New Churches Podcast | Season 6 | Episode 4

How Do I Engage the City?

Tony Merida, J.A. Medders & Vergil Brown

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a4_k2-8yNSQ

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Tony Merida is joined by Vergil Brown and Jeff Medders to tackle a crucial question for church planters: How do I faithfully engage my city with the hope of the gospel? As part of a season focused on the practical “how” questions of church planting, this conversation explores the essential heart shift that must take place in a planter—moving from simply leading a church to living as a missionary in their context. The discussion offers encouragement on personal evangelism, cultivating meaningful relationships, and proclaiming Christ with clarity and compassion. The guests also provide practical coaching on identifying domains of influence, forming wise community partnerships, and serving the city without losing gospel focus. Listeners will come away with biblical vision, practical strategies, and fresh encouragement for engaging their city with intentionality and hope.

(00:24:01) 1st question: How can a planter think and act like a missionary?

(08:29:19) 2nd question: What’s your best advice and encouragement on how to evangelize?

(22:41:00) 3rd question: How do you find your domains of influence and wise partnerships?

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Published on February 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

Tony Merida

Vice President, Planter Development Send Network

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the vice president of Planter Development for Send Network. Tony has written several books, including The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series.

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J.A. Medders

General Editor New Churches

J. A. Medders (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the director of theology and content for Send Network, and the general editor for New Churches. He is the author of Gospel Formed, Humble Calvinism, and co-author of The Soul-Winning Church. You can follow Jeff on X, Instagram, and his newsletter.

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Vergil Brown

Vergil Brown has served in pastoral ministry since 2007. He and his wife, Kelsey, have been married since 2005. Together they have four children. Vergil currently pastors Redemption Church in Portland, Oregon, which launched in September 2020.

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