In honor of Pastor’s Appreciation month, I’d like to talk to a fellow Pastor to get their insight on the role of a Pastor during the, what I’m calling, “ 2020 Anomaly.” During this time, Pastors have had to make very difficult decisions, choose to give in, or not give in to political stances and issues, and perhaps deal with division in the church. While we can’t speak for every Pastor, the goal of this conversation is to highlight some of these struggles Pastors have had to face this year. Here are some highlights: How would you summarize 2020 in one word? Making decisions people don't like Dealing with the political turmoil of 2020 within your organization What are some Pastoral frustrations? What are some Pastoral joys?

Leading

Episode 42: Pastoring in 2020

Michael Tucker was with me on an ealier episode in 2019. On this show he joins me to discuss many topics regarding the current American Church and its reponse to the culture war in our country. Here are some highlights: Has the word evangelical lost its evolved? How does the world see the evangelicals? The churchs' response to today's culture wars The rising concerns of social media And possible solutions to all of these issues If you enjoy the contect please consider leaving a rating or review. Special Guest: Michael Tucker.

Episode 41: The American Church Part 2

Dustin Bass is a writer, podcaster, and historian (among other things). He joins me for a meaninful conversation on the state of today's American church. Orginally, I brought Dustin on to discuss the importance of historical literacy. While we do touch on that subject in great detail, the converstaion is much deeper than that alone. We talk about Journalistic integrity The greatest threat facing the American church The persecution of the church The significance of historical and biblical literacy This is probably the longest conversation I've had on the show and it's because we dive deep into many topics as it relates to our church in America. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Check out Dustin's ealier episode Embrace Truth episode number 16. Check out his podcast The Sons of History Youtube Channel Thinking It Through Special Guest: Dustin Bass.

Episode 40: The American Church

Evangelist and author Timothy McCain joins me again for another conversation, this time to talk about his most recent book, This Is Your Chance. This is a super inspiring and motivating conversation, don't miss it! Special Guest: Timothy McCain.

Episode 39: This Is Your Chance!

Right now it’s our time. Millennials have, in many places, taken over leadership in areas of ministry, business, politics, etc. and the direction our generation has taken our world can clearly be seen. We’re a very different America today than we were just10 years ago. This brings forth questions about the future and specifically, the futre of the church. Will my daughters do church differently than the way I did? How differently? Will they GO to church? Will GOING to church even be the main method of doing church on a Sunday morning or will it shift? What does that do to sacred church traditions that even we as millennials (like the LEAST traditional generation) still practice? Join me and my guests for this much needed conversation on how we prepare for what may lie in store for the future generation church. Special Guests: Abraham Guajardo and Eleazar Rodriguez.

Episode 38: The Future of the Church

In this solo episode I talk about a few things many of us have learned or have been reminded of during this crazy, pandemical, extremely divisive, political, type of year. What have we learned in leadership from 2020? And how can we grow and mature from it? I talk about all of that in this episode. Enjoy!

Episode 37: What We've Learned

Last week, Texas Governor Abbott announced phase 1 of the reopening of Texas. This reopening, which calls for organizations to limit capacity to 25 percent, includes churches. The question many are asking: How do I reopen? I recorded 3 separate interviews via a Facebook Live Zoom call. This is one of those interviews, with Pastors JR and Eleazar Rodriguez of Vida City Church in Houston Texas. While each Pastor and orgniazation is different, this provides some ideas and perspective to anyone looking for direction. In this episode we discuss: How to reopen A timeline on reopening What kids ministry will look like What social distancing looks like in the church How to deal with pressure from members and other people/churches

Episode 36: Reopening Churches

Live Zoom Call! Today's show is a little bit of a different format. We went Facebook Live via a Zoom call and this is the recording of it. George Carballo (Pastor and District Youth Director) is back with me to discuss how churches can engage their members, reach new people, and continuing doing church without skipping a beat. We provide great tips and resources churches can use during this unprecedented time. We can still be strong while having a completely new model temporarily in our employment. Enjoy! Check out George's previous episode on the Leading Podcast called "Leading in the 21st Century." Episode 1. Special Guest: George Carballo .

Episode 35: Rethinking Church

Everyone is faced with a difficult decision from time to time, leaders tend to find themselves making these decisions frequently and as of late it seems the toughest of decisions are having to be made. How can we as leader successfully make tough decisions? And how can we deal with the backlash and criticism that inevitably comes with those decisions? Here are some key take aways: Seek wisdom and direction. Even leaders need leaders Be confident in your desision making after the decision has been made Know that there are not always great options on the table, decide on the best one when there are no great ones How to Make The Decision? * Think of the greater good * Given them the "why" * Remove yourself from the equation How Do Handle Backlash? * Ignore the noise * Be confident while remaining humble PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS: 1 Timothy 2:1-2  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ALL PEOPLE for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Episode 34: Tough Calls

Episode 33: Quick News

The following are stats laid out in Jody Burkeen's book, Man Up: Becoming a Godly Man in an Ungodly World 61 percent of church goers are female This means that only 39 percent are male 13 million more women in church than men in any given Sunday 70-80 percent of in week church goers are female Over 70 percent of the boys who are raised in church will abandon it during their teens and 20 and many will not return More than 90 percent of men believe in God and 5/6 call themselves Christians but only 2/6 attend church on Sunday Fewer than 10 percent of US churches are able to establish or maintain a vibrant men’s ministry Pastor and Author Jody Burkeen joins me today to discuss his book Man Up. We discuss: Why don't men want to go to church? Manning up personally/spiritually Being a more Godly husband Being a more Godly father Manning up in church Manning up at work Discipleship https://manupgodsway.org Special Guest: Jody Burkeen.

Episode 32: Man Up! Author Jody Burkeen

Tension! It’s that awkward, uncomfortable, and unwanted feeling we’ve all experienced. In leadership it’s unavoidable. You will confront tension in your leadership, the question is, how will you handle it? My guest today, Dr. Matthew Rawlins, specializes in dealing with tension. We also talk about: Presenting change in an exciting way (people aren't always excited to change) Leadership in different cultures Having tough conversations Recognizing that tension is not always bad It's a great conversation for any leader! Enjoy the show. Show Links https://brokentopleadership.com http://matthewrawlins.org Special Guest: Matthew Rawlins.

Episode 31: Handling Tension

In leadership there is always a transition period, a "stepping up" moment where the leader assumes his or her position or calling, and gets to work. It’s not always easy ,though. Stepping into leadership can be tough. It can cause mental, emotional, and Spiritual stress and it can cause people to say want to throw in the towel. My guest and I discuss the process of stepping into leadership. Conversation highlights: Growing up under the spotlight Learning to lead with family Getting friends to see you as a leader Dealing with people who don't want to follow you MORE! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and if you're enjoying the contect please leave a rating or review. Be blessed! Special Guest: Gabe Garcia.

Episode 30: Stepping Into Leadership

END OF THE YEAR EPISODE! 2019 is out the door and we welcome a new year, a new decade, and new goals. It's natural for us to be thinking of next year's goals, but this isn't only a show for the turn of a year. In today's solo episode I take on a very important question: Why do people fail at keeping their goals? We hope you enjoy this week's episode. If you found value in the show please subcribe, share, rate or review. It means a lot! Happy New Year! https://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ayelet.fishbach/research/Woolley&FishbachPSPB.pdf https://medium.com/nirow-app/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-the-psychology-explained-192dac214a82 https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2017/06/30/most-americans-are-taking-vacations-they-cant-afford/#60cc7d2d577a

Episode 29: Why We Fail At Our Goals

What a great conversation with J Allen Mendoza that you are not going to want to miss! I mean it! We start off the conversation talking about how he survived cancer as a teenanger while not having a relationship with God and how that actually brought him and his family to God. We then talk about his work as a Youth Pastor and the power of connecting with people within your church or organization. This is what you need to know about connecting. People are relational, they need a sense of belonging The "connect cards" should NEVER be the means of attempting to connect with people People stay when they feel connected We talk about this and much more. As always, if you enjoy the content let us know by leaving a rating or review. But why not both? Speaking of connecting, connect with J Allen on social media. He's doing awesome things and making an impact. Special Guest: J Alan Mendoza.

Episode 28: The Power of Connecting!

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