Podcasts about church leadership

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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.

Most women's ministry teams overlook one of the most powerful tools for transformation: intentional evangelism. In this episode, host Cyndee Ownbey reveals how simply sharing the gospel at every event can radically change lives—and why so many are missing this opportunity. If you're committed to leading women closer to Christ, don't miss the practical strategies that will ignite your evangelism efforts today.You'll discover:The clear definition of evangelism and why every woman in your church needs to understand it.How to practically incorporate gospel sharing into your women's ministry through training, testimonies, and outreach events.Creative ideas like "The Gift of No Dishes”—simple gift packs that open doors for spiritual conversations.Why teaching women to share their faith makes a lasting impact, and how to equip them without feeling overwhelmed.Whether you're just starting or looking to refresh your evangelism efforts, this episode offers proven steps to help your women be bold witnesses for Christ.Thank 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).

As many of you know, I am serving in this season as the Interim Pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas — a historic and faithful congregation with a rich legacy of gospel ministry. It is a true honor to serve the people who call Grand Avenue home. This past Sunday, I delivered a message entitled “Jesus' Vision for Our Life and Church.” While this sermon was prepared with the people of Grand Avenue and the Fort Smith community specifically in mind, its message speaks to every believer and every church. I want to use this episode of the For Leader podcast to share it with you. I invite you to watch or listen and ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word. May He align our hearts with His vision for our lives and His Church.

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.

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Get Jim Putman's new book -- Homegrown Leaders: Creating a Unified Leadership Development Culture for Staff and Elders:  https://a.co/d/0eg1Z01k In this episode Jim Putman explains the principles behind his new book, Homegrown Leaders, and shows how churches can raise leaders from within through relational disciple-making, shared training for staff and elders, and a long-term coaching mindset rather than hiring from outside. Jim contrasts broken systems with a homegrown approach, offers practical first steps leaders can take, and points listeners to resources like the Relational Discipleship Network and discipleship.org for further help.

What if people aren’t walking away from Jesus… What if they’re walking away from a version of Him that was never deep enough to carry them through a storm? In this episode of The Uncommon Christian, Jon Ellis tackles a sobering question: What did casual Christianity produce? When decisions outpace discipleship… When attendance outpaces obedience… When growth outpaces depth… Faith may look strong, until pressure hits. Through John 6, Matthew 13, cultural realities, revival at Southeastern University, and the taproot analogy, this episode exposes why shallow faith collapses under weight, and how rooted faith endures. This is not an attack on the church. It’s a call to build deeper. If you’ve ever wondered: ● Why so many believers deconstruct under pressure ● Why leadership burnout feels epidemic ● Why emotional faith doesn’t survive suffering ● How to build endurance instead of excitement This episode is for you. Because shallow faith won’t survive what’s coming. But rooted faith will. What if people aren’t walking away from Jesus, but from a version of Him that can’t carry them through a storm? In UNC025, Jon Ellis exposes what happens when churches grow wide but not deep. Through John 6, Matthew 13, and real cultural pressure, this episode reveals why shallow faith collapses, and how rooted faith endures. Moments don’t create endurance. Depth does.

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 ComfortLeaders Are Self-Led "Remember not the former things… Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18–19, ESV) Friday nights in the 90s often started with a drive to the strip mall to visit the local Blockbuster. I still remember that distinct smell of a thousand plastic cases mixed with the faint scent of buttered popcorn. We'd wander the aisles aimlessly, scanning rows of movies, hoping to find something good. The New Releases wall was always empty, so we ended up with two or three classic movies. A quick scan of your Blockbuster card, some microwave popcorn, and an ice-cold Coke, and our weekend was officially set, as long as you remembered to, "Be kind, rewind." At its peak, Blockbuster had nearly nine thousand stores. Those iconic blue and yellow signs were in every town. Home entertainment ran through them. They did not compete in the market. They were the market. Then a small company showed up with red envelopes and a simple question. What if people didn't have to come to us? What if movies showed up at their door? What if there were no late fees at all? Blockbuster laughed. Netflix was a novelty. A slow option for people willing to wait. Blockbuster had momentum. They were not failing. They were winning. They were comfortable. That comfort cost them. Netflix started by mailing DVDs across the country. Then, while that model was still working, they began investing in a new idea, streaming movies through the internet. No one thought it would work. Few had the bandwidth or patience. When it did work, they leaned in harder. Soon the mailed DVDs, the model that built them, was discontinued. When online content exploded, they shifted again, producing original stories and building a global platform. Netflix was never married to a method, only its mission, "to entertain the world." Blockbuster lost because they tried to protect what they were comfortable with. Netflix won because they challenged their own comfort zones. Comfort rarely looks like failure. However, that's what it becomes when you settle into a season of success. Blockbuster did not fail because it lacked resources. It failed because it clung too tightly to what worked in a previous season. That is why the Lord says, "Remember not the former things." God is not dismissing what He has done. He is warning us not to settle there. Yesterday's success can quietly become today's blind spot if we stop perceiving what God is doing next (Isaiah 43:18–19, ESV). The Hidden Cost of Comfort There is a big cost to falling into complacency, one that should terrify a leader. It costs momentum. Momentum is built by consistently moving in the right direction over time. When you have it, everything feels easier. When you lose it, everything becomes harder. Momentum never gives you permission to coast. You are always fighting some sort of friction. If you stop adding the right amount of energy, momentum dies, and once it's gone, you may never recapture it. It costs multiplication. Multiplication is momentum that begins to compound. It takes a season of winning and turns it into sustained fruitfulness. But comfort interrupts that process. What should be multiplying suddenly starts getting managed, and management stalls growth. It costs maximum impact. The goal of a leader should be to make the greatest impact possible, leaving nothing on the table. We seek to give God the fullest return on our obedience. Comfortable leaders may stay busy, but they will never reach their maximum potential. Comfort does not destroy leaders. It limits them. Comfort becomes their ceiling. Signs You've Grown Comfortable • You reference past wins more than present opportunities. • You defend current systems more than you discern coming seasons. • You explain away holy discomfort instead of leaning into it. • You manage what exists rather than steward what God is birthing. Read those again slowly. One of them likely stung. Getting comfortable is where leadership stalls, not by failure, but in settling. You quietly trade significance for the status quo. How to Move Away From Comfort God asks, "Do you not perceive it?" He says something new is springing up. This means it is not the availability of opportunity, but your attentiveness to it. So where do we begin? 1. Start with what now feels easy. Where does your leadership no longer require faith? What can you do now without thinking that once caused you to push yourself? Ease is often the first warning sign of growing too comfortable. 2. Disrupt your routine. Growth rarely comes from big changes. It often begins with a simple disruption or change of rhythm. Delegate something you like controlling. Have the conversation you have been avoiding. Look for a new way of doing something old. 3. Choose a place to stretch your faith. Ask yourself where growth would require more faith than experience. Your maximum potential just might live on the other side of some discomfort. 4. Invite accountability into your comfortable spaces. Ask a trusted leader this question: "Where do you see me playing it safe or leaving potential untapped?" Invite feedback and discover where growth is possible. 5. Reignite hunger.Does your current vision still require God? If you fulfilled every current goal you have, would anything really change? Remember God's call on your life is immeasurably more. That has to mean more than the status quo, right? "Behold, I am doing a new thing," is an invitation to get uncomfortable again. Comfort will keep you where you are. Moving away from comfort will take you where you are called to be. Questions: 1. Where in your leadership have past wins quietly become present assumptions? In other words, what are you still doing primarily because it once worked, not because you are convinced God is calling you to do it now? 2. What area of your leadership currently feels safest, most predictable, or least dependent on God? How might that comfort be limiting your growth, influence, or maximum potential? 3. What specific discomfort is God inviting you to embrace in this next season? Name one concrete step you could take this week that would require faith, stretch your capacity, and move you away from maintenance and toward mission.

Why do churches with sincere faith, gifted leaders, and strong theology still split?In this powerful episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero exposes a hard truth many leaders have experienced but rarely name: church fractures are rarely about doctrine or vision—they are about formation.Drawing from decades of pastoral leadership and personal failure, Pete explains why spiritual maturity without emotional maturity is unsustainable. Churches don't split because people don't love Jesus. They split because leaders and communities lack the emotionally healthy skills needed to love one another well under pressure, conflict, disappointment, and power dynamics.This episode explores why skills like incarnational listening, clarifying expectations, understanding how family history shapes leadership, and engaging in clean conflict are essential for healthy culture. Pete shares stories from his own leadership journey, including a painful church split that could have been prevented if these skills had been in place.If you're a pastor or leader longing to build a church culture that thrives—not just for a season, but for generations—this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a clear next step forward.

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 a textWhat if the Parable of the Talents isn't just about skills or abilities — but about people?In this episode of The Dirt Path Sermon Podcast, Pastor Nicole Barnett shares a powerful message from Matthew 25:14–30. This sermon challenges the way we think about discipleship, fear, and what it really means to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us.Many Christians are comfortable helping people come to faith — but what happens after that? Nicole explores the difference between making converts and making disciples, and why fear often causes us to “bury” the relationships God has placed in our lives instead of helping them grow.This message is especially for listeners who:Want to grow deeper in Christian discipleshipFeel afraid of sharing faith or “getting it wrong”Carry church hurt or minister to people who doDesire practical, everyday ways to follow Jesus beyond Sunday morningsYou'll hear honest teaching, relatable stories, and a gentle challenge to live as faithful disciple-makers — not perfectly, but faithfully.Whether you're listening on your commute, at the kitchen table, or winding down after a long day, this episode invites you to consider who God has entrusted to you — and how you might take one faithful step toward helping them grow.Linkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week. Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com

Send a textPastor Eric draws on scripture and church history to invite The Village into fasting during Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th.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.

To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Introduction: In a world filled with distractions and spiritual apathy, the message from Revelation chapter 3 is more relevant than ever. TS Wright dives into the profound teachings found in this scripture, urging listeners to awaken their spirits and genuinely connect with God's purpose. This blog post explores key insights from the podcast transcript, providing a roadmap for revitalizing faith and understanding the role of the church in today's society.Understanding the Seven Spirits of God: TS Wright begins by discussing the significance of the seven spirits of God, referencing Isaiah 11:2-3. He emphasizes that these spirits represent different aspects of God's nature—His foundational, moral, and relational attributes. By understanding these characteristics, believers can better grasp the essence of God's presence in their lives. For instance, God is depicted as a spirit of wisdom, understanding, and counsel, which can guide us in our daily decisions.The Symbolism of the Seven Stars: Moving deeper into Revelation, Wright explains the meaning behind the seven stars mentioned in the text. He clarifies that these stars represent the angels of the seven churches, signifying a divine oversight and connection between heaven and the church on earth. This imagery serves to remind us that each church has a unique role and responsibility, and that divine authority rests in the hands of Jesus, who oversees these spiritual leaders. The Church in Sardis: Focusing on the church in Sardis, Wright highlights a grave warning: despite having a reputation for being alive, the church was spiritually dead. This stark reality prompts a call to action for believers to wake up, strengthen their faith, and align their deeds with God's will. The message urges individuals to reflect on their spiritual condition, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and genuine transformation. Wright suggests that recognizing our spiritual shortcomings is the first step toward renewal.The Importance of Repentance: Throughout the discussion, the theme of repentance resurfaces as a critical element for spiritual revival. Wright points out that acknowledging one's sins and turning from them is not just a one-time act but a continuous journey. He stresses that repentance is vital for maintaining a vibrant relationship with God, encouraging listeners to embrace this practice as a way to grow closer to Him.Conclusion: In conclusion, TS Wright's insights from Revelation challenge us to evaluate our spiritual vitality and the role of the church in our lives. By understanding the nature of God, the significance of the angels overseeing our churches, and the importance of repentance, we can awaken our spirits and live out our faith authentically. Key takeaways include the necessity of recognizing spiritual deadness, the call to genuine repentance, and the understanding that our lives are part of a larger narrative centered on Jesus Christ.Tags for SEO: Revelation, Church, Spiritual Awakening, Repentance, Faith, TS Wright, Seven Spirits of God, Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Biblical Teachings, 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.

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we take a deeper look at who actually rises to leadership inside the LDS Church and why. A new analysis shows a striking pattern that raises questions about loyalty, trust, and how power reproduces itself inside a church that claims to be led by revelation rather than résumés or relationships.… Read More »Family Ties and Legal Minds Inside LDS Church Leadership The post Family Ties and Legal Minds Inside LDS Church Leadership appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

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 Marc Little, executive director of CURE America Action, discusses how spiritual wounds caused by church leadership can be acknowledged, healed, and transformed into a path toward restoration and hope.

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.

Send us a text In this episode of Healing the City, Pastor Eric and Pastor Mark talk about why they chose to kick off the year with Titus. They explore key themes around older and younger people in the church, how discipleship takes shape, and how the gospel forms a community. They also share what listeners can look forward to in the coming year. Support the show“Healing the City” is a weekly podcast about what it looks like to build healthier communities. Featuring the voices and perspectives of people from the Village Church, each episode is focused on the real challenges and real opportunities for change in our cities. The podcast takes a whole-person approach. We talk about soul care and spiritual direction, along with mental health and community involvement. You will hear thoughtful perspectives on what people in our cities are up against, plus practical steps you can take to be part of the healing. Join hosts Corey Gilchrist, Eric Cepin, Ashley Cousineau, Jessica Dennes, Michael Cousineau, Mark Crawford, and Susan Cepin as we have honest conversations and keep pointing toward hope and next steps. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comThe Village Church meets at 10a and 5p on Sundays1926 N Cloverland Ave, Tucson AZ 85712Mail: PO Box 30790, Tucson AZ 85751

Send us a textPastor Eric helps us wrestle with slaves and masters and how the gospel invites us into the imbalanced power structures of the world.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.

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?

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.

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.

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•...