PerMissonal Podcast

Tim Hawks - The Power of Micro: Unleashing Gospel Saturation

Join us as we sit down with Tim Hawks, former Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church Austin. For 35 years, Tim led the charge in planting 44 churches in the greater Austin area. Now, he's dedicated to seeing the gospel saturate communities worldwide. In this episode, Tim shares his journey, including the shift from a "bring them in" church growth model to a passionate pursuit of personal discipleship. He reveals his "heavy sorrow" over the decline of Christianity, particularly in post-Christian nations, and offers a powerful vision for a new generation. Discover why Acts 1:8 became his life verse and how it fuels his commitment to "gospel saturation" — ensuring every man, woman, and child has repeated opportunities to encounter Jesus. Tim challenges pastors and believers alike to embrace the "micro" command of making disciples, emphasizing that this, not macro programs, is the key to true church growth and seeing God's supernatural work displayed. He highlights the unique openness of Gen Z to the gospel, seeing their desperation for something real as a ripe opportunity for revival. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the simplicity and profound impact of prioritizing relational, obedience-driven discipleship. permissional.com

From Dumpster to Discipleship: Chris Gratton’s Powerful Journey of Coming to Faith in Christ

In this episode of the PerMissional Leadership Podcast, Chris Gratton shares his incredible journey from a non-Christian upbringing to finding his calling in ministry through a powerful encounter with Jesus. From his unlikely start behind a dumpster to serving as a worship leader and mentor, Chris’s story is filled with authenticity and transformation. Chris dives into the relationships that shaped his faith, including mentors like Theo Shepherd, who challenged him to make difficult decisions, such as leaving his beloved lacrosse team to pursue ministry. He also reflects on the pivotal moments of rejection, resilience, and discovering his true purpose in worship. You’ll also hear about Chris’s experiences in leadership, the influence of his involvement with FCA, and his ongoing journey of mentoring and discipling young men. Through candid stories, Chris emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, relational leadership, and choosing people over goals. Stay tuned to hear how Chris’s journey can inspire you to prioritize relationships, pursue your calling, and lead with authenticity and grace. Don't miss out on his practical advice for leaders at all stages, and discover the power of investing in others for the Kingdom! permissional.com

From Ambition to Surrender: Scot Caley on Leadership, Redemption & Disciple-Making

In this episode, Scot Caley shares his journey from growing up on a farm with a Christian family to becoming a church leader focused on missional discipleship. Scot reflects on the impact of his early family life, where his parents instilled responsibility and trust, shaping him into a leader. He recounts significant mentorship from his youth pastor, Rick Smalling, and influential experiences in sports that helped develop his leadership skills. Scot discusses his transition from pursuing agriculture to ministry, influenced by mentors like Professor Michael Shannon, who encouraged his preaching gifts. He shares candid stories about the highs and lows of church leadership, including rapid church growth, unhealthy ambition, and conflicts within leadership teams. This relentless focus on success strained his family relationships, a lesson Scot learned the hard way. Now, Scot emphasizes a leadership model that empowers others, encouraging fellow church members to use their gifts and focusing on disciple-making rather than personal recognition. He also opens up about his personal battle with pornography addiction, sharing how confession, repentance, and accountability helped him overcome the struggle and heal his marriage. Scot encourages leaders to embrace a Christ-centered, selfless approach, focusing on serving others, living a surrendered life, and pouring themselves out for God's glory. He closes with advice on perseverance in ministry, trusting in God's leading, and finding contentment in obscurity, knowing that ultimate reward comes from God. permissional.com

Multiplying Disciples, Not Just Churches: Andrew & Sierra Spellman on Simple, Missional Living

In this episode, Andrew and Sierra Spellman share their personal spiritual journeys and their involvement in the KC Underground movement, emphasizing a relational, disciple-making approach to faith. Sierra discusses her upbringing and the lack of life-to-life mentorship, while Andrew highlights the pivotal role his friend Pete played in his early discipleship. They contrast traditional church models with a disciple-making movement (DMM) focused on multiplying disciples and empowering individuals to lead. The couple introduces practical methods like the Discovery Bible Study (DBS), where participants study scripture, commit to action, and share their learnings. Sierra provides examples of engaging non-believers in spiritual conversations and identifies key steps in nurturing spiritual growth in others. They also discuss the challenges and setbacks in discipleship, the importance of perseverance, and maintaining emotional and spiritual health. Andrew and Sierra highlight their commitment to living missionally, equipping others to do the same, and embracing simplicity in discipleship. Their message encourages listeners to participate in God's mission, build community, and stay rooted in their identity in Christ. The episode concludes with advice on enduring challenges in missional living, adopting a sustainable mindset, and embracing the purpose of spreading the gospel. permissional.com

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tommy Rutledge on Grace-Filled Leadership & Missional Living

In this episode of the PerMissional Leadership Podcast, Tommy Rutledge shares his powerful story of transformation, from growing up in a non-Christian home to discovering his calling in ministry. Tommy reflects on his early spiritual formation, the healing of his relationship with his father, and the mentors who guided him on his path to vocational ministry. As Tommy dives into his journey, he talks about overcoming burnout, shifting from a performance-driven mindset to a more relational, grace-filled understanding of his identity in Christ. He shares how embracing a missional and incarnational approach to ministry has reshaped his vision for church planting and leadership. Listeners will also hear about the challenges Tommy faced in transitioning to church planting, dealing with unmet expectations, and learning the importance of patience and faithfulness in God's timing. He provides valuable insights on redefining success from a Kingdom perspective, empowering the whole body of Christ, and leading with vulnerability and authenticity. Stay tuned to the end as Tommy offers wisdom for younger spiritual leaders, emphasizing the importance of relational and emotional health, and keeping a strong foundation in the gospel. This episode is filled with heartfelt lessons and encouragement for anyone seeking to live missionally and lead with purpose. permissional.com