Next Town Podcast

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.

Stewarding Your Life as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Join hosts Kenneth Stewart and Devin Akers as they explore the realities of bi-vocational ministry with guests Nathaniel Burmeister and Travis Worthington. Hear inspiring stories of church planting, practical tips for balancing ministry, work, and family, and strategies to avoid burnout. Discover how boundaries, energy management, and passion can help pastors thrive while serving in multiple roles.