Vertical Leadership Podcast

In this episode, we are re-airing our most downloaded episode of 2019. Our episode with guest Matt Thomas, Founder, and CEO of Legacy Partners Today, to discuss the GIFT of Empowerment and how everyone has the ability to receive and give this gift! G - Give I - Invest F - Freedom T - Trust

In this episode Pastor Reggie sits down with our very own Lead Pastor to discuss the importance of effective communication as a leader. Pastor Sam is the Lead Pastor of Grand Rapids First here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pastor Sam was previously on Episode #31: The Importance of God's Presence as a Leader. “Our success is not determined by our ability to speak, our success is determined by our ability to listen.”

In this episode, Reggie is joined by Bryce Johnson, Recruiting Director for Northpoint Bible College and the content director for our podcast to discuss the differences in chess and checkers and how that applies to leadership. The material originated from Tim Elmore's Habitudes book series.

In this bonus episode, Pastor Reggie and Anna chat about what it looks like to be grateful as a leader and the benefits it brings to you and the people you lead.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Shane Bryant, Lead Pastor of Charlotte Assembly of God in Charlotte, Michigan, to discuss the topic of leading a multi-generational team. We discuss some of the challenges that a leader can face, what some of the motivating factors of each generation are, and how to connect cross-generationally as co-workers.

In this Episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Dave Dishaw to discuss the topic of giving. Whether you lead a church, an organization or just your family, this applies to you. How you can you develop a plan to strategically and purposefully start giving to the Kingdom?

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Social Emotional Learning Consultant Deborah Bayard about creating culturally conscious leaders in your organization and life. Deborah shares with us the importance of having tough conversations about culture as well as the benefits of diversity in your organization. To contact Deborah: Email: deborahministry@gmail.com Website: www.deborahpbayard.com

In this episode, Pastor Reggie continues the conversation with Anna Johnson and Pastor Cody Duff on the Enneagram and its usefulness as a leader in any organization.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Cody Duff and Anna Johnson to discuss the Enneagram and how it can be used to effectively become a better leader by increasing your understanding of yourself and others.

In this episode, Pastor John chats with Pastor Chase Merrell to discuss the topic of seasons.

In this Episode, Pastor John chats with Pastor Josh Wellborn, National Youth Director for the Assemblies of God, on the subject of team building and the importance and value creating a team around you has as the leader. "When people feel they are a meber of a community accountability becomes a byproduct." Recommended Books: - Good to Great by Jim Collins - Front Row Leadership by Rob Ketterling - 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Matt Thomas, the Founder and CEO of Legacy Partners Today, to discuss the GIFT of Empowerment and how everyone has the abilities to receive and give this gift! G - Give I - Invest F - Freedom T - Trust

In this bonus episode, Pastor Zack Curry joins us at our NextGen Leadership One Day for the Michigan District.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Dylan Mckneely on the topic of embracing who you are. Self-Awareness is the key, ask yourself these 3 key questions: 1. Am I moving forward? 2. Do I love myself? 3. Do I treat people as I want to be treated? Do that consistently and you will soon be a leader who is embracing who you are and leading out of that place.

In this episode, Pastor John sits down with the District Youth Director for the State of Michigan to discuss the topic of Self-Leadership. The first things that come to mind on the topic of self-leadership are character and integrity. Book Link: Essentialism by Greg McKeown

In this bonus episode, Pastor JP Dorsey shares at our leadership chapel, on the three things we as leaders can do to grow as a leader. 1. Showing up matters more than showing off. 2. Wasting time matters big time. 3. Feelings matter more than facts.

In this episode, Alicia Zick sits down with Cristel Duff to speak on the subject of courageous leadership.

In this Episode, Pastor John sits down with Pastor Cody Duff as they discuss the trap of comparison.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Peter Reeves from Mount Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan on creating a culture of generosity in your community. What does this look like? Pastor Peter gives us 3 things to look at 1. Cast Vision: - Show people the benefits - Create a new "why" for people 2. Discover need/the burden: - What needs to be done - Use, stories, statistics - Partner with places around you 3. Empower the people - Who can help me carry this vision - The leader can't be the only one - Ideas and creativity will flow from this

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with entrepreneur and business owner Mark Dykema to discuss what employers are looking for in employees and the hire-ability of people. What makes you stand out among your peers? What leadership qualities are employers looking for today?

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Joanna Reeves from Mt. Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan to discuss women in leadership, specifically, ministry leadership, how to empower them, encourage and look for women in leadership. Resources: - Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequest - Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Alex Kirksey from Freedom Christian Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. There are 3 possible ways influence is gained. Words, Actions, and Reactions. Words, the way we talk either helps or hinders our ability to have it. Actions, our acts of kindness or acts of selfishness will help or hinder our influence. Reactions, the way we react to situations of stress, pressure, or conflict affect our influence.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Jordan Humbarger on the subject of consistency and leading change in the process.

In this episode, Pastor John talks with a good personal friend from Sacramento, CA, Pastor Nick Whitestone. Pastor Nick shares with us the five things Jesus did to be an intentional leader. 1. Jesus was intentional about learning. 2. Jesus was intentional about servanthood. 3. Jesus was intentional about obedience. 4. Jesus was intentional about His purpose. 5. Jesus was intentional about forgiveness. The question you must ask yourself is this, where do I need to be more intentional in my life?

In this episode, Pastors John and Reggie sit down with Pastor Matt Boudwin to discuss the importance of mental health as a leader. Pastor Matt opens the conversation on having a healthy thought life and how that can influence your leadership life. Links: - https://renewingallthings.com/spiritual-health/switch-brain-dr-caroline-leaf/ - https://www.summit.org/email/am-i-loved/

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Phil Johnson, of Emmanuel Christian Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota about the power of showing up as a leader. As a leader showing up is crucial to the success of the team you are leading.

In this episode, Pastor John sits down with Pastor Matt Vandersteen who shares on the importance of encouragement as a leader.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Matt Robin on the subject leading in racial reconciliation. What is our responsibility as leaders when it comes to tension among different communities?

In this episode, Pastor John chats with longtime friend Pastor Cody Duff, of Sacremento, California on the topic "Increasing Your Leadership Capacity". Pastor Cody shares with us the importance of self-care and self-leadership when it comes to your development as a leader. "Your call is always greater than your capacity." "Self-care is NOT selfish."

In this episode, Pastors John and Reggie discuss the third and final leadership type; The Relational Leader. This leader is people driven and has the ability to create a family culture within the staff. Being with people is what brings this leader energy and fulfillment. While people love being around this leader, this leader can also fall prey to being a people pleaser and lack healthy boundaries with those who he or she leads. Be sure to follow us at @verticalpodcast to stay up to date on our upcoming podcast!

In this episode, Pastors John & Reggie sit down to discuss the next type of leader, the desk leader. This is the organizational leader, this leader is great at creating healthy processes that can be duplicated and is also a great prioritizer. However, this leader can struggle to build relationships with followers and sometimes has difficulties communicating clearly.

In this episode, Pastors John and Reggie discuss the 3 types of leaders. The visionary leader, the organizational leader, and the relational leader. Pastors John and Reggie dive into what the strengths and weakness are of a visionary leader. Visionary leaders are future driven, they are normally great communicators with the ability to see potential in people and things before most. Visionary leaders can also tend to overwork and struggle with approachability at times.

In this episode, Pastor John chats with Pastor Becky Johnson from Jesus Culture Sacramento on the topic of being self-aware as a leader, knowing your leadership style and the team members around you.

In this episode, Pastors John and Reggie sit down to discuss why leaders should be leading to asking questions.

In this episode, Pastor John sits down with Moral Revolution directors Cole and Caitlin Zick. Are you using someone else's ministry or success to define your success? Ask yourself, do you have what you need? Comparison tells you that what you have isn't enough! 4 ways to combat comparison: - Why do I need this? - Am I trusting God? - Get Grateful - Be Honestly Happy (for others) "Excessive need from without is proof of bankruptcy from within." -A.W. Tozer

In this Episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Pastor Jeff Hlavin to discuss how to identify and navigate transitions in your life. Pastor Jeff shares how each one of us can still be effective in the season you are in as well as how to enter into the next season well.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Jeff Henderson, a teacher at a local school here in Grand Rapids area, to discuss how to stand strong in the midst of trials and persecution. Jeff shares his personal stories of the recent battles he has faced.

In this episode, Pastor John sits down with our lead pastor, Pastor Sam, to discuss one of the most important things a leader needs to be successful, the presence of God. Notes: "Treat God's presence like you treat your cell phone." "If Satan can't make you BAD, he will make you BUSY." Pathways to God's Presence 1. Intellectually 2. Relationally 3. Serving 4. Worship 5. Activist 6. Contemplative 7. Creation Book Reference: Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas

In this episode, Pastors Eric and Reggie sit down with Pastor Micah MacDonald to discuss why YOU are the hardest person you will ever have to lead. Micah teaches us the importance of developing a personal growth plan specific to your growth. Books you should read: - Ready, Set, Grow! by Scott Wilson - H3 Leadership by Brad Lomenick - Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Ben Freitag from Summit Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Pastor Ben discusses the topic leading through relationship, and why as leaders we MUST learn to lead this way in order to influence the people around us more effectively. Practical ways to open conversation: 1. Figure out who will lead the conversation. 2. Listen - Understand - Acknowledge - Engage. 3. Find their sweet spot. (ie. sports, music, faith, etc.) Book Reference: 11 Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without by Leonard Sweet

In this episode, Pastors John, Eric, and Reggie sit down to discuss the 7 ways to make your team smarter. 1) Safety. 2) Keep Teams Small. 3) Preparation. 4) Inviting Quite Members to speak. 5) Set a Social Tone. 6) Notice Team Dynamics. 7) Meet in the Morning! "Teams are stupid, when one or two people are doing all the talking." Reference Article By Dan Rockwell: https://leadershipfreak.blog/2018/02/15/7-ways-to-make-all-teams-smarter/

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Joanna Reeves to discuss the importance of teaching young people how to serve the people around them.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Jon Catron the District Ministries Director for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God. Pastor Jon shares with us the importance of having a strong partnership with the parents whose students you lead is not only important but biblical.

In this episode, Pastor John sits down with Pastor Joel Strickland to discuss personal finance, giving, and budgeting. God tells us to be givers: so as leaders if we aren’t leading in this area how can we expect others too.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie sits down with Pastor Tyler Ryals from Freedom Christian in Sterling Heights, MI. Pastor Tyler discusses the differences between doing ministry as a leader and facilitating other leaders to do ministry.

In this episode, Pastor John chats with Pastor Cole Zick from Moral Revolution out of Bethel Church on the subject of Passion and how to keep your passion alive.

In this episode, Pastor Reggie chats with Pastor Eric Dunker from Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois on the subject of Creating a Culture of Fun in your Organization. "Get your team to laugh together, if you can do this you've won!" -Pastor Eric Dunker

In this episode, Pastor John chats with Pastor Blake Vandemark from Bayside Church in Sacramento, CA. Pastor John and Pastor Blake discuss the topic, "It's Not About You!" "If you're too big to serve, then you're too small to LEAD." -Blake Vandemark

In this episode, Pastor Eric chats with Pastor Chandler Boyce, Executive Director of Youth America and Staff Pastor at Church of the Harvest in Oklahoma City, OK, on the subject of leading when you are not the leader. How do you lead when you have bosses over you? How do you show honor to those above you correctly? 4 Things: 1. Listen 2. Write it down 3. Speak it out 4. Make it happen "Honor is always an action, and that action is giving." -Pastor Chandler Boyce

In this bonus episode, Pastor John shares the opening sermon to our October series, Take the Land: Occupy the Land.

In this episode, Pastor John talks with Pastor Abe Daniel, Senior Pastor of Trinity LIfe Center in Sacremento, CA. Pastor Abe shares with us the role a friend plays in a leader's life. Leadership can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. You need multiple layers of friends in your life to become the leader you are called to be. 3 Levels of Friends you have: 1. Acquaintances 2. Associates 3. Allies "In Christian leadership, it's not the higher you go, but the more you GROW, that matters." -Pastor Abe Daniel