In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight sits down with Bruce to talk about his journey toward a deeper love for the wider body of Christ. Bruce shares how God challenged his narrow view of the Church and used Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17 to transform the way he viewed Christians from other churches and denominations.

They discuss the barriers that can keep churches and leaders from working together, including fear, insecurity, and the unknown, and how simple acts of welcome and relationship can begin to break those barriers down. Bruce also reflects on his years of helping bring churches and leaders together through the Nova Scotia Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Pray Nova Scotia, and The Well.

Throughout the conversation, Bruce emphasizes the importance of pastors modeling unity, building genuine relationships, and creating spaces where leaders can encourage and support one another. They also explore how a small step, such as having coffee with another Christian leader, can grow into something much bigger.

This conversation is an encouraging look at what can happen when the body of Christ chooses to work together, build trust, and lift one another up in the call to lead.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Julia Benwell to explore the challenge of leading a family while also leading in ministry, business, or the workplace. Julia shares lessons from 34 years of children’s ministry and her own experience of building a family around God-given priorities and calling.

They discuss setting healthy boundaries, involving children appropriately in ministry, staying emotionally present at home, and learning from spouses and children. Julia also highlights the importance of intentionally connecting with each child through their unique interests and love languages, while recognizing that different seasons of life require different rhythms and priorities.

The conversation closes with encouragement for parents and leaders who feel they have made mistakes in the past. Julia emphasizes that it is never too late to make godly changes, strengthen our relationship with God, and move forward by loving our spouses and children like Jesus.

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A championship is fun, but it is a terrible finish line. Coach Shane Sowden unpacks what actually changes teams and organizations: not louder speeches, but clearer values, healthier rhythms, and leadership you can trust day after day.

We get practical about leadership development and mental health, especially for men who carry pressure in silence. Shane shares why “invest in yourself” is not selfish; it is stewardship: Scripture, prayer, fitness, and honest self-awareness that keeps burnout from setting the agenda. 

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Julia Benwell, who brings 34 years of experience in children’s ministry, to explore what it looks like to intentionally nurture the spiritual lives of children. Together, they discuss the challenges parents face in a culture filled with competing influences, the importance of establishing spiritual foundations from an early age, and how parents can create an environment where children learn to hear from God and recognize His work in their lives.

Julia shares practical insights on modeling faith, building family identity, recognizing spiritual gifts and callings, and gradually transitioning from directing children to coaching them as they grow into their teenage and young adult years. They also explore how churches can meaningfully involve children beyond traditional children's ministry by creating opportunities for mentorship, service, worship, and ministry alongside adults.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, pastor, or leader, this conversation offers encouragement and practical wisdom for helping the next generation discover who they are in Christ and confidently step into what God has called them to be.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermel sits down with Dr. Seidel Abel Boanerges to explore how Christian leaders can lead change without creating unnecessary division. Drawing from his experience as a pastor, theological educator, and ministry leader, Seidel shares practical insights on recognizing resistance, listening to the concerns beneath people's questions, and communicating change with a pastoral heart.

Together, they discuss the importance of protecting unity without avoiding healthy conflict, creating space for quieter voices, avoiding language that shuts down conversation, and keeping people—not programs—at the center of leadership. This conversation offers encouragement and practical wisdom for pastors and leaders navigating change within their churches and ministries.

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In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl speaks with Dr. Seidel Abel Boanerges about how Christian leaders can introduce change without creating unnecessary division.

They explore the importance of truth, time, and trust, and why leaders must understand the emotional weight that change can carry for a congregation. Seidel explains why honoring the past, listening to concerns, and communicating clearly can help people move forward together.

The conversation also looks at the difference between leading as a manager and leading as a shepherd, recognizing early signs of resistance, and creating space for quieter voices to be heard.

Ultimately, Christian leadership is not about keeping everyone happy. It is about faithfully leading people through change while protecting unity, practicing humility, and following God's direction.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl welcomes Spencer Conway for a practical conversation about raising the next generation of healthy Christian leaders. Drawing from his experience in ministry and as a father, Spencer shares how leadership and parenting both require a balance of truth, grace, accountability, and genuine care.

Together, they explore the importance of relational discipleship, mentoring young leaders through both success and failure, and developing a leadership culture rooted in identity in Christ rather than performance. Spencer also encourages leaders to embrace the long game of ministry, invest deeply in relationships, and create environments where emerging leaders can grow with confidence and purpose.

Whether you're leading in ministry, business, or your own home, this episode offers timeless principles for developing healthy, Christ-centered leaders for the future.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Spencer Conway to explore the growing spiritual momentum among the next generation in Atlantic Canada. Spencer shares encouraging stories of students boldly living out their faith, the impact of One Conference, and the rise of student-led ministry in schools across the region.

Together, they discuss the importance of unity across churches, developing young leaders through intentional discipleship, and why leading with a long-term vision is essential for lasting Kingdom impact. Spencer challenges both young and seasoned leaders to invest in what God is doing today by mentoring, praying for, and empowering the next generation.

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, parent, or someone passionate about revival, this conversation offers hope and practical encouragement for seeing God move in your community.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl is joined by Seidel Abel Boanerges to discuss how leaders can navigate challenging seasons with wisdom, hope, and a firm foundation in Christ.

Together, they explore the difference between numerical decline and spiritual health, the warning signs leaders should pay attention to, and how to move from panic and anxiety toward prayerful discernment. Seidel shares valuable insights on leading with humility, caring for people beyond the numbers, and trusting God’s work even in difficult seasons.

A powerful conversation for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to lead faithfully through change.

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In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl is joined by Dr. Seidel Abel Boanerges, Chair of Church Leadership at Acadia University, for a thoughtful discussion on faithful leadership when church attendance declines. Drawing from decades of ministry experience in the UK and Canada, Dr. Boanerges shares practical wisdom on leading churches through seasons of decline while remaining focused on spiritual health and God's mission. 

Rather than viewing declining attendance as the primary problem, Dr. Boanerges explains that numbers often reveal deeper issues such as volunteer burnout, unresolved grief, demographic shifts, or a lack of belonging within the church. He encourages leaders to resist reacting out of panic and instead seek God's direction, discern where the body of Christ is hurting, and prioritize repentance, prayer, and healthy leadership over simply adding more programs. 

The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder that a healthy church is measured not only by attendance but by discipleship, spiritual maturity, and abiding in Christ. Whether leading a growing church or one experiencing decline, faithful leadership begins by remaining rooted in Jesus and trusting Him to build His kingdom in His timing. 

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