In the early days of church planting, having the right leadership structure can mean the difference between agility and frustration—or even survival and failure. In this episode of Church Planters Ask, Danny Parmelee and Chris Highfill break down the best leadership model for the prelaunch phase, including the triad governance structure that gives church planters accountability without unnecessary red tape. They also share the biggest leadership pitfalls to avoid (hint: don’t rush into forming an elder board too soon!). From short-term advisory teams to spotting red flags in potential leaders, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to keep your church plant moving forward. Don’t let slow decision-making or internal politics stall your mission—tune in now!

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 culture, create momentum, avoid common mistakes, and keep your team engaged without burning out. Learn why language matters (launch team vs. core team), how to test potential leaders, and why fun is a non-negotiable in building a thriving church community. If you're planting a church, this is a must-listen! 🎧🔥

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 tough conversations with honesty and care, they share practical strategies to ensure that both the church and the individual thrive. Whether it’s a role mismatch, a leadership lid, or a season of life change, learning to fire volunteers the right way can actually strengthen your ministry. Tune in for real stories, valuable insights, and a little bit of humor along the way!