Episodes

  • Church Turnaround: Highland Baptist Church (with Pastor Adam Pardue)

    Church Turnaround: Highland Baptist Church (with Pastor Adam Pardue)
    Jun 22 2026
    In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith interviews Adam Pardue, the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. They discuss the challenges faced by aging churches, the importance of building trust and relationships, and the journey of revitalization that Highland Baptist has undergone over the past 14 years. Adam shares insights on spiritual growth, community engagement, and the significance of consistency in revitalization efforts. The conversation emphasizes the need for pastors to celebrate small wins and remain committed to their congregations, even in the face of setbacks.
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    32 mins
  • What to Do When People Leave Your Church with Pastor Rodney Knous

    What to Do When People Leave Your Church with Pastor Rodney Knous
    Jun 8 2026
    31 mins
  • Early Failure in Revitalization (with Pastor Josh Prince)

    Early Failure in Revitalization (with Pastor Josh Prince)
    May 25 2026
    Welcome to Season 3 of the Pave Podcast! In this episode of the Pave Podcast, host Jonathan L. Smith engages in a candid conversation with soon-to-be Dr. Josh Prince, a lead pastor in Texas. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of church revitalization, sharing personal stories and insights on leadership, humility, and the importance of building trust within a congregation. Join us as we explore the journey of leading through early mistakes and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on navigating change and fostering growth in church communities.
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    37 mins
  • Church Turnaround: New Jerusalem Church (with Pastor Eric Anthony Brown)

    Church Turnaround: New Jerusalem Church (with Pastor Eric Anthony Brown)
    Oct 27 2025
    In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith interviews Pastor Eric Anthony Brown, who shares his journey of transforming a disconnected church community into a thriving, multicultural congregation. He emphasizes the importance of love in ministry, the challenges of navigating change, and the need for patience in church growth. The conversation highlights the power of relationships and the role of the church in meeting people where they are, ultimately leading them to a deeper relationship with Christ.
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    36 mins
  • What Pitfalls Can I Avoid as a Young Pastor? (with Dr. Ward Hayes)

    What Pitfalls Can I Avoid as a Young Pastor? (with Dr. Ward Hayes)
    Oct 20 2025
    Join Jonathan L. Smith and Dr. Ward Hayes, Treasure/CFO at Texas Baptists, on the Pave Podcast as they explore the common pitfalls young pastors face when leading church revitalization efforts. From the challenges of having difficult conversations to the importance of balancing preaching with leadership, they share valuable lessons learned from their own journeys. Discover how to navigate these obstacles with wisdom and grace, ensuring a successful and impactful ministry.
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    26 mins
  • Embracing and Empowering the Older Generation in Your Church (with Pastor Tim Rowell)

    Embracing and Empowering the Older Generation in Your Church (with Pastor Tim Rowell)
    Oct 13 2025
    Join us in this insightful episode of the Pave Podcast to hear from Jonathan Smith and Pastor Tim Rowell about how to engage senior adults in your congregation, foster a multi-generational church environment, and implement practical steps to breathe new life into your church community. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to church leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help your church thrive.
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    27 mins
  • Is it Vision or is it Direction? (with Lee Williams III)

    Is it Vision or is it Direction? (with Lee Williams III)
    Oct 6 2025
    In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan L. Smith is joined by Lee Williams III to explore the nuanced debate between vision and direction within church growth. They discuss the importance of contextualizing vision, avoiding generic statements, and ensuring that direction is embedded in the church's mission. Through biblical examples and personal insights, they discuss how churches can effectively balance vision and direction to fulfill their unique calling. Tune in to discover how to navigate this critical aspect of church leadership and growth!
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    29 mins
  • The Importance of Patience in Church Revitalization (with Pastor Brent McNeal)

    The Importance of Patience in Church Revitalization (with Pastor Brent McNeal)
    Sep 29 2025
    In this episode of the Pave Podcast, Jonathan Smith sits and Pastor Brent McNeal explore the challenges faced by pastors in transforming aging congregations and the strategic patience required to foster growth and renewal. Pastor Brent shares his personal experiences, highlighting the importance of listening, building trust, and celebrating small victories. Tune in to discover how patience and strategic planning can lead to a thriving, youthful congregation.
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    28 mins