What if the people around you are more open to spiritual conversations than you assume? In this episode, we sit down with author and cultural analyst Mark Matlock to explore the growing spiritual curiosity in today’s world—and what that means for ministry leaders, churches, and everyday Christ-followers.

We discuss:

• Surprising trends in spiritual openness across generations
• Why assumptions about apathy may be holding us back
• How to engage seekers with humility and curiosity
• How fear and the need for certainty can hold us back from open, curiosity-driven conversations
• How to join conversations God is already starting in people's hearts

Rather than focusing on convincing people, let’s begin noticing where God is already at work and show up with love, patience, and grace. If you’re a ministry leader who wants to better understand and engage with today’s spiritually curious culture, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and equip you.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Mark Matlock on the importance of being present when hearts are ready: "There is a time when people are ready to really put their trust in Christ, and we can actually make that introduction."

Mark Matlock on the significance of spirituality as the true pathway to an upgrade in life: "The spiritually curious are looking for an upgrade, and spirituality is the pathway for an upgrade."

Mark Matlock on the importance of stepping outside Christian circles and engaging with others: "The best thing is to actually get out there and be around people that aren't Christians."
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

Ministry leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. In this episode, we explore the surprising value of peer groups for ministry leaders—why they matter, how they work, and how they can be a game-changer for long-term health and impact.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Jason Daye and Jim Marvine as they share personal stories and practical insights on:

• The power of shared wisdom and mutual support
• Why isolation is one of the most overlooked risks in ministry
• How peer advisory groups help leaders stay grounded, encouraged, and accountable
• What makes a peer group thrive—and how to find one that fits

Whether you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply hungry for deeper connection with other ministry leaders, this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and a next step.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Jim Marvine on the importance of leading with humility and authenticity: "Ministry leaders have the same issues as everybody else."

Jim Marvine on the significance of treating your ministry with the same diligence and stewardship as a business, to sustain the calling: "Ministry is not a business, but you better be about the business of your ministry, or you won't be in it very long."

Jim Marvine on the importance of seeking outside perspective for greater clarity: "It's really good to hear an outside perspective."
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

Church revitalization doesn’t start with a new vision statement—it starts with discerning where God is already at work. In this episode, pastor and missional strategist Josh Hayden invites us into a thoughtful, long-term approach to renewing the local church, one rooted not in quick fixes or top-down programs, but in humility, discernment, and faithful presence.

Josh introduces the idea of “remissioning church”—not just reorganizing, but reorienting the church around the mission of God in the local community. He shares how ministry leaders can shift from ownership to stewardship, learning to hold their influence loosely and listen deeply to both the Spirit and the people they’re called to serve.

Together, we explore:

• What it means to steward—not control—your church’s community impact
• How to join God’s work already unfolding in your neighborhood
• Why real revitalization takes time, patience, and pastoral courage
• How remissioning can bring clarity, direction, and renewed joy to ministry leaders
• Practical encouragement for those leading change in slow, faithful ways

If your heart longs to see your church renewed from the inside out—not by chasing trends but by aligning with God’s mission—this conversation will offer both hope and a grounded path forward.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Josh Hayden on the importance of aligning our lives with God’s mission and recognizing that we are partners, not the originators, of His work: "It's God's mission, and we're simply joining in."

Josh Hayden on the significance of viewing change as an essential part of discipleship and spiritual formation: "The change process is a discipleship process."

Josh Hayden on the importance of leaders modeling belief in change so their churches can have the faith to follow: "If leaders don't believe their churches can change, it's going to be really hard for their churches to believe it, too."
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

There’s a subtle trap in ministry leadership that many pastors fall into—without even realizing it. In this episode, Jason Daye sits down with Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Christianity Today, to explore the unseen pressures that can distort your leadership, whether it shows up as insecurity, performance-driven ministry, or quiet pride.

You’ll discover:

• Two extremes that distort healthy leadership
• How insecurity and overconfidence both miss the mark
• The concern with triumphalism in today’s church culture
• Why Christ-centered leadership is both confident and humble
• How to embrace a cruciform vision of leadership that reflects Jesus

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, prove, or protect your platform, this episode offers a powerful reframe—anchored in the life of Jesus.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Nicole Martin on the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God that allows us to hear His voice: "Having a relationship with God where we can feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that is the best, most important information we need."

Nicole Martin on the significance of recognizing when our drive for productivity is rooted in ego rather than purpose: "If I feel myself falling into workaholism, that's a sign that my ego might be out of check."

Nicole Martin on the importance of using the power of the Holy Spirit to serve others and uplift those around us: "The point of you having power by the Holy Spirit is so that you can empower others and distribute that power in a way that gives glory to God."
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

Are you stepping into a new season of ministry? Whether you're leaving a long-term role, joining a new church, or sensing a shift in your calling, this episode offers honest insight and practical guidance to help you navigate your transition with clarity, confidence, and faith. Host Jason Daye is joined by longtime pastor Steve Bezner.

Join us as we explore:

• How to recognize when a ministry season is shifting
• The importance of the core of your identity and calling
• Healthy ways to process leaving a church or role
• Practical steps to prepare for what’s next
• Encouragement for the in-between space

This conversation is for pastors and ministry leaders discerning what’s next—those in transition, on the edge of change, or already stepping into the unknown.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Steve Bezner on the importance of gathering with God's people: "Gathering together with God's people can be a truly life-giving experience if we meet God with this identity as a child of God."

Steve Bezner on the significance of staying tuned in to God’s voice: “God has called you to serve Him… just listen for whatever that new thing is that he wants you to do.”

Steve Bezner on the importance of waiting on God: “As we felt that discontent, then it was just time to be still and wait on the Lord.”
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

Feeling constantly distracted by your phone? Struggling to stay focused in ministry? You're not alone. In this episode, host Jason Daye is joined by Reclaimwell co-founder, Joey Odom, to explore how digital distraction affects pastors and ministry leaders—and how you can reclaim your time, attention, and presence.

You'll discover practical strategies to:

▪️Break free from phone-based habits that fragment your focus
▪️Reclaim margin for deeper relationships and spiritual formation
▪️Lead with clarity, even in a constantly connected world
▪️Build healthier rhythms for life, leadership, and soul care

Whether you're preaching, pastoring, or parenting, this conversation will help you lead with purpose—online and offline.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Joey Odom on the importance of creating healthy boundaries with technology so you can truly connect with those you love most: "We have a relationship with our phones that's getting in the way of our most important relationships."

Joey Odom on the significance of leading by example, not just by words, in a world full of noise and digital distraction: “We delude ourselves into thinking that leadership is making declarations versus actually living something out.”

Joey Odom on the importance of the Church leading with clarity and conviction in a culture overwhelmed by digital noise: “What an amazing opportunity for the Church to lead with clarity on this topic.”
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

Feeling overwhelmed in ministry? You're not alone. In this episode, host Jason Daye is joined by pastor and neuroscience thought leader, Charles Stone, to explore how pastors and ministry leaders can manage stress more effectively—using a powerful blend of brain science, biblical wisdom, and practical tools.

If you’re navigating a busy or demanding season in ministry, and want to lead from a place of peace and clarity, this conversation is for you.

You'll discover:

▪️How your brain responds to stress—and what you can do about it
▪️What Scripture actually says about stress and soul care
▪️Practical rhythms to help you stay grounded and present
▪️How to lead well without running on empty

Whether you're facing burnout, decision fatigue, or constant pressure, you'll walk away with fresh encouragement and actionable next steps.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Charles Stone on the importance of responding to stress in a healthy way: "When we respond to that event out there in an unhealthy way over a long period of time, that's when stress really does its damaging work."

Charles Stone on the significance of staying rooted in faith during challenging seasons: “When God allows a difficulty to come into our lives, in our ministry, or in our family, it is an opportunity to build character.”

Charles Stone on the importance of embracing stress as a tool for growth: “Don't let stress define you; rather, let it refine you.”
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

How do pastors and ministry leaders stay emotionally and spiritually strong when ministry gets hard? In this encouraging and practical episode, host Jason Daye is joined by Bishop Geoffrey Dudley to explore how to lead through the inevitable storms of ministry — without losing heart, burning out, or leading from an empty place. Whether you're in a tough season or simply bracing for the next wave, this conversation offers honest insight, biblical wisdom, and actionable tools to help you lead with strength, soul, and sustainability.

You’ll discover:

▪️Key practices to guard your emotional and mental health
▪️How spiritual formation sustains long-term leadership
▪️What to do when you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or weary

👉 Perfect for pastors, church staff, and ministry leaders navigating pressure, crisis, transition, or mission fatigue.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Geoffrey Dudley on the importance of knowing your specific calling and walking in it with boldness: “What is the specific thing you believe God has called you to do in the life that he's given you to do?”

Geoffrey Dudley on the significance of leading with integrity and staying rooted in God's truth: “You’ve got to lead from a place of spiritual and emotional health.”

Geoffrey Dudley on the importance of prioritizing rest without guilt: “I need to take time for myself and not feel guilty about it.”
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Andy Root. Andy is a Professor of Youth and Family Ministries at Luther Seminary. He is the host of the thought-provoking podcast When Church Stops Working, and just the title of that podcast probably gets your mind working. As pastors and ministry leaders, we really encourage you to check that podcast out. Andy has written a number of books, including his latest, entitled Evangelism in an Age of Despair.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Andy Root on the importance of authentic relationships in ministry over strategies and programs: “Every part of the Christian life is evangelistic.”

Andy Root on the significance of recognizing how social media shapes our inner lives: “Social media has been a huge piece of what ignites our unhappiness and our despair.”

Andy Root on the deep and often overlooked impact of simply being present with others: “​​​​In this accelerated age, we miss the utter power of what it means just to be present with people.”
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Margaret Feinberg. Margaret speaks at churches and conferences, and she is the host of an incredible podcast called The Joycast. I encourage you to check that out. She's written a number of books and Bible studies, and, in fact, has sold over a million copies worldwide of the resources and the books that she's written. Her latest is entitled The God You Need to Know.

Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more, at http://PastorServe.org/network

Some key takeaways from this conversation:

Margaret Feinberg on the importance of recognizing God’s presence in the middle of uncertainty: "Often in our seasons of uncertainty and unknown, we discover Holy Spirit hovering over us."

Margaret Feinberg on the personalized and creative nature of how the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and empowers us: "There's not one cookie-cutter way that Holy Spirit works."  

Margaret Feinberg on the significance of choosing where you place your trust: "You can cling to the crisis, or you can cling to Christ, but you do not have arms big enough for both."
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Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.

Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.

Love well, live well, & lead well

Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession

Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...