Coaching Christian Leaders

For the past 18 months, this podcast was called The Real Pastors podcast. Real Pastors released monthly interviews with pastors and missionaries about their calling and their work.

Now that the podcast has been rebranded to Coaching Christian Leaders we will continue to interview those in ministry, especially pastors and missionaries. But we will add coaches and others in leadership.

In addition, I will feature coaching specific episodes.

So what you will hear in this episode is a monthly release under the heading of One Question Coaching. These One Question Coaching episodes will be short and to the point. My goal is to give you one action item to work on.

So here we go.

God has called you to lead. Whether a ministry or a business – God has called you to lead. Since that calling, you have worked hard and prayed. But now as you look back, as you evaluate the journey can you say your leadership, your ministry, or your business is where you thought it would be?

Here is a simple question to help you evaluate.

What is possible?

What is possible?  ... in your outreach .... in your financial support .... in your adult discipleship .... in your sales .... in your marketing?

Take time this month and determine what is possible

1. First, I want you to evaluate just one thing. Don’t try and evaluate the entire ministry or business. Don’t try and evaluate every aspect of your leadership. Just evaluate one part, one thing. Evaluate your online marketing...your adult discipleship .... how you do performance evaluations ... your ... Well, you get the idea. Just evaluate one thing. Pick one thing to evaluate.
2. Second, do not evaluate what is – The present is not important. And do not evaluate what was – The past is not important. Only determine what is possible. Look into the future and answer the question What is Possible?

Spend some time on this. Think about it. Pray over it. Then write down all that is possible. Write down what it can be.

A few years back I evaluated our children’s outreach. I felt that we could reach even deeper into the community. I knew that there were kids and families in our community that we were not reaching.

So we mapped out some steps, made some changes, and now we are accomplishing just that. We are reaching more children for Christ.

Now I am in the process of evaluating Adult Discipleship. I know that we teach the Bible well. But the possibility I see in Adult Discipleship are deeper Christian relationships. So now I am mapping out steps to get us there.

Steps are the strategy that follows evaluation.  First, you determine what is possible. And second, you map out the strategy to get there.

Creating a strategy to get to the possible will take time and thought. It might even involve your team or another person, someone to help you develop the strategy. This is where a coach can assist.

If you need help with this evaluation and with the strategy, feel free to contact me. I would love to help you.

I currently offer complimentary 45-minute strategy sessions to my listeners. Just click HERE or go to schedule your session. 

God has called you to lead. The large part of your calling is to determine the possible and then map out the steps to get there.

Take this week to determine the possible. And then feel free to contact me. I would be honored to help you map out the next steps as you move forward in your leadership.

For the past 18 months, you have known this podcast as The Real Pastors Podcast. But now it is time to make a change. So I am rebranding the podcast. The podcast will now be called Coaching Christian Leaders.

Why are you doing this you ask?

There are a few reasons.

1. The title Real Pastors never explained what the podcast was about. When I picked the Real Pastors, I took the idea from Real Simple Magazine. Unfortunately, what works for a magazine does not work for a podcast.
2. Another reason is that my guest list has broadened. In addition to the pastors and missionaries I normally interview, there will be Christian authors, counselors, and leaders sharing their knowledge. For example, our first guest for Coaching Christian Leaders is Dr. Sam Serio. Dr. Serio is the is the author of Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting. This is a great interview and I am honored that he will be on the show.
3. Third, some new doors are opening for me. Real Pastors made it possible for me to begin coaching leaders. And so it is only fitting that this podcast includes coaching.

So what will be the new format? I will continue to interview guests who have a story or an expertise that will benefit you the listener.

I will also be releasing coaching specific episodes to help leaders move forward. This will include interviews with Christian coaches and also my own coaching tips.

Thanks to all the listeners who supported the Real Pastors Podcast these past 18 months. I look forward to further serving you through Coaching Christian Leaders.

I’ll see you soon.

Over 14 years ago, Pastor Herb Reese noticed a void in the church. There was no lasting ministry to the widows, widowers, and single parents. So he created one - New Commandment Men's Ministries. 

New Commandment Men's Ministries helps churches recruit, train, and deploy teams of men to help widows, widowers, and single parents.

Herb and the ministry have been described in the monthly publications of Rev Magazine, Leadership Network, Promise Keepers, and Man in the Mirror.  It has been written about in Why Men Hate Going to Church and The Externally Focused Church. In addition, Focus on the Family, Moody Radio, and Daystar Television have broadcast programs about New Commandment.

• The origin of New Commandment
• The purpose of the ministry.
• And how to start your own.

You can email Herb at [email protected]

You can learn more by visiting his website at Newcommandment.org

Please check out his book, Developing A Men's Team Ministry to Widows, Widowers, and Single Parents.

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any podcast app. Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when I release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you and I will occasionally send you Member Only Resources.  I will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

God is working in Argentina. In a valley, not far from Cordoba, God is spreading the good news of His Son, Jesus. To accomplish this, He is using Tito and Adriana Ramirez. 

Tito and Adriana have an ambitious plan to plant 15 churches in the Punilla Valley of Argentina. The Punilla Valley is located west-northwest of Cordoba Argentina. 

• Tito and Adriana share how the came to trust on Jesus Christ.
• They share the steps that led them into missions.
• They share the work God has called them to do.
• They also share how you can get involved with the work in Argentina.

Please email Tito and Adriana at [email protected]

Please support Tito and Adriana through pray and giving. For more information on giving you can contact Biblical Ministries Worldwide at https://www.biblicalministries.org/support/

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any podcast app. Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when I release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you and I will occasionally send you Member Only Resources.  I will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Today is a real treat. We will sit down with Maria Gusmao of Recife Brasil. Maria is a missionary with Bible Centered Ministries International. She and her team reach over 4,000 kids a week with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Her story includes witchcraft, demonism, drug abuse, and homosexuality. But the focus of her story is how God always provides. God provides for her needs, her ministry, and God provides hope for the hopeless and help for the helpless.

You can email Maria at [email protected]

To learn more about Bible Centered Ministries, please go to https://bcmintl.org/

To help Maria and her team financially, please contact BCM at [email protected] or call them at 1-888-226-4685. Let them know that you wish to support the Bible Club Ministry in Recife Brasil.

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any podcast app. Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen. Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team. To do so just click HERE. You will receive an occasional newsletter and an email whenever an episode is released. I will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Andy Earl has been a church planter, a pastor, and an evangelist. He has had the privilege of planting two English speaking churches in Germany.

But in recent years Andy has suffered a heartache. Sometimes, when people suffer, they pull away from God, even to the point where they no longer serve Him. But not Andy. Andy has used this heartache to create a new ministry. Out of the ashes of heartache arises an opportunity to serve Jesus.

What happened to Andy? What was this heartache? Andy and his wife Tina divorced. Divorce is a common occurrence among our church members, but it is rare when those in ministry divorce.

In today's episode, Andy will share his divorce story. He will share how it impacted him personally and how it impacted his ministry. Andy will also share some of the resources that helped him work through this sad situation. Finally, Andy will share the new ministry that he is starting. Broken Hearts Ministry will provide counsel to those suffering a similar heartache.

Andy recommended two resources for those going through a divorce.

1. Divorce Care at DivorceCare.org
2. When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't": Practical Helps for Healing During Separation & Divorce by Laura Petherbridge

Please contact Andy with any questions you may have. If you are a pastor of a church in Germany, Andy is available to you and your congregation. You can email him at [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any podcast app. Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

I am in the process of recording new interviews and I would love for you to participate. Here's how. Just review the Roundup Questions found on the blog page. Then email me if you have insight into any of the subjects. I will email back and schedule the interview. Interviews will last 10-15 minutes.

Or if you do not want to be interviewed but still want to answer a Roundup question, use our Speakpipe app. Click the Speakpipe icon at Realpastors.com or go directly to www.Speakpipe.com/realpastors. You will have only 90 seconds to answer. I will pick the best answers for an upcoming episode. 

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when I release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you and I will occasionally send you Member Only Resources.  I will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

John Harling, the pastor of Hanover Fellowship Church in Hanover Pennsylvania, is our guest. John is married to his wife, Peggy, and they have two sons. 

John is a graduate of Liberty University with a Masters of Divinity. He is also an author. His book is titled Grounded for Growth.  

In this interview, John shares his personal battle with pornography. John will tell his story and give you some practical ways to defeat the power of porn.

Caught with porn - 13:12

Pornography Stats - 15:30

John's first exposure - 18:10

How pornography impacts the mind - 19:40

Deliverance from sexual sin - 26:11

AAA Policy - 26:54

• Abstain - 27:12
• Affirmation - 30:57
• Accountability - 35:30

Covenant Eyes - 40:27 

Feel free to contact John with your questions. His email is:[email protected]

Care for Pastors - www.CareforPastors.org

Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability and Filtering - www.CovenantEyes.com

Grounded for Growth Leaders Guide by John Harling

Grounded for Growth Student Workbook by John Harling

Here are two books I use to counsel men addicted to pornography. The book by Tim Challies is very helpful to use with men who are not strong readers. The book by Heath Lambert and Joshua Harris is also a great book, especially for the counselor.

Sexual Detox: A Guide for Guys Who Are Sick of Porn, by Tim Challies

Finally Free: Fighting for Purity With the Power of Grace, by Heath Lambert and Joshua Harris

It is important that we minister with sensitivity to the those who struggle with pornography and other sexual issues. A book that may help you do so is by Dr. Sam Serio titled Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting. I am reading it now and it has been helpful.

Finally, approximately 25% of Christian women are addicted to porn, but they rarely seek help. Also, most pastors are ill-equipped to counsel women on this subject. Crystal Renaud has written a book that can help. It titled Dirty Girls Come Clean. The book is written for the woman struggling with porn. Ms. Renaud also has a ministry. The website

Ms. Renaud also has a ministry that provides women with help, hope, and healing from pornography and sexual addiction. The website is www.dirtygirlsministries.com.

Chuck Colson, in his book The Body, lists the questions used by Charles Swindoll.

1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. That way you will never miss an episode.  You can subscribe at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any podcast app.

Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, I am in the process of recording new interviews and I would love for you to participate. Here's how. Just review the Roundup Questions found on the blog page. Then email me if you have some insight on any of the subjects. I will email back and schedule the interview. Interviews will last 10-15 minutes.

Or if you do not want to be interviewed but still want to answer a Roundup question, use our Speakpipe app. Click the Speakpipe icon at Realpastors.com or go directly to www.Speakpipe.com/realpastors. You will have only 90 seconds to answer. I will pick the best answers for an upcoming episode. 

Fred Walker is the Director of Church Ministries at Perry Hall Baptist Church. He has been married to his wife Sandy for over 45 years and they have two grown daughters and seven grandchildren.

He is a gifted administrator and leader. But his true heart is focused on mentoring men. In today's interview, Fred shares how he challenges and mentors men. 

• You can't use email or social media to impact men. You must meet them face-to-face.
• Meet with one or two men per week and you will be well on your way to mentoring the men of your congregation. 
• Be transparent to earn their respect.

[email protected]

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rich Warren

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. You can subscribe at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any third party podcast app.

Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when we release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you. And on occasion, we will send you Member Only Resources.  We will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

God calls those of us in ministry to be faithful - faithful on the mountain top and faithful in the valley.

Today we sit down with Pastor Joe Ready.  Joe has over 36 years of ministry experience. He has led churches through many different seasons.

One season that some churches go through is that of decline.  Joe will share his wisdom on how to lead a church through decline.

1. He shared what the small church may share with the larger church.  2:51
2. He pointed out the problems and strengths of the small church.  17:00
3. He presented the symptoms of the healthy church.  29:50
4. He looked at the problem of a church that is more focused on growth than God. 42:00
5. Finally, Joe told us how to lead a church during decline.  51:25

1. Authentic Worship
2. Balanced Biblical Preaching
3. Sound Leadership
4. A Welcoming Congregation
5. A Sense of Mission

1. Prayerfully
2. Consistent preparation to preach
3. Teach the Principle of Blessing.
4. Longevity of the pastor. Stick it out.

10 Very Possible Reasons Your Church Is Not Growing by Carey Nieuwhof 

The Dynamics of Church Growth by Ron Jenson

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

[email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. That way you will never miss an episode.  You can subscribe at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any third party podcast app.  Episodes are released once per month on the third Monday of the month.

Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when we release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you. And on occasion, we will send you Member Only Resources.  We will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

This month we speak with Pastor Dave Tierney, the Senior Pastor at White Marsh Baptist Church. Dave is a true scholar and a man that has a great understanding of today's events.

Dave has been married to his wife Lisa for 30 years.  They have four kids and two dogs. He enjoys sailing, reading, and spending time with the family.

The focus of Dave's interview focused on immigration.  Dave pointed out that immigration is the next great opportunity for the church.  His church hosts two immigrant, or language congregations. They also offer English as a Second Language classes.

1. Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church, by Richard Blackaby
2. Fools Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion, by Oz Guinness
3. Bringing Home the Prodigals, by Bob Parsons
4. Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel, by Russell D. Moore
5. Lead Like Jesus: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Model of All Time, by Ken Blanchard
6. World Relief

[email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Pastors.  If you are not a subscriber then please become one. That way you will never miss an episode.  You can subscribe at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and most any third party podcast app.  Episodes are released once per month on the third Monday of the month.

Also, please leave a review of Real Pastors wherever you listen.  Your reviews help the podcast reach more people.

Finally, become a member of the Real Pastors Team.  You can do so by clicking HERE.  You will receive an email when we release a new episode.  The show notes will be emailed to you. And on occasion, we will send you Member Only Resources.  We will never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.