The Timothy Project

Welcome back to the new season of the Timothy Project Podcast! In this episode, Chad talks with Dr. Kristen White about the importance of short-term mission trips in the life of the local church.

Healthy ministry depends on more than vision — it also needs people who can help make the vision happen.
In this episode of the Timothy Project Podcast, Chad Hunsberger talks with Baxter Bentley, Executive Pastor at Northbrook Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama, about the often unseen but deeply important work of supporting ministry leaders, building systems, and helping the church move forward with clarity. Baxter shares how his experience overseas shaped the way he now serves the local church, helping “keep the tracks clear” so ministry can run well.
This conversation is a practical encouragement for pastors, staff members, volunteers, and ministry leaders who want to serve faithfully, support senior leadership well, and help turn vision into meaningful action.

What does it look like to pastor with a long view in mind?
In this episode of the Timothy Project Podcast, Chad Hunsberger sits down with Jason Cook, senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, for an honest conversation about ministry, leadership, church unity, and surviving the difficult seasons of pastoral life. Reflecting on his first five years as lead pastor, Jason shares lessons learned through transition, burnout, leadership challenges, and the slow work of building trust in a local church.
The conversation explores the tension of leading through change, the beauty of churches partnering instead of competing, and the importance of finding identity in Christ rather than ministry success or failure. Jason offers encouragement for pastors navigating criticism, church transitions, and the emotional weight of shepherding God’s people — reminding listeners that faithfulness matters more than personal recognition.
This episode is a refreshing and deeply pastoral conversation for church leaders longing to lead with humility, endurance, and gospel-centered perspective.

What does it actually feel like to walk into your church for the very first time?
In this episode of the Timothy Project Podcast, Chad Hunsberger sits down with Liz Cuenin, Minister of Membership and Assimilation at Dawson Baptist Church, to talk about creating a church culture where guests feel seen, welcomed, and connected. From parking lot signage and greeter teams to membership classes and one-on-one pastoral conversations, Liz shares practical wisdom on helping people move from first-time visitor to fully engaged church member.
The conversation explores why hospitality matters deeply in ministry, how churches of any size can improve guest assimilation, and why a clear membership process strengthens the health and unity of the local church. Whether you serve on staff at a large church or pastor a small congregation with limited resources, this episode offers thoughtful, actionable encouragement for building a church where people truly feel known.

In this episode, Chad talks with Colonial Heights’ Worship Pastor, David Leonard, about the practical and theological considerations behind song selection in the worship service. The Timothy Project Podcast will resume in August. 

In the final part of this series, Chad talks with Scott Lucky on the importance of friendships in pastoral ministry.

In this episode, Chad continues the series on the importance of friendships in pastoral ministry, joined by Matthew Smith.

In this episode, Chad talks with Brian Crawford on the importance of friendships in pastoral ministry.

This week, Chad is joined by Rob Dent, Director of Communications at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Together, they explore both the practical strategies and theological foundations behind building an effective communications ministry. Rob will also be leading a breakout session at the Timothy Project Conference this May.

In this podcast, Chad talks with one of Colonial Heights' Field Workers about the importance of training and sending well within the local church.