Every great leader is a learner — and in ministry, that means more than mastering gear or building systems. It’s about growing in character, clarity, and compassion.

In this solo episode, David shares his Top 10 (plus one bonus) books that have shaped how he leads teams, develops people, and stays healthy in the grind of church production and worship ministry.

You’ll hear insights from:

• 📘 Lead Like Jesus — Leadership starts with posture, not position.

• 📖 The Divine Mentor — You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.

• 🔥 Fired Up — Energy and motivation begin with the leader.

• 🍽 Leaders Eat Last — Build safety and trust before you build skills.

• 💡 How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Influence isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility.

• ❤️ The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Healthy leaders build healthy teams.

• 💬 Crucial Conversations — Conflict isn’t bad; avoidance is.

• 🙌 The Volunteer Project — Stop recruiting, start retaining.

• ⚓ Extreme Ownership — Take responsibility, simplify, and lead with discipline.

• 🧾 The Checklist Manifesto — Systems protect excellence.

• 🌍 Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Leadership development is intentional.

Whether you’re a seasoned director, a volunteer, or a church leader trying to grow your team, these lessons will help you lead better, serve smarter, and stay inspired week after week.

👉 Brought to you by ChurchAVpro — helping churches simplify production and amplify the message.

Check out our Worship Devotional : Volume 1 that is written to help leaders spend intentional time in devotion with their team and realigning their hearts with the WHY in why they serve.

n this episode of The Backstage Leadership Podcast, David Jones sits down with his friend and coworker Jeremy Brownlee, author of Make the World More Awesome, to talk about what it means to develop people, not just delegate tasks. Together, they unpack the difference between leading with vision versus leading with to-do lists, the process of building maturity in those you lead, and why investing in relationships always comes before giving feedback.

Whether you’re leading a worship team, production crew, or any group of volunteers, this episode will help you lead like Jesus — empowering others, simplifying systems, and building leaders who multiply leaders.

👉 Connect with David at⁠ churchav.pro⁠

🎙️ Follow The Backstage Leadership Podcast for more conversations on leadership, faith, and production.

In this episode of The Backstage Leadership Podcast, David Jones sits down with long-time friend and ministry partner David Adams, Media Director at Grace House in Greenwood, Indiana.

Together they unpack what true humility in leadership looks like — how great leaders don’t just give direction but know how to follow well.

They talk about lessons learned from 25+ years of friendship and ministry together, how charisma can open doors but character keeps you there, and why staying teachable is one of the most overlooked traits in church leadership today.

You’ll hear real stories, personal reflections, and wisdom inspired by Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard — all pointing back to one truth: leadership is about serving first.

💡 In this episode:

• Why humility is the foundation of lasting leadership

• The difference between talent-driven influence and character-driven impact

• How to stay grounded when success starts to rise

• Practical ways to model servant leadership on your team

👉 Connect with David at churchav.pro

🎙️ Follow The Backstage Leadership Podcast for more conversations on leadership, faith, and production.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Backstage Leadership Podcast, a resource of ChurchAVPro. In this episode, I share the five core habits that every worship and production leader needs if they want to lead with strength, avoid burnout, and stay spiritually and emotionally grounded.

These habits aren’t quick fixes—they’re daily practices that will help you last in ministry and thrive as a leader.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why spiritual disciplines are the non-negotiable foundation of leadership.

2. The power of cultivating a strong community and safe relationships.

3. How practicing gratitude shifts your perspective in hard seasons.

4. Why serving outside of your role keeps your heart soft and aligned with Jesus.

5. How seeking meaning and purpose restores joy and vision in ministry.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 📖 Scripture references: Luke 5:16, Hebrews 10:24–25, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Peter 4:10, Colossians 3:17

• 💻 Learn more about my services: ChurchAV.pro

• 📅 Book a free 20-minute pre-consultation: Schedule Here

• 📧 Contact me directly: [email protected]

Next Steps:

👉 If this episode encouraged you, share it with another leader in your church.
👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes where we’ll dive deeper into leadership, production systems, and developing healthy teams.