LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 196: TOP FIVE COUNTDOWN – NUMBER 5: WHEN LEADERSHIP SQUEEZES YOU
As we approach our 200th episode, we thought it might be fun to re-release our most popular five podcasts. Today’s episode is our fifth most listened to and watched episode: When Leadership Squeezes You. Lead pastoring is quite possibly the ultimate bench vise....
PUTTING THE GOOD IN GOODBYE: A HEALTH CONVERSATION ABOUT THE COMINGS & GOINGS OF CHURCH PEOPLE ~ WEEK 1
In today’s post, Jaime Hlavin introduces a series of blogs focused on how to process one of the most painful events in the life of any pastor . . . when people they love leave the church. Hope you enjoy this series of posts ~ John. My husband and I served in various...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 195: SO YOU HAVE A NEW TEAM MEMBER . . . NOW WHAT?
We have talked multiple times on the podcast about releasing people vs. recruiting people. In today’s episode we unpack this principle: The first 30 days on a new team are the most important 30 days in that person’s experience on their new team. Baselines:...
RHYTHMS OF THE GARDEN
I have been a Christian for over four decades. As I reflect on all the years of God’s mercy, grace, goodness, faithfulness, etc. it’s hard to put into words how grateful I am. Life with Jesus is an incredible journey. It’s amazing to me that the Bible never gets...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 194: RHYTHMS OF THE GARDEN
It is amazing isn’t it that the Bible never gets boring, stale, or old? In today’s episode John and Jim explore one of the many timeless principles found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 . . . Rhythms of the Garden. You can listen to Episode 194 here. The video...
THE BIBLICAL METRIC OF SUCCESS
Today we welcome Craig Owens to the blog! Craig is a pastor, author, and a friend. Today’s post helps leaders get their arms around the pesky subject of success. Enjoy ~ John. There are no shortage of books that define “success” in our business or ministry...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 193: WHAT ARE YOU 40 DAYS AWAY FROM?
What are you 40 days away from if you tried and had a plan? In today’s pod John & Jim reveal their thoughts on what we might be 40 days away from if we tried and had a plan . . . and the incredible impact following through will have on both our life and our...
MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY LEADERSHIP: IT’S A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC
Today we welcome Dave Barringer to the blog. Dave is a husband, father, and a lead pastor at a vibrant church here in Michigan. Dave will unpack how he and his wife Anne have kept their marriage strong while navigating twenty-six years of pastoral ministry. Enjoy ~...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 192: REIMAGINING SUCCESS
We live in a world where success is idolized and so-called shortcuts to success abound. If we are not careful as leaders, we can find ourselves frustrated, confused, overwhelmed, and maybe even burned out by the relentless pursuit of success. In today’s episode John...
IN DANGER TOGETHER . . . FIGHTING WAR AS WOMEN
Today we welcome Rachael Jenneman to the blog. Rachael is the author of an outstanding book, The Real War on Women: Overcoming Culture's Lies to Freely Live Out Your God-Given Purpose. If you are a woman with leadership responsibility and calling, you will love...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 191: MAKING FRIENDS WITH FAILURE
John grew up in an environment where failure was embarrassing, hidden from, and often considered fatal. Failure was the enemy. Today’s episode focuses on reframing failure and why it matters so much. Listen to the audio version here. Video version is here....
SO, YOUR SPOUSE IS THE PASTOR. NOW WHAT?
In today’s post Jaime Hlavin zeroes in on the life of a pastor’s spouse . . . its joys, challenges, along with a bit of expert advice on how to navigate a role that has no clear “job description” in Scripture. Enjoy ~ John. In early May, I had the privilege of leading...
PODCAST EPISODE 190- INTERVIEW WITH KARL VATERS- PART 2
In today’s episode we welcome Karl Vaters back to the mic for Part 2 of our conversation around what it takes to have a vibrant, healthy church—regardless of its size. You can listen to the podcast here. Here is the video version. Small is not a problem,...
A RESPONSE TO ASBURY
Unless you live under a rock, you are likely aware of the revival that broke out at Asbury College in Wilmore Kentucky. We are so incredibly grateful for what God is doing not just at Asbury but also at college campuses across our country. At both Christian and...
PODCAST EPISODE 189- INTERVIEW WITH KARL VATERS- PART 1
In today’s episode we chat with Karl Vaters about the positive trends he is observing with churches across the country, a few challenging trends, and what leaders can do about those challenging trends. You can listen to the podcast here. Here is the video...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 188: PREPARING FOR TIME OFF THIS SUMMER – PART 2
Today’s episode focuses on getting a leader ready to enjoy an amazing vacation this summer. In Episode 188, John and Jim focus on three foundational pieces to getting the best out of your time off . . . Pre-vacation planning; the vacation itself; and then re-entry to...
PRACTICING LIFE GIVING RHYTHMS
Today we conclude our deep dive into Unshakable Leader: The Simple Yet Amazing Power of Alignment. We want to leave you with final thoughts as we unpack our final Alignment Component: Life Giving Rhythms. Let’s start here: Great leaders cultivate great rhythms. The...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 187: PREPARING FOR TIME OFF THIS SUMMER- PART 1
More pastors tell us in July they want to quit than in any other month of the year. In today’s episode John & Jim unpack a fresh perspective that outlines two ways you can grow deeper and wider during the summer months. You can listen to the pod here. ...
WHY WE NEED REPLENISHING RELATIONSHIPS
We have been posting for the past several weeks about getting our lives aligned personally. Hopefully you’ve been able to implement some of these alignment components. We will spend the next two weeks finalizing Unshakable Leader: The Simple Yet Amazing Power of...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 186: INTERVIEW WITH SEAN NEMECEK- PREVENTING/ RECOVERING FROM BURNOUT- PART 2
In today’s episode we continue our conversation with Sean Nemecek, author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout. In Part 2 we dig into how anxiety and shame fuel burnout, and then we outline a practical pathway toward recovery. You can listen to the episode here Here...
INTEGRATING YOUR THOUGHTS & THE EMOTIONS YOU ATTACH TO THEM
Thank you for joining us once again on the journey to help leaders attain alignment in their personal lives. You can catch up on our previous installments here, here and here as we continue to work through Unshakable Leader: The Simple Yet Amazing Power of Alignment....
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODES 185- INTERVIEW WITH SEAN NEMECEK- PREVENTING/ RECOVERING FROM BURNOUT- PART 1
The latest report from Barna (2023) reveals an explosive statistic: 40% of pastors report they’re suffering from burnout. In 2015, that number was 11%. In today’s episode, we interview author Sean Nemecek about his book, The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout. Together...
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY
We are currently on a journey to help leaders do their absolute best to be their very best. We believe the key to this quest is personal alignment. You can catch up on our previous installments here and here as we work through John’s book, Unshakable Leader: The...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 184: A RESPONSE TO ASBURY – PART 2
Recap of Episode 183 Unless you live under a rock, you’re likely aware of the revival that broke out at Asbury College in Wilmore Kentucky. What should be our response to what God is doing on college campuses all over the country? Teachability, hunger,...
THE SIMPLE YET AMAZING POWER OF ALIGNMENT- PART 2
Last week, we paved the foundation for our journey through Unshakable Leader: The Simple Yet Amazing Power of Alignment. Today we will begin our journey with Alignment Component 1: Spiritual Hunger. A for-real, alive relationship with Jesus Christ is where true...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 183: A RESPONSE TO ASBURY
In today’s episode John and Jim explore what God is up to at Asbury College and at college campuses across our country . . . and what our response to these goings-on might be. You can listen to the pod here. Here is the video version. Show notes are below: What should...
THE SIMPLE YET AMAZING POWER OF ALIGNMENT: INTRODUCTION
Leading well is hard. Navigating the journey through the euphoria of high moments and victories also involves traversing the heartbreak of low points and failures. The good and bad are often interspersed moment-to-moment. Your health as a leader is a key contributor...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 182: INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS BROOKS- 3 LEVELS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In today’s episode, Pastor Chris Brooks returns to unpack three ways a church can impact the communities they serve: Community Service, Community Development, and Community Empowerment. You can listen to the audio version here. Here is the video version. Show notes...
STAY ALERT
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final segment of our series on Unshakable You: 5 Choices of Emotionally Healthy People. Hopefully, by this point you feel well-equipped to take on the task of keeping yourself in a good mental and emotional place. It’s not...
LEADING FROM ALIGNMENT EPISODE 181: INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS BROOKS- PART 1
Caring for the health of those who serve alongside us in ministry is one of the most important responsibilities a pastor has. In today’s episode John interviews Pastor Chris Brooks, lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church, about the staff care effort at Woodside, and how...