The Propel Podcast

In this episode, Larry Witzel stresses that innovation in ministry isn’t optional—it’s essential. He explains what true innovation looks like, the challenges leaders face, and why failure is part of the process. He urges leaders to embrace their purpose and create a culture where bold, Spirit-led innovation can thrive. Episode sponsor: Seminars Unlimited The Propel Church Growth Conference is comi...

In this episode, Joanne Cortes shares how she overcame fears around making baptism appeals, highlights the power of authentic invitations, and offers creative ways to reach the community. Joanne encourages listeners to share their stories and keep inviting others to experience Jesus' love. Episode sponsor: Forecasting Hope The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Silver Spring, MD - April...

David Klinedinst shares how his love for basketball grew into a deeper passion for people and evangelism. He highlights the need for a heart for the lost and urges listeners to build relationships and reflect Jesus’ compassion in their communities. Episode sponsor: EvangeLead The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Silver Spring, MD - April 12-15, 2026.

Dr. Jose Cortes Jr. explains the state of the church in North America, emphasizing the importance of community, discipleship, and church growth. Jose highlights the significance of baptism as the birth of disciples and the need for church planting to reach more people. He encourages a culture of grace within the church and the involvement of volunteer lay pastors in ministry. Episode sponsor: Adve...

John Freedman explores the challenges of evangelism and the faith needed to overcome them. Drawing from Jesus calming the storm, he connects ministry fears with God’s power. He highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in outreach and introduces the Pentecost 2025 initiative to renew evangelistic passion. Episode Sponsor: AdventSource The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Tacoma, WA, April 27-3...

Bill McClendon highlights the importance of evangelism in today’s church. He expresses the need for passion and the importance of staying committed. His message encourages church leaders to keep pushing forward, knowing God works through those who are passionate about His mission.  Episode Sponsor: Pacific Press Additional church materials: Adventist Book Center The Propel Church Growth Conference...

Byron Corbett shares a powerful message about using time wisely for God’s kingdom. With personal stories and insights from Colossians, he encourages listeners to pray, preach, and let go of distractions. It’s a reminder to reach the lost while there’s still time. Episode Sponsor: AdventSource The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Tacoma, WA, April 27-30, 2025.

In this special episode, we’re featuring three Propel Original documentaries—powerful stories of pastors making a difference for God’s kingdom. Hear how Pastor Daniel Bennett builds relationships through everyday conversations, Dr. Barry Taylor shares insights on pastoral coaching and deep listening, and Pastor Dan Cole leads a united evangelistic effort across multiple churches. Episode Sponsor:...

Ernesto Hernandez explores how AI is shaping ministry, especially for pastors, highlighting its impact on the church and its practical uses in media production and research. He delves into the ethics of AI, emphasizing the need for education to maximize its potential in ministry. Looking ahead, he discusses AI’s growing role across professions and advocates for a broader understanding of its influ...

In this presentation, Luci shares how trust and strong relationships are essential for a healthy church community. She introduces Interest Tracker, a simple tool that helps churches stay organized and connect with people. The software makes it easy to track decisions, manage contacts, and follow up with individuals. It also gives leaders a clear view of what’s happening in their church. Luci encou...

In my presentation, I explain how to use digital tools to build meaningful, in-person connections in church communities. There are a lot of digital marketing tactics here, as I cover marketing funnels, social media, targeted ads, and follow-up strategies while highlighting the success stories of pastors who’ve grown their churches and strengthened connections through these methods. Episode Sponsor...

In this presentation, Cyndi Keiser shares her faith journey and explains how Nehemiah's story inspires restoration. She highlights Isaiah 58 as a guide for ministry and talks about combining medical work with sharing the gospel for a complete approach to healing. Cyndi encourages a renewed focus on serving others, especially on the Sabbath, and calls listeners to be modern-day Nehemiahs, helping r...

Byron Corbett discusses modernizing public evangelism to engage younger audiences, tackle short attention spans, and adapt post-COVID. He introduces the 'Promise Prophecies' series with concise, relational messages and podcasts, sharing insights on marketing, church preparation, and pilot church feedback. Episode Sponsor: Adventist Risk Management The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to T...

April Burville highlights the importance of children's evangelism, addressing challenges, methods, and the role of churches in empowering leaders. She shares practical ideas, emphasizing community, family involvement, and the power of modeling behavior in witnessing. Episode Sponsor: North American Division Children’s Ministries The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Tacoma, WA, April 27...

Cesar Gonzalez unpacks the universal desire for happiness through a unique blend of scientific research and biblical truths. Cesar explores how relationships, purpose, and gratitude shape our well-being and offers a fresh perspective on how these concepts align with God's design for humanity. Along the way, practical insights and spiritual reflections come together to present a transformative view...

Discover a fresh approach to evangelism with Tim Taylor & Rob Zama. They introduce “Irresistible Identity”—a series centered on relational, Christ-focused messages that engage on a personal level, fostering connection over doctrine. Learn how this series transforms local churches and draws people of all ages to find purpose and identity in Jesus. Stay Updated with Irresistible Identity: https:...

In this episode, Dr. Roger Walter shares powerful stories of evangelism. He explains the importance of building relationships, community service, and proclaiming the Adventist message to effectively catch and keep new members in the church. Dr. Walter also introduces the Evangelism Pyramid, which outlines the steps necessary for successful outreach and retention, highlighting the need for churches...

April Burville highlights the importance of volunteering and community involvement in children's ministry. She shares insights on heart-driven programs, the differences between children's church and vacation Bible school, and the importance of planning and budgeting. April also discusses strategies for recruiting volunteers, promoting children's programs, and involving kids in mission and service....

D.W. West shares strategies for revitalizing churches through effective evangelism and relationship-building. He emphasizes the need for a new church DNA focused on prayer, outreach, and an evangelistic lifestyle, detailing an evangelism cycle that equips and empowers members for lasting growth and revitalization. Episode Sponsor: Pacific Press The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Taco...

Pastor Daniel Hall shares his experiences with the Compassion Project, highlighting an innovative approach to evangelism that combines service with meeting needs and building relationships. Pastor Hall emphasizes the importance of working with children as a key part of outreach efforts, using social media advertising, and removing religious barriers to create a sense of belonging. Through creative...

Cesar Gonzalez shares how your community can fund evangelism, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, focusing on community needs, and being open about the church's mission. Cesar talks about serving communities, building trust with local leaders, and leveraging church resources. He encourages seeking financial support and highlights the transformative power of service. Episode Spons...

Join Hiram Rester as he explains why pastors often don’t get decisions. He highlights believing in your message, preaching passionately, and asking for decisions. Hiram shares the importance of decision-making in evangelistic meetings, sharing his experiences and emphasizing frequent appeals, effective follow-up, and visiting. He draws parallels between Elijah's story and end-time events, calling...

In this episode, Pastor D.W. West shares his journey in evangelism and church planting, revealing the power of building genuine relationships and staying faithful to God's call. Discover inspiring stories of transformed lives and learn practical steps for reaching people in today's culture. Episode Sponsor: Adventist Information Ministry The Propel Church Growth Conference is coming to Tacoma, WA,...

In this episode, Byron Corbett explains that most Seventh-day Adventist churches in North America are plateaued or declining in members, often due to a lack of focus on reaching the lost. Byron highlights the need for church leaders to prioritize soul-winning and create a culture of evangelism. He emphasizes planning reaping series well in advance, supporting daily devotions, prayer, and fasting t...

In this presentation, David Kliedinst gives a deep dive into the effectiveness of the Forecasting Hope series builder. This comprehensive evangelism package includes 21 Christ-centered messages and resources for conducting a successful evangelistic series. The goal of the package is to help churches engage with their communities and make meaningful connections with individuals, leading them to mak...