We live in a world that moves at the speed of a swipe. Every day, Gen Z and young adults are bombarded with digital content designed to capture attention—but rarely to cultivate spiritual depth. So what does effective ministry look like in a culture driven by distraction, algorithms, and short attention spans?

In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, we sit down with Next Gen Pastor Cory Kasperson to explore what it means to lead, disciple, and build authentic community in the digital age. Drawing from years of youth and young adult ministry experience, Cory shares practical insights on digital discipleship, creating meaningful spiritual experiences, and helping young people move from consuming faith to truly living it. If you’re passionate about reaching the next generation, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to pursue depth—not dopamine—in your ministry.

You can catch up with Cory at https://redemptiongilbert.church/ 

(00:02) Discipleship in the Digital Age
(12:27) Engaging Digital Culture in Discipleship
(20:08) Navigating Depth in Digital Discipleship
(23:45) Moving From Spectating to Participating
(33:10) Empowering Youth in Ministry
(42:52) Cultivating Spiritual Hunger and Authenticity
(52:06) Navigating Spiritual Growth in Ministry

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In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, host Matt Redder sits down with Jason McMullen, an experienced Executive Pastor, to unpack what it really looks like to serve in one of the most pivotal — yet often misunderstood — roles in the church.

Together, they discuss the unique calling of the Executive Pastor, what the journey into this kind of ministry can look like, and the balance between spiritual leadership and organizational oversight. You’ll hear practical wisdom on leading teams, partnering with the Lead Pastor, navigating challenges, and staying grounded in faith while managing the complex realities of church life.

Whether you’re currently serving in ministry, exploring your calling, or simply curious about what makes the church thrive behind the scenes, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and direction for the road ahead.

Of everything Jason gets to participate in, this feeding initiative is what he most wants to share with anyone interested.

(00:02) Role of an Executive Pastor
(08:49) The Journey of Faithful Service
(19:55) Core Responsibilities of an Executive Pastor
(26:32) Navigating Scrutiny and Support in Leadership
(30:40) Leading Through Uncertainty in Crisis
(36:50) Impact of Global Ministry Conference
(50:22) Navigating Your Calling Through Prayer

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In this episode, we explore the unique joys and challenges of leading a bilingual ministry — where language, culture, and faith intersect. My guest, Josue Lopez shares his journey into ministry, the story of his vibrant bilingual congregation, and what he’s learned about building unity in diversity. Whether you’re part of a multicultural church or simply curious about how the gospel transcends language barriers, this episode will inspire and equip you to see the beauty in every tongue and tribe.

You can connect with Josue at [email protected] and you can check out Redemption Mesa, the bilingual congregation at https://mesa.redemptionaz.com/

(00:02) Bilingual Pastor's Journey in Phoenix
(08:50) Balancing Bilingual Ministry Challenges
(24:54) Navigating Challenges in Bilingual Ministry
(35:47) Unity in Bilingual Community Ministry
(41:59) Building Community Through Food and Celebration

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In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, we sit down with author and leadership mentor Peggy Bodde to explore how church leaders can better support women called to lead in their workplaces, homes, and communities. Drawing from her book Sacred Work, Peggy offers hard-earned wisdom and practical insight into the unique challenges women face as they balance faith, leadership, and life.

Together, Matt and Peggy discuss how pastors and ministry leaders can recognize, affirm, and empower the women in their congregations—helping them see their work not as separate from ministry, but as a sacred calling. They also tackle common tensions around women in leadership and share ways the church can become a place of genuine partnership, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone seeking to integrate faith and work, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see leadership through a more holistic, Kingdom-focused lens.

(00:02) Empowering Women in Church Leadership
(07:37) Challenges and Misconceptions Facing Women Leaders
(23:08) Overcoming Barriers for Women in Church
(37:34) Promoting Women in Church Leadership
(52:25) Breaking Barriers for Women Leaders

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Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had countless conversations about the Charlie Kirk memorial. But one question kept coming up in my mind: What was it really like to be there? Wouldn’t it be powerful to hear directly from someone who experienced it firsthand—someone who wasn’t just in attendance, but right on the ground floor? That’s exactly what I have for you today. I’m joined by Jesse Jackson, who not only witnessed the memorial but also spends much of his work studying, writing about, and interviewing others on the evangelical church in America and beyond.

Jesse is the Senior Content Editor for ChurchLeaders and Site Manager for ChristianNewsNow, an undeserving husband to a beautiful wife, and a father to 4 beautiful children. He is currently a church elder in training, a growth group leader, and is a member of University Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio as well as an accredited member of the Evangelical Press Association.

Follow Jesse on X at https://x.com/jessetjackson and check out his recently oublished articles below.

Lucas Miles Remembers Charlie Kirk: ‘An Incredible Brother, Boss, and Friend’

TPUSA Names Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s Widow, as CEO and Board Chair

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(00:02) Charlie Kirk Memorial
(12:00) Deep Impact of Gospel Event
(22:58) Igniting the Flame of Revival
(29:15) Challenges Facing Evangelical Christianity
(40:28) Navigating Truth in a Digital World

AI is shaping our world faster than most of us can keep up with—but what does it mean for the Church, for ministry, and for everyday faith? In this episode, The Intersection of Faith and AI, we sit down with Kai, a former pastor turned Senior Research Analyst at Brotherhood Mutual, who now helps organizations navigate the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence.

Kai's mission is to make AI accessible to everyone. After a decade in ministry and nonprofit communications, Kai joined Brotherhood Mutual in 2020, where he now works as a Senior Research Analyst in the Research & Development Department. There, he has guided his company through responsible AI adoption by creating policies, discovering use cases, and facilitating safe environments for experimentation.

In addition to his corporate work, Kai collaborates with AI in FW, a local group fostering conversation and discernment around AI in northeast Indiana. He also advises organizations on how to approach AI in ways that serve their mission, rather than distracting from it. Kai lives in Fort Wayne with his wife and their three elementary-aged kids. 

You can connect with Kai on Linkedin HERE.

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(00:02) Faith and AI
(17:18) Navigating AI and Its Implications
(25:30) The Role of AI in Faith
(41:50) Embracing AI With Intentionality

Ronn Read has spent decades pastoring in diverse contexts across multiple states, faithfully leading through seasons of change and challenge. Along the way, he has gathered a wealth of hard-earned wisdom—wisdom he generously shares with us in today’s conversation. In this episode, Ronn offers stories, insights, and encouragement that will inspire both leaders and congregations alike.

Now transitioning from his role as an interim pastor, Ronn is stepping into a consulting ministry to continue equipping churches and leaders for health and growth. You can learn more about his work at www.archconsulting.com, or reach out to him directly at [email protected].

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(00:02) Pastoral Wisdom and Ministry Journey
(15:11) Balancing Ministry and Family Commitment
(20:58) Staying Passionate in Ministry Long Term
(35:37) Embracing Adversity in Ministry
(49:23) Building a Support System in Ministry

What happens when your calling takes you somewhere unexpected? For years, pastoral ministry was the center of life — preaching, shepherding, leading God’s people. But then comes a shift… into secular/marketplace leadership.

How do you hold on to your identity when your role changes? How do you carry your sense of purpose into a new world, a new culture, a new mission field?

In this episode, we’re joined again by Johnny Levy talking about faith, calling, and the surprising ways God shows up — even outside the church walls."

My guest today - Johnny Levy is a CEO, Author, Poet, Connector, Dreamer. He creates communities of authentic connection for mutual progress and writes about his passions: Superpowers, Faith, Identity, Creativity, Human Stories.

You can find Johnny here —> https://substack.com/@johnnylevy and pickup his book HERE.

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(00:02) Transitioning From Ministry to Marketplace
(08:47) Discovering True Identity Through God
(19:12) Transitioning Ministry Skills to Workplace
(29:13) Empowering Believers in the Marketplace
(37:39) Finding Hope and Simplicity in Life

In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, we sit down with Manny Pollard, an experienced bi-vocational pastor who’s learned what it means to wear multiple hats while keeping a single focus on God’s calling. We talk about the unique challenges of balancing ministry and marketplace work, the spiritual and emotional toll it can take, and the rhythms that can help avoid burnout.

If you’re an aspiring bi-vocational pastor, church leader, or simply someone navigating competing demands in your own life, this conversation will leave you encouraged and reminded that God sees your faithfulness—even when it feels unseen.

(00:02) Challenges of Bivocational Ministry
(12:39) Balancing Ministry and Capacity Honor
(17:41) Exploring Bivocational Ministry Models
(25:07) Exploring Bivocational Calling and Opportunities
(32:55) Navigating Ministry and Marriage Balance
(42:26) Encouragement for Bivocational Ministry

In this episode, we sit down with a local pastor who made a bold move — transitioning from leading a large traditional church to creating a business-on-mission model that’s been thriving for over fifteen years. He now runs a vibrant coffee house that serves the community throughout the week and transforms into a church on Sundays.

We dive into his incredible journey of blessing the community, building relationships, and hosting events that bring people together. He shares practical insights on what it looks like to integrate faith and business, foster authentic connections, and create spaces where people experience God’s love outside the walls of a traditional church.

Whether you’re a pastor, church planter, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about community impact, this conversation will inspire you to think creatively about ministry in today’s culture.

Learn more about Scott Morgan by visiting Missio Dei Church and Sozo Coffee.

(00:02) Ministry and Mission Through Coffee Shop
(10:40) Balancing Work and Rest in Ministry
(17:29) Business on Mission Strategy and Reflection
(27:14) Integration of Business and Ministry