New Churches Podcast | Season 6 | Episode 8

How Do I Build Systems?

Noah Oldham, Adam Muhtaseb & Matt Smethurst

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j4RpQ3f7XGM

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Noah Oldham is joined by Adam Muhtaseb and Matt Smethurst to tackle a crucial but often overlooked aspect of church planting: How do I build systems? Using the image of a trellis supporting a growing vine, the conversation highlights how intentional structures help church plants thrive, remain healthy, and bear lasting fruit. Together, they explore why guest follow-up is an essential early system for cultivating meaningful connections, the importance of establishing clear constitutions and bylaws for long-term stability and accountability, and how planters can wisely navigate the often overwhelming world of church technology. Listeners will walk away with practical insights, pastoral wisdom, and a renewed appreciation for the “trellis work” that supports vibrant, sustainable ministry.

(00:24:01) Why is guest follow-up important? How do you do it?

(11:00:02) How should church planters think about constitution and bylaws?

(18:21:21) How does a church planter pick the right technology?

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Published on March 24, 2026

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About the Podcast

New Churches Podcast

The New Churches podcast delivers biblical and practical insights to help you be a faithful and effective church planter. Learn from trusted pastors, theologians, missiologists, and faithful leaders who can help you pursue the mission God has given you. 

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Meet the Authors

Noah Oldham

Executive Director Send Network

Noah Oldham is the Executive Director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10. In both these roles, he led his church and dozens of others to plant churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership and is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. He writes, speaks, and trains in the areas of two of his greatest passions: the local church and physical fitness. Noah and Heather have been married since 2005 and have 5 children.

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Adam Muhtaseb

Adam Muhtaseb is the founding pastor of Redemption City Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and an M.Div. graduate of  Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sherrie, have four sons.

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Matt Smethurst

Matt Smethurst is lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel (2025), Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (2022), Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (2021), Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word (2019), and 1–2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study (2017). He also cohosts, with Ligon Duncan, The Everyday Pastor podcast from The Gospel Coalition.

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