The Church Residency Podcast explores how local churches are training the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders through residency programs.
Hosted by Mark Warnock, Residency Director at Family Church in South Florida, each episode features conversations with leaders from churches across the country who are building intentional pathways for leadership development. Learn how residency programs are designed, funded, and implemented, hear lessons learned from both successes and failures, and discover practical strategies for developing leaders through hands-on ministry experience.
Whether you're leading an established residency, considering starting one, or simply passionate about raising up future leaders in the local church, this podcast will equip and encourage you to invest in leadership development within the life of the church.
Ep. 10 - The Joy of Developing Leaders at Storyline Church
Colin Provart on how Storyline Church equips the next generation of pastors through a two-year residency built on theological depth, practical ministry, and leadership growth. In this episode: – The origin and vision of Storyline Church and its leadership focus – The structure of the two-year residency and its core components – Integrating theological education, ministry experience, and leadership training – Outward-focused leadership with a...
4 Sept 2026
Ep. 9 - Adapt Your Training to Fit Your Context
Dr. Josh Hutchens on how Overland Church develops and multiplies leaders through Overland Academy and a strategic seminary partnership — equipping members for ministry and for planting new churches. In this episode: – The origins and growth of Overland Church and its church planting strategy – The structure and purpose of Overland Academy – The church–seminary partnership for developing pastors and planters – How leadership development ties ...
4 Sept 2026
Ep. 8 - How Family Church Built and Scaled Its Residency Program
How Family Church scaled its residency to develop bivocational church leaders — the program's history, curriculum, growth strategy, and the emphasis on character, emotional intelligence, and relational leadership. In this episode: – The origin story of the residency and its place in the multiplication vision – Structure and curriculum: theological foundation, ministry skills, field experience – Growth from a handful of students to more than 100 across mu...
4 Sept 2026
Ep. 7 - The Power of Church–Seminary Partnerships
Cory Barnes and Ross McKnight of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on how church–seminary collaboration strengthens residencies — the models that work, the obstacles, and the impact on local churches. In this episode: – The benefits of church–seminary partnerships – How residency programs enhance practical ministry training – Different models, and how they scale – Overcoming common obstacles in forming collaborations – Th...
4 Sept 2026
Ep. 6 - You Need A Commitment to Develop Leaders More than a Dedicated Process
Kevin Spratt on cultivating leadership at every level — from interns to church planters — with practical frameworks, biblical principles, and honest lessons from growth and transition. In this episode: – Kevin's journey from camp director to church leadership developer – Leadership development as advanced discipleship – Practical models and curriculum approaches for church-based training – Iterative, personalized strategies for residents and...
22 Aug 2026
Ep.5 - How a Church Plant in a Hard Place Became a Leadership Development Powerhouse
How Redemption Church is building a leadership pipeline in one of the most unreached states in America — discipleship, theological depth, and adaptive training in a Mormon-influenced context. In this episode: – The origins and growth of Redemption Church and its multi-site expansion – Leadership School, residency, and specialized pathways – Tailoring training to individual and contextual needs through relational coaching – Why discipleship a...
21 Aug 2026
Ep.4: The Art of Spotting Potential Leaders
John Wills of Champion Forest Church in Houston on building and running a residency that prepares the next generation of ministry leaders — key strategies, hard-won lessons, and the joy of investing in future pastors. In this episode: – The theological foundation and purpose of church residencies – Structuring a residency that balances experience and education – Recruiting and selecting candidates, including diversity considerations – Callin...
21 Aug 2026
Ep.3 - How One Church Is Turning Ordinary People into Leaders
Alex Davis of Lakes Church on how their leadership development program is shaping pastors, leaders, and volunteers — practical steps, the importance of intentionality, and lessons learned building a culture of growth. In this episode: – The origins and purpose of the Lakes Church leadership residency – Structuring a program that integrates into the life of the church – Biblical character, personal growth, and discipleship in leadership training – &...
12 Aug 2026
Ep. 2 - Leadership Development Starts with a Clear Vision
Leadership Development Starts with a Clear Vision Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gus Hernandez Jr., executive pastor at Reality Church Miami, as he shares how his church is developing leaders and multiplying ministries within a vibrant, multi-ethnic context. From internships to church planting residencies, Gus reveals practical strategies for leadership development that fuels church growth. In this episode: Gus’s journey from the first believer in his famil...
28 Jul 2026
Ep. 1 - The Urgency of Leadership Development in the Local Church
The Urgency of Leadership Development in the Local Church Host Mark Warnock introduces the Church Residency Podcast with a discussion of the urgent need for new Christian leaders of all types: pastors, missionaries, church planters, and others. Key topics: The rising median age of pastors from 44 in the 1990s to 57 in 2020, and what it means for church leadership succession The demographic decline of younger generations in the church and its impact on future leadership...
8 Jun 2026
Season 1 Trailer: Why Church Residencies Matter
How can churches raise the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders? In this Season 1 trailer, host Mark Warnock introduces The Church Residency Podcast and shares the conviction behind the show: leadership development belongs in the local church. As more churches establish residency programs to train and send future leaders, this podcast explores the practical strategies, lessons learned, and real-world experiences of churches investing in the next gene...
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