Leaders in Living Rooms

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.  

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Today, Kenton Beshore, former Senior Pastor of Mariners Church, pinpoints the challenges and essential skills required for effective ministry, especially during difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of character in "severe" moments and gives us a gauge on ministry skill sets from church planters, transitions leaders, to executive pastors! 

Welcome to Episode 113 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

No Rules Rules, by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

[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 KENTON BESHORE?

Kenton Beshore served as Senior Pastor of Mariners Church in Orange County, CA for 35 years, during which the church experienced God's incredible blessing and growth. In 2018 Kenton transitioned to the role of Pastor Emeritus, making way for Mariners' new senior pastor, Eric Geiger, to take the reins. Today, Kenton is a part of the Mariners teaching team and takes the teaching ministry of Mariners to other Southern California churches. Kenton and his wife Laurie are passionate about investing in the next generation of pastors, igniting them to become all God has called them to be through mentoring and coaching. They spend the remainder of their time investing in their 11 grandchildren.

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, Kenton and Laurie Beshore share their invaluable insights on maintaining a healthy balance between ministry and family life. Laurie highlights the "wear and tear" that ministry can have on marriages and families and offers practical tips during the differentiation stage of your kids’ lives. Discover what questions Laurie would ask a young leader after her 40 years in ministry.

Welcome to Episode 112 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

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 KENTON AND LAURIE?

Kenton Beshore served as Senior Pastor of Mariners Church in Orange County, CA for 35 years, during which the church experienced God's incredible blessing and growth. In 2018 Kenton transitioned to the role of Pastor Emeritus, making way for Mariners' new senior pastor, Eric Geiger, to take the reins. Today, Kenton is a part of the Mariners teaching team and takes the teaching ministry of Mariners to other Southern California churches. Kenton and his wife Laurie are passionate about investing in the next generation of pastors, igniting them to become all God has called them to be through mentoring and coaching. They spend the remainder of their time investing in their 11 grandchildren.

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.  

Today, we welcome Brian Tome, senior pastor of Crossroads Church, for an engaging discussion on the crucial topic of leadership development within the church. Don’t miss insights into the biblical basis for leadership development, practical steps for nurturing future leaders, and the long-term benefits of investing in the next generation. Brian Tome shares his unique perspective on why leadership development is not only vital but also a biblical mandate.

Welcome to Episode 111 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. 

EPISODE LINKS

@briantome

[email protected]

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 BRIAN TOME?

Brian Tome is the founding and senior pastor of Crossroads Church. He has authored five books including his best-seller, The Five Marks of a Man. He also hosts The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome, a weekly podcast which has surpassed two million downloads. As an entrepreneur, Brian has opened several other non-profits and started Man Camp, a primitive weekend camping experience that has helped tens of thousands of men reclaim the code of manhood. An avid hunter and adventure motorcyclist, Brian is married with three children and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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/.