In this episode we dive into a timely message from Pastor Kurt Skelly to the staff at Emmanuel Baptist Church on pursuing true excellence in ministry. We unpack why every leader is called to elevate their standard of service and work with ultimate purpose for the King of Kings. Stay tuned for key updates on the presale for the 2027 God's Story Our Hope one-year devotional and what to expect at the upcoming Healthy Church Weekend featuring Shane & Shane and the Worship Initiative team.

What keeps a ministry healthy for the long haul? It starts by returning to what matters most.

In this episode of the Leading in the Gospel podcast, we explore "Returning to Core Gospel Values in Ministry "—why every leader, ministry, and church must continually realign with the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to lead with Christ at the center.

🎧 Listen today and be reminded that lasting impact begins with lasting Gospel priorities.

Cary Schmidt and Kurt Skelly continue their conversation on gospel-shaped confrontation, walking through practical, biblical wisdom for handling hard conversations with grace, truth, and emotional maturity.

Cary and Kurt tackle the tough topic most leaders avoid: confrontation. They outline nine “pre-conversation” practices that keep hard talks redemptive, not explosive. As pastors, the aim is always gentle, truthful, Spirit-led conversations that restore people and protect the health of the whole church.

In this episode, Cary sits down with author Jonathan Williams to unpack one of the most debated and misunderstood passages in the Bible. See how Romans 9 must be read as part of God’s unfolding story: that His Word has not failed, His promises remain, and His heart is for all people. They highlight the dangers of misinterpreting Romans 9, the beauty of God’s consistent faithfulness, and the call for pastors and believers alike to tell the story of the gospel clearly and compellingly.

Cary and Andrew discuss practical and biblical ways to extend gospel invitations in church services—avoiding both manipulation and neglect—so that unbelievers consistently have a clear opportunity to respond to Christ.

Cary and Andrew get real about feeling overwhelmed in ministry! Together the name the internal and external causes and outline a gospel-shaped path forward built on identity in Christ, biblical (not escapist) optimism, and practical steps like honest review, wise counsel, and shared load.

Cary Schmidt sits down with Ethan Malachuk, pastor of Mount Greylock Baptist Church in MA, for a long-awaited conversation about bivocational ministry. Ethan shares his journey of pastoring while working in the secular world, reflecting on the unexpected blessings, challenges, and spiritual growth that come with this path. Drawing from biblical examples—particularly Paul’s ministry in Corinth, Thessalonica, and Ephesus—the episode affirms bivocational ministry as both legitimate and often necessary, not as a stepping stone, but as a sustainable, God-honoring calling. The conversation encourages pastors and church leaders to rethink traditional models, embrace financial transparency, and prioritize calling and health over convention or pride.

Cary Schmidt is joined by Andrew Browning to discuss the often-overlooked tension between faithfully explaining the Bible and helping people apply it meaningfully to their lives. They explore what it means to grow in gospel-shaped application—not just giving listeners a to-do list, but pointing them to the Person and work of Jesus as the true source of lasting transformation. Through honest reflections and practical strategies, they urge preachers to rely on the Holy Spirit, craft application that inspires rather than burdens, and guide people to live out their faith from a place of grace, not guilt.

In Part 2, Cary and Kurt continue their conversation on relational loss in ministry, this time focusing on gospel-shaped responses. Drawing from David’s experience with Saul, they discuss how to process betrayal, walk through grief, and move forward in faith. They encourage pastors and ministry leaders to respond with grace, forgive without expecting anything in return, and trust God’s sovereign work even in the midst of personal hurt. Find practical counsel, biblical insights, and hope for those navigating emotional pain from canceled friendships or ministry relationships.