This Is Sojourn Network

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill proved to be the hottest podcast of the year for many. It was discussed around the world in churches, barber shops, coffee bars, and front porches. In this episode, Mike makes it personal, talks about the toll the pod had on his life, what he believes the church has to learn from stories like these, and how evangelicals can find their way back. This one is so good you're going to want to listen to it twice. Saddle up and dig in, folks. CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Matt and Lauren Gray have been serving together in some ministry capacity for almost 20 years, from leading worship, serving in kids ministry, to now the lead pastor and pastor's wife role.  Even though both are Tennessee natives, their path to ministry was not what they had planned. From launching a church plant core group in the middle of a pandemic to merging with a 210-year-old existing church, they are experiencing the Lord's faithfulness all along the way. And this episode is that story. Lean in and enjoy! CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Jamaal is the lead pastor of Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, KY and the President of Harbor Network. Before receiving the call to Sojourn, he pastored Forest Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky from 2008–2015. Jamaal received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, his master's from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his doctorate, also from Southern, in Black Church Leadership. Jamaal is happily married to Amber, and they are the parents of five beautiful children.Jarvis Williams is an associate professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a preaching pastor at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of several books including: One New Man: The Cross and Racial Reconciliation in Pauline Theology, as well as a commentary on Galatians which is part of the New Covenant Commentary Series. His work has also been featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition. He is married to Ana and is father to Jaden.This is a frank conversation between old friends who also happen to be pastor-scholars. Dig in while they chop it up!CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Kurt is the founding pastor of Missio Dei Church. He has been married to his wife Shannon since 2000 and they live in Central Cincinnati with their four kids (3 teens and a grade-schooler). He loves Reds baseball, outdoor sports, and all forms of competition. His perfect day would involve all those activities with good friends and end with a stiff drink and a smooth cigar.CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Winn Collier, a pastor for 26 years, was the founding pastor of All Souls in Charlottesville, Virginia. He now serves as Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology & Christian Imagination and director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Winn has a PhD in religion and fiction from the University of Virginia and is the author of multiple books, including Love Big, Be Well: Letters to a Smalltown Church and A Burning in My Bones, the biography of Eugene Peterson.CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Scotty is the founding pastor and pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church, in Franklin, TN, which he pastored for 26 years. He presently serves as Teacher in Residence of West End Community Church, a daughter church of Christ Community Church. CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

We want to be a network of humble leaders who know how to listen well, which is why we are so excited to share a conversation Ronnie Martin had with John Onwuchekwa, lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in Atlanta's West End and one of the keynote speakers for this year's Leaders' Summit. To find out more about John, you can follow him on Twitter. To find out more about Portrait Coffee and Crete Collective visit them online at portrait.coffee and thecretecollective.org. CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsIt is produced by me and Mark Owens.It is hosted by me and Ronnie Martin. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens. Music by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Joel Negus.

Ronnie Martin chats with Paul Gilbert, lead pastor of Four Oaks Community Church - Killearn in Tallahassee, Florida. Paul has served at Four Oaks for the past 25 years, nine of which have been as the lead pastor. He is married to his best friend and the love of his life, Susan, for 29 years, and they have four children together, ages 15 to 22. Paul and Susan met at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and then married and were off to Reformed Theological Seminary where Paul completed his ministerial studies. In their spare time, (*insert laugh track*), the Gilberts love going to Disney World, relaxing at the beach, and cheering on their hapless Tennessee Volunteers football team. They also discourage camping in all of its forms. Paul completed his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at Florida State University, where he studied the relationship between family systems theory and forgiveness. He has authored two books, both of which you should buy and enjoy. Listen in, folks!CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Casey Smith chats with Jeff and Kari Patterson, church planters of Renew Church, in Oregon City, Oregon.  Jeff serves the church with vision, theology, preaching, and leadership; and Kari serves in a variety of capacities as a writer/speaker and homeschool mama. The conversation begins with a funny story about how their friendship began, travel through some of Marva Dawn's work on Christian ministry and community, and find their way through the trials and joys of church planting as a ministry couple. It's a really encouraging conversation, and it is evident that God has brought Jeff and Kari together in life and ministry as true helpmates, working for one another and Renew Church using their unique personalities and giftings. Dig in and enjoy!CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Casey Smith talks with Josh Jean, the lead pastor of Sojourn Beaumont. Josh begins by sharing what it was like growing up in a conservative homeschool setting in a "small" Texas town where his dad was a pastor. The desire to leave the small places where you're from is a common one, so Josh and Esther got out of Beaumont thinking they'd never return. But the Lord had other plans. Through a long and winding road they found themselves back in Beaumont planting a church. It's a typical church planting story in many ways, but don't be fooled by the stillness on the surface. There are some real nuggets of wisdom in this one if you're curious enough to explore them. If you do, you may just end up a better lover—lover of God and lover of others. CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Casey Smith sits down with Juan Maclean for a conversation about the time they met and Juan's zeal for Boston, the church planter's marriage and discerning "the call," and how God bids a man to come and die when he calls him to plant. Juan is the lead pastor of Redemption City Church in Boston, MA.  He and his wife Debbie live with their three children and their German Shepherd dog.  He loves music, grilling, and the Miami Dolphins.    CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach and Ayden Blackbird

Ronnie Martin sits down with Matt and Devon Guertin for a conversation about ministry callings, true friendship, unexpected blessings, and the willingness to show up in ministry as both needed and needy. At the beginning of 2019, Matt and Devon Guertin had little details about where God was calling them to serve. They were in a season of transition and knew they weren’t to walk it alone.  Out of that season, Local Church in Bay Village, OH was birthed.  CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach and Ayden Blackbird

Ronnie Martin sits down with Nick Bogardus for a conversation about wholeheartedness, resiliency, ministry transitions, discerning calling, and a whole host of other things related to church planting and pastoral ministry. Nick is the VP of Marketing for Subsplash and the Chief Strategist at Relational Advisory Group, a consulting and coaching firm that helps Christian marketplace and ministry leaders have a greater impact by integrating their emotional intelligence, communication, and development. Nick brings 20 years of proven, effective leadership in contexts as diverse as entertainment, higher education, ministry, and planting two churches. After spending four years in Mongolia and Seattle, he returned to his native Orange County, CA where he lives with his wife Kim, their three children, and a three-legged dog. He loves trail running, surfing, tacos, and college football.CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Casey Smith and Ronnie Martin sit down with Scott Sauls for a conversation about wholehearted leadership, ministry friendships, and why church planting is good for the ego. Scott is married to Patti, and dad to Abby and Ellie. He also serves as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He was previously a lead and preaching pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City after planting two churches in Kansas City and St. Louis. He’s a pastor, church planter, husband, father, author, and lover of all things barbecue. Judging by some of the quotes below, you're going to love this conversation."I pass the test of adversity a lot better than I pass the test of prosperity. Be careful what you wish for.""I think the reason why it's so hard for pastors to have close friends in the church is that most of the time, you as the pastor are more committed to your people than your people are to you.""The beginning of your maturing process is when you decide to stay in a community when things get hard. American Christians are too soft, too fragile, and we peace out too quickly. We peace out before the maturing process begins."“Pastors, take heart. Your weakness is something God delights to use in order to bring hope into the lives of others.” CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Ronnie Martins talks with Sean Nolan, the lead pastor of Engage Albany. Sean begins by sharing how his parents' separation led him to become cynical and angry as a teenager, which led him to solidarity and a home within the punk rock community. Later on, he meets his now wife, Hannah, who introduces him to Jesus and together, they get connected to Terra Nova Church. Through these means, the Lord begins to peel back the layers of anger, frustration, and cynicism he experienced in his childhood. He finds a new community in the church, begins growing as a follower of Jesus, and as a result finds a new calling in being a pastor and ultimately, church planting. He goes on to describe how God's providence required and necessitated the need for him to wait on his desire to church plant by going through a difficult experience as a youth pastor and depression. Sean concludes by acknowledging that what he was longing for all along in his story was a friend. At the heart of the conversation is Sean’s love for Jesus, and that we are known and loved by a good and gracious Father.CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash Fluharty

Ronnie Martin talks with Ed Marcelle, the Director of Church Planting and Multiplication at Harbor Network. Ed shares about his Catholic upbringing, his journey from atheism to Christianity, and how God used the faithfulness and perseverance of his wife and local pastor to lead him to Jesus. He goes on to describe how as his faith began to grow and mature, his desire to pastor among the people in Albany, NY began to grow as well. He concludes with why church planting is for the longevity and sustainability of the 21st-century church and why joining Harbor Network is primarily about stewardship rather than legacy and prestige. At the heart of the conversation is Ed’s love for Jesus, the gospel, and his neighbors to follow Jesus as King.CREDITSThis episode of This is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and Mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc Wallach, Ayden Blackbird, and Flash FluhartyFor more on Harbor Network, visit www.harbornetwork.com.

On the podcast, hosts Ronnie Martin and Casey Smith will seek to encourage and inspire by gathering stories from all across our network. Season 3 will also feature outside voices speaking into key aspects of our network's culture, values, and mission. Go ahead and subscribe today, you won't want to miss a single episode.CREDITSThis is Harbor Network is a production of Owens ProductionsProduced by Casey Smith and Mark OwensEdited and mixed by Mark OwensMusic by Marc WallochFor more on Harbor Network, visit www.harbornetwork.comFor more resources like this, visit www.harbormedia.com

Nick and Kim Bogardus sit down with Ryan and Kate Welsh from Redeemer Church in Seattle, Washington. Ryan shares that he initially had no desire to work in ministry until the word of God became alive and real to him while attending a Christian college in his twenties. After some prompting by an admissions counselor, Ryan sought out a few youth pastor positions and was hired on at a church in Newberg, Oregon where he grew to care deeply for the students and people of the church. Ryan’s wife Kate speaks about her role in supporting her husband through this growth as well as acknowledging the way God has grown her to be used for his glory. Credits:This is Sojourn Network is a production of The Narrativo Groupwww.narrativogroup.comProduced by Mike CosperEdited and Mixed by TJ HesterMusic by Sojourn Music

On this episode of This is Sojourn Network, Ronnie and Melissa Martin sit down with Joe and Renee Byler, from Veritas Church in Short North, Columbus. They talk about their journey into ministry, from growing up Mennonnite to becoming a Baptist, from music ministry to serving as a lead pastor, and they talk about the value of Sojourn Network. They even talk about their shared affinity for hot tubs.  Learn more  about Sojourn Network at www.sojournnetwork.comThis is Sojourn Network is produced by NarrativoThis episode was produced by Mike CosperOur Theme Song is by Sojourn Music 

Bonus Episode! Next week is our annual Leader’s Summit, so Mike Cosper and Dave Owens sat down to preview what’s to come. Hear about what’s new this year, like short talks and new partnerships, and hear about the opportunities that remain for attending our pre-conferences. They’ve also got some encouragements for how to pray and prepare for the Summit, so tune in and enjoy. Produced by Narrativo

On this episode of the show you’ll hear from Josh Matteson, who sat down with Nick Bogardus to share his story. It’s an incredible journey of grace that led Josh away from the church, away from a pastor’s home, and back again… a true prodigal journey.  Josh is the pastor of Grace Life Church in Phoenix Arizona, a church he planted after 20 years of ministry in Scottsdale. It was a circuitous route into church. Planting, but one that has evidence of God’s hands all over it.  It’s a great story. Enjoy listening.  Produced by the Narrativo GroupRecorded by Nick BogardusEdited and Mixed by Mike CosperOur music is by Sojourn Music

On this episode of This is Sojourn Network, Ronnie and Melissa Martin sit down with OG's in the network family, Danny and Charity Wright of Greenville Grace, to chat about how being rooted in a place impacts renewal, some of the joys and pains that coincide with longevity in ministry, how becoming a multiplying church can impact a pastor and his wife on a personal level, and how Greenville Grace has bucked the trend when it comes to church planting. This is a beautifully frank conversation between four Ohioans (?) about life and ministry. It's fresh and fun and we’re sure you’ll enjoy. CREDITS This is Sojourn Network is a production of The Narrativo Group www.narrativogroup.com Produced by Mike Cosper Edited and Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Sojourn Music

On this episode of This is Sojourn Network, Nick Bogardus talks with Miles and Pam Rohde of Redemption Spokane. Miles led a full career in the Air Force before he transitioned to ministry. You’ll hear about his journey into ministry and the way the Lord unified he and his wife Pam along the way. The first church Miles pastored on his own left he and Pam isolated in the small rural community of Marshall, MN. Miles speaks about the three years he and Pam spent there and how they learned the value and need of having support around them. While there, Miles was nominated to The Center of Excellence in Congregational Leadership and he talks about the transformative experience of finding mentorship and support from another pastor who recognized how cynical he had become. This relationship would lead to a robust season of renewal for both he and Pam over a period of 8 years after Miles was offered a youth pastoring position in Willmar, MN. Miles and Pam would leave Willmar for a position at Mars Hill after those 8 years. After arriving in Seattle though, Miles learned that he would be entering into a lead pastor residency program with the intention of planting a church in Spokane, WA. Miles began to embrace the culture of non-stop work at Mars Hill which carried over into his church plant and eventually led to debilitating panic attacks for him. Pam graciously shares how she felt the Lord was using her to speak into her husband’s health and the wisdom they’ve gained in this experience together. CREDITS This is Sojourn Network is a production of The Narrativo Group www.narrativogroup.com Produced by Mike Cosper Edited and Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Sojourn Music

On this episode Nick Bogardus talks to Jeremy and Jessie Linneman of Trinity Church in Columbia, MO. Jeremy discusses navigating the call to vocational ministry, the affirmation and clarification in it for he and Jessie and the momentum and energy of being a part of a church exploding at the seams. Jeremy began as an intern for Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY and helped to launch its J-town campus and shortly thereafter became an Executive Pastor for the East Campus location. Jeremy describes this season as his most fulfilling season in ministry but also the most difficult for him physically and emotionally. This season of working a 60-70 hour work week eventually lead to illness, chronic pain and depression for him over the course of 3-4 years. Jeremy acknowledges that his drive to succeed and his propensity to be a high achiever made it difficult for him to find respite and not keep working but his body refused to keep going at this pace. It took addressing these underlying issues in his heart as well as some deep grief he’d experienced as a child to “reframe his walk with the Lord”. Jeremy and Jessie share some practical wisdom that has helped to sustain them in ministry and has helped them to have healthy boundaries. Credits: This is Sojourn Network is a production of Narrativo Group www.narrativogroup.com Produced by Mike Cosper Edited and Mixed by TJ Hester Music by Sojourn Music

Ronnie and Melissa Martin talk with Nick Bogardus about their journey into church planting. It wasn’t something they initially considered but where God led them, by surrounding them with a community of church planting pastors and wives who nurtured their faith and calling. They planted Substance Church in Ashland, Ohio seven years ago and have built strong solid relationships along the way. Melissa talks about the blessing of being available for ministry and the work she’s been able to carry out alongside Ronnie as they both serve in their church and for Sojourn Network.

Ronnie and Melissa Martin talk to Nick and Kim Bogardus from Cross of Christ church in Orange County, CA about their ministry journey and their personal experience with Sojourn Network. Nick left Southern California where he had a home and a business to follow the Lord’s calling to Mongolia where Kim was working in the Peace Corps. It was in Mongolia that Nick experienced intensive ministry for the first time while teaching through the Bible and preaching with the help of a translator. Nick and Kim share about their encounter with the over-churched and the challenges they’ve faced in ministry and how Sojourn Network has allowed opportunities for them to find rest and also acknowledge times when they need support and friendship.

Mike Cosper and Dave Owens explore the history of the Sojourn Network, the vision and values, and the exciting future of the network. The journey of Sojourn Network began with Acts 29, where they were influenced to start something new and exciting. Inspired by the culture of creativity, health, and wholeness, the network started crafting a concrete vision based on sustainable growth. Looking onward, there are a lot of exciting changes and events to look forward to.

On this episode, our Executive Director Dave Harvey sits with Jamaal and Amber Williams. Jamaal is the pastor of Sojourn Midtown in Louisville, KY. They share their story, talk about their first pastorate, their transition to pastoring at Sojourn, and their passion for racial reconciliation and pastoring a multiethnic church.

On today's show, Nick Bogardus sits down with Travis Scott. Nick is the pastor of Cross of Christ Church in Orange County, California. Travis Scott is the pastor of Shorebreak Church in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. They'll talk about their friendship, about planting in Hawaii, and about the unique cross-cultural challenges of that context. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening.

On today's show, Mike Cosper from Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky is sitting down with Collin Hansen from Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama and the editorial director for The Gospel Coalition. They talk about his work on the "young, restless, and reformed," the church's place in a shifting culture, and his own personal journey into ministry and his life's work.

On today's show, Ronnie Martin from Substance Church in Ashland, Ohio is sitting down with Brandon Shields from Soma in Indianapolis, Indiana. They talk about how Brandon moved from South Florida to Indy, planted Soma as an outsider, about how he grew Soma into a multi-site church, and about how they became a church-planting church. Oh yeah, and they talk a bit about how you fight ego as a pastor and church planter.

On today's show, Ronnie Martin from Substance Church in Ashland, Ohio is sitting down with Aaron Gray from Sound City Bible Church in Seattle, Washington. Aaron's church planting story is pretty unique. They planted in the aftermath of Mars Hill Church closing its doors, and Aaron shares that story and the evidences of grace that came out of that hardship.

On this episode, Dave Owens chats with Rusty McKie. Rusty is the lead pastor of Sojourn Community Church in Chattanooga, TN, and Today we talk about the ups and downs of church planting, pastoring through dark seasons, and about God's faithfulness—his ability to show up—when things get confusing.

On this episode, Mike Cosper chats with Dan Hyun. Dan is the lead pastor of The Village Church in Baltimore, MD. Today, we're talking to Dan Hyun, pastor of the Village Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Dan planted the Village Church in 2008 with a vision of growing a multicultural community, and he's done that. We talk about the challenges of that calling starting with growing up in Korean churches and growing into the vision that drives him today.

On this episode, Ronnie Martin chats with Nick Nye. Ronnie is the lead pastor of Substance Church in Ashland, OH, and Nick is the founding pastor of Veritas Church in Columbus, OH, and is currently serving as the lead pastor of Apostles Church Union Square in New York City. Today we talk about Nick's church planting journey, the challenges in the early days of planting, and the challenges that came later as the church grew, and much more.

A conversation between Dave Owens, Associate Director of Sojourn Network, and Matt Herron, Lead Pastor of Sojourn Traverse in Traverse City, Michigan.

On this episode, we chat with John and Jena Stake. John and Jena live in New York City where John is a pastor at Apostles Uptown. Today we talk about how they met, their journey to New York City, how they navigated depression together, what Sojourn Network means to them, and even some advice for young pastors who desire to plant churches in the city.