the GC Collective Podcast

Pete and Sarah sit down with Pastor Tito Villegas of Rise Church to talk about the latest CSBC board meeting, and what’s ahead for the Cooperative Program in this 100th year of celebration. They also unpack highlights from the Champions Retreat, a powerful moment of prayer, and where things stand with the potential relocation. Listen now for a clear view of where we’re headed—together. Click here...

In this episode, Sarah sits down with church planting strategist Will Browning for an update about multiplication, momentum, and ministry on the West Coast. Will details the big-picture goals for California’s 2% vision, fueled by the notion that in ministry, we should “attempt something so bold it’s doomed to fail unless God is in it.” You’ll hear about the strategy behind planting 500 new congreg...

What if prayer wasn’t a task, but a return to the delight of walking with the Lord? In this stirring episode of the GC Collective Podcast , Sarah chats with Francis Chung and special guest Bill Elliff—a longtime pastor, revival leader, and author—for a soul-deep conversation about the role of prayer in the 2% Vision. While other initiatives focus on numbers, Francis leads the charge for something...

Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council is back with Jason and Sarah to talk cultural confusion, biblical clarity, and why California’s public square needs the voice of the Church. From gender identity and the rise of young men returning to church, to the political divide among the next generation, this conversation dives deep into truth, grace, and how pastors can lead with both....

It’s Easter week, and while churches across the state prepare to share the hope of the resurrection, we’re zooming in on the long game: reaching 2% of California with The Gospel. Jason Blankenship joins Pete and Sarah to unpack CSBC’s evangelism strategy—from grants and workshops to Gospel engagements and baptisms—and how your church can be part of the statewide vision to engage 1.25 million peopl...

The GC Collective Podcast dives into the CSBC’s vision for church revitalization and multiplication. Pete, Sarah, and Jason unpack the latest updates from staff week, including inspiring reports from our own IMB missionaries, new strategies to engage unchurched communities, and the push to revitalize 500 churches over the next decade. Jason also introduces about Replicate, a powerful new disciples...

Jason Robertson is back at the table, just in time to tell us how he once “Ferris Bueller’d” his way into a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Bourbon Street—tracts in hand. Beyond the laughs, we’re diving into some big SBC topics: the latest updates from the Executive Committee, the financial health of CSBC, and why this year’s national meeting in Dallas is one you won’t want to miss. Also, if you’ve ev...

Skateparks, cheeseburgers, and global missions. Our hosts are on location in San Diego to catch up with Bryant Wright, president of Send Relief, fresh off a Serve Tour that saw 700 volunteers, 40 projects, and numerous salvations. Bryant unpacks Send Relief’s mission, from global hunger to fighting human trafficking, and shares jaw-dropping stories of God at work in California to crisis zones worl...

Prayer isn’t just a practice—it’s the foundation for everything we do in ministry. In this episode, Sarah Graham sits down with Grant Bennett and Dennis Henderson (author and prayer leader) to unpack how pastors and churches can build a culture of prayer that fuels evangelism, strengthens leadership, and transforms communities. From California’s statewide prayer movement to the Six Four Fellowship...

Big changes are coming to the CSBC budget, and we know you’ve got questions! This week, Pete and Sarah sit down with Richard Spring, Pastor at Living Hope Church and chairperson of the Finance and Budget Committee, to talk about the new budget structure that was just approved by the Executive Board. What does it mean for churches? How does it impact missions? And most importantly—why is this good...

Tony Wolfe, Executive Director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, joins the podcast! From the rich history of South Carolina Baptists to their inspiring partnerships with California churches, Tony shares insights into building a "One Family" mindset, the power of the Cooperative Program, and the Gospel's transformative work across the nation.   Read "Autonomy and Cooperation in the SBC: Two...

We can’t plan well for 2025 without looking through the lens of the 2% vision. As January throws open its doors with endless opportunities, our hosts take a moment to chat with Pastor Scott Hinman, the head of the CSBC Vision Task Force, to get an update on the status and help us all to focus on what matters most in the ministry of the local California Southern Baptist church. Email us at Podcast@...

Listen in as our hosts take a brief moment to look back and celebrate the wins of 2024. There is much to be thankful for and our convention of churches -working together for the furtherance of The Gospel- is one big reason why. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The GC Collective.   Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com   Sign up to receive This Week at CSBC Here !

The GC Collective hosts Dr. Adam Groza, President of Gateway Seminary! Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham discuss Dr. Groza's journey to the presidency and uncover the ways in which Gateway Seminary is a standout amongst higher Christian education across the nation. This is a must-see/must-listen episode. Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com   Watch Dr. Groza's Inauguration service, including Walter Price's to...

Sarah Graham sits down with planting/replanting experts Will Browning and Co-host, Jason Robertson to discover the distinctions between the two roles and to help listeners discern whether or not there has been a calling to either of those positions. Churches across California are in need of both and the CSBC, in partnership with Send Network California is here to help you find and develop your min...

Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham invite Fresno pastor Moises Garcia to the table to recap the 2024 CSBC Annual Meeting! The convention was overflowing with activities and fellowship and there's a lot to celebrate. Pete also goes deeper into the 2025 CP budget. So, listen in to hear about it all! To watch the recorded live streams of the Annual Meeting Sessions and Pastors Conference, visit the Acts2...

In this special live and on location edition, our hosts talk about the history, need, and importance of CSBC Champions. Join Pete, Sarah, and Jason in this fun and engaging show which includes audience participation. To watch the episode, visit https://acts2.vhx.tv/checkout/subscribe/login?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Facts2.vhx.tv%2Fcalifornia-baptist-state-convention and watch the 4th session. Subscri...

Our hosts invite Board Chair, Pastor Shawn Beaty to the table to help provide the yearly, in-depth rundown of the CSBC Annual Meeting, including the new motion coming before messengers regarding the 2025 change to the budget structure. Everything you need to prepare for the meeting is right here.   Visit our Annual Meeting page: https://csbc.com/2024-annual-meeting/ Register as a Messenger or Gues...

Listen in as Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham host Jonathan Jarboe, President of the Baptist Foundation of California and as they unpack the wealth of resources available to churches through investing, lending, and estate planning. Discover how the Foundation can help resource your long term Kingdom goals and secure a future for the next generation.   To learn more about how BFCal can walk with your...

A healthy church doesn't stand alone! The GC Collective's Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham welcome their own - CSBC Church Matters Team Leader Jason Robertson. Jason reveals the myriad ways Church Matters can and does resource churches just like yours. From newly formed to long established, and everywhere in between, California's churches have a valuable ally and advocate in the Kingdom work they are...

This episode of the GC Collective returns home with Marc Tempesta, CSBC Chief Financial Officer. Marc joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to look at the Cooperative Program and its impact within the CSBC. If you and your church give to CP, you play a vital role in both the day-to-day and long-term operations and ministries of the convention! Tune in to hear how important it is that we work Togethe...

Jonathan Keller, president of the California Family Council (CFC) joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to share a vision of Kingdom impact in our church, capital, and culture. As our nation enters another election season, there are resources available to educate and help you make an informed decision at the polls and beyond! This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Visit the California Family Cou...

The GC Collective welcomes the Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association's Associational Mission Strategist (or Director of Missions) Greg Kilgore. Our hosts, Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham help bring into focus the unique relationship that exists between the associations and the local church, and the camaraderie and edification that takes place in these spaces. The like-minded collaboration displaye...

The first round of our statewide “Hear the Heart” listening sessions wrapped in the spring. Listen in as our hosts, Pete, Jason, and Sarah share the insights they gleaned, as well as what next steps we can expect in the weeks ahead. Be on the look out for follow-up dates and other details on social media and on This Week at CSBC. Read the listening sessions follow up news story here . Email us at...

The gavel has dropped on the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting, but its impact is far from over! Send Network California Director Will Browning joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to provide an inside look into some of the most discussed topics... and some you may have missed. Listen in as we offer some clarity on those confusing parts of our polity and to get the scoop on times in Indy when CSBC came along...