The Red Letter Leadership Podcast

500 baptisms in five years sounds impossible—until you see the framework that makes it measurable.

Download the “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” and begin seeking God with your church leadership team for the next strategic destination He wants to lead you to.

Most church vision is built from what already happened. Jordan Ames argues that Kingdom impact starts when leaders stop planning from past certainty and start casting faith-fueled destinations that stretch every part of the congregation.

In this video, Jordan shares a strategic framework for church leaders to cast a faith-driven vision of 500 baptisms in five years, emphasizing the importance of spiritual alignment, community partnership, and intentional planning.

He uses a real example from a church that had only 17 baptisms in three years, then walks through why settling for a “reasonable” goal like 50 baptisms can quietly shrink faith before it ever turns into strategy. From there, Jordan lays out a practical pathway for moving from vision to action without drifting into vague inspiration or burnout.

You’ll discover:

Jordan also breaks down the “rule of 50” in reverse to show how many people may need to be reached, served, and discipled before you ever see baptisms at scale.

If you lead a church, serve on staff, or are part of a ministry team trying to move beyond maintenance mode, this episode gives you a way to turn a bold spiritual vision into a real strategic plan.

He also shares how faith changed his own leadership in an anti-trafficking mission in East Africa, where acting on God-given vision opened doors, partnerships, and momentum he could not have manufactured on his own.

Essential listening if you’re ready to stop measuring church by routine and start building for true Kingdom impact.

#churchleadership #visioncasting #baptisms #strategicplanning #churchstrategy

Key Topics:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the vision of 500 baptisms in five years

02:30 The importance of seeking God's vision over past success

04:50 Understanding the spiritual realm as the foundation for vision

06:37 Personal story of faith and vision for a counter trafficking mission

08:52 Framework for strategic planning: Know your destination

10:09 Assessing your church's resources and environment

11:26 Identifying opposition and spiritual warfare

12:26 Executing the plan and maintaining faith in the process

13:12 Breaking down the journey of a non-believer to baptism

19:43 Lines of effort: Outreach, life groups, intercession, training

22:09 Developing outreach strategies and building teams

24:39 The role of small groups and community connection

26:45 Using the rule of 50 to set realistic goals

32:53 The power of intercession and prayer teams

35:17 Training the congregation for effective outreach and communication

37:33 Leadership and team building for strategic efforts

38:12 Overcoming opposition and staying committed to the vision

39:17 The true measure of success: Souls saved and lives changed

40:50 Focusing on kingdom impact over church attendance

42:12 Encouragement to pursue God's vision with faith and boldness

Many leaders are working hard to arrive at a place they can relax. But that's not at all what Christ calls us to. He calls us to work hard but within the context of His blessings and then He expects us to multiply those blessings.

In this episode, Jordan Ames and Ben Hunter dive deep into the parable of the talents and Luke 12, revealing how Christ-centered leaders view blessings as opportunities rather than burdens.

Discover why God entrusts us with more only when we're faithful with what we've already received—and learn how this mindset can transform your purpose, whether you're transitioning out of military service, stepping into new leadership roles, or seeking a renewed sense of calling.

You'll explore:

This episode is a powerful call for Christ followers, especially those feeling stalled or unsure about their next move, to embrace multiplication over maintenance. If you're craving clarity on your purpose and want to understand how to leverage your blessings for eternal impact, this conversation is essential listening.

Join us as we challenge the notion of retirement from God's mission—because every season of life is an opportunity to do much more with what we've been given.

#Stewardship # Purpose #KingdomFocus #Christcenteredleadership #DoMore

Key Topics:

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Multiplying Our Talents

02:29 Stewardship and Responsibility

07:54 Transitioning Identities

11:27 Finding Purpose After Service

17:26 Navigating Career and Calling

23:23 Embracing Responsibility and Direction

27:22 Navigating Career Transitions and Divine Guidance

28:09 Multiplication and Kingdom Growth

34:39 The American Church: Comfort vs. Kingdom Focus

39:38 Cultural Shifts in Worship and Community Engagement

Resources to help you in your leadership growth:

“Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

Download this valuable resource that lays out all 370+ leadership lessons from our book categorized in four areas of leadership: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment

Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

Fear often feels like a barrier that keeps us from stepping into our true potential—especially in leadership and faith. But what if fear exists precisely to challenge us to trust God more deeply? In this powerful episode, we unpack how spiritual fears and life's storms aren’t signs of failure—they’re opportunities to grow in faith, courage, and resilience.

Drawing on the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s daring step outside the boat, we explore how fear manifests when we focus on our problems rather than the Creator who's bigger than them all. You’ll discover why stepping out in faith isn’t about having no fears—it's about trusting amid them. We break down the practical applications of Jesus’ command to “come,” revealing how faith is less about flawless confidence and more about surrendering control to God.

We also highlight how leaders—whether in church, business, or family—face storms that threaten to sink them. The key isn’t avoiding fear but learning to anchor yourself in Christ amid the chaos. You’ll learn how to recognize the storm’s influence on your focus, and how keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus transforms your doubts into opportunities for supernatural breakthrough.

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by fear or doubt, whether in a personal challenge or leadership decision. It’s a call to recognize that your greatest strength comes from trusting in God's power, not your own. When you understand that the only thing standing between you and walking on water is your own hesitation, a new wave of courage and clarity emerges.

Tune in to get inspired, challenged, and equipped to face your fears head-on—knowing that through faith, you’re capable of doing the impossible. How will you respond when Jesus calls? The answer might just change everything.

Key Topics:

#FacingFear #Courage #Calling #Action #Faith

“Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

Download this valuable resource that lays out all 370+ leadership lessons from our book categorized in four areas of leadership: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment

Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

"Are churches too comfortable just going through the motions? Are you?”

Do you agree that the church needs to raise the bar on disciple-making.

In today’s culture, many churches are content with size and entertainment, losing sight of Jesus' call to radical discipleship. Jesus didn’t shy away from hard truths or confrontation—He raised the bar, challenged His followers, and understood that true leadership involves making others uncomfortable for their growth.

If we want to see authentic change, it starts with leaders being willing to confront the status quo, hold each other accountable, and embrace discomfort as part of spiritual growth. It’s time to ask ourselves: are we leading like Jesus or trying to stay comfortable?

Worth reflecting on.

What’s one area in your leadership where you need to raise the bar?

#LeadershipDevelopment #ChurchGrowth #RedLetterLeadership #DiscipleshipMatters #Accountability

Key Topics

Applications:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Journey

02:52 Overcoming Adversity: Robert's Early Life and Military Experience

05:48 The Intersection of Business and Ministry

08:25 The Theology of Work and Its Implications

11:28 Foster Care and Leadership Development

14:10 The Role of Business Leaders in Church Growth

16:57 Comfort in the American Church: A Critical Analysis

19:46 Leadership Lessons from Jesus and the Early Church

22:38 Raising the Bar: Discipleship and Church Growth

25:31 Conclusion: The Future of Leadership in the Church

31:47 The Dangers of Self-Reliance in Leadership

32:52 Misunderstanding Church Leadership

34:05 The Cost of Discipleship

35:51 Urgency in Advancing the Kingdom

37:16 Handling Conflict in Leadership

42:26 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership

01:02:24 Introduction to Leadership Lessons from Jesus

01:03:33 Exploring the Book: Red Letter Leadership

01:04:36 Vision Casting and Prayer Journal Resources

“Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

If you have a copy of the book, don’t forget to download our resource that will help guide your study of leadership lessons from the life of Christ. This resource categories all 370+ lessons into one or more of these four areas of leadership: 1) Leading Yourself, 2) Gaining Influence, 3) Leading a Team, and 4) Developing Leaders. Through our study of Jesus’ leadership, we learned that He shaped His environment to accomplish His mission in these four areas of leadership. We believe that when we seek mastery in these areas, we will be able to shape our operating environment to accomplish the assignment God has given us. Download this valuable resource here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment

Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

Do you have a God-sized vision for your life or business? Do you understand why it is so important that trust God for a seemingly impossible vision? If this is a new concept for you, I invite you to watch the training I gave on this titled: “Aim Small, Miss Small: The Art and Science of Achieving a God-Size Vision.” https://www.redletterleadership.com/asms

If you are ready to step out in faith and cast a big, God-size vision for your life or business but you are unsure where to start, I invite you to join my next 4-day challenge called, The MAKE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE Challenge. This is a 4-day event that will take you from dreaming again to establishing a clear, seemingly impossible vision with defined strategic objectives and a pathway to achieving it. Go to this link to learn more: https://www.redletterleadership.com/mipc

Leadership when your team isn't ready or willing—what's the move?

Drop a comment if you've ever faced this challenge.

Sometimes, as leaders, we must step up even when the team can't follow.

In both the military and the story of Jesus at the Last Supper, we see that setting the example is key.
Jesus knew His team was unprepared to follow Him into the full mission, but He still took the bold step, trusting growth and trust would follow.

When your team hesitates or isn't ready, your actions speak louder than words—stand up, move forward, and love intentionally.

It’s not about having all the answers but about leading with grace, patience, and authenticity.
Remember: your influence isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence and relationship.

The next step? Get to know your team beyond tasks. Take them to lunch, listen without agendas, build trust.

That’s how real leadership happens—when we put others before ourselves, even in the toughest moments.

What's one way you'll invest in your team this week?

#LeadWithLove #ChristCenteredLeadership #BuildTrust #LeadershipTips #TeamGrowth

Key Topics

Chapters

00:00 Leadership Responsibilities: Mission vs. Team Care

06:03 Understanding Team Readiness: The Fighter-Leader Concept

11:45 Knowing Your Team: The Importance of Understanding

17:22 Grace and Love in Leadership: Simplifying Expectations

23:11 Influence and Connection: The Essence of Leadership

31:25 Practical Takeaways: Building Relationships Through Lunch

“Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

If you have a copy of the book, don’t forget to download our resource that will help guide your study of leadership lessons from the life of Christ. This resource categories all 370+ lessons into one or more of these four areas of leadership: 1) Leading Yourself, 2) Gaining Influence, 3) Leading a Team, and 4) Developing Leaders. Through our study of Jesus’ leadership, we learned that He shaped His environment to accomplish His mission in these four areas of leadership. We believe that when we seek mastery in these areas, we will be able to shape our operating environment to accomplish the assignment God has given us. Download this valuable resource here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment

Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

Do you have a God-sized vision for your life or business? Do you understand why it is so important that trust God for a seemingly impossible vision? If this is a new concept for you, I invite you to watch the training I gave on this titled: “Aim Small, Miss Small: The Art and Science of Achieving a God-Size Vision.” https://www.redletterleadership.com/asms

If you are ready to step out in faith and cast a big, God-size vision for your life or business but you are unsure where to start, I invite you to join my next 4-day challenge called, The MAKE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE Challenge. This is a 4-day event that will take you from dreaming again to establishing a clear, seemingly impossible vision with defined strategic objectives and a pathway to achieving it. Go to this link to learn more: https://www.redletterleadership.com/mipc

Feeling rejected by your team? Here's the truth most leaders avoid admitting.

In leadership, pushback and rejection are part of the process — but how you respond makes all the difference.

When your ideas aren't embraced, it’s tempting to isolate, get defensive, or even force your way through. But that only builds walls, not bridges.

Real growth starts when you pause and reflect: Did I communicate clearly? Does my approach align with the team's values? Have I considered the environment and their perspectives?

Sometimes, the way we present matters more than what we’re presenting. It’s about strategy, tone, and timing.

Take time to "look in the mirror" — your approach could be the missing piece. Seek feedback, analyze next steps, and remember: rejection may simply be a redirection.

Worth thinking about.

What’s one way you’ve tried to turn team rejection into an opportunity? Drop it below👇

#LeadershipGrowth #TeamDynamics #CommunicationTips #VisionCasting #LeadWithHumility

Key Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Facing Rejection in Leadership

00:34 Common Reactions to Rejection and Their Pitfalls

02:05 The Importance of Healthy Team Dynamics

02:49 Case Study: Church Vision and Rejection

05:59 Luke 9: Lessons on Rejection and Service

09:14 Applying Biblical Principles to Leadership Rejection

10:41 Self-Reflection: The First Step in Handling Rejection

11:30 Assessing Your Communication Approach

12:44 Aligning Ideas with Mission and Values

13:42 Influence and Relationship Building in Leadership

15:40 Thinking Through the Bigger Picture and Impact

16:14 Seeking Constructive Feedback and Refinement

18:06 Analyzing Your Environment for Better Decisions

18:52 Practical Steps for Effective Vision Casting

19:39 Invitation to a Vision Casting Prayer Journal

Red Letter Leadership book: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal: https://www.redletterleadership.com/pl/2148793617

Do you ever feel like your biggest obstacle is just figuring out how to start?

I used to ask myself, "How can I possibly do this?" but then I realized—God already provided the talents, resources, and calling. ✨

If you're ready to step out in faith—trust that He’s already equipped you.

When Rick started Soul Survivor Outdoors, he didn’t have all the answers. He had doubts, fears, and zero clarity on how to make it work. But each step of obedience opened doors he never imagined, especially when he trusted God with what he had.

It's not about being perfect or fully prepared; it’s about saying "Yes" and trusting that God will do the rest. Like Peter stepping out on water—it’s risky, but that’s where faith grows. 🚶‍♂️💧

Are you holding back because you're waiting to feel more qualified? Remember, God uses those willing to move—even imperfectly—to do incredible things. So what’s the first step you need to take today?

Trust Him, take the leap, and watch how He supplies the rest.

#FaithInAction #GodSizedVision #StepOutInFaith #TrustGod #LivingOnPurpose

Key topics

Apply this episode to your life:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soul Survivor Outdoors

03:09 Rick's Background and Faith Journey

11:17 The Vision Behind Soul Survivor Outdoors

23:15 Overcoming Doubts and Qualifications

29:24 The Journey of Faith and Action

33:16 The Call to Action: Stepping Out in Faith

38:51 Navigating Doubts and Embracing God's Vision

44:43 The Struggle of Trusting God's Plan

50:51 Taking Risks: The Journey of Faith

56:53 Challenging Comfort: The Call to Move Forward

Soul Survivor Outdoors - https://soulsurvivoroutdoor.org

Red Letter Leadership Book: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

Ever feel like you need to have all the answers as a leader?

What if the real power comes from humility rather than control?

Have you ever struggled with trying to do it all yourself?

Real leadership isn't about having every solution—they often come from empowering your team and trusting their answers.

Stepping back and trusting your team, instead of micromanaging them, will make your mission more successful.

You don’t need to carry the burden of always knowing the answer. Instead, focus on providing clear direction and empowering others to excel.

Like the story of the Canaanite woman, humility unleashes unimaginable influence—when you acknowledge your limits and trust your team, powerful things happen.

Worth thinking about.

Where could you step back today and let your team execute?

#LeadershipHumility #EmpowerYourTeam #TrustAndLead #HumilityInAction

Key Topics:

Chapters

00:00 The Burden of Leadership

02:43 The Importance of Delegation

07:07 Seeing the Bigger Picture

13:47 Empowering Your Team

17:26 The Power of Humility

28:37 The Challenge of Leadership

Red Letter Leadership book: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

Why do we often see suffering as God's grace in disguise?

Because sometimes, it's the silence or hardship that protects and shapes us the most—just like Zechariah’s nine months of mute humility.

In Zechariah’s story, his muteness stopped him from spreading doubt, saving his reputation and ministry. That silence wasn't punishment—it was grace in action, shielding him from the repercussions of his doubts.

When we face setbacks or delays, it’s easy to feel punished or abandoned. But what if those moments are God’s way of refining us? Humility, patience, and trust often develop in suffering, not comfort.

Imagine how different our perspective would be if we saw hardships as opportunities for growth and testimony—an act of grace that prepares us for what’s next.

So, next time you're in a tough season, ask: What is God shaping in me right now?

Worth pondering.

What’s one struggle that became a milestone for your faith or leadership?

#GraceInSuffering #FaithGrowth #LeadWithHumility #GodsTiming #TrustTheJourney

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Grace

03:02 Zachariah's Silence: A Lesson in Suffering

05:46 Understanding Doubt and God's Grace

08:52 The Role of Suffering in Personal Growth

11:39 Lessons from the Israelites: Trusting God

14:56 The Importance of Perspective in Leadership

17:37 Navigating Personal Doubts and God's Direction

20:34 The Intersection of Free Will and God's Plan

23:38 Building a Testimony Through Trials

26:30 Applying Biblical Lessons to Secular Leadership

29:23 Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

32:34 The Importance of Trust and Relationship in Leadership

35:30 Reflecting on Failures: A Path to Growth

Red Letter Leadership book: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book

Building a Tribe is the Key to Real Manhood — Here's How to Start

Ever feel like you're just going through the motions with men's groups that don’t really build brotherhood?

Drop a 💪 if you're tired of surface-level encounters and ready for authentic community. Most church men's groups are built for women—focused on socializing and information transfer. That’s why they often miss the mark for guys craving action and results. I used to think a group meant studying a book, but real growth happens when men challenge each other through action, adventure, and accountability.

That’s why I created the three pillars of masculine community: manhood, camaraderie, and freedom. It’s about crafting a space where men develop a clear vision of manhood, build trusting bonds, and actually see progress in their lives. Your next step? Start small. Meet weekly, focus on one guy, and pursue bold challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.

Remember, no man is meant to do this alone. The right tribe can transform your leadership and faith—because real change happens in community.

Curious how to build your tribe? Take the free assessment at howmanlyareyou.com and start your journey today.

Full details at manhoodtribes.com. What’s one action you’ll take this week to strengthen your brotherhood?

Let me know in the comments!

#MasculineCommunity #MenBuildingMen #LeadershipInChrist #TribeOverSurface #StrongMenUnite

Key  topics:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Red Letter Leadership Podcast

01:32 Don Ross: A Journey to Strong Masculinity

06:59 The Impact of Jesus' Leadership on Personal Growth

10:10 Building a Solid Foundation: Hearing and Practicing Jesus' Words

13:39 The Importance of Community in Men's Lives

18:04 Challenges in Church Men's Groups

22:04 The Three Pillars of Masculine Community

24:45 The Importance of Camaraderie

27:05 Building a Tribe: The Need for Connection

27:49 The Tribe Model: Chisel, Challenge, Adventure

34:33 Practical Application of Faith in Community

39:53 Discipleship: A Plan for Growth

41:17 Logistics of Tribe: Age and Group Size

47:39 Coaching and Consulting for Men's Ministries

Manhood Tribes Website - https://www.manhoodtribes.com/

How to Be a Man (Book) - https://www.manhoodtribes.com/howtobeaman

How Manly Are You? Assessment - https://www.manhoodtribes.com/manly

Red Letter Leadership book: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book