Broadcast Church Planting Podcast

In Episode 5 of our Holy Spirit series, Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds explore how the Spirit empowers mission, not just meetings. They reflect on the difference between ‘glamour stories' and the quiet, everyday work of the Spirit in family and church life. From spiritual gifts to worship, preaching, and communion, how do we move from knowledge to encounter? What does it mean to meet with God now, not just remember how He moved in the past? They also discuss giving leaders space to grow and the kind of church culture that helps people draw closer to God and go further in mission.

In this episode, Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds explore the messy middle of charismatic church culture. Where awe, awkwardness, emotion and expectation collide. They talk honestly about discomfort in spiritual spaces, navigating the weird and the wonderful, and learning to pray with faith (without the caveats). From stories of physical encounters with the Holy Spirit to the challenge of worshipping freely in a British church context, this episode wrestles with how we experience God, and how not to lose sight of Him amid the noise. They also reflect on: • The impact of growing up in charismatic churches • Cultural baggage around worship styles • Praying for parking spaces vs praying for healing • The risks of hype vs shame • Encouraging gifts without replicating hype Real talk, raw reflections, and lots to chew on.

In this episode, Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds dive into what prophetic culture looks like in the Church today, and how we can make space for the miraculous, even in small, local church settings. They explore how to nurture healthy prophecy, build faith for signs and wonders without hype, and keep the focus on what the Holy Spirit wants to do in everyday church life.

In this second episode of our Holy Spirit series, Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds explore what it looks like to be open to the Holy Spirit in the Church today. Tim reflects on both the challenges and encouraging signs he sees across the UK church, from generational shifts and spiritual openness to the influences from the USA and the rise in cultural spirituality. They talk honestly about the baggage some carry from past ministry moments, how to navigate cynicism (especially in British culture), and how churches can encourage environments where the Spirit can move freely again. They discuss “Think the Best” culture at Christ Church Manchester, and how a fresh move of God may look very different to the ones we've seen before.

In this brand new podcast series from the Broadcast Network, Tom O'Toole sits down with Tim Simmonds, senior pastor of Christ Church Manchester, to talk all things Holy Spirit. Together they reflect on past moves of God, including movements like the Toronto Blessing, and ask how the Church has generally changed since the 90s. What does it mean to lead when many younger leaders have never experienced a move of God in their lifetime? Tim shares his prophetic vision for “replumbing the house” so the Spirit can move freely, the lessons learned post-lockdown, and the importance of starting new prayer meetings, and giving them names. They also explore the charismatic/traditional church divide, their frustration with performative spirituality, and the challenge of building a multi-site church that genuinely serves different communities across Manchester.

Project Weekender is a 24-hour conference for students and 20s passionate about seeing God move in their generation. In our second Saturday afternoon session, Liam Thatcher brought a high-voltage message on living an empowered life in the Spirit. A writer, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus, Liam's talk crackled with insight and encouragement. We were so honoured to have him with us, listen back now and stay powered up! ⚡

Project Weekender is a 24-hour conference for students and 20s passionate about seeing God move in their generation. Bringing a surge of wisdom and challenge, Damilola Makinde from King's Cross Church, London, delivered an electrifying message in our Saturday afternoon session. Damilola is the Formation Pastor at King's Cross Church and the Advocacy Engagement Lead at the Evangelical Alliance.

Project Weekender is a 24-hour conference for students and 20s passionate about seeing God move in their generation. In our Saturday morning session, TJ Koleoso from Jubilee Church London brought a powerful message. TJ is a Mercury and Brit Award-winning musician with Ezra Collective and leads the young adults ministry at Jubilee Church. Listen back now!

Project Weekender is a 24-hour conference for students and 20s with a passion to see God move in their generation. This year, the event was opened by Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor at King's Church London. Andrew holds degrees in history and theology from Cambridge (MA) and King's College London (PhD). He is a columnist for Christianity Today and the author of several award-winning books, including Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West.

We recently released a Theology Club course on The Song of Solomon, a book of the Bible that many find tricky to understand. In this episode of The Broadcast Podcast, Tom O'Toole explores a topic that some may find challenging—intimacy with Jesus. He unpacks why this kind of closeness with Christ is deeply fulfilling, going beyond marriage or singleness and into the embrace of our Saviour, whose love is unconditional and beautiful. Listen now, and dive deeper into intimacy with Jesus alongside our Theology Club series.

In this episode of the Broadcast Podcast, Tom O'Toole chats with Abi Flavell exploring the themes of her new book, Healed & Whole: Biblical Wisdom for Men and Women in Ministry. They discuss how healing and wholeness impact ministry, leadership, and church life for women and men, offering practical insights for those serving in different capacities. Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical solutions.

Learn about the invisible boundaries that exist in church leadership. Andy Brownlee shares personal experiences, including how understanding these boundaries—like financial authorisation limits—can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen your relationship with your leaders. Join us to explore the importance of clarity in responsibilities and the benefits of open communication to maintain healthy leadership dynamics!

In this final session, we explore the importance of maintaining a kingdom mindset in ministry. As leaders, it's easy to become consumed by our own ambitions, status, and the size of our churches. However, we must remember that it's God's church and His kingdom we serve. Discover how God uses our experiences—especially challenges and conflicts—to shape our character and help us become more like Jesus. Drawing on scripture, we'll be reminded of our glorious future as part of the worldwide kingdom of God. Join us as we encourage each other to keep our eyes on the eternal, celebrate God's work, and spread joy to those around us!

In this session, we explore the importance of knowing how to serve your apostolic leader effectively, drawing insights from Joseph's experience with Pharaoh. Discover how Joseph learned to interpret Pharaoh's leadership style—understanding whether he preferred the big picture or detailed information. Andy Brownlee shares personal experiences with his own apostolic leader, highlighting the value of recognising processing styles and keeping open communication. Join us to learn how understanding your leader's preferences can enhance your ministry and lead to more effective collaboration!

In this session, we explore the delicate balance of knowing when to speak up to your apostolic leader and when to remain silent, inspired by Joseph's wisdom in interpreting Pharaoh's dream. Andy Brownlee shares personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of timing and honour in challenging leadership decisions. Learn how to navigate these conversations effectively to ensure better outcomes while maintaining a respectful relationship. Join us to understand the art of speaking truth in love and support your apostolic leader effectively!

In this session, we discuss the importance of developing new leaders, inspired by Moses' mentorship of Joshua. By investing in future leaders, we ensure our mission continues beyond our time. Andy Brownlee shares practical ways to identify and train potential leaders, focusing on qualities like spiritual hunger and teachability. Learn how to effectively cultivate leadership while knowing when to step back, allowing new leaders to thrive. Join us to discover how you can make a lasting impact by bringing through new leaders! Let me know if you'd like further changes!

In this session, we delve into the deep bond between Paul and Timothy, forged through shared experiences on their missionary journeys. Their father-son relationship, evident in Paul's affectionate references to Timothy, highlights the trust built over time. Andy Brownlee shares his own experiences with his apostolic pastor, Colin, emphasising how their connection goes beyond church duties into personal moments. Join us to learn why investing in a strong relationship with your apostolic pastor is vital. It not only helps your own growth but also enhances trust and effectiveness in ministry. Let's discover how to build meaningful connections that support our leaders!

Join us as we explore how receiving feedback well is essential for serving our apostolic pastors. Just like Moses, we must listen, ask questions, and adjust our actions based on the insights we receive. Andy Brownlee shares personal experiences, contrasting two leaders: one who struggled to accept feedback and another who embraced it wholeheartedly. Discover how welcoming feedback can lead to growth and improve our leadership skills, ultimately benefiting our church community. Let's learn to receive feedback well, become better leaders, and better serve our apostolic pastor!

In this session, we draw inspiration from Joseph's story in Genesis, where he expertly managed Pharaoh's resources during a time of crisis. By taking charge and lightening Pharaoh's load, Joseph showed us how effective leadership can transform challenging situations. Join Andy Brownlee as he explores how we can support our apostolic pastors in similar ways. Are we making their load lighter or heavier? Discover how simple actions—like doing your job well, providing solutions, and standing up for your leaders—can make a significant difference. Let's commit to being the kind of team that helps our pastors thrive by lightening their load. Tune in to find out how you can play your part!

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Priscilla and Aquila from the Bible, who stood by the Apostle Paul through thick and thin. Their loyalty is a powerful reminder of how we can support our leaders, especially in challenging times. Hear Andy's real-life examples of commitment. When leaders know they have dependable people beside them, it can help create an environment of security and confidence, paving the way for new ministries and growth.

In this session, Andy Brownlee highlights the importance of patience in leadership, particularly when serving under apostolic leadership. He shares personal experiences of learning to trust God's timing, even when the pace of progress feels slow or challenging. Andy explains how patience can strengthen relationships with senior leaders and allow for greater growth in ministry. This session encourages leaders to be patient both in their personal development and in the unfolding of God's plans, trusting that perseverance will lead to fruitful outcomes.

In this session, Andy Brownlee focuses on the vital role of being servant-hearted in leadership. He explains how true leadership is not about seeking authority or recognition but about serving others, following the example of Jesus. Through practical insights and real-life examples, Andy emphasises the effectiveness of servant leadership in building strong, healthy church communities. This session challenges leaders to put the needs of others first, fostering a culture of humility and service that reflects Christ's mission.

In this session, Andy Brownlee explores the foundational principle of humility in leadership. He highlights the dangers of pride and the importance of maintaining a servant-hearted attitude in ministry. Drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences, Andy explains how humility allows leaders to serve effectively under apostolic leadership and avoid the pitfalls of seeking recognition. This session encourages leaders to adopt a Christ-like mindset, placing the needs of others above their own, and trusting God's plan over personal ambition

In this introductory session, Andy Brownlee outlines the journey ahead as he covers the principles of serving under apostolic leadership. Drawing from years of experience at Christ Church Manchester, Andy sets the stage for the upcoming sessions by discussing the significance of humility, loyalty, and servant-heartedness in ministry. He introduces the key themes of the course, including how to support senior leaders effectively, build strong relationships, and raise up new leaders for future generations. This session provides a roadmap for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of leadership within a church context.

Welcome to the first audio edition of our video courses! We're excited to make our resources more accessible to everyone. In this episode, Tom O'Toole from the Broadcast Network introduces Andy Brownlee's new course, How to Serve an Apostolic Leader, and shares what's ahead for our video courses. Listen in and discover more!

In the latest episode of the Broadcast Podcast, Tom O'Toole speaks with Martin Tibbert, leader of Woodside Church in Bedford, about church planting in today's world. They explore what it takes to train the next wave of planters and discuss the exciting new initiative, Train1000, which aims to equip individuals and teams to bring the Gospel to unreached places through events, online training, and mentoring. For more information and to book tickets for the Train1000 launch conference in January 2025, visit https://catalyst.churchsuite.com/events/os3ohxs6. Tune in to discover more about this vision and how you can get involved.

Tom O'Toole and seasoned pastor and chaplain Robert Lightowler discuss trauma and finding hope in God's word. With over 40 years in ministry, 15 years in education, and experience as a prison chaplain, Robert shares profound wisdom shaped by both personal and professional journeys. Tune in for deep insights and encouragement on understanding and healing from trauma.

Tune in as Tom O'Toole from The Broadcast Network chats with Paul Harrison, a devoted evangelist with a heart for the homeless community. Paul shares his passion for Jesus and his mission to spread the joy, freedom, and peace found in a relationship with God. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a positive impact in their community.

Welcome to the final episode of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, part of the Broadcast podcast series. In Episode 9, titled "How Churches Can Become Places of Healing," hosts Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford explore the transformative potential of churches as sanctuaries for healing. Key discussion points include: • The process of forgiveness and its true meaning. • Emphasizing that the onus is on leaders to be repentant, not on victims to forgive. • Understanding that forgiveness doesn't always lead to a restored relationship. • Reflecting on whether our identity is in Christ or in what we do. • Making church a welcoming place for those who struggle to attend due to past spiritual abuse. Join Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford as they provide practical insights and heartfelt prayers for those who have experienced spiritual abuse. This final episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how churches can truly become places of healing and support. Tune in now to explore these important conversations and learn how we can encourage healthier church environments.

Welcome to Episode 8 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, part of the Broadcast podcast series. This episode, "Building Healthy Processes to Deal with Spiritual Abuse," takes a hard-hitting look at the often-overlooked topic of safeguarding in churches. Join hosts Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford as they dive deep into the critical, yet frequently neglected, aspects of reporting concerns and establishing robust safeguarding processes. Nothing is off-limits in this revealing episode. Discover why trust alone isn't enough and how living in fear can prevent us from addressing harmful behaviors. Prepare to rethink how we protect our communities and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for all. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Tune in now to uncover the truth about safeguarding in churches and learn practical steps to create a healthier, more secure environment.

Welcome to Episode 7 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, part of the Broadcast podcast series. In this episode, titled "Particular Challenges in Charismatic Spaces," hosts Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford chat about some of the unique challenges faced within charismatic church environments. This episode takes a deeper look into how prophets are viewed in our church spaces and the risks of using the church as a platform to elevate status. Tom and Lizzie explore the potential for manipulation through prayer, the prevalence of misogynistic language, and the harmful narratives that leave no room for excuses in healing. Additionally, they examine prophetic speakers can sometimes do damage and look at healthier speech in our pray lives. Lizzie and Tom share their insights on how to recognise and address these issues, ensuring a healthier, more supportive church environment. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the complexities of charismatic spaces and fostering a community where every member feels safe and valued. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on maintaining integrity and compassion in leadership.

Welcome to Episode 6 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, part of the Broadcast podcast series. In this episode, titled "Making Disciples Without Laying Heavy Burdens," hosts Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford explore how to nurture discipleship in a way that is freeing and empowering, rather than burdensome. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 23:4, Tom and Lizzie examine the principles of encouraging discipleship without imposing heavy, oppressive demands. They discuss the impact of leadership that prioritises support and growth over control and obligation. Lizzie shares her experiences in how she has mentored younger people and Tom shares his insights on creating an environment where disciples can thrive without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for healthier, more effective discipleship within your church.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, part of the Broadcast podcast series. Join hosts Tom O'Toole and Lizzie Bassford as they discuss different power dynamics within the church. Continuing their exploration of spiritual abuse, Tom and Lizzie talk over the importance of simple, effective communication, reflecting on power dynamics in our communities. Lizzie shares her insights as a safeguarding lead, emphasising the need for safe, healthy church environments. Tune in for practical advice on encouraging better communication, upholding healthy leadership, and ensuring every church member feels safe and valued.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, a series on the Broadcast podcast. In this episode, hosts Tom O'Toole & Lizzie Bassford have a conversation about doing leadership in a healthy way. Continuing their discussion on spiritual abuse within the Church, Lizzie and Tom focus on the importance of what good leadership looks like, looking at where our loyalties can lie, Lizzie provides some insight in being a safeguard lead and maintaining a healthy church environment. Join them as they provide valuable guidance on how to build a church community where healthy leadership is upheld and every member feels safe and valued.

Welcome to Episode 3 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, a series on the Broadcast podcast. In this episode, hosts Tom O'Toole & Lizzie Bassford dive into the crucial topic of Creating Environments Where The Truth Is Prized. Continuing their insightful discussion on spiritual abuse within the Church, Tom and Lizzie focus on the importance of truth in maintaining a healthy church environment. They explore practical ways to cultivate a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability, drawing from Jesus' teachings and real-world examples. Join them as they provide valuable guidance on how to build a church community where truth is upheld and every member feels safe and valued.

Join Tom O'Toole from The Broadcast Network as he engages in an insightful conversation with Colin Baron, a key figure featured in our latest course, "The Challenges of Missional Leadership." In this course, Colin Baron delves into the complexities and opportunities inherent in Missional Leadership. With a wealth of personal experience in leadership and church planting, Colin explores a variety of topics, including maintaining pace, nurturing faith, building effective leadership teams, and creating a healthy church culture. Colin Baron is an experienced church planter known for his ability to identify and develop emerging leaders. Recently retired as the senior leader of Christ Church Manchester, Colin continues to travel, assisting senior leaders across diverse contexts in crafting and executing growth strategies.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Untoxic: Healthy Church & Spiritual Abuse, a new series on the Broadcast podcast. Join hosts Tom O'Toole & Lizzie Bassford as they explore deeper into the topic of spiritual abuse within the Church, focusing this time on what Jesus teaches about maintaining a healthy church environment. In this episode, Tom and Lizzie continue their conversation, examining Jesus' teachings and how they relate to addressing spiritual abuse and nurturing a supportive community. Tune in as they unpack invaluable insights into building and sustaining a safe, supportive church community in line with Jesus' principles.

We're bringing a new series on the Broadcast podcast on spiritual abuse within the Church. In this series, Tom O'Toole & Lizzie Bassford will look at what it means to be a healthy leader and what Jesus teaches us. To start with, Tom and Lizzie introduce a conversation about a healthy church and spiritual abuse.

Join Tom O'Toole from The Broadcast Network in conversation with Jonny Mellor, leader of Sputnik: Faith + Arts, as they talk about his new course, 'Releasing Artists to Renew Culture', on The Broadcast Network. To find out more about Sputnik, you can head to their website:

Join Tom O'Toole from The Broadcast Network in conversation with Dave Price, author of 'Grit, Grime & Glory', as they talk about his new book. ‘Grit, Grime and Glory' serves as a beacon of inspiration for those on a journey of faith, offering profound insights to have a deeper connection with Jesus. Let these captivating stories guide you towards some renewal and ignite the flames of belief again. Secure your copy today on Amazon

This is the fourth episode in our Culture series with Tom O'Toole & Tim Simmonds. They will go through the 7 Cultures that their church Christ Church Manchester champion within their congregations. In this episode, Tim & Tom look at Think the Best Culture.

This is the third episode in our Culture series with Tom O'Toole & Tim Simmonds. They will go through the 7 Cultures that their church Christ Church Manchester champion within their congregations. In this episode, Tim & Tom look at Have a Go Culture.

Tom speaks about how the best theology conversations are ones that are faithful, generous and kind. On Broadcast we are launching a new series of courses under the banner of 'Theology Club', and the first will be available from Friday 22nd March at https://thebroadcastnetwork.org/courses/theology-club-men-women-church-leadership

This week we take a break from our Culture series and bring you an interview with Matt Hatch. In this episode, Matt discusses his new book Metamorphosis: Unlocking Your Spiritual Transformation Through Healthy Discipleship.

This is the second episode in our Culture series with Tom O'Toole & Tim Simmonds. They will go through the 7 Cultures that their church Christ Church Manchester champion within their congregations. In this episode, Tim & Tom look at Second Chance Culture.

We're bringing a new series on the Broadcast podcast on Culture! In this series, Tom O'Toole & Tim Simmonds will go through the 7 Cultures that their church Christ Church Manchester champion within their congregations. To start with, Tom and Tim look at why culture matters.

In this episode Tom speaks with Paul Harrison from Jubilee Church in Coventry about his recent study on the theological implications of how we engage with Remembrance Sunday in our churches, and what this might say about our theology of war. Note - The episode was recorded a few weeks ago, and so references to current events reflect the situations at the time of recording.

This is the last episode in our new series on the podcast "So You Want To Go Multisite?". Throughout this series Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds have been drawing from their own experiences of multisite church planting in Manchester over the past decade and covering topics such as vision, philosophy, leaders and systems. For this last episode they're looking at Systems for Multisite - Nuts and bolts stuff to think about.

We're bringing you a new series on the podcast "So You Want To Go Multisite?". Throughout this series Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds will be drawing from their own experiences of multisite church planting in Manchester over the past decade and covering topics such as vision, philosophy, leaders and systems. For this third episode they're looking at Leaders for Multisite - Who You Need Where.

We're bringing you a new series on the podcast "So You Want To Go Multisite?". Throughout this series Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds will be drawing from their own experiences of multisite church planting in Manchester over the past decade and covering topics such as vision, philosophy, leaders and systems. For this second episode they're looking at Philosophy for Multisite - How Sites Relate to the Centre

Over the next few weeks we're bringing you a new series on the podcast "So You Want To Go Multisite?". Throughout this series Tom O'Toole and Tim Simmonds will be drawing from their own experiences of multisite church planting in Manchester over the past decade and covering topics such as vision, philosophy, leaders and systems. For this first episode they're looking at Vision For Multisite: building to keep planting.