Leading Simple with Rusty George

In this "Best Of" podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with Brian Dodd, Director of New Ministry Relationships for Injoy Stewardship Solutions, where they dive into Leadership Insight. Besides helping churches fully-fund their mission and vision, over the last 15+ years Brian spends each day having one-on-one conversations with many of the greatest church leaders in America. He also has over 30 years of church volunteer and staff experience.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with John Burke, Pastor at Gateway Church and author of "Imagine Heaven," where they engage in a Q&A with the audience at RLC after delivering a message based on his book. If you've ever pondered the afterlife or the specifics of heaven and near-death experiences, check this out!

In this latest episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty talks about a very emotional issue that is plaguing our country. When a mass shooting happens, how should Christians respond? Beyond how we should respond, Rusty talks about why bad things happen to good people and what can we do after tragedy strikes.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with Larry Osborne, more affectionately known as "Yoda" among Christian Leaders, to discuss what it means to Lead Like A Shepherd. Larry Osborne is a pastor at North Coast Church in Vista CA. Under his leadership, the church has grown from 128 to over 13,000 on a weekend. Larry has a passion for leadership, spiritual formation, and discipleship. As a nationally recognized trainer of leaders and pastors and church planters, he travels extensively, speaking at conferences and mentoring events.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with Lee Strobel on 'The Case for Christ' and just how searching for evidence that He didn't exist, brought Strobel straight to Jesus. Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of more than twenty books. His classic, The Case for Christ, is a perennial favorite which details his conversion to Christianity. His recent release, The Case for Grace, won the 2016 Nonfiction Book of the Year from the EPCA. For the last twenty-five years, his life’s work has been to share the evidence that supports the truth and claims of Christianity and to equip believers to share their faith with the people they know and love.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with John Ortberg on 'Soul Keeping'. John Ortberg is a popular author, speaker, and pastor at Menlo Church in Menlo Park, CA. Back in 2014, John released a book entitled "Soul Keeping" where he discusses the nature of the soul and its relationship to the Christian life through the medium of his relationship with popular author Dallas Willard. Rusty interviews John on the ins and outs of the book as well as his personal relationship with Dallas.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits a conversation with Jim Beebe, regarding dating, marriage, and how relationships are affected by culture and media. If you're married, dating, or even interested in either, this one's for you! Jim Beebe is a marriage and family therapist that has been working with individuals and couples from a faith-based approach for 34 years. In addition to couples therapy, he has experience in men's issues and codependency.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Mark Moore to discuss the ends times, Jesus and much more. Mark used to be a professor of Rusty's during his tenure at Ozark Christian college where he taught for 22 years. Mark is now on staff at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona as a teaching pastor. CCV currently has eight locations and 28,000 in weekly attendance. Besides being on staff at CCV, Mark is also an online professor for Ozark as well as an Adjunct Professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, California and Haus Edelweiss, Vienna, Austria. Mark has also authored and co-authored many books mostly on the Life of Christ, book of Acts and Revelation.

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits his discussion with Kristina Kuzmic to understand what it is like to go through a divorce, be a single mom and become an overnight sensation. Kristina Kuzmic joins the podcast to talk about a variety of topics ranging from social media, divorce, and getting her own show then starting a YouTube channel. All this within her personal journey toward a more authentic motherhood that has inspired millions of moms around the world. No matter what walk of life you're coming from, give this a listen and you'll be sure to take something away.

In this episode, Rusty sits down with Zach Zehnder to discuss The Red Letter Challenge, a creative and engaging way to read The Bible. Zach Zehnder completed his undergraduate work at Concordia University Wisconsin. It was there that he met his wife Allison, married in July 2004. From there, Zach earned his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in May 2010. In the same month Zach accepted a call as Associate Pastor/Church Planter at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Mary, FL. As part of that call he has planted theCross in Mount Dora, FL. Through Zach’s leadership, creative ministry, and community outreach theCross has seen tremendous growth since its inception! When he’s not doing ministry, his hobbies include playing with his boys Nathan and Brady, travel, reading, volleyball, golf, basketball, ping-pong, eating Chipotle, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, and entrepreneurial ventures.

In this "Best Of" podcast, Rusty revisits his discussion with Kara Powell to discover the secrets of parenting. Kara E. Powell is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and associate professor of youth and family ministry. Prior to coming to Fuller, she was an assistant professor of youth ministry and practical theology at Azusa Pacific University. She completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on pastoral role expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA in human biology, graduating with honors from Stanford University in 1991. In addition to her roles at Fuller Seminary, Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and volunteers in student ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. She was also college pastor at Lake Avenue Church (1995–1998) and was the associate youth minister at San Diego First Assembly of God (1991–1995). During college, Kara began her ongoing commitment to church/parachurch partnerships during her time on Young Life Student Staff in the Stanford area. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch,” Kara is the author or coauthor of Growing Young (2016), 10 StickyFaith books or curriculum (2011–2016), Right Click (2015), Can I Ask That? 2: More Hard Questions about God and Faith (2015), Essential Leadership: Training Onramps for Your Youth Ministry Team (2010), Deep Justice Journeys (2009), Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum (2009), Deep Justice in a Broken World (2008), Deep Ministry in a Shallow World(2006), Help! I’m a Woman in Youth Ministry (2004), and Mirror, Mirror (2003). Kara is also a regular speaker at Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Conventions, the Orange Conference, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference, as well as retreats and conferences across the country. Powell lives in Pasadena with her husband, Dave, who is a medical device engineer, and their children, Nathan, Krista, and Jessica.

Rusty sits down with Carey Nieuwhof to discuss his new book, "Didn't See It Coming" and the top three leadership tips he's learned over the course of his career. Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. He’s the author of several best-selling books and speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Christine Caine the founder of the A21 Campaign and author of several books to talk about what humility looks like in her life. Christine Caine is an Australian born, Greek blooded, lover of Jesus, activist, author and international speaker. She and her husband, Nick, founded the global anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an organization designed to activate women to fulfill their God-given passion, purpose and potential. Christine is the author of several books including her most recent updated and expanded release: Undaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Brian "Head" Welch the co-founder and lead guitarist of the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum metal band KoRn to talk about the mercy of God in his life. In 2005 Brian had a life-changing spiritual awakening that freed him from a life of drugs and alcohol which prompted him to leave his band KoRn. Following the departure from KoRn, Brian went through a decade-long trial of parenthood, a solo career and betrayal of a trusted friend to come out the other side drug-free, with an amazing relationship with his daughter and back in the band KoRn.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty and his daughter, Lindsey, sit down with Bob Goff to discuss Rusty's new book "Justice. Mercy. Humility." Bob talks about loving others and changing the world from your very own neighborhood. Bob is the Chief of Fun & Whimsy! He's a New York Times Best-Selling Author of "Love Does" and "Everybody Always", as well the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Iraq, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia. Bob is a sought after speaker for conferences, churches, and universities, inspiring current and future influencers.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Justin Moxley to discuss the need and the value of church planting. Growing up in a rural church, serving in a mega church and leading a new church, Justin has been involved in nearly all aspects of the church and church planting. Justin is on the teaching team of his local church, has served as an adjunct professor and currently serves on the board of a local non-profit. He has been married to Tiffany for over 23 years, has a son Zane and a daughter Savannah. He loves the beach, Kansas City BBQ, and watching his kids play college soccer.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Larry Osborne, more affectionately known as "Yoda" among Christian Leaders, to discuss what it means to Lead Like A Shepherd. Larry Osborne is a pastor at North Coast Church in Vista CA. Under his leadership, the church has grown from 128 to over 13,000 on a weekend. Larry has a passion for leadership, spiritual formation, and discipleship. As a nationally recognized trainer of leaders and pastors and church planters, he travels extensively, speaking at conferences and mentoring events.

On this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with longtime friend and pastor Mike Breaux, along with Mike's daughter and son-in-law Jodi and Mike Hickerson. With the release of Rusty's new book, the gang sits down and talks through Micah 6:8 and what it means to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

On this months Rusty George Podcast, Rusty sits down with Brian Dodd, Director of New Ministry Relationships for Injoy Stewardship Solutions. Besides helping churches fully-fund their mission and vision, over the last 15+ years Brian spends each day having one-on-one conversations with many of the greatest church leaders in America. He also has over 30 years of church volunteer and staff experience. More recently Brian released his new book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders, and writes weekly to over 70,000+ subscribers on his blog at https://briandoddonleadership.com.

Kara E. Powell is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and associate professor of youth and family ministry. Prior to coming to Fuller, she was an assistant professor of youth ministry and practical theology at Azusa Pacific University. She completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on pastoral role expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA in human biology, graduating with honors from Stanford University in 1991. In addition to her roles at Fuller Seminary, Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and volunteers in student ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. She was also college pastor at Lake Avenue Church (1995–1998) and was the associate youth minister at San Diego First Assembly of God (1991–1995). During college, Kara began her ongoing commitment to church/parachurch partnerships during her time on Young Life Student Staff in the Stanford area. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch,” Kara is the author or coauthor of Growing Young (2016), 10 StickyFaith books or curriculum (2011–2016), Right Click (2015), Can I Ask That? 2: More Hard Questions about God and Faith (2015), Essential Leadership: Training Onramps for Your Youth Ministry Team (2010), Deep Justice Journeys (2009), Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum (2009), Deep Justice in a Broken World (2008), Deep Ministry in a Shallow World(2006), Help! I’m a Woman in Youth Ministry (2004), and Mirror, Mirror (2003). Kara is also a regular speaker at Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Conventions, the Orange Conference, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference, as well as retreats and conferences across the country. Powell lives in Pasadena with her husband, Dave, who is a medical device engineer, and their children, Nathan, Krista, and Jessica.

Karl Vaters is the author of two books about small churches: Small Church Essentials and The Grasshopper Myth. On his blog Pivot, he writes about Innovative Leadership from a Small Church Perspective for ChristianityToday.com several times a week. He’s also the founder of NewSmallChurch.com, a ministry that encourages, connects and equips innovative small church pastors. Karl’s heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone. Karl has been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years. He is the teaching pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, a healthy small church in Orange County, California, where he has ministered for over 25 years with his wife, Shelley.

In this episode Rusty has the pleasure of sitting down with the founder of the Church Leader podcast Jason Daye. Jason is the Director of Ministry Development for Outreach, Inc., and has dedicated his time to encouraging and equipping churches, denominations and ministry organizations to develop their Kingdom effectiveness by creating a culture that is both incarnational and invitational. Jason lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his beautiful wife and six children, where he enjoys hiking with his family, fighting rainbow trout, summiting 14ers and swapping stories with good friends.

Fred Gray, the Executive Pastor at Real Life Church in Valencia, CA, sits down with Rusty to chat about his transition from the corporate business world to the church world. In the conversation, Fred recalls his personal faith journey, calling to ministry, as well as advice for anyone else who may be considering or exploring the idea of working at a church coming from a more corporate setting.

Chris Hornbrook, Campus Pastor at Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA, joins Rusty in a conversation about both talking and listening to God. Chris tells fantastic stories from his own journey in ministry to illustrate what it means to hear God's voice when the world is so loud and it may not be all that clear.

Matt and Sara Lynn Grubb from Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA join the podcast to talk with Rusty about what it is like working with your spouse and navigating the challenges of marriage and church.

Kristina Kuzmic joins the podcast to talk about a variety of topics ranging from social media, divorce, and getting her own show then starting a YouTube channel. All this within her personal journey toward a more authentic motherhood that has inspired millions of moms around the world. No matter what walk of life you're coming from, give this a listen and you'll be sure to take something away.

William Vanderbloemen of the Vanderbloemen Podcast and popular author joins the podcast to chat about his new book "Culture Wins," which examines what a healthy culture in businesses and churches look like. William and Rusty also dive into other topics such as millennials entering the workforce and the effects of this on businesses and churches.

Jud Wilhite, Senior Pastor at Central Church in Las Vegas, NV, talks with Rusty about a plethora of great topics ranging from family, leading a large church, music, the Las Vegas Raiders, and how the power of community impacted the way Jud’s church handled the Mandalay Bay/Route 91 Harvest Festival shootings last October. Books mentioned: “5 Dates” by Mike Foster "Thank you for Being" Late by Thomas Friedman "Paul, A Biography" by N.T. Wright

Gene Appel joins the podcast and talks to Rusty about life, ministry, and how to live #bettertogether. Gene is the Senior Pastor at Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA and along with being a gifted leader and communicator, has a lot of life experience and valuable (and sometimes humorous) lessons to share.

Rusty visits with Mike Breaux to discuss the necessity of community with others, what it looks like to be a good parent both when your kids are living in the house, and when they move out, among other topics. Rusty's new book "Better Together" comes out February 6th, preorder it from pastorrustygeorge.com today! Podcast notes: 1. How does the fire crises in Ventura relate to the power of what God can do through community? a. Community is intentional, but also organic. Love God, love people. That’s how the church grows. “This is why God put us on the planet. To love him, and out of our overflow of love for God, we serve each other… we do life together.” – Breaux b. It is not draining but energizing when you get to help people in immediate need. 2. Power of community through recovery and groups a. It is all about spiritual formation, God changing us from the inside out. “First we pray that someday what happens in the auditorium trickles down to basement, now we pray for what happens in the basement to make its way up to the auditorium.” “Shame cannot survive vulnerability.” – Brene Brown 3. How did you get your kids to actually want to come back and hang out after they grew up and left? Were there things that you and Debbie decided early on so that this would happen or was it “accidental-like? a. Sit down and write a paragraph about what it means to be a great parent, spouse, leader, etc. Look at this continually to remind yourself who you want to be. “We decided we want to create an environment that is a home, and that’s more important than having a nice house.” – Breaux b. Have that intentional attitude to create an environment where kids want to be, and where they want to bring their friends. 4. What is the balance between maintaining the friendship but also maintaining the boundaries for your kids as a parent? “Truth without love is brutal, but grace without truth isn’t grace or love.” - Breaux a. Make no doubt in your kids mind that you love them and think they’re awesome, no matter what they do. b. Make a priority to show high love and make high limits. Two questions: What’s an app you’re using right now that you enjoy? Speech Prompter Book recommendations? James Bryan Smith, Great and Beautiful God Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child Jennie Allen, Restless Also mentioned: Keith Repult, Just Breathe

Shelene Bryan joins the podcast to chat with Rusty about her new book, parenting and missions, as well as her journey to start "Skip1," her non-profit organization committed to encouraging people to skip one thing in their budget in order to contribute a better living to others in need. Enjoy!

John Burke, Pastor at Gateway Church and author of "Imagine Heaven," engages in a Q&A with Rusty and the audience at RLC after delivering a message based on his book. If you've ever pondered the afterlife or the specifics of heaven and near-death experiences, check this out!

Jerry Walls joins Rusty on the podcast as they discuss Calvinism, Arminianism, Predestination, God's will, and the power of human free choice.

Shane Phillip joins the podcast and he and Rusty talk about the ins and outs of ministry, as wells as things that they wish their respective congregations knew. Shane is Lead Pastor at The Crossing Church in Las Vegas, NV.

Episode 023: Discussing 13 Reasons Why by Rusty George

In this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty and Josh interview Jim Beebe, a well respected Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, regarding dating, marriage, and how relationships are affected by culture and media. If you're married, dating, or even interested in either, this one's for you!

In this episode, Rusty gives some tips for affordable and entertaining dates as well as gets some tips from some of the RLC staff on this topic, in connection to the current relationship series at Real Life Church entitled "It's Complicated."

Lee Strobel and his wife, Leslie, dropped by to do an episode of the Rusty George Podcast while he was speaking at Real Life. In this podcast, we chat about Lee's new movie adaptation of his popular book, "The Case for Christ," the nature of the resurrection, and the historical aspects of the Gospels.

In this episode of the Rusty George Podcast, Rusty interviews John Ortberg who is a popular author, speaker, and pastor at Menlo Church in Menlo Park, CA. Back in 2014, John released a book entitled "Soul Keeping" where he discusses the nature of the soul and it's relationship to the Christian life through the medium of his relationship with popular author Dallas Willard. Rusty interviews John on the ins and outs of the book as well as his personal relationship with Dallas.

Questions answered in this podcast: How can the church continue the conversation of the relationship between faith and film? How can we be a voice people trust with that topic? How can Hollywood and the films they produce enhance our faith? If we can encounter God in art, why not movies? How can movies actually be revelatory experiences? Do you think we focus too much on the “rules” and don’t pay attention to the stories enough? How can movies help us in this?

The Real Life Church Worship team, “RLCM,” discusses the release of the new Christmas EP entitled “Hope,” the nature of worship and its relation to the Christmas season, and why it’s important to worship through music together in authenticity and originality.

Listen in as Rusty and Josh continue the conversation about “Merry Conversations.”

Questions answered in this week’s podcast: What’s your best “I’m a pastor” story? What kinds of questions do you usually get asked? Why is it tempting for us to equate our knowledge with how “Christian” we are? What’s the difference between not sharing your faith and sharing your faith too much?

Listen in as Rusty, Josh, and Steve Meyers discuss “Out of the Box.”

Listen in as Rusty and Josh discuss the US 2016 Presidential election results and the connection between faith and politics.

Interview with Mark Munoz, a retired American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Join Rusty and special guest, Mike Penberthy, as they talk about the NBA and life.

Questions answered in this special Halloween podcast: Why do we have a Halloween “event?” What can people expect from Halloween at RLC? Why is there a controversy surrounding Halloween? What is the history of Halloween in the pagan and Christian traditions?

Questions answered in this week’s podcast: “When you lose the capacity to wait you lose the capacity to love.” What’s that mean? What is the relationship between good communication and patience? What else would you say to somebody who is in a rough period, they’re waiting for something to happen but it’s just not? Does God really “test” our patience? What would you say to those who are “angry” with the fact that God hasn’t returned to set things right yet?

Questions answered in this week’s podcast: What’s the most difficult part, for you, in responding to appropriate situations with gentleness? What would it look like to exhibit gentleness in an aggressive, fast-paced family environment? What’s your thoughts on combining tenderness and toughness? How do we do that? How does gentleness look different in times of blessing than in times of suffering?