What does it take to lead with grit, resilience, and humility—especially when stepping into an established church with decades of history? In this episode, Kevin Lewis, Lead Pastor of Lighthouse Church in Newbury Park, CA, joins us for a powerful conversation about resilience in leadership, the tension of honoring the past while leading into the future, and staying faithful to the prophetic mandate God has placed on your life.

From walking through church transition and COVID in California, to rebranding and reshaping culture, Kevin shares candid stories about the challenges, lessons, and breakthroughs that shaped his journey. He talks about the balance between friendship and leadership on staff teams, the value of humility when receiving feedback, and why keeping leaders in their “prophetic lane” is vital for the health of the church.

00:00 – Cold open & “stretching” gag 00:28 – Introducing Kevin Lewis + the resilience theme 02:10 – Taking over a 43-year church: early challenges, budget, culture 05:10 – Transition done with humility: going slower, caring for people 08:20 – On the receiving side of leadership: choosing grace, not replicating hurt 12:00 – Honoring legacy while leading change (rebrand timing, California context) 15:20 – Prayerful, contextual strategy vs. plug-and-play conference models 19:10 – Friendship + leadership duality: hard conversations, real trust 23:40 – Empowering staff, solving problems, and keeping leaders in their lane 27:50 – Prophetic mandate, presence over programming, and closing thoughts

About Sidecar Leader:  Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com  Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this episode of Sidecar Leader, we sit down with Pastor Dave Patterson of The Father’s House to unpack the balance of spirit and structure in church leadership. From cultivating a culture of prayer to creating space for the Holy Spirit without sacrificing excellence, Dave shares decades of wisdom from leading a thriving multi-site church.

We explore the biblical picture of “digging wells” from Genesis 26, the necessity of both presence and planning, and how leaders can foster an environment where God’s presence is both accessible and life-changing. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or simply hungry for more of God, this conversation offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement you won’t want to miss.

00:00 — Intro & Episode Overview 00:03 — Spirit and Structure: Breath and Bones 01:18 — The Wells of Genesis 26 and Spiritual Authority 04:56 — Leaning Toward the Flow of the Holy Spirit 06:13 — The Spiritual Machinery Beneath the Surface 07:03 — Joy in Ministry and the Presence of God 09:36 — Indicators the River is Running Low 12:54 — Building a Culture of Prayer in Your Church 17:12 — Structuring Services with Flexibility for the Spirit 23:55 — Making Space for the Holy Spirit Without the Weirdness

About Sidecar Leader: Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

What does it really take to lead lasting change in a legacy church?

In this episode, we sit down with Landon Pickering, Lead Pastor of Trademark Church in Texas, to unpack a 7-year journey of revitalization — from honoring the past to building a culture of diversity, unity, and growth.

Landon shares the lessons he’s learned on: Leading change with pace and patience Building trust without sacrificing vision Creating authentic diversity that reflects your community Navigating resistance and reestablishing identity The difference between being a leader and a shepherd

Whether you're stepping into a revitalization season or navigating change in your current leadership, this conversation is packed with wisdom, practical insight, and a whole lot of heart.

About Sidecar Leader: Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this episode of the Sidecar Leader Podcast, Noah Herrin shares the honest journey of launching Way Church in Nashville and the unexpected lessons that came with it—from leading as a young pastor to building a culture of connection over content. He unpacks how he and his wife Maddie co-lead, develop leaders, and shift their teams toward deeper trust, ownership, and discipleship.

You'll hear: The story behind a 9-person Bible study turning into 800 college students Why connection is the new currency of church growth How they’ve seen 50+ salvations outside of Sunday gatherings What their 90% relational / 10% tactical staff meetings look like How Noah defines real success: "Obedience over outcome" For church planters, team leaders, or anyone burned out on the numbers game—this one’s a masterclass in leading with heart.

About Sidecar Leader:  Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this powerful episode of the Sidecar Leader Podcast, Pastor Mike Burnette joins us for a raw and deeply personal conversation on the character it takes to lead over the long haul.  

From his unlikely journey as a classically trained opera singer turned pastor, to leading a multi-campus church through growth, heartbreak, and spiritual formation—Mike shares what integrity really looks like when no one’s watching.  

We explore the weight of senior leadership, the cost of influence, and what it means to be the same person in the green room, the living room, and the pulpit. If you're a leader who's felt the pressure, or you're navigating your calling in ministry—this episode will meet you right where you are.  

About Sidecar Leader:   Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.  

Learn more at sidecarleader.com  Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

What does it look like to serve faithfully in one church for over two decades? In this episode, we sit down with John Larson, worship and production leader at Church of the Highlands, who shares the inside story of his 24-year journey helping build one of the most influential churches in America. From running the tape and CD ministry in 2001 to overseeing production across 26 campuses today, John unpacks the power of feedback, longevity, and leadership without the spotlight.

We talk about what really shapes a culture of worship, how to raise up other leaders, and what it means to hold your role like a sword — with honor, but never ownership.

About Sidecar Leader:

Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this episode of the Sidecar Leader Podcast, we sit down with pastor, author, and visionary leader Chris Durso to talk about the often overlooked seasons of waiting in leadership. Chris shares candid insights on navigating transitions, handling disappointment, and discerning what God is doing behind the scenes. From his personal story of handing off leadership of a thriving church to learning how to lead without a title, Chris offers wisdom for leaders learning to trust God's timing and stay faithful in the unknown.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who's ever asked, “What now?” when plans shift and identity is tested.

About Sidecar Leader:

Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence.

Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this powerful and honest conversation, Jason and Nathan sit down with Josh Turner, co-founder of the 10TEN Project and author of Into the Storm, to talk about emotional health, spiritual formation, and what it really takes to last in leadership.

Josh unpacks why so many pastors burn out, how hidden pain goes unaddressed, and why we need more than retreats—we need resilience. You’ll hear the origin story behind 10TEN, the difference between relief and real healing, and why building a “rule of life” might be the most important thing a leader can do.

If you’re a pastor, church planter, or nonprofit leader wrestling with exhaustion, this episode is your invitation to slow down, get honest, and start healing before it’s too late.

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About Sidecar Leader:  Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence. Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this episode of the Sidecar Leader Podcast, we sit down with Hollis Thomas—pastor, communicator, and culture builder—for a masterclass in leadership communication.

From his earliest memories of preaching as a child to leading a growing church today, Hollis unpacks how clarity, storytelling, and authenticity shape great leadership. He shares practical ways to develop your voice, lead through conflict, connect with diverse audiences, and communicate vision in a way that moves people to action.

Whether you're on a stage, in a staff meeting, or navigating hard conversations—this episode will sharpen how you speak, lead, and show up as a leader.

About Sidecar Leader: 

Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence. 

Learn more at sidecarleader.com  Contact: [email protected]  Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Dino Rizzo sits down with Jason and Nathan to talk about what it means to lead for the long haul. From burnout and scoreboard confusion to the beauty of deep friendships and calling, this episode is full of wisdom from over four decades of ministry and leadership. Pastor Dino shares stories, failures, and moments of deep conviction that have helped shape his resilient, relational approach to leadership. If you're feeling stuck, tired, or unsure of what’s next—this one is for you.

Topics include:

• Leading through longevity and transition

• Redefining success and your leadership scoreboard

• Staying soft-hearted through criticism and challenge

• The power of deep friendships in ministry

• Reconnecting with your original calling

• Why now is not forever

About Sidecar Leader:

Sidecar Leader is committed to helping church leaders move further, faster—without going alone. Through strategic coaching, creative services, and a proven three-phase process (Discover, Design, Deliver), Sidecar partners with pastors and leadership teams to clarify their vision, overcome challenges, and execute with purpose. Whether you're scaling your church, shifting your strategy, or simply need clarity in your next step, Sidecar helps you lead with confidence. Learn more at sidecarleader.com Contact: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @sidecarleader