The Thriving Church Podcast

Episode 18 - Not Complicated: Unwrapping Church Planting with Four One-Word Questions

People unreached with the Gospel (in places where no witness exists and spiritual darkness keeps them from hearing about Jesus) desperately need a church. Guest host Matt Thackerson joins the podcast again to give an accessible introduction to church planting. He explains the what, how, when, and where of the process. Rather than seeking planters, he unwraps the process for churches and pastors who are curious about or interested in helping plant new churches. With his characteristic, earnest zeal he opens the door for churches to help launch new churches with new Christians in new places.

Episode 17 - Reaching 'Nana, Neighbors, and the Nations'

Any church can participate in reaching “nana, neighbors, and the nations.” The Thriving Church Podcast talks with Matt Thackerson about how. Starting Jesus entrusting His church with His mission at Pentecost, the birthday of the church, Thackerson and the podcasts hosts explore the answer. What is that mission? How does a church participate? What does it mean to send, go, pray, and give? Where is the “shallow end of the pool” where any church can start?

Episode 16 - I Am Their Opportunity

After a weekend when a new church made 500 contacts to share the Gospel, Steve Ballew, Matt Thackerson, Rick Brittain, and Kevin Parker explore the reality, the mandate, the barriers, and the first steps of ensuring that all New Mexico has a chance to hear the Gospel and respond to it. They backstop the convention’s theme: “That All May Hear.” With one salient statement, “I am their opportunity,” they personalize the ideas that people deserve to hear and we are their opportunity. Together, they forge a simple plea, “It’s time to start.”

Episode 15 - Explore a Missional, Joyful, Thriving Church

The Thriving Church Podcast talks with the pastor of a thriving church to find out what makes it thrive. Guest Reed Redus, pastor of First Baptist Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico, talks in a heartfelt way about his church’s people, his family’s role, and his work as a church leader. Even more, he talks about what church members are doing to reach people, go on mission, serve, care for one another, and build saints. He gets personal with his walk with God and honest about the church’s unique deacon yoke-fellow program. In all, the church exudes joy, unity, care, and a burden for lost people.

Episode 14 - Signaling for Help When God Does Big Things

Podcast Host Kevin Parker, and guest Matt Thackerson consider from Scripture how Jesus can do big things when His people don't expect it. And, when He does, they have to call on their partners for help. God is still working that way today. And, His people still need partners to finish the job.