In this episode, Pastor Joel Wayne and Pastor Luke Bilberry sit down with Pastor Mike Joslyn for a candid, practical conversation on the mistakes young leaders make—and the deeper identity issues that often sit beneath them.

Together, they unpack why so many new (and seasoned) leaders feel pressure to prove themselves, why listening is more Christlike than leading with statements, and how the search for validation can quietly pull your heart away from God and toward the approval of people. From avoiding conflict to measuring the wrong things to carrying burdens we were meant to share, this episode shines a light on the subtle traps that shape unhealthy leadership.

Ultimately, the conversation keeps circling back to a single, critical theme: Spiritual leadership is not about outcomes, optics, or speed—it’s about obedience, impact, and becoming someone worth emulating.

Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time, serving in your church, leading in the workplace, or simply wanting to grow as a follower of Jesus, this episode will challenge you to slow down, ask better questions, listen well, and aim your life at the right target.

What you’ll learn:

• Why young leaders often rush to speak—and how to build the discipline of listening first
• How seeking validation leads to insecurity, comparison, and unhealthy leadership patterns
• The difference between impact and influence (and why only one creates lasting change)
• How to step into conflict with truth and grace instead of fear or avoidance
• Why measuring the wrong things leads to burnout—and how to evaluate success through Scripture
• Practical ways to equip others instead of carrying the weight of ministry alone
• Why spiritual leaders must know what they stand for, not just what they stand against
• How to find mentors worth emulating and ask for the wisdom you actually need
• Why evaluating your “target” matters—and how drifting from it can derail your life and calling

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