probably be more and moments there will probably be more and disagreement happens somebody ends up disagreement happens somebody ends up disagreement happens somebody ends up with a very different Vision I don't with a very different Vision I don't with a very different Vision I don't know too many pastors who haven't had know too many pastors who haven't had know too many pastors who haven't had what they would consider to be a what they would consider to be a what they would consider to be a betrayal of some kind or a dissolution betrayal of some kind or a dissolution betrayal of some kind or a dissolution of a close friendship of a close friendship of a close friendship what are you doing to prepare yourself what are you doing to prepare yourself what are you doing to prepare yourself for that moment oh man um or are you in the this

moment oh man um or are you in the this isn't gonna happen to us no no I I have isn't gonna happen to us no no I I have isn't gonna happen to us no no I I have a I have a mentor he's on our board and a I have a mentor he's on our board and a I have a mentor he's on our board and I've talked to him about this a lot I've talked to him about this a lot I've talked to him about this a lot because he has had some some pretty because he has had some some pretty because he has had some some pretty serious betrayals and it's like it's serious betrayals and it's like it's serious betrayals and it's like it's it's so hard because I I almost think if it's so hard because I I almost think if it's so hard because I I almost think if I give too much thought to it in my mind I give too much thought to it in my mind I give too much thought to it in my mind it becomes an unne necessary anxiety in it becomes an unne necessary anxiety in it becomes an unne necessary anxiety in my in my life yeah that's fair but at my in my life yeah that's fair but at my in my life yeah that's fair but at the same time I don't want to be the same time I don't want to be the same time I don't want to be unprepared and just oblivious and unprepared and just oblivious and unprepared and just oblivious and because because it is going like it's because because it is going like it's because because it is going like it's human it's it's human nature I'm gonna human it's it's human nature I'm gonna human it's it's human nature I'm gonna upset so many people on this journey so upset so many people on this journey so upset so many people on this journey so many people are going to be upset um many people are going to be upset um many people are going to be upset um with me I'm going to be upset with them with me I'm going to be upset with them with me I'm going to be upset with them and so and so and so um something that this person said on um something that this person said on um something that this person said on the other side that has has been um kind the other side that has has been um kind the other side that has has been um kind of my North Star when it comes to this of my North Star when it comes to this of my North Star when it comes to this thought is he said when it happens bless thought is he said when it happens bless thought is he said when it happens bless them as they go yeah and um he was like them as they go yeah and um he was like them as they go yeah and um he was like it's easier said than done but if you it's easier said than done but if you it's easier said than done but if you can just bless them as they come bless can just bless them as they come bless can just bless them as they come bless them as they as they go realize that them as they as they go realize that them as they as they go realize that every person that God gives you the every person that God gives you the every person that God gives you the blessing of blessing of blessing of pastoring that you're doing it with an pastoring that you're doing it with an pastoring that you're doing it with an open hand they're not yours they're not open hand they're not yours they're not open hand they're not yours they're not way churches they might say that they're way churches they might say that they're way churches they might say that they're going to be with you for 50 years and going to be with you for 50 years and going to be with you for 50 years and build the church and then they might build the church and then they might build the church and then they might leave a week from now if you can just leave a week from now if you can just leave a week from now if you can just see that they're not yours they're the see that they're not yours they're the see that they're not yours they're the Lord's and that you get to Pastor them Lord's and that you get to Pastor them Lord's and that you get to Pastor them for a temporary season whatever that for a temporary season whatever that for a temporary season whatever that looks like it will be so much easier if looks like it will be so much easier if looks like it will be so much easier if they leave if you start from that they leave if you start from that they leave if you start from that mindset and so we've had people leave

mindset and so we've had people leave mindset and so we've had people leave already and um it's hard because I'm a already and um it's hard because I'm a already and um it's hard because I'm a people pleaser and I want everyone to people pleaser and I want everyone to people pleaser and I want everyone to stay you know but um we've had so many stay you know but um we've had so many stay you know but um we've had so many other people come and it it's it's just other people come and it it's it's just other people come and it it's it's just stuck with me that like um I don't want stuck with me that like um I don't want stuck with me that like um I don't want to be the to be the to be the reason if someone does have a problem reason if someone does have a problem reason if someone does have a problem with Maddie and myself our church I with Maddie and myself our church I with Maddie and myself our church I don't want it to be because I gave them don't want it to be because I gave them don't want it to be because I gave them an extra reason to yeah and so um I'm an extra reason to yeah and so um I'm an extra reason to yeah and so um I'm going to try to to bless them as they go going to try to to bless them as they go going to try to to bless them as they go um and you know we may talk five years um and you know we may talk five years um and you know we may talk five years from now and be like man forget what I from now and be like man forget what I from now and be like man forget what I said on that episode exactly can you said on that episode exactly can you said on that episode exactly can you just go back and cut that part of the just go back and cut that part of the just go back and cut that part of the podcast out yeah um hardest day so far podcast out yeah um hardest day so far podcast out yeah um hardest day so far oh yeah in church oh yeah in church oh yeah in church planting um so we uh we meet in this planting um so we uh we meet in this planting um so we uh we meet in this awesome uh old church building and um awesome uh old church building and um awesome uh old church building and um what do it seat 200 it seats 210 in the what do it seat 200 it seats 210 in the what do it seat 200 it seats 210 in the sanctuary we can cram 85 in overflow and sanctuary we can cram 85 in overflow and sanctuary we can cram 85 in overflow and and we do pretty regularly and don't and we do pretty regularly and don't and we do pretty regularly and don't send the Fire Marshall around yeah um so send the Fire Marshall around yeah um so send the Fire Marshall around yeah um so over the summer it was this past summer over the summer it was this past summer over the summer it was this past summer we were we We Grew From Last fall we we were we We Grew From Last fall we we were we We Grew From Last fall we were running about 270 people a Sunday were running about 270 people a Sunday were running about 270 people a Sunday we we went up to about 350 at the start we we went up to about 350 at the start we we went up to about 350 at the start of the new year and just it kind of felt of the new year and just it kind of felt of the new year and just it kind of felt like oh everyone's back at church at the like oh everyone's back at church at the like oh everyone's back at church at the beginning of the new year but from beginning of the new year but from beginning of the new year but from January to August we doubled in size I January to August we doubled in size I January to August we doubled in size I mean it was it was crazy we we added a mean it was it was crazy we we added a mean it was it was crazy we we added a service literally more people every week service literally more people every week service literally more people every week every week we added a service

every week we added a service every week we added a service immediately filled that service um and immediately filled that service um and immediately filled that service um and it was it was at the height of that it was it was at the height of that it was it was at the height of that growth uh about August timeline we came growth uh about August timeline we came growth uh about August timeline we came in one Sunday and the AC was not working in one Sunday and the AC was not working in one Sunday and the AC was not working 100 degrees no AC we our team I was so 100 degrees no AC we our team I was so 100 degrees no AC we our team I was so proud of him we pivoted got industrial proud of him we pivoted got industrial proud of him we pivoted got industrial fans one of the guys on our team's uh fans one of the guys on our team's uh fans one of the guys on our team's uh construction guy he went and got construction guy he went and got construction guy he went and got portable AC units from his construction portable AC units from his construction portable AC units from his construction site we installed them I mean it was site we installed them I mean it was site we installed them I mean it was Mountaintop moment got home I was like Mountaintop moment got home I was like Mountaintop moment got home I was like cannot believe that happened next week cannot believe that happened next week cannot believe that happened next week it went out it went out it went out again we didn't have access to those again we didn't have access to those again we didn't have access to those portable AC units it was brutal we we portable AC units it was brutal we we portable AC units it was brutal we we had too many it was the first time we had too many it was the first time we had too many it was the first time we ever had to turn people away in a ever had to turn people away in a ever had to turn people away in a service because we had so many people it service because we had so many people it service because we had so many people it was it we broke an attendance record on was it we broke an attendance record on was it we broke an attendance record on the same Sunday that we did not have AC the same Sunday that we did not have AC the same Sunday that we did not have AC people were drenched in people were drenched in people were drenched in sweat and it would have been a day that sweat and it would have been a day that sweat and it would have been a day that I would have celebrated greatly because I would have celebrated greatly because I would have celebrated greatly because we broke an attendance record you know I we broke an attendance record you know I we broke an attendance record you know I felt like a lot of the service went felt like a lot of the service went felt like a lot of the service went really well but all I could think about really well but all I could think about really well but all I could think about was all those firsttime people who were was all those firsttime people who were was all those firsttime people who were never going to come back because it was never going to come back because it was never going to come back because it was literally 88 degrees in the sanctuary literally 88 degrees in the sanctuary literally 88 degrees in the sanctuary and on top of that like I was stressed and on top of that like I was stressed and on top of that like I was stressed out because I thought how in the world out because I thought how in the world out because I thought how in the world could this happen twice could this happen twice could this happen twice uh back toback weeks I thought kind of uh back toback weeks I thought kind of uh back toback weeks I thought kind of resentful you have those thoughts in resentful you have those thoughts in resentful you have those thoughts in your head like did did we not solve this your head like did did we not solve this your head like did did we not solve this to people absolutely yeah and and so I to people absolutely yeah and and so I to people absolutely yeah and and so I was you know looking back I think I I

was you know looking back I think I I was you know looking back I think I I had the I definitely had the wrong heart had the I definitely had the wrong heart had the I definitely had the wrong heart posture I probably was rude you know in posture I probably was rude you know in posture I probably was rude you know in in dealing in dealing with um uh the the in dealing in dealing with um uh the the in dealing in dealing with um uh the the the situation and um it was just a the situation and um it was just a the situation and um it was just a really hard day for me where I went home really hard day for me where I went home really hard day for me where I went home and and honestly had to deal with my own and and honestly had to deal with my own and and honestly had to deal with my own Pride and just realizing like so much of Pride and just realizing like so much of Pride and just realizing like so much of my let down was built around pride and my let down was built around pride and my let down was built around pride and me wanting these first time people to be me wanting these first time people to be me wanting these first time people to be impressed with our impressed with our impressed with our operation versus like genuinely wanting operation versus like genuinely wanting operation versus like genuinely wanting them to encounter the Lord that day I I them to encounter the Lord that day I I them to encounter the Lord that day I I just realized like I I had a lot of just realized like I I had a lot of just realized like I I had a lot of pride in that moment but it was a it was pride in that moment but it was a it was pride in that moment but it was a it was a low moment for me because a low moment for me because a low moment for me because um um um of the bad experience in my mind that of the bad experience in my mind that of the bad experience in my mind that those people had the pride but then um those people had the pride but then um those people had the pride but then um on top of that I just I just realized on top of that I just I just realized on top of that I just I just realized like I was kind of starting to buy into like I was kind of starting to buy into like I was kind of starting to buy into like the church growth that we were like the church growth that we were like the church growth that we were seeing and like man I really want this seeing and like man I really want this seeing and like man I really want this to keep going kind of a thing and it to keep going kind of a thing and it to keep going kind of a thing and it wasn't like healthy and so I I had a lot wasn't like healthy and so I I had a lot wasn't like healthy and so I I had a lot of shame I had to process after that of shame I had to process after that of shame I had to process after that week of like this is what I said I week of like this is what I said I week of like this is what I said I didn't want you know this is what I I didn't want you know this is what I I didn't want you know this is what I I don't want to be I don't want my don't want to be I don't want my don't want to be I don't want my emotions to be so tied to our our emotions to be so tied to our our emotions to be so tied to our our attendance and to be so tied to the attendance and to be so tied to the attendance and to be so tied to the experience like it matters we should experience like it matters we should experience like it matters we should measure it hard yeah it's really hard measure it hard yeah it's really hard measure it hard yeah it's really hard hard it's still hard yeah H can hard it's still hard yeah H can hard it's still hard yeah H can empathize with that what um sometimes I empathize with that what um sometimes I empathize with that what um sometimes I talk to church leaders you know they talk to church leaders you know they talk to church leaders you know they they either don't have momentum or they they either don't have momentum or they they either don't have momentum or they they're in a historic building and I they're in a historic building and I they're in a historic building and I always think and and this was the latest

always think and and this was the latest always think and and this was the latest affirmation I've seen this around the affirmation I've seen this around the affirmation I've seen this around the world but you know I would say your your world but you know I would say your your world but you know I would say your your facility is nice but not optimal is that facility is nice but not optimal is that facility is nice but not optimal is that fair yeah yeah you've retrofitted that fair yeah yeah you've retrofitted that fair yeah yeah you've retrofitted that thing the parking is funny funny thing the parking is funny funny thing the parking is funny funny level like you must be really nice to level like you must be really nice to level like you must be really nice to your neighbors people are parked like your neighbors people are parked like your neighbors people are parked like five blocks down the road I know to to five blocks down the road I know to to five blocks down the road I know to to try to get in and around the corner and try to get in and around the corner and try to get in and around the corner and like it's it's it's insane and you don't like it's it's it's insane and you don't like it's it's it's insane and you don't have parking what do you what do you have parking what do you what do you have parking what do you what do you have space for you have 72 parking spots have space for you have 72 parking spots have space for you have 72 parking spots and they're gone there must be another and they're gone there must be another and they're gone there must be another 150 cars on the road easy our our team 150 cars on the road easy our our team 150 cars on the road easy our our team parks at a Title Max down the street and parks at a Title Max down the street and parks at a Title Max down the street and then um some of them park at Burger King then um some of them park at Burger King then um some of them park at Burger King across the street right right with the across the street right right with the across the street right right with the permission of Burger King and Title Max permission of Burger King and Title Max permission of Burger King and Title Max we we bribe Burger King oh good we we bribe Burger King oh good we we bribe Burger King oh good breakfast it's like all right all right breakfast it's like all right all right breakfast it's like all right all right well you know what are you what are you well you know what are you what are you well you know what are you what are you what are you learning about facilities what are you learning about facilities what are you learning about facilities momentum and growth because the the the momentum and growth because the the the momentum and growth because the the the other part of the question I was going other part of the question I was going other part of the question I was going to say is a lot of people are like well to say is a lot of people are like well to say is a lot of people are like well we just have to get some new stage we just have to get some new stage we just have to get some new stage lights and it'll be great or maybe we lights and it'll be great or maybe we lights and it'll be great or maybe we need new microphones or uh and I think need new microphones or uh and I think need new microphones or uh and I think those things do matter but when you see those things do matter but when you see those things do matter but when you see momentum it's almost like when a Revival momentum it's almost like when a Revival momentum it's almost like when a Revival breaks out it doesn't really matter breaks out it doesn't really matter breaks out it doesn't really matter where it's happening um people are going where it's happening um people are going where it's happening um people are going to squeeze in to to wherever they are to squeeze in to to wherever they are to squeeze in to to wherever they are what are you learning about facilities what are you learning about facilities what are you learning about facilities and your you know maybe by the time this and your you know maybe by the time this and your you know maybe by the time this airs you've moved I agree with that airs you've moved I agree with that airs you've moved I agree with that completely I I think um it does matter completely I I think um it does matter completely I I think um it does matter and and like we want we want the best and and like we want we want the best and and like we want we want the best facility possible you know we want we if

facility possible you know we want we if facility possible you know we want we if it's in the budget and it makes sense it's in the budget and it makes sense it's in the budget and it makes sense for us as stewards of the resources that for us as stewards of the resources that for us as stewards of the resources that people are are giving to our church to people are are giving to our church to people are are giving to our church to have better equipment we'll do that too have better equipment we'll do that too have better equipment we'll do that too um but something that I I believe that I um but something that I I believe that I um but something that I I believe that I don't think is true is that that would don't think is true is that that would don't think is true is that that would keep people from us I I think that you keep people from us I I think that you keep people from us I I think that you you could have our facility right now you could have our facility right now you could have our facility right now you've been there but just so people you've been there but just so people you've been there but just so people listening know you come in from the back listening know you come in from the back listening know you come in from the back parking lot so you come in the back door parking lot so you come in the back door parking lot so you come in the back door of the church because the front door is of the church because the front door is of the church because the front door is on a busy road and we don't want kids on a busy road and we don't want kids on a busy road and we don't want kids having to walk by that busy road so you having to walk by that busy road so you having to walk by that busy road so you walk up a hill into a old gravel lot walk up a hill into a old gravel lot walk up a hill into a old gravel lot that's about 80 years old you walk into that's about 80 years old you walk into that's about 80 years old you walk into a 80-year-old building that we're so a 80-year-old building that we're so a 80-year-old building that we're so thankful for you go up a set of stairs thankful for you go up a set of stairs thankful for you go up a set of stairs inside to inside the building and then inside to inside the building and then inside to inside the building and then you go right back you go right back you go right back outside down a set stairs and around um outside down a set stairs and around um outside down a set stairs and around um we have no Lobby so during the winter we have no Lobby so during the winter we have no Lobby so during the winter it's about to be freezing outside and it's about to be freezing outside and it's about to be freezing outside and people we bought space heaters we put people we bought space heaters we put people we bought space heaters we put them outside them outside them outside um people will go where there's um people will go where there's um people will go where there's something worth going something worth going something worth going to and if the presence of God is there to and if the presence of God is there to and if the presence of God is there it's worth going to if there's Community it's worth going to if there's Community it's worth going to if there's Community for them and their family it's worth for them and their family it's worth for them and their family it's worth going to I think also we're in a time going to I think also we're in a time going to I think also we're in a time where people are just not as drawn to where people are just not as drawn to where people are just not as drawn to the show the show helps like well if you the show the show helps like well if you the show the show helps like well if you had terrible music exactly and you don't

had terrible music exactly and you don't had terrible music exactly and you don't but I mean this is Nashville there's but I mean this is Nashville there's but I mean this is Nashville there's always there's always better musicians always there's always better musicians always there's always better musicians down the road totally and no no slam on down the road totally and no no slam on down the road totally and no no slam on your musicians they were great but I your musicians they were great but I your musicians they were great but I mean you can go to a 100 churches in mean you can go to a 100 churches in mean you can go to a 100 churches in town that have top tier musicians poor town that have top tier musicians poor town that have top tier musicians poor musicians everywhere um I I think it's musicians everywhere um I I think it's musicians everywhere um I I think it's like leaning into what your superpower like leaning into what your superpower like leaning into what your superpower is um and I think as a church plant is um and I think as a church plant is um and I think as a church plant there's not a ton of superpowers when there's not a ton of superpowers when there's not a ton of superpowers when you start yeah so what we asked was like you start yeah so what we asked was like you start yeah so what we asked was like what is it that we can offer that we can what is it that we can offer that we can what is it that we can offer that we can just fully lean into and for us that was just fully lean into and for us that was just fully lean into and for us that was a community piece but then it was just a community piece but then it was just a community piece but then it was just like genuiness like genuiness like genuiness hey we're new the we just missed the mic hey we're new the we just missed the mic hey we're new the we just missed the mic Q sorry about that yeah like I'll just Q sorry about that yeah like I'll just Q sorry about that yeah like I'll just address it I mean yesterday during the address it I mean yesterday during the address it I mean yesterday during the third service my mic the our audio guy third service my mic the our audio guy third service my mic the our audio guy who's amazing um he accidentally hit a who's amazing um he accidentally hit a who's amazing um he accidentally hit a button he like slipped hit a button button he like slipped hit a button button he like slipped hit a button muted you out my mic it sounded like I muted you out my mic it sounded like I muted you out my mic it sounded like I was Darth Vader for for like 15 seconds was Darth Vader for for like 15 seconds was Darth Vader for for like 15 seconds in a super important part of the in a super important part of the in a super important part of the sermon and I just like took a step back sermon and I just like took a step back sermon and I just like took a step back and I looked up and I was like God and and I looked up and I was like God and and I looked up and I was like God and and I just kind of went like that and and I just kind of went like that and and I just kind of went like that and everyone thought it was so funny and I everyone thought it was so funny and I everyone thought it was so funny and I just said hey we're a church plant just said hey we're a church plant just said hey we're a church plant thanks for being here today and everyone thanks for being here today and everyone thanks for being here today and everyone laughed again and we just kept going you laughed again and we just kept going you laughed again and we just kept going you know and I think like um people just know and I think like um people just know and I think like um people just want something that feels genuine feels want something that feels genuine feels want something that feels genuine feels real and you can do that in any space real and you can do that in any space real and you can do that in any space with any budget um God's presence is is

with any budget um God's presence is is with any budget um God's presence is is the main the main the main thing you you have a lot of Joy a lot of thing you you have a lot of Joy a lot of thing you you have a lot of Joy a lot of energy you just came off a really big energy you just came off a really big energy you just came off a really big weekend we're filming this on a Monday weekend we're filming this on a Monday weekend we're filming this on a Monday and after preaching three services a lot and after preaching three services a lot and after preaching three services a lot of pastors would be like yeah I'm out of pastors would be like yeah I'm out of pastors would be like yeah I'm out I'm out I'm out I'm out um what are you learning about personal um what are you learning about personal um what are you learning about personal stores personal reserves rhythms during stores personal reserves rhythms during stores personal reserves rhythms during a period of growth I think there's a period of growth I think there's a period of growth I think there's always a honeymoon period momentum always a honeymoon period momentum always a honeymoon period momentum brings its own energy but as you look brings its own energy but as you look brings its own energy but as you look down the road what how are you planning down the road what how are you planning down the road what how are you planning to be in this joyful healthy most days to be in this joyful healthy most days to be in this joyful healthy most days in the Long Haul what are some in the Long Haul what are some in the Long Haul what are some disciplines and rhythms that you're disciplines and rhythms that you're disciplines and rhythms that you're embracing um I have three main rhythms embracing um I have three main rhythms embracing um I have three main rhythms that if I can just have these three that if I can just have these three that if I can just have these three things my week is great like I feel things my week is great like I feel things my week is great like I feel healthy is what I mean by great um so healthy is what I mean by great um so healthy is what I mean by great um so the first one is my quiet time it's the first one is my quiet time it's the first one is my quiet time it's non-negotiable um I spend about 30 non-negotiable um I spend about 30 non-negotiable um I spend about 30 minutes every morning just in the word minutes every morning just in the word minutes every morning just in the word and that's that's my time and um most of and that's that's my time and um most of and that's that's my time and um most of the time that's the first thing I do I the time that's the first thing I do I the time that's the first thing I do I just operate better if it's first and so just operate better if it's first and so just operate better if it's first and so um I get up really I'm a I'm a morning um I get up really I'm a I'm a morning um I get up really I'm a I'm a morning person um so I get up about 5 o'clock I person um so I get up about 5 o'clock I person um so I get up about 5 o'clock I spend 30 minutes in the word and that uh spend 30 minutes in the word and that uh spend 30 minutes in the word and that uh just on the days that I don't do that just on the days that I don't do that just on the days that I don't do that which are very rare everything's off which are very rare everything's off which are very rare everything's off like I don't know how to describe it so like I don't know how to describe it so like I don't know how to describe it so that's that's the first one um the that's that's the first one um the that's that's the first one um the second one's actually physical uh so I second one's actually physical uh so I second one's actually physical uh so I gained some weight the first gained some weight the first gained some weight the first um three four months of the church plan um three four months of the church plan um three four months of the church plan okay I was stressed I was overeating uh okay I was stressed I was overeating uh okay I was stressed I was overeating uh the weights hit me spiritually and the weights hit me spiritually and the weights hit me spiritually and physically and um that's honest and so

physically and um that's honest and so physically and um that's honest and so uh January of this year I was like I got uh January of this year I was like I got uh January of this year I was like I got to find something that that challenges to find something that that challenges to find something that that challenges me physically and so I got into running me physically and so I got into running me physically and so I got into running and cycling Endurance Sports and um and cycling Endurance Sports and um and cycling Endurance Sports and um right now right now right now uh this is isolating our our audience to uh this is isolating our our audience to uh this is isolating our our audience to only people who are nerds about only people who are nerds about only people who are nerds about Endurance Sports but I know you cycle so Endurance Sports but I know you cycle so Endurance Sports but I know you cycle so um yeah I've just fallen in love with it um yeah I've just fallen in love with it um yeah I've just fallen in love with it so I run about 30 miles a week and then so I run about 30 miles a week and then so I run about 30 miles a week and then uh when it's warm I cycle about 30 miles uh when it's warm I cycle about 30 miles uh when it's warm I cycle about 30 miles a week and so um that's been so like a week and so um that's been so like a week and so um that's been so like physically great but honestly mentally physically great but honestly mentally physically great but honestly mentally and spiritually great as well I I cycle and spiritually great as well I I cycle and spiritually great as well I I cycle sometimes just to get a break like sometimes just to get a break like sometimes just to get a break like you're putting out but your mind you're putting out but your mind you're putting out but your mind particularly I live in the middle of particularly I live in the middle of particularly I live in the middle of nowhere so if I see five cars it's a nowhere so if I see five cars it's a nowhere so if I see five cars it's a busy day yeah um it's great it's just so busy day yeah um it's great it's just so busy day yeah um it's great it's just so good for my mind do you think I think it good for my mind do you think I think it good for my mind do you think I think it I it might have been on this podcast I it might have been on this podcast I it might have been on this podcast that John Mark comr said if you work that John Mark comr said if you work that John Mark comr said if you work with your hands Sabbath with your mind with your hands Sabbath with your mind with your hands Sabbath with your mind he did yeah and if you work with your he did yeah and if you work with your he did yeah and if you work with your mind Sabbath with your hands I think mind Sabbath with your hands I think mind Sabbath with your hands I think there is something I think well you know there is something I think well you know there is something I think well you know it's John Mark so yes he's probably it's John Mark so yes he's probably it's John Mark so yes he's probably right um he is brilliant yeah if I look right um he is brilliant yeah if I look right um he is brilliant yeah if I look at it like I'm kind of obsessed about my at it like I'm kind of obsessed about my at it like I'm kind of obsessed about my yard but I think part of that is you yard but I think part of that is you yard but I think part of that is you know when when when are you done in know when when when are you done in know when when when are you done in leadership like when is wayy church done leadership like when is wayy church done leadership like when is wayy church done when is your message done I know it's when is your message done I know it's when is your message done I know it's finished but is it done because you had finished but is it done because you had finished but is it done because you had another idea Saturday at lunch right or another idea Saturday at lunch right or another idea Saturday at lunch right or you know Monday you're like oh I could you know Monday you're like oh I could you know Monday you're like oh I could have done this or whatever so leadership have done this or whatever so leadership have done this or whatever so leadership is never done but the nice thing about is never done but the nice thing about is never done but the nice thing about the yard is when it's cut it's cut it's

the yard is when it's cut it's cut it's the yard is when it's cut it's cut it's like doesn't need to be done for a while like doesn't need to be done for a while like doesn't need to be done for a while uh you know when when everything's in uh you know when when everything's in uh you know when when everything's in order I love washing my car I was order I love washing my car I was order I love washing my car I was washing it yesterday before church and washing it yesterday before church and washing it yesterday before church and it's like look at how clean that is it's it's like look at how clean that is it's it's like look at how clean that is it's so great nothing else has ever clean you so great nothing else has ever clean you so great nothing else has ever clean you know and it just I think you know other know and it just I think you know other know and it just I think you know other people there into Woodworking and people there into Woodworking and people there into Woodworking and everything but I think that physical everything but I think that physical everything but I think that physical Cadence and it was nii who said there's Cadence and it was nii who said there's Cadence and it was nii who said there's no thinking without walking and there's no thinking without walking and there's no thinking without walking and there's something about the kinetic movement of something about the kinetic movement of something about the kinetic movement of the body that actually produces better the body that actually produces better the body that actually produces better ideas so I'm I'm I'm there I believe it ideas so I'm I'm I'm there I believe it ideas so I'm I'm I'm there I believe it it's been a game changer for me it's been a game changer for me it's been a game changer for me sometimes I'll just my my normal rhythm sometimes I'll just my my normal rhythm sometimes I'll just my my normal rhythm is quiet time run and then I'm I'm is quiet time run and then I'm I'm is quiet time run and then I'm I'm normally back by 6:30 7 and my kids wake normally back by 6:30 7 and my kids wake normally back by 6:30 7 and my kids wake up shortly after that so it's a perfect up shortly after that so it's a perfect up shortly after that so it's a perfect Rhythm for me CU I love being home when Rhythm for me CU I love being home when Rhythm for me CU I love being home when the kids wake up and when they go to bed the kids wake up and when they go to bed the kids wake up and when they go to bed um but uh oftentimes I'll go for an um but uh oftentimes I'll go for an um but uh oftentimes I'll go for an extra run in the afternoon like if I'm extra run in the afternoon like if I'm extra run in the afternoon like if I'm struggling with a sermon idea or or just struggling with a sermon idea or or just struggling with a sermon idea or or just a problem with the church I'll just go a problem with the church I'll just go a problem with the church I'll just go for a short easy run and just hyper for a short easy run and just hyper for a short easy run and just hyper fixate on that that thing like 20 fixate on that that thing like 20 fixate on that that thing like 20 minutes or so yeah 20 minutes maybe even minutes or so yeah 20 minutes maybe even minutes or so yeah 20 minutes maybe even 15 just to get back outside um and 15 just to get back outside um and 15 just to get back outside um and that's been really so so the quiet time that's been really so so the quiet time that's been really so so the quiet time first Rhythm second is running cycling first Rhythm second is running cycling first Rhythm second is running cycling the third Rhythm has been actually the third Rhythm has been actually the third Rhythm has been actually practicing a practicing a practicing a Sabbath and in a planting season so Sabbath and in a planting season so Sabbath and in a planting season so let's break it down what day Friday let's break it down what day Friday let's break it down what day Friday Friday Friday's your Sabbath Sabbath so Friday Friday's your Sabbath Sabbath so Friday Friday's your Sabbath Sabbath so my wife um she's not paid by our church my wife um she's not paid by our church my wife um she's not paid by our church her full-time job is she works with Arc her full-time job is she works with Arc her full-time job is she works with Arc the church planning organization huge

the church planning organization huge the church planning organization huge blessing um we went through the ark blessing um we went through the ark blessing um we went through the ark training process learned so much uh Ark training process learned so much uh Ark training process learned so much uh Ark was like man you know we like Noah we was like man you know we like Noah we was like man you know we like Noah we love Maddie let's offer her a love Maddie let's offer her a love Maddie let's offer her a job like Noah love Maddie yeah and so job like Noah love Maddie yeah and so job like Noah love Maddie yeah and so that's most people when they meet us but that's most people when they meet us but that's most people when they meet us but um so they offered her a job she jumped um so they offered her a job she jumped um so they offered her a job she jumped at the chance to help Church planners at the chance to help Church planners at the chance to help Church planners she's been doing that now for two years she's been doing that now for two years she's been doing that now for two years and um so her off day is Friday because and um so her off day is Friday because and um so her off day is Friday because their most of their office is off on their most of their office is off on their most of their office is off on Fridays and so it works out really great Fridays and so it works out really great Fridays and so it works out really great uh because I can't take Mondays off my uh because I can't take Mondays off my uh because I can't take Mondays off my my brain is just all always thinking my brain is just all always thinking my brain is just all always thinking about what happened I'm on that yeah I about what happened I'm on that yeah I about what happened I'm on that yeah I would just sit there and ruminate for a would just sit there and ruminate for a would just sit there and ruminate for a day so mine was Friday or Saturday day so mine was Friday or Saturday day so mine was Friday or Saturday Friday just feels right and and it gives Friday just feels right and and it gives Friday just feels right and and it gives me that time Saturday to still tweak my me that time Saturday to still tweak my me that time Saturday to still tweak my message and stuff like that but so message and stuff like that but so message and stuff like that but so Fridays um I I actually again going back Fridays um I I actually again going back Fridays um I I actually again going back to John Mark comr um based our Sabbath to John Mark comr um based our Sabbath to John Mark comr um based our Sabbath around a lot of what he wrote about in around a lot of what he wrote about in around a lot of what he wrote about in the ruthless elimination of hurry and the ruthless elimination of hurry and the ruthless elimination of hurry and some of his other teachings and so our some of his other teachings and so our some of his other teachings and so our our rules for Sabbath are it's either our rules for Sabbath are it's either our rules for Sabbath are it's either got to be worship or Delight got to be worship or Delight got to be worship or Delight and that's it if it fits in one of those and that's it if it fits in one of those and that's it if it fits in one of those two categories so practically what it two categories so practically what it two categories so practically what it looks like is most Fridays I I go run looks like is most Fridays I I go run looks like is most Fridays I I go run with friends we have a way run Club um with friends we have a way run Club um with friends we have a way run Club um on Friday mornings and so I go for a run on Friday mornings and so I go for a run on Friday mornings and so I go for a run I pick up uh coffee on the way home from I pick up uh coffee on the way home from I pick up uh coffee on the way home from our favorite coffee shop every every our favorite coffee shop every every our favorite coffee shop every every single Friday and then um the kids get single Friday and then um the kids get single Friday and then um the kids get up and we do some sort of Family Day on up and we do some sort of Family Day on up and we do some sort of Family Day on Fridays so my kids are really little

Fridays so my kids are really little Fridays so my kids are really little oftentimes that's going to the park we oftentimes that's going to the park we oftentimes that's going to the park we have a membership at the Nashville Zoo have a membership at the Nashville Zoo have a membership at the Nashville Zoo we go to the zoo all the time um we go to the zoo all the time um we go to the zoo all the time um sometimes it's just a a play date with sometimes it's just a a play date with sometimes it's just a a play date with with other friends at the church who've with other friends at the church who've with other friends at the church who've got little kids and then um almost every got little kids and then um almost every got little kids and then um almost every Friday we get a babysitter and do a date Friday we get a babysitter and do a date Friday we get a babysitter and do a date night nice that's such a great thing night nice that's such a great thing night nice that's such a great thing that's one thing my wife and I did for that's one thing my wife and I did for that's one thing my wife and I did for years when a lot of our friends weren't years when a lot of our friends weren't years when a lot of our friends weren't doing it and it's a Lifeline it's great doing it and it's a Lifeline it's great doing it and it's a Lifeline it's great I look forward to Friday so much that's I look forward to Friday so much that's I look forward to Friday so much that's our date night still all these years our date night still all these years our date night still all these years later I remember John Mark saying if later I remember John Mark saying if later I remember John Mark saying if your Sabbath doesn't make you feel like your Sabbath doesn't make you feel like your Sabbath doesn't make you feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve you're not a little kid on Christmas Eve you're not a little kid on Christmas Eve you're not doing it right and I've always doing it right and I've always doing it right and I've always remembered that in Thursday nights I'm remembered that in Thursday nights I'm remembered that in Thursday nights I'm talk I got football on my Sabbath is the talk I got football on my Sabbath is the talk I got football on my Sabbath is the next day I feel amazing so it's it's next day I feel amazing so it's it's next day I feel amazing so it's it's starting to click but um that wasn't a a starting to click but um that wasn't a a starting to click but um that wasn't a a a rhythm that we had till we started the a rhythm that we had till we started the a rhythm that we had till we started the church top lessons for church Planters church top lessons for church Planters church top lessons for church Planters who are thinking of it or in the midst who are thinking of it or in the midst who are thinking of it or in the midst of it right now and you did your Arc of it right now and you did your Arc of it right now and you did your Arc training did so what would you say two training did so what would you say two training did so what would you say two or three non-negotiables yeah I think I or three non-negotiables yeah I think I or three non-negotiables yeah I think I would start with training like I think I would start with training like I think I would start with training like I think I think you need other people that have think you need other people that have think you need other people that have done it to learn from but you also need done it to learn from but you also need done it to learn from but you also need people who who are going through it to people who who are going through it to people who who are going through it to to talk to and so um we highly recommend to talk to and so um we highly recommend to talk to and so um we highly recommend Arc but there's there's lots of um Arc but there's there's lots of um Arc but there's there's lots of um organizations but you got to do it with organizations but you got to do it with organizations but you got to do it with someone you got to do it with other someone you got to do it with other someone you got to do it with other people um I would also say uh especially people um I would also say uh especially people um I would also say uh especially if there's any like younger Church if there's any like younger Church if there's any like younger Church planters that are that are listening my planters that are that are listening my planters that are that are listening my biggest fear was my age and insecurity

biggest fear was my age and insecurity biggest fear was my age and insecurity of of what I shared earlier why why of of what I shared earlier why why of of what I shared earlier why why would older people come um I would say would older people come um I would say would older people come um I would say set yourself free from that uh the older set yourself free from that uh the older set yourself free from that uh the older people who come to our church I had people who come to our church I had people who come to our church I had coffee with one of them a few months coffee with one of them a few months coffee with one of them a few months back and I just said why do you come to back and I just said why do you come to back and I just said why do you come to our church because you you're one of our our church because you you're one of our our church because you you're one of our best team members you're one of the most best team members you're one of the most best team members you're one of the most generous people at our church you go generous people at our church you go generous people at our church you go above and beyond this should be the above and beyond this should be the above and beyond this should be the season of your life when you're taking season of your life when you're taking season of your life when you're taking it easy but you're not why do you do it easy but you're not why do you do it easy but you're not why do you do this and um he started crying and he this and um he started crying and he this and um he started crying and he said that his son rededicated his life said that his son rededicated his life said that his son rededicated his life at our church and he said if you want to at our church and he said if you want to at our church and he said if you want to reach people like me Reach people like reach people like me Reach people like reach people like me Reach people like you and that has been something I have you and that has been something I have you and that has been something I have thought about so much um because I was thought about so much um because I was thought about so much um because I was like man like we're not gonna have like man like we're not gonna have like man like we're not gonna have anyone who can give like how are we anyone who can give like how are we anyone who can give like how are we gonna you know all these 25y olds like gonna you know all these 25y olds like gonna you know all these 25y olds like none of us have money and um and I just none of us have money and um and I just none of us have money and um and I just was so stressed about that as a young was so stressed about that as a young was so stressed about that as a young Church planter like should we wait Church planter like should we wait Church planter like should we wait another five or 10 years until our age another five or 10 years until our age another five or 10 years until our age that we're to attract his older uh I that we're to attract his older uh I that we're to attract his older uh I would just say if you if you know you're would just say if you if you know you're would just say if you if you know you're called to it and you think the time called to it and you think the time called to it and you think the time might be now obviously seek wise counsel might be now obviously seek wise counsel might be now obviously seek wise counsel all those things but you got to jump God all those things but you got to jump God all those things but you got to jump God will bring the right people he'll bring will bring the right people he'll bring will bring the right people he'll bring the right the right the right resources um if God's in it you'll be resources um if God's in it you'll be resources um if God's in it you'll be able to say man it was only God that able to say man it was only God that able to say man it was only God that that did this and I think that's been that did this and I think that's been that did this and I think that's been our story is like we're too we were our story is like we're too we were our story is like we're too we were probably you know too young to start the

probably you know too young to start the probably you know too young to start the church we we moved to a very expensive church we we moved to a very expensive church we we moved to a very expensive city and every part of our story God's city and every part of our story God's city and every part of our story God's hands been on it and it has not been hands been on it and it has not been hands been on it and it has not been because of us it's often been despite us because of us it's often been despite us because of us it's often been despite us why'd you pick Nashville oh man we love why'd you pick Nashville oh man we love why'd you pick Nashville oh man we love it so we we we lived in uh Cleveland it so we we we lived in uh Cleveland it so we we we lived in uh Cleveland Tennessee when we first got married it's Tennessee when we first got married it's Tennessee when we first got married it's about two hours from here and Nashville about two hours from here and Nashville about two hours from here and Nashville was the getaway spot okay long weekends was the getaway spot okay long weekends was the getaway spot okay long weekends let's go to Nashville uh holidays let's let's go to Nashville uh holidays let's let's go to Nashville uh holidays let's go to Nashville fell in love with it um go to Nashville fell in love with it um go to Nashville fell in love with it um we were we had we were leading the we were we had we were leading the we were we had we were leading the college Ministry at that time and we had college Ministry at that time and we had college Ministry at that time and we had Pastor Rich Wilkerson uh Jr come speak Pastor Rich Wilkerson uh Jr come speak Pastor Rich Wilkerson uh Jr come speak and we asked him we said hey why did you and we asked him we said hey why did you and we asked him we said hey why did you choose Miami we're thinking about choose Miami we're thinking about choose Miami we're thinking about planing in a church why did you plant in planing in a church why did you plant in planing in a church why did you plant in Miami and he just like so nonchalantly Miami and he just like so nonchalantly Miami and he just like so nonchalantly was like oh that that was actually the was like oh that that was actually the was like oh that that was actually the easiest part for us he said we uh we easiest part for us he said we uh we easiest part for us he said we uh we just we just loved it the most and I was just we just loved it the most and I was just we just loved it the most and I was like like like oh okay and he's like yeah yeah he's oh okay and he's like yeah yeah he's oh okay and he's like yeah yeah he's like yeah H you know we just thought like yeah H you know we just thought like yeah H you know we just thought first planning is gonna be hard so we first planning is gonna be hard so we first planning is gonna be hard so we might as well do it somewhere we love might as well do it somewhere we love might as well do it somewhere we love that way when it gets hard we won't that way when it gets hard we won't that way when it gets hard we won't leave and I was like good answer wow leave and I was like good answer wow leave and I was like good answer wow and then you know my wife's like we're and then you know my wife's like we're and then you know my wife's like we're moving to Nashville like in the moving to Nashville like in the moving to Nashville like in the conversation it's like we're moving to conversation it's like we're moving to conversation it's like we're moving to Nashville and then we started praying Nashville and then we started praying Nashville and then we started praying about it and um there were so many about it and um there were so many about it and um there were so many things here opportunities here that we things here opportunities here that we things here opportunities here that we loved we loved how I mean Nashville's loved we loved how I mean Nashville's loved we loved how I mean Nashville's really become I call it the LA of the really become I call it the LA of the really become I call it the LA of the South so much culture so many businesses South so much culture so many businesses South so much culture so many businesses so many influential things being created so many influential things being created so many influential things being created here and we were like man the idea of here and we were like man the idea of here and we were like man the idea of planting a church with that kind of planting a church with that kind of planting a church with that kind of opportunity for impact just really

opportunity for impact just really opportunity for impact just really excited us and the more we explored excited us and the more we explored excited us and the more we explored options doors just started opening that options doors just started opening that options doors just started opening that felt like God doors and um Now We're felt like God doors and um Now We're felt like God doors and um Now We're Here Noah anything else you want to say Here Noah anything else you want to say Here Noah anything else you want to say or question I didn't ask you that you or question I didn't ask you that you or question I didn't ask you that you wish I would have asked you before we wish I would have asked you before we wish I would have asked you before we wrap up I don't think so I'm just again wrap up I don't think so I'm just again wrap up I don't think so I'm just again so honored that you would you would have so honored that you would you would have so honored that you would you would have me this whole conversation of like I me this whole conversation of like I me this whole conversation of like I should be asking you the question so should be asking you the question so should be asking you the question so this been great um thank you seriously this been great um thank you seriously this been great um thank you seriously for having me it's such an honor no I I for having me it's such an honor no I I for having me it's such an honor no I I gotta say Tony and I really loved uh gotta say Tony and I really loved uh gotta say Tony and I really loved uh what we see at wayy church uh I'm just what we see at wayy church uh I'm just what we see at wayy church uh I'm just so encouraged everybody's looking for so encouraged everybody's looking for so encouraged everybody's looking for hope uh the whole Community First part I hope uh the whole Community First part I hope uh the whole Community First part I think is a lesson to every Church leader think is a lesson to every Church leader think is a lesson to every Church leader whether you're planting or rejuvenating whether you're planting or rejuvenating whether you're planting or rejuvenating revitalizing I think that really revitalizing I think that really revitalizing I think that really resonates I've been writing about it for resonates I've been writing about it for resonates I've been writing about it for years thinking about it for years but years thinking about it for years but years thinking about it for years but soon as you crystallized it with words soon as you crystallized it with words soon as you crystallized it with words I'm like oh that's exactly what's I'm like oh that's exactly what's I'm like oh that's exactly what's happening there and I think that could happening there and I think that could happening there and I think that could be a way forward for a lot of people be a way forward for a lot of people be a way forward for a lot of people just thank you so much we're going to be just thank you so much we're going to be just thank you so much we're going to be uh watching tracking praying for years uh watching tracking praying for years uh watching tracking praying for years to come Noah if uh people you've got a to come Noah if uh people you've got a to come Noah if uh people you've got a book holy habits yeah had the privilege book holy habits yeah had the privilege book holy habits yeah had the privilege of reading an early copy endorsing it uh of reading an early copy endorsing it uh of reading an early copy endorsing it uh that's available everywhere and I guess that's available everywhere and I guess that's available everywhere and I guess we're tracking with you on Instagram we're tracking with you on Instagram we're tracking with you on Instagram these days right that's right Instagram these days right that's right Instagram these days right that's right Instagram is the main spot Tik Tok soon Tik Tok is the main spot Tik Tok soon Tik Tok is the main spot Tik Tok soon Tik Tok soon so look for Noah ha in there Noah soon so look for Noah ha in there Noah soon so look for Noah ha in there Noah thanks man thanks so much k