Footstep Ministry Podcasts

We face conflict every single day. Here are a few pointers on how to resolve conflict in marriage and other relationships.

The first step is to let go. Let go of trying to do it all on your own. Let go of the pressure to fix everything. Instead, lean into God's love for you. Trust Him. When you do that, you're opening the door for Him to step in and do what only He can do—in your life and in your marriage. It's not about striving; it's about surrendering.

Creating a safe space builds trust, deepens intimacy, and paves the way for more romance. When your spouse feels secure and valued, they're more likely to open their heart to you emotionally and physically. Vulnerability becomes a gift rather than a risk, leading to a deeper emotional bond. This emotional closeness naturally spills into physical affection, creating a marriage that is not only strong but also joyful and passionate. When safety and trust are present, love thrives, and both partners experience the fullness of the relationship God designed for them.

So, what does it truly mean for a couple to be on mission together? It's about having a shared "why" that is bigger than just the two of you, your house, your jobs, or even your kids. It's a unified purpose that directs your decisions, your resources, and your time. It's the reason you get up in the morning and the vision that shapes your future.

We all came into marriage with our own stories—some of us were drawn in by charm or wit, some by a dazzling head of hair (even if we later discovered it wasn't completely natural!), and others by a special kindness or endearing laugh. No matter the details, most of us quickly realized we had a lot to learn about what real love really is. The More Excellent Way is a podcast series designed to encourage married couples who don't want just a good marriage or a great marriage. But strive to have the kind of relationship that glorifies God.

Worship is not about us. It's not about how we look, how we sound, or how polished we are. Worship is about pointing people to Jesus. But here's the reality—when you're on stage, people are watching you. They're looking to you for guidance, for leadership, and for an example of what it means to worship wholeheartedly. Your stage presence matters because it sets the tone for the congregation. If you're disengaged, they'll feel it. But if you're fully present, fully engaged, and worshiping with authenticity, they'll follow your lead."

It's a core part of what we do, and it's the idea of improvisation and spontaneity in our worship sets. This isn't about being unprepared or chaotic. It's about being so prepared, so in tune with each other and with God, that we can follow where the Holy Spirit leads, even if it's not on the setlist.Think of our worship time as a conversation. We have a plan, a structure for that conversation, just like you would when meeting a friend. But in any good conversation, you don't just stick to a script. You listen, you respond, and you allow the dialogue to go to deeper and more meaningful places. Spontaneity in worship is our way of listening to God's side of the conversation and responding in real time. It's about creating space for the Holy Spirit to move in a way that we could not have planned or rehearsed.

How would the dynamics of a worship team change if we thought of it as a discipleship group? Let's explore this thought together.

We can all benefit from knowing how a worship service fits together. Although this episode may seem tailored for worship planners, please don't skip over it. There's essential information for everyone who helps with worship.

Today, we're diving into a topic that sits at the very core of what we do: spiritual preparation and leadership. Our role on the platform is more than just playing the right notes or singing the correct harmony; it's about leading people into the presence of God, and that kind of leadership doesn't start on Sunday morning. It starts in the quiet moments of our daily lives.

This is the episode in a new series on worship. Meaningful and relevant worship experiences are rooted in sound theology. This episode talks about the posture of worship.

Our church is our refuge—a place where we gather with friends, sing songs that resonate with us, and hear messages that feel tailored to our hearts. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we began to think like missionaries? Thinking like a missionary challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, to see and act differently. In doing so, our "sanctuary" transforms into a lighthouse.

I first released this podcast during the early stages of COVID-19. This was during a time when pastors were facing pressures beyond imagination. I am republishing this as we approach the Thanksgiving and holiday season. Please pray for our pastors.

Every organization runs the risk of experiencing what is known as mission creep; losing sight of it's original intent and purpose. Here are some ways we can avoid mission creep.

Who are you mentoring, and who is mentoring you?

Celebrating victories and accomplishments is critical in the life of a church. It is an essential ingredient to creating a culture of optimism and achievement.

This episode emphasizes the importance of being present; those meaningful interactions where you leave a lasting impression simply because you were willing to be available and take a genuine interest in another person.

This is a copy of the introduction from the book "Three Pillars". It is designed to be a discussion opener for the church leadership retreat on September 13, 2025

Did you know that most visitors decide whether they'll return to a church within the first 10 minutes of arriving? That's right—before they hear the sermon, before they experience the worship, and even before they meet the pastor, they've already formed an opinion. Those first few moments are critical, and as a church, it's our responsibility to make them count.

Whether you're greeting someone at the door, helping a child feel safe in Sunday School, or welcoming guests in the parking lot, or serving as an usher, you are the hands and feet of Jesus in action. Together, we're creating a welcoming environment where people can experience the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.Our goal is to provide a five-star welcome. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel loved, safe, and seen. And when we do that, we're not just making people feel good—we're opening the door for them to encounter God.

Building a team doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, I like to think of it as a simple formula: identify, enlist, train, commission, and encourage.

I am so excited to jump into our topic today because it's something that impacts every single one of us who has the privilege of leading a team of volunteers. We're going to talk about something super important: how to empower your team to serve with passion and purpose without them running on empty. That's right, we are tackling the topic of volunteer burnout from a leader's perspective.

Have you ever wished for something, only to realize later it wasn't what you truly needed? The stories of King Midas and Israel's demand for a king remind us that what we want isn't always what we need. But the good news is, God's plans for us are always better than we could imagine.

Samson's story is one of strength, failure, redemption, and ultimately, God's purpose. But let me say this upfront: Samson's greatest enemy wasn't the Philistines. No, Samson's greatest enemy was himself. And isn't that true for so many of us? The problem isn't that God lacks the power to do great things in our lives. The problem is that, all too often, we are our own worst enemy.

God uses the broken, the flawed, and the unlikely to fulfill His purpose. From outcasts to cowards, He sees what we often cannot—our potential through His eyes. Will you trust His vision for your life?

If the church is the divinely established vehicle of kingdom ministry, then what kind of church am I willing to throw my life into?What does a post-pandemic, sustainable model of the church look like for this generation?How do we expand the boundaries of God's work beyond our traditions, predilection, and mores and embrace an “incarnational missionary outpost” mindset that looks like a Luke 15 lost sheep search and rescue operation?

Is God calling you to do something new and impossible? Is He challenging you to see your current ministry with fresh eyes? Is He giving you the vision to lead or launch a new ministry? Or is He showing you bold new directions in the place you now serve? As you wrestle with these questions, the pathway forward will begin to come into focus. I pray that this chapter will help you move from your comfort zone into His sweet spot.

Is God calling you to do something new and impossible? Is He challenging you to see your current ministry with fresh eyes? Is He giving you the vision to lead or launch a new ministry? Or is He showing you bold new directions in the place you now serve? As you wrestle with these questions, the pathway forward will begin to come into focus. I pray that this chapter will help you move from your comfort zone into His sweet spot.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel. There are tried and true models and plans all around. Healthy 3C models can be found in almost any size church. Here are a few excellent examples.

The thought of merely compelling people to pray the sinner's prayer and educate them in spiritual matters was incomplete. Spiritual formation can only take place in the context of ongoing-redemptive-life-giving relationships. This is the core principle upon which every cell, congregation, and celebration should function.

Prayer is a powerful tool for Christians seeking to share the Gospel with others and lead them to a relationship with Christ. While numerous books are available on prayer, this chapter will delve specifically into "Harvest Prayers." Harvest Prayers involve fervently praying for God's guidance and help in reaching others with the Gospel. In this chapter, we will explore six ways of prayer that can aid in your mission to share the Good News.

Building bridges by nurturing redemptive relationships allows us to effectively impact an increasingly divergent society in meaningful and relevant ways.

If we are to build a church on the Three C's, we must shift from pastor-centric to people-centric, from building focused to people focused, and from attractional to incarnational.

Each church has its own DNA. It's its own blueprint, or a fingerprint, if you will. If you look closely at its blueprint, you can tell many things about a local church. Launching a cell-based congregation requires that we start with the most fundamental attributes and ensure these become part of the DNA of every group.

In this chapter, we examine the numerous benefits of employing the 3C model.

I was learning that only some things that count can be counted, and not everything that is counted counts. Were people coming to know Christ? Yes! Were they being nurtured in their faith? Yes! Was mentoring and discipleship taking place? Yes. Were they reaching others with the Gospel? Yes! Were they serving others? Definitely! Were they coming to church at 10:00 a.m. for worship? Well, no. But that was no longer important. What counted were the deep redemptive friendships being formed. What mattered was that those who were once marginalized and disconnected were finding a place they could call their own. What mattered was the emerging sense of belonging, encouragement, and God-focused lifestyles.Russ, Chuck. Three Pillars for Launching and Leading Churches: Cell, Congregation & Celebration (p. 16). Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.

Feeling unqualified? Overwhelmed? Scared? You're not alone. Gideon felt the same way—hiding in fear, doubting his abilities, and questioning God's plan. Yet, God used him to lead Israel to an incredible victory. In this week's study of Broken Heroes, we dive into Gideon's story—a powerful reminder that God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. You'll discover: ✅ How God transforms fear into faith ✅ Why obedience matters more than strength ✅ The dangers of pride after victory

Being Baptized can be one of the most significant steps you take in your new life as a follower of Christ. This short podcast is designed to help you consider what it means to be baptized into the Christian faith.

In this uncut episode, Alex shares his incredible story of growing up, finding his faith, and answering the call to teach the word of God. Now the founder of Dominion Ministries, Alex dedicates his life to teaching in prisons and various venues multiple times per week, touching lives and spreading the gospel.

In this episode, Alex shares his incredible story of growing up, finding his faith, and answering the call to teach the word of God. Now the founder of Dominion Ministries, Alex dedicates his life to teaching in prisons and various venues multiple times per week, touching lives and spreading the gospel.

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His love for us. One powerful way to do this is through personal testimonies. Our own experiences and journey into faith can inspire and encourage others who may be going through similar struggles or doubts. Join Mark and Carol as they share the exciting story of how they came to know and follow Jesus Christ.

This is a test for the serries

Becoming a missionary requires one to become as fluent in the linguistic and cultural reality as possible. It means we know how to express a group's hopes, objections, fears, and beliefs so well that they feel they couldn't express it better themselves. A missionary adapts to a culture's understanding of honor and shame, poverty and prosperity, laws and rules, peace and violence, good and evil, family structure, gestures, and body language, and the acceptance, understanding, and interpretation of Scripture. This means that he actively listens to the questions and gives an adequate answer in return. To think like a missionary means we must shed our personal preferences and be determined to live with a bit of discomfort. We must leave behind some of those things we hold dear to reach a community or a group of people we are learning to become familiar with. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 becomes the missionary mantra.

Much of success or failure in leadership has to do with building a team. This episode offers five simple steps to building a great team.

Christian Urbanology was created to engage the hearts and minds of those who have an interest in reaching our cities for Christ. This podcast is designed to provide information and ministry tools that will help individuals realize their desire to be a Christian influence in an urban context. As we attempt to contextualize the gospel in an urban environment, three major themes begin to rise to the surface—reconciliation, social justice, and the celebration of the gospel.

The greatest asset every leader has is his own character.

Attending to the five important elements of every functioning and cohesive team.

In this episode, we take a dive deep into the dysfunctions that can plague any organization; We will focus on five key areas: lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. These dysfunctions are interrelated and can create a vicious cycle that undermines the effectiveness and health of your organization. By understanding and addressing each dysfunction, you can create a culture of trust and collaboration that drives your church's mission forward.Join us as we explore the Five Dysfunctions of an Organization and learn how to create a healthy and impactful church that makes a difference in your community.

Church leaders face unique challenges when managing conflicts within their congregations. In this podcast, we will discuss practical strategies for bringing about the best outcome during times of disagreement. We will explore ways church leaders can better manage conflict.

We are in a series from the book of Judges entitled Broken Heroes. And we are learning that God often uses less-than-perfect people to accomplish his plan and purpose.