Cultivate - Calvary Chapel Church Planting

How Much Bible Should A Pastor / Church Planter Know? – Justin Thomas

In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly sits down with Justin Thomas, president and dean of Calvary Chapel Bible College, to discuss how much biblical knowledge a pastor or church planter should have before stepping into ministry. Justin emphasizes that while no church planter begins fully prepared, pastors must be committed to becoming lifelong learners who continue growing in Scripture, theology, and practical ministry. The conversation explores the balance between calling and training, the dangers of pride or anti-intellectualism in ministry, the importance of mentorship and community, and how Bible college can provide both biblical foundations and lifelong relationships that sustain pastors over time. Episode Highlights • Justin explains why church planters need both a clear calling and an ongoing commitment to biblical growth. • Discussion about Calvary Chapel’s history of sending out young pastors while still emphasizing discipleship and mentorship. • Brian and Justin talk about how Bible college creates both biblical foundations and meaningful ministry community. • The importance of having trusted peers, mentors, and relationships during difficult seasons of ministry. • A practical conversation about humility in ministry and avoiding both arrogance and complacency. • Justin shares how many students discover their calling and direction for ministry through the “pivot” experience at Bible college. ***** The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Teams, Tenacity, & True Success - Expositors Collective Crossover Episode - Brian Kelly, Mike Neglia

In this collaborative episode between Cultivate Church Planting and Expositors Collective, Brian Kelly and Mike Neglia explore the true nature of church planting through a biblical lens. Moving beyond the modern “startup” mindset, they frame church planting as cultivation—an organic, Spirit-dependent work that requires calling, team, perseverance, and faithfulness. Brian shares lessons from multiple church plants, emphasizing that success is not measured by visible results but by obedience to God in the present. The conversation also addresses the emotional weight of planting, the importance of teamwork, and the danger of viewing ministry through a purely entrepreneurial framework. ⸻ Episode Highlights * Church planting is better understood as cultivation than a business startup * Faithfulness in the present matters more than visible success or failure * A healthy church plant requires a committed team, not just a strong leader * Perseverance through discouragement is essential in every planting season * Excellence in small details shapes how people experience the church

Throw Your Hat Over The Fence - Nick Cady & Brian Kelly

In this episode, Brian Kelly and Nick Cady discuss who should plant churches and how churches can raise up and send out planters. They emphasize that the key qualifications are not perfection or full preparation, but spiritual health, humility, and teachability. Church planting requires faith, sacrifice, and a willingness to do uncomfortable things, but growth often happens in “need to know” and “need to grow” moments. They also highlight practical steps for pastors, including openly talking about church planting, creating internships or residencies, and inviting others into the process. Ultimately, God uses ordinary, imperfect people who are willing to step out in faith. Episode Highlights • Church planters should be spiritually healthy, teachable, and willing to step into discomfort • Most people feel unqualified, but growth happens as you step out in faith • “Need to know” and “need to grow” moments are where real development happens • Pastors can start by simply talking about church planting and casting vision publicly • Creating internships or residencies is one of the most effective ways to raise up leaders • Church planting often requires bi-vocational work, fundraising, and deep dependence on God • God consistently uses ordinary, flawed people who are willing to obey ***** The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

Transitions & Seasons Of Success – Rob Salvato

In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly interviews Rob Salvato about his 30-year pastoral journey at Calvary Vista, including a thoughtful and Spirit-led transition to his successor and the church’s culture of church planting. Rob shares how he intentionally prepared his church for leadership transition by gradually releasing control, empowering staff, and cultivating a servant-leadership mindset. He also recounts his first church plant in Oregon, lessons learned about bi-vocational ministry, focusing on doing one thing well, and the importance of having a genuine burden for a city. The conversation highlights practical strategies for training church planters, investing deeply in future leaders, and recognizing that seasons of planting and supporting are directed by the Lord. Episode Highlights • Why pastors should begin planning succession long before they feel ready to step aside • The importance of slowly “letting go of the reins” to prepare both heart and congregation for transition • A real-life example of a healthy pastoral handoff after 30 years of leadership • Lessons from Rob’s first church plant, including why he now recommends getting a part-time job to integrate into the community • The wisdom of doing one thing really well when starting a church, instead of launching multiple ministries too quickly • A structured, year-long training pipeline Calvary Vista used to prepare church planters across every ministry area • Why investing deeply in leaders before sending them out produces long-term fruit • The mindset shift from “losing your best people” to seeing God raise up the next generation • Recognizing seasons of planting versus seasons of supporting and coming alongside other church planters ***** The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com Pledge to Plant: https://tally.so/r/3xj2BG

The Three Excuses Pastors Make About Church Planting – Brian Kelly & Pilgrim Benham

In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly and his guest speak directly to pastors leading healthy existing churches and challenge common objections to church planting. The conversation reframes church planting not as competition, but as a kingdom-minded responsibility. Using practical experience and vivid illustrations, the episode addresses fear of losing people, fear of losing key leaders, and fear of lacking resources, while emphasizing faith, obedience, and long-term legacy over institutional preservation. Episode Highlights • Why small and mid-sized churches are often best positioned to plant healthy churches • The three main reasons pastors hesitate to plant: competition, losing leaders, and lack of resources • The “banyan tree vs. banana tree” illustration for unhealthy growth vs. biblical multiplication • Why sending your best people strengthens, not weakens, the sending church • How God consistently provides after churches step out in obedience • A call for pastors to think beyond their own congregation toward lasting kingdom impact