Next Town Podcast

Church Planting and Technology

In this episode, host Joumeel McLaurine sits down with experienced church planters Nathaniel Burmeister, Travis Worthington, and Devin Akers for an honest conversation about church planting and technology. From AI and social media to systems, communication, and digital outreach, this discussion explores how modern tools can support the mission of reaching people and planting healthy Apostolic churches. The conversation is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real ministry experience. The goal is to steward technology wisely while staying focused on people, purpose, and Pentecostal identity. Whether you are planting a church, leading a ministry team, or simply trying to navigate the rapidly changing digital world, this episode offers insight, perspective, and a few laughs along the way.

Key Systems and Culture to Scale Your Church

What actually helps a church grow; and what quietly slows it down? In this episode, Anthony Harper and Jay Jones get real about the systems, structure, and culture behind healthy growth. Not hype. Not guesswork. The kind of things that actually help a church move forward without burning people out or losing its mission. They talk through: * The difference between fast growth and healthy growth * The hidden things that quietly stall momentum * How the right systems make ministry smoother, not heavier * Why culture matters more than most leaders think If you’ve ever felt like things are growing but also getting harder, this conversation will hit home.

Intentional Impact as a Church Planter

Rev. Art Wilson is the founding pastor of The International Church of Metro Detroit and a leader with a truly global ministry. In this episode, Pastor Wilson shares his journey of church planting, building a multicultural congregation, and how God opened unexpected doors, leading to ministry at the United Nations. This conversation explores the burden to reach people from every nation and culture, the power of vision, and what becomes possible when the church steps beyond its walls.  This episode, hosted by Scott Armstrong, Joumeel Mclaurine, and Devin Akers, will challenge you to think bigger and reach farther.

Partnering to Plant (Teams)

Drawing from the Book of Acts and real-life stories from Detroit to Washington, D.C., this episode reframes church planting as the work of the whole church, not just individuals. The panel explores biblical precedent, partnership models, and the dangers of isolation, while addressing common fears around control, recruitment, and trust. Hosts Darron Sistrunk and Joumeel McLaurine sit down with Jerry West (Pastor of Freedom Church and Metro Missionary to Washington, D.C.), Tim Richmond (Metro Detroit District Superintendent and Metro Missionary), and Scott Sistrunk (Director of North American Missions) to discuss church planting partnerships.

Season 2 Episode 4 Metro Missions

Join the conversation as Scott Sistrunk and Jerry West unpack the mission, vision, and impact of the Metro Missions program, clearing up misconceptions and sharing firsthand stories of transformation. From the earlier days of Metro missionaries in Detroit, to a more recent church plant in Washington, D.C.; this conversation highlights how missionaries can be sent and supported to metro areas by the whole church. Scott Armstrong and Darron Sistrunk host this inspiring discussion on the needs, opportunities, and the future of ministry in North America’s metro cities.