Most people picture ministry on a stage. 

But what if real ministry also looks like boardrooms, budgets, and carrying the weight of decisions that affect thousands of lives? 

In this episode of the RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Jeff Pearson, Executive Director of Compassion 479 and Strategic Initiatives at Cross Church. 

Before joining church staff, Jeff spent nearly three decades at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, including 15 years as CFO of the organization responsible for raising the majority of its funding. He woke up every day knowing millions of dollars had to be raised — and that children’s lives depended on it. 

In this honest conversation, Jeff shares: 

• What the “weight of leadership” really feels like 
• How to view your workplace as ministry 
• The difference between platform and stewardship 
• How to discern when God is releasing you from a role 
• Why obedience sometimes means walking away from something you love 

If you’re leading in business, healthcare, education, ministry, or anywhere in between, this episode will challenge how you think about calling. 

Ministry isn’t about visibility. 
It’s about faithfulness with what God has entrusted to you. 

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What if the very thing you walked through is the very thing God wants to use? 

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Cross Church dream teamer Kelly Stamps to explore how God turns seasons of waiting, pain, and ordinary obedience into powerful ministry. Kelly never set out to build a platform but through simple faithfulness, God used her story to impact thousands and to connect couples around the world. 

This conversation will challenge you to see your life differently. Your leadership doesn’t start on a stage—it starts in your story. If you’ve ever wondered whether God could use your past, your pain, or your everyday faithfulness to make a difference, this episode will remind you: He already is. 

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What really happens behind the scenes of worship ministry? 

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and co-host Phil McMichael sit down with Nick Hardeman, Cross Church’s Associate Worship Pastor/ Springdale Campus Director, to give an inside look at worship ministry at Cross Church. From auditions and development to heart posture and biblical worship, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it means to lead people into God’s presence. 

Whether you’re a talented musician, someone curious about getting involved, or a church member who simply wants to worship with greater intention, this episode will help you understand the why behind what we do—and how every person has a role to play. 

This is an encouraging, honest, and practical introduction to worship ministry for dream teamers, staff, seminary residents, and anyone who wants to raise their expectation in worship. 

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In Part 2 of our Don’t Flinch conversation, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and co-host Phil McMichael sit down again with Cross Church Senior Pastor, Dr. Nick Floyd, for a candid and behind-the-scenes look at how Cross Church is navigating one of the most significant seasons of change in its 150+ year history.

Dr. Floyd shares the story of Cross Church’s long legacy of faithful leadership, the evolution into a multi-campus church, and what’s driving the launch of new campuses across Northwest Arkansas. 

You’ll also hear practical insight into how Cross Church is adjusting its teaching model to scale for future growth, why unified vision matters more than ever, and how leadership development accelerates in seasons of expansion. 

Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or any growing organization, this episode will challenge you to stay steady, courageous, and mission-focused when change comes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

·      Why healthy organizations must embrace change instead of resisting it

·      How Cross Church has navigated pastoral transitions and multi-campus growth

·      The tension between personal preference and organizational mission

·      Why leadership clarity and consistent vision are essential in seasons of expansion

·      How change creates new opportunities for leadership development and ownership

·      What it really means to “not flinch” when the pressure increases

If you’re leading through change, growth, or uncertainty, this episode will equip and encourage you to lead with confidence, humility, and faith.

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As we kick off Season 2 and step into a new year filled with uncertainty, change, and transition, how do leaders stay steady instead of shaken? 

In this episode of the RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Dr. Nick Floyd, Senior Pastor of Cross Church, to unpack what it really means to not flinch when leadership gets heavy. 

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 15:58, this conversation explores how the resurrection of Jesus empowers leaders to remain steadfast and immovable—no matter what’s happening around them. Pastor Nick shares personal stories, leadership principles, and practical wisdom for navigating seasons of change with faith, clarity, and courage.

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In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael wrap up 2025 with a discussion on the personal prayer life of the leader. As part of this episode they will dive deep into 3 specific prayers every leader should be praying persistently, and how taking those prayers to the Lord will impact their effectiveness as a leader in the new year. 

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Coach Houston Nutt—one of the most beloved Razorback coaches of all time—joins Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael to talk about the power of positivity in leadership. From his days as a three-time SEC Coach of the Year to guiding players toward grit, mental toughness, and academic excellence, Coach Nutt shares the principles that fueled his career and still inspire leaders today. In this episode, you’ll hear about the impact of his parents on his leadership style, the art of motivating a team through highs and lows, and why belief in people can change everything. Whether you’re leading in sports, business, ministry, or any field, this conversation will help you lead with passion, positivity, and purpose.

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In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael our back in our Introduction to Ministry series with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential—and often least understood—areas of church life: Media Ministry. 

They’re joined by Brian Dunaway and Justin Hume, two of the key leaders shaping the creative, technical, and storytelling engine of Cross Church. From weekend services to online engagement, from production to photography to livestream strategy, Brian and Justin unpack how media amplifies the gospel, serves our people, and strengthens every ministry across all campuses. 

Whether you’re a Dream Teamer, staff member, resident, or simply curious about how Cross Church brings ministry to life each week, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the unseen ministry that moves the mission forward. 

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What do you do when you inherit something broken? Most leaders will eventually step into a role they didn’t start—whether it’s a ministry, a team, or an organization—and face the challenge of rebuilding trust, culture, and vision. In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Dr. Nick Floyd sit down with Dr. Jon Chasteen, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Dallas, former President of The King’s University, and author of ReLeader: How to Fix What You Didn’t Break. Jon shares powerful lessons from leading through crisis, stepping into broken systems, and rebuilding with humility, patience, and faith. He unpacks what it means to be a “ReLeader”—someone who runs toward broken places others might avoid—while offering practical wisdom on honoring what came before, discerning what to change and when, and celebrating small beginnings. This conversation is honest, faith-filled, and full of leadership gold for anyone leading in the real world, not just the ideal one.  

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What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? 

Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. 

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Mike to talk about walking through injury, forced retirement, job loss, and seasons of identity shift. Mike shares powerful stories from behind the plate and the dugout, along with how scripture shaped his faith through those defining moments. 

Whether you’re a leader facing transition, a pastor walking through uncertainty, or simply someone in a hard season, this conversation will pour hope into your soul and give you practical steps to keep your faith steady when life hits hard. 

Books by Mike Matheny:

The Dad Coach: How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Baseball Field

The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life

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