Welcome back to a lively conversation mixed with gratitude, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes history as Pete and Sarah welcome former CSBC Communications Director Terry Barone to the table. Together, they celebrate the impact of California Mission Offering (CMO) dollars while Terry shares decades of insights on promoting CMO well, funny mishaps from his video production days, with a few moving stories sprinkled throughout. If you’re new to CMO or a long-time supporter, we hope this will inspi...
Aug 18, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Every church experiences seasons of growth, plateau, and sometimes decline. In this episode, Sarah and Jason invite Dr. Jimbo Stewart (yes, we said Jimbo) from the North American Mission Board’s Replant Team to talk about what it looks like to lead with wisdom through each stage. Learn about Renew California, a new network designed to help churches assess their current season and move forward with clarity and purpose. From revitalization and replanting to practical coaching and demographic tools...
Aug 04, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this lively episode, the podcast gets both of CSBC’s ethnic ambassadors in one room—and the conversation doesn’t disappoint. Mark Gayden (Long Beach Harbor Association) and Nestor Amaya (Sequoia Association) talk about the unique role of the Black and Hispanic church in California. From succession planning to embracing technology, this episode explores the cultural richness, challenges, and kingdom opportunities in reaching every community for Christ. Subscribe to This Week at CSBC at https:/...
Jul 21, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 22
What happens when the call to shepherd a church feels at odds with the call to shepherd your home? In this tender and timely episode, Will and Tarah Browning get real about the quiet tensions that ministry families face. From burnout and bitterness to boundaries and date nights, they speak with disarming honesty about what it takes to protect your marriage, care for your kids, and still love the Church. Whether you’re a pastor, a pastor’s wife, or someone who just wants to support your leaders b...
Jul 07, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 21
The GC Collective crew unpacks the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting with reflections on the Cooperative Program’s centennial celebration, key decisions about our shared theology and structure, and the rich fellowship that makes it all worth showing up for. From floor debates to hallway laughs, ethnic gatherings, and more, this episode reminds us why we’re still proud to be Southern Baptist. Integrity, unity, and a whole lot of good hair—it's all here. Subscribe to This Week at CSBC at https://csbc.com/su...
Jun 23, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Pete and Sarah sit down with Pastor Tito Villegas of Rise Church to talk about the latest CSBC board meeting, and what’s ahead for the Cooperative Program in this 100th year of celebration. They also unpack highlights from the Champions Retreat, a powerful moment of prayer, and where things stand with the potential relocation. Listen now for a clear view of where we’re headed—together. Click here to read the full May 2025 Board Meeting Recap news story Click here to find resources for the Year o...
Jun 09, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Sarah sits down with church planting strategist Will Browning for an update about multiplication, momentum, and ministry on the West Coast. Will details the big-picture goals for California’s 2% vision, fueled by the notion that in ministry, we should “attempt something so bold it’s doomed to fail unless God is in it.” You’ll hear about the strategy behind planting 500 new congregations, why California leads the nation in indigenous, multiethnic church planting, how churches of ...
May 26, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 18
What if prayer wasn’t a task, but a return to the delight of walking with the Lord? In this stirring episode of the GC Collective Podcast , Sarah chats with Francis Chung and special guest Bill Elliff—a longtime pastor, revival leader, and author—for a soul-deep conversation about the role of prayer in the 2% Vision. While other initiatives focus on numbers, Francis leads the charge for something immeasurable yet essential: an awakening of prayer and pursuit of God's presence across California c...
May 12, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council is back with Jason and Sarah to talk cultural confusion, biblical clarity, and why California’s public square needs the voice of the Church. From gender identity and the rise of young men returning to church, to the political divide among the next generation, this conversation dives deep into truth, grace, and how pastors can lead with both. Then stay to the end to hear Jonathan’s unforgettable midnight moment on Blackstone Avenue. Find mor...
Apr 28, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 16
It’s Easter week, and while churches across the state prepare to share the hope of the resurrection, we’re zooming in on the long game: reaching 2% of California with The Gospel. Jason Blankenship joins Pete and Sarah to unpack CSBC’s evangelism strategy—from grants and workshops to Gospel engagements and baptisms—and how your church can be part of the statewide vision to engage 1.25 million people in 10 years. Plus, a baptism story you’ll never forget (hint: it involves a pair of waders and a v...
Apr 14, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 15
The GC Collective Podcast dives into the CSBC’s vision for church revitalization and multiplication. Pete, Sarah, and Jason unpack the latest updates from staff week, including inspiring reports from our own IMB missionaries, new strategies to engage unchurched communities, and the push to revitalize 500 churches over the next decade. Jason also introduces about Replicate, a powerful new discipleship pathway available for churches who want to plug into greater revitalization efforts across Calif...
Mar 31, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Jason Robertson is back at the table, just in time to tell us how he once “Ferris Bueller’d” his way into a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Bourbon Street—tracts in hand. Beyond the laughs, we’re diving into some big SBC topics: the latest updates from the Executive Committee, the financial health of CSBC, and why this year’s national meeting in Dallas is one you won’t want to miss. Also, if you’ve ever wondered why people get pinched for not wearing green, Pete’s got a painful childhood memory to s...
Mar 17, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Skateparks, cheeseburgers, and global missions. Our hosts are on location in San Diego to catch up with Bryant Wright, president of Send Relief, fresh off a Serve Tour that saw 700 volunteers, 40 projects, and numerous salvations. Bryant unpacks Send Relief’s mission, from global hunger to fighting human trafficking, and shares jaw-dropping stories of God at work in California to crisis zones worldwide. Plus, hear about his unexpected role in launching Send Relief, how tacos landed in Chicago bu...
Mar 03, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Prayer isn’t just a practice—it’s the foundation for everything we do in ministry. In this episode, Sarah Graham sits down with Grant Bennett and Dennis Henderson (author and prayer leader) to unpack how pastors and churches can build a culture of prayer that fuels evangelism, strengthens leadership, and transforms communities. From California’s statewide prayer movement to the Six Four Fellowship’s mission of equipping pastors, this conversation challenges leaders to seek God’s will before maki...
Feb 17, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Big changes are coming to the CSBC budget, and we know you’ve got questions! This week, Pete and Sarah sit down with Richard Spring, Pastor at Living Hope Church and chairperson of the Finance and Budget Committee, to talk about the new budget structure that was just approved by the Executive Board. What does it mean for churches? How does it impact missions? And most importantly—why is this good news? Tune in as we break it all down in a way that we hope is clear and encouraging. Read the news ...
Feb 03, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Tony Wolfe, Executive Director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, joins the podcast! From the rich history of South Carolina Baptists to their inspiring partnerships with California churches, Tony shares insights into building a "One Family" mindset, the power of the Cooperative Program, and the Gospel's transformative work across the nation. Read "Autonomy and Cooperation in the SBC: Two Sides, One Coin" by Tony Wolfe: https://csbc.com/resource/autonomy-and-cooperation/ Support Disaster ...
Jan 20, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 9
We can’t plan well for 2025 without looking through the lens of the 2% vision. As January throws open its doors with endless opportunities, our hosts take a moment to chat with Pastor Scott Hinman, the head of the CSBC Vision Task Force, to get an update on the status and help us all to focus on what matters most in the ministry of the local California Southern Baptist church. Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com Sign up to receive This Week at CSBC Here !...
Jan 06, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Listen in as our hosts take a brief moment to look back and celebrate the wins of 2024. There is much to be thankful for and our convention of churches -working together for the furtherance of The Gospel- is one big reason why. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The GC Collective. Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com Sign up to receive This Week at CSBC Here !
Dec 23, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The GC Collective hosts Dr. Adam Groza, President of Gateway Seminary! Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham discuss Dr. Groza's journey to the presidency and uncover the ways in which Gateway Seminary is a standout amongst higher Christian education across the nation. This is a must-see/must-listen episode. Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com Watch Dr. Groza's Inauguration service, including Walter Price's top-notch sermon on Colossians 1 Here . Sign up to receive This Week at CSBC Here !...
Dec 09, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Sarah Graham sits down with planting/replanting experts Will Browning and Co-host, Jason Robertson to discover the distinctions between the two roles and to help listeners discern whether or not there has been a calling to either of those positions. Churches across California are in need of both and the CSBC, in partnership with Send Network California is here to help you find and develop your ministry calling. To further investigate whether you are being called to church planting or replanting ...
Nov 25, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham invite Fresno pastor Moises Garcia to the table to recap the 2024 CSBC Annual Meeting! The convention was overflowing with activities and fellowship and there's a lot to celebrate. Pete also goes deeper into the 2025 CP budget. So, listen in to hear about it all! To watch the recorded live streams of the Annual Meeting Sessions and Pastors Conference, visit the Acts2 website. https://acts2.vhx.tv/california-baptist-state-convention Subscribe to This Week at CSBC htt...
Nov 11, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this special live and on location edition, our hosts talk about the history, need, and importance of CSBC Champions. Join Pete, Sarah, and Jason in this fun and engaging show which includes audience participation. To watch the episode, visit https://acts2.vhx.tv/checkout/subscribe/login?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Facts2.vhx.tv%2Fcalifornia-baptist-state-convention and watch the 4th session. Subscribe to This Week at CSBC: https://csbc.com/subscribe Email us at Podcast@csbc.com...
Oct 28, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Our hosts invite Board Chair, Pastor Shawn Beaty to the table to help provide the yearly, in-depth rundown of the CSBC Annual Meeting, including the new motion coming before messengers regarding the 2025 change to the budget structure. Everything you need to prepare for the meeting is right here. Visit our Annual Meeting page: https://csbc.com/2024-annual-meeting/ Register as a Messenger or Guest: https://csbc.com/2024-annual-meeting/#register Put your children on the Childcare waiting list by e...
Oct 14, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Listen in as Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham host Jonathan Jarboe, President of the Baptist Foundation of California and as they unpack the wealth of resources available to churches through investing, lending, and estate planning. Discover how the Foundation can help resource your long term Kingdom goals and secure a future for the next generation. To learn more about how BFCal can walk with your church visit https://bfcal.org/ To subscribe to This Week at CSBC go to https://csbc.com/subscribe To ...
Sep 30, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 1
A healthy church doesn't stand alone! The GC Collective's Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham welcome their own - CSBC Church Matters Team Leader Jason Robertson. Jason reveals the myriad ways Church Matters can and does resource churches just like yours. From newly formed to long established, and everywhere in between, California's churches have a valuable ally and advocate in the Kingdom work they are doing. Listen in to learn about the "Church Matters Toolbox" and our talented and dedicated team. T...
Sep 16, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 26
This episode of the GC Collective returns home with Marc Tempesta, CSBC Chief Financial Officer. Marc joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to look at the Cooperative Program and its impact within the CSBC. If you and your church give to CP, you play a vital role in both the day-to-day and long-term operations and ministries of the convention! Tune in to hear how important it is that we work Together for His Glory, both here in California, and across our nation. To listen to the history of the Coo...
Sep 03, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Jonathan Keller, president of the California Family Council (CFC) joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to share a vision of Kingdom impact in our church, capital, and culture. As our nation enters another election season, there are resources available to educate and help you make an informed decision at the polls and beyond! This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Visit the California Family Council Here . To learn more about CSBC Disaster Relief trainings, click here . Give to Disaster Relief...
Aug 19, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 24
The GC Collective welcomes the Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association's Associational Mission Strategist (or Director of Missions) Greg Kilgore. Our hosts, Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham help bring into focus the unique relationship that exists between the associations and the local church, and the camaraderie and edification that takes place in these spaces. The like-minded collaboration displayed once again reinforces that we are Better Together. Visit the California Director of Missions page ...
Aug 05, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 23
The first round of our statewide “Hear the Heart” listening sessions wrapped in the spring. Listen in as our hosts, Pete, Jason, and Sarah share the insights they gleaned, as well as what next steps we can expect in the weeks ahead. Be on the look out for follow-up dates and other details on social media and on This Week at CSBC. Read the listening sessions follow up news story here . Email us at Podcast@CSBC.com Sign up to receive This Week at CSBC Here !!...
Jul 22, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 22
The gavel has dropped on the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting, but its impact is far from over! Send Network California Director Will Browning joins Pete Ramirez and Sarah Graham to provide an inside look into some of the most discussed topics... and some you may have missed. Listen in as we offer some clarity on those confusing parts of our polity and to get the scoop on times in Indy when CSBC came alongside to help celebrate God’s great work in and through our convention. To watch the archived Annual ...
Jul 08, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 21
