Nexus by Christ Fellowship

Do you ever feel like you're going through the motions in life? In this teaser episode, Pastor Todd shares his heart for CrewCast and the truth about God's uniquely designed purpose for your life.

Once someone finds freedom, how do we keep them walking in it? In this episode, Pastor Ryan Laabs shares his story of transformation, dispels the myth that relapse is a part of recovery, and provides insight into creating safety nets. Key Takeaways:   Pastor Ryan's journey from addiction to recovery. Why everyone needs a Paul and a Timothy in their life. One of the greatest tools we can give people in recovery. Practical resources to support people in recovery. Pastor Ryan's ministry mishaps…and more!  Resources: Celebrate RecoveryRecovery AliveRecovery ChurchChristian Therapists Connect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

You can't help people walk into freedom if you aren't walking in freedom yourself. In this episode, Pastor Drew Hage gives you 3 practical ways to help people in recovery—and help yourself.Key Takeaways:   The difference between Celebrate Recovery and other recovery programs. How to make your own recovery a priority.  The eight principles of recovery and how they relate to Jesus' teachings.  How to take a moral inventory and take responsibility for your faults. Why it's important to confess to others—not just to God. Pastor Drew's ministry mishaps…and more!  Resources: Celebrate RecoveryConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you normalize recovery in your church and invite people to greater levels of freedom? In this episode, Pastor Irene Rollins shares her journey to recovery and teaches you how to create a safe place for your entire congregation. Key Takeaways:   Irene's journey from rehab to recovery.  The do's and don'ts of creating a culture of safety.  Statistics on addiction and why churches need to step up and start talking about it.  How to support someone in their journey to freedom.  Phrases you shouldn't say when talking about recovery…and more! Resources: Irene's WebsiteCelebrate RecoveryEmotionally Healthy ResourcesConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you create a safe place for healing and recovery in your church? In this episode, Pastors Todd and Julie share how to create a process and a culture that leads people toward freedom.Key Takeaways:   Why Christ Fellowship developed an “Everybody needs recovery” motto.  How Pastors Todd and Julie led their staff through a journey to freedom. Why freedom is the language of Heaven.  Why early intervention is so important when it comes to addiction.  Pastor Todd and Julie's ministry mishaps…and more!  Resources: Celebrate RecoveryConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you invest in those with the gift of giving? In this episode, Stewardship Pastors Frank and Sherri Bautz share tools for discipleship and a Kingdom perspective on finances and generosity. Key Takeaways:   Frank and Sherri's journey of ministry and generosity.  Resources every pastor should know about.  How Spiritual retreats can become life-changing for giving leaders. How to develop a giving strategy and help others do the same. Frank and Sherri's money mishap—and how they are using it to teach others. Resources: National Christian FoundationThe Treasure PrincipleConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Do you feel equipped to help people take their next step in generosity? In this episode, Stewardship Pastors Bobby Puyol and Brandon Catoe share how you can guide people on a pathway of giving and build momentum for your church.Key Takeaways:   Why the Church needs to talk about giving and celebrate giving leaders.  How to cultivate holy relationships, not transactional ones.  How the Church can rebuild trust and momentum after the pandemic. What to include in your newsletter to your giving leaders and partners.  How you can pull back the curtain and inspire vision for people—and more! Resources: Facebook GroupConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Having a fully funded vision sounds like a dream—but how do you get there? In this episode, Senior Ministry Consultant of Injoy, Brian Dodd, shares practical ways you can disciple people toward financial freedom and fund the vision for your church. Key Takeaways:   The five stages people are at in their finances and how you can speak to each stage.  How to view finances as a means to discipleship.  What is really happening when someone gives for the first time.  The number one key that unlocks a culture of generosity in your church.  The secret ingredient to generosity and more! Resources: InjoyFacebook GroupConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Money can be a tough topic to talk about in church—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Pastors Todd and Julie unpack how to lead people into greater freedom by helping them develop a heart of generosity. Key Takeaways:  Why it's important for pastors to lead the way in stewardship and generosity.  The stewardship and accountability practices that Pastors Todd and Julie have in place.  Why pastors and church leaders shouldn't hesitate to talk about finances in church. The five stages in the journey of generosity. Practical ways to disciple people from the platform and more!  Resources: Connect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

What makes someone come back and want to be a part of your church? In this episode, Pastor Greg Reade and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Rock, Emily Forman, share how technology can support the ability to minister and engage with people personally.Key Takeaways:   How to provide connection opportunities for people and close the back door. How Rock can help you know and grow people, as well as personalize their experience and next step. Why it's important to track people's engagement patterns. How Rock can help your church manage relationships through the connection feature. Resources: Rock Facebook GroupConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Are you caring for your online audience with the same intentionality as those in your auditorium? In this episode, Pastor Greg Reade shares how you can care for people in your online community—even if technology isn't your strong suit.Key Takeaways:   Practical ways to maximize your weekend message and content. A good ratio for value-add content and promotional content. Why it's essential to rethink other ways to measure Church engagement in the digital age. Real results from implementing a value-first approach.  The two types of people who will find your webpage and how you can appeal to their needs.  Resources: Metachurch BookFlexible Church BookStorybrand BookFacebook GroupConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Are you caring for your online audience with the same intentionality as those in your auditorium? In this episode, Pastor Greg Reade shares how you can care for people in your online community—even if technology isn't your strong suit.Key Takeaways:   What the Church can learn from Blockbuster and Netflix. What is shifting in culture that the Church should pay attention to. Why it's important for the senior leader to be on board with a vision for digital ministry.  How to empower and encourage digital ministry, even if you don't know a lot about it.  Why you don't want to make your church the hero of people's story. Why you should value simplicity over perfection. Resources: Storybrand BookConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone to reach people in the digital age? In this episode, bestselling author and world-renowned speaker Dr. John Maxwell challenges us to embrace change and meet people where they're at. Key Takeaways:  Why it's important to move out of your comfort zone in order to embrace the new opportunities God has for you.  How the Church can change the tides in the values of our culture. Why the Church needs to value people and find common ground now more than ever. John Maxwell's words of encouragement for pastors who feel in over their heads. The insider info on John's new book, “The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication.” Resources: Join John's Book ClubConnect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

What happens when the front door of your church can be found in people's pockets? In this episode, Pastors Todd and Julie Mullins kick off season 3 by sharing how to disciple people in the digital age. Key Takeaways:  The difference between online streaming and online ministry.  How we can use digital tools to build a Spiritual foundation in people's lives. How to be married to the mission, but not the method.  Statistics on Gen Z and how to reach the next generation.  Advice for pastors who still feel hesitant to invest in digital ministry.  Stories of digital ministry impact and more! Resources: Connect With Ushttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you mobilize your church to make an impact in your community and beyond? In this episode, Christ Fellowship Missions Director Becky Kyle and Associate Missions Director David Rowlands share how to care for people from your neighborhood to the nations.Key Takeaways:  Why it's important to get every family member involved in missions.  How getting involved with what the community is already doing opens the door to greater trust and partnership.  How Christ Fellowship's efforts to serve first responders opened doors of opportunity in the community. How a hot meal can create an environment for intentional conversation, hope, and prayer. Practical ways to serve those in disaster-prone regions.  Resources: Email Becky: becky.kyle@christfellowship.churchEmail David: david.rowlands@christfellowship.churchConvoy of HopeA21Hand of HopeOne HopeWorld Helphttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

In 2021, over 107,000 people died from an overdose—that's one American every five minutes for an entire year. In this episode, you'll learn how the Church can step into the fight for freedom, care, and recovery.Key Takeaways:  Why “Everybody needs recovery” is a motto at Christ Fellowship. Alarming statistics on the epidemic of addiction and why the Church needs to step out of the sidelines to provide hope. How to identify when someone in your congregation needs help. Why authenticity is the key that opens the door into people's lives. How to stay emotionally healthy while helping carry people's heavy burdens.  Resources: Email Bradley: bradley.woods@christfellowship.churchEmail Ryan: ryan.laabs@christfellowship.churchCelebrate Recoveryhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform*This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding care. Remember, seeking help doesn't make us weak—it makes us wise.

Kids, students, and young adults are constantly going through transitions. So, how does your church provide consistency and connection through every part of their journey? In this episode, you'll learn how to build a strategic family ministries plan and partner with parents. Key Takeaways: How to practically care for and pastor your family ministry teams. What young adults are looking for and the questions they are asking. A trend the Church can't ignore in student ministry. Why it's more important than ever for kids to understand their identity in Christ. A strategic way to split up student ministries that sets them up for successful transitions.  How to build a partnership with parents, and why it's essential.  Resources: Email Jonathan (Students): jonathan.samuels@christfellowship.churchEmail Shelby (Kids): shelby.colman@christfellowship.churchEmail Tyler (Young Adults): tyler.gay@christfellowship.churchGrowing LeadersGlobal Youth Culture Research OneHopehttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Are you comfortable letting the next generation lead—even when it's messy? In this episode, Pastor Ryan McDermott shares how to pastor young people through the messy growth process and empower them not as the Church of tomorrow, but as the Church of today.Key Takeaways:  The importance of leading every individual differently.  How to give young people an opportunity to lead, while pastoring them through the mistakes and messes.  What young people care about more than a five-year plan.  Practical resources to keep up with trends in the next generation. Why we can't shy away from tough issues and hard conversations.  The importance of making sure all family ministries operate as one team. Resources: Email Ryan: ryan.mcdermott@christfellowship.churchGrowing LeadersGlobal Youth Culture Research OneHopehttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Are you ready to move your worship team and leaders to the next level? In this episode, you will learn how to create systems, refine an onboarding process, develop a teachable culture, and invest in the next generation of worshipers. Key Takeaways:  How to reinvent your worship process as your church grows.  One question to ask that opens the door to provide feedback and coaching. The value of investing in the next generation of worship leaders.  Creating a songwriting culture and a sound for the next generation.  How to empower your most passionate people in a way that benefits the team as a whole.  Embarrassing worship stories and more!  Resources:MVMNT Music YoutubeMVMNT Music InstagramEmail Chase: chase.camilli@christfellowship.churchEmail Josh: josh.cook@christfellowship.churchhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you scale production in your church? The Christ Fellowship Production team executes weekend services, engineering, and broadcasting at 14 campuses. In this episode, you'll learn how to scale production, purchase the right equipment, and grow a thriving team.Key Takeaways:  How to have quality and consistency in production across multiple campuses. Staying unified and intentional with systems and equipment.  Six questions to ask before making a technical purchase.  Trends in production and the church world.  The increase of women in production and how to add value to your volunteers. Resources:Email Dara: dara.samuels@christfellowship.churchEmail Connor: connor.newcomb@christfellowship.churchEmail Danny: danny.dagher@christfellowship.churchhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

What does it take to cultivate creativity in your church? In this episode, join Creative Pastor Ian Achong and Erica Paul as they discuss church innovation in everything from bathroom signs to billboards. Key Takeaways:  The five things every creative team needs from their leader.  How to connect through storytelling. Where Ian and Erica go for inspiration. How to make quality content that doesn't depend on trends. Resources:Email Ian: ian.achong@christfellowship.churchEmail Erica: erica.paul@christfellowship.churchMoment Factoryhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you close the gap between what you envision and what you create? In this episode, Dove Award-winning songwriter, best-selling author, and worship leader Michael Neale shares how to strengthen your creative muscles and enjoy the process. Key Takeaways: The importance of feedback from trusted people and creating a volume of evaluated work.  How to implement daily practices and embrace risk. Why you should stop saying, “I'm not a creative person.”  Leading creatives from a place of freedom and relationship.  Times when Michael's plans flopped and how he recovered.  Resources:Michael's WebsiteThe Gap and the Gain bookA Whole New Mind bookhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Is it possible for every campus pastor to carry the culture of a multisite church? Pastors Dave Simiele and Matt Pilot think so. In this episode, you will learn the key characteristics of a great campus pastor, how to think about succession rather than success, and how leading second is a spirit, not a skill. Key Takeaways:  The characteristics of a trustworthy campus pastor. Creating culture by design and not default.  Guarding unity and aligning with one vision. Why calling and fruitfulness go hand in hand.  How to think about succession rather than success.  The secret ingredient of fun at every campus location. Resources:Email Matt: matt.pilot@christfellowship.churchEmail Dave: dave.simiele@christfellowship.churchPastor Matt's Book: Strategic Pastorhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

How do you create—and sustain—a culture of leadership development in your church? In this episode, The Christ Fellowship Leadership Development Directors share how to cultivate a growth mindset and create experiences that equip people in their calling and skills. Key Takeaways:  Practical ways to include feedback in your weekly check-ins.  Advice on how to get started with leadership development.  Why developing leaders increases self-awareness and team unity. Four questions you can ask yourself to take steps forward in developing leaders.  Resources:Email Brittany: brittany.wilson@christfellowship.churchEmail Dave: dave.kush@christfellowship.churchhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Does your church operate with synergy or in silos? In this episode, the Christ Fellowship Senior Leadership Team shares strategies for calendaring, structuring meetings, releasing young leaders, and keeping an abundance mentality for your role and the organization as a whole. Key Takeaways:  The importance of keeping other departments in mind when you make decisions.  Why younger people think differently about ministry—and how to lead them. The most critical characteristics to look for in leaders.  How to balance vision casting and being present for your staff.  How to utilize your calendar and structure your meetings with intentionality. Resources:Have a question for the team? Email nexusplatform@christfellowship.churchThe CEO's Secret Weaponhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Organizational Structure: Your Key to Sustainable GrowthSeason 2 | Episode 1Is the structure of your church or department bringing clarity or confusion? Senior Pastors Todd and Julie Mullins share how the structure at Christ Fellowship developed over the years, how to differentiate your calling from your assignment, and how to bring unity to different teams.Key Takeaways:  How Pastors Todd and Julie shifted roles over the years and what grew them the most.  The two primary reasons your organization may need to restructure.  How to find the balance between too much structure and not enough. How to make many teams remember they are one big team.  Advice for anyone in the gap between what you want to do and your current assignment.  Resources: Necessary Endings Craig Groeschel's Leadership Podcast: Ep. 39 and Ep. 40Predictable SuccessChrist Fellowship Conferencehttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Do you know the difference between being tired and being depleted? Author and leadership coach Lance Witt wants to help you live and lead from a healthy soul. In this episode, you'll learn about creating a life manifesto, soul care, healthy rhythms, and signs of an unhealthy leadership culture. Key Takeaways:  Find the true north in your life by creating a life purpose statement.  The relentless pursuit of the Sabbath. Why a ‘quick charge' doesn't work when you're depleted.  How to craft a healthy leadership culture (and spot an unhealthy one).  Why uncomfortable conversations are necessary, and how to be kind and clear.  The benefits of slowing down the pace of your schedule and your soul. Resources:Replenishhttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Is your family getting the best of you or your leftovers? In this episode, Pastors Jimmy & Irene Rollins share the rock bottom season that propelled them to push reset in their marriage, family, and ministry. They will help you identify red flags, establish a healthy foundation, and equip you to leverage your differences in marriage and ministry.Key Takeaways:  What Jimmy & Irene learned about winning in public ministry but failing in private. Questions to help you identify cracks in your foundation. How to leverage your differences and strengths in marriage and ministry. Why every pastor needs a pastor—and a circle of accountability.  The three C's to help you navigate problems before they blow up. How being different than your spouse can complete you rather than divide you. Resources:Two Equals Onehttps://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Do you ever feel the pressure to be impressive? In this episode, Pastor Charlotte Gambill encourages leaders to become vessels for God rather than ornaments. Charlotte also discusses foundational issues in leadership, mentorship for female leaders, and what the next generation really needs. Key Takeaways: The temptation to be impressive as a leader (and what we need to remember instead).  The exposure that took place when leaders lost their platform during the global pandemic and what we can learn from it.  Why it's hard for women to find mentors, and how God is using Charlotte to solve that problem.  Why we need to get the balance back of both encouraging, and correcting, the next generation.  How Charlotte avoids burnout and stays in step with God's grace.  Resources:https://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

Is your team culture being created by design or by default? Christ Fellowship Senior Pastors Todd and Julie Mullins share how culture is formed through vision and values, the dynamic of co-pastoring, and their heart to champion women in leadership. Key Takeaways:  The moment Pastors Todd and Julie realized they couldn't leave their culture up to chance. How to articulate and celebrate what you want your team to replicate. Why the core values of unity and integrity are so vital. The biggest blessings (and challenges) of co-pastoring together. Pastor Todd's journey studying the theology of women in leadership. Practical steps to equip female leadership in your church.  Resources:https://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

What is the formula for growing your leadership? In this episode, bestselling author and speaker Dr. John C. Maxwell is showing you how to blow the cap off your capacity. John shares the keys to lifting your leadership lid, creating the right culture, becoming more self-aware, and leaving a lasting legacy. Key Takeaways:  The best way to eliminate your blind spots and stay self-aware.  The question John Maxwell asks his team regularly.  The three things needed to increase your leadership capacity.  What you can start doing right now to add “legs” to your legacy.  Why leading through hard times positions you to lead for the long haul.  How pastors can effectively inspire their church to share their faith and engage in culture.   Resources:https://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

In the first episode of the Nexus Podcast, Christ Fellowship Senior Pastors Todd and Julie Mullins share the importance of learning how to lead yourself so you can lead your teams. Todd and Julie break down their morning routines, how they've established accountability, their favorite personal development books, and their most defining moments in leadership. Key Takeaways:  The solution to the pandemic of discouragement in our world and in ministry.  Why your potential is a stewardship issue.  How a healthy soul and self-awareness will enhance your influence.  Specific questions to ask your team to help you stay holy, humble, and healthy.  The benefits of a morning routine and fanatical consistency in your daily life.  The books that shaped Todd and Julie's leadership.  Resources from Episode 1:  https://linktr.ee/nexus.platform

The word “Nexus” means a connected group, and when it comes to church leadership, we are better together. No one should have to choose between developing themselves and developing their church. The Nexus podcast by Christ Fellowship is all about having real conversations that equip and resource you to grow and develop the best version of yourself, your teams, and your church.