It’s the end of an era for the Unfiltered podcast. We explain why and share what’s next. 0:32 Lee lets listeners know this surreal episode to say good-bye is the last for Unfiltered. 1:28 Lee explains a couple different reasons why Danny and Lee are hanging up the microphones.  3:19 Danny thanks Lee for his impact and investment in Converge’s church planting movement. 5:10 Lee shares what the Lord has been laying on his heart when it comes to the connection between academia and pastoring. 6:49 Even though the podcast is ending, it will still be available online. Danny asks Lee the best wa ..read more

Starting anything new from the ground up can be difficult. Whether it’s a new business or a new church, nothing is 100% fail-proof. But why is church planting so difficult? Let’s pull back the curtain and have a real and candid conversation about it. 0:28 Lee introduces the topic, which is a subject he and Danny deal with often. Why is church planting so hard? 1:07 Danny has a theory that because church planting is so personal, it makes it difficult.  2:23 Danny reflects on when he planted a church and was asked how he was personally doing, he would report how the church was doing. 2:45 L ..read more

Residencies – they’re not just for medical students. A residency in a church can be a very helpful season for a future church planter. But what should a residency look like? How can it benefit both a church and someone receiving an education in ministry? And what’s the difference between an internship and a residency?  0:29 Danny introduces the episode topic of church residencies and internships when it comes to ministry. 1:00 Lee admits he’s passionate about the need for residencies and internships because of his background in his education and church experience.  1:20 Lee knows the ..read more

As a pastor, it can be easy to slip into a comfortable rhythm and habit of preaching. And while change isn’t always easy, you should always be looking to improve and develop the way you preach. As the years in ministry slip by, it’s necessary at times to assess if your preaching could use some improvement; whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pastor.  Note: There are three books referenced in this podcast episode. They are: Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, Communicating for Change by Andy Stanley, and Preaching Without Notes by Joseph M. Webb. 0:19 Lee introduces the question, “How ..read more

0:24 Lee introduces episode guest, Wes Pastor. 0:40 Wes introduces himself and explains his connection to Converge 1:36 Lee asks Wes how he became a church planter in Vermont. 1:54 Wes shares that the reasons he planted in Vermont were because it’s an unreached area, it has a rich heritage, and there are lots of college towns. 2:40 Because Wes stayed at the church he planted for 30 years, Lee asks what advice he would give a church planter when thinking long term ministry. 3:30 Having a long-term mindset was important to Wes so that he and his family could put down roots in one place to provid ..read more

Recently Converge held our annual Unleash conference. It was a time to gather nationally as a family to learn how to focus on growing every ministry and leader in churches. Highlights of the conference and the topic of ministering the way God made you to be as a church planter are covered in this episode. 0:21 Lee summarizes what Unleash is all about. 1:21 Lee asks Danny what he thought the highlights of the conference were. 1:26 Danny admits he was hesitant to attend Unleash because he goes to so many conferences. But he confirms that it was a can’t miss event for two reasons. First, it ..read more

You think God might be calling you to plant a church. But you know nothing about church planting. How do you even begin that journey? This episode holds a lot of wisdom about where you start and what to keep in mind as you contemplate this possible future. 0:21 Lee explains that in this episode, he and Danny want to address those who might be on the fence about planting a church.  0:55 Lee asks Danny what advice he would give to those thinking about church planting. 1:04 Working with guys in the deciding and discernment phase of thinking about church planting is one of Danny’s favorite pa ..read more

“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” is a podcast produced by Christianity Today and it has gone viral in popularity. What can we, as church planters and pastors, learn from listening to this story of a popular Seattle church exploding in growth, only to have it all fall apart to leave so many devastated? You don’t have to listen to that podcast first, before gleaning some wisdom from this episode of Unfiltered. It’s not uncommon for church planters to wrestle with their influence. Let’s talk about it.  0:22 Lee introduces the conversation about the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill that ..read more

Easter Sunday is arguably the most important Sunday of the year for a church. And there can be a lot of pressure on church planters with how they present an Easter service. As planters with experience, Lee and Danny discuss their thoughts on what pastors should and shouldn’t do on Easter Sunday. There are a lot of things for church planters to think through. 0:40 Lee introduces the episode topic of what a big deal Easter Sunday can be for a church planter. Lee advises not to launch on Easter and encourages church planters who have been launched for a year or longer, to fine tune Easter details ..read more

Chris Highfill planted Grace River Church in St. Peters, MO, seven years ago. In that time, the church has grown, relocated a couple of times, and gone from portable to permanent. He shares his journey as a church planter. He talks about the lessons he’s learned as a church planter. And he discusses the vision he has over the next few years so more people in Missouri can meet, know, and follow Jesus. 0:18 Lee introduces episode guest, Chris Highfill. 0:32 Chris talks about his church, Grace River Church, and where he is located. 0:48 Lee asks Chris how he landed in a suburb of St. Lo ..read more