Podcasts about church leaders

Leadership matters.Whether it's in business, sports, your family, or the church, leadership has the power to influence generations—for better or for worse.In 1 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul gives Timothy a blueprint for selecting leaders who will protect the church, faithfully teach God's Word, and care for God's people. Rather than focusing on charisma, influence, or talent, Paul points to something far more important: character.As our Truth Over Trends series continues, this message reminds us that God's qualifications for leadership haven't changed. Healthy churches are built on leaders who are trustworthy, humble, spiritually mature, and committed to Jesus above all else.In this sermon, you'll discover:• Why leadership always matters • The biblical role of pastors (overseers) and deacons • The difference between leadership and service in the church • Why character is more important than charisma or talent • The qualities God looks for in spiritual leaders • How every Christian can grow into a person others trust • Why the church is called the pillar and foundation of the truth • How Jesus remains the true Shepherd and Overseer of His ChurchEven if you never serve as a pastor or deacon, these qualities are worth pursuing because they reflect the character of Christ. God desires every believer to grow in faithfulness, integrity, humility, and spiritual maturity.Healthy churches don't happen by accident. They are built by leaders—and members—who are committed to living lives worthy of the gospel.

In this episode, one of Laura's heroes in the faith, John McGee, joins to share his greatest lessons on life, leadership, and marriage. John started Watermark Community Church's marriage ministry  & has helped resource thousands of churches across the globe to lead people well. He was also Colby & Laura's first married community group leader. Together, they share stories that will make you laugh and anecdotes that offer lessons to treasure for both your present & your future. (Re-Visit) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could start your church over… from scratch?[Note: The first line in this audio is "I finally got one" referring the an Etch-a-Sketch which I was holding up in the video version of this talk.]In this second half of the final chapter in DNA of a Christ Follower we rethink how we approach church and the Christian life, especially when it comes to making disciples. Instead of patching old systems, what if we went back to a blank slate and rebuilt everything around the actual mission Jesus gave us?This teaching walks through a simple but challenging framework:Step 1: Clearly State the PurposeAre we truly focused on making disciples, or have other priorities taken over?Step 2: Know What the Target Looks LikeWhat is a real follower of Jesus in character and conduct? If we don't define it, we will drift.Step 3: Build for the ResultAre our ministries producing disciple-makers, or just informed attendees?Along the way, this segment addresses:* Why modern church systems often struggle to produce disciples* The danger of consumer Christianity* The gap between teaching and actual equipping* Why repentance, faith, and baptism must be the starting pointIf you care about real disciple-making, this will challenge how you think about church, leadership, and your own walk with Christ.Learn more at 12Church.net Take the Personal Evangelism Crash Course Here:https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-courseDiscover the Missional Living Map: https://missionalmap.comLearn more about 12Church: https://12church.netGet access to any tools and resources mentioned in this video here:https://www.12church.net/toolsThe 8 Essential Traits of a Disciple: https://www.twelvechurch.net/dnahttps://12church.net is about structuring your life around the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who makes disciples. It's about learning HOW to make disciples in this time and place.

Guest: Todd NettletonMinistry: Voice of the MartyrsPosition: Vice President of Message and Host of Voice of the Martyrs RadioTopic: a report on the release of a Chinese pastor from prison, even while other church leaders are still imprisonedWebsites: persecution.com, vomradio.net

Dr. Bridget Trammell is a Christian counselor, speaker, and bestselling author of Trigger Warning: A Faith-Based Playbook for Healing from Trauma, Control, and the Lies that Broke You. Drawing from her personal journey through religious trauma, domestic violence, and emotional abuse, along with years of clinical experience, she helps individuals understand trauma, reclaim their identity, and find healing through faith and practical tools.Bridget is passionate about creating safe spaces for people to process pain, break unhealthy cycles, and walk in freedom. With clinical techniques led by a Biblical approach, she builds the bridge between therapy and theology.Bridget is married to Josh who serves as Lead Pastor of Take Heart Church. They have two daughters Hallie and Haven.Dale & Joseph sit down with Bridget for a candid conversation about how trauma forms, how it shows up in ministry leadership, and why church culture often suppresses pain instead of supporting healing. Bridget shares parts of her personal story—including escaping an abusive marriage marked by addiction and violence—and explains why victims often struggle to leave unsafe situations.The conversation explores religious trauma and “high-control” church environments, including how shame-based purity culture can distort sexuality, create secrecy, and amplify abuse. Bridget outlines practical frameworks for understanding trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), what “trigger warnings” really indicate, and why unresolved trauma layers over time—often driving burnout, control, addiction, and emotional reactivity in leaders.The episode ends with a direct call to pastors and leaders who feel like “silent weepers”: healing requires honesty about wounds, safe relationships, wise counsel, and spiritual community that can carry burdens together—following the model of Jesus, who showed real humanity in the Garden of Gethsemane.Show Link: https://95network.org/95podcast-344-summary-trigger-warning-trauma-healing-for-pastors-church-leaders-w-bridget-trammell-episode-344/Support the show

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

A session for leaders of house Churches, Church planters etc

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki claims he's is a responsible gun owner and hunter - after police have revoked his licence and confiscated his weapons. He's live-streamed video of police at his home this morning, taking several firearms. This month, Tamaki said New Zealand should be purged of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. He's still on the defence, claiming people are taking his words out of context. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today! Church hurt is something almost no one survives decades in the church without experiencing. In this special joint episode of Praying Christian Women and Christian True Crime Junkies, Alana and Jaime have an honest, unscripted conversation about church scandal, spiritual abuse, and how to heal your faith when a pastor's moral failure—or a church's cover-up—leaves you wounded, even when you were far removed from where it happened. Together they unpack why a pastor's affair can trigger a faith crisis in people who left the church years ago, why victims of clergy abuse are so often shunned while fallen leaders get protected, and what Gayle Haggard's memoir Why I Stayed reveals about loving the families caught in the wreckage. They get honest about the spectrum between a consensual affair and predatory abuse, why narcissists are so often drawn to ministry and church leadership, and the pattern of institutional and denominational failures—and cover-ups—that keeps surfacing across churches of every stripe. Alana also shares her hard-won take on spiritual "premonitions"—the God-given instinct that something is off—and why she believes those warnings are a call to pray, not proof you failed to act. Grounded in Ezekiel 34:2, the conversation lands on a grace-filled but clear-eyed question every church faces: how do we protect the flock from spiritual abuse while still extending real grace to imperfect people? Whether you're walking through church hurt right now, rebuilding after spiritual abuse, quietly deconstructing, or simply want to guard your heart against cynicism and bitterness, we hope this episode helps you grieve honestly, stay connected to God, and hold grace and wisdom in the very same hand. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A thoughtful perspective and encouragement for church leaders when someone is struggling with pornography. This is just a clip of one of the 15+ presentations that will be shown during the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit, starting June 30. See the speakers & Register at https://leadingsaints.org/liberating

What happens when artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life—and what role should the church play in helping people navigate it? In this episode, Loren welcomes theologian, pastor, and AI thought leader Christopher Benek for a conversation about artificial intelligence, spiritual formation, ethics, and the future of the church. Drawing on more than a decade of work at the intersection of faith and technology, Benek argues that AI is not merely a technological challenge but a deeply theological one. The conversation explores how churches can move beyond fear and hype to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and meaningful conversations about emerging technologies. Benek reflects on AI's impact on preaching, ministry, work, identity, and ethics, while emphasizing that the church's unique contribution is not technical expertise but spiritual formation. Together they discuss the opportunities and risks presented by AI, why pastors should help people make meaning in a rapidly changing world, and how Christian communities can become places where technologists, leaders, and everyday people wrestle with difficult questions together. The episode ultimately returns to themes of hope, discipleship, and the enduring relevance of the church in an age of disruption. Together they explore: Whether AI should be used in sermon preparation and ministry The difference between information, wisdom, and spiritual formation How churches can facilitate conversations about AI ethics Why pastors remain essential in an age of technological change Whether AI represents the biggest technological shift since the printing press How Christians can engage AI without fear or panic What the church uniquely offers in a rapidly changing world   The Rev. Dr. Christopher J. Benek is an internationally recognized pastor, theologian, and thought leader at the crossroads of faith and technology. His insights on artificial intelligence and theology have been featured in major outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, Le Monde, and others.  He has advised companies, policymakers, and governments on AI's ethical and societal impact.  With more than 20 years of pastoral ministry, he currently serves as pastor of First Miami Presbyterian Church and CEO of The CoCreators Network, an organization dedicated to the vision of Better People, Better Tech, Better World.  Learn more about him at ChristopherBenek.com   Mentioned Resources:

US, Iran continue talks; Trump threatens Iran with strikes over Hezbollah; Iran labels Christians enemies of the state; a group is working to bring Ukrainian children taken by Russia back home; and the influence of the online 'manosphere.'

Church hurt can leave lasting wounds, but what if we focused not only on healing, but also on prevention?In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, host Mac Zambrano sits down with therapist Kyle Hopkins to discuss how pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff can cultivate healthier, safer church environments. Together, they explore common leadership blind spots, the role of accountability, and practical ways leaders can respond when harm has already occurred.Rather than approaching church hurt through blame or fear, this conversation focuses on stewardship, humility, and intentional leadership that reflects the heart of Christ.In This Episode we discuss...Common leadership blind spots that can contribute to church hurtWhy communication and transparency matter more than leaders often realizeWhat emotionally safe church cultures look likeHow leaders can respond when harm has already happenedThe difference between intent and impactHealthy accountability practices for church leadersTrauma-informed approaches to ministryPractical steps leaders can take to create safer environmentsResources for continued growth and learningResources Mentioned

Why do conversations with Church leaders go wrong so often? Why do conversations with Church leaders go wrong so often? Former mission president Jeff Strong says talking to leaders and parents is one of the least helpful things to do in a faith crisis. It’s 4.5 times worse than talking with siblings. Why do some family members quit speaking to those who leave? Should Church leaders better model Christian disagreement? Can a bottom up movement like this succeed in a top-down organization? Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/Y9pQpKe9CEk Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Jeff Strong, author of Torn, dives deep into the data surrounding how church members and leaders handle disaffiliation. The conversation shifts from personal narrative to the practical—and often surprising—realities of how we communicate within the faith. Staggering Cost of “Correction” Strong shares a provocative statistic from his research: while 83% of those in a faith transition reach out to someone, the outcome varies wildly depending on who they talk to. Interactions with siblings and friends generally go well, but conversations with devout church leaders are four and a half times more likely to “go badly,” meaning the relationship suffers and the individual feels more inclined to withdraw from the community. Strong attributes this to a default mode of trying to “correct or contain” the person rather than building trust. Agency vs. Stewardship A major theme of this discussion is the “goofy cultural idea” of practicing “enforced agency.” Strong argues that when parents or leaders attempt to manipulate outcomes—such as withholding an inheritance or cutting off family members to maintain a temple recommend—they are actually infringing on the foundational doctrine of agency. He reminds listeners that stewardship does not equal control, citing Joseph Smith's experience with the lost 116 pages as a lesson that God's work is not dependent on our ability to control others. Bottom-Up Revolution Addressing the concern that change in the Church is strictly “top-down,” Strong offers a empowering alternative: bottom-up culture change. While he avoids criticizing the institution or “steadying the ark” by telling Salt Lake what to do, he insists that individuals have the power to shape the culture within their own hearts, marriages, and wards. He notes that even one “Christ-centered” Bishop can completely transform a ward’s atmosphere in a short time. The Path Forward: Love Over Fear Strong concludes by urging members to stop “thinking through the amygdala”. When we act out of fear—the “circle the wagons” behavior—it shuts down spiritual growth. By choosing “perfect love” over fear, families can maintain strong relationships even when religious paths diverge. His ultimate goal is not to “recruit” people back, but to help the Church become a place where different types of people can stay, feel they belong, and remain rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 0:00 Why Conversations with Church Leaders Go Wrong 6:44 Cutting Off Family over Faith? 9:08 Can Bottom Up Influence Top Down? 23:24 Should Church Leaders Model Better? Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

In this mailbag episode, John and Wayne answer questions from listeners about topics including: dating, marriage, parenting, being misunderstood in leadership, and more. Send in questions for a future mailbag episode by emailing parker@leadershipinblackandwhite.com or by DMing us on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!

Have you ever felt like your Church leader didn't believe you about the betrayal, abuse, addiction, or struggles happening inside your marriage? Maybe you finally found the courage to ask for help, only to feel dismissed, misunderstood, or unsupported in your decision to pursue divorce. If so, this episode is for you. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Jenn discusses one of the most painful experiences many faithful Latter-day Saints face during divorce: when Church leaders don't fully understand what they're going through. This episode is not about criticizing bishops, stake presidents, or the Church. In fact, Jenn shares why she believes Church leaders are doing the very best they can as unpaid volunteers who often have limited information and no formal training in marriage counseling, abuse recovery, addiction, or divorce. Instead, this episode explores how to strengthen your faith when others don't understand your journey, why personal revelation matters, how to trust God when you feel alone, and how to move forward with faith instead of fear. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Church leaders sometimes see situations differently than you do • How to separate faith in God from disappointment in people • Why personal revelation is critical during divorce • How to trust your relationship with God when others disagree with your decisions • How to avoid resentment and strengthen your spiritual confidence • Why faith and fear often exist together If you've ever wondered, "What do I do when my bishop doesn't support my decision?" or "How do I trust God when I feel completely misunderstood?" this episode will offer hope, perspective, and encouragement. Remember, your eternal destiny is not determined by the opinions of others. It is guided by a loving Heavenly Father who knows your heart, your circumstances, and your journey. For additional support, coaching, and resources, visit: https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com Until next time, keep seeking joy. • Join my exclusive Life Coaching and Divorce Mentoring Program, Faith Filled Divorce, HERE: httpshttps:https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com/program-details • Get your FREE Podcast Atlas at: https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com/joy-in-the-journey-podcast • Make sure you are part of the Find the Joy With Jenn Fam! Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/findthejoywithjenn/ • Join my FREE Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/findthejoywithjenn • Thank you so much for listening to this episode! I'm honored and excited to be on this journey to healing and personal growth with you. If you enjoyed the podcast, I'd love to ask you to take 2 minutes to leave me a 5-star review on your podcast app so we can help even more men and women find joy in their divorce journeys. You can win a $100 AMAZON GIFT when you do! Just send a screenshot of your review to jenn@jennzingmark.com. Make sure you put "Podcast Review" in the subject line. XO- Jenn

Leadership matters because of what it does to us and the way it influences our own trust in God. This week we explore Paul's qualifications for church leadership and how we should thoughtfully interpret this highly contested list. Jesus is bigger and better than the institutions that represent him, though together we ask ourselves what it looks like for each of us to aspire to Christ-likeness for the sake of those who follow us. This message is from our Sunday morning service on June 7th, 2026.We meet at 957 Main St., Louisville, CO 80027 on Sunday mornings at 10am.Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get your Hosea Scripture Journal now. Who's responsible when a nation falls apart? Not just the people. It starts with the leaders. Listen to our text today, Hosea 5:1-2: Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Give ear, O house of the king! For the judgment is for you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah and a net spread upon Tabor. And the revolters have gone deep into slaughter, but I will discipline all of them. — Hosea 5:1-2 This isn't a general warning. It's targeted. Spiritual leaders. Business leaders Government leaders. And God says: "The judgment is for you." The very people who were supposed to lead built snares for the people instead. Places that were once sacred—like Mizpah and Tabor—became places of spiritual adultery. You see, the leaders didn't just drift into sin. They engineered environments, places, temples, and statues that made sin more readily available. This isn't "accidental" failure. It's systemic corruption on a spiritual level because spiritual leaders stopped teaching the truth, business leaders stopped backing righteousness, and government leaders stopped enforcing it. So the culture followed. So God is going to flip the script: "You set snares for them… Now I am going to discipline you." This prophecy is timeless because people still act the same. When pastors stop preaching truth… When businesses defraud the people... When governments bend the law to a moral majority The people don't just struggle. They get trapped. They get confused about truth, comfortable in sin and then convinced they're fine. When they are not. God doesn't ignore this stuff. He holds leaders accountable for what they normalize, tolerate, and build. Leadership is never neutral. You are either pointing people to God—or quietly pulling them away. So where and how are you leading today? At home. Workplace. Church. Circle. Are you creating clarity or confusion? Because God is a just judge, and he demands clarity; otherwise judgment is coming for you. DO THIS: Take an honest look at your influence. Identify one area where you've softened truth or avoided leadership—and correct it today. ASK THIS: Where am I leading people without realizing it? Have I made anything easier than obedience to God? What truth have I avoided that needs to be spoken? PRAY THIS: God, make me a leader who tells the truth and lives it. Remove compromise from my life and help me lead others toward you, not away from you. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lord I Need You"

Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the subtle danger of idolizing pastors. Learn how to respect spiritual leaders and maintain a proper view of biblical church leadership without elevating men to a place that belongs to Christ alone.

Are we inadvertently worshiping church leaders instead of Christ? In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the subtle danger of idolizing pastors and explains how true Christian living requires a biblical balance. By examining scriptural examples from Acts 14 and 1 Corinthians, we learn that elevating leaders often stems from a desire to exalt ourselves. A healthy church recognizes that pastors are simply laborers saved by grace, and believers must esteem them highly in love for their work without elevating them to a place that belongs to the Lord alone.

James 3:1 offers a sobering reminder that church leaders, pastors, and Bible teachers are held to a higher standard because of their responsibility to teach God’s Word. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores the growing concern over moral failures among Christian leaders and why believers should respond with prayer rather than cynicism. As false teaching, spiritual compromise, and public scandals continue to impact the church, Christians are called to support and pray for faithful pastors who shepherd God’s people with integrity and biblical conviction. Highlights James 3:1 reveals the serious responsibility carried by Bible teachers and pastors. Church leaders are held to a higher standard because they influence others spiritually. Moral failures in ministry should lead believers to prayer, not cynicism. False teaching can create confusion and spiritual harm within the church. Faithful pastors need consistent prayer and support from their congregations. Sound biblical teaching protects believers from deception. Church leaders face unique spiritual attacks and temptations. Christians can strengthen their local church by praying for those who shepherd and teach. Join the Conversation How has a faithful pastor, elder, or Bible teacher impacted your spiritual growth? What are practical ways believers can encourage and pray for church leaders facing the challenges of ministry? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The High Standard of Church Leaders By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV). It seems that over the last couple of years, there has been much exposure and shaking in the church regarding leaders who have fallen or gotten caught in scandal and lies. When the news of another pastor’s moral failure makes its way into the public eye, is your first reaction one of sarcasm and jadedness, or does it cause you to weep and hit your knees in prayer? It seems easier to get angry or grow cynical when those in the pulpit fall into grave sin and disappoint those who have attributed much of their spiritual growth from their teaching. Instead of wagging our fingers or shaking our heads in disappointment, it should truly break our hearts when leaders in the church fall. There is a stern warning found in the book of James that should cause us pause and reflect upon the great and weighty responsibility that pastors carry as teachers of God’s Word: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV). This verse begins a chapter in the book of James that focuses on the importance of the tongue and its ability to either bring encouragement and growth or hostility and destruction. We will all be held accountable for the words we speak, but for those who teach the Bible, there is a higher standard. With a higher standard comes a stronger judgment from God. This should motivate us to pray for teachers, especially those who pastor our own local church. Intersecting Faith & Life: In America (and perhaps even around the world, thanks to television and social media), the gospel of Jesus Christ has become extremely muddied by false teaching full of false gospels, New Age/occult/pagan practices, lying signs and wonders, and distractions from worldly desires that are all leading many to false Christs. For almost half of our marriage, my husband and I were among those believers who were believing lies from the result of the twisting of scripture and emotional, mental, and spiritual manipulation from leaders in ministry whom we trusted. By God’s grace, we were rescued from this deception and now attend a sound and Biblical church that has been such a blessing to our family. Every week, the elders preach the Word of God with such conviction and clarity, and are unashamed about the gospel. Although we finally feel “safe,” we know that these men of God are susceptible to the same temptations as we are, and instead of growing comfortable or letting our guard down, we must fiercely pray for the men in our lives who teach God’s Holy Word because Satan has put a giant target on their backs. The enemy knows how much damage can be done to the Body of Christ if God’s Word is abused or distorted, but the same is true for the carriers of that message; A teacher’s life is held to a higher standard because the Lord uses teachers to help us understand who He is. The weighty responsibility and calling of bringing truth to the sheep of God is one no one should have to bear alone. Let us shoulder Kingdom responsibility with our elders by making it a priority to daily pray for the teachers and pastors who have much influence on our spiritual well-being. In the age we live in, we can know personal details of public figures very quickly and easily. It seems there is always a new Christian leader who has given in to fleshly temptation and taken advantage of the trust of their sheep. When you discover this shocking news of another moral failing, are you tempted to harden your heart or grow cynical towards the church? It should cause us heartache and wake us up to the reality that the enemy wants to cause destruction among God’s people. These moral failings cause distrust among sheep, but they also hurt our witness to the world when they see the hypocrisy and corruption within the visible church. We must ask the Lord to give us a burden to pray for church leaders, but more importantly, the leaders of our very own church who have given their lives to shepherd souls and teach others about God and His ways. We are called to make disciples and need to be equipped by God’s Word to do that. God has called teachers and pastors to a higher standard to equip the Body for the work of the ministry by teaching us what God’s Word says. May we be quick to lift them up every day, knowing the seriousness of their high calling as teachers of God’s Holy Word, and thank the Lord for their role in your life personally, as someone who keeps watch over your soul. Further Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Titus 1:7-9 1 Peter 5:1-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most men are surrounded by people and completely alone. They've got coworkers, neighbors, guys from high school they still text but nobody who will tell them the truth, call them forward, or sit with them when things go sideways. That's not friendship. That's just proximity. And the difference between those two things might be the most important gap a man can close in his life. Today I'm sitting down with Jimmy Rex, founder of We Are The They, author of BE ONE, and one of the most intentional men I know when it comes to building real brotherhood. We get into where men actually find high-caliber friends, how to tell the difference between a true friend and a liability, the masculine dynamics that make marriages and relationships work, and why most guys are betraying themselves long before anyone else gets the chance. This is a conversation that will change the way you think about the men in your life - and the ones who should be there but aren't. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Podcast Introduction and Montana Knife Company Gift Shifting Trip Plans to Montana and Wild Bear Sightings Connecting with Nature and Managing Phone Screen Time High School Pranks and Getting Arrested at a Church Event Exploring Masculine Softness, Vulnerability, and Leadership Tiptoeing into Asshole Territory to Set Healthy Boundaries The Qualifications of Church Leaders and Dating Advice Pitfalls Communication Languages and Understanding The Queen's Code The Role of a Coach and Pushing Boundaries in Sports Taking Action and Establishing Clear Boundaries in Marriage Prioritizing Women's Safety and the True Purpose of Men's Groups Critiques of Modern Vulnerability and the Value of Having a Plan Accountability Through Combat Sports and Jiu-Jitsu Overcoming the Ego and Inviting Friends to Highlight Blind Spots Two Critical Questions for Evaluating Received Feedback Colin Cowherd's Philosophy and Navigating Family Conflict Handling Social Media Group Misunderstandings and the Grace of Repair The Importance of a Sparring Partner and Jiu-Jitsu with Pete Roberts Finding Your Band of Brothers and Letting Go of Unproductive Roommates Household Management and Adam Lane Smith's Household CEO Model Orion Tarabin's Captain and Passenger Relationship Concept Reconciling Navigational Promises and the Power of Pre-Selection Net Worth and Jimmy's Investment Board Role with Dave Bateman Changing Your Personal Environment and Matching Partner Standards Proximity vs true Investment and Jimmy's Real Estate Systems Evaluating Competence, Discernment, and Destructive Patterns in Circles Distancing Low-Performing High School Friends and Surviving a $150,000 Scam Golfing in Southern Utah and Embracing Imperfect Execution      Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series!In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith's treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt.We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” they preach about. Along the way, we examine the Book of Abraham, the Kinderhook Plates controversy, Mark Hofmann's forged documents, hidden church history, and modern scandals that continue to raise difficult questions for believers and critics alike.The episode also looks at how faith can remain resilient even after exposure to false claims, and why many argue that institutional dishonesty –rather than belief itself –is the deeper issue.Topics include: Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the Book of Abraham facsimiles, how Elder Oaks defended the Salamander Letter, and the hiding of early Mormon documents. This discussion asks a central question: If church leaders claim special spiritual discernment, why were so many frauds, forgeries, and harmful figures embraced or defended for so long?If you enjoy long-form Mormon history and analysis, consider subscribing and supporting the channel.If you have thoughts on other topics you wish for us to cover, please leave them in the comments!___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series!In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith's treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt.We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” they preach about. Along the way, we examine the Book of Abraham, the Kinderhook Plates controversy, Mark Hofmann's forged documents, hidden church history, and modern scandals that continue to raise difficult questions for believers and critics alike.The episode also looks at how faith can remain resilient even after exposure to false claims, and why many argue that institutional dishonesty –rather than belief itself –is the deeper issue.Topics include: Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the Book of Abraham facsimiles, how Elder Oaks defended the Salamander Letter, and the hiding of early Mormon documents. This discussion asks a central question: If church leaders claim special spiritual discernment, why were so many frauds, forgeries, and harmful figures embraced or defended for so long?If you enjoy long-form Mormon history and analysis, consider subscribing and supporting the channel.If you have thoughts on other topics you wish for us to cover, please leave them in the comments!Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

What happens when a church leader falls into sin? How should churches honor and care for their pastors? And what does it look like for leaders to stay healthy for the long haul? In this episode, John McGee and Dave Bruskas walk through 1 Timothy 5:17–25.They discuss:Honoring elders and handling accusations wiselyPursuing restoration when leaders fail Developing future leaders slowly Caring for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health in ministry

Being secure in who you are as a leader is an underrated key to being effective. Comparison and insecurity creep into every leader's emotions and in this episode, Pastors John and Wayne talk about how to understand your unique leadership identity so you can function at your best! Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!

In today's episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and Doctor Ben are joined by guest host Kelly Laughlin to navigate the intersection of medical ethics and ancient rituals! From the hilarity of Chick Tracts to the sobering reality of public health crises, the hosts challenge listeners to prioritize human safety over supernatural comfort. Can community exist without a pulpit, or are we all just seeking an invisible therapist?Rebecca in CA asks how aid workers should balance religious burial customs with the prevention of Ebola outbreaks. Hosts discuss the tension between individual grieving rights and public health safety. Can logic save communities from faith?Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

John Bushman served as a bishop for 6.5 years, as a member of many bishoprics, and currently serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He has been a Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinator, Institute instructor, and is now a Seminary instructor. He has also taught EFY and FSY for 20 years. John loves hiking and going on adventures of most any kind. Links King Before Kingdom Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights John Bushman explores the necessity of a “faithful revival” centered on Jesus Christ rather than the institutional church. He argues that while the restored church is essential, members and leaders often mistake the “kingdom” for the “king,” leading to a checklist-based faith. The discussion focuses on transitioning from a culture of “legalism” to one of genuine “regeneration” through a relationship with the Savior. 00:04:04 – Importance of Collaboration in Leadership 00:05:39 – The Most Important Part of Sacrament Meeting 00:08:06 – The Concept of Revival in the Church 00:10:57 – Spiritual Sleep in the Church 00:12:16 – The Challenge of Routine in Worship 00:13:04 – The Importance of Understanding “Why” 00:14:28 – The Purpose of Church Services 00:19:00 – Faith vs. Knowledge in the Gospel 00:24:01 – The New Covenant vs. Old Covenant 00:27:25 – The Role of Jesus in Salvation 00:28:47 – The Shift Towards Jesus-Centered Worship 00:30:35 – The Importance of Personal Conversion Stories 00:32:51 – The Relationship Between Church and Christ 00:36:20 – The Role of Church Leaders in Focusing on Jesus 00:39:21 – The Concept of Legalism in Faith 00:44:50 – Moving Beyond Legalism to Grace Key Insights The “King” vs. the “Kingdom”: Bushman emphasizes that the church is the vehicle (the kingdom), but Jesus Christ is the destination (the king). A faithful revival occurs when the focus shifts from just belonging to the organization to surrendering to the Savior. Conversion vs. Testimony: A testimony often focuses on the truth of facts (e.g., Joseph Smith was a prophet), whereas true conversion is the decision to stop doing things one’s own way and surrender life to Jesus. The New Covenant of Faith: Bushman clarifies that “faith” in the New Testament is better understood as “trust” or “reliance,” similar to the trust one places in a surgeon. It is an internal change of heart rather than just an outward performance of commandments. Avoiding “Spiritual Autopilot”: Routines, such as the sacrament or repetitive church meetings, can lead to a “spiritual sleep” where members go through the motions without emotional or spiritual connection to God. Regeneration Over Prohibition: True change (regeneration) happens when a person no longer desires to do evil because their heart has been changed by grace, which is more effective than “prohibition” or simply following a list of “don’ts”. Leadership Applications Pattern Interrupts in Meetings: Leaders can revitalize routine ordinances by adding brief, 60-second “pattern interrupts”. For example, a bishop might briefly challenge the ward to think of one specific way to remember the Lord during the upcoming week just before the sacrament is administered. Shifting the “Why” of Meetings: Leaders should evaluate if their meetings are designed to increase knowledge (factoids) or to facilitate a “worship service” that connects individuals with divinity. Focusing on Redemption in Interviews: When working with members on repentance or baptism, John suggests focusing on the member’s commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives rather than just confirming they believe the Church is true. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.