Best Danny Parmelee Podcasts (2025)

1
What Should I Do With My Launch Team? 22:22

12d ago22:22

22:22

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 c…

1
How Do I Fire Volunteers? 13:26

1M ago13:26

13:26

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 to…

1
What Do I Do When People Want to Leave? 12:43

2M ago12:43

12:43

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…

1
Should I Have Nonbelievers On My Launch Team? 10:29

5M ago10:29

10:29

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 a…

1
How Do I Connect In A New Community? 25:01

6M ago25:01

25:01

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…

1
What Are The Keys To A Successful Launch? 26:15

7M ago26:15

26:15

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 succes…

1
Should I Have A Launch Team Covenant? 14:27

8M ago14:27

14:27

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, e…

1
Who Should Preach At My Church Plant When I'm Gone? 13:31

8M ago13:31

13:31

By Danny Parmelee

1
Do Mailers Still Work? 27:49

9M ago27:49

27:49

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…

1
What Is the Best Location for a New Church Plant? 29:51

9M ago29:51

29:51

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. Chr…

1
(RELAUNCH) Meet the New Co-host Chris Highfill 17:21

9M ago17:21

17:21

Join 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 expan…

1
The end of an era 13:53

3y ago13:53

13:53

It’s the end of an era for the Unfiltered podcast. We explain why and share what’s next. 00:32 Lee lets listeners know this surreal episode to say good-bye is the last for Unfiltered. 01:28 Lee explains a couple different reasons why Danny and Lee are hanging up the microphones. 03:19 Danny thanks Lee for his impact and investment in Converge’s chu…

1
Why is church planting so hard? 12:12

3y ago12:12

12:12

Starting anything new from the ground up can be difficult. Whether it’s a new business or a new church, nothing is 100% fail-proof. But why is church planting so difficult? Let’s pull back the curtain and have a real and candid conversation about it. 0:28 Lee introduces the topic, which is a subject he and Danny deal with often. Why is church plant…

1
Is a church residency necessary for church planters? 14:45

3y ago14:45

14:45

Residencies – they’re not just for medical students. A residency in a church can be a very helpful season for a future church planter. But what should a residency look like? How can it benefit both a church and someone receiving an education in ministry? And what’s the difference between an internship and a residency? 0:29 Danny introduces the epis…

1
Always Strive to Improve Your Preaching 16:56

3y ago16:56

16:56

As a pastor, it can be easy to slip into a comfortable rhythm and habit of preaching. And while change isn’t always easy, you should always be looking to improve and develop the way you preach. As the years in ministry slip by, it’s necessary at times to assess if your preaching could use some improvement; whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned past…

1
Church planting in New England 26:09

3y ago26:09

26:09

0:24 Lee introduces episode guest, Wes Pastor. 0:40 Wes introduces himself and explains his connection to Converge 1:36 Lee asks Wes how he became a church planter in Vermont. 1:54 Wes shares that the reasons he planted in Vermont were because it’s an unreached area, it has a rich heritage, and there are lots of college towns. 2:40 Because Wes stay…

1
Takeaways from the Unleash conference 10:51

3y ago10:51

10:51

Recently Converge held our annual Unleash conference. It was a time to gather nationally as a family to learn how to focus on growing every ministry and leader in churches. Highlights of the conference and the topic of ministering the way God made you to be as a church planter are covered in this episode. 0:21 Lee summarizes what Unleash is all abo…

1
Where do I start if I think God’s calling me to plant a church? 11:56

3y ago11:56

11:56

You think God might be calling you to plant a church. But you know nothing about church planting. How do you even begin that journey? This episode holds a lot of wisdom about where you start and what to keep in mind as you contemplate this possible future. 0:21 Lee explains that in this episode, he and Danny want to address those who might be on th…

1
Wrestling with your position of influence 14:18

3y ago14:18

14:18

“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” is a podcast produced by Christianity Today and it has gone viral in popularity. What can we, as church planters and pastors, learn from listening to this story of a popular Seattle church exploding in growth, only to have it all fall apart to leave so many devastated? You don’t have to listen to that podcast first,…

1
Are you ready for Easter Sunday? 16:12

3y ago16:12

16:12

Easter Sunday is arguably the most important Sunday of the year for a church. And there can be a lot of pressure on church planters with how they present an Easter service. As planters with experience, Lee and Danny discuss their thoughts on what pastors should and shouldn’t do on Easter Sunday. There are a lot of things for church planters to thin…

1
Lessons learned seven years into planting a church 16:56

3y ago16:56

16:56

Chris Highfill planted Grace River Church in St. Peters, MO, seven years ago. In that time, the church has grown, relocated a couple of times, and gone from portable to permanent. He shares his journey as a church planter. He talks about the lessons he’s learned as a church planter. And he discusses the vision he has over the next few years so more…

1
Planting and Growing Churches in Togo, Africa 17:28

3y ago17:28

17:28

The country of Togo, Africa, is known as the birthplace of voodoo and a place marked by slave trade. JJ Alderman, his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters live in Togo as Converge global workers, planting churches. JJ talks about what it looks like to plant churches in another country, and how God is moving in Togo. 0:21 Lee introduces special …

1
Guest Paul Turner discusses church planting in Northeast Ohio 16:59

3y ago16:59

16:59

Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee welcome guest, Paul Turner. Paul is the Coaching Director for Orchard NEO, an organization passionate about planting churches in Northeast Ohio and raising up church planters to spread the gospel throughout the area. 0:24 Lee introduces special guest, Paul Turner. 0:44 Paul introduces himself and explains his role …

1
A church planter’s focus three months after launch 12:56

3+ y ago12:56

12:56

An Unfiltered podcast listener has asked, “What should a church planter focus on three months after a church launch?” In this episode, Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss a few things a church planter should focus on once after launch as they get into a ministry rhythm. 0:22 Lee shares that this episode’s topic came from a listener’s question…

1
Put me in, coach 13:48

3+ y ago13:48

13:48

A 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 c…

1
Budgeting for multiplication 11:54

3+ y ago11:54

11:54

If 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 ask…

1
The art of evaluation 14:52

3+ y ago14:52

14:52

Evaluation 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 i…

1
The relationship between a lead pastor and a worship pastor 14:57

3+ y ago14:57

14:57

How 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, a…

1
Sermon planning and a preaching calendar 16:45

3+ y ago16:45

16:45

In 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 come…

1
Your leadership style will change over time 17:33

3+ y ago17:33

17:33

Lee 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 lea…

1
Should Churches Hire Remote Staff? 19:16

3+ y ago19:16

19:16

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 differe…

1
Planting in the Heartland district 22:15

3+ y ago22:15

22:15

Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee talk with the Director of Church Planting for Converge Heartland, Steve Krier, to discuss the challenges of planting in rural areas and what life is like in the district. 0:23 Lee introduces podcast guest, Steve. 0:40 Steve discusses where he’s from and where he serves as a pastor. 1:01 Steve shares a “fun fact” ab…

1
Maximizing your launch to gain momentum 16:32

3+ y ago16:32

16:32

As church planters prepare in the last few weeks before launch, what should the church’s grand opening day look like? Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee share their thoughts of what worked and what didn’t work during their experiences. 0:22 This topic is an extension of a previous Unfiltered podcast titled “30 days to launch.” 0:59 Danny discusses t…

1
30 days from launch 18:24

3+ y ago18:24

18:24

What should happen within the last 30 days before a church officially launches? There are a few bases a church planter needs to cover in the last push before a grand opening. 0:22 Lee Stephenson introduces the episode topic and asks Danny Parmelee about his experience of the month before launching a church he planted. 0:49 Danny talks about the imp…

1
Let's get planning 20:04

3+ y ago20:04

20:04

When 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 us…

1
Who do you love? 9:31

4y ago9:31

9:31

Church planters want their people to love their church, but they need to make sure their people fall more in love with Jesus. So how can they manage this tension? 0:17 Lee Stephenson introduces the episode topic and asks Danny Parmelee to share his experiences. 1:33 Danny admits that this was a weekly battle for him as a church planter and talks ab…

1
Going from portable to permanent 17:07

4y ago17:07

17:07

A 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 t…

1
Going multisite 17:02

4y ago17:02

17:02

Becoming 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 u…

1
Church Planters Book Club 13:28

4y ago13:28

13:28

If you’re looking for some book recommendations, Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee have got you covered. 0:18 Lee and Danny talk about their reading habits and how they’ve changed during the pandemic. 2:14 Danny and Lee discuss their preferred learning processes. 3:31 Lee shares his first book recommendation: Can’t …

1
Special guest: Walter Angelica 13:06

4y ago13:06

13:06

"We are in three cities. We speak two languages. And we try to be one church. It’s complex." Church planter Walter Angelica discusses the journey that led him from Argentina to Jacksonville, Florida, and beyond. 0:18 Lee Stephenson introduces special guest Walter Angelica, pastor of Iglesia Ciudad, a church plant with three congregations in Florida…

1
Special guest: Stanley Patton 13:28

4y ago13:28

13:28

Pastor Stanley Patton of Victory Church shares lessons from leading a multicultural, multigenerational church plant on Florida’s Space Coast during a pandemic. 0:18 Lee Stephenson introduces special guest Stanley Patton, pastor of Victory Church, a church plant in Melbourne, Florida. 0:53 Stanley gives a brief history of his church and talks about …

1
Church Planting Weekend 10:02

4y ago10:02

10:02

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss Converge’s five-year church planting goal and how your church can participate in Church Planting Weekend. 0:18 Lee talks about Converge’s goal of planting 312 churches in five years. 1:20 Lee discusses how Converge came up with the number 312. 2:21 Danny asks Lee if they con…

1
Rural church planting 18:54

4y ago18:54

18:54

Small towns in rural America are big but often overlooked mission fields. Special guest Ty DesEnfants shares his experience planting a church in Wyoming. 0:28 Lee Stephenson, executive director of Church Planting for Converge, introduces Ty DesEnfants, who planted Prairie Hills Community Church in Lusk, Wyoming. 1:00 Ty talks about how God called h…

1
Which church metrics still matter? 17:35

4y ago17:35

17:35

Things are different, but not everything has to change. Some past metrics are still working for the church. See if you are using these metrics and, if not, how they can benefit your church. 0:20 Lee Stephenson talks about how some standard metrics for pastors and church planters have changed because of the pandemic. 1:09 Lee and Danny Parmelee disc…

1
Staffing in an economic downturn 20:52

4y ago20:52

20:52

As a church planter, your most valuable resources are the people who help you accomplish your church’s mission. How can you manage your staff well when times are tough? 0:18 This episode is a continuation of the conversation Lee and Danny had in the previous episode. 1:19 Danny points out a silver lining during this difficult time. 2:19 Danny recom…

1
Budgeting in an economic downturn 21:00

4y ago21:00

21:00

The financial hits have been one blow after another, especially for those starting something new. As a church planter, how can you budget for your church during this uncertain season? 0:24 Lee introduces this two-part series on the challenges that church planters face specific to the economic downturn. 2:07 Danny says most of the church planters he…

1
Knowing your limits as a leader 14:54

4y ago14:54

14:54

When you’re first starting out as a leader, you may feel like Superman and that you can accomplish anything. But you’ll quickly discover your limits. Learn how this realization can be a gift that allows you to lead in your strengths. 0:33 When Lee started his first church plant, he didn’t feel like he had any limits. 1:09 Lee thinks it’s a great gi…

1
Politics & preaching 18:09

4+ y ago18:09

18:09

When events like the storming of the Capitol happen, people look to their pastor to say something. How can you know what to say to them, or if you should say anything at all? 1:09 Lee asks Danny if his perspective on this issue changed over time. 1:53 Starting out, Danny didn’t want to say anything about politics and other issues. 2:47 Danny says t…

1
How Do I Avoid Messing Up My Kids As A Pastor? 26:46

4+ y ago26:46

26:46

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 …

1
Should I Just Go Ahead and Get A Therapist Now? 24:45

4+ y ago24:45

24:45

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 health…

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