New Churches Podcast | Season 6 | Episode 1

How Do I Know I’m Called?

J.A. Medders, Tony Merida & Daniel Santander

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D3hXNdRg_KE

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Daniel Santander to tackle one of the most foundational questions every prospective church planter asks: How do I know I’m called? As the first episode in a season focused on the “how” questions of church planting, the conversation explores what biblical calling really is, how a man can discern whether he’s called to pastoral ministry—and whether that calling is best lived out through planting, revitalization, or pastoring an existing church—and why every healthy planter must be sent by a local church. Listeners will walk away with theological clarity, pastoral wisdom, and practical guidance for discerning God’s direction and embracing the church-centered nature of the planting task.

Resources: What Great Pastors Do

(00:24:00) What is calling? How do you know if you are called?

(09:35:00) How do you know if you are a planter, revitalizer, or lay pastor?

(20:26:15) Why is a sending church important and how can a church planter foster that relationship?

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Published on February 03, 2026

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

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.

More Resources from J.A.

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.

More Resources from Tony

Daniel Santander

Daniel Santander serves as the Lead Pastor of La Iglesia en Johnson Ferry in Marietta, Georgia. Originally from Argentina, Daniel carries a deep passion for seeing God’s Kingdom advance among the nations and across generations. He senses a clear calling not only to pastor the local church, but also to walk alongside and care for pastors and ministry leaders. In addition to his pastoral role, Daniel serves as a Care Specialist with Send Network through the North American Mission Board and as the Hispanic Representative for the Georgia Baptist Convention. Through these roles, he provides encouragement, support, and strategic care to church planters and pastors across diverse contexts.