Podcasts about church leadership

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Around the world, churches are working hard to make disciples, lead faithfully, and impact their communities. Yet many leaders are exhausted, relationships are strained, and spiritual growth feels shallow or stalled. Why?In this episode, Pete Scazzero addresses a core truth that often goes unnamed: emotional health is the missing link in the global church. Drawing from his own painful leadership crisis and decades of ministry experience, Pete explains why it's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. He explores how unaddressed emotional issues limit discipleship, distort leadership, and quietly undermine the church's witness—no matter how strong our theology or vision may be.In this conversation, Pete unpacks:Why emotional health is foundational—not optional—to spiritual maturityHow cultural, theological, and leadership blind spots keep the church stuckThe biblical and theological roots of emotionally healthy spiritualityWhat emotionally healthy leadership looks like in real-life ministryHow redefining success can transform churches and communitiesPete challenges leaders to slow down, go beneath the surface, and embrace emotional health as God's pathway to deeper transformation—personally, relationally, and globally.If you long to see a healthier, more Christlike church—and know it must start with you—this episode will reframe how you think about discipleship, leadership, and success.Listen now and take your next step toward building emotionally healthy leaders and churches around the world.▶️ Learn more about Emotionally Healthy Discipleship and spiritual maturity http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/matureThe SEHL is a 16-week online course for leaders who want to deepen their life with Jesus while gaining practical tools to disciple others. Designed to help foster a healthy, sustainable ministry culture, the course includes teaching, guided practices, and small-group conversations, and live Zoom sessions with the EHD team. Apply by February 15 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershipschool/

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Moving Away From ComplexityLeaders Make It Better "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." – John 15:2 (ESV) What is the purpose of pruning… that less… produces more As organizations, ministries, leaders grow, so does complexity. However, complexity is not a necessity. Great leaders make things better—not by adding more, but by doing less, better. As I write this, SpaceX launched its first rocket of the year early this morning. Last year set a record for the number of launches, and this year is already on track to surpass it. SpaceX has pioneered lower-cost rockets that not only launch but return safely to Earth—a concept that was considered impossible just a few years ago. But a team of the best engineers on the planet, paired with a visionary leader willing to attempt the unthinkable, proved the doubters wrong. I recently saw Elon Musk post a picture showing the evolution of their Raptor rocket engines. These engines are ultimately designed to carry humanity to Mars. But to me, the true marvel lies in how each version has been refined. Raptor 1 looked like a tangled mess of wires, tubes, and complexity. It worked, but it was difficult to build, maintain, and reproduce. Raptor 2 was a major step forward—cleaner, more streamlined, and a genuine engineering breakthrough. Yet, the team didn't stop there. Raptor 3, the latest version, is elegant in its simplicity. It's powerful, efficient, and ruthlessly refined— the result of hundreds of intentional decisions to remove what didn't belong and simplify what remained. Elon Musk's team didn't arrive here by accident. They followed a radical but effective design philosophy. "Every requirement is dumb until proven otherwise. Delete it. Simplify. Optimize. Accelerate. Only then do you automate." This isn't just how you build rockets; it's a masterclass in leading toward simplicity. When I arrived at Grace eight years ago, we found over 50 separate ministries operating under the banner of the church. Most were siloed, competing with one another for resources and attention. We made the intentional decision to move from 50 things to four. It was a deliberate shift away from complexity. It's a timeless problem. As organizations grow, complexity inevitably creeps in. Often, it's not bad things, it's good things that no longer serve the mission. Sacred cows. Outdated processes. Organizational comfort zones. If we don't intentionally prune them, we'll never move with the power and speed the Spirit desires. Remember the words of Jesus: "Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." – John 15:2 What Space X Can Teach Leaders 1. Question Everything "Every requirement is dumb until proven otherwise." As leaders, it's our responsibility to question every process, system, and program we engage with. We should consistently ask, "Does this serve the mission?"—until we can either validate it or eliminate it. Why do we hold this meeting? How many of these programs are truly necessary? Can one person do this instead of two? Can this leader handle more responsibility? Why does it take three classes and three months to move someone toward membership? How hard is it to onboard new leaders? Why are we using more than one communication platform? Just because something worked in a past move of God doesn't mean it belongs in the next. 2. Delete, Delete, Delete You can't simplify clutter. Before you simplify, you must eliminate. Craig Groeschel challenges his leaders to keep a "stop doing list" alongside their "to-do list." It's logical—you can't add something new until you remove something old. This year, we made the decision to eliminate our Midweek Fire service to make room for the mission. We asked: Why do we need two weekly services focused on awakening—especially when Sunday is already our strongest and most effective service for that purpose? By removing the Wednesday service, we created space and opportunity for more Grace Groups to meet on campus. That shift better aligns with our vision to train and send. What weekly or monthly meeting can be eliminated or consolidated? What process or system could lose a step or two? What volunteer or leader could be repositioned or reallocated? I promise, you can do more than you think, with less than you think you need. Eliminate what no longer helps people discover life in all its fullness. 3. Clarify What Remains Once something is stripped down to its essential parts, you must then clarify it. Every program, system, activity needs a clear and identifiable win. Every leader needs a clear and simple expectation. Clarity is essential for both mission and movement. What is the win for our Sunday service? What's the expectation for Next Steps? What's the goal of your weekly connection points? What's the purpose of your one-on-one meetings? "Write the vision; make it plain… so that he may run who reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2) Clarity empowers people to run with vision. 4. Accelerate Timeframes What is your big, bold goal for this year? What if you accelerated your timeframe? Instead of going for it slowly over the year, what if you hit it hard for 90 days? Chances are you will not make it… but what if you do? Or how much further will you be along the journey because you accelerated? When you move swiftly and quickly, it might be messy, but it could also be more missional! Remember, the Acts church moved fast because they trusted the Spirit and empowered people. So can we. 5. Automate Last I love automation. This is where systems and programs operate without your constant intervention. However The temptation is to automate first. However if you automate while there is still clutter you will only create confusion. This is why automation is the last step. Today there is a wealth of tools and resources that can steam-line processes, automate tasks and communications. Before you lock them in… make sure that the process has been perfected. Leaders Make It Better This is one of Grace World's 5 Core Leadership Behaviors: Leaders Make It Better. It means we leave things better than we found them. We don't settle for "this is how we've always done it." We treat "it is what it is" like a curse word. We question everything. We eliminate what's unnecessary. We clarify constantly. We move at the speed of the Spirit. And we multiply what matters. As leaders, we take initiative to clear obstacles. We don't wait for someone else to do it. Questions 1. What is one area in your ministry you can simplify this week to make it better? 2. What is a system, step, or sacred cow that needs to be challenged? 3. Where have you settled for the status quo instead of stewarding revival? "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life… so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 Follow Up Questions What is on thing you will STOP doing in the next 30 days? What is one thing you need to SIMIPLIFY in your life immediately? What is one BIG BOLD goal you can SPEED up?

Send us a textPastor Mark talks about Paul's instructions on how young men and women are called to engage the gospel in church and family life.Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

In this unforgettable episode of Simple Faith, host Rusty George sits down with worship leader and storyteller Justin Howard for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation that moves from UFC cages to church pews—and everywhere in between.Justin opens up about his surprising past as a mixed martial arts fighter, dramatic weight loss journey, and growing up as a pastor's kid who almost walked away from faith altogether. Along the way, he shares how music—across every genre imaginable—became a sacred language that shaped his calling, from old hymns and gospel roots to James Taylor, George Jones, Rich Mullins, and beyond.The conversation weaves laughter, nostalgia, and profound moments of vulnerability, including a powerful story of hearing God's voice in the most unexpected place: a UFC gym. Together, Rusty and Justin explore what worship really is, how God meets us through art and emotion, and why faith isn't confined to a stage, a song, or a Sunday service.

James Luedecke -A Roadmap For Identifying Future Church Leadership

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Send us a textIn this sermon podcast, Pastor Eric focuses on Titus 2:1–4 and the surprising way Paul ties healthy teaching to healthy people. Paul moves from appointing elders in chapter 1 to calling older men and older women to carry real weight in the life of the church, not as background characters but as stabilizers and mentors. We unpack what “sound” means in the Greek, how dignity and self-control become a public witness, and why older women are charged to live in a way that fits what is sacred, refusing the patterns that tear others down and instead becoming teachers of what is good. The big idea is simple: the gospel creates a community where maturity is visible, and the older help the younger learn the way of Jesus.Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church shares reflections on a recent prayer retreat with the church's lead team, emphasizing the importance of deepening prayer in ministry. They also address the deeply human side of church leadership, examining the recent confession and retirement of Christian author Philip Yancey due to moral failure and exploring how the church can handle such disappointments while maintaining faith. The conversation emphasizes the critical need to keep our eyes on Jesus and not place our faith wholly in human leaders.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Prayer Retreat Insights01:36 Deep Dive into Prayer Practices03:13 Reflections on Church Direction04:32 Sports Talk and Personal Anecdotes06:20 Philip Yancy's Fall and Reflections11:28 Maintaining Integrity in Ministry13:07 Understanding Pastoral Challenges14:19 Theological Compromises and Liberal Perspectives16:07 Faith and Rationalization

Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church shares reflections on a recent prayer retreat with the church's lead team, emphasizing the importance of deepening prayer in ministry. They also address the deeply human side of church leadership, examining the recent confession and retirement of Christian author Philip Yancey due to moral failure and exploring how the church can handle such disappointments while maintaining faith. The conversation emphasizes the critical need to keep our eyes on Jesus and not place our faith wholly in human leaders.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:43 Prayer Retreat Insights01:36 Deep Dive into Prayer Practices03:13 Reflections on Church Direction04:32 Sports Talk and Personal Anecdotes06:20 Philip Yancy's Fall and Reflections11:28 Maintaining Integrity in Ministry13:07 Understanding Pastoral Challenges14:19 Theological Compromises and Liberal Perspectives16:07 Faith and Rationalization

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares how viewing the family as a team—not a temporary stage of life—can reshape how leaders think about generational impact.00:00 – Welcome to the L3 Leadership Podcast01:00 – Introducing Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams04:00 – Multi-generational families and shared rhythms09:00 – Sabbath dinners, hospitality, and family culture17:00 – The biblical vision for a ruling household26:00 – Generational leadership, wealth, and stewardship36:00 – Why traditional discipleship models struggle45:00 – Making disciples who make disciples55:00 – Church, family, and leadership sustainability1:03:00 – Final thoughts on legacy and long-term impactLinks:

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

The collision between leadership expectations and spiritual formation is a pressing concern that requires careful examination. As we delve into this episode, Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner elucidates the phenomenon wherein expectations solidify more rapidly than leaders can foster spiritual growth within their communities. This discord often leads to heightened pressure as leaders transition from an emphasis on vision to a focus on the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. Dr. Skinner advocates for a deliberate slowing down, urging leaders to prioritize discernment and shared responsibility over immediacy. Through this discourse, we aim to illuminate the significance of healthy leadership that is anchored in faithful formation, thereby equipping pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders to navigate the arduous terrain of growth and change with clarity and intention.When-Expecatons-Collide-with-FormationDr. Skinner, here are clean, ready-to-publish show notes built directly from your transcript and outline. The tone stays pastoral, clear, and grounded in formation rather than hype.––––––––––––––SHOW NOTES––––––––––––––Episode TitleNavigating Leadership in Church PlantingThe Dynamics of Expectations and FormationEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner explores what happens when leadership expectations outpace spiritual formation. Church planters often move from vision-driven energy into people-centered complexity faster than they expect. Expectations harden. Systems form. Pressure increases.Dr. Skinner names this collision honestly. He invites leaders to slow down, clarify formation, and resist urgency. Healthy leadership requires discernment, shared ownership, and faithfulness over speed. Formation does not remove pressure, but it does reshape how leaders carry it.This episode speaks directly to pastors, planters, and ministry leaders navigating growth, resistance, and the quiet cost of change.––––––––––––––KEY TAKEAWAYS––––––––––––––• Expectations harden faster than formation• Leadership pressure shifts from vision to people• Discernment requires time, conversation, and restraint• Systems quickly reinforce what leaders reward• Apostolic leadership disrupts comfort for faithfulness• Formation redistributes responsibility and ownership• Healthy leaders protect margin and resist urgency• Change creates real grief and loss for some followers• Naming shifts clearly builds trust and reduces anxiety• Faithfulness to formation sustains leaders long-term––––––––––––––CHAPTERS––––––––––––––00:00 Introduction to Expectations and Formation03:17 Navigating Leadership Pressures05:14 The Role of Apostolic Leadership08:07 Formation vs. Expectations11:25 The Cost of Leadership Change14:17 Conclusion and Future Insights––––––––––––––SOUND BITES––––––––––––––“Expectations collide with formation.”“Healthy leaders name formation clearly.”“Formation invites others to grow up.”––––––––––––––AUTHORS & LEADERS MENTIONED––––––––––––––Brian ZahndAuthor and pastor known for emphasizing Christ-centered discipleship, nonviolence, and spiritual formation.Recommended works:• Postcards from Babylon• Sinners in the Hands of a Loving GodWebsite:https://brianzahnd.comAlan HirschMissional thinker and leadership strategist focused on apostolic leadership and movement-based church structures.Recommended works:• The Forgotten Ways•...

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Send us a text In this episode of the Village Sermons podcast in Tucson, AZ, Pastor Eric Cepin continues our series through the Letter to Titus: Building a Community That Lasts. Eric explains why Paul urges Titus to appoint elders in Crete, and how faithful leadership brings stability and helps shape a community that stands apart from the surrounding culture. He then walks through the qualifications for elders, emphasizing that Paul isn't only looking for gifted individuals, but for households whose life together is worth following, imitating, and learning from. Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss their personal experiences and reflections on faith, particularly focusing on the significance of the baptism of Jesus and the concept of righteousness. They explore the role of humility in faith, the importance of John the Baptist, and the connection between the Old and New Testament. The conversation also touches on the daily practice of faith, the influence of bishops, and the idea of taking time off for priests.TakeawaysAim for 0.1% improvement each day.Jesus' baptism fulfills righteousness.Peace of Christ surpasses worldly peace.Baptism sanctifies and transforms lives.John the Baptist connects the old and new covenants.Humility is essential in our faith journey.Understanding our struggles can lead to growth.Bishops serve as living apostles in the Church.Regular prayer and sacramental life are vital.The journey of faith is ongoing and requires commitment.Chapters04:27 Exploring the Baptism of the Lord07:57 Understanding Righteousness and Jesus' Baptism11:48 The Role of Humility in Faith19:27 Living Out Righteousness in Daily Life22:41 Engaging with Church Leadership and Community

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Have a few minutes on your drive to work or picking up the kids from school? Tune in for some quick encouragement and wisdom from Rusty as he kicks off Simple Faith in 5.

Send us a text In this Village Sermons episode, Pastor Mark kicks off our new series on Titus by introducing Paul, Titus, the region of Crete, and what Paul was asking Titus to do and prepare for. He invites us to consider where we may be following the Cretan way, and to reflect on who our spiritual parents are and who our spiritual children might be. Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

This is it—the final episode of our partnership with the Church Leadership Institute. It's hard to believe how quickly these years have flown by.In this episode, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson look back on what this collaboration has meant, what we've accomplished together, and where the road leads from here.THIS EPSODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson reflects on starting the podcast during a time of personal transition and describes how the partnership with the Church Leadership Institute began in a providential way.Markus Watson shares that joining the Church Leadership Institute's podcast team was not an answer to a specific prayer, but an unexpected opportunity that resonated with his calling.Tod Bolsinger explains that the Church Leadership Institute started as a place for researching adaptive change while directly working with leaders and practitioners.Leaders benefit most from research that connects theory with real-life contexts, especially in smaller church settings.Churches and leaders need resources that are accessible to smaller congregations, not just large organizations.Tod Bolsinger emphasizes that making adaptive change in smaller churches can feel as difficult as changing one's family of origin.Experimentation, contextual cohorts, and digital platforms proved effective for spreading adaptive leadership resources across diverse church settings.Delivering effective leadership development depends on understanding the specific context of each congregation.You cannot develop adaptive capacity simply by consuming information; leaders must actively practice adaptive work.Tod Bolsinger stresses that you cannot outwork a changing world, highlighting the importance of discernment and adaptability rather than relying solely on hard work.Crisis situations, like the pandemic, require leaders to learn new ways of thinking, rather than applying old solutions to new challenges.Significant changes, such as the rise of telecommuting, political shifts, and technological advances, have rapidly altered the leadership landscape.Tod Bolsinger notes that the main challenge now is developing adaptive capacity in entire congregations, not just among pastors or staff.Developing adaptive discipleship within a congregation requires a shift from programmatic solutions to cultivating a transformative organizational culture.Markus Watson explores experimenting with new podcast formats and continuing conversations with leaders to support spiritual life and leadership growth.Tod Bolsinger charges leaders to embrace a posture of curiosity, prioritizing learning and question-asking over being the “learned expert.”RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Church Leadership InstituteRelated episodes:100. The Spiritual Life of a Leader, with Tod Bolsinger116. Power, Vulnerability, Rest, with Tod Bolsinger144. Is the Church Failing to Make Disciples? with Tod BolsingerSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Get Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Link to the full podcast:https://youtu.be/RwhshyDvGGs?si=3nW_qzHePvOrZqru Description:Dr. Tim Elmore shares lessons from his early years with John Maxwell, who taught him leadership essentials like “off-the-platform charisma” and big-picture thinking. These experiences inspired his passion for developing young leaders. In his book The Future Begins with Z, Elmore explores Generation Z's unique challenges and potential in the workforce, introducing the “Peter Pan paradox”—where their authority rises as maturity lags. He encourages leaders to listen, coach, and view Gen Z as “the sandpaper on my leadership I didn't know I needed,” helping refine and strengthen today's leaders.Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbookDownload The Christian Leader Blueprint – Short Guide (Free): https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprint Take the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment (Free):https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching YouTube and Audio Podcast: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/leaderpodcast Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com#leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentalsSend us a text

Join us beginning this January as we explore how to keep your faith simple in just 5 minutes a day. Not over complicated, simple faith is a great way to start each day. And don't forget to bring a friend!Emmanuel: God with Us in Every MomentOn this Christmas Eve, the traditional hustle slows, offering a moment of quiet reflection. Pastor Rusty takes us on an evocative journey through the scriptures, illustrating God's unwavering presence from Genesis to the birth of Christ in a humble manger. It highlights that God's promise to be 'with us' is alive, not just in historical events but right now, amidst our darkness, ordinariness, and uncertainties. This touching narrative reminds us that Emmanuel, 'God with us,' is a continual promise, even in our everyday struggles and triumphs. As we celebrate the light brought by hope, peace, joy, and love, we're reassured that we are never truly alone. Merry Christmas.00:00 A Quiet Christmas Eve00:26 The Promise of God's Presence01:08 God's Pursuit Through History03:04 The Birth of Jesus05:20 Jesus' Life and Empathy06:20 Emmanuel in Our Lives Today08:24 The Light of Christmas09:52 Final Reflections and Blessings

Join us beginning this January as we explore how to keep your faith simple in just 5 minutes a day. Not over complicated, simple faith is a great way to start each day. And don't forget to bring a friend!Welcome to Simple Christmas with Rusty George!Rediscovering JoyIn this heartfelt episode, we explore the compelling difference between joy and happiness, and why many of us have forgotten what real joy feels like. Drawing from personal anecdotes, biblical references, and practical advice, we reveal the four biggest joy thieves: comparison, expectations, busyness, and guilt. Discover how to tap into enduring joy through gratitude, celebrating small wins, and making a conscious choice to be joyful, regardless of life's circumstances. Join us as we light the joy candle in this week's advent, reminding ourselves that joy flows from a deeper source—Christ—and is accessible to everyone. Next week, we'll delve into the profound subject of how love came down. Keep it simple, and embrace joy.00:00 Introduction: The Illusion of Christmas Joy00:41 Rediscovering True Joy01:36 The Four Joy Thieves04:05 Finding Joy in the Bible06:15 Practical Steps to Rediscover Joy08:35 Conclusion: Choosing JoyAnd don't forget to check out https://PastorRustyGeorge.com for more great sermons, podcasts, and tools to keep your faith simple.

What happens when deconstruction becomes an identity—and woundedness becomes a platform? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with pastor and writer Tara Beth Leach about the growing online ecosystem where deconstruction is monetized, anger is rewarded, and discipleship is often replaced by endless dismantling. Tara Beth shares why she believes some deconstruction is necessary (especially as faith matures), but warns that deconstruction without reconstruction can become a spiral that forms people in cynicism rather than hope. She describes how churches can respond to cultural crises without becoming “statement churches,” why partisan politics becomes idolatrous, and how practices like liturgy and theology formation can subvert polarization and re-form the Christian imagination. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why online deconstruction and local church reality are often very different The danger of mistaking deconstruction for discipleship How algorithms reward outrage and shape Christian formation Why Gen Z is often hungry for embodied, communal faith Liturgy and slow formation as a pastoral response in a divided age The difference between charisma and character—and what churches celebrate Supporting women in ministry: why men often “call out” people who look like them Tara Beth's “G.R.E.A.T.” morning prayer practice and her book The Great Morning Revolution   Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher of the Word, and writer. She speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across the country on Women in Ministry, Church Leadership, and the call to be a Radiant Witness. She is the Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, IL and previously served at Christ Church in Oakbrook and as Senior Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (”PazNaz”) in SoCal. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Northern Theological Seminary and has authored three books, including Emboldened and Radiant Church. Tara Beth is the co-founder of Propel Ecclesia and is also the co-host of The Pastors Table podcast. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.   Mentioned Resources:

Send us a textToday, I welcome back a great friend of the show—ethicist, professor, pastor, and prolific author, Dr. David Gushee. Over the years, David and I have talked through several of his groundbreaking works: The Moral Teachings of Jesus, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies, Introducing Christian Ethics, and After Evangelicalism. But today, we're returning to the book that started a movement—Changing Our Mind—a book that, remarkably, has never stopped selling since its first release ten years ago.Industry veteran David Crumm recently reminded us that fewer than 1 percent of all books ever reach 40,000 copies sold. Most don't even hit 2,000. And yet Changing Our Mind continues to travel—passed hand to hand, heart to heart—because people still need it. David tells me he receives messages every week from readers whose lives have been transformed. That kind of impact is rare.We're diving into the story behind this book: what prompted David to write it, the initial response, and the personal price he paid. Lost invitations, Christian booksellers who wouldn't carry his work, and critics who lined up to condemn him. But also, we talk about the courage of those who dared to praise the book—and the remarkable stories that have come back from readers.We'll explore the deep divides in today's church—the boardroom wrestling matches, the “holy haters,” and the rise of Christian nationalism. And, in this Advent season, we'll ask: What needs to come to an end? And what new future are we longing for?We'll also hear what David is working on now, what he's seeing in the classroom, and what he hopes for in 2026. Join us!SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Join us beginning this January as we explore how to keep your faith simple in just 5 minutes a day. Not over complicated, simple faith is a great way to start each day. And don't forget to bring a friend!Life can often feel overwhelming with constant notifications, the demands of work, and family obligations. Many of us equate peace with having no problems, but life doesn't work that way. Control over circumstances doesn't bring peace; it brings chaos. The peace offered by the world is conditional and fragile, but the peace Jesus offers transcends circumstances. Jesus' peace, referred to as 'shalom,' represents wholeness, completeness, and harmony. This peace doesn't eliminate chaos but sustains us within it. To experience this peace, one must surrender control, stay present, and seek God's presence. The peace of God guards our hearts and minds, acting as a sentinel against anxiety and fear. As we light the second Advent candle, the candle of peace, we remember that Jesus came to be our peace in imperfect situations.00:00 The Chaos of Modern Life00:50 Redefining Peace02:32 Jesus' Promise of Peace03:38 The Meaning of Shalom04:24 Experiencing Peace in the Storm05:19 Practices to Cultivate Peace07:42 Conclusion: Embracing Peace

Welcome to Simple Christmas with Rusty George!The Purpose of Waiting: Discovering Hope in the Waiting RoomIn this episode, Pastor Rusty George explores the discomfort and frustration commonly associated with waiting. Drawing parallels from everyday life and biblical examples, he delves into how waiting is a crucial part of our faith journey. He illustrates how figures like Abraham, Joseph, and David underwent prolonged periods of waiting that ultimately deepened their trust, refined their character, and redirected their futures. Pastor George emphasizes that waiting is not wasted time but a period of divine preparation. He offers practical advice on maintaining hope through trust in God, staying connected to community, and serving others. The episode ties in the significance of the Advent season, highlighting the 'candle of hope' as a symbol of confident expectation based on God's proven track record. As we navigate our own periods of waiting, Pastor George reassures us that we are not alone; God is with us, filling us with joy and peace.00:00 Introduction: The Agony of Waiting00:27 The Biblical Perspective on Waiting01:18 Modern Culture's Impatience01:45 Personal Struggles and Lessons Learned02:29 Biblical Examples of Waiting03:32 God's Purpose in the Waiting05:56 Practical Steps to Embrace Waiting08:36 Conclusion: Hope in the Waiting