Podcasts about church leadership

In this episode of Dear Church, Chris sits down with Jeremy Weekley, preaching minister at the West End Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN, and co-host of the Not Just Sundays podcast. Together, they dive into the biblical role of shepherds (elders) in the church and what it truly means to shepherd God's people. They discuss the heart of leadership, the responsibilities of elders, and how shepherding strengthens the church family.   Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch   Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/ ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight   Have a question? Email Chris at chris.mccurley@rippleoflight.com.   #DearChurchPodcast #ShepherdingTheSheep #ChurchLeadership #EldersInTheChurch #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchMinistry #FaithAndLeadership #BiblicalTeaching #Discipleship #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianLiving #PastoralCare #FaithPodcast #ChristianCommunity

On the Church Lobby podcast, Karl Vaters asked me for the best piece of advice I have received as a pastor. Here's what a wise mentor told me that changed my leadership style.  Check out the video version of this conversation.  Leaders can individualize their care for those around them by slowing down. Here's another conversation I had with Karl on this topic. You may also be interested in my full interview on The Church Lobby podcast. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Clinical psychologist Alexis Abernethy explores burnout, Sabbath rest, and resilience—reframing rest as spiritual practice for individuals and communities.“For me, it's knowing that the Lord has made me as much to work as much to be and to be still and know that he is God.”On this episode, clinical psychologist Alexis Abernethy (Fuller Seminary) joins Macie Bridge to discuss burnout, Sabbath, worship, mental health, and resilience in the life of the church. Defining burnout through its dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of accomplishment, Abernethy reflects on how church life can intensify these dynamics even as it seeks to heal them. Drawing from scripture, theology, psychology, and her own experience in the Black church and academic worlds, she reorients us to Sabbath as more than self-care: a sacred practice of being still before God. Sabbath, she argues, is not a quick fix but a preventive rhythm that sustains resilience in leaders and congregations alike. Along the way, she points to the necessity of modeling rest, the impact of daily and weekly spiritual rhythms, and the communal posture that makes Sabbath transformative.Episode Highlights“For me, it's knowing that the Lord has made me as much to work as much to be and to be still and know that he is God.”“Often people have overextended themselves in face of crises, other circumstances over a period of time, and it's just not really sustainable, frankly, for anyone.”“We act as if working hard and excessively is dutiful and really what the Lord wants—but that's not what He wants.”“When you are still with the Lord, you look different when you're active.”“Sabbath rest allows you to literally catch your own breath, but also then be able to see what the congregation needs.”Helpful Links and ResourcesThat Their Work Will Be a Joy, Kurt Frederickson & Cameron LeeHoward Thurman, Meditations of the HeartEmily Dickinson, “Some Keep the Sabbath” (Poetry Foundation)About Alexis AbernethyAlexis Abernethy is a clinical psychologist and professor in the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary. Her research explores the intersection of spirituality and health, with particular focus on Christian spirituality, church leadership, and group therapy models.Topics and ThemesBurnout in Church Leadership and Congregational LifeDefining Burnout: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Reduced AccomplishmentSpiritual Misconceptions of Work and DutySabbath as Sacred Rest, Not Just Self-CareSilence, Stillness, and the Presence of GodScriptural Foundations for Sabbath: Psalm 23, Psalm 46, John 15The Role of Pastors in Modeling RestPandemic Lessons for Church Rhythms and ParticipationEmily Dickinson and Creative Visions of SabbathResilience Through Sabbath: Lessons from New Orleans PastorsPractical Practices for Sabbath in Everyday LifeShow NotesExodus 20:8-11: 8 Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10 But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it.Opening framing on burnout, Sabbath, and confusion about self-careIntroduction of Alexis Abernethy, her background as psychologist and professorChildhood in a lineage of Methodist pastors and formative worship experiencesEarly academic path: Howard University, UC Berkeley, affirmation from her fatherDefining burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced accomplishment“I'm just stuck. I used to enjoy my job.”The church as both source of fulfillment and site of burnoutMisconceptions of spirituality equating overwork with dutyReference: That Their Work Will Be a Joy (Frederickson & Lee)Scriptural reflections: Psalm 23, Psalm 46, John 15Stillness, quiet, and Howard Thurman on solitude“When you are still with the Lord, you look different when you're active.”Sabbath as sacred rest, not a quick fix or pillPastors modeling Sabbath for congregations, including personal family timeCOVID reshaping church rhythms and recalculating commitment costsEmily Dickinson's poem “Some Keep the Sabbath”Lessons from New Orleans pastors after Hurricane KatrinaSabbath as resilience for leaders and congregationsPractical steps: scripture meditation, playlists, Lectio Divina, cultivating quietClosing invitation: Sabbath as both individual discipline and community postureProduction NotesThis podcast featured Alexis AbernethyInterview by Macie BridgeEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Alexa Rollow and Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

In this episode of Simple Faith, Pastor Rusty George sits down with Jim Dalrymple, Executive Vice President of College Advancement and Professor of New Testament at Ozark Christian College. Together, they unpack how spiritual growth doesn't have to be complicated. With wisdom from years of teaching and ministry, Jim shares practical ways to deepen your walk with God, build lasting habits of faith, and keep your focus on what truly matters. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of “growing spiritually,” this conversation will encourage and equip you to take simple, meaningful steps toward a stronger faith.

Samantha Carwyn is a graduate of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, where she earned a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Social Transformation and Church Leadership. Her thesis, Finding Sacred Inherent Worth Despite Adultification & Misogynoir, explores the intersections of gender, race, and the societal expectations placed on Black women. She is currently in care for ordination with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. In her community, Samantha engages in transformative resistance through education, storytelling, and artivism. As a public theologian, she is committed to building bridges between the church, academia, and everyday people to cultivate meaningful conversations. Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/2025-carpenter-cohorts-summer Visit Samantha Carwyn: https://carwyncollaboration.com/home/  

In this episode, Cyndee Ownbey interviews women's ministry leader Dee Humphrey. Dee is a seasoned ministry leader in Northeast Oklahoma and one of the key note speakers for the upcoming Faithful Conference. You'll hear how Dee's journey to leadership wasn't a straight path, including stories of wrestling with insecurity, running from God's call, and ultimately surrendering to serve.The conversation is packed with practical tips and creative event ideas, from building intergenerational connections through baking nights to hosting large community outreach events like their popular “Pursuit Event.” Dee shares her church's intentional approach to discipleship, the importance of grounding every activity in prayer, and her passionate commitment to raising up the next generation of ministry leaders.Whether you're a new women's ministry leader or have been serving for years, you'll find encouragement, wisdom, and plenty of actionable strategies to help your ministry grow and thrive. So grab your notebook—you're bound to walk away with fresh inspiration for serving the women in your church!Transcript available here - https://womensministrytoolbox.com/womens-ministry-leader-interview-with-dee-humphrey/Mentioned in this episode:Real-Life Discipleship by Jim Putman (affiliate) https://amzn.to/3Ia0cvNRoad Trip Icebreaker Game https://womensministrytoolbox.com/road-trip-icebreaker-game/Fellowship Devotional https://womensministrytoolbox.com/rethinking-fellowship-for-womens-ministry-what-is-fellowship/Unseen Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unseen-leadership/id1465767766Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail Website – https://womensministrytoolbox.com/ Online Store – https://womensministrytoolboxshop.com/ Online Training – https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/ Women's Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolboxYou can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email (cyndee@womensministrytoolbox.com).

In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Brian Hofmeister, founding pastor of Lakepoint Church in Muskego, Wisconsin. Brian shares the powerful story of how his church moved from a single church plant to becoming a multiplying, sending church. Key themes include: How a church of any size can invest in multiplication from the beginning Why Lakepoint committed 10% of its budget to future church plants—even in its early years Lessons learned from developing residents and sending planters during the COVID-19 pandemic A compelling vision for shared church family identity, including joint baptism services How to embed multiplication into your church's DNA and avoid burnout as a sending pastor Whether you're a new church planter, a pastor of an established congregation, or someone investing in church planting, Brian's practical wisdom will challenge and inspire you to think beyond your walls.

Breaking the Silence: Why Pastors and Entrepreneurs Need Each OtherJoin host Justin Forman for an enlightening conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and former lead pastor, as they tackle one of the most important conversations in the modern church: bridging the gap between pastors and entrepreneurs. From his unique perspective of having served in both pastoral ministry and entrepreneurial ventures, Carey reveals why there's mutual intimidation between these two groups and how churches can unleash the untapped potential of their entrepreneurial members.This episode explores the crisis of community in entrepreneurship, why 50% of retired CEOs die within two years, and how churches possess the "convening power" to create lasting connections. Carey shares practical insights from leading churches that are successfully engaging their business leaders beyond "handing out programs and parking cars."Key Topics:The entrepreneurial isolation crisis: Why there's "no default community" for business leadersMutual intimidation: Why pastors feel inadequate around entrepreneurs and vice versaThe spiritual gift of entrepreneurship: Learning from the Apostle Paul's business modelMoving beyond volunteer tasks to meaningful engagement for high-capacity leadersHow churches can serve as "incubators" for Kingdom-minded business venturesThe difference between "real friends" and "deal friends" in entrepreneurial communitiesPractical steps for pastors to start entrepreneur-focused ministriesNotable Quotes:"I think for entrepreneurs, there's no default community. You're on your own. It's sort of the hero's journey. You start by yourself, that pioneer spirit. Within two years of retiring as a CEO, 50% of CEOs are dead." - Carey Nieuwhof"Pastors are thinking, I don't make a million dollars a year like I haven't got staff and employees like you do. I don't feel like I measure up, and I don't know, I've talked to so many pastors who are like, I know this guy or woman could give $3 million I'm terrified of making the ask." - Carey Nieuwhof"You've got some in your church, and they don't know how to contribute, and they're feeling alone and they're feeling isolated." - Carey Nieuwhof

*How do you lead change when you don't know where you are going (yet)? * Today I sit down with Brian Miller, a change management expert from Coach Approach Ministries, to talk about adaptive change. Adaptive change is when you know something needs to change, but you don't yet know what the solution is. It's not just fixing a broken pipe—it's realizing the whole plumbing system might need to be rethought. It's the kind of change that requires people to shift their values, beliefs, and behaviors, not just learn a new skill. And that's why it's hard—because it's not just about doing something different, it's about becoming someone different. When you lead this kind of change, the danger isn't just that people leave—it's that they check out. So Brian focuses on the following things: keep the pace people can handle, invite them into shaping the vision, really listen to the voices of concern, and anchor the change in habits and identity. That way, people don't just stick around—they stay engaged in the mission. [00:01] Meet Brian Miller: Coach and Consultant [01:26] The Three Cs: Character, Competence, Chemistry [03:23] Brian's Journey: From Sunday School to Seminary [08:51] Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving World [17:58] Adaptive Change: Technical vs. Adaptive Challenges [25:04] Technical vs. Adaptive Change [25:12] Regulating the Heat of Change [29:13] Handling Rebellion and Sabotage [30:38] Giving Work Back to the People [31:23] Inspiring a Shared Vision [35:20] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leadership [38:48] Protecting Early Warning Voices [43:21] Anchoring Change in New Habits [45:22] Final Thoughts and Encouragement Don't forget to check out Coach Approach Ministries (https://coachapproachministries.org/)and Canoeing the Mountains (https://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Mountains-Tod-Bolsinger-audiobook/dp/B07577663C/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.y0UKg_lXjksDZZikI57NlA.yE9VZlIV-cZb049tsUOBTJIo0pZRolEKz083U-bbSbQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=9780830873876&linkCode=qs&qid=1755105120&s=books&sr=1-1)! For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

Jeff Burningham grew up in Spokane, Washington, served a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Brigham Young University. A serial entrepreneur, Jeff has founded multiple companies in real estate technology and venture capital. He has also served in various church callings, including as a bishop and in a stake presidency. Jeff is a father of four, a proud grandfather, and the author of The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Links The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI Stepping Up to Leadership Opportunities | An Interview with Jeff Burningham Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Jeff discusses his book, emphasizing the importance of human wisdom in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. He argues that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the essence of human connection and community. He encourages church leaders to focus on being rather than doing, fostering genuine relationships within their congregations. The conversation explores how disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution shape both personal and collective journeys in the age of AI. Jeff highlights the need for leaders to embrace change with love and grace, ultimately guiding their communities toward deeper connections and understanding. 00:03:49 - Jeff's Background Jeff shares his personal background, including his entrepreneurial journey and church leadership experience. 00:06:17 - The Essence of the Book Exploration of the book's focus on human wisdom versus AI capabilities. 00:07:45 - The Risks of AI Discussion on the potential dangers of outsourcing humanity to machines. 00:09:56 - AI and Religion The impact of AI on religious practices and the importance of human connection. 00:10:14 - Disruption, Reflection, Transformation, Evolution Overview of the book's structure and the significance of each section. 00:12:02 - Reforming Religion in the Age of AI The need for religious organizations to adapt to the challenges posed by AI. 00:14:11 - Community Experience in Sunday School Reframing the Sunday School experience as a community-building opportunity rather than just knowledge transfer. 00:16:00 - The Importance of Human Connection Emphasizing the need for genuine human interaction in a technology-driven world. 00:21:07 - Bringing Being into Doing Encouragement for leaders to focus on their presence and authenticity in interactions. 00:23:16 - The Role of AI in Church Discussion on how AI can be used as a tool without replacing the human element in lessons and talks. 00:30:29 - Pattern Breakers The significance of individuals who challenge norms and encourage growth within communities. 00:34:50 - Disruption as a Constant Understanding disruption as a natural part of life and leadership. 00:40:10 - Reflection After Disruption The importance of taking time to reflect on disruptions and learn from them. 00:46:22 - Transformation Through Reflection How reflection leads to personal and collective transformation in the face of change. 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,

Join us at Newlife Foursquare Church as Pastor Brandon kicks off our New series. Pastor Brandon gives a brief overview of the upcoming series on Church leadership and the gifts that are needed for a healthy church.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the complexities of church leadership and personal faith with a heartfelt discussion led by our host. She reflects on her journey of leaving the Lighthouse Church alongside her husband, addressing the challenges they faced and the reactions from the congregation. The conversation delves into the importance of biblical teachings, the impact of leadership decisions, and the need for transparency within the church community. Join us as we navigate these sensitive topics and seek understanding amidst the turmoil.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat about how to lead from all levels of church life, how to lead in difficult situations and we also get a little more sentimental than usual—consider yourself warned.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Church” with freedom stories from our believers, as they shared how they got back on track with God. We then had Colin Smith join us as we talked about the centrality of the Bible and the importance of teaching the Bible in the church. Colin Smith is Senior Pastor Emeritus of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church. He is also the founder and teacher of the long-time, daily radio program, Open the Bible, which airs weekday mornings on Moody Radio at 9 am CT. He has also written several books, including “Fly Through the Bible: A Brief Introduction.” We then had Dr. Wayne Grudem join us to talk about systematic theology. Dr. Grudem serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He has also written several books, including “Systematic Theology.” Then Lyle Wells and Kat Armstrong joined us to share what toxic leadership looks like in the church. Lyle is a respected leader, pastor, executive coach, and speaker in Christian leadership circles. He is also President of Integrus Leadership and has mentored thousands of Kingdom-minded leaders, equipping them with practical, faith-driven resources to strengthen their leadership. Kat is a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, Director of Marketing at Integres Leadership, and podcast host. Both Lyle and Kat wrote a book called “Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus.” We then had Karl Vaters join us to discuss the spiritual impact of smaller churches. Karl has served in a small church ministry for over 40 years and has gained hands-on pastoral experience. He also hosts a biweekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith and Ministry. He has also written several books, including “Small Church Essentials.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Freedom Stories (How I Got Back on Track with God) [ 03:53 ] Colin Smith Interview (Centrality of the Word) [ 30:55 ] Dr. Wayne Grudem interview (Systematic Theology) [ 45:44 ] Lye Wells and Kat Armstrong (Identifying Toxic Church Leadership) [01:01:17 ] Karl Vaters (Small Churches) [01:15:46 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simple Faith, Pastor Rusty George sits down with Joey Odom, founder of Aro—a company dedicated to helping families find freedom from phone addiction and rediscover meaningful connection. Joey shares practical insights and simple strategies to help you and your kids break free from unhealthy phone habits and create space for what matters most. If you've ever struggled to set boundaries with technology or wished your family spent more time together without screens, this conversation will inspire and equip you to take the next step.Website:Joey Odom | Aro - Praxis Labshttps://www.praxislabs.org › people › joey-odomInstagram: Joey OdomInstagram · joey.odom820+ followersLinkedIn:Joey Odom - Keynote Speaker on Intentional Tech UseLinkedIn · Joey Odom2.3K+ followers

In this episode, Dean Yoder shares his transformative journey from being a firefighter to a pastor, and now navigating life after stepping away from traditional church leadership. He discusses the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the challenges of church mergers, and the pressure of maintaining traditional church expectations. Dean emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in his spiritual growth and the need for obedience to God's calling, even amidst uncertainty. He reflects on the guilt of leaving a pastoral role and the ongoing process of discovering his purpose in the kingdom of God.

Transitions in ministry leadership can make or break an organization. Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com in a conversation with Steve Woodworth, CEO of Masterworks as they unpack the secrets to a successful ministry succession and how leaders can pass the baton with wisdom and humility. Whether you are a pastor, board member, ministry founder, or nonprofit CEO, these insights will help you navigate leadership change with confidence. Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

What does it mean to lead the church toward vitality in a time of disruption, decline, and shifting cultural landscapes? In this episode, Loren sits down with Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., President of Phillips Theological Seminary.  Recorded live at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this conversation explores how seminaries and congregations alike can foster authentic belonging, support diverse pathways into ministry, and reimagine theological education for the future. Doug reflects on his first six months at Phillips, the seminary's bold tuition initiative, and the vision behind Bedford House—a new space designed to embody belonging for marginalized and underrepresented communities. He also shares his hopes for how churches can model unity and reconciliation in a divided world. Topics include: Why belonging must come before believing for new generations How Bedford House embodies Phillips Seminary's commitment to inclusion The challenges and opportunities of rural and small-church ministry Alternative pathways into ministry beyond the traditional M.Div. Why theological education must adapt without losing its core formation The role of social justice engagement in calling new leaders Dr. Powe's hopes for the church in an age of disruption and division   Rev. F. Douglas Powe Jr., PhD is President of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Okla., where he leads the seminary in its work toward deep learning, faithful leadership and global impact. An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, Dr. Powe is a respected scholar, teacher, and author whose work explores congregational vitality, urban ministry, and innovative approaches to evangelism. Before leading Phillips, he served as Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary. His books include Sustaining While Disrupting, The Adept Church, and Transforming Evangelism. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and Emory's Graduate Division of Religion, Dr. Powe is widely sought after for his insights on faith, leadership, and the changing ministry environment.   Mentioned Resources:

Catalyst Church NWA Pastor Nate Sweeney (Lead Pastor)

When life feels overwhelming, how do you find peace and clarity? In this episode of Simple Faith, Pastor Rusty George sits down with Pastor and author Damian Boyd, the mind behind The Gospel Challenge Devotional. Damian opens up about what it means to hold on to simplicity when everything around you seems chaotic.They discuss practical ways to anchor your faith during a crisis, why returning to the basics of the Gospel changes everything, and how you can experience true hope even in uncertain times. Whether you're in a personal storm or simply want to strengthen your foundation, this conversation will encourage and equip you.Website: https://www.damianlboyd.com

Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox apologists argue, and train others to argue, that their churches are the true church because they've kept an unbroken line of truth through their traditions. But is this true? History and scripture reveal a very different story - that these two major religions have very little to do with the Early Church. * 00:00 - Introduction * 07:43 - Church Leadership* 40:51 - Priesthood* 49:03 - Prayer* 54:55 - Subordinationism* 1:13:44 - Eschatology* 1:47:09 - Praying to the Dead/Praying for the Dead* 2:06:55 - Iconoclasm* 2:20:00 - Purgatory* 2:25:50 - Cosmology* 2:29:18 - Baptism* 2:36:06 - The Eucharist* 2:50:02 - Salvation * 3:08:51 - Scripture* 3:19:29 - The Sabbath* 3:36:16 - Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danceoflife.com/subscribe

What do you do when ministry collides with real life—tragedy, grief, and the questions no textbook ever prepared you for? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reconnects with Mark Fisher, one of his first Campus Life students, to explore some of the hardest lessons learned in youth ministry and beyond. From serving as a chaplain near the Texas-Mexico border, to walking through cancer, loss, and tragedy, to pastoring and parenting through deep personal heartbreak, Mark's journey is both raw and inspiring. Together, Doug and Mark unpack: ✅ The role of faith in seasons of loss. ✅ Why youth workers must address the spiritual crisis behind today's mental health crisis. ✅ How Campus Life and para-church ministries shaped a generation of students and leaders. ✅ The importance of partnering with parents—not just students—in ministry. ✅ Scriptures that sustain leaders when burnout, grief, or doubt hit hard (Matthew 11, Mark 9, Matthew 8). ✅ Why youth pastors matter so deeply—because for many kids, you are the church they think of first. This heartfelt conversation will remind every youth pastor, volunteer, mentor, or parent that while ministry is never easy, the seeds you plant may grow into eternal impact—even if you don't see the fruit for years.

Natalie Runion returns to Shifting Culture with her new book I Don't Even Like Women: And Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood. Behind the provocative title is a deeper story: how the church has too often handed women scripts of competition, gossip, and scarcity and how those scripts can be rewritten into something truer and freer. In this conversation, we talk about identity, trust, and the work of forgiveness. We explore what women's ministry has been, and what it could become when collaboration replaces competition, when community is rooted in abundance, and when Jesus' vision of sacred sisterhood begins to take hold. This isn't just about women's ministry. It's about how all of us, men and women, learn to build communities that dignify rather than diminish.Natalie Runion is the USA Today bestselling author of Raised to Stay and The House That Jesus Built, as well as the creator of the Raised to Stay Community (@raisedtostay). She lives in Kentucky with her husband, Tony, and their two daughters, where they work together to provide training to leaders in pursuit of a healthy church.Natalie's Book:I Don't Even Like WomenNatalie's Recommendations:Becoming the Pastor's WifeCrushing ChaosSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowSubscribe today at shiftingculture.substack.com Support the show

In this episode, Christopher and Kathryn of Daughters of the King share their personal journey of leaving their church and the challenges they faced in the process. They delve into the reasons behind their decision to walk away from a community they once cherished, discussing the importance of biblical teachings and the struggles with leadership that led to their departure. This candid conversation reveals their quest for truth and the emotional toll it has taken on their lives. The prophecies about prodigals. Christopher & Kathrn discuss 4 prophecies that are from 4 days of prophecy. August 15, 2025; August 16, 2025; August 18, 2025; & August 24, 2025. August 15, 2025 - https://lighthousechurchinc.org/2025/08/15/fresh-word-lost-souls-august-15-2025-evangelist-pastor-barbara/ August 16, 2025 - https://lighthousechurchinc.org/2025/08/16/fresh-word-august-16-2025-evangelist-pastor-barbara/ August 18, 2025 - https://lighthousechurchinc.org/2025/08/18/fresh-word-august-18-2025-evangelist-pastor-barbara/ August 24, 2025 - https://lighthousechurchinc.org/2025/08/24/fresh-word-3-august-24-2025-evangelist-pastor-barbara/ Where is the truth?

This week, we will be studying Titus 3:1-11 under the theme “He Saved Us. We Respond Appropriately.” God's people need reminders to do good. Our flesh doesn't want to do good, and frankly, sometimes we do the "right things" but for very unhealthy reasons. Paul reminds Timothy to teach people to do good for the right reason.Series Summary: Titus is Paul's no-nonsense blueprint for planting gospel-centered churches in hard places—starting with strong leadership and sound doctrine. Written to a young pastor on the wild island of Crete, this letter shows how truth and character shape a church's credibility in a corrupt culture. In this series, we'll dive into why healthy doctrine isn't just for theologians, and why godly leaders are essential for a church that wants to make a lasting impact.How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayersFill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcardIf you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

The August 25th Monday Minute is here! Listen in for a minute of encouragement and thoughts that didn't make it into the weekly sermon from Pastor Rusty. Tune in now!

Relationships are messy and that's by design. In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Chris, Jacob, and Jessie dive into why conflict isn't something to avoid but a key part of how God shapes us in community. From roller derby and MMA stories to real-life church leadership challenges, they unpack how healthy conflict can actually strengthen relationships, clarify communication, and deepen discipleship.Together they explore:Why conflict doesn't always come from sin but from being humanHow to engage disagreements in ways that lead to growth, not divisionThe biblical framework of the fivefold ministry and the “messiness in the design”Practical ways to see the other person as a teammate instead of an enemyIf you've ever wrestled with conflict in your marriage, church, or community and wondered how to navigate it faithfully, this conversation offers both challenge and encouragement for the journey.ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively. ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN   Podcast Show Notes: The Future of Church Leadership with Josh Howerton and Chris Kuti Guests: Josh Howerton (Senior Pastor) and Chris Kuti (Worship Pastor) from LakePoint Church Hosts: Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer from Churchfront Key Topics Discussed AI in Ministry (00:02:15) Josh's approach: Uses ChatGPT weekly for sermon prep as a "high-powered research assistant" Prompt strategy: "Give me 20 interesting facts about [passage] that are historical, cultural, theological, archeological, linguistic, or biblical that most Christians wouldn't know" Chris's usage: Meeting organization, content creation, voice conversations during drives Key principle: Use AI as a tool that serves you, don't serve the tool Important caveat: Always fact-check AI outputs - they can be wrong up to 17% of the time Church Technology Criticism (00:58:22) The "negative world" concept by Aaron Renn - cultural shift from positive to neutral to negative perception of Christianity Common criticisms: "Tax the churches," "Money should go to the poor" Biblical response: Only Judas complained about expensive things being used to honor Jesus Economic reality: Larger churches often spend lower percentages on tech than smaller churches due to economy of scale Technology costs: Modern equipment costs significantly less than in the early 2000s Social Media Strategy (00:12:38) Initial resistance: Reformed background's "theologized cynicism" toward self-promotion The turning point: People spend 16-18 hours/week on social media hearing secular perspectives "Air war vs. Ground war": Ground war = traditional discipleship, Air war = cultural engagement Digital Areopagus: Social media as the modern equivalent of where Paul engaged culture in Athens Current following growth: From 20-40k to significantly larger audience through strategic content Worship Pastor Turnover Crisis (01:26:06) Root causes identified: Getting into ministry for wrong reasons (seeking bigger stages/record deals) Senior pastors hiring for talent over pastoral gifting Lack of pastoral development and broader leadership responsibilities "Warm up the crowd" mentality rather than true pastoral partnership Solutions proposed: Hire character first, develop competency Give worship pastors genuine pastoral responsibilities Focus on being pastors who happen to use music Create long-term development paths Hiring and Leadership Development (00:36:29) Key principle: "Always bet on leadership" over pure talent Character evaluation: Look at family life as indicator of leadership capacity "Hire slow, fire fast" - don't ignore red flags in interviews Vision alignment: Ensure worship leaders can come under senior pastor's vision Josh's story: Had to fire a worship leader after 5 weeks for vision misalignment Succession Planning (00:45:13) LakePoint's success factors: Outgoing pastor (Steve Stroop) "left campground clean" - addressed problems before transition Incoming pastor honored what came before rather than dismissing it 70% credit to predecessor, 30% to successor for smooth transition Key advice for incoming leaders: Honor those who built what you inherited Watch your pace in first year - observe more than you act Win relationships and excel on stage Don't make major changes without building equity first Staying Humble While Growing (00:52:54) Key relationships: Spouse who believes in you but isn't impressed by you Hire up: Surround yourself with people more talented than you Find joy in others' wins: Move from taking all the shots to giving others opportunities Dave Stone's wisdom: "Don't let praise go to your head, don't let criticism go to your heart" Josh's perspective: Staying confident is often harder than staying humble Future Ministry Vision (01:08:27) Chris's focus: Leadership pipeline development - never having to post job openings Josh's project: "Discipleship at scale" through vertically aligned content delivery Core principle: "We're in the disciple business, not the events business" Technology integration: Purpose-built app to connect sermon, podcast, reading plans, and groups Quotable Moments "If you find yourself on team Judas, get a different team." - Josh on criticizing church spending "Two visions create division." - Chris on worship pastor alignment "Don't let praise go to your head and don't let criticism go to your heart." - Dave Stone's advice "We're not in the events business, we're in the disciple business." - Josh on ministry focus "The loudest boos come from the cheapest seats." - Josh on handling criticism Action Items for Church Leaders Experiment with AI as a research and content creation tool while maintaining proper oversight Evaluate your hiring process - prioritize character and leadership potential over pure talent Assess succession planning - are you preparing for healthy transitions? Review social media strategy - consider it as cultural engagement rather than self-promotion Examine technology spending through economy of scale lens rather than raw dollar amounts Develop internal leadership pipelines rather than constantly hiring externally Align all ministry elements toward discipleship rather than just events Resources Mentioned ChatGPT/Grok for AI assistance Stream Deck for video production control Canon C80 cameras for podcast production Aaron Renn's "Negative World" essay Apple Maps analogy for leadership transitions Connect with Guests LakePoint Church: [Church website/social media] Josh Howerton: [Social media handles] Chris Kuti: [Social media handles] This episode was recorded at LakePoint Church's broadcast studio. Special thanks to Blaine for the viral video content and Carlos for the social media strategy insights mentioned during the conversation.

What story are you living in? In this episode, Trevin Wax joins me to explore how the church can root itself more deeply in the story of Scripture. We talk about The Gospel Way Catechism, the ancient practice of catechesis, and why discipleship is more than just memorizing truths - it's learning to walk in the way of Jesus. Along the way, Trevin shares why true freedom is found in submission to God, how cultural narratives like the American Dream can subtly reshape our faith, and why the global church is vital for our own spiritual health. This conversation invites us to reexamine the stories shaping us and to rediscover the flourishing life Jesus offers.Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism.Trevin's Book:The Gospel Way CatechismTrevin's Recommendation:The Years of Lyndon JohnsonSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowSubscribe today at shiftingculture.substack.com Support the show

In this episode of the Hybrid Ministry Show, we're unpacking a proven event evaluation strategy for youth ministry that will help you actually improve your events instead of just surviving them. Learn how to run a productive post-event debrief using a 3-question framework that works for digital and in-person debrief meetings alike. Plus, get access to a sample evaluation form, hear a big announcement, and upgrade your fall youth ministry strategy with intentional feedback tools.

Send us a textEp 349 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/349Have you ever had a quiet nudge from God but felt unsure about where it might lead?That's where Julie Fowler found herself 25 years ago. In the middle of grief and loss, with more questions than answers, she said a simple yes to starting something she needed: a community of support and a space to hold the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss.What began as a few women gathering at church has grown into a long-standing ministry that now supports couples across the country through biblical encouragement, small group resources, and compassionate leadership.In this conversation, Julie and I talk about how God can use what feels like the most tender, painful part of our story and turn it into a source of hope and healing for others.This episode will remind you:✨ How God can transform your struggles into meaningful ministry 

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, confusing, and impossible to overcome—but what if it could be made simple? In this episode of Simple Faith, Pastor Rusty George sits down with therapist Matthew LaGrange to unpack practical ways to understand and manage anxiety.With years of experience helping people navigate mental health, Matthew brings wisdom, clarity, and encouragement for anyone who feels stuck in worry or fear. Together, he and Rusty explore how faith and therapy can work hand-in-hand to bring peace in the middle of life's stress.Whether you struggle with anxiety yourself or want to better support someone who does, this conversation offers hope—and a simpler path forward.

Join Phil Cooke as he interviews Leray Heyne, a visionary CEO and founder of Jesus Christ's CEOs, transforming the Christian Business landscape. https://philcooke.com This powerful conversation explores how Christian Entrepreneurs and business leaders can thrive in today's marketplace, influence culture, and lead with Kingdom values. Learn how to integrate faith and leadership, discover opportunities in the influencer marketplace, and turn your business into a true Kingdom business that impacts lives.  Whether you're an established CEO or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategy, and encouragement to help you succeed without compromising your faith. 

Have a free minute on your drive to work or to pickup the kids? Tune in for some encouragement from Rusty as he recaps some elements of this past Sunday's sermon and brings some encouragement to the start of your week.

1 TIMOTHY: GOD'S BLUEPRINTS FOR HIS CHURCH#4 | Church Leadership 101Pastor Jay Childs (1 Timothy 3)Leadership Roles Defined (vs 1-13)The Results of Good Leadership (vs 14-16)

I answer listener-submitted Bible questions live on the first and third Friday of every month. On today's livestream, the first question I will answer is: 1) Can an elder who has undergone church discipline be restored to leadership again? That You May Know Him, Episode 264.

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Ken Yates and Kathryn Wright are discussing a question about correcting spiritual leaders. Should we protect those in sin if they are pastors or so-called“anointed” to some spiritually sounding position? What does it mean to be “Called” by God? Please listen and never miss an episode of

Join host Rusty George—lifelong Kansas City Royals fan—for a deeply meaningful conversation with the legendary Royals announcer, Ryan Lefebvre, known affectionately as “The Voice of the Royals.” In this heartfelt episode, Ryan opens up candidly about his personal battle with depression and how his Catholic faith became an anchor in his journey toward healing and hope. From sharing insights from his memoir The Shame of Me: One Man's Journey to Depression and Back to discussing the power of vulnerability and spiritual resilience, this episode is both a tribute to faith and an invitation to anyone struggling in silence.Tune in as Rusty and Ryan explore the truth that strength isn't about never falling—it's about finding faith and community to rise stronger.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanlefebvre24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

In today's special episode, host Cyndee Ownbey welcomes back Renee Rowell, a dedicated women's ministry leader who serves at a church in Columbia, South Carolina. Renee opens up about her decades-long journey in ministry, including navigating a particularly challenging season marked by conflict, gossip, and discouragement. Through her honest storytelling, Renee shares how prayer, fasting, wise counsel, and the unwavering support of her church leadership helped her persevere and ultimately witness remarkable growth and unity within her women's ministry.If you've ever faced hardships in ministry—or are in the thick of a difficult season right now—Renee's testimony of God's faithfulness and the “fruit that remains” is sure to encourage you. Plus, don't miss exciting details about the upcoming Faithful Virtual Women's Ministry Conference, where Renee will be sharing even more practical wisdom for leaders.This episode is also available on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbESQ_2CQpU.The transcript is available on the Women's Ministry Toolbox blog here: https://womensministrytoolbox.com/womens-ministry-leader-interview-with-renee-rowell/.Listen to Renee's first interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qtPnleL1ZYkCKnn5GQaBe?si=3cc9ad89ecfe4382For more information about Cyndee's mentoring sessions click here: https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/mentoring-1-sessionTo register for the Faithful Virtual Women's Ministry Conference visit: https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/virtual-conference-2025Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail Website – https://womensministrytoolbox.com/ Online Store – https://womensministrytoolboxshop.com/ Online Training – https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/ Women's Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolboxYou can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email (cyndee@womensministrytoolbox.com).

Your weekly Monday Minute is here! Tune in to hear from Rusty about this week's sermon, kicking off the series "Weeds in My Garden." 

Are you operating on bare minimum obedience? In this message, Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell breaks down the story of Jonah—not as someone who was fearful, but as someone who did the least required, and then wondered why progress stalled. If you want breakthrough in your business and life, you can't just check boxes; God honors those who go all in. Support the showText encounteratl to 94000 to stay up-to-date on all things Encounter.Worship with EncounterSundays at 9 AM ET | Wednesdays at 7:30 PM ETSupport EncounterText egive to 77977 Connect with EncounterFacebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Dr. GabeInstagram | YouTube | Website

In this conversation, Kyle Thompson discusses his journey in creating Undaunted Life and The Daily Blade, focusing on the need for a strong, biblical masculinity among Christian men. He explores the cultural influences that have led to a perceived softness in Christian masculinity, the importance of creating man-friendly churches, and the role of physical health in a man's life. The discussion also highlights the significance of equipping men to push back against darkness in society and the success of The Daily Blade as a daily devotional for men. Want more of Kyle's content? Access The Daily Blade   Know more about Sathiya's work: GET A FREE COPY OF THE LAST RELAPSE JOIN DEEP CLEAN INNER CIRCLE Submit A Question (Anonymously) Through This Form Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction to Undaunted Life (03:02) The Evolution of Christian Masculinity (05:50) Cultural Influences on Masculinity (09:04) Creating a Man-Friendly Church Environment (11:48) The Role of Truth in Church Leadership (14:55) Navigating Modern Cultural Shifts (17:47) The Impact of Messaging on Audience Reception (21:03) Engaging in Healthy Discourse (23:53) Conclusion and Final Thoughts (27:43) Engaging in Honest Conversations (29:56) Intellectual Honesty and Disagreement (32:31) Understanding Biblical Identity (35:40) The Role of Expository Preaching (39:51) Raising Children with Biblical Values (43:23) The Dangers of Youth Sports and Technology (46:54) The Importance of Physical Health (50:39) Introducing The Daily Blade Podcast