Ray Johnston Leadership Podcast

This week's episode features a talk from Pastor Chris Brown from Thrive Conference 2021. It's challenging and encouraging, particularly for this current season we are in. Don't miss this message!

In this week's episode, Curt Harlow and Chris Brown, Pastor at North Coast Church in San Diego sit down for a great conversation!

In this weeks episode, we had the privilege to sit down with Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa is the founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of many books and bible studies and has an incredible story of restoration and personal healing. Today we dive into some of the hard things from the past few years, but also the many celebrations that have taken place. You don't want to miss out on this conversation! You can find out more about Lysa here: https://lysaterkeurst.com/

On today's episode we get to listen in on a conversation with Christine Caine and Megan Hutchinson, pastor at Bayside Orange County. Christine gives some incredible insight and wisdom on how to re-center our thoughts on calling and giftedness and re-focus on the future. You can find out more about Christine Caine here.

In this week's episode, Andrew McCourt sits down with speaker and comedian, Michael Jr. They talk about Michael's first joke and also go into the theology of humor. You don't want to miss out on this episode! You can find out more about Michael Jr., his podcast, and book, here: https://michaeljr.com/

In today's episode, we get to sit down with N.T. Wright. He is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He is now serving as the Chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. For twenty years he taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill and Oxford Universities. As being both one of the world's leading Bible scholars and a popular author, he has been featured on ABC News, Dateline, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air. His award-winning books include The Case for the Psalms, How God Became King, Simply Jesus, After You Believe, Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, Scripture and the Authority of God, The Meaning of Jesus (co-authored with Marcus Borg), as well as being the translator for The Kingdom New Testament. He also wrote the impressive Christian Origins and the Question of God series, including The New Testament and the People of God, Jesus and the Victory of God, The Resurrection of the Son of God and most recently, Paul and the Faithfulness of God. **Exclusive for our listeners: Free Course with N.T. Wright! Philemon may be Paul's shortest letter, but it is still crucial! In this free course led by Prof. N.T. Wright, you'll discover how Paul dealt with this issue of slavery and what that means for Jesus' followers today. Sign up here: http://ntwrightonline.org/philemon

In today's interview, we had the privilege to sit down with John Ortberg. John is the senior pastor at Menlo Church in the Bay Area. John's teaching centers around how faith in Christ can impact our everyday lives with God. He has written books on spiritual formation including, The Life You've Always Wanted, Who is This Man?, The Me I Want To Be, Soul Keeping, All The Places To Go, and most recently I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me. John teaches around the world at conferences and churches. Don't miss out on the great insights we chat about in this week's episode! You can find out more about John and his books here: http://www.johnortberg.com/

Joining us this week on the podcast is author Jon Gordon. We will be talking about his work as a coach for Fortune 500 companies and his bestselling book, "The Power of Positive Leadership." If you are looking for some insight on leading your church, company or family, you won't want to miss this one. You can find out more about Jon here: http://www.jongordon.com/

This week's podcast features pastor Andy Wood. Andy is the lead pastor at Echo.Church. His church has become one of the fastest growing churches in the most unchurched area of the United States and is now reaching over 2,300 people in regular attendance in three locations across Silicon Valley. You can find out more about Andy's church here: https://echo.church/

In this week's interview we get to listen in on a conversation with Michael Metcalf and Jason Petty. Jason, better known by his stage name Propaganda, is an American Christian hip hop and spoken word artist and poet from Los Angeles, California. He has released seven albums as an independent artist, including one collaborative album with Odd Thomas and one with Derek Minor, and has performed and recorded as a member of the underground hip hop group Tunnel Rats and associated act Footsoldiers. In his very early childhood, his family moved into a violent, ethnically Mexican neighborhood. As the only black child in the area, he was often teased due to his skin color. Later, his family moved again, this time to the suburbs, where his family was known as the "poor black family." He learned to rap, and also took up dance, graffiti, and formal drawing and painting. You can learn more about Jason and his artistry here: https://www.prophiphop.com/

On this week's episode we chat with Mark Clark, author and pastor at Village Church in Vancouver. We chat about his new book, cancel culture and living in a post-Christian culture in Canada. Check out Mark's new book, The Problem of Jesus. Mark grew up in Toronto and moved to Vancouver in 2004 to attend Regent College, where he received a Master of New Testament Studies. Following over ten years of ministry, Mark, along with his wife Erin and an amazing team of people, planted Village Church in January 2010, which has now grown to a vibrant multi-site church in the Greater Vancouver Area and Calgary. He is passionate about contextualizing the gospel, teaching the Bible, seeing people transformed by Jesus, planting churches, and seeing the gospel advance across Canada. Mark resides in South Surrey with his wife and their three daughters. He is honoured and excited to lead Village Church wherever God calls it to go.

Luis Palau made an incredible impact on me, my family and our church. He is now at home with his Savior in heaven yet his legacy will continue to live on around the world and in my own house. I will miss him, but I will be forever grateful him. I wanted to take some time to honor the legacy he is leaving by replaying some of my favorite moments with him.

This week we got to sit down with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, the producers of THE BIBLE SERIES and SON OF GOD, plus many other shows you may know and love! They'll be sharing about life in Hollywood and their upcoming series, Resurrection which follows the immediate aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion. See the greatest story ever told from the disciples' point of view. Stream the global premiere of Resurrection, March 27th only on @discoveryplus. Learn more at discoveryplus.com/resurrection.

In today's episode we got to sit down with Dr. Derwin Gray! Derwin is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community located in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Derwin met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University. He played for the BYU Cougars football team. They have been married since 1992 and have two children. Football After graduating from Brigham Young University, Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God's faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Ministry Derwin and Vicki began an itinerant speaking ministry in 1999, One Heart At A Time Ministries. Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, with a concentration in Apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. Transformation Following God's call on their lives and their desire to shepherd people towards transforming their world through the mission of Christ, the Lord transitioned Derwin from his primary role of itinerant speaker to serving as the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in January of 2010. Coupling his dynamic speaking style with a shepherd's heart, his intense passion for seeing lives and culture transformed is both contagious and inspiring.

This week on the podcast, our team sat down with Sam Acho. Sam is an American football outside linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Texas, and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, & Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was Born and raised in Dallas, TX and attended University of Texas Fluent in 3 languages: English, Spanish, and Igbo. 2015 - earned an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona 2016 - went to Nigeria to participate in Living Hope Christian Ministries' medical mission Operation Hope. 2017 - started “Relevant is Doing a Sports Podcast” with RELEVANT Brand Director Jesse Carey and former Willow Creek Pastor Steve Carter on the RELEVANT Podcast Network. The podcast focuses on the intersection of faith, pop culture, and sports. And he's recently wrote a book called, "Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes." You can buy the book here.

At the end of January we hosted a virtual Business Leader Summit for anyone who has been impacted by the pandemic this year (hint: it's all of us). It was an incredible time of hearing from some of the biggest names in the business world, along with local entrepreneurs and business owners who are making an incredible impact in the community. Tune in today to hear some of our favorite highlights and gain some incredible knowledge along the way!

In today's episode, join Pastor Ray and Pastor Andrew as they discuss the 7 Lessons Every Leader Can Learn from Tom Brady! It's a great conversation you don't want to miss!

In this week's episode we sit down with Elizabeth Maring. She is an experienced Lawyer and Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the legal and nonprofit sectors. Currently, she is passionate about applying all aspects of her hands on experience to help nonprofits achieve sustainable success. You can find out more about Elizabeth at her website: https://www.elizabethmaring.com/

Join us for a great conversation with the founder of Agape International Missions, Don Brewster! We'll be talking about the mission of AIM and what incredible impact they've been able to have all over the globe. AIM is hosting a day of prayer on January 31 called Amplify and they are inviting you to join in. They have some amazing leaders, speakers, and artists that are joining Amplify so you are not going to want to miss this. Head to aimfree.org to sign up to pray and join the movement to end one of the greatest evils of our lifetime.

This week I get to sit down with Brad Dacus. He is the Founder of Pacific Justice Institute which is a non-profit legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. Pacific Justice Institute works diligently, without charge, to provide its clients with all the legal support they need. Now more than ever, businesses need the support of people like Brad. Tune in to hear more and how you can get help with your business! Also, don't forget to register for our FREE virtual Thrive Business Leaders Summit - https://thriveconference.org/businessleaders/

In today's podcast we talk with Toni & Carey Nieuwhof! Toni has a new book coming out called, "Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage." She's gained a lot of life experience as a pharmacist, as a lawyer and as wife of the founding pastor of an influential and vibrant church, Connexus Church and brings all of that wisdom to her new book and podcast. You can find out more about Toni, her book and podcast, here: https://toninieuwhof.com/

Join us for part two of our interview with Levi Lusko, plus a special announcement for Business Leaders coming for the new year!

This week we start part one of a two part interview with Levi Lusko. Levi Lusko is the author of the bestselling books “Through the Eyes of a Lion” and “Swipe Right.” He is also the lead pastor of Fresh Life Church – a multisite church located in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming that he and his wife Jennie pioneered in 2007.

Yesterday Pastor Ray had the chance to sit down with President and CEO of Compassion International, Jimmy “Santiago” Mellado about the impact of 2020 on the global poor, and the hunger crisis no one is talking about in the media. In light of that, Pastor Ray, Thrive, and Bayside Church are teaming up with Compassion International to stand in the gap for nearly 70,000 children and families in crisis due to the pandemic, and we need your church to join the team. Right now, children around the world living in poverty are facing unimaginable circumstances as a result of the global pandemic. They are facing shutdowns and restrictions like we are, but without any safety net. Fill the Stadium is a pro-athlete led initiative raising critical resources for 70,000 children and their families impacted by 2020. Every empty seat represents one child who needs support for the critical next 12 months. Ready to help? Click here: https://fillthestadium.com/churches

In today's episode, Ray sits down with Dharius Daniels. He is a cultural architect and trendsetter for his generation and the Founder and Lead Pastor of Change Church. Change Church is a vibrant ministry that impacts people of all ages, socioeconomic classes, and ethnic backgrounds. Pastor Dharius has developed a Breathtaking Ministry concept that describes the standard of excellence: a standard that is apparent in his commitment not only to ministry but also to education. Find out more about Dharius here: https://dhariusdaniels.com/ This episode was brought to you by SERVE HQ. During this crazy season, SERVE HQ is a great organization to help you stay connected to those in your church, continue to train and disciple, and to help get more people connected to you. Learn more here: https://servehq.church/

In this week's episode, we chat with Jon Tyson. Jon is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Grace Church, which has five churches in New York City. Originally from Australia, Jon moved to the United States fourteen years ago with a passion to understand and help work out the future of the Western Church. He lives, works, and serves in one of the largest cultural and missionary contexts of the world—the global city. Jon is also on the board of City Collective, a network of incarnational churches committed to multiplying missional church networks in the urban centers of the world. Can't wait for you to tune in!

In this episode, Ray Johnston chats with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church.

Join us for part 2 of our “7 Things Every Pastor Needs to Do in the Next 45 Days” with Ray Johnston and get the tools you need to make sure you're encouraged for this next season of ministry ahead of us!

In this last year, we have all found our selves needing to adjust the way we engage and care for the people in our communities. Join us for a can't-miss discussion on how to lead the people you love in uncertain times with Pastor Ray Johnston and Pastor Ricky Jenkins of Southwest Church and Pastor Chris Brown of North Coast Church.

It's hard to stay faithful to the cause of Christ when you don't get enough support for yourself. Join us for “7 Things Every Pastor Needs to Do in the Next 45 Days” with Ray Johnston and get the tools you need to make sure you're encouraged for this next season of ministry ahead of us!

In today's podcast, we sit down with Clay Scroggins, Author, Speaker, and Lead Pastor of Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA. Clay works alongside Andy Stanley at North Point Community Ministries, a church community that has over 12,000 in attendance. He's written two recent books, “How to Lead in a World of Distraction: Four Simple Habits for Turning Down the Noise” and “How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority.”

In a world filled with division, hate, and uncertainty, learn how to lean into God during this season and come out of it stronger than ever.

Join us today for an incredible interview with special guest Jo Saxton! She is co-host of the podcast Lead Stories and the founder of the Ezer Collective, an initiative that equips women in leadership. Jo is the author of four books, including Ready To Rise (releases April 14, 2020).

Join us for Part 2 of the Unstoppable Church with Pastor Ray Johnston.

Especially during this COVID season, Ray Johnston and some other great leaders from Bayside church go over some great tips on making your indoor and outdoor services effective, thoughts on reopening, and tips for online church.

Join me as I interview special guest, Chad Veach, Pastor of Zoe Church and author of, "Help! I Work With People." In his book, he talks about how often times we say, "I'd love my church if it weren't for the people," or "I'd love my job if it weren't for the people!" But we need to flip that around and start loving the people God has entrusted to us, there's nothing that God loves more than people!

This week we have the honor of having special guest, Dr. Henry Cloud. He will bring his clinical psychology and leadership development experience to help us best understand how to lead a team, church, or organization who may feel disoriented during the pandemic. Dr. Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, psychologist, and best-selling author. He draws on his extensive experience in clinical psychology and leadership development to impart practical and effective advice.

This week in our Hope series, Pastor Ray continues talking about how leaders can raise their level of HOPE.

Everything has been disrupted. So what do you do about it? How do you love, lead, and live well during these times? We'll be talking about to lead with hope so that as times go up and down, you don't go down with them.

Excellent interview with Carey Nieuwhof former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. He’s the author of several best-selling books, including his latest, Didn't See It Coming, and speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth.

Don't miss this encouraging interview with award-winning Irish actress, producer, and writer, Roma Downey.

Catch this great interview I had with Miles McPherson, pastor of the Rock Church in San Diego, former defensive back for the San Diego Chargers, author, actor, motivational speaker, and founder of DoSomethingChurch.org.

Listen in on this incredible conversation with Luis Palau, one of the great international Christian evangelists of our time!

Don't miss this incredible conversation with Bishop T.D. Jakes around racial justice and unity.

The first ever episode of the Ray Johnston leadership podcast. In this episode Brad Lomenick interviews Pastor Ray about why he's passionate about seeing pastors and leaders thrive!