The Pave Podcast

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith interviews Adam Pardue, the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. They discuss the challenges faced by aging churches, the importance of building trust and relationships, and the journey of revitalization that Highland Baptist has undergone over the past 14 years. Adam shares insights on spiritual growth, community engagement, and...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Pave Podcast! In this episode of the Pave Podcast, host Jonathan L. Smith engages in a candid conversation with soon-to-be Dr. Josh Prince, a lead pastor in Texas. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of church revitalization, sharing personal stories and insights on leadership, humility, and the importance of building trust within a congregation. Join us as we ex...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith interviews Pastor Eric Anthony Brown, who shares his journey of transforming a disconnected church community into a thriving, multicultural congregation. He emphasizes the importance of love in ministry, the challenges of navigating change, and the need for patience in church growth. The conversation highlights the power of relationships and the...

Join Jonathan L. Smith and Dr. Ward Hayes, Treasure/CFO at Texas Baptists, on the Pave Podcast as they explore the common pitfalls young pastors face when leading church revitalization efforts. From the challenges of having difficult conversations to the importance of balancing preaching with leadership, they share valuable lessons learned from their own journeys. Discover how to navigate these ob...

Join us in this insightful episode of the Pave Podcast to hear from Jonathan Smith and Pastor Tim Rowell about how to engage senior adults in your congregation, foster a multi-generational church environment, and implement practical steps to breathe new life into your church community. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to church leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actio...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan L. Smith is joined by Lee Williams III to explore the nuanced debate between vision and direction within church growth. They discuss the importance of contextualizing vision, avoiding generic statements, and ensuring that direction is embedded in the church's mission. Through biblical examples and personal insights, they discuss how churches can effect...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith sits and Pastor Brent McNeal explore the challenges faced by pastors in transforming aging congregations and the strategic patience required to foster growth and renewal. Pastor Brent shares his personal experiences, highlighting the importance of listening, building trust, and celebrating small victories. Tune in to discover how patience and str...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan L. Smith interviews Pastor Joshua about the revitalization of Canyon Creek Baptist Church. They discuss the church's history, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to foster growth and community engagement. Joshua shares insights on bridging the age gap in leadership, creating a positive church culture, and transforming worship preferenc...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith sits down with Pastor Mark Davis of FBC Crosbyton to explore how living the mission equals church revitalization. Discover the transformative power of aligning with God's plan, the importance of missional living, and practical steps to rejuvenate your church community. Whether you're a pastor or a church member, this conversation offers valuable...

Welcome to Season 2 of the Pave Podcast hosted by Jonathan L. Smith! Join us as we explore innovative, biblical strategies and revolutionary tools to empower you to be a catalyst for church growth. Be inspired by church growth practitioners who are expanding God’s Kingdom in their communities and around the world. In this episode of the Pave Podcast, host Jonathan L. Smith sits down with Pastor Du...

Join us on this episode of the Pave Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Arcadia First Baptist Church's revitalization. Pastor Josh McDonald shares how a focus on community engagement transformed a congregation into a vibrant, growing community. Discover the innovative strategies and heartfelt stories that highlight the power of intentional change and the impact of a mission-driven ch...

In this episode of the Pave Podcast, we explore the profound calling of the church to not just make an impact, but to make history. Join host Jonathan L. Smith and guest Lee Williams III as they discuss biblical examples of historical moments and how churches today can embrace their unique missions. Discover how focusing on families and being gospel-centered can lead to transformative, history-mak...

  Welcome to the Pave Podcast hosted by Jonathan L. Smith! Join us as we explore innovative, biblical strategies and revolutionary tools to empower you to be a catalyst for church growth. Be inspired by church growth practitioners who are expanding God’s Kingdom in their communities and around the world.  Summary: In this episode of the PAVE Podcast, Jonathan Smith and Pastor Dustin Slayton discus...

Takeaways: Replanting is often necessary for churches in decline. Indicators for replanting include a new name, leadership, and strategies. Revitalization focuses on returning to core church functions like prayer and evangelism. Churches must identify specific target groups for effective outreach. Healthy churches are led by healthy pastors, emphasizing the need for leadership assessment. Revitali...

Takeaways: Courage is essential for church revitalization. Change often leads to conflict, which requires courage to address. Pastors can experience fear just like their congregations. Avoiding conflict can lead to paralysis in leadership. The church is either growing or dying; stagnation is not an option. Courage is rooted in trust in God and His promises. Pastors need support from peers during r...

Welcome to the Pave Podcast hosted by Jonathan L. Smith!   Join us as we explore innovative, biblical strategies and revolutionary tools to empower you to be a catalyst for church growth. Be inspired by church growth practitioners who are expanding God’s Kingdom in their communities and around the world.  Takeaways: Building a culture of worship is essential for community engagement. Hidden issues...

Takeaways: Jesus' last words are significant and should be taken seriously. The Great Commission is a command, not an option. Churches are often in decline due to disobedience to the Great Commission. Discipleship should be a priority for pastors and church leaders. Evangelism is a command for all believers, not just a gift for a few. Quotes: "We enter to worship, but we exit to witness." "The Gre...

Takeaways: Trust is based on reliability, confidence, and truthfulness. Pastors must exhibit reliability and truthfulness over time to build trust. Building trust is essential for exercising authority in a church context. Leadership is a gift from followers, not a right. Trust takes time, often around five years in a typical church setting. Leading through crises can accelerate trust-building. Sho...

In this episode of the podcast, Jonathan Smith and Josh Prince discuss the revitalization of First Baptist Church of Cedar Hill, Texas. They also discuss the church's initiative, 'We Love 75104,' aimed at connecting with the local community and fostering relationships. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of celebrating the mission and the transformative power of love within the ch...

Welcome to the Pave Podcast hosted by Jonathan L. Smith!   Join us as we explore innovative, biblical strategies and revolutionary tools to empower you to be a catalyst for church growth. Be inspired by church growth practitioners who are expanding God’s Kingdom in their communities and around the world. In this episode of the PAVE Podcast, Jonathan Smith and Pastor Josh McDonald discuss innovativ...