Shows
Church Planters AskWhat Should My Leadership Structure Be In Pre-Launch Phase?In the early days of church planting, having the right leadership structure can mean the difference between agility and frustration—or even survival and failure. In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill break down the best leadership model for the prelaunch phase, including the triad governance structure that gives church planters accountability without unnecessary red tape. They also share the biggest leadership pitfalls to avoid (hint: don’t rush into forming an elder board too soon!). From short-term advisory teams to spotting red flags in potential leaders, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to k...2025-05-1412 minChurch Planters AskWhat Should I Do With My Launch Team?Your launch team can either be the fuel that propels your church plant forward or the friction that slows it down. So, what’s the best way to develop and lead them well? In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill break down the Top 10 Things you need to do with your launch team—including how to build mission-focused culture, create momentum, avoid common mistakes, and keep your team engaged without burning out. Learn why language matters (launch team vs. core team), how to test potential leaders, and why fun is a non-negotiable in building a th...2025-04-3022 minChurch Planters AskHow Do I Fire Volunteers?Letting go of a volunteer is one of the hardest things a church planter will face—but avoiding the conversation can cause even bigger problems. In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill break down how to transition volunteers with grace, clarity, and integrity. From setting expectations upfront to navigating those tough conversations with honesty and care, they share practical strategies to ensure that both the church and the individual thrive. Whether it’s a role mismatch, a leadership lid, or a season of life change, learning to fire volunteers the right way can actually stre...2025-04-0913 minChurch Planters AskWhat Do I Do When People Want to Leave?When someone leaves your church, it can feel personal, painful, and even discouraging. In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill dive deep into a question every church planter faces: What do I do when people want to leave? From their early struggles with guilt-driven retention to the wisdom of sending people off with grace, they share raw, real, and practical insights on handling departures well. Learn how to take the high road, release people with blessing, and even create a culture where those who leave might one day return. Whether you're a new planter...2025-03-1212 minChurch Planters AskShould I Have Nonbelievers On My Launch Team?In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill tackle the often-debated question: Should non-believers be part of your church launch team? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding YES! 🎉 Discover why incorporating non-believers can bring fresh perspectives, inspire team members, and set the stage for a culture of grace and evangelism. Danny and Chris share real-life stories, practical advice, and actionable insights to help you build a launch team that reflects the heart of the Great Commission. Subscribe for more tips and strategies to fuel your church planting journey!2024-12-0510 minChurch Planters AskHow Do I Connect In A New Community?In this episode of Church Planters Ask, hosts Chris Highfill and Danny Parmelee explore practical strategies for connecting in a new community—or even reconnecting in one you’ve lived in for years. Drawing from personal experiences and proven methods, they discuss five essential steps for church planters:Pray Strategically – Prayer is foundational. Chris shares how prayer walks and intentional team prayers can spiritually prepare your launch and align your focus on the community’s needs.Enter as a Learner – Approach the community with curiosity and humility. Chris emphasizes joining groups like the Chamber of Commerce to build natural co...2024-11-1825 min
Practical(ly) PastoringEverything You Wanted to Know About Church Planting (But Were Afraid to Ask)Tim and Frank sit down with Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill to ask all the questions they have about Church Planting as the beging the work of planting a church in the Tampa Bay Area. Danny and Chris both serve with Converge that helps start and strengthen churches worldwide.
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Join our mailing list...2024-10-2146 minChurch Planters AskWhat Are The Keys To A Successful Launch?In this episode of Church Planters Ask, titled “What Are the Keys to a Successful Launch?” hosts Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill dive into the essential elements that contribute to a successful church plant. Drawing on years of experience assessing church planters, they outline five critical "M's" for a strong church launch.Move of God: A successful church launch begins with a spiritual foundation, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the understanding that God’s hand must guide the process.Mission: Keeping the Great Commission as the church's core focus is vital. The mission must be clear and consis...2024-10-0226 minChurch Planters AskShould I Have A Launch Team Covenant?In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill tackle the question, "Should we have a launch team covenant?" They explore what a launch team covenant is and whether it's necessary when forming a church launch team. While Danny shares his personal reservations about formal covenants, citing that they can create barriers, especially with new members or non-believers, Chris offers a more flexible approach. They discuss setting expectations for team members, such as attending events, contributing financially, and inviting others—without making it too formal or legalistic. Both agree that culture is key, and launch teams sh...2024-09-1914 minChurch Planters AskWhat Is the Best Location for a New Church Plant?In this episode of Church Planters Ask, hosts Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill dive into the critical topic of selecting the right meeting location for your church plant. This discussion is packed with practical advice and personal experiences that will be invaluable to any church planter navigating the challenges of finding the perfect venue.Chris kicks off the conversation by sharing his journey of starting Grace River Church. He highlights the pros and cons of various locations, from elementary schools to YMCAs. He recounts how his church began in an elementary school gym, which had...2024-08-2029 minChurch Planters Ask(RELAUNCH) Meet the New Co-host Chris HighfillJoin Danny Parmelee and Chris Hifill as they dive into the top questions church planters face, sharing their personal experiences and expert insights. In this episode, Danny and Chris introduce the podcast's new format and discuss their journey in church planting—from parachuting into new communities to navigating the challenges of growth and expansion. Whether you're just starting out or looking for ways to improve your church planting efforts, this episode offers valuable advice on leadership, strategic planning, and building a thriving church from the ground up. Don't miss out on practical tips, real-life stories, and the wisdom of se...2024-08-2017 min