Episode 50: Josh Lafferty on Centering Our Church Gatherings On the Presence of Jesus, Keeping People in a Room Versus Experiencing Faith, and Lessons Learned in Planting and Pastoring Hope City Church Artwork

DiscipLead Podcast

A podcast all about discipleship and leadership. The goal is to create conversations that encourage and empower you on your journey. Each of us has a unique, one-of-a-kind journey. However, as disciples who are leaders and leaders who are disciples, we have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. Jonathan seeks to have conversations that provide practical actions, insights, and mindsets that encourage and empower you in your discipleship and leadership journey.

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Episode 50: Josh Lafferty on Centering Our Church Gatherings On the Presence of Jesus, Keeping People in a Room Versus Experiencing Faith, and Lessons Learned in Planting and Pastoring Hope City Church

July 31, 2025 • Jonathan Bryan

In this episode, Josh and I explore some key ideas and quotes from his book, and talk broadly about the gathering of the Church. Then we shift our focus to pastoral ministry and dig into the specific lessons he’s learned in planting and pastoring Hope City Church—both the challenges and the moments of clarity.

Quotes for Notes:

“I think that when the church gathers together it should look like they worship Jesus.”

“If we are shooting for churchgoers, then our goal is to keep them in the room… If our goal is believers, then the only way that person is going to come to faith is for that person to experience faith.”

“The Gospel is not how to practically make your life better… The Gospel is supernatural transformation.”

Links:

The American Gospel: https://www.amazon.com/American-Gospel-Letter-Post-Christian-Church/dp/B07Y4JNGNS

Hope City Church Website: https://www.hopecitymeridian.church/