DCC Leadership Podcast

If there has ever been a time for leaders to step up and take responsibility in all areas of our society, it is now! In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, Dr. Larry Thompson, the Chair of DCC's Business Department, shares his passion for educating and mentoring students for leadership. As a life-long learner himself, Dr. Thompson's perspective on servant leadership and the need for transformational leadership will be refreshing and encouraging, especially in light of the ever-changing business environment. Sources Referenced in this Podcast:Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture by Bernard M. Bass and Bruce J. AvolioLead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard

We continue in "Our Calling" series by hearing from 1997 DCC alum Matt Cook. Matt and his wife, Dana Harper Cook '96, have been serving at the First Christian Church in Canadian, Texas, since 2003. Matt reminds us that, "God's going to get done what God's going to get done" as we he walks us through the process of returning back to school to finish his degree following a period of wandering. If you are struggling with how God can use you for ministry, Matt shares his personal journey with feeling like, "I'm not really made for this, but I knew I was supposed to do something else."

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, we hear from 1999 DCC alum Brad Pembleton. Brad graduated from DCC with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, earned his Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and recently completed his DMin in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Brad shares his call into ministry at the age of 17 and walks us through how God brought him to his current role at Crossbridge Christian Church in Houston, Texas. Brad explains that one's calling is more than a position—it is an invitation to partner with God for eternal work. 

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, DCC's Director of Student Life and Engagement, Mariana Galanos, shares her passion for connecting with students and fostering a sense of belonging. Mariana is one of DCC's newest staff members and brings a unique perspective as one who left her home of Venezuela to come to the US to study ministry. You will be challenged to look at your own calling as Mariana shares the foundations of her calling to ministry and Christian higher education. 

In this final episode of our Summer Re-Runs series, we rebroadcast a podcast that was originally released on March 7, 2022. The Chair of DCC's Bible Department, Dr. Mark Hahlen, has been a popular podcast guest, and in this episode he and Dr. Eddy Sanders examine the events surrounding the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Their discussion reveals those leadership characteristics and traits that allow us to move closer to God's presence and "serve like the King."

We continue in our Summer Re-Run Series with Episode 1 of our popular Bible Words series from last Fall. The goal of our Bible Words series was to help our listeners understand and apply familiar Bible words that we hear often in our church gatherings and Bible studies. In this episode that first aired on August 15, 2022, Dr. Eddy Sanders (DCC Practical Ministries Chair) looks at the person of Jesus, specifically His titles of "Messiah" and "Christ." 

As we continue our Summer Re-Runs series, we are rebroadcasting a podcast that was originally released on October 4, 2021. DCC Alum Louie Murillo shares his journey as a DCC student, Student Minister, Family Life Pastor and ultimately a franchise Owner/Operator for Chick-fil-A. In this episode, you will be challenged to look at God's calling on your life and how the experiences you are going through right now play a role in your spiritual journey. 

To mark the 100th episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast, we decided to revisit some of our most popular podcasts since our first episode was released on November 2, 2020. In this podcast from May 24, 2021, the late Mark Worley and Dwight Coleman discuss the topic of creating a culture of mentoring in the area of sports. This is the most downloaded podcast from our 100 episodes, and we know you will be inspired and encouraged by what you hear.To learn more about the DCC Athletic program, visit: www.dccpsorts.com

In this rebroadcast of our Memorial Day episode from 2021, Dr. Mark Hahlen, Chair of DCC's Bible Department, looks at the events of July,1944 that changed the course of the war in the Pacific and directly impacted the life of DCC's founder and first President, Vernon Newland. As we mark our 100th episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast and the College's 73 years of influence, Mark Hahlen and Mark Worley remind our listeners that God is always at work upstream and orchestrating events that may impact our lives and the lives of others in ways that we can't even begin to imagine.For more information about DCC's history and its founder, Vernon Newland, check-out our webpage at: https://www.dallas.edu/dcc70/

Dallas Christian College has experienced a significant period of growth in the area of athletics over the past 10 years. In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, DCC's Director of Athletics, Gregg Mucerino, shares how his perspective has changed over the years to "eternal Kingdom significance" as he has worked to build athletic programs for various institutions. You will hear Coach Mucerino's heart for "the stuff that matters" as he reminds us all that the most important responsibility as a Christian leader is to keep "first things first." 

We live in a time where understanding and respecting cultures different from our own is necessary but often times a challenge. In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, DCC Professor Gary Hardy shares how God moved him to look at "the world outside of our own bubble." This personal transformation sparked Gary's calling into ministry and spurred his world-wide interest of various cultures. For those who feel God challenging their own biases and prejudices, this podcast will encourage you to step back and take a look at how we view the rest of the world.

"What is God doing with you right now, and how is He shaping you as a follower of Christ?" Dr. Mark Hahlen, the Chair of DCC's Bible Department, poses these questions as he shares about his own calling into ministry and education. In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, you will be encouraged as you learn more about Dr. Hahlen's commitment to educating and mentoring DCC students and helping them discover the meaning of God's Word—the foundation of one's life in all areas. 

In this episode of "Our Calling," Dr. Christopher Davis, Vice-President of Academics at DCC, shares his passion for Christian higher education as well as his vision for the future of Dallas Christian College. Dr. Davis brings a unique mix of experiences with more than 30 years of work in traditional/non-traditional and undergraduate/graduate academic settings. An expert on Pauline theology, Dr. Davis' emphasis on "faith that seeks understanding" as well as his vision for a church without division makes him the right person to lead DCC's academic programs at this unique moment in history.

If you've ever wondered if the Gospel and technology can work together, DCC's Associate Academic Dean, Mr. Bruce Long, provides the answer to this question. In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, Dean Long shares his clear calling into full-time Christian service and then describes how God was working upstream to provide an even clearer calling to ministry and vocation. You will be challenged to look at "Jesus and Technology" in a whole new way as Bruce Long explains why online education is crucial in today's world of education. 

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, you get to hear from our newest department chair, Dr. Tracy Hahn. Dr. Hahn is a DCC alumna and joined the College last Fall as the Chair of the E.L. and Sue Derr Department of Teacher Education. Her love for educating and mentoring students shows through her desire to see students "make a life and make a difference." 

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, the Chair of DCC's Arts & Sciences Department, Dr. Mark Fish, shares his calling into ministry and higher education and how that calling has impacted his current role at the College. Dr. Fish has been on staff at DCC since 2000 and has a passion for mentoring, discipleship and holistic education. Dr. Fish articulates well the importance of Christian worldview and how the DCC humanities program reinforces that priority.

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, we hear from DCC's President, Dr. Brian Smith. Entering his ninth year as the College's President, Dr. Smith shares his passion for Christian higher education and the vision he has of accomplishing the Great Commission by taking the gospel to all nations. You will be inspired and encouraged as President Smith articulates DCC's mission and how he sees it fitting into the greater plan of God's Kingdom. References: www.theicom.org (November 15-19, 2023)

In this episode of the "Our Calling" series, the DCC Worship Arts Program Director, Scott Spies, shares his personal calling into ministry and his journey as a worshiper. That journey ultimately led to a career of educating and mentoring men and women called into worship ministry. Mr. Spies has been connected with Dallas Christian College since 1987 and has served in several different roles, including his current role as Director of Advancement. His real passion, however, is for worship which you will discover as you hear him talk about DCC's Worship Arts program.

Dallas Christian College seeks to educate and mentor students to be people of influence, engaging in their calling to the work of Christ in the church and in the world. Each of our academic programs is led by a chair that leads students in this mission. In this first episode of our new podcast series, Dr. Eddy Sanders (Chair of the Practical Ministries Department) shares about his calling into ministry, his passion for educating and mentoring students, and the distinctives of the Practical Ministries program here at DCC. 

What does it mean to live more "holy" for the Kingdom of God? What does God want me to do in 2023? In this first episode of the new year and the final episode in our Bible Words Series, Dr. Mark Hahlen, DCC's Bible Department Chair, answers those questions by examining the word "holy" and its biblical understanding. Dr. Hahlen challenges us to look at our lives as being set apart for service in the world and to exemplify holiness by what we do, not simply by what we avoid. We are reminded that we have been set apart for special purposes when we choose to live a life of holiness.

How would you define worship? Do you see your entire life as worship? In this podcast episode, we take a look at what has become one of the most divisive elements in the church—something which should be bringing us all together but unfortunately does not: worship. DCC's Worship Arts Program Coordinator, Scott Spies, takes a look at what biblical worship is and what it is not. The words of Jesus are where we should start: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30).  

As we move into the season of Advent and prepare for the celebration of Christmas, our focus turns to God as "Savior." In this episode of the Bible Words series, the Chair of DCC's Bible Department, Dr. Mark Hahlen, teaches that Yahweh is the One who delivers and saves. During this season of commercialization and gift-giving hype, we need to be reminded that only God can complete us, and He is the only Savior. On the night Christ was born, the angel announced, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11 ESV).

As we enter this Thanksgiving week, it's time to pause and count our blessings. With all the chaos and uncertainty in our world right now, we still have much to be thankful for. In this episode of the Bible Word series, Mr. Gary Hardy takes a look at the word "blessing" and examines its use in both the Old and New Testaments. He also reminds us that our attitude should be one of constant gratitude: recognizing and appreciating the fact that we have already received a blessing. You and your family will be encouraged and blessed by this episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast. 

In our world today, people are always looking for something—what are you looking for? In this episode of the Bible Word series, Dr. David White answers that question by defining the word "gospel," a word that we hear a lot in our churches but may not fully understand. As a Christ follower, what is your response to the gospel? And how does that response change our priorities, our goals, our desires, our very way of life?

In this rebroadcast of a previous podcast, we honor and celebrate the life of Mark Worley by hearing from him as he recounts lessons learned in 2020 and how those lessons influenced his plans for 2021. Even though Mark's fight with pancreatic cancer came to an end when he received his heavenly crown on August 24, 2022, you will be encouraged in this podcast as we are reminded that, "a man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV).To learn more about how you can partner with DCC and contribute to the Worley Student Life Center, check out:www.dallaspartners.org/worley

A word we hear a lot in our churches today is "justice." What is God's standard of justice and how can live that out in a world full of injustice? DCC's Practical Ministries Chair, Dr. Eddy Sanders, helps us answer those questions by looking at God's standards and requirements while offering ways that we can reflect and model justice on a daily basis. 

In today's world of uncertainty, where do you put your faith and trust? Do you find it easy to let go of the reins and trust that God's plan is the best plan for your life? In this episode of the Bible Words series, Dr. Mark Hahlen defines biblical faith and faithfulness and reminds us that faith in God leads to action. If you are struggling with putting your faith in God and trusting His faithfulness, this is the podcast for you.  

In this continuation of the Episode 2 discussion on "love," Dr. Mark Hahlen asserts that "You step into biblical love...you don't fall into biblical love." Prevalent to the notion of love in our culture are the ideas that love is an emotion, and that love constitutes an acceptance without challenge—commonly referred to as "unconditional love." The biblical notion of love, however, is to act intentionally, in sympathetic response to others. It focuses on giving rather than receiving. In this episode of the "Bible Words" series, you will be challenged to look at your understanding of "love" and how it may be different from the biblical truth.

If you read the New Testament with any degree of care, you find that time and again we are called to be people of love. Jesus said that the badge of our discipleship is whether we love one another (John 13:35). The Apostle Paul lists love as the first evidence of God's working in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23), and he goes on to say that whatever gifts we have accomplish nothing if exercised without love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). In this episode of the "Bible Words" series, Dr. Mark Hahlen shares his deep insights into the biblical understanding and meanings of the words translated as "love."

Mark Worley heard these words around 8:06 am last Wednesday, August 24th. A few weeks ago, DCC President Brian Smith and Mark shared a time together that we wanted to share with you. In this brief interaction, President Smith announces the naming of the NOW Campaign Student Life Center as the Worley Student Life Center. The conversation then moves to a discussion on death and dying as Mark shares some of his personal reflections a few weeks before his passing. 

Are there words in the Bible that you struggle with understanding and applying to everyday life? Do you find it difficult to put passages of Scripture into your context in the year 2022? If you answered yes, then you're not alone, and this podcast is for you! In this first episode of the "Bible Words" series, Dr. Eddy Sanders helps us understand the person of Jesus as "Messiah and Christ." Our hope is that a deeper understanding of the word of God will transform and revolutionize your life.

In the final chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul explores the well-known imagery of the "Armor of God." It is vivid, memorable, and powerful, but its relevance and application go much deeper and speak to our current world that is filled with warfare. 2022 DCC Psychology graduate and army veteran, Matthew Scott, explores each piece of the armor and reminds us that the only way the armor of God is effective is when it is put on. The first step to putting it on, though, is "to stand." 

In this fifth episode of our "One Faith, One Body" series Matthew Anderson, a senior Psychology major, offers his insights from chapter 5 of Ephesians. Many people might read this chapter and think, "this is old-fashioned stuff; we don't need this for relationships today." But when we take a deeper look at the topic of unity and how this passage of Scripture shows us the perfect body of Christ, we understand exactly why Paul included it in his letter. This topic of unity is particularly relevant for our culture in 2022! 

Do you have a gift or talent that you love using? God has made each one of us very unique; this means that we are all born with different gifts, talents, and skills in order to grow the body of Christ. It also means that no man is an island--we can't do this all by ourselves. In this episode of the "One Faith, One Body" series, freshman Dwayne Rivera and Director of Learning Technology, Mr. Gary Hardy, tackle this topic by looking at Ephesians 4. You will be challenged to use your spiritual gifts to unite the body of Christ to grow in love and in the likeness of Christ. 

In the third episode of our "One Faith, One Body" series Zack Richardson, a sophomore Practical Ministries major, offers his insights into Paul's unveiling of the "mystery of Christ" and what it means for Jews and Gentiles to live together as one body. We are reminded in Paul's prayer for the Ephesians that Christ's love for us knows no bounds and that we serve a God who is  "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20 NIV). 

One of the most difficult concepts for most Christians and non-Christians to grasp is God's grace. How could God love me with all my imperfections, mistakes and sinful attitudes? In this episode of our "One Faith, One Body" series DCC junior, Abram Navarrette, looks at Paul's explanation of grace vs. works and reminds us that "...it is by grace you have been saved" (Eph. 2:5b NIV). Living in this understanding should motivate us to live at peace with one another because we are now at peace with God. 

On this Memorial Day holiday, we return to our "Where Are They Now?" podcast series highlighting the ministries of DCC alumni. 2010 graduate Robert Courtney shares his journey of walking by faith and letting God direct his next steps. Rob currently serves as the Director of International Relations at the Morning Glory Christian Academy in San Raymundo, Guatemala. Facilitating this discussion is DCC Registrar and alumna, Crystal Laidacker. In this episode, we are reminded that being teachable, flexible and adaptable allows God to move us into areas of ministry and influence we may have never dreamed of or thought possible.

Do you like a good mystery? The Apostle Paul writes that God "made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment--to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ" (Ephesians 1:9-10 NIV). In this first episode of our new "One Faith, One Body" series Caleb Garrett, a graduating senior with a Practical Ministries degree, offers his insights into Paul's understanding of this mystery and what it means for us and the body of Christ. Over the several months we will hear from several DCC students as they share what they have learned from being in Dr. Eddy Sanders' Preaching the New Testament class. 

The writer of Proverbs states, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall" (Prov. 16:18 NLT). C. S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity that, "According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. . . Pride leads to every other vice." In this final episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, DCC's Student Success Coach, Ms. Lorice Perry, looks at Samuel's confrontation with King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 and reminds all of us in leadership that disobedience to God leads to destruction. Humility is what Christ modeled for us and is the way we should interact with others (Phil. 2:3-8). 

How comfortable are you with waiting on God to move? Do you ever get impatient with God's timing and decide to take things into your own hands? In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, DCC's Director of Learning Technology and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Mr. Gary Hardy, looks at the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13 and reminds us that God's way of doing things is always the best way. You will be challenged to look at events from God's point of view and be patient when it seems that God isn't moving as fast as we would like or expect.

In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, Dr. Mark Hahlen shares two important leadership activities that are not dependent on budget or any particular expertise: prayer and teaching the good and right way. Prayer and communication of relevant truth are the greatest things leaders can give not only to the church but also to their employees, no matter their station or context. You will be challenged to look at your position of influence as you listen to Dr. Mark Hahlen and Dr. Eddy Sanders discuss "two things every servant-leader can and must do."

What makes a leader? While many of us might quickly answer "a servant leader," DCC Bible professor Dr. David White explains why this response is somewhat incomplete and offers a more complete picture of what truly makes a great leader. In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, you will be challenged to look at what it means to be a man or woman after God's own heart.

We all go through seasons of life where we feel distant from God. Often times we begin to ask like the psalmist, "why have you [God] forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1b). In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, Dr. Mark Hahlen and Dr. Eddy Sanders examine the events surrounding the Philistine capture of the Ark of the Covenant. We are then reminded thatperceived acts of righteousness, formulaic prayer, and religious devotion cannot guarantee Yahweh's presence. What is required is wholehearted devotion to the Lord and repentant and open hearts. It is soil that is open to God's planting that produces thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

Are you in a season of seeking God and listening for His voice? Are you in a position of leadership and questioning whether you are the right leader for this season? In this episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast, Dr. Harley Ihm answers these questions by looking at Samuel's calling from God as recorded in 1 Samuel 3. To be a faithful leader, we must remain sensitive to God's leading and calling. You will be encouraged by Dr. Ihm's insights into this passage and his personal testimony of how God has refined the calling on his own life.Sources Referenced: Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential by Gordon T. Smith. 

Biblical leadership in the Old Testament is based on the idea of servanthood--"not a servant of the people but a servant of God."* In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, Dr. Mark Hahlen looks at the differences between the son of Hannah and Elkanah (Samuel) and the sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehas). We see that Samuel was with God while the sons of Eli did not know God. Dr. Hahlen will help us understand that the foremost qualification of "leadership" in the church is knowing the LORD, and the knowledge of the LORD is demonstrated in servanthood to him and to his people. * = From John Goldingay, Old Testament Theology: Volume 3: Israel's Life (711).

DCC's new format for the Leadership Podcast in 2022 has us sharing episodes of the Serve Like the King series on the first and third Mondays of each month. Since January has five Mondays, we decided to share once again the podcast from 2021 that has had the most downloads and was listed as the most popular: "The Five Gifts of Advent: Joy" episode which aired Monday, December 13th, featuring DCC senior Caleb Garrett. If you haven't listened to his podcast yet, you will be encouraged by Caleb's insights into the differences between biblical joy and worldly happiness. If you have listened already, we invite you to share this episode with those who need the encouragement of James 1:2, "consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds." 

Has the start of your new year been anything but "happy?" Do you find yourself in the middle of a desperate situation? In this episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, Dr. Eddy Sanders looks at the life of Hannah (1 Samuel 1) and reminds us that God loves desperate situations. In the midst of despair and hopelessness, we need to be confident that God is never too far away. He is at work in individual desperate situations, and He is at work in national and worldwide desperate situations. You will be encouraged to remain faithful in prayer, even when life gets tough! 

Leadership remains a popular topic across culture and organizations. Christian speaking and writing on this topic are unending and yet, it often seems we are unable to figure leadership out. The leadership struggle continues. A step in the right direction starts with God as King. In this first Episode of the "Serve Like the King" series, Dr. Eddy Sanders shares his insights into biblical leadership from 1 Samuel 8.Referenced in this Episode: Old Testament Theology Vol. 3 by John Goldingay.

As this season of Advent comes to a close, we once again celebrate the first coming of Christ and look forward with expectation to His Second Coming. In today's Christmas episode of the "Five Gifts of Advent," DCC's Student Success Coach, Mrs. Lorice Perry, shares what God's love means to her during this very special time of year. She reminds us that the greatest expression of God's love is expressed in John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Where do you put your hope these days? Is it in your work and career? Your finances or 401k? Your political leaders? Our society encourages us to look at future events with a form of "wishful thinking," but the Bible presents "hope" as truthful expectation. In this episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast, Student Government President Abram Navarette shares his insights into the topic of "hope" and encourages us to look at God's faithfulness in the past as a means for finding confidence in the future.

James tells us that we should "consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2). When we look at the events of the past two years, finding joy has certainly been a challenge. In this episode of the DCC Leadership Podcast, Caleb Garrett, one of DCC's senior practical ministries students, looks at the topic of joy and examines the difference between biblical joy and worldly happiness. You will be encouraged by Caleb's insights as we continue in our Christmas series, the Five Gifts of Advent.