Slingshot Group Podcast

Leadership is all about relationships—and how we manage them can make or break our impact. In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, Tim Foot is joined by pastor, author, and leadership consultant Steve Cuss to explore the five core relationships that shape every leader's journey. From the often-overlooked relationship with yourself to the people who stretch you the most, Steve offers practical wisdom for navigating relational dynamics, reducing leadership anxiety, and building emotionally healthy teams. No matter your role or experience, this conversation will help you lead with greater self-awareness, clarity, and care.

In this episode, we sit down with worship leaders and songwriters Shane Barnard and Shane Everett — known collectively as Shane & Shane — for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about life in ministry, the dangers of ego, and why community matters more than ever. _____  For more information about Shane & Shane and The Worship Initiative, visit https://www.theworshipinitiative.com/

The workplace is shifting—and leaders are feeling the weight. From rising expectations to navigating team transitions, it's a challenging season to lead and to job hunt. In this episode, leadership coach and founder of Recruit the Employer, Jena Dunay, joins us to talk about what it looks like to lead well when everything feels uncertain. We cover: ✨ The unrealistic pressure for leaders to meet every employee need

What does it take to build a thriving leadership culture? Slingshot Group CEO Tim Foot sits down with Mac Lake, Founder of Multiply Group, to explore why leading yourself is the key to developing others. Mac shares his journey as a young leader and his passion for equipping churches and nonprofits with strong leadership pipelines. With practical insights on personal growth, mentoring, and leadership challenges, this episode will inspire you to lead with greater impact.

In this episode, Jim Burgen and Jesse DeYoung from Flatirons Church pull back the curtain on leadership transitions, developing leaders from within, and the power of trust in executive roles. They reveal what's working—and what they've learned the hard way in navigating conflict, prioritizing staff health, and the role of sabbaticals in sustaining long-term leadership. If you're leading in a church or nonprofit, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for building a thriving, mission-driven team.

In this episode, Tim Foot is joined by Mindy Caliguire, co-founder and president of Soul Care, to tackle the often-overlooked need for soul care among leaders. Together, they discuss the six key practices outlined in Mindy's book, Ignite Your Soul, and how these practices can restore leaders facing burnout and deepen their relationship with God.

In this episode, Megan Fate Marshman discusses the power of small acts of obedience, stewarding our stories to point to the Gospel, and allowing the message to transform us first. She also shares insights from her new book, Relaxed: Walking with the One Who's Not Worried About a Thing.

In this conversation, Tim Foot and Joey Odom explore the profound impact of digital distractions on personal relationships and leadership. Joey shares a pivotal moment from his life that sparked a passion for addressing the issue of phone dependency, leading to the creation of Aro, a digital wellness tool. They discuss the reality of our relationship with technology, the intimacy crisis it creates, and practical strategies for leaders to foster healthier habits and connections.

In this episode, we chat with Jenni Catron, leadership expert and CEO of The 4Sight Group. Jenni shares her insights on building healthy team culture, shaped by her experiences in the music industry and executive leadership roles. She offers practical advice on diagnosing team culture health, distinguishing toxic cultures from toxic leaders, and aligning values during the hiring process. Whether you're leading a team or looking to improve culture, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead well.

In this episode, we chat with Glenn Packiam, Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church. Glenn shares his experiences moving from New Life Church in Colorado Springs to Rock Harbor Church in California, offering valuable insights on navigating change, honoring past leadership, and fostering collaborative environments. Whether you're a seasoned leader or stepping into a new role, this episode provides practical advice on managing transitions and building resilient teams.

Kadi Cole joins us again to discuss what it takes to attract and retain top talent in today's changing landscape. Kadi and Tim highlight the potential of Gen Z leaders, the missed opportunities with older leaders, and the importance of coaching and mental health within teams.

In Part 2 of "Hiring Trends & Top Questions For Building Teams," we sit down with Phil Bowdle to explore how to do more with less in ministry. Uncover the surprising disconnect between senior leaders and their teams and learn how to bridge this gap. Phil shares insights on embracing your role as a creative, pitching new hires, and best practices for interviewing. Discover effective strategies for casting vision to volunteers and ensuring your team is aligned and motivated. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions, and don't forget to share and subscribe!

Join us on Part 1 of "Hiring Trends & Top Questions For Building Teams" as we sit down with Brian Taylor to answer the crucial questions you need to ask when building your team. Discover surprising hiring trends we're seeing in churches and nonprofit organizations nationwide. Gain valuable tips on promoting the right individuals, handling difficult conversations, and ensuring your team is aligned and effective. This episode is packed with practical advice for leaders aiming to build resilient and high-performing teams in today's ever-changing landscape. Stay tuned for part two with Phil Bowdle, and don't forget to share and subscribe for more insightful discussions.

David Ashcraft, former leader of LCBC Church and current President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, sits down with Tim Foot to discuss the impact of long-term leadership on organizational growth, the importance of perseverance during challenging times, and the transition from leading a local church to a national organization. This episode is packed with wisdom and valuable insights for leaders at all levels.

Tony Morgan, Founder and Lead Strategist of The Unstuck Group, joins the podcast to talk through the latest Church Staffing Trends report, preparing for staff turnover, which roles to prioritize for the future, and top tips for keeping your team unstuck. 

Tim Foot chats with Jackie Brewster about the Enneagram, a fantastic tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and teamwork. They break down how the Enneagram goes beyond just labeling people and helps foster empathy and understanding for yourself and others. Tune in for an insightful conversation that can boost your leadership and team dynamics!

Get ready for an inspiring conversation on the Slingshot Group podcast as Tim Foot sits down with David Smallbone to explore the remarkable journey behind the hit movie "Unsung Hero." Many of you may know of David through his work in the music industry. Others may be familiar because of his family, including his children of Grammy award-winning artist Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone from the band For King + Country. Throughout the discussion, David imparts profound wisdom on navigating adversity as a family, the power of the Church in action, and staying aligned with one's purpose.

In this episode, Tim Foot, Brooke Hodnefield, and Matt Wright dive into the nuances of conflict within teams and organizations. From distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy conflict to navigating ideological and interpersonal tensions, they offer insights on conflict with your boss, conflict within teams, and generational conflict. 

Dan Reiland joins the podcast to discuss the characteristics of healthy organizations, the art of discerning cultural fit, and proven strategies for getting the right leaders in the right roles. From thoughtful hiring to difficult firing decisions, learn how the best teams navigate talent management to achieve their vision.

Brandon Cormier shares his journey of planting Zeal Church in Colorado Springs and leading through explosive growth. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in leadership, surprises of being a lead pastor, growing teams, culture, and the moments where God showed up in powerful ways.

Laura Story, an accomplished author, worship leader, and Grammy and Dove award-winning songwriter known for hit songs like "Indescribable" and "Blessings", opens up about her captivating journey in worship ministry. Through her personal experiences, she sheds light on the crucial role authenticity and vulnerability play in leadership within the local church. This conversation is full of valuable insights as she talks about coping with disappointment, overcoming hardships, and embracing the challenges and rewards of ministry.

Explore the evolving landscape of leadership with Clay Scroggins, author of 'How to Lead When You're Not In Charge' and 'The Aspiring Leader's Guide to the Future.' In this insightful podcast episode, discover how leadership is transforming and the profound implications it holds for both you and your team. Clay covers the blind spots for leaders, the power of leading with influence rather than authority, and actionable steps to effectively shape your team for the future.

What is adaptive leadership? Tod Bolsinger, an author and leader in the fields of church and nonprofit leadership, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss the need for adaptive leadership in a changing world. He also shares the inspiration behind his book 'Canoeing the Mountains' and highlights the need for trust, alignment with God's purposes, and building remarkable and healthy church teams.

Ready to discuss some of the elephants in the room that church leaders face? Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, sat down with Jesse DeYoung, the Executive Lead Pastor of Flatirons Community Church in Denver, CO, and their staff to delve into topics that everyone is thinking about but rarely talks about. They explore subjects such as navigating promotions, overcoming role stagnation, and the vital responsibility of staying healthy through transitions.

Kevin Queen sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to share his journey to becoming the Lead Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. Kevin discusses the best advice he's received that shapes how he leads, how to stay faithful in the midst of trials, and how you too can stay connected to Jesus through the challenges of ministry.

If you want a healthy team, it's time to give up managing your people and start leading them. But how do you do that? Matt Tresidder, CEO and co-founder of Leadr, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss ways to lead yourself well, develop your people, and create a healthy culture for your team to thrive in.

In a culture of constant connectedness, how can church leaders separate themselves from the noise to be the most productive and present leaders God created them to be? Jordan Raynor, entrepreneur and author, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss ways to dissent from the kingdom of noise, manage your time like Jesus, and model productive rest for your team.

How can ministries embrace AI rather than fear it? Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, chats with Kenny Jahng, an online ministry expert, about ways to leverage AI and use it to further the mission of your organization. Plus, find out easy ways to get started with AI and encourage your team to join you in the learning process.

How can a church or organization successfully guide a leadership transition? Join Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, as he sits down with Todd Clark, Senior Associate in Senior Leadership at Slingshot Group, to discuss what to do – and what not to do – when approaching a leadership transition. Also, learn what you should do in your first and last 90 days in ministry in this guide for healthy successions and leadership transitions.   Check out Christ Fellowship's successful transition story here.

Join guest host Brian Taylor, VP of Worship and Creative Arts, as he sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to explore why ministry leaders are stepping down in record numbers and how to make that transition graceful. Also learn the 5 things to quit before you quit ministry and in this go-to guide for thriving in ministry.

In a culture that seems to be getting darker and more divided by the moment, what does it look like to follow Jesus every day? How do you overcome challenges to leading and loving your church? Dive in with guest Larry Osborne, a seasoned author, mentor, and pastor of North Coast Church, as he unpacks the transformative joy and simplicity of daily obedience to Christ. From how to better shepherd your church to embracing leadership as a team sport, Larry offers words of wisdom that will encourage every weary leader. Listen now for invaluable insights that can reshape your daily walk with Jesus and reenergize your leadership journey.

How do you stay hopeful for the future of the church when so many people are leaving due to hurt, disappointment, and woundedness? Join the conversation with co-authors, pastors, and mother-daughter duo Nancy and Samantha Beach as they address the church's dysfunctions while casting a vision for a brighter future. Tune in for encouraging insights on how each one of us can help pave the way for a renewed, more resilient church.

How do you tune your ear to hear the Holy Spirit? In this riveting episode, you'll hear from Robby Gallaty—pastor of Long Hollow Church in Tennessee who was raised Catholic, was trained to be a UFC fighter, and battled a $200/day addiction to heroin and cocaine. Discover his remarkable story and how sitting in silence led to God bringing revival to Long Hollow in the form of 1,000 baptisms in 15 weeks.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Kevin Brown shares his firsthand experience of leading a remarkable and unexpected revival on Asbury University's campus. With awe-inspiring authenticity, he narrates the power of God's movement among the younger generation and the impact it had on transforming lives. Driven by a deep hunger for something genuine, Gen Z responded passionately to this uncoordinated humility. Join in as Dr. Kevin Brown shares profound insights on leading and investing in the church of the future, offering hope for a brighter future where authenticity and imagination pave the way.

In this episode, Warren Bird and Léone Crump discuss the importance of building resilient teams and leading through challenges. They share insights from their experiences in sports and ministry, emphasizing the power of working together as a unit. They explore the need for teams to adapt in an ever-changing landscape, the detrimental effects of dysfunctional teams, and the key factors that contribute to team floundering. With a focus on resilience and embracing disruption, they provide practical steps for teams to flourish and make a lasting impact.

In this captivating episode, renowned leadership expert Mike Foster takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. With a focus on authentic leadership, Foster delves into the power of primal questions and their role in achieving success. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, he reveals how embracing primal questions can unlock hidden potential, challenge conventional thinking, and pave the way for genuine leadership breakthroughs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, connect deeply with others, and make a lasting difference in their personal and professional spheres.

What happens when church hurt and disappointment drive someone to the brink of quitting? Join this conversation with author Natalie Runion as she shares her personal journey from wanting to quit ministry to starting the Raised to Stay movement - a movement about persevering in faith and ministry when it feels like there are a million reasons to walk away. Host Brian Taylor and Natalie explore the reasons behind the increasing prevalence of church leaders facing these issues and the role of social media in amplifying them. Discover how reconciliation and unity are the keys to healing within the church. 

As a servant leader, you give your best to serve to others. But how can you make the most of your limited time? Join the conversation with NYT bestselling author and viral TED speaker Rory Vaden to explore strategies that will set you up to make a bigger impact. Discover how to reframe success, tap into your purpose, and multiply your time using a simple tactic called the significance calculation.

It's hard work pretending like you've got your life together. But that's how so many church leaders are living… until they burn out or hit rock bottom. In this gem of a conversation  with Irene Rollins, pastor, consultant, wife, mother, and author of “Reframe Your Shame,” we talk about addiction, grief, self-care, leading your family, and more.   Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/

Worship ministry is integral to the life of a church. So why is it that so many worship ministries are riddled with tension? In this episode, you'll hear Slingshot Associate, worship leader, and Worship Probs founder Brian Tabor share some answers… and great solutions. With humility, humor, and decades of experience in ministry, Brian offers practical ways to invest in healthy relationships, tune in to the state of your culture, and help your team release the pressure valve.   Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/

Are you running your church by yourself, or are you empowering others and developing them as leaders? In this moving episode, host Tim Foot is joined by author and leadership development expert Mac Lake and his son, Brandon Lake—a Dove and Grammy award-winning worship artist—for a conversation full of heart, laughter, tears, and vulnerability. Listen now for challenging and inspiring insights on discipleship, collaboration, and developing younger leaders.    Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/

Are you allowing Jesus to love you? Your answer impacts how you see yourself… and others. Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Derwin Gray, author, former NFL player, and founder of Transformational Church in North Carolina. In this episode, we dive deep into questions of leadership identity, team health, and healing the racial divide in our local churches.   Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/

Everyone experiences anxiety. It's part of the human experience. But as a leader, how can you deal with it in a healthy way to better show up for your team? Tune in to a conversation with Steve Cuss—a pastor, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and author of “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs.” In this episode, you'll learn how anxiety impacts team dynamics, ways to manage it, what to do when your organization is toxic, and how to grow in self-awareness so you can lead well.   Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/

With so many demands on your time and attention, it can be hard to know whether you're focusing on the things that will truly make an impact. In this episode, Slingshot VP of Senior Leadership Matt Wright puts podcast host Tim Foot in the hot seat to find out what every church leader needs to be focusing on in 2023. Listen now to hear Tim's top 5 tips for getting proactive and intentional about culture, church strategy, and leadership.   Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast

Who doesn't want to build a remarkable team? But in the quest to grow, so many leaders don't see the people—particularly women—right in front of them who can help their ministry move forward. Listen now for a practical conversation with Kadi Cole on helping female church leaders thrive on teams, why it matters, and the next steps you can take to get started. Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast

How do you balance the day-to-day demands of church leadership while also cultivating a healthy culture that sustains your leaders and keeps them engaged in ministry? Tune in to a practical conversation with Brad Lomenick on hustle culture, the rise of quiet quitting, and how to inspire a new generation of leaders. Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast

Welcome to the Slingshot Group Podcast for church leaders! Building a remarkable team and cultivating a healthy culture have never been more important for staying relevant in our current cultural moment and making an impact for God's kingdom. And… It's never been more challenging to get that team and culture right. And that is why we are doing this podcast! So, tune in as we dive into practical conversations that explore the best strategies, insights, and solutions for helping you build your remarkable team.