The Pastor to Pioneer podcast is an honest conversation with pastors and former pastors who are exhausted from existing church structures and are seeking a simpler way of being the church and making disciples like we see in scripture. This podcast is a space to consider the question many are afraid to ask, "Could these things look differently?"
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Gavin Duerson, a simple church disciple-making practitioner from Lexington, Kentucky. Gavin shares his journey from being a mascot at the University of Kentucky to working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and eventually transitioning to leading a network of simple churches. He discusses the impact of his daughter's special needs on his faith and ministry, emphasizing the importance of love, connection, and understanding God's grace. Gavin advocates for a decentralized approach to church, focusing on mentoring and supporting others in their faith journeys, and highlights the significance of living out the Great Commission in everyday life.
2/11/26 • 64:05
In this episode, Jeff Jackson shares his transformative journey from being a pastor to an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of community, accountability, and extreme obedience to God, as well as his struggles with sin and the journey towards redemption. Jeff emphasizes the need for a decentralized church model and the power of miracles and healing within a supportive community. His story serves as an encouragement for those navigating their own faith journeys, reminding listeners of the importance of authentic relationships and the ongoing work of God in their lives.
1/28/26 • 56:17
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Turner Moore, a former traditional church pastor who transitioned to leading a home church. Turner shares his journey from a mega church environment to a more intimate church setting, discussing the challenges and realizations he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of family dynamics, the role of the Holy Spirit in worship, and the significance of personal transformation in ministry. Turner also talks about starting a lawn care business as a means of providing for his family while pursuing his calling in a new church model.
1/14/26 • 61:36
Todd Henderson spent nearly 40 years as a Methodist pastor, but COVID revealed a hard truth: he had been making members, not disciples who could make disciples. Despite loving his congregation, he realized the prevailing church model was a "beautiful black hole" that would always consume attempts at pioneering disciple-making movements. At 60 years old, though they are scared and excited in equal measure, Todd and his wife are choosing to rediscover the life and work originally invited them into.
12/31/25 • 53:09
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Tyler Ingalls shares his journey from a supportive Christian upbringing to becoming a youth pastor and basketball coach. He discusses the challenges he faced in youth ministry, the importance of holistic discipleship, and the need for parents to engage spiritually with their children. Tyler emphasizes the disconnect between church leaders and families, advocating for a new approach to ministry that fosters genuine relationships and spiritual growth. He also highlights the spiritual hunger of young people and the limitations of current church structures, offering insights on how to create a more effective and engaging environment for discipleship.
12/17/25 • 68:39
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer Podcast, Neal Karsten and Britton discuss the unique qualities that make pastors well-suited for pioneering new church models, as well as the challenges they face in this transition. They explore the importance of conviction, the loneliness of pioneering, and the need for detox from traditional church models. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships over programs and the necessity of humility and dependence on God in the pioneering journey.
12/3/25 • 63:51
Summary In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, host Pastor to Pioneer speaks with JJ Hefley, a former pastor turned pioneer of simple church movements. They discuss JJ's journey from traditional ministry to a focus on disciple-making movements, and the challenges of shifting a church's paradigm towards community engagement and ownership. JJ shares insights on the importance of empowering others to share the gospel and the need for churches to adapt to the changing landscape of Christianity in America.
11/12/25 • 67:06
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Jim Gulish shares his journey from a traditional pastoral role to pioneering new forms of ministry in Michigan. He discusses his early faith experiences, the challenges of church planting, and the importance of discipleship over mere attendance. Jim emphasizes the need for contextual understanding in ministry and the freedom he has found in being a Christian without the constraints of a title. He encourages fellow pastors to embrace their unique callings and not feel alone in their journeys.
10/29/25 • 57:04
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Rod Hammonds, a former pastor who transitioned from a successful business career to ministry. Rod shares his journey of faith, the impact of COVID on his life, and his passion for missions and recovery ministry. He discusses the importance of personal healing and the challenges of navigating church dynamics while pursuing a calling to serve the community. Rod emphasizes the need for patience and trust in God's guidance as he embarks on a new ministry journey, leading a house church and focusing on outreach.
10/15/25 • 50:43
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton hosts Brad Pickens and Eric Green, who share their transformative journey from being church elders in a mega church to establishing a network of micro churches focused on discipleship and community. They discuss their personal faith journeys, the challenges of transitioning from traditional church models, and the importance of fostering intimate relationships within their new church context. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in discipleship dynamics, emphasizing the role of families and the community in spiritual growth.
10/1/25 • 70:43
In this episode of the Pastor of Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Paul O'Brien, a former pastor turned hospice chaplain. Paul shares his journey of faith, the challenges he faced in traditional pastoral roles, and his transition to a microchurch model. He discusses the importance of community, the role of shepherding in various contexts, and the freedom he has found in his new ministry approach. Paul emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and the impact of hospitality in reaching others for Christ.
9/17/25 • 55:59
In this episode, Dean Yoder shares his transformative journey from being a firefighter to a pastor, and now navigating life after stepping away from traditional church leadership. He discusses the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the challenges of church mergers, and the pressure of maintaining traditional church expectations. Dean emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in his spiritual growth and the need for obedience to God's calling, even amidst uncertainty. He reflects on the guilt of leaving a pastoral role and the ongoing process of discovering his purpose in the kingdom of God.
9/3/25 • 51:58
Join Britton as he sits down with Luis Ruiz, a long-time friend and fellow pioneer in ministry. Luis shares his journey from a traditional church upbringing to leading a simple, organic church movement in Orlando. Discover how faith, family, and paradigm shifts have shaped his path.
8/20/25 • 60:13
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Jim Britts shares his transformative journey from a traditional pastoral role to pioneering a disciple-making movement. He discusses his early faith experiences, the pivotal moments that led him to church planting, and the importance of hearing God's voice. Jim emphasizes the significance of personal stories, finding persons of peace, and the challenges of navigating change within church culture. He also highlights the role of family in ministry and the impact of international connections on his understanding of disciple-making movements. Jim's insights provide valuable lessons for pastors and leaders seeking to foster authentic community and make disciples in today's world. www.pastortopioneer.com
8/6/25 • 66:01
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Nate Ward, a former pastor who shares his journey from traditional church leadership to pioneering a new way of being the church with his family. Nate discusses his early life, the challenges he faced in ministry, the impact of COVID-19 on his perspective, and how he is now focusing on outreach and discipleship in a more personal and relational way. He emphasizes the importance of empowering his daughters in their faith and the need for the church to adapt to meet the needs of the community.
7/23/25 • 45:11
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Josh Chaffin, who shares his journey from traditional pastoral ministry to a more disciple-making approach. Josh reflects on his upbringing in the church, his transition into pastoral roles, and the challenges he faced while trying to engage college students in their faith. He discusses the importance of discipleship, the need for a shift in ministry models, and the personal growth he experienced after stepping away from traditional ministry. The conversation highlights the significance of relationships, family dynamics, and the ongoing journey of faith and outreach. www.pastortopioneer.com
7/9/25 • 52:29
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton hosts Jeff Duerler and Andy Dalton from LifeSpring Community Church in Cincinnati. They share their unique journey from traditional church settings to pioneering microchurch movements. Jeff discusses his long pastoral journey, the transition from multi-site to autonomous churches, and the divine guidance that led them to explore church planting. Andy shares his personal story of obedience and the call to church planting, emphasizing the importance of family considerations and the influence of disciple-making movements. Together, they reflect on the challenges and joys of following God's leading in their ministry.
6/25/25 • 64:42
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Mark Douglas, exploring his journey from a traditional pastoral role to a more transformative approach to ministry. Mark shares his experiences of feeling inadequate and frustrated within the prevailing church model, the challenges he faced in his ministry, and the realizations that led him to seek a different path. The conversation delves into the systemic issues within the church, the importance of evangelism, and the personal struggles that shaped Mark's faith journey. He discusses the challenges of resignation, the healing process through grace, and the importance of community.
6/11/25 • 47:31
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton Smith interviews Suzie Judd, a pastor and catalyst for disciple-making movements. Suzie shares her journey of faith, her early life, and the formation of her church with her husband, Matt. They discuss their approach to evangelism, the impact of signs and wonders, and the importance of empowering believers to share their faith. Suzie emphasizes the need for lasting fruit in ministry and the challenges they faced in transitioning their church's focus towards equipping every believer to be a laborer in the harvest.
5/28/25 • 56:23
In this episode, Nick Roe shares his journey from being a youth pastor to stepping away from the traditional church model to pursue real estate and personal wellness. He discusses his early faith experiences, the challenges he faced in church leadership, and the business mindset he applied to ministry. Nick reflects on the struggles with bitterness and the importance of seeking help, ultimately leading to personal transformation and a focus on health and wellness. Nick emphasizes the importance of personal growth, discipleship, and the impact of this transition on his family, ultimately encouraging others to embrace their own journeys of faith without fear of judgment.
5/14/25 • 58:09
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Duncan Slaughter, who shares his transformative journey from a life of partying to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus. Duncan recounts his early life filled with challenges, a supernatural encounter that changed his perspective, and his eventual decision to pursue seminary and church planting. He emphasizes the importance of discipleship and community in his ministry, ultimately leading to the establishment of a network of house churches in Houston. He discusses the importance of discipleship, the balance between structure and being spirit-led, and the role of authenticity and vulnerability in building community. Duncan reflects on his early mistakes in leadership, the significance of reproducible methods, and the value of life change groups in fostering spiritual growth.
4/30/25 • 56:07
In this conversation, Britton Smith and Neal Karsten explore the complexities of transitioning church models, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by different approaches to disciple-making. They discuss three primary paths: transitioning existing churches, adopting a hybrid model, and pioneering new works. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical difficulties faced by pastors and congregations during these transitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding foundational issues and the dynamics of church movements.
4/16/25 • 52:09
In part 2 of our mini series, Neal Karsten join us again to discuss 8 different cracks we see in the foundation of the institution. The conversation explores the challenges faced by modern churches regarding branding, competition, and the implications of centralization versus decentralization. They emphasize the importance of aligning church practices with biblical foundations rather than merely following established customs. They explore the complexities of church customs, the role of money in church dynamics, and the importance of flexibility in church practices. They discuss the potential for being the church without financial dependence and the need for a decentralized approach to money management. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of examining the foundations of church models, identifying key issues such as consumerism, and the importance of personal reflection and repentance in the church community.
4/2/25 • 56:46
This is episode 1 of a special 3 part podcast series with our guest Neal Karsten. In episode 1, Britton and Neal navigate the complexities of church community, discipleship, and the impact of COVID-19 on traditional church models. They reflect on their experiences of gathering in homes, the challenges of empowering others, and the need for foundational changes within the church system. The discussion also highlights the importance of evaluating practices against biblical standards and recognizing the difference between individuals and the church system they operate within. In this conversation, Neal and Britton explore the complexities of church dynamics, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. They discuss the challenges of separating the church from the institutional system, the impact of consumerism on church attendance and engagement, and the importance of foundational issues in church models.
3/19/25 • 39:41
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Guy Caskey, who shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a passionate disciple-maker and church planter. Guy discusses his early struggles with identity and substance abuse, his radical encounter with God, and his subsequent call to ministry. He reflects on the challenges of navigating traditional church culture, the importance of discipleship, and the impact of global missions. Throughout the conversation, Guy emphasizes the need for authenticity, relationship-building, and a Christ-centered approach to ministry. In this conversation, Guy Caskey shares insights on maintaining relationships across different church models, the challenges of working within mega church structures, and the importance of spiritual parenting. He emphasizes the need for identity, intimacy, and influence in ministry, and discusses the significance of trusting God for provision while navigating financial security. The dialogue also touches on the importance of casting vision for community and investing in a few to reach many, while cultivating a culture of spiritual parenting and ensuring the sustainability of church multiplication efforts.
3/5/25 • 52:17
In this episode, Britton and Daniel Towner discuss Daniel's journey from a non-church background to becoming a pastor and pioneer in Philadelphia. Daniel shifted from an acting career in New York City, to a pastoral role in ministry, including a role as a director of discipleship, and is now pioneering a simple movement. The conversation highlights the importance of faith, community, and the pursuit of lost souls. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, the challenges of support raising, and the transformative power of being present in the community. Daniel discusses the significance of listening to God's guidance and the need to avoid comparison with others in ministry. He encourages listeners to embrace their unique calling and to be open to the work God is doing in their lives and communities.
2/19/25 • 53:00
In this episode, Mark Goering shares his transformative journey from a traditional pastoral role to embracing a simple church model focused on disciple-making. He reflects on his struggles with faith, identity, and mental health, and how a group of believers helped him find authentic faith. Mark discusses the challenges he faced while trying to implement new methods of church leadership and the eventual decision to step away from traditional structures to pursue a more organic approach to ministry in Queens, New York. Learn more at https://multiplyingdisciples.us
2/5/25 • 45:45
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Britton interviews Chris and Sarah Greenwood, who share their journey from traditional pastoral roles to exploring new forms of ministry. They discuss their early life experiences, the challenges of pastoral expectations, and the importance of discipleship. The conversation highlights their realizations about the limitations of traditional church models and their desire to seek out those who are not actively pursuing faith. Chris and Sarah emphasize the need for a more personal and relational approach to ministry, ultimately leading them to consider new directions in their calling. They share their transformative journey from pastoral ministry to the marketplace, discussing the challenges and growth they experienced along the way. They emphasize the importance of seeking people, the dynamics of family life during transitions, and the newfound compassion Chris has developed in his role as a financial planner. The couple reflects on their faith journey, the significance of community, and the lessons learned about dependency on God during difficult times.
1/22/25 • 71:52
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Joe Schimmels from NOVO shares his transformative journey from a non-religious background to becoming a passionate disciple-maker. He discusses the importance of inner healing, identity in Christ, and the loneliness often felt in pastoral roles. Joe emphasizes the distinction between apostolic and pastoral epistles, advocating for a movement mindset that focuses on multiplying disciples rather than merely growing local churches. He also highlights the significance of authority and power in prayer, drawing parallels to his experiences in various ministry contexts. In this conversation, Joe Schimmels discusses the importance of understanding authority in prayer, the role of expectation, and the need for training in spiritual authority. He shares real-life stories of healing and emphasizes the significance of engaging with unbelievers and transitioning conversations to spiritual discussions. The conversation highlights the necessity of intimacy with the Father and encourages listeners to embrace their spiritual aches for more in their lives and communities. Novo Website: https://novo.org/
1/8/25 • 52:27
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer Podcast, Britton interviews Brent Hoffman, a former worship pastor and church planter. Brent shares his journey from being a worship leader to leading multi-site churches, discussing the challenges of church growth, leadership sustainability, and the shift towards discipleship and simplicity in ministry. In this conversation, Brent Hofen shares his transformative journey from traditional church leadership to a model of simple obedience and disciple-making. He discusses the importance of co-laboring with other believers, the shift to "tent-making" for income, and the profound rest he has found in following Jesus' teachings. Brent emphasizes the significance of spiritual conversations, the sacredness of time, and the impact of these changes on his family, highlighting the joy of seeing his children engage in the mission of spreading the gospel. Brent Hofen Contact: brent@sent2share.com
12/18/24 • 47:42
