Want to make a difference in the world? Who doesn't? You can, and should make a difference but ministry can feel like trying to push water uphill. If you're reading this you've probably invested your life in making disciples and teaching people the wonders of our God. You've also had a few disappointments along the way--this is where I think we can make a difference together. I’ve been in your shoes and I think I can help you. I’d like the privilege of sharing experience and insights with you as I do a host of other leaders. This podcast aims to come alongside church leaders who could use a little extra guidance. I've got five decades of experience, a bunch of churches multiplied and lots of war stories that should help you get to where you're hoping to go. I really do think I can help you as you grow into a leader who you would want to follow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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August 14, 202620 min
John Honold & Ken Makuakane – Part 2 of 3 – Is This a Revival or a Fad?
Is the growing spiritual hunger among Gen Z the beginning of another awakening or just a passing moment?Ralph, John Honold, and Ken Makuakane wrestle with that question in a wide-ranging conversation about discipleship, church planting, and the future of the church. Ralph shares stories of young people seeking God in unexpected ways, while John reflects on what he's seeing through Whiskey and Jesus gatherings. Ken challenges even the language Christians use, arguing that words like revival may no longer communicate what younger generations are actually experiencing.Together they explore a deeper question: What if the real issue isn't whether God is moving, but whether the church is building communities strong enough to hold what He's doing? If we're going to reach a new generation, we may need more than new methods. We may need a new way of thinking about church itself.
August 7, 202620 min
John Honold & Ken Makuakane – Part 1 of 3 – Whiskey and Jesus
John Honold never expected to launch another church. After decades of ministry, he was content coaching younger leaders and letting the next generation take the lead. Then a young woman asked a question he couldn't shake: "Where can I bring my friends?"That question set him on an unexpected journey that led to Whiskey and Jesus—a series of open Q&A nights at a golf course where anyone can ask anything about faith over a drink, with no sermons, no pressure, and no agenda beyond honest conversation.In this episode, Ralph sits down with longtime friends John Honold and Ken Makuakane to hear how it all began. John shares his story of coming to Christ through Hope Chapel in the early 1980s, planting churches across Hawaii, nearly coasting into retirement, and why he felt God calling him back into church planting. He also tells the stories behind the first two Whiskey and Jesus gatherings—and the people who reminded him why creating space for honest questions still matters today.
July 24, 202616 min
Billy McMahan – Part 3 of 3 – What is Gen Z Really Looking For?
What if the greatest opportunity to reach Gen Z isn't a better program, but a faithful mentor?In the final installment of Ralph Moore's conversation with Billy McMahan, the focus turns from research to action. Billy unpacks why Gen Z is marked by loneliness, anxiety, and uncertainty, yet remains deeply hopeful and eager to make a meaningful difference in the world. More importantly, he explains why the gospel uniquely answers the deepest longings of this generation.Ralph and Billy challenge the modern church to move beyond curriculum-driven discipleship and return to something far simpler. Disciple-making isn't another church program, it's faithful believers sharing life with younger Christians, investing in them over coffee, conversations, and everyday moments.If you've ever wondered whether you're too old, too ordinary, or not "cool enough" to influence the next generation, this episode will encourage you. Gen Z isn't looking for celebrity leaders, they're looking for someone who will walk with them toward Jesus. And that might just be you.
July 17, 202622 min
Billy McMahan – Part 2 of 3 – Is Gen Z Ready for Revival?
Is the next generation walking away from the church or is God preparing them for something extraordinary?In Part 2 of Ralph Moore's conversation with Billy McMahan, the discussion shifts from Billy's personal story to the surprising research emerging around Gen Z and Generation Alpha. As president of the Great Commission Research Network, Billy shares why he believes we're witnessing the early stages of a significant spiritual movement, not just in North America, but around the world.Ralph draws fascinating parallels to the Jesus Movement of the 1970s while offering a sobering warning: the church has often traded disciple-making for programs. Together, they wrestle with one of the most important leadership questions facing the church today: If revival comes, are we actually prepared to disciple the people God brings?With research showing that 83% of Gen Z wants a mentor while most pastors admit their churches aren't effectively discipling the next generation, this conversation is both hopeful and deeply challenging. If you're passionate about raising up disciple-makers instead of simply growing attendance, you won't want to miss this episode.
July 10, 202617 min
Billy McMahan – Part 1 of 3 – From Indonesia to Gen Z
Billy McMahan's passion for reaching the next generation didn't begin with research, it began on the mission field.In Part 1 of Ralph's conversation with Billy, you'll hear the remarkable story behind the president of the Great Commission Research Network. From growing up as a missionary kid in Indonesia, to student ministry in Silicon Valley, to discovering a vision for raising up and sending the next generation of disciple-makers, Billy shares the experiences that shaped his ministry philosophy.Along the way, he talks about serving in a Muslim context, nearly quitting ministry after a difficult transition back to the U.S., and the conversation with his father that completely reframed his calling.This episode sets the stage for next week's conversation, where Billy begins unpacking what the research is actually revealing about Gen Z, Generation Alpha, and the future of disciple-making.
July 3, 202616 min
Antoine Lassiter – Part 4 of 4 – Planting Planters
What if one of the greatest measures of ministry success isn't the size of your church, but the leaders you've helped grow?In this final installment of Ralph Moore's conversation with Antoine Lassiter, the discussion turns to mentorship, multiplication, and the joy of investing in future leaders. Ralph reflects on the people who shaped his ministry journey, the influence of encouragers like Barnabas, and why he has spent decades pouring into church planters around the world.Antoine shares how God unexpectedly expanded his own ministry beyond the local church. As a church planting catalyst with the North Carolina Baptist Convention and Send Network, he now walks alongside church planters across the state, helping them navigate everything from launching churches to enduring personal trials while remaining faithful to their calling.Together, Ralph and Antoine explore the power of seeing potential in others before they see it themselves. They discuss writing books as a way of passing on wisdom, the importance of preserving a ministry legacy, and why every leader should be intentionally investing in the next generation.More than anything, this episode is a celebration of God's faithfulness. From a chance meeting in a Starbucks to influencing church planters across an entire region, Antoine's story reminds listeners that God often uses ordinary acts of encouragement to produce extraordinary Kingdom impact.In this episode:Why mentorship is essential to Kingdom multiplicationThe legacy of Barnabas and the power of investing in othersHow writing can extend your ministry beyond your lifetimeThe common struggles every church planter facesSeeing potential in people before they see it themselvesIf you've ever wondered how movements grow, churches multiply, and leaders develop, this conversation points to a simple answer: someone cared enough to invest in someone else.Great churches plant churches. Great leaders plant leaders. And faithful disciples make disciple-makers.
June 26, 202624 min
Antoine Lassiter – Part 3 of 4 – Mastering the Middle
Everyone loves stories about the beginning and the breakthrough.The call. The launch. The growth. The success.But what about everything in between?In this episode, Ralph Moore and Antoine Lassiter dive into the often-overlooked reality of ministry life: the messy middle. Drawing from Antoine's book Beyond the Calling, they discuss the gap between God's calling and the day-to-day faithfulness required to walk it out.Antoine shares how years of ministry challenged his assumptions about success, visibility, and significance. Like many leaders, he found himself comparing his journey to the stories of rapidly growing churches and high-profile ministries. Over time, God began teaching him a different lesson: faithfulness matters more than fame.Together, Ralph and Antoine explore the lives of biblical leaders like Abraham, David, Joseph, and Deborah, discovering that God's greatest work often happens in seasons of waiting, testing, disappointment, and hidden preparation.Ralph also reflects on his own ministry journey and explains why he has spent decades investing in younger leaders, not because someone did it for him, but because he saw the power of encouragement in the life of Barnabas.In this episode:Why most leaders live in the "middle" longer than they expectThe danger of equating visibility with valueLearning to stay faithful when ministry doesn't look like you imaginedWhat Abraham, David, and Joseph teach us about perseveranceThe temptation of shortcuts and comparisonWhy encouragement may be one of the most important leadership giftsHow mentoring multiplies ministry across generationsWhether you're planting a church, leading a ministry, or simply trying to stay faithful to God's calling, this conversation offers encouragement for the long journey between where God calls you and where He ultimately leads you.The calling may get you started, but learning to master the middle is what shapes you into the leader God intends you to become.
June 19, 202619 min
Antoine Lassiter – Part 2 of 4 – The Introvert Behind the Pulpit
Can an introvert be an effective pastor?In this episode, Ralph Moore continues his conversation with Antoine Lassiter, exploring the hidden challenges many pastors face but rarely discuss. Antoine shares how anxiety, overthinking, and a desire to control outcomes once kept him isolated before services—even hiding in his office to avoid conversations. What he discovered changed both his leadership and his church.Together, Ralph and Antoine unpack the surprising connection between introversion, self-focus, and ministry effectiveness. They discuss practical ways pastors can move beyond performance-driven leadership and become more present with the people they serve.The conversation also highlights how simple acts of love can transform a church's relationship with its community. From delivering donuts to essential workers during COVID to building a thriving partnership with a local elementary school, Antoine shares how his church learned to think beyond its walls and become a trusted presence in the neighborhood.Along the way, Ralph reflects on lessons learned from decades of ministry, and Antoine honors the mentors who taught him the importance of slowing down, investing in people, and seeing potential in others before they see it in themselves.In this episode:Why introverted pastors often struggle with people more than preachingThe difference between preparation and performanceHow anxiety can subtly become self-centerednessPractical ways to become more approachable as a leaderWhat COVID taught one church about serving its communityBuilding long-term partnerships with local schoolsWhy disciple-making requires slowing downThe power of mentoring and making time for othersWhether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers encouragement for leading authentically, loving people intentionally, and trusting God with the results.
June 12, 202620 min
Antoine Lassiter – Part 1 of 4 – Who Argues Over Cake?
What happens when a pastor buys his wife a cake truck and starts hanging out at farmers markets?In this episode, Ralph sits down with pastor, author, and longtime friend Antoine Lassiter to talk about the surprising ministry opportunities that emerge when Christians intentionally step outside their church circles and into everyday life.Antoine shares the story behind his wife's cake business, a farmers market friendship with a self-described anti-Christian, and the year-long relationship that uncovered deep wounds from a painful religious upbringing. Along the way, he reflects on why listening often opens doors that arguments never will.The conversation also turns inward as Antoine discusses his journey as an introvert in ministry, how hiding in his office before church was hurting his leadership, and the changes that helped him become more present and approachable. From lingering after services to hosting meals and creating spaces for connection, Antoine explains why belonging is often the bridge to believing.Whether you're a pastor, church planter, or simply someone who wants to live more missionally, this episode offers practical wisdom on building genuine relationships, overcoming personal barriers, and finding gospel opportunities in ordinary places.In this episode:A powerful story of friendship with a skepticHow past wounds shape people's perceptions of ChristianityThe hidden struggles of introverted pastorsCreating a church culture where people linger and connectRecovering your missional edge outside church circlesSometimes the best ministry doesn't start with a sermon, it starts with a conversation over cake.
June 5, 202617 min
Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold – Part 3 of 3
In this final part of Ralph’s conversation with Kenneth Makuakane and John Honold, the discussion turns toward the future of ministry training, church renewal, and what it really means to raise up leaders for the harvest.Ken and John share how Kahupono has become more than a school for ministry. It has become a flexible, Spirit-led training ground for people who may not fit the traditional seminary path, but who clearly carry a calling to serve.One of the most powerful stories in the episode centers on a military-connected leader who entered the program unexpectedly and ended up being the perfect fit for a church near Schofield Barracks. What looked like a detour became a clear example of how God places people exactly where they are needed.Ken reflects on the importance of breaking down rigid models of leadership development and creating pathways for people who are already rooted in their communities. John adds a challenge for pastors: to think of ministry as something believers live out in their workplaces, neighborhoods, families, and daily lives, not just inside of a churchAt the heart of the conversation is a needed reminder: the goal of the church is not simply to build followership, but to build leadership.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about discipleship, church revitalization, ministry training, and seeing everyday believers equipped and released into the places God has already called them.
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