{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Intentional Churches Podcast","title":"Stories from the Road, with Bart Rendel ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/9cec6622\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2208,"description":"Kicking off Season 9 of Intentional Churches, Doug is joined by IC co-founder, Bart Rendel, for a behind-the-scenes look at Intentional Churches, their leadership rhythms, and the realities many pastors face today. Bart introduces “the spanking machine”—a vivid and humorous metaphor born out of ministry burnout. Together Bart and Doug explore the constant pressure church leaders face from the unrelenting pace of weekend ministry and the need to name it honestly.\nThe heart of the episode centers on the remarkable story of First Christian Church in Newburgh, Indiana. Once a thriving congregation, FCC faced deep decline after leadership transitions, financial hardship, and even a tornado. When the Intentional Churches team engaged with them, they found a deeply committed leadership team willing to lean in and realign around the Great Commission. \nBart and Doug close the episode by reflecting on signs of spiritual awakening across the country, highlighting churches seeing dramatic growth and salvations—not because of gimmicks, but because of alignment with Jesus’ mission. This is an episode for pastors who feel weary, discouraged, or unsure of what’s next. It’s a reminder that the spiritual moment is here—but the church must be ready.\nNew to Intentional Churches? Start here: \nhttps://intentionalchurches.com/radical-alignment\nCHAPTERS:\n00:00 Revival Requires Two Things\n01:44 Bart Hates Vacations\n02:56 The Origin of “The Spanking Machine”\n06:47 Courageous Leadership Stories\n07:49 The Comeback of FCC Newburgh\n12:06 COVID Super-Spreader Story\n16:27 What’s Happening at FCC Now\n19:24 Prayer, Pain, and Progress\n20:40 Other Signs of Spiritual Momentum\n21:52 Bart and Doug’s Random Thoughts\n24:46 Are We Ready for Revival?\n25:16 The Need for Great Commission Alignment\nWebsite: https://intentionalchurches.com\nThe Book: https://a.co/d/hFlz17C\nThe Blog: https://intentionalchurches.com/blog/\nYouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalChurches\nFacebook:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/smAwUgxq6qqLJDPHm-fVts5bjtUHttHCDUNOwZdqKHc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80ZTJm/ZGE1ZjNhMTBhMDkz/M2EwOTQ4Y2Y2YzRl/NjVkOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}