Every year, as the year unfolds, I try to keep track of the most important lessons of that year. My intention is to internalize those lessons and carry them into the next year. Here are the most important things I learned in 2021. Jim and I hope some of them speak to you

Today we welcome Aaron Hlavin to the podcast. Aaron is the District Superintendent of the Michigan District of the Assemblies of God. He previously served as a Lead Pastor for thirteen years, and an associate pastor for ten years. We invited Aaron to talk with us about a serious subject today: how the craziness of the past two years has impacted pastor's children

The most important decision a church or any organization for that matter will ever make is who they choose as their senior leader. In today’s episode, John & Jim outline 7 practical steps a search committee can take to increase their chances of making a home run hire

Why do we leaders overschedule? Really, why? Our first response might be: “Well I’m a responsible person. I have to get this stuff done.” Or, “I love what I do!” Good answers. Today’s episode unpacks three-lee-than-noble reasons we stuff our calendar, and then explores what we can do about each one of them

Today we welcome back Dr. Ralph Neighbour to the podcast as we unpack a subject too many leaders put off until it’s too late . . . getting ready for life outside of the pulpit. We are watching many pastors in the 60s, 70s, or 80s who have no defined off-ramp. Today’s episode gives leaders permission to prepare financially for retirement, and to dream about the things they could do in their next season to be a blessing to humanity

Summary: The number one challenge in a church revitalization for pastors? The pastors themselves. It’s a rare pastor who admits he needs help and is willing to do the work required to revitalize. Today we welcome Dr. Ralph Neighbour to the podcast. Ralph oversees the revitalization efforts for 2300 Baptist churches in California, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table

Pastors are on the move. In its most recent study, Barna discovered that 38% of pastors have thought about quitting full-time ministry this year. In today’s episode, Jim & John unpack the reasons why this phenomenon is happening, and what we can do about it

“God, why am I going through this incredibly difficult time while those who don’t love you are living the good life?” Has some version of that thought ever crossed your mind, or some version of those words ever crossed your lips? The truth is, God is good . . . but we’re not exempt. We’re not exempt from the trials and tribulations inherent in a fallen world.

In today’s pod, John and Jim unpack a pathway to weather those seasons when life doesn’t make sense

Pastoring has become increasingly complex. Churchgoers expect their pastor to juggle an average of 16 major tasks! If we lead without a clear set of Biblical leadership values, we set ourselves up for frustration! In the New Testament epistles – predominantly those Paul wrote to Timothy and in his letter to Titus… we discover the model

Some of the worst days in a pastor’s life is when people they care about decide to leave—but those don’t have to be their worst days. When people leave the church we lead, it can feel like it’s our fault. And usually, it really hurts. In today’s episode, Jim & John unpack a pathway to help pastors navigate the choppy waters caused by the departure of people