Next Town Podcast

For many people in rural America, finding an Apostolic church can mean driving hours to find truth. In this special Next Town Podcast episode, Mark Brown shares his burden to reduce the distance it takes for people to encounter the gospel. Called to South Dakota as a Bible college graduate, Mark recounts the challenges of isolation, bi-vocational ministry, slow growth, and seven years of labor bef...

In this episode, host Joumeel McLaurine sits down with experienced church planters Nathaniel Burmeister, Travis Worthington, and Devin Akers for an honest conversation about church planting and technology. From AI and social media to systems, communication, and digital outreach, this discussion explores how modern tools can support the mission of reaching people and planting healthy Apostolic chur...

What actually helps a church grow; and what quietly slows it down? In this episode, Anthony Harper and Jay Jones get real about the systems, structure, and culture behind healthy growth. Not hype. Not guesswork. The kind of things that actually help a church move forward without burning people out or losing its mission. They talk through: The difference between fast growth and healthy growth The h...

Rev. Art Wilson is the founding pastor of The International Church of Metro Detroit and a leader with a truly global ministry. In this episode, Pastor Wilson shares his journey of church planting, building a multicultural congregation, and how God opened unexpected doors, leading to ministry at the United Nations. This conversation explores the burden to reach people from every nation and culture,...

Drawing from the Book of Acts and real-life stories from Detroit to Washington, D.C., this episode reframes church planting as the work of the whole church, not just individuals. The panel explores biblical precedent, partnership models, and the dangers of isolation, while addressing common fears around control, recruitment, and trust. Hosts Darron Sistrunk and Joumeel McLaurine sit down with Jerr...

Join the conversation as Scott Sistrunk and Jerry West unpack the mission, vision, and impact of the Metro Missions program, clearing up misconceptions and sharing firsthand stories of transformation. From the earlier days of Metro missionaries in Detroit, to a more recent church plant in Washington, D.C.; this conversation highlights how missionaries can be sent and supported to metro areas by th...

Join hosts Kenneth Stewart and Devin Akers as they explore the realities of bi-vocational ministry with guests Nathaniel Burmeister and Travis Worthington. Hear inspiring stories of church planting, practical tips for balancing ministry, work, and family, and strategies to avoid burnout. Discover how boundaries, energy management, and passion can help pastors thrive while serving in multiple roles...

How do you turn interest into identity? Momentum into maturity? Crowds into a church?  In this episode, Scott Armstrong and Kenneth Stewart sit down with Tim Richmond, Devin Akers, and Joumeel McLaurine for a powerful conversation on the process of transforming a gathering of guests into a thriving, discipled church. If you’re a church planter, pastor, or leader who wants to move beyond attendance...

Joe and Jessica Giunta share their journey into inner city ministry; from pastoring a great church in Florida, to a thrift store moment, to the heart of Detroit. They unpack the misconceptions of inner city ministry, the power of prayer, and simply loving people. From burn barrels with the homeless to raising kids in the city, this episode is a compelling look at what happens when the church shows...

Join us as we talk Redemption, Coaching, Church Planting, Healthy Rhythms, Functional Discipleship and more.

In this episode, Rev. David McGovern the unique challenges and opportunities in Los Angeles, the impact of recent wildfires, and how the church stepped up to serve their community in a time of crisis. He also reflects on raising four daughters and the joy of involving his family in ministry. This is a heartfelt conversation filled with vision, sacrifice, and hope. Whether you’re planting, pastorin...

In this episode, we interview Rev. Jimmy Toney, visionary pastor, seasoned church planter, and passionate preacher. Rev. Toney shares powerful lessons on the benefits of serving, preaching with intention, and teaching spiritual maturity in a church plant context. Whether you're preparing to plant, already in the trenches, or looking for fresh fire to reach the Next Town, this episode is full...

In this episode of The Next Town Podcast, we sit down with Rev. Tim Gaddy—pastor, leader, and visionary—to explore the heart of church planting, the habits of effective leadership, and the keys to sustainable ministry growth. With decades of experience, Rev. Gaddy shares practical insights, timeless principles, and personal stories that will challenge and inspire every church planter and ministry...

In this premiere episode, we’re diving straight into the heart of church planting with dynamic pastors and church planters Scott Armstrong, North American Missions Director of Education, Devin Akers, Raleigh, NC, Joumeel McLaurine, Royal Oak, MI, and Darren Sistrunk, Plymouth, MI. Hear the raw, unfiltered stories of launching churches from scratch, building community in unexpected places, and watc...