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 min
The Church Talk PodcastThe Self Aware Pastor with Danny ParmeleeSend us a textIn this episode of the Church Talk podcast, hosts Jason Allison, Rob Paterson, and Courtney engage with Danny Parmelee, the regional president of Converge Mid-America. The conversation centers around the importance of self-awareness in leadership, particularly for pastors and church leaders. Danny shares his personal journey of discovering the significance of self-awareness through coaching and feedback, emphasizing how it can lead to personal growth and improved leadership effectiveness. The discussion also touches on the challenges of vulnerability, the role of fear in leadership, and the introduction of a 360 self-awareness tool designed to...2025-02-1744 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
CIL CHURCH"Heart for the Lost" - Danny Parmelee - AudioConverge Vice President Danny Parmelee guest preaches a sermon from Luke 15: 1-10.2024-10-1441 min
CIL CHURCH"Heart for the Lost" - Danny Parmelee - AudioConverge Vice President Danny Parmelee guest preaches a sermon from Luke 15: 1-10.2024-10-1441 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 min
Fellowship Nashville PodcastHeart for the Lost | Luke 15:1-10 | Danny ParmeleeHeart for the Lost | Luke 15:1-10 | Danny Parmelee2024-09-2000 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 Askwho is converge2024-09-1302 minChurch Planters AskWho Should Preach At My Church Plant When I'm Gone?2024-09-0413 minChurch Planters AskDo Mailers Still Work?In the latest episode of "Church Planters Ask," host Danny Parmelee dives into the question: "Do mailers still work for churches?" To explore this topic, Danny is joined by Tim Speweik from Outreach, a veteran in church marketing with over 27 years of experience and involvement in more than 1,200 church plants.Tim shares valuable insights into the evolving role of mailers in an era dominated by digital marketing. He challenges the notion that mailers are outdated, arguing that when done right, they can be an incredibly effective tool for reaching people. The episode covers the importance of creativity...2024-08-2027 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 minCIL CHURCHDanny Parmelee - AudioThis week's sermon is from Danny Parmelee, who is Vice President of Church Planting for Converge Mid-America.2023-06-1233 minCIL CHURCHDanny Parmelee - AudioThis week's sermon is from Danny Parmelee, who is Vice President of Church Planting for Converge Mid-America.2023-06-1233 min
Healthy Church PodcastHCP - Ep. 129 - Guest Danny Parmelee (w/ Converge)HCP - Ep. 129 - Guest Danny Parmelee (w/ Converge)On this episode of the HCP, Larry and Drew welcome special guest Danny Parmelee with Converge. The conversation is around leadership development, hiring inside your organization or culture vs. hiring outside and the pros and cons of each. There’s also discussion on what Danny has seen and learned about church planting through Covid and post Covid, and which metrics we must be considering as disciple-making churches. The book mentioned on the podcast today was:Next Wav...2022-12-1336 min
Unfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsPut me in, coachA high priority at Converge is to provide church planters with an excellent level of coaching. Having someone who has planted a church walk along side someone learning the ropes is a big factor in a successful church plant. Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss coaching, the value of it, how it’s more than just mentoring and what makes a good coach.0:18 Lee introduces the conversation topic, which is coaching church planters.0:58 Danny adds that Converge puts a strong emphasis on coaching church planters past just their first couple of years of planting....2022-01-1813 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsBudgeting for multiplicationIf you have a vision as a pastor to make church multiplication a priority, it’s best to begin budgeting from the start of your church plant. Whether that’s to launch another church or become multi-campus, it’s a challenge to budget for it. Even though setting aside money in the budget to multiply can be difficult, it can be done. Danny Parmelee asks Lee Stephenson how he has done it and what advice he has for pastors looking to do the same.0:19 Danny introduces the episode’s topic, which is including church multiplication into the church’s...2022-01-0411 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsThe art of evaluationEvaluation can be a powerful tool to keep your church’s ministry on track. But what should you and your staff or launch team be evaluating? Sunday services, special outreach events, worship, different areas of ministry, and staff performance are just a few. Join Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee as they talk about creating a culture of evaluation in your church.0:29 Lee introduces the subject of evaluation.0:37 Danny mentions that evaluating different areas from the very start can be beneficial to church planters.1:04 Danny talks about creating a culture of evaluation and the re...2021-12-2114 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsThe relationship between a lead pastor and a worship pastorHow a lead pastor and the worship pastor work together has an effect on Sunday services. What should the relationship between these two roles look like? How do you work together to ensure attendees are having a meaningful Sunday worship experience? 0:20 Lee Stephenson introduces the episode topic that is relevant to church planters, lead pastors, and worship pastors.0:40 Lee asks Danny Parmelee when he officially had a worship pastor when he was a church planter.0:57 Danny discusses who his first worship leader was at his church plant and what their relationship looked like s...2021-12-0714 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsSermon planning and a preaching calendarIn this episode, Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss planning out a preaching calendar. They share practical ways they plan their sermon topics and give insight into how they navigate their preaching calendar.0:19 Lee introduces the topic of the episode – thinking through your preaching calendar. He asks Danny what his rhythm is when it comes to planning the timing of sermon series.0:50 Danny shares how he preached expository through books of the Bible when he first planted his church. 2:56 As time went by, Danny’s preaching schedule fell into a rhythm that he was a...2021-11-1616 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsYour leadership style will change over timeLee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee talk about how the leadership of a church planter will naturally change. Leadership at the beginning of planting looks very different than when the church is a few years old.0:22 Lee introduces the topic of discussion: unique changes that take place as a leader.0:48 Danny says he will share his experiences of learning from his mistakes.1:16 Danny advises for new church planters to always say yes, and shares his reason for that strategy.2:15 Danny shares when the “always say yes” strategy should shift to begin saying no.2021-11-0217 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsShould Churches Hire Remote Staff?Episode 89 // Should Churches Hire Remote Staff?Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss the pros and cons of church planters hiring remote people for certain tasks and projects. What might it look like to hire someone who never attends your church?0:21 Lee asks Danny the rhetorical question, “Is it okay to hire someone who may life in a different city?”1:15 Danny shares about a book that introduced him to the idea of hiring freelancers for certain aspects of church planting tasks and the advantages of hiring overseas freelancers.3:59 Fair wages are important when...2021-10-1919 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsLet's get planningWhen planting a church, a strategic plan is a wise first approach to solidify and implement the church's vision. In this episode, let's talk about the different approaches church planters can use to help build a successful strategic plan with their team that will last. 0:23 Lee Stepheson introduces the episode topic and asks Danny Parmelee if he used strategic planning during his church planting time. 1:17 Danny shares how through this process, he learned that planning was another passion of his. 2:08 Lee asks Danny what the most valuable part about strategic planning is through a form...2021-08-1720 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsGoing from portable to permanentA key milestone for a church plant is the day it goes from a portable to a permanent location. But there are pitfalls to watch out for when considering signing a long-term lease or buying a building. What are they, and how can you avoid them?0:40 Lee Stephenson introduces the topic and asks Danny Parmelee when he thinks a church planter is ready to sign a long-term lease or buy property.1:47 Danny says church planters should plan to get a building from day one but not make it their goal.3:27 It’s important to ge...2021-07-2017 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsGoing multisiteBecoming a multisite church is a great way to impact more communities with the good news of Jesus. Is your church ready to go multisite?0:19 Lee Stephenson introduces listeners to the episode topic.1:44 Danny Parmelee talks about how he was initially anti-multisite and how he came to see it differently.2:33 Danny discusses how his church ended up choosing to do multisiting and church planting at the same time.4:25 Danny says the key indicator when deciding to go multisite is if you will be able to reach more people for Christ by doin...2021-07-0617 min
101 Questions Church Planters AskHow Do I Avoid Messing Up My Kids As A Pastor?Hear from Daniel and Christina Im on how to raise kids and do ministry. We all know that when you lead a church that you are living in a fishbowl. This affects are children as well and there are things that we can do to help them be all God wants them to be without our calling as a pastor negatively impacting their relationship with God. If you're raising kids and planting a church it's a must listen.2021-02-0826 minChurch Planters AskHow Do I Avoid Messing Up My Kids As A Pastor?Hear from Daniel and Christina Im on how to raise kids and do ministry. We all know that when you lead a church that you are living in a fishbowl. This affects are children as well and there are things that we can do to help them be all God wants them to be without our calling as a pastor negatively impacting their relationship with God. If you're raising kids and planting a church it's a must listen.2021-02-0826 min101 Questions Church Planters AskShould I Just Go Ahead and Get A Therapist Now?In this episode we hear from Licensed Counselor Rick Egbert as he discusses issues of mental health and church planters. He gives some great advice on how you can stay ahead of the curve on finding a counselor. In addition to keeping you and your family healthy, he also shares how it is good practice for your entire congregation as you model healthy habits and meet counselors in your area. We've seen a lot of horrible stories of pastors and church planters who have left the ministry due to the pressures of ministry or even died by suicide. None of...2021-02-0124 minChurch Planters AskShould I Just Go Ahead and Get A Therapist Now?In this episode we hear from Licensed Counselor Rick Egbert as he discusses issues of mental health and church planters. He gives some great advice on how you can stay ahead of the curve on finding a counselor. In addition to keeping you and your family healthy, he also shares how it is good practice for your entire congregation as you model healthy habits and meet counselors in your area. We've seen a lot of horrible stories of pastors and church planters who have left the ministry due to the pressures of ministry or even died by suicide. None of...2021-02-0124 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsThe evolution of a preacherConverge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss how their preaching preparation and process have changed over time.1:00 Danny talks about his sermon preparation and delivery in the beginning.2:16 Danny says a major shift came when his church went multisite and started prerecording services. He began having people give input before he delivered the sermon.2:55 Danny says the preaching evaluation was part of his church’s leadership pipeline development. There were usually about five to eight people in the room, including pastoral staff and young leaders who were residents or interns....2021-01-1215 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting Conversations5 mistakes church planters makeConverge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee want to help you avoid the common mistakes church planters make.1:02 Lee says the first mistake is overspending.1:13 Two things church planters overspend on are marketing and sound system/audiovisual. 2:02 Danny says the drive to overspend comes from the comparison culture.2:34 Danny and Lee recommend having a coach to help you guard against overspending.3:14 Lee says you need to create a budget and stick to it.3:42 Another way Lee sees planters overspending is staffing or setting up their own sala...2020-12-1515 min
AdvanceHealthy Churches Plant ChurchesAlbert Mohler is quoted as saying, “If existing churches do not thrive, there will be no one to plant, sustain, support, and lead church planting. We cannot have one without the other.” I agree with Mohler. Multiplication must be a part of any healthy church, and church planting must be part of a healthy church’s multiplication plan. So today, we are going to press into this idea that healthy churches plant churches. In March of 2017 I began my job as Vice President of Church Strengthening with Converge MidAmerica. But I wasn’t the only hire. On...2020-11-2527 min
101 Questions Church Planters AskThat's A Wrap For Season 1What a year 2020 was! Please submit your questions that we will tackle in 2021.2020-11-2302 minChurch Planters AskThat's A Wrap For Season 1What a year 2020 was! Please submit your questions that we will tackle in 2021.2020-11-2302 minChurch Planters AskWhat Advice Would You Give Church Planters?We've taken 101 Questions Church Planters Ask Podcast on the Road! In this episode we are Live at the s2 Conference in Phoenix, AZ. The conference is filled with church planters and established churches that want to be strong enough to multiply. So we put a microphone in front of church planters and asked them to give some advice to current and future church planters. 2020-11-1616 min101 Questions Church Planters AskShould My Church Plant Do A Christmas Eve Service In Pre-Launch PhaseIf you think that doing a Christmas Eve service in your Pre-Launch Phase you may want to think again. While it may be a perfect way to get exposure and gain some launch team members it often will not achieve the outreach you expect. In this episode we'll look at some other options and explain why holding off on a Christmas eve service in Pre-Launch phase may be your best growth strategy.2020-11-0916 minChurch Planters AskShould My Church Plant Do A Christmas Eve Service In Pre-Launch PhaseIf you think that doing a Christmas Eve service in your Pre-Launch Phase you may want to think again. While it may be a perfect way to get exposure and gain some launch team members it often will not achieve the outreach you expect. In this episode we'll look at some other options and explain why holding off on a Christmas eve service in Pre-Launch phase may be your best growth strategy. 2020-11-0916 minChurch Planters AskWhat Are The Best Ways To Engage The Community?When you are a church planter, its more than just gathering a crowd for worship services. You need to find ways to embed yourself in the community and help your team to do the same thing. In this episode Danny and special guest Christ Highfill discuss 10 ways that you can engage the community whether you are pre-launch phase or already up and running. 2020-11-0225 min101 Questions Church Planters AskHow can my church plant use International Freelancers & Virtual Assistants?Do you want to know one of the greatest tools to help your church plant? What if I told you that there are people from around the globe that you can hire for projects such as design, web, video, audio, architecture, data entry, IT, marketing and more? The world of freelancers and virtual assistants is at your finger tips.2020-10-2624 minChurch Planters AskHow can my church plant use International Freelancers & Virtual Assistants?Do you want to know one of the greatest tools to help your church plant? What if I told you that there are people from around the globe that you can hire for projects such as design, web, video, audio, architecture, data entry, IT, marketing and more? The world of freelancers and virtual assistants is at your finger tips. 2020-10-2624 min101 Questions Church Planters AskShould I Consider Dual Affiliation?There really is no reason to plant a church a lone these days. There are multiple church planting networks and denominations to help you. Many planters wonder if they have to choose just one or if it makes sense to have a couple groups you work with. We explore the advantages and challenges of dual affiliation in this episode.2020-10-1920 minChurch Planters AskShould I Consider Dual Affiliation?There really is no reason to plant a church a lone these days. There are multiple church planting networks and denominations to help you. Many planters wonder if they have to choose just one or if it makes sense to have a couple groups you work with. We explore the advantages and challenges of dual affiliation in this episode. 2020-10-1920 minChurch Planters AskWhat's the Deal with Church Merch?If you do Church Merch right it can be one of your most effective and inexpensive marketing tools. There are so many upsides to equipping your people with the right stuff. Learn when to invest in quality apparel vs when to get promotional SWAG. 2020-10-1219 min101 Questions Church Planters AskWhat's the Deal with Church Merch?If you do Church Merch right it can be one of your most effective and inexpensive marketing tools. There are so many upsides to equipping your people with the right stuff. Learn when to invest in quality apparel vs when to get promotional SWAG.2020-10-1219 minUnfiltered: Real Church Planting ConversationsThe future of church buildingsCOVID-19 has caused churches to change the way they do things, including how they use their buildings. Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss what church buildings will look like in the future and how they will be used differently.0:46 Lee asks Danny if he thinks buildings will still be effective for ministry and evangelism post-COVID.2:20 Danny says studio space may be more important than seating capacity.2:48 Danny thinks this season opens up the opportunity for a lot more shared spaces.3:10 Danny foresees church buildings being used in othe...2020-10-0609 minChurch Planters AskShould A Pastor Opt Out of Social Security?If you are new to being a pastor or church planter, chances are someone has told you "You should opt out of social security!" In this episode I will walk through the IRS social security exemption that is allowed for clergy but also explain who qualifies and the dangers of opting out if you don't meet the true exemptions. 2020-10-0509 min101 Questions Church Planters AskHow Do I create Mission, Vision, Core Values For My Church Plant?It's pretty common for one of your earliest steps in church planting to write a Mission Statement and also Vision and Values Statement. Understanding the differences in these and composing them correctly can really help you communicate with clarity. As the church plant grows transferring mission, vision, and values to your people will be key in accomplishing big things for the Lord.2020-09-2822 min