City Gospel Movements

Big events can spark big impact—but only if they are rooted in prayer and unity. In this final play, Chris Gough talks with Fred Leonard (Mountain View Church, Fresno) and Duffy Johnson (Palau Festival Director) about discerning the right timing for catalytic events. Hear how Fresno rallied 200+ churches and why Palau prioritizes sustainable movements beyond the festival. Together, they answer: Wh...

What does it take to sustain gospel impact in a complex city? Chris Gough talks with Guy Wasko (For NYC) about strategic rhythms, data-informed ministry, and why unity means supporting what’s already working. Hear how New York is leveraging research, seasons, and practical tools to create a citywide platform for evangelism. Guy answers: With For NYC, you are in this process of developing ongoing r...

Big visions become reality when everyday believers are equipped. In this episode, Chris Gough talks with Gary Kendall (Kansas City) and Jed Mullenix (Omaha) about practical tools like the BLESS rhythms, mapping projects, and clear rally cries that mobilize thousands of ordinary Christians to love neighbors and share the gospel. Together, they answer: How would you approach the idea of mobilizing t...

How do you engage leaders with influence in your city? Chris Gough talks with Jess Gatton (Alpha USA) and Nick Nye (For Columbus) about building evangelism culture through hospitality, prayer, and human flourishing. Hear practical stories of collaboration in Columbus and why evangelism is the natural byproduct of unity.   Jess and Nick answer: How can leadership trainings shift culture towards eva...

Strong movements start with strong leaders. In this episode, Chris Gough sits down with Kevin Palau and Eric Swanson to unpack how genuine relationships, encouragement, and trust help leaders raise the temperature for evangelism in their cities. Discover how to nudge leaders toward mission without guilt trips—and why every lane matters. Kevin and Eric answer: How do you help leaders consider their...

How do you introduce your Evangelism Team to your city? In this episode, Chris Gough talks with Jad Levi (Phoenix Evangelism Project) about listening tours, trust-building, and creating compelling gatherings that elevate evangelism without creating sideways energy. Learn how Phoenix leaders launched a citywide initiative rooted in prayer, relationship, and mission. He answers the questions: How di...

Listening is the first step to impact. In this episode, Chris Gough talks with Stacie Mickelson (Emmanuel Gospel Center, Boston) about how listening tours uncover blind spots, connect leaders, and spark informed action. Discover practical tools and real stories showing why slowing down to listen may be the fastest way to advance the gospel in your city. She answers the questions: How would more ta...

Good communication fuels lasting collaboration. In this episode, Chris Gough talks with Steve and Patti Buss (One Hope Network, Eugene, OR) about how prayer, storytelling, and clear vision help churches speak with one voice. From testimonies to billboards to the Overflow Hope project, discover practical ways communication builds unity and keeps the gospel at the center. They answer the questions:...

Strong frameworks create space for fruitful mission. In this episode, Chris Gough and Mark Matlock (Barna, WisdomWorks) unpack why governance, structure, and funding aren’t boring details but vital supports for citywide evangelism. Learn six key questions every collaborative team must answer to sustain impact and prepare for harvest. Mark will answer: What is the most important thing when setting...

Discover how mapping your city’s spiritual ecosystem can spark unity and raise the temperature for evangelism. In this episode, Chris Gough and Geoff King ( Love Fort Wayne ) share how prayer, listening, and connecting leaders turn isolated efforts into a collective movement of hope. Bio: Geoff King is a shepherd leader with a heart to see people, families, and communities, firmly rooted and expre...

Discover how prayer, collaboration, and the right leaders can transform cities. In this first step of The Adaptable Playbook, Chris Gough and Ian Stevenson explore what it takes to identify and empower evangelistic champions who bring the good news to life in their communities. Ian will answer: How did you start with this in Costa Mesa? How does leading a “meta-network” involve this step? What hav...

This is a special series sharing the Adaptable Playbook – a framework for success for your Evangelism Team. Together we’ll explore 11 proven steps that really work for cities across North America who want to raise the temperature of evangelism in their communities.   We will hear from practitioners in these cities, humble leaders who have wrestled faithfully with the challenges these steps address...

How does your church celebrate evangelism? What does it even look like to celebrate it? We’re going to explore this in our final episode of Exploring Evangelism Myths. Ben and Lizzie will discuss why celebrating and sharing stories are vital to evangelism. You’ll also hear from Rachel Jordan Wolf, Executive Director of Hope Together. Want to read along while you listen? Find the transcript here ....

Do you think evangelism needs to lead to a single, powerful moment of decision? Or do you think it could look more like a journey? That’s what we’re discussing in episode 4 of Exploring Evangelism Myths. Listen to learn if there are strengths and weaknesses to both of these mindsets. You will also hear from our friend: Finu Iype from Passion to Reach Ministries. Want to read along while you listen...

Does sharing your faith come naturally to you? There’s this belief that evangelism should be easy for us, but we have some thoughts about this. Listen to episode 3 where we explore if evangelism will always be hard for some people and easier for others. Or if there are ways it can be easier for those that find it hard! You will also hear from an expert on evangelism: Professor Jerry Root. Rather r...

Who do you think is best at evangelism? We asked believers to describe the people who they think are. Two responses came up over and over again: pastors and extroverts. Let’s talk about it in the second episode of Exploring Evangelism Myths. You’ll also hear from two special guests: Pastor James Meeks from Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and Andrew Palau from the Luis Palau Association. Rather rea...

Do you want to discover what we found out when we asked people their thoughts on evangelism? Listen to this episode to learn why people feel uneasy about sharing their faith and what Scripture has to say about ethics and evangelism. You will also hear from an expert on apologetics: Alycia Wood. Rather read the episode transcript? Click here . Download discussion questions for your small group or f...

What do you feel when you hear the word ‘evangelism’? If you’re anything like us, you feel a mix of emotions. We get it. If you’re a pastor, you may feel like evangelism is yet another thing to juggle. If you go to church, it’s common to feel insecure—what if a conversation gets tense? Maybe you haven’t talked openly about Jesus in years. In our new podcast series Exploring Evangelism Myths we dis...

Aaron Pierce is the Executive Director of Steiger International , a global mission organization that is called to reach and disciple the Global Youth Culture for Jesus. He also co-leads the Lausanne Movement’s new initiative on Global Secularization. Growing up as a missionary kid in Amsterdam, Aaron often saw hope brought to the city. He witnessed this mainly through the evangelistic punk rock ba...

Bob Lenz from Life Promotions wanted to be a dump truck driver when he graduated high school. However, God had another plan for Bob. Even though he still wanted to go work with trucks after going to Bible school he ended up being a public speaker. Bob shares the Gospel with students across the nation through anti-bullying and suicide prevention assemblies. He empowers educators with curriculum he...