The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast

In this video, Chemistry Staffing's Todd Rhoades discusses the State of the church and the evolving dynamics within church leadership. He shares insights on Detecting Church Leadership Trends and challenges that are shaping the future of ministry.

A significant focus is on leadership challenges faced by church staff. Todd highlights the importance of communication and self-awareness in addressing leadership challenges. The gap between senior leaders and their teams often leads to misunderstandings, impacting the overall State of the church.

Todd emphasizes that Detecting Church Leadership Trends and challenges involves understanding the needs of younger leaders. They seek healthy work environments and clear roles, which are crucial in addressing leadership challenges effectively. This shift is vital for the long-term health of the church.

Practical steps include fostering open communication and ensuring staff feel valued.

Addressing these leadership challenges can prevent high turnover rates and promote a stable State of the church. Todd suggests regular evaluations to keep track of these dynamics.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 Silent Alarm: The Quiet Collapse of the Church Staff Pipeline and How to Rebuild Before It's Too Late - https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Alarm-Collapse-Pipeline-Rebuild/dp/B0FLVP11LC/

When the Church Falls: What We Can Learn from Leadership Collapses—and How to Prevent the Next One - https://www.amazon.com/When-Church-Falls-Leadership-Collapses/dp/B0FLRCTJ6R/

⛪ Chemistry Staffing - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/

🎯 Todd Rhoades - ⁠https://todd.church/

🌐 Host - Eric Bryant - ⁠https://ericbryant.org/🎬 Video Chapters0:00 - Communication Challenges in Churches3:21 - State of the Church in America6:42 - Positive Trends in Church Staffing10:03 - Adapting to Post-Crisis Changes13:24 - New Generation's Approach to Ministry16:45 - Creating a Healthy Work Culture20:06 - Importance of Staff Appreciation23:27 - Navigating the 3-5 Year Staff Barrier🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/⁠👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg, a workshop about Multiplier with a Q&A with Dave Ferguson, or the Momentum Cohort: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/⁠✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/#ChurchLeadership #FaithTrends #LeadershipChallenges #ChurchGrowth #StateOfTheChurch #PastoralLeadership #ChurchHealth #MinistryInsights #CongregationalTrends #ChurchStrategy #FaithLeadership #ChurchRevival #ChemistryStaffing #ToddRhoades #EricBryant #InnovativeChurchLeaders

In this video, Des Wadsworth, a key leader of Innovative Church Leaders, discusses the importance of prayer and how it has transformed their community.

Des shares insights on navigating the storms of life through prayer and community, emphasizing the role of prayer in overcoming challenges.

Des highlights the importance of prayer in building a resilient community. He explains how their church transitioned from merely praying to becoming a house of prayer, leading to significant growth and spiritual renewal.

Des discusses the reality of someone being in the storm, coming out of a storm, or heading into a storm and suggests practical steps on how to navigate the storms of life. He encourages leaders to model prayerful living, ensuring that prayer is woven into the fabric of their church culture.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 The Uncivilized Path: How the Storm Can Transform Your Faith - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Uncivilized-Path-Storm-Transform-Faith/dp/1964508606/

⛪ Grace Church in Tempe - https://graceaz.church/

🎯 Des Wadsworth - ⁠https://graceaz.church/staff-team/

🌐 Host - Eric Bryant - ⁠https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:00 - Life's Storms and Faith

3:16 - Innovative Church Leadership

6:32 - Transforming Church Culture

9:48 - Impact on University Students

13:04 - Building a Prayer Culture

16:20 - Monthly Prayer Gatherings

19:36 - Responding to Congregation Needs

22:52 - Lessons from the Bison

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org

⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/⁠

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg, a workshop about Multiplier with a Q&A with Dave Ferguson, or the Momentum Cohort: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/⁠

✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here:

⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#PrayingChurch #Prayer #ChristianFaith #StormsOfLife #FaithCommunity #NavigatingStorms #TrustGodInHardTimes #ChristianEncouragement #SpiritualSupport #FaithThroughTrials #DesWadsworth #InnovativeChurchLeaders #GodandSuffering

In this video, social researcher and bestselling author Shaunti Feldhahn joins the Innovative Church Leaders podcast to share hope-filled, practical tools for “pastor mental health.”

Drawing on her study of more than 2,000 pastors, she shares two high-impact practices for thriving in ministry: building real friendships and learning to delegate.

Shaunti introduces TheChurchCares.com and the vision behind her book When Hurting People Come to Church, showing how “lay care in the church” can equip everyday believers to walk alongside people who are hurting. Not every struggle requires a clinician, and a healthy couple inviting someone over for dinner can be a powerful part of healing.

She also shares a Spirit-led story of a small-town church that launched a simple Friday night recovery ministry and saw hundreds of people find wholeness.

You’ll also discover her research-based advice for “pastor marriage and ministry,” including the different primary insecurities most husbands and wives carry (“Am I lovable?” and “Am I able?”) and the small daily habits that help spouses feel loved and appreciated.

Shaunti closes with the 30-Day Kindness Challenge, a free resource that helps churches become more like Christ and grow in unity.

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry spouse, or church leader, this conversation offers encouragement for “building mental health shock absorbers” and creating a church culture of care, community, and hope.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 Books and resources by Shaunti Feldhahn, including When Hurting People Come to Church and The Kindness Challenge - https://shaunti.com/

⛪ TheChurchCares.com, free resources to equip your church for lay care - https://www.thechurchcares.com/

🎯 30-Day Kindness Challenge, a free resource for churches - https://www.jointhekindnesschallenge.com/

🌐 Host - Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters
00:00 - Welcome, Shaunti Feldhahn00:37 - Mental Health Tools for Pastors01:54 - Overcoming Pastoral Isolation Through Friendship
03:26 - Opening Your Hands and Delegating
05:03 - Introducing TheChurchCares.com
05:43 - The Story Behind the Church Cares
08:32 - Why Lay Care Matters in the Local Church
11:55 - A Healthy Marriage in Ministry
16:24 - Understanding Your Spouse’s Primary Insecurities
21:25 - Resources for Pastors at Shaunti.com
21:48 - The 30-Day Kindness Challenge
24:40 - Spirit-Led Innovation: A Friday Night Recovery Ministry
30:15 - Closing Encouragement

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.
Website: https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg, a workshop about Multiplier with a Q&A with Dave Ferguson, or the Momentum Cohort: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/

✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#ShauntiFeldhahn #PastorMentalHealth #PastorMentalHealthTools #PastoralHealth #PastorIsolation #PastorFriendships #PastorDelegation #TheChurchCares #LayCareInTheChurch #LayCounseling #WhenHurtingPeopleComeToChurch #ChurchMentalHealthMinistry #ChurchCareMinistry #PastorMarriage #HealthyMarriageInMinistry #PastorAndSpouse #MarriageInsecurities #AmILovable #AmIAble #30DayKindnessChallenge #TheKindnessChallenge #ChurchRecoveryMinistry #FridayNightRecovery #SpiritLedInnovation #PastorBurnoutPrevention #PastorRenewal #ChurchLeadershipPodcast #InnovativeChurchLeaders

In this video, author and theologian Professor Wright participates in a Q&A with the Innovative Church Leaders cohort. They explore the profound themes of his work, N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope and God's Homecoming. He delves into the complexities of the "return of Jesus" and its implications for our present lives.

Professor Wright emphasizes the importance of "understanding the kingdom of God" as a present reality, not just a future hope. He argues that the church's mission is to embody this kingdom now, reflecting on "what is the new heaven and new earth" and how it shapes our actions today.

The discussion highlights how "N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope" challenges traditional views, urging believers to actively participate in God's work. The "return of Jesus" is not merely an end-time event but a call to action in the here and now.

Understanding the kingdom of God involves recognizing Jesus' reign and our role in it. This perspective shifts the focus from waiting for "what is the new heaven and new earth" to actively building it through justice and compassion.Professor Wright's insights encourage a transformative approach to faith.

The "return of Jesus" inspires believers to live out the Kingdom's values, anticipating "what is the new heaven and new earth" in our daily lives.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 Books by N.T. Wright - https://www.amazon.com/stores/N.-T.-Wright/author/B001H6NEG8

⛪ N.T. Wright online courses - https://www.admirato.org/pages/ntw-online

🎯 Ask N.T. Wright Anything Podcast - https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/ask-nt-wright-anything

🌐 Hosts - Jenni Wong Clayville - https://jenniclayville.com/

Tory Mayo - https://thewellaustin.com/team/tory/

Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters

05:07 - New Creation Through Jesus

10:14 - Introduction to Innovative Church Leaders

15:21 - Surprised by the God of Hope

20:28 - Professor Wright's Current Focus

25:35 - Ecology and Politics in Theology

30:42 - Christology and Pneumatology Insights

35:49 - Social Gospel and Church's Role

40:56 - Expanding God's Kingdom Today

46:03 - Jesus' Reign and Worldly Perception

51:10 - Living as Resurrection People

56:17 - Ephesians 6 and Spiritual Armor

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg, a workshop about Multiplier with a Q&A with Dave Ferguson, or the Momentum Cohort: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/⁠

✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#returnofjesus #KingdomOfGod #NewHeavenNewEarth #NTWright #SurprisedByHope #ChristianEschatology #BiblicalHope #ResurrectionFaith #TheologyExplained #ChristianTeaching #BibleProphecy #FaithAndHope #NTWrightSurprisedByHope #ReturnOfJesus #UnderstandingTheKingdomOfGod #WhatIsTheNewHeavenAndNewEarth #ChristianHopeForNewCreation #NewHeavenAndNewEarthExplained #TheologyOfHope #NTWrightOnHope #RenewalOfAllThings #NewCreationThroughJesus #KingdomOfGodInauguration #EschatologyNewHeavenEarth #KingdomOfGodExplained #KingdomOfGodInaugurated #TheologyOfHopeExplained #NTWrightTheologyInsights #JesusResurrectionSignificance

In this video, Florent Varak shares his journey from a New Age influenced upbringing in a cult to becoming a Christian leader in his home country of France. His story highlights the importance of contextualizing the Gospel in diverse cultural settings.

Florent's experiences underscore the need for understanding Gospel communication basics to effectively reach different audiences.

With host Eric Bryant, Florent discusses how to train leaders for effective evangelism by emphasizing the importance of contextualizing the Gospel. He notes that many traditional methods assume a Christian worldview, which may not resonate in all cultures. This realization led him to adapt his approach, focusing on genuine spiritual transformation rather than mere intellectual agreement.

The video also explores the cultural challenges in evangelism training. Florent shares how his initial encounters with Christianity were met with skepticism due to his background. However, through personal relationships and witnessing authentic Christian living, he began to understand the Gospel communication basics necessary for effective ministry.

Summary

Recognize the importance of contextualizing the Gospel in various cultural contexts.Address the cultural challenges in evangelism training by adapting methods to local needs.Focus on Gospel communication basics to ensure clarity and relevance.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 The Bible in 1, 10, 100, and 1000 words - https://toutpoursagloire.com/article/bible-1-10-100-1000-mots/

⛪ European Leadership Forum - https://euroleadership.org/

🎯 Florent Varak - https://euroleadership.org/person/florent-varak

🌐 Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:00 - Understanding Cultural Evangelism

3:19 - Florent's Spiritual Journey

6:09 - Reaching People "Uninterested" in Jesus

9:00 - Growing in Faith

10:50 - Church Planting Challenges in France

14:50 - Working through Conflict with Leaders of Character

17:20 - The Church Growing in France and Beyond

19:26 - Adapting Evangelism for Those Without a Christian Worldview

22:15 - Loving Jesus as the Foundation of Ministry

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders

⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/

⁠✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#EvangelismTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #GospelCommunication #ContextualEvangelism #ChurchLeadership #ChristianDiscipleship #EvangelismStrategy #CulturalAwareness #FaithSharing #MinistryTraining #DiscipleMaking #MissionalLiving #evangelismtraining #leadershipdevelopment #GospelCommunication #ContextualEvangelism #churchleadership #christiandiscipleship #EvangelismStrategy #culturalawareness #faithsharing #ministrytraining #disciplemaking #MissionalLiving

In this video, church planting director (Northeast U.S. and Canada) Gary Smith shares insights on reaching people with Christianity through innovative methods with host Eric Bryant. Gary emphasizes the importance of adapting to cultural contexts and the role of church revitalization in today's world.

Gary discusses the significance of a flexible approach in church revitalization, allowing leaders to tailor their methods to local needs. This adaptability is crucial for the effective presentation of the gospel in diverse communities. By listening to the Holy Spirit, the context, and the people they are trying to reach, church planters can discern the best ways to engage with their surroundings.

The video highlights stories of success in reaching people with Christianity in challenging areas. Gary shares examples of church planters who have embraced unique strategies, such as prayer driving and community engagement, to foster church revitalization. These efforts demonstrate the power of listening to the Holy Spirit in guiding their mission.

Practical steps for reaching people with Christianity include understanding local cultures and being open to new methods. The presentation of the gospel should be relevant and relatable, ensuring it resonates with the audience. By listening to the Holy Spirit, leaders can find innovative ways to connect with their communities.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 From Dying to Dangerous: A Radical New Pathway for Churches to Reignite Kingdom Culture - https://www.thechurchplantingpathway.com/buy-book

⛪ The Church Planting Pathway - https://www.thechurchplantingpathway.com/

🎯 Gary Smith - https://www.thechurchplantingpathway.com/about-gary

⛪ Alliance New England - https://www.alliancenewengland.org/

🌐 Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:00 Rediscovering Church Mission

3:25 Gary Smith's Ministry Journey

6:50 Harvest-Centric Church Planting

10:15 Innovative Church Planting Stories

13:40 Adapting Ministry to Culture

17:05 Transforming Communities Through Gospel

20:30 Supporting New American Planters

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/⁠

✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#Christianity #ChurchRevitalization #SharingTheGospel #HolySpiritGuidance #GospelPresentation #FaithOutreach #Evangelism #ChurchGrowth #SpiritualListening #ChristianWitness #DiscipleMaking #KingdomWork #ReachingPeopleWithChristianity #ChurchPlanting #presentationofthegospel #listeningtotheholyspirit #spiritledchurch #engagingthecommunity #guidancefromtheholyspirit #effectiveoutreachstrategies #spiritualdiscernmentinministry #connectingwiththelost #sharingthegospeleffectively #creativegospelpresentations #communityoutreachprograms #sharingthegospel #churchgrowthstrategies #effectiveevangelismstrategies #gospelpresentation

In this video with host Dr. Eric Bryant, pastor of Transformation Church Dr. Derwin Gray discusses the transformative power of faith and the role of the church in bringing justice, beauty, and the message of Jesus to our world.

Dr. Gray emphasizes the concept of what is spiritual formation and how it shapes individuals into the image of Christ. Dr. Gray highlights the need for believers to embody the Kingdom of God on earth, rather than focusing solely on the afterlife.

Dr. Gray explains that understanding what is spiritual formation involves recognizing Jesus' role in transforming lives. This transformation is not just about personal growth but also about engaging in emotional healing and addressing societal issues. The church's mission includes promoting the importance of community service as a reflection of God's love.

The discussion also touches on what is the gospel message, emphasizing that it is more than a promise of heaven. It is about living out the teachings of Jesus and bringing heaven to earth through acts of service and justice. Dr. Gray illustrates this by sharing examples from his church's initiatives, such as providing meals and supporting local schools.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 It’s Time to Heal: Four God-Given Steps to Restore What Life Has Shattered - https://www.amazon.com/Its-Time-Heal-God-Given-Shattered/dp/B0GQPF3GW8/

📖 How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation - https://www.amazon.com/How-Heal-Racial-Divide-Reconciliation/dp/149645880X/

🎯 Dr. Derwin Gray - https://www.derwinlgray.com/

⛪ Transformation Church - https://transformationchurch.tc/

🌐 Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:49 - Meet Dr. Derwin Gray: Transformation Church Update

2:42 - The Gospel You Preach Is the Disciples You Get

5:21 - Why Justice Is Intrinsic to Following Jesus

7:10 - How to Mobilize People With a God-Given Idea

11:15 - Growth Track: A Simple Path to Spiritual Formation

15:16 - The HEAL Framework From "It's Time to Heal"

21:04 - Encouragement for Discouraged Pastors

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders: Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

👥 Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/

⁠✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#SpiritualFormation #ChristianGrowth #EmotionalHealing #GospelMessage #CommunityService #FaithJourney #SpiritualMaturity #Discipleship #InnerHealing #ChurchCommunity #ChristianLiving #ServeOthers #InnovativeChurchleaders #EricBryant #DerwinGray #TransformationChurch

In this video, Lloyd Reeb of the Halftime Institute and 100x Forum shares insights on finding your purpose in life in an interview with Eric Bryant.

Lloyd discusses the importance of community and leadership within the church, emphasizing how these elements contribute to helping individuals achieve significance. Lloyd's experience with the Halftime Institute provides a unique perspective on the second half of life, where many seek deeper meaning and fulfillment.

Lloyd explains that finding your purpose in life often involves understanding one's spiritual gifts and strengths. He highlights why a mission statement is important, as it serves as a guiding tool for making impactful decisions. By focusing on personal strengths, individuals can transition from success to significance, a key theme in helping individuals achieve significance.

The second half of life can be a time of great productivity and purpose. Lloyd emphasizes that finding your purpose in life requires introspection and a willingness to explore new opportunities. He shares how the Halftime Institute and 100x Forum aid in this journey by helping individuals achieve significance through structured programs and support.

Practical steps include crafting a mission statement, which is crucial in finding your purpose in life. This process helps in making informed choices that align with one's values and goals.

• Get clear on your strengths and spiritual gifts.
• Understand why mission statement is important for direction.
• Embrace the second half as a time for new beginnings.

✳️ Resources mentioned:

📚 From Success to Significance - https://www.amazon.com/Success-Significance-When-Pursuit-Enough/dp/031025356X/

📖 The Social Entrepreneur - https://www.amazon.com/Social-Entrepreneur-Seasoned-Advice-Multiply/dp/B0BGNMRF4D/

🎯 Half Time Institute - https://halftime.org/

🏢 100 x Forum - https://100xforum.org/

🤝 Ardent Mentoring - Download the Sage Stage Book (FREE) - https://www.ardentmentoring.org/sage-stage-book

🌐 Eric Bryant - https://ericbryant.org/

👥 Find Community Here:

Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/

Join the "Surprised by the God of Hope" with Q&A with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:39 - Meet Lloyd Reeb: Halftime Institute and 100X Forum

1:20 - The Biggest Limiter to Church Growth: Leadership

2:45 - Lloyd's Story: 39 Rejection Letters and One Yes

5:23 - "I Can't Build Any More Buildings That Get Torn Down"

6:50 - Making Disciples Who Make Disciples

7:37 - Naming the "Smoldering Discontent" of Halftime Leaders

8:57 - The Three-Step Framework: Get Clear, Get Free, Get Going

10:03 - Why a Mission Statement Is an Act of Prayer

11:29 - Get Free and Get Going

13:31 - Advice for Leaders Moving From Business to Ministry

14:08 - The Three Conversations: Corporate, Cause, and Community

15:18 - Why Kingdom Impact Compounds Over Time

🔥 Follow Innovative Church Leaders:

Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/108322096/

✝️ Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com⁠

🚀 For free resources, sign up for our newsletter here: ⁠https://innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us/

#FindingYourPurposeInLife #SecondHalf #HelpingIndividualsAchieveSignificance #WhyMissionStatementIsImportant #SecondHalfOfLife #ImportanceOfMissionStatements #MissionStatementForChurches #FindingMeaningInLife #WhyAMissionStatementIsImportant #StrategicVisionAndMission #DiscoveringYourCalling #NavigatingLifeTransitions #WhyMissionStatementsAreImportant #WhyIsAMissionStatementImportant #FindingMeaningInYourLife

Why do so many faithful Christians feel exhausted by their own faith?

Jessie Cruickshank, a Harvard-trained expert in the neuroscience of transformation, joins Jenni Wong Clayville (Nova Community Church) to unpack her new book, "Becoming Good News," co-written with Julia Schmaltz.

Jessie explains why most discipleship models fail — because they're built on the wrong memory system in the brain — and what actually creates lasting change.

She dives into the difference between "human doing" and "human being," why identity (not behavior) is the real starting point for transformation, why community requires real eye contact and attunement (not just a group chat), and how her own story of trauma led her to put down the pen on authoring her own life and let God write the story instead.This is a rich, science-meets-Scripture conversation for anyone leading discipleship, small groups, or their own spiritual formation — and for anyone tired of trying to earn a love they already have.

📚Resources mentioned:

"Becoming Good News" by Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz - https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Good-News-Reimagining-Discipleship/dp/B0FVTTC54B/

⛪ Free church discipleship kit and resources: https://www.whoology.co/

📱Jessie Cruickshank - https://www.whoology.co/about

🌐 Jenni Wong Clayville - https://jenniclayville.com/

Find Community Here:

Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/

Join the "Surprised by the God of Hope" with Q&A with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/

🎬 Video Chapters

0:00 - The Power of Small Groups

4:05 - Interview with Jesse Cruickshank

8:10 - Integrating Science and Faith

12:15 - Understanding Life as a Story

16:20 - Becoming Good News

20:25 - Challenges of Modern Faith

24:30 - Rediscovering the Sabbath

28:35 - Linking Neuroscience and Discipleship

32:40 - Memory Systems and Faith

36:45 - Applying Faith to Life

🚀 Follow Innovative Church Leaders:

Helping pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation.

Website: ⁠https://www.innovativechurchleaders.org

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativechurchleaders⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@innovativechurchleaders⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovative-church-leaders⁠

Take the Free Pastoral Health Checkup: ⁠https://pastoral-health.scoreapp.com

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Only one in three pastors finish well. And 78% say they have no close friends. Kevin Abbott, who leads pastoral health and resilience work for Texas Baptists, joins Eric Bryant to talk honestly about the isolation that quietly derails so many pastors — and what it actually takes to keep going the distance.

Drawing from 30 years in ministry, a season as a military chaplain, 13 years as a senior pastor, and now years spent walking hundreds of pastors through cohorts built on his doctoral research at Fuller Seminary, Kevin shares the habits that separate leaders who finish well from those who burn out. He gets real about his own dark nights of the soul, why "every leader has a limp," and the power of having a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in your life.

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and real stories — including pastors who found physical, emotional, and spiritual breakthrough through community, coaching, and the kind of friendship most pastors never let themselves have.

📚Resources mentioned:

"Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership" by Ruth Haley Barton

"Sacred Rhythms" by Ruth Haley Barton

"The Making of a Leader" by J. Robert Clinton

⛪ Learn more about Minister Strong: https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/minister-strong

Eric Bryant: https://www.ericbryant.org

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Meet Kevin Abbott: Shepherding the Shepherds

00:48 - From Bible College to 30 Years in Ministry

03:06 - The Secondary Calling That Changed Everything

04:02 - The Book That Cracked Kevin's Heart Open

07:21 - The Sobering Stats on Pastors Finishing Well

08:28 - "Every Leader Has a Limp"

11:23 - Why 78% of Pastors Have No Close Friends

12:42 - The Danger of Ministry Isolation

15:34 - Why You Can't Get to Clarity Alone

16:32 - Finding Your Paul, Your Barnabas, and Your Timothy

17:31 - How Coaching Builds Real Community

18:15 - One Pastor's Experience with a Coach

20:00 - Habits of Leaders Who Finish Well

22:00 - Pastors' Retreat: Fire Pits and Band of Brothers

25:00 - Transformation Stories

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Join a 12 Steps Group for Pastors with Q&A with John Ortberg: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/12steps/

Join the "Surprised by the God of Hope" with Q&A with N.T. Wright: https://innovativechurchleaders.org/cohort/

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