Church InTension

Transition, in every area of life, can be difficult to navigate. As leaders, how can we transition well?On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, looks to Elijah and Elisha's story as a biblical model for healthy transition. As part of this teaching, Dr. Chasteen announces his own transition away from The King's University and how to follow his coming leadership content. Links:releader.coinstagram.com/jonchasteen

In a world of constant accessibility, how does a pastor develop healthy boundaries with their congregation?On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, discusses the role and challenges of being a Campus Pastor with Pastor Wade Smith. Pastor Wade is currently the Campus Pastor for two Victory Church campuses: Edmond, Oklahoma and Grapevine, Texas.

The term “leadership” is used extensively in the Church, and Dr. Sam Chand is one of the reasons for that. He has authored numerous books and has mentored some of the top leaders in the Church, while writing numerous leadership books including Who's Holding Your Ladder.On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Sam about his latest book, How Leaders Create Chaos, and what leaders can do to get their “roar” back.tku.edu

For evangelicals (especially charismatics), the jokes on the @sillygraham Instagram account (formerly @theosu_memes) are a little too on the nose. Nathan Finochio, founder of TheosU, is the man behind jokes. They are funny and true with a brand of irreverence that isn't seen often in the Church. However, according to Finochio, they are important.On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Finochio about his latest book, Killer Church, consumerism in the Church, and the importance of humor.tku.edu

Tim Ross just stepped down from his role as senior pastor at Embassy City Church, a church he started nearly a decade ago, to start a podcast. It was a leap of faith because he didn't understand why God was calling him to make the move, but he would soon find out. His YouTube podcast, The Basement With Tim Ross, grew to more than 100 thousand subscribers only a few months after launching. As that number continues to climb, Tim Ross continues to embrace the ambiguity of the season into which God has called him.On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, TKU President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Tim about the changing season and how he started his popular podcast.

Tim Ross just stepped down from his role as senior pastor at Embassy City Church, a church he started nearly a decade ago, to start a podcast. It was a leap of faith because he didn't understand why God was calling him to make the move, but he would soon find out. His YouTube podcast, The Basement With Tim Ross, grew to more than 100 thousand subscribers only a few months after launching. As that number continues to climb, Tim Ross continues to embrace the ambiguity of the season into which God has called him.On this episode of the Church InTension podcast, TKU President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Tim about the changing season and how he started his popular podcast.

The Church is heading in a new direction, according to Josh Morris. The old way of doing things just doesn't translate. That's what Josh learned during his two years planting a church in Austin, Texas, that ultimately didn't survive the COVID shutdown. What he learned opened his eyes about the future of the Church.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Josh Morris about his time in Austin, the deep theological questions he asks, and the future of the Church. 

What does it look like for men and women to work as equals in ministry? This bonus episode of the Women in Ministry Leadership podcast seeks to answer the question with experienced pastors who continue to work toward that goal. At the 2022 Gateway Conference, Dr. Jon Chasteen and Dr. Rhonda Davis were joined by Gateway pastors Mallory Bassham and Marcus Brecheen in a special breakout session to discuss how it actually looks for men and women to work alongside each other in ministry. We are releasing the session as a bonus episode that includes a question-and-answer session you won't want to miss.

How do pastors deal with anxiety? Shawn Johnson would know. His crippling anxiety led him to step away from pastoring for months while he sought clinical treatment. Through that treatment, along with help from his wife, fellow pastors, and friends, God healed Shawn and gave him a new perspective. He shares this perspective in his book, Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Shawn Johnson about how all pastors deal with anxiety and how they can overcome it.

When we treat church like a business or an enterprise, we become more focused on events or experiences rather than ministry and community. Marcus Brecheen, who leads the Gateway Network, works with numerous churches of all sizes, and he has seen many churches inadvertently operate in this way.In this episode of Church InTension, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Marcus about this problem and how churches can address it.

A Barna poll published in March 2022 showed that 42 percent of pastors have thought about quitting because of pastoral burnout. Carey Nieuwhof was so shocked by that growing trend that he wrote a book about it. In his new book, At Your Best, he drew from his own pastoral burnout that almost took him out of  ministry years ago and presents a way for pastors to thrive.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Carey about his story and how pastors and leaders can prevent burnout.

What does it take to build a successful leadership team and how can visionary leaders carry out the vision of their senior leader? These are questions answered in this unique episode of the Church Intension podcast, in which host Dr. Jon Chasteen moves into the interviewee chair along with two Victory Church executive leaders Oscar Ortiz and Wade Smith. 

"Be eager to prophesy." That's what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NLT). So why do so many churches avoid this ministry? Pastors Tom Lane and Wayne Drain have spent their ministry careers immersed in prophetic ministry in the local church, and their new book, He Still Speaks To Kids (a followup to their book He Still Speaks) covers this topic in great detail.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Wayne and Tom about the nuance and importance of prophetic ministry.

Every generation does ministry differently than the previous one, and we often don't see eye to eye with the ones who went before us. However, there is great wisdom in listening and learning from the older and younger generations in ministry.In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen interviews his father, Dr. John Chasteen, and the two discuss the challenges of ministry then and now.

For many women in ministry leadership, there are challenges that don't always apply to their male colleagues. Many times, these challenges go unseen and unaddressed. Dr. Rhonda Davis at The King's University is pioneering a program called Women in Ministry Leadership to help encourage and validate women on their ministry journeys. She also hosts a podcast of the same name.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, TKU President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, speaks with Dr. Davis about some of these challenges and how leaders can foster a balanced team.

When leadership changes hands within an organization, the chances for failure are high. However, when Brent Evans became the leader of XO Marriage (formerly known as Marriage Today, founded by Jimmy Evans), the ministry continued to grow. The biggest growth took place when Brent found his voice as a leader.In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Brent Evans about the challenges of taking over a family-run ministry and how he was able to overcome them by being himself and not trying to fill his father's shoes.

Every church has unique power dynamics, but imagine sharing equal leadership duties with your spouse. Bianca Olthoff doesn't have to imagine because she and her husband Matt co-lead the rapidly growing Father's House Church in Orange County, California.In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Bianca about what it's like to co-lead The Father's House with Matt and how they maintain a work-life balance.

The term "deconstruction" has never been so closely associated with the Church and Christian theology as it is today. However, according to Dr. A.J. Swoboda, while the term is relatively new, the idea of deconstruction—questioning and dismantling one's beliefs—has been part of the Church for thousands of years.On this episode of Church InTension, TKU President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, speaks with Swoboda about the topic of deconstruction and how pastors can help people in their congregations ask healthy questions and ultimately grow closer to Jesus.Tku.eduajswobodawrites.com

Planting a church is wrought with challenges. Pastor Preston Morrison of Gateway Church Scottsdale and Pastor Tim Ross of Embassy City Church experienced many when they were sent out by Gateway Church to lead their own congregations.In this episode of Church InTension, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Preston and Tim about how they stayed afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic and the biggest things they've learned along the way.

"The new norm after the Pandemic is accelerated change," says Dr. Ron Luce, whose new book, Faith At the Speed of Light, takes a deep dive into the future of our culture and how it will affect the Church. There are numerous opportunities for the Church to adapt and reach the next generation.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, TKU President Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Luce about these future trends and how the Church can prepare for a changing world.

What does it mean to live as sons and daughters of God? Leif Hetlund, author of Healing the Orphan Spirit and Called to Reign believes that one of the biggest problems in the Church today is the tendency for believers to live as orphans. In this episode of Church InTension, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, speaks with Leif Hetlund about identifying the orphan spirit and how to leave it behind.Leif Hetlund is the founder and president of Global Mission Awareness. He is a champion of global missions, and he and his wife, Jennifer, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Several years ago, when Syrian refugees risked their lives to flee to Europe, thousands of muslim families made their way north to Sweden because of its liberal immigration laws. Pastor Joakim Lundqvist of Livets Ord Church in Sweden seized an opportunity to reach these families and saw God do amazing things. Now, as the United States welcomes Afghan refugees, we have an opportunity of our own.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, TKU President Dr. Jon Chasteen talks to Pastor Joakim about the refugee crisis, operating a church in a socialist environment, and the outreach opportunities it brings.churchintension.com

The mission field has shifted so drastically over the last few decades, that many of the places that were once unreached are now a major missionary force. And now that we are living in a post-COVID world, the Church must rethink the way we do missions.In this episode of Church InTension, TKU President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Charley Elliott, the executive pastor of Gateway Global. After spending a decade of ministry in Africa and Latin America, Charley joined the staff of Gateway Church, where he has his finger on the pulse of the ever changing mission field.

"I never wanted to work for a church," says Pastor Jelani Lewis, who has now worked at Gateway Church for more than a decade. Now Jelani is a regional campus pastor and he oversees multiple campuses at Gateway, where he started as a children's pastor.In this episode of Church InTension, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, talks with Jelani about his career and the difference between having selfish ambition and godly desire.

Finances are a taboo subject when it comes to the Church. How much should a pastor make? How should a church's finances be handled? How much is too much talk about giving?In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks to Leo Sabo and David Thompson from the Getting Money Right podcast. These two pastors have decades of church finance and stewardship experience and offer direct answers to some of the tough questions many pastors ask regarding finances and the Church. 

When things don't occur properly at the leadership table, the organization struggles. In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with leadership expert Hrishi Baskaran about the importance of vulnerability and the pitfalls of transparency and false modesty. Hrishi Baskaran is a principle consultant for Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group and the founder of Hrishi Baskaran Company. He’s a consultant who helps executive leaders and pastors with organizational health, teamwork, and leadership. His clients include Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, Lockheed-Martin, and many more.

Pastor Brady Boyd took over New Life Church, whose previous pastor experienced a highly publicized moral failure. Bringing the church back to health would be an uphill battle. That's when disaster struck. A shooter entered the church and killed two members after services. "It was the darkest day of my life," says Brady Boyd.In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks to Brady Boyd about how the church survived and is now thriving. Recorded in early 2020, this podcast talks about creating a culture of health in a polarized political climate.

The Church is growing rapidly in its understand of its Jewish roots. One big leap took place in Gateway Center for Israel Director Nic Lesmeister's life when he discovered unknown anti-Semitism in his theology. Find out more in this episode of the Church InTension podcast, in which Dr. Jon Chasteen discusses the topic of anti-Semitism and Jewish Christianity with Nic Lesmeister.

One in every four pregnancies ends in abortion. Even more shocking? That statistic is the same inside the Church as it is outside. How can the Church help these young women with unplanned pregnancies?In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Embrace Grace founder, Amy Ford, about how churches can bring this once taboo subject out in the open and reach an unseen group within their communities. 

Theological training is becoming less relevant to the Church, and that's a problem. In much of today's church culture, strong leadership traits and skills have replaced education and sound theology. The truth is, there's a balance that must be achieved, and the answer might be found higher education.In this week's episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Dr. Dan Call about the disconnect between the Church and higher education.To help us understand what issues are relevant and need focus in the church today—for our future leaders, please complete our two minute ministry questionnaire. Your input will help us determine future areas of focus and study.Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P7FKSJ7

A worship pastor is more than a song leader. What are the tensions a worship pastor experiences? How does a worship pastor do his job effectively, while submitting to the leadership of a senior pastor?In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Gateway Worship pastor and 4Him founding member Mark Harris about how to steward the role of the worship pastor in a local church.churchintension.com

What are the tell-tale signs that you're working with a narcissistic leader? Have you ever been hurt by one? Is it possible you could be one?In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, The King's University President, Dr. Jon Chasteen, and Dr. Cassie Reid (director of The King's University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree) discuss this fascinating topic with prolific author and narcissism expert Dr. Chuck DeGroat.churchintension.com

Diffusing anxiety is one of the biggest challenges leaders face—especially their own. In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Steve Cuss, a leadership anxiety expert who helps coach leaders on addressing anxiety in themselves and their teams.The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

The future of the Church looks different in 2020 than anyone could have expected. Pastors must take new and innovative approaches to stay connected with and relate to their communities. Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Garrett Booth and Ethan Fisher, both senior pastors in Houston, Texas, about what it means to be a successful church.   Garrett Booth is the senior pastor of Grace Church in Houston where he and his wife both pastor. He also earned his Master’s degree from The King’s University. Ethan Fisher is the senior pastor of Gateway Church in Houston, which is a church planted by Gateway Church in Southlake. He and his wife both pastor there as well. The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church. churchintension.com

Studies show that church attendance was dwindling in recent years, then COVID hit. Pastor Jimmy Witcher of Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas,has seized the opportunity to makesignificant changes that he and his team have consideredfor years. In this episode, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Jimmy Witcher about the new things Trinity is doing and how churches everywhere can adapt to a post-COVID culture.  Jimmy Witcher is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas. He has a background in business where he gained extensive leadership experience while managing product development, international sales, and corporate marketing. He’s been a CEO, a COO, and a pastor. He and his wife, Kim, have been married for more than 30 years and have three children. Connect with Jimmy Witcher:Instagram: @jimmywitcher About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Sometimes when you’re doing what you love, and doing it successfully, you are entrusted with more responsibility. That often means laying down things you love. Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Gateway Church Executive Ministry Pastor, Thomas Miller about giving up his longtime job as head of Gateway Worship to take on a bigger role.Thomas Miller is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and pastor overseeing Gateway Worship, Gateway Create Publishing, The Blessed Life TV, and Gateway Conference at Gateway Church. Connect with Thomas Miller:Twitter, Instagram: @thomasgateway About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

The tension surrounding racism in America has reached a breaking point. This episode of Church InTension is a little different from previous episodes. Dr. Kenneth Ulmer, the former President of the King’s University in Los Angeles, hosted a round table with church leaders including Dr. Jon Chasteen, Rick Warren, and Chris Hodges to talk about how the Church can partner with God to stand against systematic racism.  About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Homosexuality has often been a sensitive subject for the Church, but Pastor Landon Schott approaches the topic with confidence and grace. In this episode of Church InTension, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Pastor Landon about his book Gay Awareness and how churches and church leaders should engage the LGBT community.  Landon Schott is the lead pastor of Mercy Culture, a church in Fort Worth. He’s the author of the books Jezebel: The Witch Is Back and Gay Awareness. He and his wife, Heather, have three children, and Mercy Culture is growing quickly.

We need to talk more about mental health in the Church, and the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to have the conversation. However, many pastors are uncomfortable talking about the subject of mental health because they don’t feel equipped and may be struggling themselves. Dr. Jon Chasteen sits down with licensed therapist Dr. Cassie Reid to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic is leading to more mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and how pastors can be prepared to lead their churches and themselves to freedom. Dr. Cassie Reid is the director of the Master of Marriage & Family Therapy program at The King’s University and the founder of Cassie Reid Counseling, where she combines her years of experience as a licensed therapist with the leading of the Holy Spirit to help clients with the problems they face. Connect with Dr. Cassie Reidcassiereid.com About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Note: This podcast episode was recorded before the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported. However, we at Church InTension believe the content of this episode is timely for churches dealing with crisis management.  Every church has the potential to deal with a crisis. According to crisis management expert Lawrence Swicegood, they tend to come without warning. Dr. Jon Chasteen interviews Swicegood on the finer points of crisis management in this episode of Church InTension. Lawrence Swicegood is a communications, public relations, and church marketing specialist who works at Gateway Church as director of media, and he owns Clarion Communications and Media, a communications and crisis management firm. He also served President George H. W. Bush as a member of the White House Advance Team. Connect with Lawrence Swicegood:Twitter: @LSwice About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Tim Ross started Embassy City Church in the most diverse zip code in the United States. After spending years in leadership at Gateway Church and The Potter’s House, Pastor Tim has a rich and nuanced view on this topic. Tim Ross is the senior pastor of the multi-ethnic, multi-generational Embassy City Church in Irving, TX. He began preaching at the age of 20, and his dynamic teaching style has helped him impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.  Connect with Tim Ross: @embassyirvingembassycity.com The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

In nearly four decades of ministry, Pastor Robert Morris knows all too well that ministry work can lead to burnout. In this episode of the Church InTension podcast, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks to Pastor Robert about what every pastor needs. Robert Morris is the founding lead senior pastor of Gateway Church, a multicampus church based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 71,000 active attendees. His television program is aired in over 190 countries, and his radio program, Worship & the Word with Pastor Robert, airs in more than 1,800 radio markets across America. He serves as chancellor of The King’s University and is the bestselling author of numerous books, including The Blessed Life, Frequency, Beyond Blessed, and Take the Day Off. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married 39 years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons, and nine grandchildren.  Connect with Robert Morris:robertmorrisministries.comgatewaypeople.comTwitter, Instagram: @psrobertmorris The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Pastor Craig Groeschel started Life.Church more than 20 years ago, and in that time he’s learned a thing or two about what it means to be a pastor. Dr. Jon Chasteen talks to Pastor Craig about what he’s learned about being a pastor.Craig Groeschel is a husband, father, grandfather, and the founding senior pastor of Life.Church in Oklahoma. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and a leadership expert who hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast.   Connect with Craig Groeschel:craiggroeschel.comlife.churchTwitter, Instagram: @craiggroeschel About Church InTension:The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.churchintension.com

Nobody wants to talk about handing the reigns to the next generation. Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with church succession planning expert William Vanderbloemen about why it’s worth it to have that conversation early on. William Vanderbloemen was a senior pastor for 15 years before transitioning to the business world. He started Vanderbloemen a decade ago and has since helped facilitate succession plans for more than 1,500 churches. His book "Next" helps outline how to navigate pastor succession plans.  Connect with William Vanderbloemen:vanderbloemen.comtwitter.com/VanderbloemenSG The Church InTension podcast is a place to have healthy conversations about areas of tension and the intentions of the Church. Hosted by Dr. Jon Chasteen and powered by The King's University and Gateway Church.To find out more visit churchintension.com 

Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with Gateway Church Executive Senior Pastor Todd Lane about what it means to be a leader who serves the vision of another leader.Todd Lane is the lead executive senior pastor and an elder of Gateway Church. Under Pastor Robert’s leadership, he leads the organization in executing Gateway’s vision and developing strategies to effectively minister to as many people as possible. As one of the elders, he helps provide spiritual and fiduciary governance.Connect with Todd Lane:https://gatewaypeople.com/staff/todd-laneInstagram: @todd_lane

In this episode, Dr. Jon Chasteen talks with millennials Megan White and Josh Pruis about why millennials are leaving the Church. What can church leaders do to reach people in this age group?