Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Jon Paul Gulledge on a recent project he did with leaders from their congregation to develop their conviction, missional focus, and non-anxious presence. They defined their values and discussed harmful responses to challenging situations.  They discuss the leadership theory of Bowen Family System theory and its application to congregational settings.  

For the Episode Guide for group discussion and summary of content email . . . [email protected]

Here is a list of family systems books reference in the episode. 

Family Systems Theory Reading List – Josh Ketchum ([email protected])

For beginning I would start with Steinke for theory understanding and congregational application. The Herrington book on the “The Leader’s Journey” or Creech book “Family Systems and Congregational Life” are both good introduction and applications as well. The two Bolsinger books are great for focusing on the leader and the concept of adaptive change and transformation. The foundational texts that are more difficult are by Friedman.

Steinke, P. L. (2006). Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What. Lanham, Maryland, Rowman & Littlefield

Steinke, P. L. (2019). Uproar: Calm Leadership in Anxious Times

Bolsinger, Tod (2015). Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory.

Bolsinger, Tod (2020) Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change.

Herrington, Jim; Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert Creech (2003,  2020) The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation.

Creech, R. R. (2019). Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Academic

Cuss, Steve (2019). Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs.

Friedman, Edwin (1999, 2007, 2017) A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of Quick Fix.

Friedman, Edwin (1985) Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue.

[I have not read these last two]

Gilbert, R. M. (2006). Extraordinary Leadership: Thinking Systems, Making a Difference. Leading Systems Press

Brown, J. & Errington, L. (eds. 2019). Bowen Family Systems Theory in Christian Ministry: Grappling with Theory and its Application Through a Biblical Lens. The Family Systems Practice

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews his mentor and friend Stan Dauck on long-term ministry and the challenges of serving both as an elder and minister at the same church. Stan has been preaching with the Bernie Church of Christ in Bernie, Missouri for 38 years serving as an elder for 18 of those years.  

To receive the Leader's Guide to this Episode send an email to [email protected].

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Matthew Morine from the Castle Rock Church of Christ on the church's vision. He discusses the minister's role in promoting the vision and the importance of a vision for a congregation.  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Matthew Morine preacher at the Castle Rock Church of Christ on the value of reading for leaders. Matthew shares his reading tips along with his favorite books and lessons from them for leaders. 

Here are the books he recommended.  

Overcoming the Darkside of Leadership - by Gary McIntosh 

Dear Chairman by Jeff Gramm

Anti-fragile - by Nassim Taleb and Joe Ochman

When the Center Does Not Hold by David Brubaker

Making Shifts Without Making Waves - by Edward Hammett and James Pierce 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum and preacher at the Maple Hill Church of Christ in Lebanon, TN on understanding church sizes and the transitions required by leadership. In this episode they discuss how churches can break size barriers for growth, how ministers and leaders must shift leadership philosophy in when changing size churches, and how transitions are challenging. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews long-time gospel preacher and interim minister Jerrie Barber on his experiences and wisdom with how to deal with conflict. 

Between Preachers - Jerrie Barber 

Fleecy Clouds - Gail Barber

Jerrie also has a weekly podcast that is exceptional. You can listen to it here or subscribe wherever you get your favorite podcasts.   It is call "Gleaning Mustard Seeds"

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum and current missionary-in-residence on the challenges of foreign mission work and what local leadership can do to support and encourage their missionary. 

In this bonus episode we share Chris McCurley's Dear Church Podcast which was released on December 4, 2025. In this episode Dr. Josh Ketchum, our normal host, is interviewed with his son Austin Ketchum about their new book: At His Table. The book contains 53 devotionals centered around the Lord's Supper. It is designed for the worshipper to be able to use it to enrich their communion each Lord's day. 

Here is the link to the Dear Church Podcast so you can subscribe and follow this great podcast.  

Here is the Amazon link to purchase the book. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews his good friend Mark Simons on the leading in the small church. Mark is an FHU alum and preacher at the Roan's Creek Church of Christ. Mark discusses the strengths, challenges, and unique blessings that are available through the small church. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Andrew Phillips about interpersonal communication. They discuss how to consider the story you are telling yourself and how to listen to the stories and statements of others. These skills are very valuable for church leaders.  

Also you can email Josh Ketchum at [email protected] to be entered in his book drawing by Nov. 5, 2025.  To purchase a copy or learn about the book check out this link.