What does it take to lead a church through chaos—and actually see it grow?In this episode, Micah sits down with Pastor Alex Kirk of Chatham Community Church to talk about leadership, preaching, and building trust when everything feels fragile.From stepping into a struggling church with zero church staff experience to leading a thriving multi-campus community, Alex shares hard-earned wisdom on:Leading through brokenness and rebuilding trustThe tension between creativity and structure in ministryHow to actually prepare a sermon that connectsWhy most pastors burn out—and how to avoid itBut the biggest takeaway?You can’t outsource your soul.In a culture of platforms and performance, this is a powerful call back to depth, discipline, and delighting in the Lord.

What if the goal of ministry isn’t influence… but faithfulness?In this episode of the Preach It Better Podcast, Micah sits down with Pastor Eric Targe from Park Community Church in Chicago for a deep and refreshing conversation on calling, preaching, and the heart behind it all. From his unexpected journey into ministry to practical insights on communicating Scripture clearly, this conversation is both grounding and challenging.They also dive into practical tools for pastors:How to protect and use your voice effectively when preachingWhy context (historical, cultural, and literary) matters more than you thinkThe balance every message needs: challenge, confusion, and comfortHow to communicate deep truth in simple, accessible waysAt the center is a powerful reminder:“Preach the gospel, die, be forgotten.”In a culture chasing recognition, this is a call back to what actually matters.

In this episode of Preach It Better, Micah sits down with Pastor Matt Giebler to talk about preaching, storytelling, and the growing challenge of leading in a culture that’s spiritually curious—but biblically illiterate.Matt shares his journey from growing up in a ministry family to leading a church for over two decades, and how his approach to preaching has evolved, from simply delivering messages to helping people see their place in God’s bigger story.They dive into:-Why biblical literacy is declining (and how pastors can respond)-The tension of Sunday mornings: Are we reaching the lost or equipping believers?-A practical 70/30 framework for balancing both-How to preach difficult teachings of Jesus without watering them down-The reality of “church hurt” and rebuilding trust in a skeptical culture-Why storytelling (even from Hollywood) can sharpen your preachingAnd how the Bible already contains every dramatic story we’re chasing elsewhereMatt emphasizes that great preaching isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation, helping people move from knowing truth to actually living it.

In this powerful episode of Preach It Better, Micah sits down with Pastor Aaron Topp from River Valley Church to talk about calling, leadership development, and the one thing most pastors are getting wrong: they’re too busy to pray.Aaron shares his unconventional journey into ministry—leaving financial stability at 38 to follow God’s call, and the real tension pastors face between faith and practicality when it comes to money, family, and obedience.But the conversation takes a deeper turn into something many leaders avoid:👉 What if the secret to effective ministry… is learning how to “waste time” with God?

In this episode of Preach It Better, Micah sits down with Pastor Eric Bryant from Gateway Church (Austin, TX) to talk about preaching in a multi-site church, developing your voice, and staying grounded in a distracted culture.Eric breaks down their unique hybrid teaching model—a collaborative teaching team where pastors co-create sermon series, then deliver messages live in their own voice. It’s a powerful blend of unity and authenticity that helps communicators grow without losing personal connection.

Pastor Jessica Fernandez joins Micah Stephens to talk about surrender, calling, and preaching with confidence in the face of criticism. From stepping into ministry later in life to helping pastors communicate with clarity and conviction, this episode is full of wisdom for leaders who know God has called them to more. For coaching and more ministry content, visit Papergiants.tv.

Jeremy Louison from Pioneer Church in Memphis joins Micah Stephens to talk about pastoral leadership, discipleship, and why shepherds must “smell like the sheep.” From church planting to building real relationships with people, this conversation challenges pastors to lead with availability, authenticity, and a heart for the people in front of them. For coaching and more ministry content, visit Papergiants.tv.

In this episode of Preach It Better, Pastor Chuck Tate shares hard-earned wisdom on church planting, preaching, finding your voice, and staying encouraged in ministry. If you’re a pastor who wants to grow, lead well, and preach better, this conversation is for you. To get connected with coaching and more ministry content, visit Papergiants.tv.

Each of us can talk all day about our goals, but we all have the same list of reasons we avoid the very actions we need to do to accomplish these goals.

How do we make a change?

Give this a listen, we hope it helps you right where you are.

Micah goes on a rant about Super objectives and sharing your story where people are. Stop waiting! Stop Planning! Go tell your story