In today's podcast episode, Phil and Richard welcome Charles Campbell to discuss valuable lessons learned from his experience running an apple orchard. Charles shares four key leadership insights: the importance of being grafted into God’s family, the necessity of pruning for growth, adapting to unexpected challenges, and the significance of being rooted in the right foundation. 
 
Charles emphasizes that true maturity in faith is about increasing dependence on God and trusting Him through life's challenges. The conversation encourages ministry leaders to open their eyes to everyday examples that can enrich their leadership journey. 

Reflection Questions:

1) Can you describe a time when you faced unexpected challenges, similar to the cicada situation mentioned by Charles? What did God teach you in that season?

2) In John 15, Jesus talks about being the vine and us being the branches. How does this illustrate the importance of staying connected to Him? How do you see this abiding evident in your life?

3) As a ministry leader, what fruit have you seen that show evidence of healthy roots?

4) What have you done when you have been discouraged in ministry from either a season of pruning or an unexpected crisis?

5) Where are some areas God might need to prune from your life to make you a more faithful follower of Jesus and leader?