Leading From Alignment

Sometimes a leader has to . . . well . . . lead. Some situations call for swift action instead of collaborative consensus. And in those situations, leaders lead. In today’s episode, John and Jim unpack how to lead confidently without being too full of yourself or running over the team you lead

Retaining high-character, high-performing staff is one of the most difficult challenges facing leaders today. And yet with a thoughtful and consistent approach, staff longevity is doable. Unfortunately, A-players don’t grow on trees. In today’s pod, John & Jim unpack six practical and powerful ideas that will make your organization a great work place to work

Building a strong, productive team is one of the hardest things a leader has to do. No leader bats a thousand when it comes to hiring. When hiring staff, it’s not unusual to operate in one of two extremes: We go totally with our gut and ignore objectivity . . . or we go totally with objectivity and ignore our gut. Both extremes reduce our batting average when it comes to hiring. In today’s episode, Jim & John outline a hiring framework that increases your chances of of hiring success

Church history (and world history) is full of stories about talented people who started well and had great upside only to eventually crash and burn. In today’s episode, Jim & John unpack three behaviors that help leaders grow in the most important area of teachability, and how teachability lends to longevity

The leadership model that brought the church you lead to where it is now probably won’t get the church to where God wants it to go next. The most influential contributor to the growth of an organization? The growth of its leader. In today’s episode, John & Jim explore three practical behaviors that will help remove the lid from the organization you lead.

Today we celebrate the 100th episode of Leading From Alignment! Since we launched the podcast two years ago, we’ve had over 16,000 listens and video through plays. Today, John and Jim interview three special guests, asking them to share their favorite episodes, how the podcast is helping them and the church they lead, and what advice they would give their “just-out-of-bible-school-self.” This is a can’t miss episode!

Words . . . one of the most powerful forces for good in the organizations we serve. Our teammates often rise to the level of the words we speak to them. For every human, words matter. For humans that lead, they matter even more. In today’s episode, John & Jim explore how leaders can leverage the power of words in a way that moves their organization—and the people in their organization—in a positive direction

In 2015, more than 38% of pastors in the U.S. were bi-vocational. While there are some advantages to bi-vocational ministry, one of the biggest challenges is pace. How does a leader work in the marketplace full-time, pastor a church at the same time, and yet have any hope to find space for rest and rejuvenation? In today’s episode, John & Jim outline creative ways bi-vocational leaders can lead well and find space for rest/refreshing at the same time

In Episode 96 we mentioned a 2009 Barna report that stated the average church member expects their lead pastor to be great in sixteen competencies! And we’ve observed that some lead pastors expect the same out of themselves. If you ever want to grow sustainably, and keep your sanity at the same time, letting go of some of these sixteen roles is necessary. Question is, where does a lead pastor start? In today’s pod, John and Jim explore the reconstruction of the lead pastor role and encourage leaders to shift from a performative model of ministry to a formative model.

A vast range of opinions exist regarding online/digital church vs. in-person physical gatherings. Some leaders have fully bought into digital; others reject it outright; while most find themselves somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. Today’s pod unpacks how digital may be both helping and hurting the local church

The past eighteen months have radically impacted the way churches measure success. Most of the numbers that screamed progress in the past have been flipped upside-down. In today’s pod, John and Jim explore four possible new metrics that move us toward working on what we can control and trusting God for what we can’t control

One of the hardest things to do for most lead pastors is to separate from work. According to a Barna research study of 14,000 U.S. lead pastors, published in January 2017, 37% of lead pastors are at medium to high risk of burnout. Many of the moral failures by pastors we read about can be traced to exhaustion. One of the key contributors to this mess? Failure to pivot. The devious idea that a pastor always has to be “on.” In today’s episode, John and Jim unpack four ideas that will help you pivot away from work and toward the most important disciples in your life: Your spouse and children

Leadership possesses the uncanny capacity to keep us busy with work that gets us off-mission. On today’s episode we’re going to talk about three practical ways to manage what God’s given us to do so we can stay on-mission and one day hear, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation on the subject Shaping the Culture You Need. You can craft an amazing vision, have a dynamic playbook, but only a healthy culture provides the fuel for that vision and playbook to become reality. Today’s pod unpacks a practical pathway to use core values to shape your organization’s culture

Jim & John spend a lot of time on the podcast talking about things they never learned in bible college or seminary. Today’s subject—shaping culture—is one of those things. Culture is fuel. You can craft an amazing vision, have a dynamic playbook, but only a healthy culture provides the fuel for that vision and playbook to become reality. Today’s pod unpacks a framework for shaping culture that will fuel the vision God’s given you for the church or even business you lead

Lead pastoring is quite possibly the ultimate bench vise. The lingering sense of weight, the messiness of people, and the unrelenting demands of the role squeeze even the best leaders. Here’s the good news: When difficult challenges emerge, all is not lost. In fact, something good is on the horizon. In today’s pod, Jim and John unpack four action items that can transform leadership pain into your legacy

Wounds and unfinished business from the past impact us as leaders in the present. Part 2 of John's conversation with Josh Spurlock unpacks how this dynamic plays out in the life of a leader. Today's pod outlines practical pathway to address past wounds so leaders can lead better, lead longer, and enjoy it more

Wounds and unfinished business from the past impact us as leaders in the present. In today's podcast, John and special guest Josh Spurlock unpack how this dynamic plays out in the life of a leader. They outline practical approaches to identify and address these past wounds so leaders can lead from health more and from dysfunction less

We humans tend to think we know what something feels like, until we experience it firsthand. With COVID-19, there is no lack of opinions about what it feels like. “It’s just a bad flu” or “It’s a made-up crisis” are some of the more popular opinions. In today’s podcast, we talk about the impact of COVID-19 on our relationships, our bodies, and our minds. And how these realities should shape the way we as leaders think, feel, and respond to those suffering with the virus

In today's pod John and Jim unpack some practical ways leaders can develop a most important character quality . . . resilience. The word resilient is defined as being capable of withstanding shock without permanent rupture. In other words, it's the ability to bounce back. Today's pod will outline three things leaders can do to help them bounce back in these most difficult of times

In today’s pod, we going to turn the mic around as John interviews his cohost, Jim Wiegand, as he lays out a proven, simple-to-follow method that helps churches with one of their most pressing problems . . . rebuilding their volunteer force. Today’s pod is loaded with practical, easy to follow tips that will help you build teams again.

By now, most of us thought we would be on the other side of the pandemic. Back to growing, visioning, releasing, discipling, etc. Over the past few weeks, we’ve observed fresh weariness among leaders. A recurring sentiment has been, “when is this going to let up?” Today’s pod unpacks two critical questions every leader must ask and then answer if they want to keep leading effectively during a most challenging season

If the last 13-14 months have revealed anything, it’s our need to revisit the way we disciple. Today we welcome Brian Pruitt back to the Leading From Alignment Podcast for Part Two of a two-part conversation. Brian serves as Outreach & Discipleship Pastor at Saginaw First Assembly. Today’s pod is packed full of practical gems that will get you and your church started down the pathway of more effective/impactful discipleship

If the last 13-14 months have revealed anything, it’s our need to revisit the way we disciple. Today we welcome Brian Pruitt to the Leading From Alignment Podcast for Part One of a two-part conversation. Brian serves as Outreach & Discipleship Pastor at Saginaw First Assembly. Today’s pod is packed full of practical gems that will get you and your church started down the pathway of more effective/impactful discipleship

We’ve heard more than one pastor tell us the reason they overwork is they don’t want to disappoint people. On multiple occasions, Jesus didn’t do what people expected Him to do. And yet the Scriptures tell us He finished His mission. Today’s pod outlines the reasons leaders fear disappointing those they lead, how they can overcome this fear, and why it matters

Most leaders have an innate drive to be successful. The challenge is . . . what is success? In many ways, how we define success defines us . . . our choices, our priorities, our relationships, etc. In today’s pod, Jim & John unpack fresh thoughts about what true success looks like, and how to move toward it as leaders.

Isn’t strange that often when we’re experiencing a season of tremendous growth, we can find ourselves anxious and depressed? On the surface, it doesn’t add up. But when you dig deeper, it’s really not that hard to figure out why. Today’s pod gets personal as John unpacks three critical errors he made during seasons of growth and momentum

One of the more challenging responsibilities of a senior leader is dealing with their team’s performance. Especially when a member of that team is underperforming. Dealing with a staff member’s lack of good outcomes starts with you. Today’s pod will outline a practical pathway to addressing performance issues with your team

Sometimes our compassion for people gets us in trouble. It can fool us into thinking we have to function in every role a hurting person needs to recover. Today we present Part 2 of our conversation with Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online. In this pod we unpack what Jesus has to say about our responsibility to the people we lead and care for, and how following His example helps us increase our leadership shelf-life.

Welcome to Part 1 of a wonderful, can’t-miss two-part interview with Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online, a clinically-informed faith-based counseling ministry. Josh's organization comes alongside pastors, missionaries, and their families to hold up their arms as they face the challenges of being on the front lines for the Kingdom. Today in part 1 of our conversation with Josh, we'll explore the subject, The Pastor as a First Responder

Today we wrap up a three-part series of pods on mental and emotional health. Jesus said in Matthew 11 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." For leaders, the rest Jesus promises can prove elusive, and so they often find themselves running on emotional fumes. Today's pod will help you learn how to keep your emotional tank full so you can serve God and others better.

One thing many leaders (especially Christian leaders) don’t know about anger is they have permission to express it properly. If Jesus expressed anger in certain moments, it means we’ll have moments where anger, properly expressed, is right and appropriate. Today' s pod will explore the positive impact assertiveness has on our health

We live in a time where depression, anxiety, and suicide are on a rapid rise in the United States. One of the pillars of mental and emotional well-being is the relationship we with have with ourself. In today’s pod John & Jim unpack why becoming our own best friend matters, and explore four practical behaviors to get us there.

We are delighted to welcome Pastor Chris Brooks once again to the Leading From Alignment Podcast! Chris is the lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church. Part 2 of our conversation with him centers on more of the most important things pastors need to know (and do) in 2021 and beyond. The depth, wisdom, and practicality Chris shares about leadership will strengthen, encourage, and challenge you, and makes Part 2 of our interview with him a can’t miss episode!

We are delighted to welcome Pastor Chris Brooks to the Leading From Alignment Podcast! Chris is the lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church. Part 1 of our conversation with him centers on the most important things pastors need to know (and do) in 2021 and beyond. The depth, wisdom, and practicality Chris shares about leadership will strengthen, encourage, and challenge you, and makes this pod a can’t miss episode!

Some stress is good. Eustress is the good variety. It’s generally short-term and can improve our performance. Distress often depletes our energy. It is usually long-term and actually decreases our performance over time. In today’s pod, John and Jim explore three big ideas and five practical behaviors to take charge of stress before it takes charge of you

2020 . . . the toughest year ever for most of us. And yet, probably the year most of us learned more than we ever have. At the beginning of a New Year, we like to reflect on the year that just ended, and identify the top three lessons the year prior has taught us. In today's pod, John & Jim unpack the three most important things John learned in the goldmine that was 2020

Our special guest once again on the podcast this week is Jenni Catron. Jenni is back for part 2 of her conversation with us regarding the multiple challenges women face in leadership circles. Jenni shares more of the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way as a leader in an often male-dominated world, and how to stay faithful to your God-given calling.

Our special guest on the podcast this week is Jenni Catron. Jenni unpacks her amazing leadership journey with us and speaks powerfully to the multiple challenges women face in leadership circles. Jenni shares with us her biggest lessons learned along the way as a leader in an often male-dominated world, and how to stay faithful to your God-given calling.

2020 has been a bear of a year for everybody . . . especially leaders. Pastors are telling us, “John and Jim, it feels like the struggle has no end to it.” “I’m not sure how much longer I can hang in there.” Today’s pod explores the subject of staying or leaving, and three critical questions to answer before you decide to leave your current assignment

While planning ahead organizationally may not be possible in the same way we’ve historically approached it . . . we can plan personally for 2021. A great personal growth plan starts with asking five questions: What, Why, Who, Where, and When. Today’s pod will unpack each question.

Today’s post is part two of a simple two-step process (simple to understand . . . not so simple to do) that will propel you into healthier thinking and feeling, and will powerfully impact your leadership.

Today’s pod unpacks the first step simple of a two-step process (simple to understand . . . not so simple to do) that will propel you into healthier thinking and feeling, and will powerfully impact your leadership.

If you’re a Jesus-follower who is leading at any level, even when the circumstances swirling around you are inexplicable and stupefying, today’s pod will help you rest in this unshakable truth: You belong to Him. He has you firmly in His grip, and won’t let go

Creating and casting a compelling vision is great, But a compelling vision without an easy to follow playbook leads to frustration. Today’s pod unpacks a simple approach to creating a winning playbook for the organization you lead

Leaders are grieving the loss of what was before the pandemic. Before the national unrest. Some leaders deflect their grief. Others grieve alone because they fear admitting it might be a poor reflection on their leadership. Grief is meant to be shared. Today’s pod unpacks eight stages of grief a leader can expect to go through when he/she experiences organizational loss

Leaders are grieving the loss of what was before the pandemic. Before the national unrest. Some leaders deflect their grief. Others grieve alone because they fear admitting it might be a poor reflection on their leadership. Grief is meant to be shared. Today’s pod explores five baselines that help leaders process organizational loss

COVID-19 has profoundly changed the way we do church. It’s impact on the priority of organizational vision has been profound Today’s pod unpacks why vision matters more than ever, and why leaders need to once again cast a compelling picture of the future.

Your team is the most important asset in the organization you lead. But this is true only when they are engaged. Today’s pod unpacks five powerful things we as leaders can do to increase the level of our team’s engagement at work.

As we find ourselves re-gathering in church, one of the pesky issues many leaders are dealing with is figuring out who is still on board in terms of serving on a team. Today’s pod unpacks practical ways to rebuild the volunteer force in the churches we lead.