Leading Simple with Rusty George

"After Amen: What to do When You're Waiting on God" is officially live an available for purchase on all major booksellers as paperback, Kindle, and Audible as of this week. But, in today's episode, we're doing something very special: I want to read to you the first chapter of my book with some never before heard updates and comments from what has changed in my life since initially writing this chapter. (Hint... We got a cat.) I cannot wait for you all to read it. Those of you who already have your copy, share in the comments below what your favorite section is so far. https://www.afteramenbook.com/

Pastor Dudley Rutherford, founding pastor of Real Life Church, joins me in this episode in honor of the 20 year RLC anniversary to discuss his history at RLC, growing up as a pastors kid, his ministries over the recent years, and his thoughts on the NBA finals.

Renowned generational expert, author, and consultant Haydn Shaw joins us in this episode to help us understanding generational differences during a time in the world where they are more apparent than ever.

Brad Williams and I share all about the must-read leadership book that changed our lives and organizations for the better: "The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals". We truly wish we had found this book years ago! Tune in to this episode to hear all about our main takeaways and how this book has changed us for the better.

Yes, I'm passionate about Jesus, churches, my family, sports teams... But, for those of you who know me well, you know that I'm very passionate about setting goals and making progress. This episode outlines the seven things that have helped me set goals and achieve them well in life, leadership, and ministry.

Steve Cuss (lead pastor of Discovery Christian Church in Broomfield, CO) joins me in this episode to discuss managing anxiety in leadership and in life. His book, "Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs" has been integral in my own leadership studies and personal growth. Read it today, I know it will bring so much fruit to your leadership.

Local police officer, London McBride, joins Pastor Cole Parrish and I in this episode to discuss his poignant and timely insight as an African American police officer against racism. His perspective into the law enforcement world is so eye-opening, encouraging listeners that "good cops really do hate bad cops". He shares powerful advice on how to fight racism in America, starting at home with how we teach our kids.

Pastor Randy Frazee joins me in this episode to discuss building community in his church during these difficult times, making room for life amidst ministry and leadership, and shares his wisdom and insight into the afterlife.

Hurry now, there's only a limited number of spots! I would be honored to have you be a part of the group that is helping promote my new and upcoming book "After Amen" (publishing October 13th). As a part of the After Amen launch team, you will receive the following: • One free copy of After Amen upon release • Access to first chapter before release (immediately when you join) • Access to a private After Amen Facebook group where Rusty will do personal, live check ins In return, we ask that you would promote "After Amen" on your prospective channels and leave a review on major book websites. We'll even provide the social media content for you! Join today at the following link: http://eepurl.com/hbhBcz

Pastor of Embrace Church and author, Adam Weber, joins us in this episode to discuss the heart behind his new book, "Love Has a Name: Learning to Love the Different, the Difficult, & Everyone Else". We talk about the struggles of an extrovert during COVID-19 quarantine, as well his testimony of God calling him home, not away, to pursue a life of ministry.

The events of 2020 have lead to a year of full unusual amounts of negativity, negative feedback, and honest opinions for both leaders in ministry and leaders in the world. So, how do we stay optimistic amidst all of the criticism? Brad Williams joins me today to discuss how to combat negativity and stay optimistic in ministry and leadership roles. We pray that this episode encourages you to push onward in the good work you are doing in this important and unprecedented year.

Pastor Brian Jones joins us in this episode to have an honest conversation on losing his faith and finding it again. He shares his powerful testimony that touches on overcoming difficult seasons of life, mental health, and doubt and confusion in faith. He also discusses the power of time management, and how we can all utilize time management in our own lives. You can connect with Brian Jones at brianjones.com or on social media at www.instagram.com/pastorbrianjones/

Jason Rogers, an LAPD police officer, joins us in this episode to share his experience at the recent protests and riots, his thoughts on the conflict of "black vs. blue", and his advice on how he believes we can successfully bridge the gap moving forward. Thank you, Jason, for both your service in the Los Angeles police department as well as the US military.

How can we plan our lives while still remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Is it important that we stay flexible to God, even if we love to feel glued to our calendar? Whether you're the 'planner' type, or you're someone who is more likely to 'follow the Spirit', you don't want to miss the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and the opportunities He has for you. Let's learn together as we dig in to what the Bible has to say about this topic in this episode.

Have you ever felt like your anxiety is fueled by your prayers? What should we do when our prayers make our anxiety worse instead of better? Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us, "to not be anxious about anything". Join me in this episode as I share my personal journey on how to tackle anxiety within your prayer life.

As an American Homicide Detective and Christian apologist, J Warner Wallace joins us in this episode to share his 'Cold Case' research and uncover the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Did it really happen? And if so, how do we know? If you have a friend or loved one who has struggled with doubting the resurrection of Jesus, this would be a great episode to share with them.

When we're going through difficult times, the Bible says that "the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak". It is no secret that God speaks to his people, but it's not always the booming, audible voice from above you see in movies ... No, the Holy Spirit often tends to speak in gentle nudges, often with words we have heard or read before, calling them to our mind at the time of need. Memorizing the verses in this episode, or any verse in the Bible, will better equip your mind to hear what God has to say to you today. What verses have you memorized that have helped you in your time of need?

After three weeks of protests, so many of us are striving to learn, educate, and find answers to move forward in the continued fight against racism. Brad Williams joins me in this episode to share his powerful perspective on what he has learned from these protests as a person of color. In this episode, Brad shares how he's talking to his kids about these difficult topics and how we can open up those conversations in our own homes. He also shares his solution that he believes will result in an anti-racist world (one that may sound familiar to you, from Jesus himself). We are so grateful for these powerful and difficult conversations that we're able to have here on The Rusty George Podcast. If you have any questions or thoughts regarding this episode, reach out to us on social media at @rustylgeorge or at www.pastorrustygeorge.com

My former professor, Dr. JK Jones (Professor at Lincoln Christian Seminary and Pastor at Eastview Christian Church), joins me in this episode to discuss the power of reading, his top book recommendations, and how books have changes his life and faith over the years. If you yourself are looking to become a reader, JK's many recommendations in this episode will kickstart your journey with some amazing books that will never leave you the same.

We are three months into online church and quarantining due to COVID-19, and at Real Life Church we have learned so much about the heart, purpose, and the logistics of doing only online services to reach people for Jesus. These days, many people are asking "Is online church really.. church?" And the short answer is, yes! We believe that you can experience the love and transformational power of Jesus at home in the exact same way you can in a church building. While we are excited to gather together again, we have seen God move in big ways during this unique church season. I'm joined in today's episode by two of our RLC staff: Erika Watkins (Communications & Weekend Service Programing) and Clayton Boek (Tech & Audio/Visual) to discuss each of our perspectives and what we've learned during this unique era of church.

Ted Wright joins us in this episode to share his testimony and perspective on racial injustice today. Sharing his personal story of growing up in the Bahamas and later moving to America, Ted gives insight into the minimal tolerance that he's experienced in interracial relationships and friendships with Americans. He urges us all to learn to listen: to fight ignorance and to open our hearts and ears to learn about people of different backgrounds and colors.

In celebration of our 100th episode of The Rusty George Podcast, Brad and I are joined by a very, very special guest: my wife, Lorrie George. In this episode together, we discuss how Lorrie and I met, all things marriage, ways we're taking care of our family during these difficult times, and much more. Make sure to enter our 100th episode listener giveaway at: https://woobox.com/o4ec52

Michael Hinton joins us in this episode to breakdown understanding racism in 2020. As many of us are seeking ways to understand and further educate ourselves in understanding racism, Michael breaks down the history of racism and how our history has built racist systems and norms that many of us live unaware of. My prayer is that through this heartfelt and honest conversation that many of your questions on this difficult topic would be answered. My prayer is that God would continue to open the eyes of Christians all over the world to how we can fight the continuation of racism in any and every way possible.

I am beyond heartbroken over the injustice and cruelty displayed in our country over the past few weeks. The reality is that racism is evil, and unity and love is Christ like. And as your pastor, I am committed to being on the forefront of difficult and necessary conversations regarding racism in America and the world. Today I am joined by Pastor Anthony Hendricks to discuss systematic racism. My prayer is that this episode would provide further education and next steps for us all on how to fight against racism.

What does it mean to "live backwards"? Aaron Kellim and Brad Williams join Rusty in this episode to discuss the new website "backwards.live", coming soon...

We're all living a new "normal" during this time. After months of quarantine, you may now be feeling acclimated to homeschooling, extended family time, and all of the new routines we all have. But, many of us may be feeling the lack that COVID-19 has brought into our lives... The lack of finances. The lack of peace in the home. The lack of a job. But God, the giver of life and fullness and peace and contentment, desires to meet you in your lack today. In this episode, I share my heart during this season and how I've seen God provide peace and contentment in times of lack in my own life. Tell me, how is God working in your life today?

Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. These powerful words describe the leader who is willing to work hard, get it done, and make sure it’s not about him or her; the leader who knows that influence is about developing the right habits for success. Author of H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. and former president of Catalyst, Brad Lomenick joins us in this episode to discuss these powerful leadership principles, faith in leadership, and more.

How are you doing during this stay home order? Are you settling in to this new normal, or are you struggling? In this episode, I share some resources that have been helpful for me and my family during this extended time at home. What has been helping you? And regarding this podcast, we're doing our annual check-in: What episodes would you like to hear from this podcast? What do you need from this platform? We're all ears. Take our annual survey now at the following link: https://us12.list-manage.com/survey?u=2d30326db092e48e95bece4cd&id=d80ad0d0f3

How can we be empowered to be vulnerable in our sharing, but also know our audience? When does vulnerability cross a line? In this episode, Brad Williams and Rusty break down and answer the important questions on vulnerability that many of us have.

Former American college basketball coach and current sportscaster for ESPN and SEC Network, Jimmy Dykes joins us in this episode for a powerful conversation on evaluating our lives. Author of the new release, "The Film Doesn't Lie: Evaluating Your Life One Play at a Time", Jimmy shares his life story, his faith journey, and walks listeners through the tough but crucial evaluation process every Christian should have for their life, family, and faith.

In this episode, Rusty George is joined by former lawyer and the founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario, Carey Nieuwhof. This influential speaker and leader shares his life story, the impact his family and legacy has had on his life and work, his personal experience with overcoming burnout, and much more. You can connect with Carey and access his leadership resources at https://careynieuwhof.com

What does it take for a leader to succeed today? It's no surprise that older ways of leadership are growing stale and irrelevant. So, what does it take to lead well in 2020? In this episode, Brad Williams and I discuss the seven tensions that every leader needs to navigate (based on a Harvard Business Review article by Jennifer Jordan, Michael Wade, and Elizabeth Teracino).

This bonus episode is a conversation with Tuvya Zaretsky about being raised Jewish, coming to faith in Jesus, and advice on how to help others who question if Jesus is the Messiah. Part One of this powerful conversation can be found at our Real Life Church Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFNKqdrjaoo

Trusting people isn't always easy, but it's so important to have a handful of healthy relationships in our lives built on trust. So, how can we have relationships built on trust? What if people break that trust, can we rebuild it? What does really trusting someone look like in real life? Join Brad Williams and I in this episode as we discuss how to build trust with those in our lives.

How do you make real life simple during quarantine? How do you help and reach out to others during this time of isolation? If we're "better together", how can we find community? Stay safe, stay well, and stay home, friends. We're praying for all of you during this time.

This is a crazy time in the world, one we'll surely all remember for the rest of our lives. Many of us are experiencing confusion, stress, anxiety, and so much more. What can we do to get through COVID-19? Today, in listening to this episode, I encourage you to join me in speaking Psalm 91 over your life.

Join me this coming Monday as we journey through the book of John together for 21 days of devotionals leading up to Easter Sunday. My prayer is that these 21 days of reflection and meditation on scriptures would leave you all encouraged and strengthened in your faith, and that you would, then, use these devotionals to encourage those around you. I cannot wait to see what God does in us all as we grow together studying this powerful book of the Bible. Take a moment today to listen to my introduction of this series here, and then make sure to sign up for daily devotional notifications at pastorrustygeorge.com/21daystoEaster In Christ, Rusty George

Do you struggle to hear God when you pray? How do you know if it's God speaking, or just your own thoughts? In light of all that is happening in the world with COVID-19, we wanted today's episode to focus on how to talk to God in difficult times. So, we're releasing this episode early: Jan Johnson (spiritual director and author) joins us to discuss "How to Hear God When We Pray", and the message she has to share with us is so powerful. While we originally had this episode scheduled for a few weeks out, we pray that releasing it today gives you the encouragement and support that you need to talk to your Heavenly Father in the midst of confusion and anxiety.

Do our smartphones simplify our lives, or do they make things more complicated? If Jesus were here on earth today, how would he behave with a smartphone? Join Brad Williams and I as we discuss these questions and how we can all better balance our relationships with our smartphones as disciples of Jesus.

So many of us are living anxious lives and looking for the answers that only God can give. "Be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6)is one of the most highlighted verses in the Bible for a reason. My personal journey with anxiety started when I was young and has taught me so much throughout the years. Join me in this episode as I conclude our anxiety series and share with you the letter I wrote myself during my most anxious season of life.

We follow Jesus… But, sometimes we need to be inspired by someone who looks a little more like Jesus than we do. Filmmaker David Schultz is a faith superhero that we can all be inspired by. David joins us in this episode to discuss his career in filmmaking, his faith, and more.

In celebration of President's Day, Rusty George & Brad Williams discuss some of the greatest acts of leadership from the people who have held the greatest seat of power in our land.

In this episode Brad Williams and I discuss the worst Valentine’s Day ideas… and the best!

Assistant Coach to the Lakers, Mike Penberthy joins us to discuss the life, legacy, and loss of the legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. In this short conversation, we discuss his favorite memories with Kobe, how to lead in grief, and sharing your faith when people question tragedy.

"I'm Not Racist"... Have you ever thought or said these words yourself? What if there are small, maybe even subconscious things in your life that say that you are? In honor of February being Black History Month, Brad Williams joins Rusty in this episode to ask these important questions.

It’s time for the Super Bowl! But what if your team didn’t make it? What if you don’t even like football? Why should you care? In this interview with Brad Williams we discuss the reasons we believe it's important for every Christian to care about the Super Bowl.

"Dear White Christian": An interview with author Aaron Layton on what every white Christian needs to know about how black Christians see, think, and experience racism in America.

Is it possible to get out of debt, especially if you live in California? This year at Real Life Church we’re going on a debt diet at all of our locations. Will you join us?

Is the Bible all Greek to you? What can you do this year to make sense of it all? In this episode, Rusty sits down to interview the author of Core 52, Mark Moore.

In this week’s episode, Rusty finishes talking about simple systems leaders can use every day to help make following Jesus uncomplicated. Building from last month’s discussion about time management, today Rusty talks about information management. In today’s world, we have access to more information than we can ever consume or use. Is it possible to collect and retain the information that is important to us? Rusty and Brad share strategies they’ve found to manage the information they've found vital to a productive life.