Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, is a church whose systems match its vision. In this month’s Leadership Momentum Podcast, Highlands Senior Pastor Chris Hodges shares with Chris Brown how his church uses systems to create a life-giving culture and the margin to respond when God calls. How does that play out at Highlands? It’s a careful balancing act of strategy and opportunity that considers all aspects of culture, finance, leadership and structure. After all, systems are mor

For years, the debate has raged about whether it’s harder to minister in the Bible Belt or outside the Bible Belt. In this month’s Leadership Momentum Podcast, Chris Brown talks with leaders who represent both sides of the conversation: Pete Wilson, pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and Jud Wilhite, pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they sort through the similarities and differences of each context and offer words of encouragement for pa

Max Lucado has been called “America’s pastor” as much for his simple wisdom as for his writing ministry and his tenure as lead pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. In this month’s Leadership Momentum Podcast, Pastor Max joins host, Chris Brown, to discuss some of the messy sticking points many church leaders are currently facing. Together, they talk about issues like prayer and contentment, as well as pitfalls like worry, fear of rejection and the consequences of mistakes.

You could say that Dr. Henry Cloud takes a cerebral approach to leadership. That’s because he understands the neuroscience—the brain research—behind why leaders do the things they do. In this conversation, he applies what he’s learned to specific leadership principles such as focusing on what really matters, pruning people and projects, and recognizing God as the true Source of all we do. His words may be challenging, but they also can help pastors and other church leaders become more

Since 2000, NewSpring Church has grown from 15 people gathered in an Anderson, South Carolina, living room to 30,000 members meeting in campuses across the state. But Perry Noble, NewSpring’s founding pastor, will be the first to tell you that the church’s history has included plenty of mountains and plateaus. In this conversation, Noble provides a candid and personal look at life and leadership at NewSpring—and why he’s so passionate about finishing strong and making Sunday the best d

Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, welcomes more than 23,000 people every weekend. Despite steady growth across four campuses, it’s managed to maintain pastoral heart, healthy staff and volunteers, and a culture of authenticity and trust. Lead Pastor Dave Stone talks about the journey the church has taken to reach that place. From vulnerability and humility to making the right hires, from becoming debt-free to starting a stewardship ministry, every good thing at Southeast st

If there's anyone who understands good organizational leadership, it’s Patrick Lencioni. In this episode, he highlights some of the principles outlined in his best-selling book The Advantage. He discusses a few things all church leaders need to hear, like why the desire to be nice is rooted in selfishness; how vulnerability leads to trust (and cohesive teams); why accountability is tough but necessary; and where clarity is lacking in church leadership (hint: it has to do with strategy).<

How does a south Florida megachurch lead more than 10,000 people out of financial bondage and into a culture of generosity? Todd Mullins, lead pastor of Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, shares how his church of more than 20,000 took on the challenge. Chris Brown talks with Pastor Mullins about how a combination of intentional leadership and a plan called Momentum helped the church mobilize so many people to a lifestyle of stewardship.

Gateway Church gets generosity! Pastored by Robert Morris in Dallas-Fort Worth area, Gateway has grown to more than 36,000 active members since it was founded in 2000. How do you create a generous culture with this many people? Chris Brown talks with Pastor Morris and unpacks Gateway's definition, philosophy and strategy behind cultivating a generous culture.

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