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Intentional Churches Podcast

Intentional Churches Podcast

By: Doug Parks & Erin Johnston
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 Church Leader, shift your focus from mere institutional insights to individual transformation. Be intentional. Join hosts Doug Parks (CEO and Co-Founder of Intentional Churches) and Erin Johnston (Co-Executive Pastor of Canyon Ridge Christian Church) as they share weekly thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways that will resource you to help your people encounter Jesus. Take the step toward authentic discipleship of your congregation so you can mobilize the ninety-nine to reach the one.© Intentional Churches Christianity Economics Management Management & Leadership Spirituality
Episodes
  • From Silos to Alignment, with Sean Kelly

    From Silos to Alignment, with Sean Kelly
    Jan 21 2026

    On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug and Erin sit down with Sean Kelly, Lead Pastor of Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana, for a candid conversation about succession, silos, and what it really takes to bring alignment back to a growing church.


    Sean shares his journey in Ohio to stepping into a historic, multi-generational church, navigating a leadership transition. Together, they unpack why churches drift into siloed ministry, how misalignment slowly creeps in, and what practical leaders can do to realign their staff, systems, and preaching around the Great Commission.

    From staff trust-building tools like the “Four Helpfuls,” to cross-functional VIP teams, to using preaching as a catalyst for radical alignment, this episode is full of actionable insight for senior pastors, executive pastors, and church leadership teams who want to move from good activity to unified mission.

    If you’re leading through transition, or sensing your church has energy but lacks clarity, this conversation will help you diagnose misalignment and take your next faithful step forward.

    New to Intentional Churches? Start here:

    intentionalchurches.com


    Timestamps


    00:00 – “If we were fired tomorrow…”: why change feels harder than it is
    00:22 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast
    00:35 – Erin returns after a major generosity initiative
    01:29 – Meet Sean Kelly: background, family, and pastoral journey
    02:43 – Ministry context: Youngstown, Ohio and multi-campus leadership
    04:28 – Why Sean said yes to Mount Pleasant Christian Church
    06:18 – Leading through succession: what went right (and why it mattered)
    09:47 – Context matters: understanding Greenwood & the Indianapolis area
    11:43 – The Restoration Movement and Christian Church distinctives
    13:11 – First impressions: culture, DNA, and early warning signs
    16:47 – Why silos form—and how leaders unknowingly reinforce them
    18:02 – The “Four Helpfuls” tool: right, wrong, missing, confused
    21:49 – From good to great: aligning people, roles, and accountability
    24:07 – What is a VIP (Very Important Project)?
    26:45 – Building alignment through cross-functional teams
    29:01 – Low-hanging fruit and momentum-building wins
    30:08 – Using preaching to drive Radical Alignment (Erin’s approach)
    34:23 – Sean’s preaching framework: mission-anchored sermons
    37:21 – Aligning ministry programs with the pulpit
    39:02 – Discernment rhythms and organizational focus
    42:34 – Final encouragement + Radical Alignment book mention

    Website: intentionalchurches.com

    The Radical Alignment Book

    Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog

    YouTube: @IntentionalChurches

    Facebook: Intentional Churches

    Instagram: @IntentionalChurches

    X/Twitter: @IntentChurches
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    44 mins
  • AI, Spirituality, and the Future of the Church, with Drew Dickens

    AI, Spirituality, and the Future of the Church, with Drew Dickens
    Jan 7 2026
    On this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug sits down with longtime broadcaster, ministry leader, and AI researcher Drew Dickens for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on AI, spirituality, and the future of the Church.With more than 30 years of vocational ministry experience—and a front-row seat to the rise of artificial intelligence—Drew helps church leaders move beyond fear and hype to thoughtfully engage how AI is already shaping the pulpit, the pew, and spiritual formation.Together, Doug and Drew explore:Why AI is morally neutral—and how the Church must lead with discernment instead of fearHow AI is quietly becoming a spiritual authority in people’s livesThe threat AI poses to embodiment, community, and relational discipleshipWhat pastors need to understand about how congregants are already using AI for therapy, prayer, and guidanceHow church leaders can use AI responsibly as a tool, not a replacement for Spirit-led formationPractical ways AI can support relational evangelism without replacing human connectionDrew also shares a powerful personal story that illustrates both the real comfort and the real dangers of AI—and why everything must ultimately be brought back into Spirit-filled community.If you’re a senior pastor, ministry leader, or church staff member wondering how to lead faithfully in a rapidly changing digital landscape, this conversation will help you think clearly, lead courageously, and shepherd wisely in the age of AI.New to Intentional Churches? Start here:intentionalchurches.comTimestamps00:00 – A late-night conversation with AI that changed everything01:00 – Welcome to the Intentional Churches Podcast01:26 – Meet Drew Dickens: broadcaster, ministry leader, and early AI adopter03:10 – Drew’s journey from national radio to evangelism and contemplative prayer apps05:19 – Reaching hundreds of thousands daily through Scripture and meditation06:33 – Why AI is everywhere—and why most people don’t even realize it07:14 – Is AI “of the devil”? A biblical framework for discernment08:38 – What history teaches us about technology and temptation10:30 – Why pastors can’t ignore how AI is shaping everyday spirituality11:14 – How congregants are already using AI in their spiritual lives13:37 – The three biggest threats AI poses to the Church14:55 – Threat #1: AI and the erosion of spiritual authority16:47 – Threat #2: Disembodiment and the loss of real community18:06 – Threat #3: Algorithm-driven spiritual formation19:47 – How pastors should educate and lead their congregations around AI21:55 – Why transparency from the pulpit matters more than fear24:39 – Embodiment, discipleship, and why relationships still matter most26:17 – AI as therapist: what church leaders need to understand now28:03 – A deeply personal story: grief, AI, and prayer at 1 a.m.30:31 – Bringing AI experiences into Spirit-filled community33:22 – Evangelism, awe, and what AI can never replace35:30 – Why relational evangelism transforms the believer38:07 – Using AI to practice gospel conversations wisely39:58 – A powerful evangelism tool pastors should pay attention to42:34 – AI debating theology: creativity without replacing the Spirit44:12 – Revival, Gen Z, and the Church’s moment of responsibility47:13 – AI as a tool for exploration—not authority48:10 – Where to learn more from Drew Dickens50:09 – Final encouragement for church leaders navigating AI faithfullyWebsite: intentionalchurches.comThe Radical Alignment BookBlog: intentionalchurches.com/blogYouTube: @IntentionalChurchesFacebook: Intentional ChurchesInstagram: @IntentionalChurchesX/Twitter: @IntentChurches
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    51 mins
  • Leading Alignment in a Fast-Growing Church, with Chris Steele

    Leading Alignment in a Fast-Growing Church, with Chris Steele
    Dec 10 2025

    On this episode of The Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug talks with Chris Steele about the incredible transformation happening at North Terrace Church in Zanesville, Ohio.

    Chris shares the honest story of how their team realized they were making church attenders instead of disciples, and how that single insight pushed them to rebuild unity, clarify their mission, and align everything around the Great Commission.

    You’ll hear how that alignment sparked a movement of everyday people leading their friends to Jesus, resulting in 34 baptisms in 2023, 125 in 2024, and already 138 baptisms this year. Chris explains how prayer, simple tools, and personal ownership of “the one” have reshaped their entire culture.

    If you’re a church leader looking to rebuild momentum, re-ignite evangelism, or move your people toward mission, this conversation will encourage you and give you practical next steps.

    New to Intentional Churches? Start here:
    intentionalchurches.com

    Timestamps

    00:00 Welcome + Why This Story Matters
    01:25 Chris Steele’s Ministry Background
    03:02 Early Faith Influences
    05:01 Ministry Journey & Leadership Wounds
    07:19 Zanesville Culture & Ministry Context
    11:17 Opportunities and Challenges in Appalachia
    13:35 Rebuilding Generosity and Discipleship
    18:15 Early Culture Shifts at North Terrace
    23:10 COVID Collapse & Losing Half the Church
    24:07 Realizing They Weren’t Making Disciples
    26:44 Building a New Discipleship Pathway
    28:55 A Turning Point: Staff & Elder Unity
    30:42 Discovering IC’s Tools and Language
    31:46 The “One More” Mission
    34:11 The Baptism Explosion
    36:26 Everyday People Leading Their One
    37:37 Young Families Searching for Purpose
    41:36 Preparing for Future Growth
    43:36 How to Join the IC Learning Community

    Links

    Website: intentionalchurches.com
    The Radical Alignment Book
    Blog: intentionalchurches.com/blog
    YouTube: @IntentionalChurches
    Facebook: Intentional Churches
    Instagram: @IntentionalChurches
    X/Twitter: @IntentChurches
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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