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Mark DeYmaz - pastor, author, and longtime leader in building multi-ethnic, economically diverse churches returns to talk about what it actually means to be a peacemaker in a divided world. We center the conversation on the Prayer of St. Francis and explore the difference between claiming the name of Christ and embodying his way, why nuance and listening matter, and how to hold tension without trying to escape it. Mark shares practical ways to pursue peace in everyday relationships and in the broader culture, and we wrestle with how to live with both hope and despair at the same time. If we’re going to reflect Jesus in the world, this is work we can’t avoid.

A thought-leading writer and recognized champion of the Multiethnic Church Movement, Mark planted the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas (mosaicchurch.net) in 2001 where he continues to serve as Directional Leader. In 2004, he co-founded the Mosaix Global Network (mosaix.info), with Dr. George Yancey, today serving as its president and convener of the triennial National Multi-ethnic Church Conference. In 2008, he launched Vine and Village (vineandvillage.org) and remains active on the board of this 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on the spiritual, social, and financial transformation of Little Rock's University District.

Mark has written several books, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics (Baker Books, 2019); Disruption: Repurposing the Church to Redeem the Community (Thomas Nelson, 2017); and Multiethnic Conversations: an Eight Week Guide to Unity in Your Church (Wesleyan Publishing House, 2016), the first daily devotional, small group curriculum on the subject for people in the pews. His book, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church (Jossey-Bass, 2007), was a finalist for a Christianity Today Book of the Year Award (2008) and for a Resource of the Year Award (2008) sponsored by Outreach magazine. Other works include, re:MIX: Transitioning Your Church to Living Color (Abingdon, 2016); Leading a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church (formerly Ethnic Blends; Zondervan, 2010, 2013), and the e-Book, Should Pastors Accept or Reject the Homogeneous Unit Principle? (Mosaix Global Network, 2011). In addition to books, he is a contributing editor for Outreach magazine where his column, "Mosaic" appears in each issue. 

He and his wife, Linda, have been married for thirty-two years and reside in Little Rock, AR. Linda is the author of the certified best-seller, Mommy, Please Don't Cry: There Are No Tears in Heaven (Multnomah, 1996), an anointed resource providing hope and comfort for those who grieve the loss of a child. Mark and Linda have four adult children and three grandchildren. 

Mark's Book:

Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace

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Succession is one of the most important moments in the life of a ministry.

And one of the most misunderstood.

After decades working with leading Christian organizations, Steve Woodworth has watched leadership transitions unfold from behind the scenes. 

Some created momentum and clarity. Others quietly eroded trust, fractured relationships, and stalled mission.

What makes the difference?

In this episode, Steve shares the patterns he’s seen across hundreds of organizations, why internal succession is often more effective, and how boards and leaders can work together to create a “no drama” transition.

This conversation is both practical and deeply human, addressing not just strategy but identity, trust, and the emotional reality leaders face as they step out of their roles.

00:00 — Introduction to Steve Woodworth

If you’re navigating a leadership transition or want to prepare your organization before challenges arise, visit https://ministrytransitions.com to learn how Ministry Transitions helps leaders and boards plan wisely and finish strong. 

You can also connect with Steve Woodworth’s insights through his book Lost in Transition and his work at https://masterworks.agency or on LinkedIn, where he shares ongoing wisdom for leaders facing succession decisions. These resources exist to help you steward both the ending and the next beginning with clarity and care.

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Grace is God as heart surgeon. Grace is God cracking open your chest, removing your heart, poisoned as it is with pride and pain, and replacing it with his own. God’s dream isn’t just to get you into heaven, but to get heaven into you.

Grace lives because Jesus does, works because he works, and matters because he matters. To be saved by grace is to be saved by Jesus—not by an idea, doctrine, creed, or church membership—but by Jesus himself, who will sweep into heaven anyone who so much as gives him the nod.

Grace won’t be stage-managed. I have no tips on how to get grace. Truth is, we don’t get grace, but it can sure can get us. If you wonder whether God can do something with the mess of your life, then grace is what you need. Make certain it happens to you!

Read more Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

On my desk is a memo board of reminders. Pinned on it is a list, “10 Habits for Great Health” that I cut out of a nutrition magazine years ago. Recently, I was stunned that even though I see this list every day, I could only remember four items. The list was such a familiar part of my daily surroundings that I’d glance at it without really seeing it or following what it said.

James describes something similar in the attitude of many believers toward the Scriptures: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and . . . goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24). Many followers of Christ are aware of what the Bible says. However, we may “merely listen to the word” (v. 22), but the extent to which we submit to it ends there. In this way, we deceive ourselves about the power and authority of Scripture, failing to see it as providing the “perfect law that gives [us] freedom” (v. 25).

James tells us to be “doers of the word” (v. 22 NASB). We’re to look “intently into” Scripture and to “[continue] in it” (v. 25), to keep doing “what it says” (v. 22). Obeying God should be not just something we do, but flow from who we are. By His strength, we can live out His Word in our world.

Starting a new job or stepping into leadership? This episode breaks down how to start strong, take initiative, and grow in your role. From asking better questions to understanding context and building trust, we’re sharing practical advice for early-career leaders and anyone navigating a new season of work.

Episode Summary

David Robbins, President of CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ), shares how God shaped his leadership through weakness, dependence, and deep intimacy with Christ. In this powerful conversation, he reveals why lasting fruit doesn’t come from strength—but from surrender—and how that truth is shaping a global vision for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership multiplication.

What You’ll Learn

⏱️ Key Moments

✨ Key Quote

“If dependence is the goal, then weakness is actually an advantage.”

Why This Matters

In a culture driven by performance, this episode reframes leadership through a biblical lens—showing that God multiplies impact through surrendered lives, not self-sufficient leaders.

Share this episode with a leader who needs encouragement

Follow for more conversations on faith, leadership, and multiplication

Episode Summary

David Robbins, President of CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ), shares how God shaped his leadership through weakness, dependence, and deep intimacy with Christ. In this powerful conversation, he reveals why lasting fruit doesn’t come from strength—but from surrender—and how that truth is shaping a global vision for evangelism, discipleship, and leadership multiplication.

What You’ll Learn

• Why weakness is a leadership advantage
• How dependence on God produces fruit that remains
• The role of stillness, journaling, and community in leadership health
• How to lead authentically without posturing in new roles
• A global vision for raising next-generation leaders
• Why being a lover of God is the foundation of everything

⏱️ Key Moments

• 00:00 – Introduction & podcast overview
• 01:15 – David Robbins’ role and mission at CRU
• 02:30 – Life-changing moment: grief, family, and surrender
• 04:30 – “Weakness is an advantage” (2 Corinthians 12)
• 06:00 – Leadership rhythms: community, counseling, stillness
• 08:00 – Journaling & “zero-entry mornings”
• 10:00 – Leading without posturing
• 12:00 – Vision: first love, evangelism, and discipleship
• 14:00 – Building leaders for 2050 and beyond
• 17:00 – Personal leadership priorities
• 18:30 – Final encouragement: be a lover of God

✨ Key Quote

“If dependence is the goal, then weakness is actually an advantage.”

Why This Matters

In a culture driven by performance, this episode reframes leadership through a biblical lens—showing that God multiplies impact through surrendered lives, not self-sufficient leaders.

Christian leadership, David Robbins CRU, Campus Crusade for Christ, leadership development, spiritual growth, evangelism and discipleship, Christian podcast, faith-based leadership, biblical leadership principles, multiplication in ministry

Share this episode with a leader who needs encouragement

Follow for more conversations on faith, leadership, and multiplication

What You’ll Learn⏱️ Key Moments✨ Key Quote Why This Matters SEO Keywords Call to Action

What happens when leaders stop guessing about culture and start listening to what their teams are actually experiencing?

In this episode of Called to Flourish, Brad Cooper, Lead Pastor of Culture and Direction at NewSpring Church, shares how honest feedback and engagement surveys helped their leadership team face cultural blind spots, respond to a season of challenge, and build deeper trust across staff. Instead of relying on assumptions, they used data to clarify reality and strengthen alignment across the organization. This conversation offers practical insight for pastors and ministry leaders who want to build healthier teams through transparency, shared ownership, and intentional listening.

You'll gain insight into:

• Why facing the truth about culture is essential for building trust

• How engagement surveys help leaders see what they might otherwise miss

• What team-based leadership looks like in a healthy church culture

• How consistent listening strengthens staff alignment over time

Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/data-driven-leadership-how-facing-the-truth-about-culture-builds-trust-and-strengthens-your-church

If success feels heavier than it should, something’s out of place.

In this episode, Dave Ramsey and Harvard professor Dr. Arthur Brooks share how to move from empty achievement to a life grounded in purpose, connection and meaning.

Next Steps:

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