Breaking Barriers

Are you a lead pastor struggling with burnout, depression, or physical health issues? You're not alone. In this Breaking Barriers episode, Pastor Andrew Hopper explains why preaching pastors face unique health and physical challenges that most people don't understand. Let's not ignore the hidden physical demands of preaching, and why your sympathetic nervous system is constantly triggered, and 5 strategies to fight for your ministry longevity. Essential listening for preaching pastors, church staff, and elder boards who want to understand what their lead pastor is really carrying.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this episode, we break down the critical difference between directional and shepherding elders, revealing how this biblical framework allows churches to grow while maintaining organizational health. Learn the six key responsibilities of directional elders and how to create clear role expectations that prevent ministry paralysis. Whether you're planting a church or looking to scale your current leadership structure, this practical guide to elder organization will help your ministry thrive.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers- How to structure an elder team- What is a directional elder- What is a shepherding elder- How should I structure my elder team

What if your church could generate unstoppable momentum? In this episode, we break down the flywheel concept from Jim Collins' "Good to Great" and apply it to church growth. Learn why some churches struggle with isolated wins while others create compound growth through the flywheel model. Discover practical strategies to identify your church's key momentum drivers, maintain disciplined focus, and reinvest energy where it matters most. Perfect for pastors and church leaders who want to move from sporadic growth to sustainable momentum.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Church leaders often struggle between being the "hype person" and the bearer of bad news. The Stockdale Paradox offers a better way forward. Join us as we explore how Admiral Stockdale's experience as a POW provides a framework for effective leadership: confronting the brutal facts of reality while maintaining unwavering faith. Learn why this approach builds trust, leads to better decisions, and creates truly inspiring leadership that your team will follow. Perfect for pastors and ministry leaders looking to grow their leadership impact.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Many churches doubt the value of investing heavily in "Big Days" (think: Easter Services) when attendance drops the following week. In this episode, we debunk this myth with five data-backed takeaways that prove big days are crucial for long-term church growth. From creating adequate space and mobilizing volunteers to leveraging baptism moments and implementing effective follow-up systems, discover how to transform Easter momentum into sustained church growth. Learn why the 'big day strategy' works and how to measure success beyond week-to-week attendance fluctuations.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

"We're going for 30 years, not 3." In this episode, we unpack a powerful staff retention strategy that will help your leadership team stay for the long haul: the sabbatical. We address the common objections, break down the implementation details, and share three compelling reasons this practice transforms ministry sustainability. If you're tired of constant staff turnover and want to build a team that can go the distance, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for creating a healthier church culture that benefits leaders and their families.Church Merger 1-Day Event - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#EventsWebsite: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers- What is a sabbatical?- Should churches do sabbaticals?- Should a pastor take a sabbatical?- Church sabbatical

Pastor Andrew breaks down his complete process of sermon series planning using the "Big Idea Document" approach. Learn how he creates compelling series concepts, and develops a 12-week planning rhythm that helps you and your entire team prepare for a sermon series. Includes practical tips for crafting series titles, scripture selection, big ideas, and creative elements that will engage both believers and newcomers to your church. Don't miss this one-this is as practical as it gets!Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriersIn this episode:How to plan a sermon seriesSermon series ideasPlanning a sermon seriesBig idea documentShould you do sermon seriesExpositional preaching

Discover when and why your church should consider hiring an executive pastor. In this episode, we break down the crucial relationship between lead pastors and executive pastors, exploring how this partnership creates "rocket fuel" for church growth. Learn the ideal qualities to look for in a second chair leader, when to make this strategic hire, and how to clearly define roles that maximize your church's ministry impact and operational effectiveness.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

"Generosity initiatives are discipleship initiatives." Over the past two practical episodes, we explore 5 axioms for effectively leading your church through a giving campaign. Learn why church funding isn't just about raising money but raising maturity, how to strategically allocate resources between ongoing ministry, special projects, and future vision, and why every dollar is a "kingdom dollar" in the mission of the church. Whether you're a church planter or an established pastor, these principles will help you develop both generosity and spiritual growth in your congregation.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

"Generosity initiatives are discipleship initiatives." In the next two practical episodes, we explore 5 axioms for effectively leading your church through a giving campaign. Learn why church funding isn't just about raising money but raising maturity, how to strategically allocate resources between ongoing ministry, special projects, and future vision, and why every dollar is a "kingdom dollar" in the mission of the church. Whether you're a church planter or an established pastor, these principles will help you develop both generosity and spiritual growth in your congregation.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Every growing church faces critical leadership pain points that determine its future. In this episode, we explore six essential leadership challenges—from reorganization to narrowing focus—that pastors must navigate to scale their ministry effectively. Discover why comfort and growth can never coexist and how embracing necessary pain (and the right pain) is the gateway to church multiplication.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this episode, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby continue their conversation on how church leaders can organize their lives to support both personal health and church growth. They explore the critical areas of fitness, family, flock, and finances, explaining why a pastor's vision for these personal areas should be as detailed and vivid as their vision for their church. Discover practical strategies to create sustainable rhythms in each area while adapting to different life stages, ensuring your church's health doesn't outpace your own.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this episode, we explore the "flywheel concept" for pastoral health and church growth. Discover how intentionally investing in your personal well-being creates momentum that carries into your family, ministry, and finances. Learn why passivity is never the pathway to health and how creating a strategic flywheel can prevent burnout while fostering sustainable church growth. If you're a pastor with growth aspirations, you need a vision for your health that matches your vision for your church.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Why do some churches thrive while others plateau? In this episode, we explore how effective church leadership requires working across multiple time horizons simultaneously. Using Mercy Hill's new Ridge campus project as a case study, we break down the four essential time frameworks every ministry leader must navigate: vision (3-10 years), strategy (1-3 years), tactics (90 days to 1 year), and execution (the next week). Learn practical steps to elevate your leadership, identify your natural tendencies, implement systems for longer-term thinking, and properly delegate responsibilities across your team. Discover how to move beyond just managing the next Sunday to intentionally planning for the future.How to grow as a church leader?How to grow as a pastor?How to get ahead?Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

1 year into Breaking Barriers, we wanted to revisit the reason we started Breaking Barriers to begin with. In this episode, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby continue the conversation around the false dichotomy between church growth and spiritual depth. Learn why many churches simultaneously mourn decline while refusing to celebrate growth, and discover how this mindset may be holding ministries back. They share practical insights on balancing numerical growth with discipleship, debunk common myths about church growth being "unspiritual," and explore how growing churches become sending churches. Whether you're a pastor feeling guilty about wanting your church to grow or a ministry leader looking to break through plateaus, this episode provides a bedrock, Biblical perspective on embracing both the crowds of Acts 2 and the deep discipleship that follows.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group:⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠

1 year into Breaking Barriers, we wanted to revisit the reason we started Breaking Barriers to begin with. In this episode, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby re-tackle the false dichotomy between church growth and spiritual depth. Learn why many churches simultaneously mourn decline while refusing to celebrate growth, and discover how this mindset may be holding ministries back. They share practical insights on balancing numerical growth with discipleship, debunk common myths about church growth being "unspiritual," and explore how growing churches become sending churches. Whether you're a pastor feeling guilty about wanting your church to grow or a ministry leader looking to break through plateaus, this episode provides a bedrock, Biblical perspective on embracing both the crowds of Acts 2 and the deep discipleship that follows.Website:⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

We believe that parent-planting churches is the best way to plant churches, but partner-planting is the best pathway to parent-planting. In this episode we discuss 6 axioms, 3 to move into planting and 3 to move into parent-planting. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Are you in charge of leading people? It might be an entire staff-team of 75 people, maybe it's 10 people on kids' staff, or it might just be 3 volunteers; if you lead people, this episode looks at 3 guiding principles for leading staff. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

"How does one go from the crowd to the family at my church?" This is one question can be the catalyst for growth at your church. If you don't have this clearly defined for yourself, your leadership, staff, volunteer, etc; how do you expect that it will just happen naturally? Pastor Steven Wade, Lead Pastor at Faith Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC, and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary dives into this concept from Acts 2. By the Spirit, through the Word and in community. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this Episode we talk about Easter/Big Day planning, preparations, projections and much more. If you're looking for ways to prepare the jars for Easter, then this is the episode for you. If you're listening to this as it is released.. then Easter is right around the corner! If you're catching this at a later date, then another Big Day is coming up (listen to Episode 15 and 16 for more on that!) Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

If you Haven't listened to Episode 47, go check that out as it sets the groundwork for this episode! We take a look at our recent Executive planning meeting and how to take you 10-year vision and boil it all the way down to 90-day rocks. This is a super practical episode and we think you're really going to get alot out of it!

When planning the year ahead, looking back at the previous year is essential to see how it went. It's also so important to look at the next 10 years and what the future could look like. Vision casting is both long-term and short-term; the long-term vision informs the short-term vision. This episode focuses on the 10-year vision, and the next episode will be about reverse engineering that 10-year vision. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In the church culture, we use the phrase, "Church Merger" but that is actually not a very accurate phrase. The idea is more like an adoption than a merging of two things, and this can be tough to navigate. Two visions = division. In this episode, we try to help you navigate and understand what that process can actually look like. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Failure is something that we all experience. It is something that you kinda never get used to [Edit: hopefully], but it is a reality—especially if you are chasing big goals and big prayers. In this episode we dive into 3 frameworks for mistakes and 3 positive things we can do to grow from them. Website https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Have you ever been sitting back and waiting for God to move in a situation so that you can step into it? Maybe God is waiting for you to take a step out in faith so that he can move in that situation. Maybe 2025 is going to be really hard for you, or maybe it will be the greatest year of your life; either way, we see from Joshua 3 that most of the time... God wants us to take a step of faith to see him move. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Pastor Andrew got the chance to sit down with Pastor Bryant Wright: Pastor, Author, Founder of Right From The Heart Ministries, and President of international relief organization, Send Relief. They dive into his story and a ton of other topics, we know you'll love this conversation! Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

What does the actual process of building worship teams look like at Mercy Hill? We cover everything from auditions, to Essentials (how to go from auditioning to playing on a Sunday), and continued development once someone is on the team; Jon also dives into how writing music for your church can be a huge mover for musicians in your church! Lastly, one of the biggest levers for building a strong worship culture is creating an attractive community of musicians. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Rich Birch from Unseminary joins Pastor Bobby to talk about increasing the inviter culture at your church. Rich talks about 5 gears that move the needle on inviter culture from his new book called, "Unlocking Your Church's Invite Culture: Strategies for Church Growth That Work Today." Rich's Book: https://a.co/d/flbwdLJ Unseminary: https://unseminary.com/ Rich's Links: https://helpchurchleaders.com/instalinks/ Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Pastor Jon Azzarello joins Pastor Andrew Hopper to discuss the Worship Culture at Mercy Hill Church. Jon has developed a pipeline for worship development at Mercy Hill called "Essentials" that every band member and singer goes through. They cover everything from auditions to continued development after someone is on the team. Don't let worship teams be a limited mindset for you and your church! Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Pastor Andrew Hopper interviews Pastor JD Greear from the Summit Church in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Andrew and JD discuss the importance of bringing the conversation of growth and discipleship back together live from the NC Baptist State Convention. JD Greear Ministries: https://jdgreear.com/ Summit Church: https://summitchurch.com/ Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Culture eats strategy for lunch. This is a pithy saying.. but it really is true, you can have the best strategy, but if your culture isn't any good, nothing else will be either. We dive into staff culture, and the importance of both values and behaviors. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

One of the most common questions we get are around the topic of church mergers. Navigating church mergers is a huge undertaking, and they can be such a huge Kingdom opportunity for the future. However, they can also be detrimental if they aren't navigated correctly. That's exactly what we want to discuss in this conversation! Rich Birch 1-Day Event - Increase Inviter Culture at Your Church: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠ Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠

We explore the role of church planting in fulfilling the Great Commission. We believe that church planting is God's plan for reaching the world and that every believer should be a part of a local church. We dive into how cultivating a “sending culture” within your church can propel gospel impact, and why the mission to plant churches that plant churches is vital for spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Rich Birch 1-Day Event: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠/#Events Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this episode, we dive into the reality that every church—whether intentionally or not—creates an impression on its community. We explore what it means to embrace and shape your church's brand effectively. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Pastor Jonathan Yarboro and Pastor Andrew Hopper continue a conversation (from Episode 32) about what we call the "leadership vacuum." The tension to be managed: development vs opportunity and why you need both, but one shapes leaders more quickly. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

5 Takeaways from the Breaking Barriers Conference from Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby. Many of these things are 'back stage' conversations' that we are trying to bring to the 'front stage' in the conference circuit. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

There is a delicate balance between development and opportunity. In this episode, Pastor Bobby and Pastor Jonathan examine the concept of stressing the organization. We understand this concept in almost every area of our lives: If you work out hard (i.e., stress), that leads to growth! It is often the opportunity for people to step up that leads to growth. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Live from the 2024 Breaking Barriers Conference, we took questions from conference attendees who had questions about the talks. In this episode, Pastor Andrew, Pastor Bobby, and Pastor Jonathan fielded questions about pragmatism, preaching, starting multiple services, serving engagement, and many more! This episode gives you a taste of what the Breaking Barriers Conference and ministry is all about! Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Pastor Bobby and Pastor Jonathan discuss some limiting beliefs that prevent churches and leaders from growing and ultimately multiplying.

The term vision is thrown around alot both in the church world, and in leadership in general, but how exactly do you use it? We've talked about what vision is and how to craft it, but this episode is all about how you use vision: the power of it, what paradigm we use at Mercy Hill, and in practice - how do you actually implement a vision? Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Todd Unzicker, the Executive Director-Treasurer of NC Baptist, joins Pastor Andrew to discuss Breaking Barriers, church growth, and going on mission. Conference: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In Episode 26, we talked about the weekly meeting that we have each week at Mercy Hill called "Sermon Planning" where that community helps to make the sermon better. In this episode, we're talking about the flip side of that coin and how Sermon Planning helps to develop pastors in your church! Conference: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference⁠ Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ *We typically release our podcasts as video podcasts, but due to some technical failures, Episodes 26 and 27 will be audio-only. We look forward to releasing video episodes again starting with Episode 28.

Apart from good theology, this one thing will make your sermons better. Pastor Andrew and Pastor Jonathan dive into this critical meeting called "Sermon Planning," which we have each week at Mercy Hill. Consider adding this meeting to your sermon-prep arsenal each week. Conference: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference⁠ Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠ *We typically release our podcasts as video podcasts, but due to some technical failures, Episodes 26 and 27 will be audio-only. We look forward to releasing video episodes again starting with Episode 28.

We did a Zoom seminar a while back where we discussed first-time guests and how to turn them into second-time guests and, eventually, disciples. People often get confused around the lead and lag measures when it comes to first-time guests because they feel like it is 'icky'. We want to see baptisms, people sent out, people hearing the gospel for the first time, and lives being changed. The problem is that the lead measures that lead to those outcomes hinge on people coming to the church for the first time! In this podcast, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby dive into what that looks like at Mercy Hill and how people move through our flywheel of growth. Conference: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

If you haven't listened to Part 1 (Are "Spontaneous" Baptisms Biblical?), give that a listen, where Andrew lays out the Biblical lineage of people getting saved in the book of Acts. This episode is all about the practical side. The nuts and bolts on how to pull off same-day baptisms. Join us at the Breaking Barriers Conference on September 17+18, where we'll be diving into the practical nuts and bolts of ministry, sending, and church growth. Find out more and register today: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Should you require a 6 month waiting period for someone to get Baptized? A Baptism class? Is Baptism a proof of commitment or a promise of commitment? Well, what does the Biblical record say? What does the book of Acts look like in terms of people getting baptized? In this episode, Pastor Andrew looks at all of the accounts of baptism in the book of Acts for what the Scriptural record looks like. Join us at the Breaking Barriers Conference on September 17+18 where we'll be diving in to the practical nuts an bolts of ministry, sending, and church growth. Find out more and register today: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Some churches may be great at execution but not so great at vision, while others are super visionary, but they struggle with the day-to-day execution of that vision. We will all probably lean one way or the other, but we should always be striving to be both! Conference: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

People might not be getting connected to your church because they might be confused. Making this one shift could help you see more people that come to your church... stick. Just us for our 2024 Breaking Barriers Conference: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/conference/ Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Most people think that generosity in the life of a Christian is a product of discipleship. This is not necessarily untrue, but we believe that generosity is not just a product of discipleship, but it is also a pathway to discipleship. Just look at the life and ministry of Jesus! Why is it that Jesus talked more about money than any other spiritual discipline in his parables, and in his general discourse? Because money is one of the things that gets our heart stirred up the most. In this episode, we dive into shifting our mindset to discipleship as both a pathway to and a product of discipleship.

Sometimes it feels weird to talk about money... we get it. The problem is that Jesus talked about money—a lot. Generosity is such an important topic for the discipleship of the people in our churches. In 1 Timothy, it says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, so for the Christian discipleship journey–how can we just not talk about such an important topic in the Bible? In this episode, Pastor Bobby and Pastor Andrew talk about 5 reasons pastors struggle to talk about money and the pathways to discipleship through generosity. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

We believe that short-term trips are valuable, but maybe not for the reasons you'd think. Short-term missions is a long-term strategy; not the other way around. In this episode, we dive into the nitty gritty of mission trips and why they are so effective at cultivating a heart for missions. Website: https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers