Tune in to the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast hosted by Brian Kelly, where seasoned church planters share their insights and experiences. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of starting gospel-centered churches. With practical advice and inspiring stories, this podcast equips and encourages aspiring church planters on their journey. Whether you're just beginning or well into your planting process, Cultivate provides valuable guidance and support to help you thrive in your mission. Cultivate is part of Calvary Chapel.
The History & Value Of The Calvary Chapel Church Planting Manual
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly sits down with longtime pastor and church planter Bruce Zachary to discuss the story behind the Calvary Chapel Church Planting Manual. Bruce shares his remarkable testimony of coming to faith from a Jewish background, his years serving under Pastor Chuck Smith, and planting Calvary Nexus over 30 years ago.
The conversation explores why biblical preparation matters, how the Church Planting Manual came into existence, and why thousands of pastors around the world have found it to be an invaluable resource. They also discuss the mission of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative, the importance of mentoring and coaching church planters, and practical ways churches can better equip the next generation of leaders.
Whether you’re considering planting a church, currently leading one, or simply interested in healthy ministry leadership, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in Scripture and decades of experience.
Key Points
• Bruce Zachary shares his testimony of coming to Christ through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa.
• Lessons learned from over 30 years of church planting and pastoral ministry.
• Why the Church Planting Manual was written after recognizing the need for better preparation.
• The difference between biblical church planting principles and business-driven growth strategies.
• How Pastor Chuck Smith encouraged the manual’s widespread distribution.
• The structure and purpose of the Church Planting Manual.
• Why intentional training and mentoring improve long-term church planter health.
• Common reasons church planters become discouraged and how to address them.
• The vision and purpose of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative.
• How Cultivate Church Planting supports pastors before and after launch.
• Encouragement for aspiring church planters to pursue training, mentorship, and healthy expectations.
• The importance of building gospel-centered churches around the world.
*****
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
Calvary Chapel Cooperative: https://calvarychapelcooperative.com
1 Jul 2026
Ministering In The Military – Dr. Chris Bassett
What does ministry look like in the military? In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly sits down with Dr. Chris Bassett, a military chaplain, church planter, former police officer, and professor at Calvary Chapel Bible College.
Chris shares his remarkable journey from being saved at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa under Chuck Smith’s ministry to serving 35 years in the military, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Along the way, he offers unique insights into the role of chaplains, the spiritual needs of service members, and how ministry often happens far beyond the walls of a church.
The conversation explores the similarities between church planting and chaplaincy, the importance of spiritual presence in difficult environments, the reality of pastoral burnout, and new opportunities for veterans pursuing ministry training through Calvary Chapel Bible College.
Whether you’re a church planter, pastor, missionary, veteran, or someone exploring a call to chaplaincy, this episode provides practical wisdom and encouragement for taking the gospel into challenging places.
*****
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
Cultivate is part of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative: https://calvarychapelcooperative.com
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
1 Jun 2026
How Much Bible Should A Pastor / Church Planter Know? – Justin Thomas
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly sits down with Justin Thomas, president and dean of Calvary Chapel Bible College, to discuss how much biblical knowledge a pastor or church planter should have before stepping into ministry. Justin emphasizes that while no church planter begins fully prepared, pastors must be committed to becoming lifelong learners who continue growing in Scripture, theology, and practical ministry. The conversation explores the balance between calling and training, the dangers of pride or anti-intellectualism in ministry, the importance of mentorship and community, and how Bible college can provide both biblical foundations and lifelong relationships that sustain pastors over time.
Episode Highlights
• Justin explains why church planters need both a clear calling and an ongoing commitment to biblical growth.
• Discussion about Calvary Chapel’s history of sending out young pastors while still emphasizing discipleship and mentorship.
• Brian and Justin talk about how Bible college creates both biblical foundations and meaningful ministry community.
• The importance of having trusted peers, mentors, and relationships during difficult seasons of ministry.
• A practical conversation about humility in ministry and avoiding both arrogance and complacency.
• Justin shares how many students discover their calling and direction for ministry through the “pivot” experience at Bible college.
*****
The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com
Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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