5 Leadership Questions Podcast on Church Leadership with Todd Adkins and Dan Iten

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper answer 5 questions from listeners about leadership. They touch how experienced leaders can keep young leaders on vision, young leaders staying humble, leading different generations, when to leave a team, and more.

Best Quotes

“Listen to the person because you value the person.”

“If a person is only as valuable as their ides you’re not leading very well.”

“You’re never going to run out of good ideas, or dumb ones.”

“Take ideas and stack them up next to the vision.”

“In every organization there are always keepers of the status quo.”

“It is a problem is you see your role in life as to shake things up because that doesn’t have a purpose or direction.”

“If maverick is your goal then you’re not going to be humble. Focus on humble, don’t focus on maverick.”

“If the first thing you do as a leader is say ‘let’s change’ you don’t have any credibility.”

“Churches that effectively reach millennials are marked by genuineness and humility.”

“Love covers a multitude of sins and generations.”

“Don’t be innovative where you should be static and static where you should be innovative.”

“Faithfulness in small things can lead to faithfulness in big things.”

“You own when you want to put down roots or build.”

Recommended Resources

Submit a Question

WordSearchBible.com

The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon

The Oregon Trail Generation

Culture Making by Andy Crouch

Leadership Pipeline Regional Coaching

High Expectations by Thom Rainer

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper talk with Scott Sauls. Scott is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville and is the the author of two books, Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend. Before pastoring in Nashville Scott served alongside Tim Keller in New York and prior to that was a church planter and pastor in the midwest. He is an insightful and gracious expositor of culture and you can find his writings at ScottSauls.com. You will appreciate his openness, humility, and keen observations as both a pastor and leader.

BEST QUOTES

“I try to learn from in my theological camp and outside.”

“Ann Voskamp just believes Jesus is bigger than she is and she lives in that.”

“When people are proud of their own voice they get harder to listen to.”

“You can’t take credit for what God is doing.”

“When growth is happening around you it’s really important to kick into high gear with intentional humility.”

“I have plenty of ego I want to protect other people from.”

“I have to have quiet, contemplative time every day.”

“Writing for a talk is no substitute for uncluttered, no agenda encounters with Jesus.”

“God was the perfect parent, and look at us – we’re far from perfect children.”

“Your kids know what you believe because they hear you preach it every week. Live it, walk it, make it part of life.”

“Your best example is being the repenter in your home, not the chief law keeper.

“When you’re 30 your 20-year-old self was an idiot. When you’re 40 your 30-year-old self was an idiot.”

“Do whatever you need to for your soul to keep the fear of man from coming your true north.”

“If you’re going to be a leader there will be people who just don’t like you. There were people who disliked Jesus.”

“People will dislike you because you’re too much like Jesus or because you’re not enough like him.”

“Let’s say 10% of the people you lead despise you and 10% worship you. Ignore both. Neither will give you the perspective you need.”

“You need a good shot of grace and a good shot identity in Christ.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

ScottSauls.com

Jesus Outside the Lines

Befriend

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright

Carey Nieuwhof Podcast

Ann Voskamp

Reading Plan Bible Reading App

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Return of the Prodigal Son – Henry Nouwen

The Wounded Healer – Henry Nouwen

Abba’s Child – Brennan Manning

Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning

 

We'd like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper talk with Scott Sauls. Scott is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville and is the the author of two books, Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend. Before pastoring in Nashville Scott served alongside Tim Keller in New York and prior to that was a church planter and pastor in the midwest. He is an insightful and gracious expositor of culture and you can find his writings at ScottSauls.com. You will appreciate his openness, humility, and keen observations as both a pastor and leader.

BEST QUOTES

“I try to learn from in my theological camp and outside.”

“Ann Voskamp just believes Jesus is bigger than she is and she lives in that.”

“When people are proud of their own voice they get harder to listen to.”

“You can’t take credit for what God is doing.”

“When growth is happening around you it’s really important to kick into high gear with intentional humility.”

“I have plenty of ego I want to protect other people from.”

“I have to have quiet, contemplative time every day.”

“Writing for a talk is no substitute for uncluttered, no agenda encounters with Jesus.”

“God was the perfect parent, and look at us – we’re far from perfect children.”

“Your kids know what you believe because they hear you preach it every week. Live it, walk it, make it part of life.”

“Your best example is being the repenter in your home, not the chief law keeper.

“When you’re 30 your 20-year-old self was an idiot. When you’re 40 your 30-year-old self was an idiot.”

“Do whatever you need to for your soul to keep the fear of man from coming your true north.”

“If you’re going to be a leader there will be people who just don’t like you. There were people who disliked Jesus.”

“People will dislike you because you’re too much like Jesus or because you’re not enough like him.”

“Let’s say 10% of the people you lead despise you and 10% worship you. Ignore both. Neither will give you the perspective you need.”

“You need a good shot of grace and a good shot identity in Christ.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

ScottSauls.com

Jesus Outside the Lines

Befriend

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright

Carey Nieuwhof Podcast

Ann Voskamp

Reading Plan Bible Reading App

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Return of the Prodigal Son – Henry Nouwen

The Wounded Healer – Henry Nouwen

Abba’s Child – Brennan Manning

Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning

 

We’d like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper talk with Scott Sauls. Scott is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville and is the the author of two books, Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend. Before pastoring in Nashville Scott served alongside Tim Keller in New York and prior to that was a church planter and pastor in the midwest. He is an insightful and gracious expositor of culture and you can find his writings at ScottSauls.com. You will appreciate his openness, humility, and keen observations as both a pastor and leader.

BEST QUOTES

“I try to learn from in my theological camp and outside.”

“Ann Voskamp just believes Jesus is bigger than she is and she lives in that.”

“When people are proud of their own voice they get harder to listen to.”

“You can’t take credit for what God is doing.”

“When growth is happening around you it’s really important to kick into high gear with intentional humility.”

“I have plenty of ego I want to protect other people from.”

“I have to have quiet, contemplative time every day.”

“Writing for a talk is no substitute for uncluttered, no agenda encounters with Jesus.”

“God was the perfect parent, and look at us – we’re far from perfect children.”

“Your kids know what you believe because they hear you preach it every week. Live it, walk it, make it part of life.”

“Your best example is being the repenter in your home, not the chief law keeper.

“When you’re 30 your 20-year-old self was an idiot. When you’re 40 your 30-year-old self was an idiot.”

“Do whatever you need to for your soul to keep the fear of man from coming your true north.”

“If you’re going to be a leader there will be people who just don’t like you. There were people who disliked Jesus.”

“People will dislike you because you’re too much like Jesus or because you’re not enough like him.”

“Let’s say 10% of the people you lead despise you and 10% worship you. Ignore both. Neither will give you the perspective you need.”

“You need a good shot of grace and a good shot identity in Christ.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

ScottSauls.com

Jesus Outside the Lines

Befriend

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright

Carey Nieuwhof Podcast

Ann Voskamp

Reading Plan Bible Reading App

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Return of the Prodigal Son – Henry Nouwen

The Wounded Healer – Henry Nouwen

Abba’s Child – Brennan Manning

Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning

 

We’d like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper are joined by Josh Gagnon, pastor of Next Level Church and the host of the Josh Gagnon leadership podcast. Josh started Next Level Church in 2008 and it has since grown to multiple campuses across multiple states in New England. This is remarkable given the church climate in that part of the country. You will enjoy the conversation about church planting, young leaders, and more.

BEST QUOTES

“I love seeing people who are far from God meet Jesus.”

“One of the great things about starting off is that you don’t know the percentages that are against you.”

“I’m looking for men I can surround myself with who care for my soul.”

“I’d come of the next big thing and just feel horrible, just hungry for more. That’s what drove me to see a counselor.”

“I want to make sure I’m learning from people who are changing the man I am not just the ministry I am part of.”

“I want to finish this race, and I don’t just want to finish it with a large church. I want to finish it with integrity.”

“Am I expecting something of the people in my church that I wouldn’t even do myself?”

“When we hire someone we hire a team and both spouses need to know they are loved.”

“Wherever you are, are you all there?”

“I think we often know what’s right to do, it’s being disciplined to do it in the moment.”

“We don’t make it ministry and family. We try to make it one and the same.”

“Ministry became less important to me. It’s not everything to me.”

“I don’t want to worry about fruitfulness. I want to worry about faithfulness.”

“Leading your heart will be the single biggest challenge you continually face forever.”

“Don’t chase after what others have accomplished. Just chase after being the best you.”

“Social media has really created a large game of comparison.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Josh Gagnon Leadership Podcast

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald

The Pastor’s Kid by Barnabas Piper

Help My Unbelief by Barnabas Piper

 

We'd like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries. In addition to a stronger core, the total number of hours required to complete an M.Div. has been reduced to 81-84. They even offer distance education options for those who cannot relocate to North Carolina to study.

Apply now to begin your theological education at Southeastern. Use the code 5LQ to receive a discount on your application for any degree.

Vist SEBTS.edu/5LQ.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper are joined by Josh Gagnon, pastor of Next Level Church and the host of the Josh Gagnon leadership podcast. Josh started Next Level Church in 2008 and it has since grown to multiple campuses across multiple states in New England. This is remarkable given the church climate in that part of the country. You will enjoy the conversation about church planting, young leaders, and more.

BEST QUOTES

“I love seeing people who are far from God meet Jesus.”

“One of the great things about starting off is that you don’t know the percentages that are against you.”

“I’m looking for men I can surround myself with who care for my soul.”

“I’d come of the next big thing and just feel horrible, just hungry for more. That’s what drove me to see a counselor.”

“I want to make sure I’m learning from people who are changing the man I am not just the ministry I am part of.”

“I want to finish this race, and I don’t just want to finish it with a large church. I want to finish it with integrity.”

“Am I expecting something of the people in my church that I wouldn’t even do myself?”

“When we hire someone we hire a team and both spouses need to know they are loved.”

“Wherever you are, are you all there?”

“I think we often know what’s right to do, it’s being disciplined to do it in the moment.”

“We don’t make it ministry and family. We try to make it one and the same.”

“Ministry became less important to me. It’s not everything to me.”

“I don’t want to worry about fruitfulness. I want to worry about faithfulness.”

“Leading your heart will be the single biggest challenge you continually face forever.”

“Don’t chase after what others have accomplished. Just chase after being the best you.”

“Social media has really created a large game of comparison.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Josh Gagnon Leadership Podcast

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald

The Pastor’s Kid by Barnabas Piper

Help My Unbelief by Barnabas Piper

 

We’d like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries. In addition to a stronger core, the total number of hours required to complete an M.Div. has been reduced to 81-84. They even offer distance education options for those who cannot relocate to North Carolina to study.

Apply now to begin your theological education at Southeastern. Use the code 5LQ to receive a discount on your application for any degree.

Vist SEBTS.edu/5LQ.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper are joined by Josh Gagnon, pastor of Next Level Church and the host of the Josh Gagnon leadership podcast. Josh started Next Level Church in 2008 and it has since grown to multiple campuses across multiple states in New England. This is remarkable given the church climate in that part of the country. You will enjoy the conversation about church planting, young leaders, and more.

BEST QUOTES

“I love seeing people who are far from God meet Jesus.”

“One of the great things about starting off is that you don’t know the percentages that are against you.”

“I’m looking for men I can surround myself with who care for my soul.”

“I’d come of the next big thing and just feel horrible, just hungry for more. That’s what drove me to see a counselor.”

“I want to make sure I’m learning from people who are changing the man I am not just the ministry I am part of.”

“I want to finish this race, and I don’t just want to finish it with a large church. I want to finish it with integrity.”

“Am I expecting something of the people in my church that I wouldn’t even do myself?”

“When we hire someone we hire a team and both spouses need to know they are loved.”

“Wherever you are, are you all there?”

“I think we often know what’s right to do, it’s being disciplined to do it in the moment.”

“We don’t make it ministry and family. We try to make it one and the same.”

“Ministry became less important to me. It’s not everything to me.”

“I don’t want to worry about fruitfulness. I want to worry about faithfulness.”

“Leading your heart will be the single biggest challenge you continually face forever.”

“Don’t chase after what others have accomplished. Just chase after being the best you.”

“Social media has really created a large game of comparison.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Josh Gagnon Leadership Podcast

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald

The Pastor’s Kid by Barnabas Piper

Help My Unbelief by Barnabas Piper

 

We’d like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries. In addition to a stronger core, the total number of hours required to complete an M.Div. has been reduced to 81-84. They even offer distance education options for those who cannot relocate to North Carolina to study.

Apply now to begin your theological education at Southeastern. Use the code 5LQ to receive a discount on your application for any degree.

Vist SEBTS.edu/5LQ.

In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions Podcast Todd Adkins and Barnabas Piper talk with Thomas Terry, hip hop artist as well as co-founder and current owner of Humble Beast. Humble Beast is a record label and a community of creative people seeking to show Jesus to the world and express truth with creativity and excellence. They do this through music, apparel, conferences and events, and even coffee in the past. The conversation is wide ranging and has a unique flavor because of Thomas's and Humble Beast's emphasis on creativity and artistry.

BEST QUOTES

“Discipleship is at the very core of Humble Beast.”

“We want to cultivate not just art but healthy Christianity.”

“Hip Hop gave me a voice and a means of expression.”

“More important than meetings are the way my pastors engage with me in life.”

“I learn a lot from example and observing people’s life and conduct.”

“We might see fiscal fruit, but are we seeing ministry fruit?”

“We worship an excellent God and it drives us to make excellent things.”

“I hate to have meetings in the morning.”

“Leadership in my home looks a lot like service.”

“Leadership looks like serving people.”

“Real effective leadership looks like being connected to people.”

“It’s much easier to manage tasks and goals than it is to invest in people.”

“The entry point to relationship with people is to listen a lot more and talk a lot less.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

HumbleBeast.com

Beautiful Euology

We'd like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries. In addition to a stronger core, the total number of hours required to complete an M.Div. has been reduced to 81-84. They even offer distance education options for those who cannot relocate to North Carolina to study.

Apply now to begin your theological education at Southeastern. Use the code 5LQ to receive a discount on your application for any degree.

Vist SEBTS.edu/5LQ.