About The Episode
In this episode, David Hibiske sits down with Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor of Traders Point Christian Church. Aaron shares his leadership journey from parachute-drop church planting to long-term pastoral ministry through succession. Aaron reflects honestly on the challenges of early church planting, burnout, and the refining work God does through pain, humility, and endurance. He discusses discovering his leadership and preaching voice over time, the importance of self-awareness and team leadership, and how longevity in one place shapes both credibility and calling. The conversation also highlights Traders Point’s deep partnership with Missions of Hope International and offers encouragement to church planters navigating resistance, revival, and faithfulness in today’s ministry landscape.
Welcome to Episode 046 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.
Insights From Aaron
- Church planting reveals both calling and limitations
Aaron describes his early church planting experience as “guerrilla warfare,” requiring resilience, humility, and dependence on God. Those years exposed both his strengths as a visionary and his need for team-based execution. - Burnout is not failure — it’s information
Hitting a wall at age 29 forced Aaron to confront unrealistic expectations, comparison, and a lack of emotional boundaries. That season became a necessary interruption that ultimately protected his calling rather than ended it. - Self-awareness changes how leaders lead
Understanding his wiring as a visionary and galvanizer helped Aaron stop trying to do everything himself. Healthy ministry accelerated when he learned to empower others to implement the vision. - Longevity shapes authority and voice
Eighteen years in one church produced what Aaron calls “the dividends of longevity.” Trust built over time created a deeper preaching voice and a pastoral presence that extended beyond the church into the broader community. - Faithful ministry moves at God’s pace, not ours
Rather than rushing to cast vision early in his tenure at Traders Point, Aaron chose to listen, preach faithfully, and wait for clarity. Over time, vision emerged organically through faithfulness. - Pain is often the pathway to fruitfulness
Aaron emphasizes that leadership potential is tied to pain tolerance. Ministry fruit is frequently born out of seasons leaders would never choose but deeply need. - Missions flourish through strategic partnership
Through long-term partnership with Missions of Hope International, Traders Point has seen tangible gospel impact in Kenyan communities. Aaron encourages even church plants to engage globally through trusted partners doing excellent work. - Revival and resistance often coexist
Aaron encourages church planters not to be discouraged by resistance. In Scripture, openness to the gospel and pushback often appear together — a sign God may be at work.
Episode Links
Missions of Hope International
Leadership Pain, by Samuel Chand
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. Peterson
Do ministry together! Three gatherings, nine planters, one cohesive journey. Check out the Ascent Leader Church Planter Cohorts. Get more information today at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who Is Aaron Brockett?
Aaron Brockett is the lead pastor of Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis, where he’s served since 2007. Under his leadership, the church has grown into a movement committed to clearing the way for people to encounter Jesus, equipping them for spiritual battle, and sending them out to make a Kingdom impact—in Indianapolis and beyond. At the core of Aaron’s leadership is one conviction: Jesus is the only one who can truly change anyone. The church’s job is to help people get to Him—just like the friends in Mark 2 who tore open a roof to lower someone into Jesus’ presence. That bold, faith-filled act captures the heart of what Aaron believes the church is called to do every day—take ground for the Kingdom of God. Known for his clear, practical teaching and heart for people far from God, Aaron is also deeply committed to raising up and sending out the next generation of leaders. He invests in mentoring, developing, and multiplying leaders inside and outside the church. He serves on the board of Orchard Group, a global church-planting organization, and Strategic Launch Network, which equips and sends church planters across North America. Off the stage, Aaron is a lifelong learner who thrives on challenge and is constantly proving to himself that he can do hard things. He’s a voracious reader, currently learning jiu-jitsu, enjoys rucking with friends, and occasionally signs up for half marathons (even though he questions that decision around mile seven). Aaron and his wife, Lindsay, have four kids and a silver lab named Winston. Together, they’re focused on building a life of purpose, presence, and faith.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit
Generis.com/getstarted today!
Thanks to our sponsor: MOHI.
Partnering with MOHI helps churches establish a culture of outward-focused discipleship early on. By connecting your congregation to Kingdom work in Africa, you foster generosity, compassion, and a vision for serving beyond your local community—values that help shape your church’s identity for years to come.
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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