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Conversations to bless and encourage Anabaptist Church Planters. Church Planting is difficult and I want to highlight the lives of ordinary people of God who are living out evangelism in alignment with the Historic Faith.
You can get my book on church planting here đhttps://strengthtostrength.org/product/jesus-and-the-mennonites-hector-troyer/
Austin Shenk: Establishing Christian schools, Hiking the AT, Growing up in York, Pa
In this episode Austin Shank shares his journey from growing up in Yorkâs tight-knit Mennonite community to leading an urban school, starting the Urban Educators Collective, and launching Perio Impact. He reflects on family, faith, small groups, city ministry, and the life-changing Appalachian Trail hike with his father.Major themes include the power of community, intentional discipleship and hospitality, holding dreams with an open hand, and practical stories about parenting, church vision, and serving vulnerable youth.
16 Feb 2026
Leon Zook; Investing for the Kingdom of God
In this episode a Virginia Beach-born Mennonite reflects on a lifetime of moves, ministry and business â from dairy farming and owning a cabinet shop to founding Mountainside and investing real estate for kingdom work. He shares how reading Proverbs changed his business approach, the challenges of church transitions, and practical principles for generosity and stewardship.He also discusses his involvement with State College and Peaceful Meadows Discipleship Camp, care for family, health struggles, and the conviction to use resources to serve the church and community rather than personal luxury.
29 Dec 2025
Nathan Overholt: Bulk Food, Faith and Risk in a New Anabaptist Community
Welcome to the Church Planters Experience. If you find value in these conversations, please share them with others.This episode follows a church planter who left city life in Florida to establish a mission-minded Anabaptist community in rural Tennessee. He reflects on the struggles of first-generation faith, family sacrifice, risk in church planting, and the practical role of a bulk food store in connecting with the local community. Through candid stories of evangelism, parenting, and perseverance, he explores the tension between preserving spiritual zeal and creating stability for the next generation.
5 Sept 2025
Three Sojourners : Voluntary poverty, witnessing, and radical faith.
Three Sojourners share raw testimonies of conversion, communal living, and front-line urban ministry. They describe creative evangelismâchalk art, questions on campus, and presence among the marginalizedâwhile wrestling with finances, leadership, and cultural gaps between Anabaptists and city ministries.The episode follows their journey to Portland, their vision for a community outpost, practical outreach ideas, and reflections on faith, sacrifice, and trusting God to provide as they pursue revival in unchurched places.
26 Jul 2025
Elisha Byler; Spiritual Power, Unreached Tribes and Independent Boys, in the Copper Canyons of Mexico
In this episode of the Church Planters Experience, follow Elisha from rural Pennsylvania to the unreached tribes in Mexico's Copper Canyon. Discover how a faith-driven life prepared him to raise independent children in challenging environments and the significant cultural shifts they embraced. As their family works among the Tarahumara people—a journey filled with linguistic barriers, opposition, and inspiring breakthroughs—the episode unveils deep insights into the mission fields and the spiritual fortitude required to thrive there. Whether embracing encounters with witchcraft or constructing homes from earth, each experience underpins a commitment to spreading the gospel in remote places. Engage with stories of resilience, tradition, and God's undeniable presence that propels this family on their incredible journey.
7 Jul 2025
Matthew Milioni: Serial Church Planting, Urban Children and Intense Community in Boston, Massachusetts
Join us on as we explore the experiences of a passionate church planter who relocated from rural Oregon to the bustling city of Boston. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of building a vibrant Christian community in an urban setting, emphasizing the importance of intentional community life and mutual accountability among believers. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover the strategic and spiritual insights gained from starting a handyman business while fostering meaningful connections within the local community. This episode offers valuable perspectives on balancing urban living with missions and the transformative power of embracing diverse cultural settings in your evangelism efforts. Whether you're interested in church planting, urban ministry, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode provides a compelling narrative of perseverance, growth, and unwavering commitment to the gospel.
15 Jun 2025
Joe Frost: Dodging bullets, Living Intentionally , in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Join us as we delve into the journey of a young couple who embarked on an adventure to help build a new church in Pittsburgh. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of church planting, the challenges and joys of community building, and how faith and family play a pivotal role in their mission.
The conversation covers the significance of events like the Kingdom Fellowship Weekend, which draws thousands of Christians together for worship and fellowship. Our guest shares insights into the intentional efforts made to foster spiritual growth through small group gatherings and the importance of living a life led by faith.
Get a glimpse into the personal experiences of relocating to a city like Pittsburgh, confronting unique urban challenges, and staying connected to one’s roots. From engaging with neighbors to adapting to new cultural environments, this episode highlights the essence of purposeful living in advancing Jesus kingdom.
23 Apr 2025
Bryant Martin. Coffee and Community: Building Bridges in Urban Spaces
Join us on this compelling journey through faith, community building, and urban church planting. Discover how personal experiences from international travels, a deep-rooted commitment to kingdom Christianity, and innovative approaches to business are shaping vibrant church communities today. Explore the intersections of tradition and modernity, from the enriching culture of communal meals and shared spiritual practices to the dynamic environment of cafes as kingdom embassies. This episode invites you to rethink how faith communities can flourish and influence diverse urban settings while staying rooted in historical Christianity.
10 Feb 2025
Patrick Matthews. Criminals, Community, and a Tent Making with a Turtle Shell.
Patrick emerged from a turbulent past to become a beacon of hope for others. He shares his life from running illegal activities to creating halfway houses to aid sex offenders re-enter society. Throughout, he explores his sense of community, touching on the challenges of managing a halfway house and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.
The discussion also delves into his unique approach to community service, not just through conventional preaching but by engaging actively with those in need through food and support. He reveals his experiences, from organizing food distribution initiatives to embarking on a cross-country mission with an RV to connect with various communities, guided by faith and a desire to bridge gaps in understanding.
Through anecdotes and reflections, the speaker sheds light on the essence of empathy, recognizing humanity in everyone, and the power of radical, service-based approaches to faith. This epiphany-driven narrative encapsulates his commitment to sparking change by harnessing the beauty in brokenness and the strength in community.
30 Jan 2025
Danson Smith. Dreadlocks, discipleship, community, and communion.
Join Danson on a heartfelt journey through faith, community, and the struggles of integrating into new cultural and religious landscapes. From the Deep South to various communities across the United States, including a pivotal experience at a Kingdom Fellowship weekend, Danson's story is one of spiritual awakening and seeking connections in the kingdom of faith.
Hear about his path from a life rooted in conventional religion to becoming part of a small yet strong Anabaptist congregation in Alabama. Danson shares the joys and challenges of finding bigger communities, coping with cultural differences, and striving for genuine brotherhood across diverse faith traditions.
Through thoughtful discussions and personal reflections, discover the blessings and conflicts that come with seeking deeper spiritual connections, the importance of true brotherhood, and navigating the complexities of cultural integration within the body of Christ. Danson's candid experiences serve as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of faith and fellowship.
12 Dec 2024
Sam Baer ; Embracing urban community in Calgary Alberta
Join us as we explore the journey of a family from Calgary, Alberta, who ventured to Boston to pursue biblical studies and learn from an urban church community. Discover their experiences in integrating family life and faith in the bustling city environment, while connecting with a diverse group of believers.
The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of urban church planting, navigating financial constraints, and fostering strong community ties in Calgary. Hear firsthand how close-knit living and intentional relationships can redefine community impact, and what it means to live out faith in a modern, urban setting. This conversation offers insights into how traditional Anabaptist values are being adapted for contemporary city living and the unexpected opportunities that arise from embracing city life.
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5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
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