"When you’re not clear on your vision, your culture, or your strategy, and things get out of alignment, bringing it back into alignment will come with a lot of pain. But once you get there, you’ll wonder how you ever existed without that alignment.” Meet Jesse DeYoung, Executive Lead Pastor of Flatirons Church. Today’s discussion is all about the critical topic of organizational doubt and its impact on church leadership. Jesse shares insights from his experience at Flatirons Community Church, where organizational misalignment led to significant challenges, including staff turnover and cultural rebuilding. He introduces a five-stage model of organizational doubt, ranging from suspended doubt to absolute doubt, and offers practical advice for addressing each level.

Welcome to Episode 123 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Flatirons Community Church

Building Organizational Trust and Managing Organizational Doubt, blog by Jesse DeYoung

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS JESSE DEYOUNG?

Jesse DeYoung has been in ministry for 19 years and currently serves Flatirons Church in Denver, CO as the Executive Lead Pastor, where he helps leaders and ministries have a significant impact through developing and equipping teams to make high-level strategic decisions. He’s especially passionate about staff culture, rebuilding teams, and the relationship between the Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor. Known for his discernment, and self-deprecating humor, Jesse is always looking for opportunities to develop and challenge the people around him, making him a reliable sounding board for all levels of the organization. When he's not developing his staff, you can find Jesse playing ping pong, enjoying coffee, and exploring the outdoors with his wife Kara and four kids.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“The moment you allow your margin to be given away is the precise moment your church will ask more from you, and you won’t have anything left to give them.” If you’re just hanging on until your next sabbatical, you might be missing the point. True rest isn’t something you find on vacation—it’s something you build into your daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms. In this episode, Sean explores how to reset your work/rest cycle with practical steps: admit things aren’t working, evaluate expectations in your role, and establish sustainable rhythms. From setting clear job tasks to planning annual retreats, these strategies will help you create a life where rest isn’t just a distant hope but a regular reality.

Welcome to Episode 122 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. 

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS SEAN MORGAN?

Sean started out in ministry serving in a San Francisco area church plant as their Executive Pastor.  He went on to help coach and consult with church leaders across the country and eventually founded The Ascent Leader, a first-of-its-kind organization focusing on relational leadership development for local church pastors. He also hosts the Leaders In Living Rooms podcast. Sean recently retired from a 26-year career as a KC-10 pilot in the US Air Force Reserve. His favorite titles are “Stacy’s husband” and “Kaylee and Ayden’s dad.”

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“Sometimes we go way beyond what God wants us to do. And that's what leads to burnout…It's working beyond where God wants you to work, where now it's human effort, not His effort in you.” Meet Filipe Santos, Lead Pastor of Echo.Church. In today’s episode, Filipe opens up about the initial fear of taking on leadership, the spiritual and emotional challenges of stepping into Andy Wood’s shoes, and how his Enneagram 2 wiring shaped his collaborative leadership style. From reshaping his identity as a leader to focusing on spiritual health, Filipe provides a transparent look at the personal and professional growth that has guided him through this significant transition.

Welcome to Episode 121 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Soul Care by Wellspring – The spiritual direction program that transformed Filipe's approach to ministry.

Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder 

https://www.echo.church/

@filipesantos

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS FILIPE SANTOS?

Filipe Santos is the Lead Pastor of Echo.Church, a multi-site church in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is passionate about empowering leaders, raising up the next generation, and uniting churches together for the sake of Kingdom expansion. He has been married to his wife Mandy for 21 years and they have five children.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.

In this interview, Tara Beth Leach shares her journey as a senior pastor, her calling to ministry, and the unique challenges she encountered. After an 11-year tenure at other churches, she returned to Good Shepherd, where she implemented a significant cultural shift to address unhealthy staff dynamics. Leach emphasizes the importance of casting a hopeful vision, maintaining accountability, and balancing work with personal restoration through hobbies and family support. 

Welcome to Episode 120 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. 

EPISODE LINKS

tarabethleach.com

@tarabeth82

The Pastor’s Table podcast

https://gshepchurch.org/

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS TARA BETH LEACH?

Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher of the Word, and writer. She speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across the country on Women in Ministry, Church Leadership, and the call to be a Radiant Witness. She is the Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, IL and previously served at Christ Church in Oakbrook and as Senior Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (”PazNaz”) in SoCal. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Northern Theological Seminary and has authored three books, including Emboldened and Radiant Church. Tara Beth is the co-founder of Propel Ecclesia and is also the co-host of The Pastors Table podcast. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.

"Do I love being a pastor, or do I need to be a pastor? Once I figured out what I wanted to do and what I could let go of, that helped free me up." Meet Bryan Wilkerson, Pastor Emeritus at Grace Chapel. Today, Bryan reflects on his 40-year ministry career, including his 24 years as lead pastor of Grace Chapel in the Boston area. He discusses the leadership transition process, the importance of finishing well, and how his personal identity evolved as he prepared for retirement. The conversation also touches on Bryan’s strategies for staying involved in ministry while stepping back from leadership.

Welcome to Episode 119 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS BRYAN WILKERSON?

Bryan Wilkerson is Pastor Emeritus at Grace Chapel, a multi-site church in greater Boston. Bryan served as Senior Pastor at Grace Chapel for 24 years, having previously served for 16 years as Senior Pastor at Shelter Rock Church in Manhasset, New York. In addition to preaching and conference speaking, Bryan offers coaching and consulting to pastors and churches.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.

In this episode, Sean engages with David and Mike, co-lead pastors at McLean Bible Church, as they share their experiences of transitioning into a unique shared leadership model. David reflects on how Mike’s leadership was essential to the church’s growth, prompting him to take a step back to focus more on global missions. Mike, in turn, reflects on the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God, especially for ministry leaders. Together, they explore the challenges and benefits of co-leading and how God's guidance has shaped their journey.

Welcome to Episode 118 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

https://mcleanbible.org/

https://www.mcleanbible.org

Don’t Hold Back, by David Platt

Pray the Word

@mikekelsey

@plattdavid_

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO ARE DAVID PLATT AND MIKE KELSEY?

David Platt serves as a pastor in metro Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Radical, a ministry that exists to equip Christians to be on mission. David received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, Something Needs to Change, Before You Vote, and Don't Hold Back. He is also the author of several volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. Along with his wife and children, he lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Resources from David Platt and Radical can be found at radical.net.

Michael Kelsey, Jr. currently serves as a Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church. He is the proud son of Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, Jr. and First Lady Sheila Bowens Kelsey, and a grateful product of the New Samaritan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Mike grew up with a strong foundation in the gospel and by God’s grace, he fully surrendered himself to Christ as a student at the University of Maryland, College Park. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Political Culture in 2004, Mike went into full-time ministry with the Luis Palau Association, helping organize evangelistic festivals in strategic U.S. cities, and eventually accepted the call to join the pastoral staff at McLean Bible Church in 2007. He has a passion to advance the Gospel in multiethnic contexts and longs to see emerging generations invest their lives for the glory of God. He is married to his college sweetheart, Ashley, and they have three young children, Ava; Michael, III; and Jackson.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“High trust makes high performance possible. It’s a soft skill, but it's foundational to building healthy teams, especially in ministry where trust is an even higher currency.” Meet Lance Witt, founder of REPLENISH ministries. In today’s episode, Lance shares insights on balancing health and high performance within ministry leadership. He also explains the importance of avoiding burnout, setting strategic priorities, and how church leaders can create space to think and focus on what truly matters. Lance shares his journey from workaholism to a more balanced approach and explores how leaders can effectively combine hard work with healthy rhythms.

Welcome to Episode 117 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]



https://replenish.net

Your One Life, by Lance Witt

High Impact Teams, by Lance Witt

Replenish, by Lance Witt

BCWI: https://workplaces.org/

https://theunstuckgroup.com/

The Road Less Stupid, by Keith J. Cunningham

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS LANCE WITT?

Lance is the founder of REPLENISH ministries (www.replenish.net). Replenish is dedicated to helping people live and lead from a healthy soul. Along with speaking and consulting, Lance does Life Plans, individual life coaching, and team development. Lance’s newest book is called Your ONE Life: Own it, Live it, Love it. He is also the author of Replenish and High Impact Teams. Lance served 20 years as a senior pastor before serving 7 years as an Executive/Teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California. He led Saddleback’s Spiritual Growth Campaigns, such as 40 Days of Purpose and 40 Days of Community. Lance has been married to his wife Connie for 46 years and they have two married children and four beautiful granddaughters. He loves flyfishing, reading, New Mexico-style food, and hanging out with his granddaughters.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.

“Vulnerability with those closest to you can provide clarity and healing in ways you don’t expect.” Meet Zac Stephens, lead pastor of Faith Promise Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. In today’s episode, Zac shares his unique journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to stepping into the role of lead pastor, highlighting the integrity of his parents and how they prepared him for ministry rather than shielding him from its challenges. Zac talks about the weight of leadership that comes with senior roles and the unexpected personal responsibility that hit him during his first 90 days as lead pastor. In addition, Zac shares practical insights into the mental strategies he’s adopted and how the support system around him played a crucial role in his transformation.

Welcome to Episode 116 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Instagram: @thezacstephens

Bible in One Year by Nicky Gumbel

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS ZAC STEPHENS?

Pastor Zac is the Senior Pastor at Faith Promise. Zac has previously served the church leading students and campuses – always seeing dynamic growth and staff development in each role. In the most recent season, Pastor Zac has led Faith Promise in re-imagining its vision and values and has been instrumental in creating a culture within the church to clearly define how to execute those values in everyday life. He desires to see every person at Faith Promise discover their purpose and win their world. Zac and his wife Rachel have three children and reside in Knoxville, TN.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

Andy Wood shares insights two years into his journey as the Lead Pastor at Saddleback Church, highlighting the challenges and progress made during this leadership transition. We’re hitting topics like organizational change, leadership dynamics, and the complexities of stepping into a long-established ministry.

Welcome to Episode 115 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Tim Stevens on the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

Andy Wood on Instagram

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS ANDY WOOD?

Andy Wood is the Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church. Andy and his wife Stacie are answering God's call to serve at Saddleback after over a decade of church planting. The Woods started South Bay Church in 2009 with two other families. South Bay Church officially changed its name to Echo.Church in January of 2018. Echo.Church has become one of the fastest-growing churches in the most unchurched area of the United States and is now reaching over 2,300 people in regular attendance in three locations across Silicon Valley.

Andy's passion is to create environments that engage the unchurched people of the Bay Area. Along with leading the church, Andy enjoys investing time in helping church planters and church leaders think more innovatively and strategically to reach people in the most unreached areas of North America. Andy and Stacie have three kids, Caedmon, Sammy, and Karis. 

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, host Sean Morgan sits down with Ben Pilgreen, the lead pastor of Epic Church in San Francisco, to explore the nuances of leadership in different church seasons. From the early days of church planting to the current challenges of leading an established congregation, Ben shares his journey, insights, and the evolution of his leadership style. He also touches on the personal transitions happening in his life as his children grow older, paralleling the shifts in his leadership role at the church.

Welcome to Episode 114 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

https://www.epicsf.com/

Bring It Out podcast

Bring It Out, by Ben Pilgreen

[email protected]

theascentleader.org

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS BEN PILGREEN?

Ben Pilgreen is the founder and lead pastor of Epic Church in San Francisco, CA. Ben loves coaching leaders, whether in church or in business. Ben is the host of the Bring It Out podcast. Ben and his wife, Shauna, have four wonderful children and make their home in San Francisco. Read more at benpilgreen.com.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.