The Church Planters Experience

In this episode Virginia Beach native Leon Zook reflects on a lifetime of moves, ministry and business — 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...

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...

Three Sojourners share raw testimonies of conversion, communal living, and front-line urban ministry. They describe creative evangelism—chalk art, questions on campus, and presence among the marginalized—while 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...

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, opposi...

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...

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 tho...

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 shar...

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...

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 roo...

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 f...