Reinventing Church

In Episode 40, Derek and Danielle unpack their top leadership “mic drop” moments of the season and turn them into simple, actionable practices for pastors. They also pull back the curtain on essential systems, a unique cultural moment of spiritual hunger, and a practical tool for planning meaningful half-day personal retreats.

In this episode, we explore how churches can shift from event-driven ministry to environments where real discipleship happens. Hear from Shane Stacey, Andrew Silbert, and Sarah Burtt as they unpack practical ways to design worship spaces, mid-size trainings, and small groups that actually produce transformation.

If you’re longing for a healthier way to lead your church, this episode will encourage you. Dave Rhodes calls leaders to become hero-makers, and Pastor Jamaal Williams shows how everyday disciples can own real ministry in their own spaces. It’s practical, honest, and full of next steps you can use this week.

What if your church became known less for who it gathers and more for who it sends? This week’s Reinventing Church episode unpacks Dave Rhodes' challenge to move from seeker to sender, rethinking what we celebrate, track, and multiply. Then Derek talks with Chris Bellinger about how churches can train and release everyday missionaries right where they are. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at Grace’s new development roles and a practical “Now to Next” prayer tool for friendship and discipleship.

In this episode, Derek and Danielle, along with Pastor Sarah Burtt and the Clarity House team, tackle the shift from growth to depth. They unpack how to design discipleship environments that form people, not just fill rooms, share a behind-the-scenes look at mind-mapping job descriptions, and introduce four simple practices any leader can use to develop people, not just delegate tasks. Perfect for pastors and church leaders ready to rethink what “success” looks like in their ministry.

In this episode of Reinventing Church, Derek Sanford talks with Stephen Hay about how churches can shift from customer service to coaching, from keeping people happy to helping them grow. Learn how to spot consumer Christianity, create feedback-rich coaching cultures, and lead with courage instead of comfort. Plus, behind-the-scenes updates on Grace’s Awake the Lake vision and a new Tips & Tools on turning complaints into clarity.

Instead of plugging people into roles, call them into purpose.

From Northern Lights and “read-minds-vs-fly” debates to deep reflections on what truly counts in ministry, Derek and Danielle explore how churches can move from attendance to apprenticeship. Dave Rhodes redefines success, and guest Jeremy Adelman shows how an old Minneapolis church found new life by focusing on training disciples who multiply. Perfect for church leaders ready to measure growth by transformation not turnout.

Most churches are great at teaching but weak at training. In Episode 32 of Reinventing Church, Derek and Danielle kick off with fall vibes in Erie, then dive into Dave Rhodes on building training centers. Derek sits down with Pastor Mark Canada of Parkway Bible to talk about shifting from passive content delivery to active, experiential discipleship. Expect practical tools, a fourth grader’s gospel story, and a conflict tip you can use today.

Is your church’s leadership pipeline multiplying or just maintaining? In this episode of Reinventing Church, Derek and Danielle sit down with Brent Minter, Lead Pastor of Keystone Church, to talk about making the critical shift from staff-driven ministry to leader-multiplying culture.

Is your church’s discipleship pathway clear or just crowded? In this episode, Derek and Danielle talk with Phil EuBank of Menlo Church about moving from ministry complexity to clarity. Discover how to simplify your discipleship strategy, build shared rhythms, and guide people with a multiplication map instead of a ministry menu.

Sunday is important, but it’s not the finish line. In this episode, Derek and Danielle talk with Trey Taylor, Lead Pastor of City Hope Church, about the critical shift churches must make—from Sunday services to everyday discipleship. Trey unpacks how his team is reframing vocation as ministry, equipping everyday missionaries, and training leaders through tools like Dust: A Disciple’s Journey.

In this kickoff to Season 3, Derek and Danielle set the stage for an exciting new chapter of Reinventing Church. They revisit the five original mind-shifting insights that sparked the whole podcast. They preview this season's theme of 11 pivotal shifts every church must make. This episode also introduces a brand-new Ministry Tools and Tips segment. Derek explores the theological boundaries of AI, offering both cautions and practical guidelines for church leaders

This special audio-only bonus episode of 'Reinventing Church' features Danielle, Derek, and Aaron discussing the critical components of their church's vision frame for the staff and broader community. They delve into the mission, values, strategy, and measures that guide their ministry, all aimed at aligning with their 'Awake the Lake' 10-year vision. The episode outlines the mission of following Jesus and living out God's story every day, the core values that drive their decisions, the four-part strategy for discipleship, and the specific measures used to gauge success. The speakers emphasize the importance of each staff member and churchgoer understanding and embodying these ideas to achieve their vision of mobilizing 30,000 people by 2035 to bring gospel influence into everyday life.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode00:55 Vision Frame Overview05:05 Mission: What Are We Doing?07:47 Values: Why Are We Doing It This Way?10:57 Strategy: How Are We Doing It?13:19 Measures: When Are We Successful?15:11 Vision Proper: Where Is God Taking Us?16:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Derek and Danielle reflect on six lessons they've learned this season as they transition from a church growth model to a missional multiplication model. For full show notes, visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch

Beyond hopping people from program to program and calling it discipleship. How can the church actually devleop people into Christilikenss. Join this fascinating conversation with Diane Wright. For full show notes visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch

Dave Rhodes and Shane Stacey from Clarity House talk about how churches can unintentionally lead with programs and how to pivot to a relational disciple-making approach. For full show notes visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch

Dave Rhodes and Shane Stacey from Clarity House discuss the major shift happening in disciple-making churches to adopt an approach of training over teaching. For full show notes visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch

How should we think about our worship liturgy if we have a room full of missionaries vs. a room full of consumers? A conversation with Andrew Silbert. For full show notes visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch

For full show notes visit: https://dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch