Voices of Revival - Shownotes

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🎙 Voices of Revival — Episode 8
Guest: George Willis | Host: Bradley Higgins

In this powerful eighth episode of Voices of Revival, host Bradley Higgins welcomes George Willis — a seasoned church planter, apostolic leader, and overseer of the RAM Network, which exists to raise up missionary church planters across the U.S. George shares candidly about his journey: from radical neighborhood ministry in Toledo to leading a thriving church, then releasing it to plant even more. What unfolds is a raw, Spirit-led conversation about the real purpose of church planting, the beauty of community, and the often-avoided truth that even Spirit-born churches may one day die — and that’s okay.

George takes listeners through a spiritual re-framing of success in ministry. Rather than measuring effectiveness by numbers or buildings, he challenges us to see fruit in terms of obedience, spiritual growth, and multiplication. He doesn’t just talk theory—he shares stories, like that of an elderly woman planting a church in her retirement community, or a baptism from neighborhood ministry over a decade ago. These moments testify that seeds sown in obedience can bear fruit far beyond our timeline or imagination.

This episode also digs into the biblical framework for leadership, particularly the five-fold ministry. George explains the apostolic gift not as a title to flaunt, but as a wiring to build what doesn’t exist, and to equip others to do the same. He unpacks how identity in Christ and calling go hand in hand, and why affirming someone’s gifting is vital for healthy leadership and multiplication.

Bradley and George also get real about the pressures and heartbreak that come with planting a church—especially when the results don’t match expectations. With refreshing vulnerability, they speak to the “failed church planter,” offering hope, healing, and new vision rooted in the Kingdom’s values, not man's applause.

If you've ever felt the weight of building something for God—or questioned your own role in the body of Christ—this episode will stir your heart, challenge your assumptions, and renew your courage.

• Why true church planting must begin with evangelism and discipleship
   
• Redefining success: Obedience over outcomes
   
• Why many “church plants” are just new worship gatherings
   
• The life cycle of churches (and why it’s biblical)
   
• The function of the five-fold ministry in the modern church
   
• The apostolic gift: equipping others to establish the Kingdom
   
• Community as a core expression of the gospel
   
• The emotional toll of church planting and how to persevere
   
• Measuring spiritual growth vs. attendance metrics
   

• Matthew 22:37–39 – The Great Commandment
   
• Matthew 16:18 – “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail…”
   
• Ephesians 4:11–12 – Five-fold ministry for equipping the saints
   
• Acts (esp. the missionary journeys and the Church of Jerusalem)
   
• The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)
   

• Redefine “success” by Kingdom metrics: obedience, discipleship, and multiplication
   
• Journal what you hear from God and submit it to mature believers for confirmation
   
• Evaluate your church or ministry against three biblical elements: Worship, Community, and Mission
   
• If you're in a “half-in” season spiritually, ask: is this about your devotion or your environment?
   
• Don’t be afraid to embrace your unique wiring; your identity in Christ includes your gifting
   

“Jesus builds His church at the gates of hell.”
— George Willis