What actually happens when a church fully embraces radical alignment to the Great Commission? In this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, Doug Parks, Bart Rendel, and Erin Johnston unpack the disruption, tension, and transformation that come when churches begin aligning every layer of ministry around reaching “The One.”

From staff culture shifts and elder board challenges to personal conviction and congregational change, this conversation explores why lasting Great Commission momentum takes patience, honesty, and a willingness to rethink how we lead. Doug and Bart also walk through practical tools from the Radical Alignment framework, including assessments, heart-mind-strength alignment, and how churches can begin building a culture where mission becomes everyone’s responsibility.

If your church is wrestling with change, struggling to stay focused on mission, or wondering how to create lasting alignment, this episode will encourage and challenge you.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why radical alignment is disruptive
01:08 – The Alignment Workshop and starting the journey
01:44 – The myth of “quick and painless” church alignment
02:16 – Why Great Commission transformation takes time
03:33 – Playing the long game in church leadership
05:05 – How radical alignment disrupts church culture
07:05 – Losing people while staying committed to mission
08:15 – Early churches that embraced radical alignment
09:59 – Why churches resist ongoing focus on “The One”
11:17 – The fulfillment and joy that come from mission
12:39 – Practical first steps toward radical alignment
13:08 – Getting to the “last 10% of truth”
14:15 – Casting vision and creating healthy tension
16:30 – Seeing the church through a Great Commission lens
18:03 – Stories of “The One” and collaborative mission
19:46 – Understanding the Radical Alignment Chart
21:13 – Heart, mind, and strength alignment explained
24:09 – Evaluating calendars, budgets, and attention
25:54 – The Radical Alignment Assessment and coaching insights
27:19 – Alignment across elders, staff, volunteers, and congregation
29:41 – Learning to lead the church differently
30:35 – “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it”
31:39 – Why groups align at different speeds
33:24 – Why staff and elders may struggle most with change
34:10 – Understanding disruption and organizational change
36:33 – The challenge of knowing where people really are
37:51 – Why believers often don’t want to engage missionally
39:22 – Sincere friendships and reaching “The One”
40:07 – Why self-discovery matters more than behavior management
42:13 – Encouragement for church leaders staying the course
42:51 – Resources, tools, and next steps from Intentional Churches

Get started with Intentional Churches