The Pillar Network

In this episode of the Pillar Network Podcast, Sarah Rogers and Betsy Gómez sit down with Hunter Beless to talk about discipleship, women's ministry, and the irreplaceable role of the local church. Hunter shares how her understanding of the church deepened through years of ministry, especially as she saw the limitations of online influence and the necessity of embodied, relational discipleship. Together, they reflect on the beauty and challenges of church planting, the formative role of motherhood, and how God uses ordinary, unseen faithfulness to shape His people. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that true discipleship happens in the context of real relationships, rooted in God's Word, and lived out both in the home and the local church. They call women to reject a consumeristic mindset and instead embrace a life of humble, Word-centered service for the building up of the body of Christ.    Highlights from the episode: “In a generation of curated platforms, we cannot disciple people at a distance.” “I have become less consumeristic… and more willing to bend low and serve.” “Everything is curated to the algorithm… we end up surrounding ourselves with people who are just like us.”  “The Lord uses this space within the four walls of my home as the training ground for what it looks like to apply the gospel.”  “I have become less consumeristic and more willing to bend low and serve.” “We are embodied souls… we need embodied discipleship.” “The gospel is on display when we have unity across our differences.” “The home is the training ground for applying the gospel.” “If we open God's Word together, we are doing real spiritual good.” “No woman is exempt from teaching what is good.” “Discipleship is teaching and training in godliness in the context of a relationship.”    Dig deeper: How has the “algorithm” or online influence shaped your expectations of church and discipleship? Are you trying to grow spiritually apart from the context of real, embodied relationships in the local church? In what ways might you be approaching church with a consumer mindset instead of a servant's posture? How is God using your home (your current season, responsibilities, and relationships) as a training ground for the gospel? If discipleship is “teaching and training in godliness in the context of relationship,” how does that challenge the way you currently think about spiritual growth?

Dr. Albert Mohler gives a talk on Conviction and Baptist Doctrine at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Alexis Pérez and Victor Rodriguez about the state of preaching in Latin America and the work of Prédica Fiel to train pastors. They discuss how biblical training is transforming churches, challenges in Latin American ministry, and more. Learn more about Prédica Fiel at predicafiel.org. 

In this episode of the Pillar Network Podcast, Sarah Rogers sits down with Betsy Gómez, who recently joined her in serving as a Pillar Women's Ministry Coordinator, to share the story behind her life, ministry, and love for the local church. Betsy shares how the Lord saved her as a teenager but later confronted her with a deeper understanding of the gospel that reshaped her view of womanhood, ministry, and faithfulness in the home. Sarah and Betsy talk about church planting, motherhood across different seasons, the role of women in strengthening the church, and the importance of rooting our lives in Christ rather than in our accomplishments. Throughout the conversation, Betsy reflects on how the gospel reorders our loves, reshapes our priorities, and teaches us to flourish within the good limitations God gives us. View the full show notes here.

Dave Kiehn talks with Drew Taylor about anxiety and pastoral ministry, including Drew's personal experience with anxiety, shepherding those struggling with anxiety, the role of physical health, and more.

Nate Akin, Liam Garvie, and Ryan Robertson talk about missions strategies and Global Cities. In addition, they discuss the Global Cities Project, partnership among like-minded organizations, gospel infrastructure, specific major cities, and how Pillar churches/members can get involved. Learn more at globalcitiesproject.com. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Brian Walker and Stephen Watson from Anchored Virtual about the issue of pornography within the church and how pastors can counsel those struggling with it. They discuss creating a culture of transparency and accountability, understanding the deeper heart issues behind pornography struggles, the need for biblical accountability, and more. Learn more at anchoredvirtual.com. 

Brandon Langley talks with two worship leaders, Drew O'Neal and Ronnie Morris. They discuss theological foundations in leading musical worship, intentionality, the role of pastoral leadership, liturgy, and more. 

Phil Newton leads a panel discussion on raising up elders in local churches. Panelists Rich Shadden, Tom Mercer, and Alex Daher talk through how to recognize, develop, and affirm elders. This audio is from a network-wide Zoom call from February 25, 2026. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Aaron Swain, Andy Winn, and Adam Darnell about leading from the second chair in pastoral ministry. They discuss the functions and responsibilities of associate and executive pastors, supporting the lead pastor, healthy team dynamics, and more.

Dave Kiehn interviews Brandon Freeman about the process of planting Heritage Baptist Church. They discuss co-vocational ministry, the role of Pillar in helping plant, the church's growth and impact so far, and more. 

Eric Bancroft talks with Brandon Langley and Bryan Sloan about church membership, including the biblical basis for membership in a local church, membership classes, requirements for new members, and more. Bryan is a member of our network and the Preaching Pastor of The Fields Church in Mansfield, Texas.

Brandon Langley talks with Phil Newton about his recent book, “Unburdening the Soul,” on personal and corporate confession of sin. They discuss how confession aids our understanding of sin and holiness, how to integrate confession into worship, personal confession of sin, and more. Get Phil's new book here - https://a.co/d/0hsmQ3Cy.

Brandon Langley talks with Dave Kiehn about his new book, “Pulling the Thread." They discuss the process of uncovering deeper issues in a revitalization context by ‘pulling the thread,' patience in leadership, cultivating a healthy church culture, and more. Get Dave's new book here: https://a.co/d/bMgq75I.

Liam Garvie talks with Tiago Oliveira, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lisbon and the President of Martin Bucer Seminary Portugal. Tiago shares the church's history, their current growth, the challenges of ministry in a post-Christian context, current needs for ministry in Lisbon, and more.

Dave Kiehn and Brandon Langley talk about chapter four of Churches Planting Churches, on “When is a Church Ready to Plant a New Church?” They discuss the importance of congregational buy-in, church health, financial readiness, having a qualified pastor, and more.

Brandon Langley talks with Bobby Jamieson about the significance of baptism and the Lord's Supper, specifically in church planting. They discuss the relationship between baptism and church membership, the Lord's Supper as a communal act, how to integrate the ordinances into church life, and more.

In this special Christmas Eve edition of the Pillar Podcast, Phil Newton reads the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 1 and 2.

Sarah Rogers and Jenna DiPrima discuss criticism in ministry, including understanding different types of criticism, responding with grace, practical tips for handling criticism, modeling healthy responses for children, and more. 

Dave Kiehn interviews Phil Newton about chapters 2 and 3 from "Churches Planting Churches” on what the church is and does. They discuss the importance of ecclesiology for church planting, elder-led congregationalism, how narrowing the view of the church helps to clarify its purpose, and more.

Nate Akin, Dave Kiehn, and Liam Garvie discuss how Pillar values closed membership. They address the practice of open membership, the importance of baptism, conscience dilemmas, regenerate church membership, what historic Baptist confessions have to say, teaching patiently on membership, and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Daniel Gillespie, Kurt Gebhards, & Eric Bancroft about the importance of building deep and meaningful Christian friendships among men, including the contrast with modern male friendships that lack depth, friendships that go beyond superficial interests, encouraging spiritual growth, and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Joseph Hussung from Fieldstone Counseling about the importance of counseling in the church, particularly for pastors. They also discuss biblically based counseling, the balance between counseling and discipleship, and more. Learn more at fieldstonecounseling.org.

Brandon Langley talks with Liam Garvie about his chapter of Churches Planting Churches on how associations can foster collaborative church planting, including the biblical precedent and value of associations, formalizing associations, teaching congregations about partnership and more. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Keith Crosby about his journey to faith and pastoral ministry, the long game of revitalization, and his testimony of God's grace throughout trials and suffering. Keith is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of Hillside Church in San Jose, California.

Dave Kiehn talks with Andy Davis, Andy Winn, & Chase Jenkins about the journey to planting Parkside Baptist Church in Durham, NC. They discuss the reasons for planting, the joys and challenges of the first year, raising up a team to plant, challenges for the sending church, and more. 

Brandon Langley, Phil Newton, and Nathan Baumgartner talk about how to fund a church plant from chapters 11 and 12 of "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss budgeting, vision casting, dedicated funds for planting, church documents and policies, and more. 

Sarah Rogers gives a talk on discipling women in the local church, including the importance of sound doctrine, older believers teaching younger believers, teaching a distinctly Christian home life and character, and more. This talk was originally given at the 2025 Thrive Women's Conference. 

Brandon Langley and Matt Rogers talk about developing a healthy leadership team for a plant from chapters 7 and 8 of "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss why to send a team rather than an individual planter, recruiting from sending churches and partner churches, clear communication and expectations, and more. 

Clint Darst gives a talk on walking in Christ from Ephesians 4:1-5:21. This talk was originally given at the 2025 Pillar International Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Brandon Langley, Dave Kiehn, and Matt Rogers talk about two of the chapters in Pillar's upcoming book, "Churches Planting Churches." They discuss how to find planters, where to plant a church, trusting God's providence in the church planting process, and more.

Vic Carpenter interviews Nigussie Yadete about his journey to faith in Christ, good ecclesiology, the path to planting a church in Ethiopia, and more. Nigussie is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of Christ Community Baptist Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Vic is also a member of our network and the Teaching Pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in Spotsylvania, VA. 

Brandon Langley, Nate Akin, and Matt Rogers talk about Pillar's upcoming book 'Churches Planting Churches.' They discuss the purpose and goal of the book, building churches that multiply, biblical foundations for church planting, and more. 

Jenna DiPrima and Sarah Rogers talk about friendship in ministry, particularly for pastors' wives. They discuss the unique challenges in forming and maintaining friendships within the church, discernment in what to share, taking initiative in friendship, and more.

Nate Akin interviews Pastor Alistair Begg. They talk about the development of his theological convictions, his time at Charlotte Chapel in Scotland, longevity in ministry and marriage, personal evangelism, and more. They also discuss the viral moment of Begg's sermon about "The Man on the Middle Cross" and the upcoming book inspired by that message. Alistair began in pastoral ministry in 1975 and served as senior pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio from 1983 until 2025. He is also the Bible teacher at Truth for Life. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Josh Wredberg and Matt Capps about their new book, 'Every Member Matters.' They discuss the importance, meaning, and expectations of church membership, the collaborative writing process, and more. Matt is the Lead Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, NC. Josh is the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Phil Newton talks with Rich Shadden and John Sarver about how to navigate rhythms, rest, and sabbaticals in pastoral ministry. They talk about some of the challenges that make rest difficult, planning time for rest and vacation, and more. This discussion is from a recent Memphis, TN regional gathering of Pillar churches. 

Dave Kiehn talks with Matt Capps, Josh Wredberg, and Neal Thornton about churches partnering together to plant Coram Deo Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. They discuss regional cooperation among churches, building a culture of generosity and church multiplication, pastoral maturity and competency for planting, and more.

Sarah and Jenna talk about the role of women's ministry in the local church, including grounding women's ministry in Scripture, pastoral oversight and support, resources available for women's ministry leaders, and more. 

Brandon Langley and Phil Newton talk about Phil's booklet "Are You a Christian?" They discuss interviewing prospective church members, distinguishing between struggling believers and those who may not be true believers, the role of spiritual maturity in pastoral care, and more. Click here to order the book on Amazon. Discounts for bulk purchases are available through eknies@baptistcourier.com.

Brandon Langley talks with Alex Duke about his new book, From Eden to Egypt. They discuss communicating biblical truths to everyday people, the role of writing in pastoral ministry, illustrations in preaching, and more. Alex is the Product Director at 9Marks and an elder at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.

Brandon Langley, Dave Kiehn, and Eric Bancroft discuss regional strategies for kingdom work, including Pillar's regional strategy and purpose, how a Pillar region is formed, the role of regional leaders, and more. 

Vic Carpenter joins Phil Newton again to talk about co-vocational ministry, including the importance of biblically-qualified elders, sermon preparation in a busy schedule, crisis management, and more. Vic is a member of our network and the Teaching Pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in Spotsylvania, VA.

Nate Akin talks with Shai Linne about his testimony, reformed theology, family worship, and more. 

Jenna DiPrima shares the stories of five women in the life of Charles Spurgeon, as well as several lessons that can be learned from their lives and how they served the Lord. This talk was originally given at the Pillar Unite Conference in 2024.

Dave Kiehn talks with Brandon Langley and Joshua Winton about church planting and replanting in New Orleans. They discuss the story of St. Rose Community Church, replanting Bridgedale Community Church, the challenges of sending members to plant new churches, and more. Joshua is a member of our network and the Lead Pastor of Bridgedale Community Church in New Orleans, LA.

Liam Garvie talks with Reid Karr and Jeff Hay about the challenges of planting churches in predominantly Roman Catholic contexts, including differences between Catholic and Evangelical doctrine, evangelizing in Catholic culture, patience and relationship-building in church planting, and more. Reid is the Lead Pastor of Breccia Di Roma Prati in Rome, Italy. Jeff is the Lead Pastor of Ballycullen Community Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Nate Akin talks with Luke Womack and Matt Sonke about Airo and their ministry of working to remove barriers to the Great Commission. They discuss the founding of Aero, tackling the issue of student debt through the GoFund program, and the creation of the Missions Course to address discipleship barriers in local churches. Learn more about Airo at airomissions.com.

Liam Garvie talks with David Martin and Michael about church planting in Germany. They discuss planting a new church in Aachen and one in Cologne, the need for more German-speaking churches, the joys and challenges of church planting, and more. David is the Lead Pastor of International Baptist Church Köln. Michael is the Lead Pastor of International Gemeinde Köln.

Jenna DiPrima and Sarah Rogers talk with Deana Menikoff about family and ministry, including the unique joys and challenges of being a pastor's family, balancing church and family life, navigating expectations and criticism, and more. Deana's husband Aaron is the Senior Pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.

Nate Akin, Dave Russell, & Ryan Hutchinson recap the important topics and highlights from Dallas, including Pillar's presence at the SBC, the Sanchez Amendment, financial transparency, the ERLC, and more.