Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Mark Blackwelder, longtime professor of Bible at FHU, on understanding the importance and challenges of identity. They discuss retirement, transitions, temptations, and other struggles related to this topic for church leaders. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU Doctor of Ministry student, Matthew Higginbotham on his dissertation research regarding church mergers. They discuss the benefits and challenges of church mergers. He shares some best practices for churches seeking to merge. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Doug Burleson, NT and Greek professor at FHU, on questions related to the qualifications of elders. He shares knowledge of the greek text of 1 Timothy and Titus. They focus on the qualifications related to an elder's family and the controversies that surround these questions in local churches.  

Are gospel meetings ineffective today? Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Gloster Street Church of Christ preacher and FHU alum Chad Ramsey on his research with churches on gospel meetings. They discuss reasons meetings are often ineffective and how church leaders can plan effective meetings for the church. 

Here is the Leadership Guide for this Episode. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews new FHU President Dr. Keith Harris on his leadership aims and philosophy. They discuss his goals for FHU and past leadership experiences.  

Here is the Leadership Guide for this Episode. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Eric Lyons, the director of Apologetics Press and FHU alum, on the importance of teaching Christian apologetics. They discuss what is apologetics, why it is important to teach, and how churches can go about doing such.  

Here is the Leadership Guide for this episode. 

Dr. Josh Ketchum closes out this season with a brief review and some thoughts on how working deacons provide stability to the congregation. Here is the Episode Guide for this episode that will assist you in discussing this episode.  If you are interested in getting a powerpoint from this lesson email him at [email protected].  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU President David Shannon on his nine year tenure at FHU. He reflects back on some of the key moments of his tenure, his leadership philosophy and aims, and discusses his transition back to Mount Juliet Church of Christ.  President Shannon takes us behind the desk and into his heart in a vulnerable and authentic way of reflection. 

Here is the leadership guide for this episode. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum Jeremy Burleson on being a new elder. He discusses his transition into that role, challenges, surprises, and his effort to prepare himself. Jeremy is enrolled in FHU's Graduate School of Theology certificate for Church Leaders in Counseling. Jeremy serves as an elder at the Spring Hill Church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN.  

To learn more about the Certificate for Church Leaders click this link.  

Here is the Leadership Guide for this Episode. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU President David Shannon and Dean of the College of Bible Dr. Justin Rogers on a new program to encourage, educate, and equip church leaders. The program called "The Shepherd's Path" is in its developmental stages but promises to be a great opportunity for current and future elders to gain valuable experience as they work with a cohort for a two year period.  The website link is https://fhu.edu/academics/undergraduate/centers-of-excellence/the-shepherds-path/

Here is the Leadership Episode Guide for group discussion and self-reflection.