The Propel Podcast

Hosted by Propel Conference

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Propel Podcast, inspiration and innovation to grow your church, hosted by Larry Witzel. This podcast offers every presentation from the annual Propel Conference on church growth. Our goal is to offer practical training for effective evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist ministry context, but we know the principles we talk about here are applicable in many other churches, as well. So, wherever you’re doing ministry, welcome to the Propel Podcast! The 2026 Propel Conference will be in Silver Spring, MD, April 12–15, 2026!

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60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 234 min

Joanne Cortes - The Power of an Invitation

In this presentation, Joanne Cortes uncovers the transformative power of asking for decisions, exploring the importance of making appeals for baptism and discipleship. This session highlights the need for church leaders to overcome fear and hesitation, because inviting people to follow Jesus is central to our mission. She shares practical tips for making clear, heartfelt invitations that resonate with authenticity. By fostering a culture of asking, leaders can inspire growth and commitment within their congregations, and this message is essential for anyone looking to revitalize their approach to ministry and outreach.

June 1, 2026Episode 137 min

Dr. Rick McEdward - Rise or Demise: Status of God’s Movement in an Era of Insanity

In his presentation, Dr. Rick Edwards takes an honest look at the challenges and opportunities facing the global church in what he describes as an “era of insanity.” From the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting cultural values to the realities of post-Christian societies and changing patterns of church growth, he challenges ministry leaders to think deeply about what it really means to make disciples today. Rather than focusing only on programs or attendance, this message emphasizes the importance of authentic community, personal transformation, and mission-driven leadership. You’ll also hear inspiring stories of innovation and evangelism happening in some of the most difficult places in the world, reminding us that God is still moving powerfully through ordinary people willing to say yes to His calling. More than anything, this session is a call for the church to move beyond maintenance mode and boldly engage the world with the hope of Jesus. Whether you’re serving locally or thinking globally, this is an encouraging perspective on how the church can remain faithful, creative, and mission-focused in a rapidly changing world.

March 30, 2026Episode 2639 min

Doug Bing - Greater Things

In this presentation, Doug Bing explores the themes of discipleship, commitment, and the journey of becoming 'fishers of men.' He emphasizes the importance of innovation in ministry, learning from failures, and the cultural transformation that comes from following Jesus. Doug also reflects on the value of humanity and redemption, encouraging listeners to embrace their calling and be bold in their faith.

March 23, 2026Episode 2539 min

Dan Serns - Going Out with Holy Boldness

In this presentation, Dan Serns emphasizes the significance of family worship in nurturing a love for Jesus and the church among children. He shares personal experiences of how engaging children in worship can lead to creative expressions of faith and spiritual leadership. Dan encourages listeners to embrace disruptions in their lives as opportunities for growth and mission work, highlighting the need for boldness in witnessing and the importance of sharing Jesus with others.

March 16, 2026Episode 2459 min

Danielle Farrell - Connecting & Growing: Strengthening Young Adult Ministries

In this presentation, Danielle Farrell shares lessons from engaging young adults in ministry, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community, and effective communication. She discusses the challenges faced in building a young adult ministry, the need for organized communication, and the significance of authenticity and personalization in outreach efforts.

March 9, 2026Episode 231 hr 8 min

Tyler Long - Equipped to Fail or Equipped to Succeed

In this presentation, Tyler Long discusses the critical aspects of church revitalization, focusing on leadership, prayer, and community engagement. He contrasts the devil's plan for distraction and division with God's plan for unity and growth. He highlights the need for intentionality in church culture and the significance of fostering a sense of belonging for all members.

March 2, 2026Episode 221 hr 32 min

Dustin Serns - Serving the Community in Ways that Multiply Disciples, Leaders and Influence

In this presentation, Dustin Serns shares his insights on community engagement and leadership within the church. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, building relationships, and empowering young leaders to create impactful outreach initiatives. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he illustrates how faith, prayer, and a commitment to serving others can lead to significant growth and transformation in both individuals and communities.

February 23, 2026Episode 2144 min

Joanne Cortes - Love First, Speak Second: Sharing the Gospel Through Authentic Relationships

In this presentation, Joanne Cortes shares the importance of love, connection, and community within the church. She emphasizes that love is not just a strategy but an identity that should be reflected in our actions and interactions with others. She encourages listeners to engage with diverse communities, listen actively, and be present in the lives of others, ultimately highlighting that love is the foundation of discipleship and the essence of being a follower of Jesus.

February 16, 2026Episode 201 hr 4 min

Kojo Twumasi - Living Out the Mission: Legs on Your Lesson & Feet on Your Faith

In this presentation, Kojo Twumasi shares his inspiring journey of church growth and evangelism, detailing how his church in Toledo, Ohio, saw a 300% membership increase in just one week. He emphasizes the importance of transitioning from merely meeting community needs to making disciples, highlighting the principles of prayer, compassion, and effective outreach. Through the 'Summer Blast' campaign, Kojo shows how merging compassion with proclamation can lead to significant community engagement.

February 9, 2026Episode 191 hr 26 min

Ernesto Hernandez - Evangelism in the Age of AI: Reaching More Souls with Smart Technology

In this presentation, Ernesto Hernandez discusses the transformative role of media and AI in ministry, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community engagement. He shares insights on leveraging AI tools for effective content creation, using the Guided Growth Podcast as a case study.