Podcasts about lead pastor

Thom and Sam welcome Chris Brauns, Lead Pastor at The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL, to discuss his book, "The Way of Repentance." The post An Interview with Chris Brauns on “The Way of Repentance” appeared first on Church Answers.

Pastor Zack Curry, Lead Pastor of Jesus Culture San Diego, takes us through 1 Corinthians 13–15 and reminds us that the greatest measure of spiritual maturity is how we love. As we understand Scripture in its proper context and return to the hope of the resurrection, we're invited to let the Word of God move from something we know to something that transforms the way we live.

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

Pastor Jamey Bryant opened with Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese intelligence officer who kept fighting on a Philippine island until 1974, twenty-nine years after the war ended, convinced the surrender leaflets were a trick. Pastor Jamey said most of the world is still in that jungle, striving over a battle won at the cross, and that many believers are too: exhausted, keeping score, afraid that slipping up might prove their faith was never real. Returning to the well in John 4, he drew four things. Grace is a free gift, living water offered without cost, echoing Isaiah 55:1. Grace is not earned but received, since Jesus made the offer before He ever named her five husbands. Grace is secure, held in what he called the double grip of God, the way a parent holds a toddler across a parking lot even when she lets go. Then the text turns at verse 31, where the vocabulary shifts from ask, receive, and drink to work, sow, and reap. Speaking to men who already believed, Jesus calls them to the harvest, and Pastor Jamey said salvation is free but discipleship is costly. He also announced that in October he moves from worship into a new role as Lead Pastor of Equipping.

How can we be angered at injustice without being consumed by our anger? What does it look like for us to address our anger, instead of suppressing or expressing it?Join Eric and Aaron Ophaug, Lead Pastor of one of our two new Mariners congregations coming January 2027, as they talk about Psalm 137 and the way God invites us to bring our anger and grief to Him!To learn more about our two new Mariners congregations coming January 2027, click here or visit https://www.marinerschurch.org/launch/.

A study published this year found that pro-gun PACs consistently increased campaign donations to politicians in the aftermath of fatal school shootings in their districts. Reporter Jack Panyard and school shooting survivor Taylor Schumann join Russell and Clarissa to discuss the aftermath of school shootings, the complexity of forgiveness, and whether to hold parents accountable for children's crimes. Then, a former CIA agent who is transgender wrote an Atlantic article about her experience giving Vice President Mike Pence daily intelligence briefings. We re-air a conversation in which Mike Cosper and David French discuss the violent rhetoric directed by the online far right towards transgender people and how Christians should view the free speech of people they disagree with. Finally, a new study found that at least 1 in 4 NFL players likely has the degenerative brain disease CTE, which is caused by repeated hits to the head. We re-air a segment in which former NFL player Derwin Gray discusses how he found Jesus playing football, the violence of the NFL, and how the audience can view the sport and players. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: The Gun Lobby's Most Cynical Move Yet - The Atlantic The Wrong Kind of American - The Atlantic Major Study Finds at Least 1 in 4 NFL Players Gets CTE - The New York TImes GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Taylor Schumann is a writer, activist, and survivor of the shooting at New River Community College in Christianburg, Virginia in 2013. She wrote the book When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough. Jack Panyard is a multimedia journalist covering breaking news, courts, crime, politics, education, and health for LNP and Lancaster Online. He has reported on Jeffrey Epstein's crimes in the podcast Broken: Jeffrey Epstein. David French is a columnist for The New York Times. He's a former senior editor of The Dispatch and author of Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. Derwin Gray played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts and one year with the Carolina Panthers. He received his M.Div. from Southern Evangelical Seminary and now serves as the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Host: Alexa Copeland Associate Producer: Alexa Copeland Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker: Jeff Jones, Lead Pastor

Hear our Lead Pastor Jaco Booyens teach us how to win in spiritual warfare by putting Jesus in His rightful place as Lord of our lives!

In this compelling message, Pastor Nikki Cody explores what it means to be a war horse for God in this hour, drawing from Jeremiah 1 and Revelation 19. She unpacks the truth that truth is not a concept, it is a person, and his name is Jesus Christ. Pastor Nikki challenges believers to stop fighting from a place of defeat and to recognize that the battle has already been won, that the church's assignment is simply to go onto the battlefield and do what God says. Pastor Nikki warns that the enemy's greatest weapon is not the giants in the land but the distraction and fear that keep believers from fixing their gaze on the Rider. She calls the church to stop being moved by emotions, culture, politics, and popular opinion, and to return to an it is written theology rooted in the living word of God. This message challenges believers to understand that war horses are not raised in comfort, they are forged in the fire of hidden seasons, trained in obscurity, and proven through resistance. Just as Jesus rides in on a white horse representing a victory already won, the church must awaken from apathy and become faithful carriers of His truth into every classroom, workplace, and family, bold enough to speak what they know even when culture pushes back. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com

Vision Sunday (2022).Full episode :- https://youtu.be/rn3NVuOv4LcThis is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

There's a time for peace and a time for defending the faith. God will have the ultimate judgement, but He still calls us to fight some battles. In week 2 of The God Who Remembers, Pastor T dives into the beginning of Moses's story in Exodus 2 and how God is sovereign over every moment.Connect with us: @ascentchurchvaConnect with our Lead Pastor: @pastor.tlaneIf you've just made a decision for Christ, we'd love to celebrate with you. Please connect with us through our A-Card here: https://www.liinks.co/ascentchurch

What's the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is forgiveness so important for our hearts?Join Eric and Kevin Naylor, Lead Pastor of one of our two new Mariners congregations coming January 2027, as they discuss Psalm 55, the complexity of forgiveness, and what it looks like to cast our burdens on Jesus!

Bert and Ernie, Woody and Buzz, SpongeBob and Patrick. It's hard to picture one without the other. Most of us want that kind of friend: someone who's simply with us and for us. In our second week of About Love, we look at three habits that build and sustain friendships — and why God describes what he wants with us in the same way. Speaker: Jeff Jones, Lead Pastor

The Father's HeartThis is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

Praise Is The Father Of Breakthrough - Part B.This is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

In this episode, we welcome J. Chase Davis to the show. He is the Lead Pastor of The Well Church in Boulder, CO, the host of the Full Proof Theology podcast, and the author of “Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age”. In this interview, we discuss the difficulties of doing ministry in a progressive area, why we need a much more masculine version of Christianity in modernity, how pastors have left their flocks susceptible to the predations of Islam, how churches cater to women's emotions, the problems with pietism and evangelicalism, the state of modern seminaries, the importance of establishing a phalanx, and much more. Let's get into it… Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Check out our SHOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Praise Is The Father Of Breakthrough - Part A.This is not just a podcast - it's a move of God.Shan Kikon, from Nagaland, India, is the Lead Pastor of Faith Harvest Church, carrying a heart to ignite revival across the nations. Once he had a desire for a corporate future, but everything changed after a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ in Singapore in 1996. In that moment, he laid down his desires to become a bold voice for the Gospel.Marked by the anointing and grounded in truth, Shan Kikon delivers revelation that cuts deep, awakens the spirit, and transforms lives. This is not just teaching; this is an encounter.For inquiries, prayer requests, or more information, feel free to reach out to us at : faithharvestnagaland@gmail.com

What could God do through one act of obedience? For the Israelites in this story, it set up the story of redemption that God was writing. In this Exodus series kickoff, Pastor T dives into Exodus 1 and it's story of obedience to God.Connect with us: @ascentchurchvaConnect with our Lead Pastor: @pastor.tlaneIf you've just made a decision for Christ, we'd love to celebrate with you. Please connect with us through our A-Card here: https://www.liinks.co/ascentchurch 

Jonathan Bow, Lead Pastor

Speaker - Andy KlenkeLead Pastor

Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Lance Walker is the Lead Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org

Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Lance Walker is the Lead Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org

Everyone wants to belong. But what if the belonging we're after isn't about finding people like us? Jesus built a family from people who would otherwise never have come together: the powerful and the enslaved, the rich and the outcast. This week, we start a new conversation about love, beginning with the kind that welcomes you in and turns a “me” life into a “we” life. Speaker: Jeff Jones, Lead Pastor

What if the greatest thing holding back your ministry isn't your gifting, but the parts of yourself you've never surrendered? Troy sits down with Pastor Terrance Richmond, Founding and Lead Pastor of Love Quest International Church, for a conversation on sonship, discipleship, and becoming fully alive in Christ. Together they challenge modern ideas of church growth and reveal why God's priority has always been forming people, not filling buildings. From Oakland to church planting, Terrance shares how every part of your story, personality, and gifting can be used for God's Kingdom when fully surrendered.

In this episode, we welcome Jay Risner to the studio. He is Lead Pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, OK and the future Senior Pastor of a Faith Bible Church plant in NW Oklahoma City. In this interview, we discuss his pathway into ministry, what led him to Faith Bible Church, the challenges of doing ministry in a high income area where everyone thinks they're a Christian, the circumstances around the rapid expansion of Faith Bible, the issues that come along with “worship-music-focused churches”, why taking people back to the text is always the best plan for a teaching pastor, and much more. Let's get into it… Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Check out our SHOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Associate Pastor Jason White continues a new series entitled Songs for Every Season. In this series, Pastor Jason will be joined by other staff members here at the Revival Center. They will dive into different chapters from the book of Psalms. In this episode, Pastor Jason is joined by Pastor Jason Allums, Lead Pastor at the Revival Center. They discuss Psalm 51 and how we can use model it in our lives, to live a life of repentance. We hope you are encouraged and blessed!Revival Talks is a series of discussions where staff from our church and members of our community sit down and talk about various topics in light of what is going on in our church, our community, and our world.For more information about our church visit us on our website, our Facebook page, and our YouTube.Support the show

What happens when God gets a hold of one man? In this episode of Cornerstone Conversations, Pastor Josh sits down with James Griffin, Lead Pastor of Cross Point City Church, for an honest conversation about discipleship, leadership, ministry, biblical manhood, and what it takes to remain faithful as God increases your influence. James shares the remarkable story of stepping into a wounded church, watching God bring it back to life, navigating the growing weight of leadership, protecting his marriage and family, handling criticism, and learning to carry greater responsibility with thick skin and a tender heart. The conversation eventually turns to James's own family and the story of how God radically saved his father, changing the trajectory of generations that followed. James and Josh discuss why men matter in the home and the church, what biblical masculinity actually looks like, and Cross Point City Church's four pillars of biblical manhood: lover, leader, protector, and provider. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, husband, father, or simply someone who wants to follow Jesus faithfully, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not ultimately about platform, popularity, or influence. It is about becoming the kind of person God can trust with what He has placed in your hands.   New here or made a decision to follow Jesus today? We would love to connect with you. Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card  

In this special Family Anointing Sunday message, Pastor Les Cody challenges parents, grandparents, and the entire church to spiritually prepare their families for the year ahead, drawing from Deuteronomy 6. He unpacks the truth that the word of God and the presence of God are meant to permeate every part of life, not just Sunday mornings, and that parents cannot deposit into their children what they have not first received themselves. Pastor Les calls families to stop compartmentalizing God and to make Him the center of how they raise their children, manage their marriages, and conduct their everyday lives. Pastor Les reminds parents that the goal of raising children is not to protect them from darkness but to prepare them to carry the light into it. He challenges fathers to spiritually lead their homes, encourages mothers to intercede faithfully, and calls every member of the congregation, whether parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or single believer, to pick up the burden of the next generation and pray, mentor, and invest in them. This message closes with a powerful time of prayer and anointing over families, students, and children as the congregation prepares to enter a new school year, believing that their children have not been sent out to survive but to be sent as carriers of the presence and glory of God. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com

How did God speak to you today?Pastor Paul Mints | 8.09.26Support the show

Where do you find covering when life gets messy?In this episode, our Lead Pastor, Christopher Fränberg, shares from the book of Isaiah about the Sabbath Canopy and the picture it gives us of God's covering and protection. We hope this message blesses you

In this special Family Anointing Sunday message, Pastor Les Cody challenges parents, grandparents, and the entire church to spiritually prepare their families for the year ahead, drawing from Deuteronomy 6. He unpacks the truth that the word of God and the presence of God are meant to permeate every part of life, not just Sunday mornings, and that parents cannot deposit into their children what they have not first received themselves. Pastor Les calls families to stop compartmentalizing God and to make Him the center of how they raise their children, manage their marriages, and conduct their everyday lives. Pastor Les reminds parents that the goal of raising children is not to protect them from darkness but to prepare them to carry the light into it. He challenges fathers to spiritually lead their homes, encourages mothers to intercede faithfully, and calls every member of the congregation, whether parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or single believer, to pick up the burden of the next generation and pray, mentor, and invest in them. This message closes with a powerful time of prayer and anointing over families, students, and children as the congregation prepares to enter a new school year, believing that their children have not been sent out to survive but to be sent as carriers of the presence and glory of God. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

Speaker: Dr. Justin Nalls, Lead Pastor

From the series: Remnant: Why We Gather, Grow, Serve, & Go Ronnie Phillips is the Lead Pastor at Abba's House in Chattanooga, TN and founder of Ronnie Phillips Ministries International.   ronniephillips.org

If you enjoyed this week's message and would like to learn more about who we are, please visit our website. Also, if you feel led to give in order to help improve what we do here at Valley, you can click here.

If you enjoyed this week's message and would like to learn more about who we are, please visit our website. Also, if you feel led to give in order to help improve what we do here at Valley, you can click here.

Learn More about The Pastorate's Lead Pastor FellowshipAbbotsford Pentecostal AssemblyThe Pastorate ConferenceThe Pastorate's City MeetupsThe Pastorate Pastors RetreatEpisode NotesIn this conversation, Jordan sits down with Dave Funk, lead pastor of Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly and a peer facilitator in The Pastorate's Lead Pastor Fellowship. Dave and Jordan connect about both being pastors' kids who went on to pastor under their fathers. Dave opens up about what it has been like raising his own three teenagers in the front row of church, while reflecting on his own upbringing in the church. From there, Dave traces his journey into pastoral ministry, including growing up assuming pastoring was "his dad's thing," a season of surrender to God's call on his life, five years serving as his father's assistant pastor, and then the decision to leave and pastor elsewhere rather than to succeed his dad. He and his wife, Rebecca, discerned that call together, first at Bethel Church in Penticton, a declining, aging congregation they helped bring back to life, and later in Abbotsford, where he arrived in the middle of COVID to a church recovering from a difficult leadership transition.In the back half of the conversation, Dave discusses his leadership philosophy, that compounding health in the life of the church has the power to build a consistent and healthy congregation over time. He reflects on his experience in The Pastorate's Lead Pastor Fellowship, first as a participant, now as a peer facilitator for its second intake.Jordan and Dave discuss:What it's like to raise pastor's kids in the front row, and the pressure Dave tries not to pass on to his own three teenagers,Growing up under his dad's leadership without ever sensing a gap between who his dad was on Sunday and who he was at home,Serving five years as his dad's assistant pastor, and the bullets his dad took for him that he didn't learn about until years later,Why he chose to leave rather than succeed his dad, Walking into a declining, aging church in Penticton and, later, a church in Abbotsford recovering from a difficult transition,and his return to The Pastorate's Lead Pastor Fellowship as a peer facilitator for its second cohort.PartnersWe couldn't do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and give towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Contact John Wright at Generis for help cultivating a culture of generosity in your church.

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Chris Hodges, founder and former lead pastor of Church of the Highlands and current chancellor of Highlands College, for an inspiring conversation around his new book, Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind.   Chris shares the heart and story behind Legacy Letters—a collection of the values, wisdom, and practical principles he's lived, taught, and now wants to pass on to the next generation. From humble beginnings and a move inspired by faith, Chris built one of America's largest churches and is now pouring his energy into developing world-class ministry leaders through Highlands College. We dive deep into his journey: the transition from building to leaving a legacy, the intentional handoff of pastoral leadership, and his mission to equip future generations for impact. Throughout our discussion, Chris reveals the foundational ideas that shaped his leadership—like the Big Rocks Principle, the power of margin, the importance of consistency, and the value of relationships and collaboration. He shares personal stories about overcoming self-doubt, stewarding influence, and the ways excellence shows others they matter. Chris also opens up about his philosophy on mentorship, building teams, and how faith shapes every principle he teaches.   Whether you're leading a team, building a family, or seeking purpose in this stage of your journey, this conversation is a powerful testament that true legacy is about investing in people, living your values daily, and leaving something meaningful behind. You'll walk away challenged to clarify your own priorities, cultivate excellence, and become a leader who multiplies impact for generations to come.   About Chris: Chris Hodges is a pastor, mentor, and author who has dedicated his life to helping people grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and build life-giving communities. He is the Founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, Found Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Founder of GrowLeader, and Co-Founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC). Church of the Highlands In 2001, Chris and Tammy, along with a small group of people, gathered in a high school auditorium with a simple desire – to create a place where people could experience God's presence, find community, and step into their purpose. That gathering became Church of the Highlands, a church committed to helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. By God's grace, Highlands has grown over the years into a multi-campus church in 26 locations serving communities across Alabama and Georgia, offering 75+ weekly services, and giving more than $162 million to missions and charitable causes worldwide. In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor. Highlands College – America's Ministry Leadership University Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission. Students receive a holistic education that blends: Academic instruction Ministry training Character formation Spiritual development More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries. GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way. GrowLeader now has global impact, including: 22,000+ churches served in 100+ countries 4,000+ pastors and leaders trained annually Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually. Writing and Teaching Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth. His works include: The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression Pray First – living a life centered on prayer What's Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus Global Leadership and Ministry Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as: EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction Personal Life Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University. Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing  Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits.  Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

You weren't meant to just be a spectator. Fall Kick-off at Chase Oaks is your invitation to step out of the stands and join what God is doing in our church and community. This weekend, discover where your next "yes" could lea Speaker: Jeff Jones, Lead Pastor

Who is the sufficient one in your ministry?In this mainstage session from the Church Leaders Conference 2026, Timothy Ateek, Elder and Lead Pastor of Watermark Community Church, teaches through Matthew 11:28–30 and points weary church leaders to Jesus' invitation to come to him and find rest. Learn how ministry should always be an overview of our dependence on Christ's sufficiency. Church Leaders Conference 2027 - We would love to see you in the room at CLC27!

In this special Presbytery Sunday service, Pastor Sean Gleason leads Mercy Culture Waco through a powerful time of prophetic ministry, drawing from 1 Timothy 4 and Acts 13. He unpacks what presbytery is, explaining that it is a council of mature spiritual leaders who prayerfully and prophetically affirm the calling of God on a person's life through the laying on of hands and prophetic ministry. Pastor Sean reminds the congregation that prophecy is not reserved for a select few, but that every believer can hear the voice of God and that prophetic words from leaders serve to confirm what God has already been speaking in your personal daily encounters. Through visiting pastors Brandon and Nellie from the Fort Worth campus, the church witnessed powerful prophetic ministry over several individuals and couples, with words centered on faithfulness, fruitfulness, the removal of fear and hesitation, intercession, boldness, and the call to step forward into what God has already prepared. The congregation also received a corporate prophetic word declaring that a new wineskin and new wine are coming to Waco, a season of soul winning, more oil, more presence, and a greater hunger to share the gospel with the city. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com

In this special Presbytery Sunday service, Pastor Sean Gleason leads Mercy Culture Waco through a powerful time of prophetic ministry, drawing from 1 Timothy 4 and Acts 13. Visiting pastors Brandon and Nellie Grulé from the Fort Worth campus minister prophetic words over several individuals, couples, and the congregation, with themes of faithfulness, fruitfulness, clarity, new seasons, and the courage to step into calling. Pastor Sean reminds the church that prophetic words from leaders serve to confirm what God has already been speaking in the secret place of your daily encounters. Through words submitted over individuals and couples, the congregation witnessed powerful prophetic ministry centered on stepping forward in calling, the removal of fear and white noise in daily encounters, the breathing of new life into dry and weary places, and the Lord publicly honoring faithfulness that had gone unseen. The Waco campus also received a corporate prophetic word declaring that a new wineskin is required for the new wine being poured out, that more oil, more souls, and more victory are coming to the city, and that a season of soul winning and hunger for the gospel is at hand. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Sean and Natalie Gleason or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com