Leading Simple with Rusty George

Being a solo pastor is no walk in the park. Gary Mcintosh knows that firsthand and wants to help you manage the burdens of solo pastoring. That’s why he wrote, The Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone.It was great getting to trade stories with Gary about our time as solo pastors, but it was even better to hear his heart behind the book and how he’s working to help resource pastors. This episode is not just for the pastor or church leader but also the small business owner or anyone doing solo life.If you’re running solo and looking for an extra hand, check out BELAY Solutions. BELAY is a great resource to consider if you're looking for virtual assistant services, bookkeeping, or social media management. Special thanks to BELAY for sponsoring this week’s episode! ResourcesConnect with Gary:@drgmcintosh on TwitterFacebookLinkedInChurchgrowthnetwork.comThe Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone by Gary L. McIntoshAmazonBaker Book House

“Should we keep asking for forgiveness? Rusty, what are you talking about? Isn’t that a commandment?”Well, to answer that question, I sat down with Ben Connelly and it was incredible getting his perspective on it. We talked about his new book Reading the Bible, Missing the Gospel and dug into some of the ways that we may make scripture a lot more about us than we do about the God we’re reading about. If you’ve ever wondered about this question, I definitely encourage you to listen to our conversation and share this episode with somebody else as well.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week!HighlightsAbout Ben Connelly - 3:03Early life in TexasHow going into ministry saved Ben.Reading the Bible, Missing the Gospel - 6:31The process of writing this book and the inspiration behind itReading scripture for what we want rather than what God is saying through it.Viewing scripture through a different lens - 17:18Three lenses to view scripture through.What does Ben actually mean when he tell us to stop asking for forgiveness?ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with BenWebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTubeThe Equipping GroupReading the Bible, Missing the Gospel by Ben Connelly1 John 1:9

I got to have an honest conversation with Becket Cook. Becket is a speaker and author who travels around to share his story of redemption and tackle the topic of homosexuality. I’ve gotten to know Becket over the years. Recently, he came to Real Life Church to speak. I knew that I had to have him share his experience with you as well. Becket is open about his journey through being same-sex attracted and his encounter with God that set him on a new path. And I know there may be some of you who have family members and friends... maybe it's you who is trying to figure out what the truth is around identity and sexuality and where God stands on it. I think you're gonna be blessed by what Becket has to say, so listen to our conversation and feel free to share it with someone you know.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode! HighlightsBecket’s Beginnings - 3:44Growing up in TexasWrestling with his identity and sexual orientationBecket’s Encounter with Jesus - 14:58Wrestling with the meaning of lifeA chance encounter in a coffee shopWhat Becket's encounter with God meant for his new life.Walking Towards a New Identity - 31:10Processing through the questions people may have around homosexuality.Balancing grace and truth.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptBecket Cook’s WebsiteA Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption by Becket CookThe Becket Cook Show on YoutubeConnect with BecketInstagramTwitterFacebook

We've got something new! We are taking the best moments from our guests on the podcast and putting them together in case you missed them! This month we have some great tidbits from Brian Dodd, Kyle Costello, Sean McDowell and Justin Knowles. Enjoy the best of Leading Simple for January 2023. Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode!

If you've ever wondered what the deal is with kids today, then you aren’t alone. I’ve had parents ask me questions like, "How come they are so sensitive? Why are they so lacking in motivation? Why do they struggle so much with relationships"? Well, it just so happens they are dealing with anxiety and mental illness that we have never experienced in our lifetime.I’m a dad, and I know that the teen years can be particularly rough on us as parents and on our kids. That’s why I’m glad Justin Knowles came on the podcast this week. Justin Knowles is a pastor who works in student ministry and elementary-age ministry at a very large church in Southern California. Whether you’re a parent, a youth pastor, or just someone who spends time around kids and youth, Justin’s insights will shed light on what’s happening, and how you can support the young people in your life. And I’d love to hear from you: What was the most helpful thing you learned after listening? Let me know in the comments below!Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode!ResourcesEpisode TranscriptYouth Ministry Hacks PodcastJustin’s blog on Download Youth Ministry (DYM)Sandals ChurchChronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerSaving the Saved by Dr. Bryan LorittsHigh Impact Teams by Lance WittSpringtide Research - the blogConnect with JustinInstagramTwitter

I got to have a fantastic conversation with Dr. Sean McDowell. Sean is an educator and speaker, the son of evangelist Josh McDowell, and he is passionate about helping people view all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean shared so many great insights about some major questions the world is asking when it comes to why faith matters.If you've ever wondered how to articulate your faith or answer the questions your kids are asking about the beliefs you've always had but now they don't. Or, if you've ever wondered what Iron Man has to do with Jesus, then trust me. This episode is for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts on our conversation. You can join in and leave a comment here: https://pastorrustygeorge.com/kLBsySpecial thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week's episode!

It’s good to have Kyle Costello on the podcast this week. He’s a pastor, speaker, and church planter. Kyle grew up in the Mormon church as a sixth-generation Mormon, so he’s well-equipped to answer these questions and more. Kyle and I sit down to talk about his journey to faith and the upcoming church plant Kyle is building. It’s an incredible conversation, and I think you’re gonna learn a lot from Kyle. I know I did.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week's episode!ResourcesKyle Costello's Instagram

My next guest needs no introduction. It’s always a great time when Brian Dodd is on the podcast. Brian’s got a knack for pulling leadership lessons from sports, which is one of the reasons we get along so well. You can hear some of his past episodes here, and here. And this time around was no exception. It was incredible hearing his insights from the football playoffs, the incredible team coaches, and Dolly Parton?Well, you’ll just have to listen to the episode for that last one.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode!ResourcesEpisode TranscriptBrian Dodd’s WebsiteGridiron Genius by Michael LombardiThe Cubs Way by Tom VerducciThe Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill WalshLegacy by James KerrHow to Beat a Broken Game: The Rise of the Dodgers in a League on the Brink by Pedro MouraBrian Dodd’s Blog Post on Dolly Parton2021: The Year in Leadership by Brian Dodd

Christmas movies are great, and of course, I have my favorites. If you missed last week’s podcast episode with Dan Angel, we discussed what makes a Christmas movie legendary. But regardless of who you ask, there is one that seems to be on everyone’s top five list, and this Christmas at Real Life, we dove into the themes behind this movie and how they can change our outlook on life.If you’ve had a rough year or question your purpose, please take the time to listen to this message. God has so much more for your life than the lies you’ve told yourself, and with Him, you can live a truly wonderful life.

My friend Dan Angel is back on the podcast again, and it’s an honor to have him. It made sense to have such a great film producer and writer back on the podcast and this time, we’re talking about some of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. Take a listen as Dan and I go through our favorite Christmas movies and dissect what makes a truly wonderful film for the season. It was a great time recording this episode, so I hope you have just as much fun listening to it. And be sure to share your favorite Christmas movies with me in the comments below. Happy holidays from me and the Leading Simple team!HighlightsA little about Dan - 2:44His early life in Orange CountyHow he started making moviesWhat Dan and Daniel have in commonFezziwig Studios - 10:13Pitching Rescued by RubyBuilding Fezziwig StudiosThe best Christmas movies of all time - 17:42Dan’s take on It’s a Wonderful LifeDan and Rusty share their top picks for Christmas movies.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptFezziwig Studios website

Today’s episode is a real treat. I had the chance to talk with Cheryl Ladd. You may recognize that name from several movies & TV shows, including the 1970s hit Charlie’s Angels. We sat down to talk about how she navigated through Hollywood as a young actress and how she landed her iconic role in the show.We also had the chance to dig a little deeper as Cheryl shared about her experience with a marriage ending, as well as how she found a better work-life balance and how she came full circle to faith. Cheryl’s story is incredible. Whether you’re a fan of Charlie’s Angels, an entertainer yourself, or someone who’s figuring out how to fight workaholism, I can say that there’s something for you in this episode. HighlightsHow Cheryl Ladd got her Start – 2:08Early beginnings in South DakotaHer faith backgroundFrom singing in a band to acting in HollywoodFinding Balance – 16:22Cheryl lands Charlie’s AngelsOn the hamster wheel of successFinding her purposeA New Direction – 31:50Defining herself post-Angels.Cheryl shares some of her favorite moments from Charlie’s AngelsResourcesEpisode TranscriptCheryl Ladd’s websiteCharlie’s Angels

It's the season for giving! The Christmas season has always been a time to reflect on our own sense of generosity. Generosity is something that my guest, John Rinehart, knows a little something about. John Rinehart is an author who found in his early working days that there was more to life than working to accumulate as much as possible. He had seen God’s faithfulness in his own life and took a leap of faith thanks to his wife that would change the trajectory of his entire life.John and I sit down to talk about the Gospel Patrons and what it looks like to develop the gift of giving in ourselves. John is a fantastic guy, and I think you'll enjoy our conversation. So listen in, and let me know what you think in the comments below.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptGospel Patrons (book) by John RinehartInstagram: @GospelPatronsFacebook: @GospelPatronsWebsite: www.gospelpatrons.org

This week’s episode was a dream come true for me. I had the chance to talk with Crawford Loritts, a pastor and evangelist with an incredible legacy. Crawford also happens to be the author of one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read (you can see some of my other leadership book recommendations here), and we get the chance to talk a bit about it as well. We talked through his experience leading Fellowship Bible Church for 15 years, processed the effects of deconstruction on the church, and how we can impact the culture around us as Christian leaders. I know you're going to appreciate what he has to say, whether you're a church leader or a leader in a church.Special thanks to Serve.HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsSimplicity and Clarity - 1:34Crawford Lorrits’ backgroundBecoming a cheerleader for leaders.Why simplicity and clarity are the keys to great leadership.Church & Culture - 13:09Current trends in the churchCrawford shares points of pride and heartbreak in the churchGetting back to basics - 28:12Rusty and Crawford talk through deconstruction & polarization in this age.Leadership as IdentityAre we portraits of Jesus?Resources (links to books mentioned, websites, etc)Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Lorrits

I had heard incredible things about Tiana Spencer as a pastor, speaker, and teacher. And I’ve got to say, I learned so much from her in our conversation. We got to talk about her love of teaching scripture and the encouragement she found to pursue it. She shared how she developed a desire for a more holistic faith. And I was moved to hear her talk about her passion for creating an emotionally healthy church. Maybe you’re wrestling with your calling or your identity. Or you’ve experienced some traumas that you’re working through. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, I think you’ll love hearing my conversation with Tiana.Special thanks to Serve HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsAbout Tiana Spencer - 2:47Tiana’s start leading bible study at 14Finding a starting point if you’re new to scriptureWhat Tiana’s reading that’s impacting herHow Tiana and her husband navigate ministry together.Connecting with God - 12:59Tiana shares how her family connects with GodFinding anchors to stay connected withHow Tiana found a passion for emotional healing in the church - 17:56How Albert Tate encouraged Tiana to teachHer own emotional journeyProcessing trauma and emotional healing in the churchDeveloping her passion for holistic faithResourcesTiana’s websiteTiana’s InstagramThe Other Half of the Church by Jim Wilder and Michel HendricksSacred Pathways by Gary ThomasChildren of Abraham Sermon by Tiana SpencerEmotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter ScazzeroThere are several resources around the Enneagram including but not limited to:Enneagram Today (an InterVarsity Press website)The Enneagram Institute (a focused view of the Enneagram)The Enneagram in Business (specific to business and leadership)

We’ve had some great guests come on the podcast to talk about their experiences with church planting, like Carl Kuhl, Tim Celek, and Joseph Barkley. You can listen to their episodes here, here, and here respectively. And we’re keeping that train going with our guest today.Clint Dupin co-leads Eastown Church with his wife in San Jose, California. He gets honest with me about his experience going from a mega church to planting a church, leading that church plant during the pandemic, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way. Special thanks to Serve HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!About Clint Dupin - 01:44Clint’s ministry backgroundClint shares about “the broken road” that led him to ministry.Highlights and Lowlights - 13:53Planting a church: How do you know whether it’s from God or you?The highlights and lowlights Clint’s experiencedClint keeps it real - 30:00 Clint shares his COVID experience as a church planter.What it’s like co-pastoring with your spouse.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptEastown ChurchThere are several resources around the Enneagram including but not limited to:Enneagram Today (an InterVarsity Press website)The Enneagram Institute (a focused view of the Enneagram)The Enneagram in Business (specific to business and leadership)

I had the chance to sit down with Shawn Lovejoy, an incredible leader and former pastor who shifted his focus from vocational ministry to developing a coaching program sure to change the lives of so many leaders. Shawn was coached by Dan Reiland, a guest on the podcast (you can listen to his episode here), and is now coaching pastors and business leaders on how they can make the days between their Sundays even better.Shawn and I chat about how to have hard conversations with staff and what the best coaching clients he's taken on all have in common. Shawn also digs into his books Be Mean About The Vision and Building A Killer Team Without Killing Yourself or Your Team. You won’t want to miss this episode full of incredible insights.Special thanks to Serve.HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!

It’s not often that we talk politics on this podcast, so I know this will be controversial. I wanted to sit down with Theresa Brennan to help make sense of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, what it means for us, and how to better understand the variety of perspectives on this issue. I’m grateful that she took the time to sit down with me and process not just what happened, but what our responsibility is now as Christians. Take a listen to our conversation with an open heart and an open mind.Special thanks to Serve.HQ for sponsoring this episode!Highlights About Theresa and the Right to Life League - 2:21Theresa shares about how she got started.The beginnings of the Right to Life League.Making Sense of Current Events - 5:16Understanding the overturning of Roe v Wade.Answering some of the biggest questions surrounding abortion.The spiritual implications around abortion.Practical Steps - 19:41The best way churches can support pro-life initiatives.Creating a healthy community for post-abortive women.What are the best next steps for your community?Resources The Right to Life League

How can you prepare for sabotage?What does it look like to build resilience as a leader in a time of conflict and controversy? Tod Bolsinger explores these questions and more in his book Tempered Resilience, which I loved. Now, I hadn’t had the chance to meet Tod before we recorded this episode, but I learned so much from his input into how people can lead through uncertainty. Tod is a seminary professor, author, and leads a leadership coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping faith leaders thrive as change leaders. That passion is evident in our conversation, and I’m so glad we had a chance to sit down together.Let me know in the comments how you’ve been leading your church or your family through the unfamiliar. I’d love to hear some of your stories.Special thanks to Serve HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsAbout Tod Bolsinger - 1:26How Tod started in ministryThe differences in ministry when Tod started versus now.Digging into Tod’s books - 15:45Tod asks the question: how do you lead when you can’t rely on the old maps? How to prepare for sabotage.How to lead people through the unfamiliar.Leading from the Center - 28:56How to disappoint people at a rate they can absorb.Where Tod see the church going ten years from now.What Tod would say to people in the church who are frustrated right now.

Drew Moore is my guest this week, and I’m so glad to have him on the podcast. Drew is the lead pastor of Canyon Ridge Church, a church in Las Vegas that has an incredible legacy. The founding pastor is my friend and friend of RLC, Mike Breaux (you can hear Mike on the podcast here). Watching Drew's journey, I can say that I've learned so much from him about what it means to make disciples and I hope you'll appreciate his insights too.Drew and I talk about his journey becoming lead pastor, leading a church through a transition to a new direction, and practical ways to make discipleship simple for your church.HighlightsAbout Drew Moore - 1:55Drew’s backgroundWhat it’s like leading a church in Las Vegas, NevadaForging a new path - 10:39Following Mike Breaux and leading Canyon Ridge in a fresh direction.Drew’s goal and how his church got there.How to make disciples in this day and age - 21:48How to approach discipleship with your average, first time attender.Assumptions we make about the impact of a weekend service.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptCanyon Ridge Church in Las VegasNo Place Left - organizationT4T (Training for Transformation) - organizationThe Starfish and the Spirit (KC Underground) - microchurch conferenceFuture Church by Cory Hartman and Will ManciniA Beautiful Constraint by Adam Morgan and Mark BardenThe Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks

If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, then you've heard me speak to some incredible pastors who have led their churches through different tragedies and transitions. Navigating through a crisis is no easy feat. I know on our end, we've done some things right and we've done some things wrong. But through it all, we've had these experiences that we don't feel like we should keep to ourselves. That's why I’m grateful to Fred Gray, the executive pastor at Real Life Church. Fred and I designed a course called Leading Through Crisis. Our hope is to equip you with ways to lead through a crisis as healthily as possible, so you don’t have to become one.Now, I’d love for you to check out the course. There are so many great resources available including how to address a national loss, how to work with the press, and the preventative measures you should take before a crisis ever happens. If you’re curious and want a deeper dive into why we created this course, join my conversation with Fred Gray as we talk through our experiences leading through crisis.Special thanks to ServeHQ for sponsoring this week!HighlightsRusty & Fred remember their experiences leading through crisis - 2:38How Fred started at Real Life ChurchThe importance of having a healthy staff.Communicating well when a crisis occursPreparation is Key - 14:17How do you need to prepare for a crisis before it occurs?A bit more background about the Leading Through Crisis leadership course.What Rusty and Fred did right, wrong, and do differently now.What to do when you hit the wall - 19:32Fred’s shares his own experience hitting the wall.Healthier ways to cope with burnout.What would Fred say to himself 10 years ago?ResourcesEpisode TranscriptLeading Through Crisis Course

My guest this week is Andrew Stanley. If his name sounds familiar, it’s just might be. His dad is Andy Stanley (you can listen to Andy on the podcast here), and his grandfather is Charles Stanley, both well known pastors. And Andrew’s carrying on the torch of on-stage communication in a different way as a stand up comedian.I had a chance to sit down with Andy to hear more about how he got into stand up and nerd out about the ins and outs of being a comedian. Andy also shares his tips for how you can find the funny in your own life.

I love getting to talk sports on the podcast, and man, have we had had some incredible guests this year, including Ned Yost from the Kansas City Royals and Marty Lamb from the LA Dodgers. (You can listen to my episodes with Ned and Marty here). Today, you’ll get to hear from Kevin Burrell. Kevin is a talent scout for the Chicago White Sox. I sit down with Kevin to talk shop as he takes me through what day-to-day life as a talent scout looks like. Kevin also shares his passion for discipleship, and how he lives that out in his career today. If you are a baseball fan, you’re in for a great episode. But you don’t have to be a baseball fan to get some incredible value from what Kevin has to share this week.Special thanks to Serve.HQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsAbout Kevin Burrell - 2:26Kevin’s start as a baseball player himself.What scout life looks like for Kevin.A few things Kevin knows that he wishes he knew when he started.What do scouts look for in a team player? - 8:11The three intangible Cs scouts (and hiring managers) can look for.What the progression to the major leagues actually looks like.Minister in disguise as a scout - 18:13Kevin’s own faith journeyHow Kevin disciples coaches and scouts.The seven steps of discipleship Kevin walks through.

Monte Wilkinson is a pastor, a mentor, and one of my closest friends. I have to say that I wouldn’t be the pastor I am today without his example. He’s the lead minister at NorthEast Christian Church out in Lexington, Kentucky, and has seen a thing or two when it comes to leading a ministry. I can’t wait for you to hear the wisdom Monte shares.Take a listen to our conversation as Monte talks about what it was like having me as an intern, the lessons he learned transitioning into a new church, and how the golden rule influences the way that he leads.Special thanks to ServeHQ for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsAbout Monte Wilkinson - 2:59A bit about MonteHow he came to ministryMeeting Rusty as an internLeading simply from internships to lead pastoring - 05:41The value of internshipsTransitioning from Southland to NorthEastBuilding up disciplined time with GodMore life wisdom from Monte - 37:40How to transition healthily from a staff role to a leadership position.Righting the ship after a difficult transition.How Rusty learned to integrate humor and reality in his sermons.The most valuable leadership tool you can use in your relationships.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptNorthEast Christian Church in Lexington, KY

Volunteering at church looks different in today’s landscape. How do you navigate those waters? I had the chance to sit down with Scott Magdalein for this episode to tackle that issue. I know leaders are trying to figure out how to recruit and support their volunteers. I hope this episode is a helpful resource for you. Listen in as Scott and I talk about how to find healthy spiritual rhythms after COVID. Scott also shares how ServeHQ can help leaders train their volunteers better, and we talk through the question that churches can ask themselves when they see volunteerism down.

Podcasts have been such a valuable part of my life. From Craig Groeschel and Andy Stanley to Annie F Downs and my friend Michael Hinton, I’ve been able to learn from the things they’ve shared over the years. And when I started sharing my own experiences and conversations with different leaders on Leading Simple, I had no idea where we would be 217 episodes later. I’m grateful for every person who’s listened, left a comment or review, or shared an episode with someone. So today, I want to shift my focus to you: the listener. I’ll be announcing the winner of the listener giveaway. You’ll get to hear some exciting news about something special I’ve been working on behind the scenes. You’ll also get a preview of some of the great episodes coming up this month.Thanks for listening, and a special thanks to this month’s sponsor, ServeHQ.-------------------------Here’s where you can find some of Rusty’s favorites:Skyline ChiliThe Road Less Stupid by Keith J. CunninghamKansas City Chiefs Jersey

Leadership looks like getting comfortable with growth, taking risks, and appreciating the journey along the way. And this week, we have someone who is a living, breathing example of how to live that out that well. Dan Reiland is an author, leadership coach, executive pastor, and a legend when it comes to innovation in the world of ministry. He’s passionate about developing and empowering leaders; you can hear that passion come through in our conversation.You’ll get to hear Dan share about interning with John Maxwell, how he learned to live out his calling to reach people, and why focusing on the culture you’re building is a crucial part of leading an organization. I’m telling you, this episode is a masterclass in ministry and leadership no matter where you are in your journey.Special thanks to Stadia Church Planting for sponsoring this week’s episode!HighlightsWho is Dan? - 2:24How Dan Reiland broke John Maxwell’s internship.The life lesson he applies the most to this day.How Dan started blogging before blogging was blogging.Finding your rhythm and staying in your lane.Leadership as an Executive Pastor - 17:19The different roles an Executive Pastor (XP) can play.The strategy behind bringing on an executive pastor.Advice for anyone stepping into the XP role for the first time.Lessons from Great Leaders - 30:28Lessons from John Maxwell and Kevin Meyers.What is culture?Infusing the good and filtering out the bad in the cultural waters of an organization.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with DanFacebookTwitterWebsiteConfident Leader!: Become One, Stay One by Dan ReilandCulture Wins: The Roadmap to an Irresistable Workplace by William VanderbloemenLeadership Alone Isn't Enough: 40 Devotions to Strengthen Your Soul by Dan Reiland

Jodi Tonarelli is my guest this week, and it's an honor to have her on the podcast. Her background in broadcast journalism (and a lot of prayers) led her to the role of Executive Pastor at The Ridge Community Church, where Mark Weigt is the lead pastor. You can hear my conversation with Mark on the podcast here. I enjoyed hearing her take on what an executive pastor does and her journey navigating that role.There were some great takeaways from this conversation: From how to seek God before stepping into a new role to what leaders can do to create a more inclusive workplace. I'm telling you, what you'll learn from her when it comes to leadership will benefit you no matter what you do. Special thanks to Stadia Church Planting for sponsoring this week's episode!HighlightsAbout Jodi Tonarelli - 2:48How she got started at The Ridge.Her background in Broadcast JournalismWhat the transition from working outside of the church to working in the church was like for Jodi.Being an Executive Pastor - 12:07What goes into being an executive pastor?Learning to balance the goals and the mission.Do’s and Don'ts for being an executive pastor.Leaving the Door Open - 26:30Wrestling through what being a woman in her role means.What male pastors can do to better empower women.How to manage wearing multiple hats in your organization.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with JodiTwitterLinkedInThe Ridge Community Church in Greenfield, WisconsinThe Ridge - YouTubeThe Four Disciplines of Execution by Sean CoveyWhisper: How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson

What do Notre Dame, the Coachella Valley, and John Adams have in common? Ricky Jenkins is the Senior Pastor of Southwest Church in Indian Wells, CA, a Gospel-Centered, Multiethnic, Intergenerational church. We had the chance to talk through what it’s like leading a church that has navigated difficult transitions and trauma. He also highlighted why authenticity is key to leading a multiethnic church. There were so many noteworthy moments in this conversation that I couldn’t even write all of them down. Trust me: If you’re leading a church or any organization and you’ve questioned how to support a hurting church or how to shift the culture of your church, you’ll love this episode.Special thanks to Stadia Church Planting for sponsoring this episode!HighlightsAbout Pastor Ricky Jenkins - 2:25What brought Ricky and his family to Southwest Christian Church.The rewards and challenges of pastoring in the Coachella valley.Leading a church through crisis and trauma.Gospel Centered. Multiethnic Make. Intergenerational Walk - 18:09What leading a multiethnic, multigenerational church means to Ricky.The arc of reconciliation throughout scripture.What does it look like to shift a church’s culture?A Vision for Revival - 31:44Ricky’s prayer for CaliforniaRicky’s top book recommendations for summer reading.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with RickyInstagram: @rickyjenkinsTikTok: @rickyjenkinstiktokTwitter: @rickyjenkinsSouthwest Church - Pastor Ricky’s ChurchSix Hours One Friday: Living in the Power of the Cross by Max LucadoJohn Adams by David McCulloughCounterfeit Gods by Tim KellerThe Spirit of Disciplines by Dallas WillardSarah Osborn's World: The Rise of Evangelical Christianity in Early America (New Directions in Narrative History) by Catherine A. Brekus

90% of new churches in America are small churches, and there are some incredible lessons we can learn from what those are doing well. Our guest, Karl Vaters, is a champion for building a healthy small church, and I'm glad to have him back on the podcast. You can take a listen to the first episode we recorded here.Karl sheds light on small churches' advantages when connecting with new people and shares some essential tips that anyone can integrate into their organization. He also gives a behind the scenes look at his upcoming book, the process of writing it, and what it means to be a proactive leader rather than a reactive leader. Whether you're a business owner, a pastor, or a church leader, there's something for you in our conversation.Special thanks to Stadia Church Planting for sponsoring this week's episode!HighlightsLessons from small churches - 02:48What every church can learn from navigating COVID.How churches can stand out in an increasingly digital world.The difference between visiting a small church and a megachurch for a newcomer.Creating a non-downloadable experience - 11:10How you can G.I.F.T somebody this week.Building the bridge to intentional relationship.What’s working well to help people grow in their faith?A closer look at how we “do” church - 21:49Innovation and rethinking what the church can look like.Is there a singular best way to lead a church?What are the metrics that matter most in tracking a church’s success?Being a proactive pastor and leader.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptKarl’s WebsiteSmall Church Essentials - a book by Karl VatersThe Grasshopper Myth - a book by Karl VatersPivot - Karl’s Blog

Planting a church isn't easy. There are so many factors to consider, like where you'll plant the church and how to support the community you'll serve.Carl Kuhl knows a thing or two about that experience, and I'm glad to have him on the podcast this week to share his insights. He's a pastor, a church planter, and an incredible leader with a fascinating perspective on leading a church.Not only do we dig into the ins and outs of church planting, but I also had the chance to talk with Carl about his new book Blood Stained Pews and the life change that can happen when people in the church are less afraid to be honest about their struggles.Special thanks to Stadia Church Planting for sponsoring this episode!HighlightsAbout Carl - 1:56Carl’s start in ministry.The benefits of growing up in a healthy church.How the seed was planted in Carl to start planting churches.Planting Mosaic Christian Church - 16:32How Carl landed on Baltimore as the location to plant Mosaic.Learning the culture of the area.The toughest thing about being a lead pastorBlood Stained Pews - 25:00The story behind the blood stained pewsWhy Carl chose to write this book.The value of vulnerability and what it means for us to go first.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with CarlInstagramFacebookTwitterCarl’s WebsiteMosaic Christian ChurchBlood Stained Pews: How Vulnerability Transforms a Broken Church into a Church for the Broken by Carl Kuhl

Everyone has opinions, and as a Pastor, I have the pleasure of hearing a lot of them, particularly regarding my teaching style. You're not deep enough. You talk too much sports.We want more Bible.We want less Bible.How about some Greek or Hebrew.I wish you would __________________. (You can fill in the blank) For a long time, I didn't know what to do with that feedback. So I broke how I preach. Or, in other words, I broke myself trying to be someone else. Emulating what I thought people wanted, I looked at the success of other pastors and incorporated their style into what I did. It took me a while to learn the lessons I want to share with you on this episode of How I Broke This. ResourcesEpisode Transcript

Marty Lamb is a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s signed some incredible talent from high schools and colleges. Learning how to spot talent early isn’t an easy feat, so I’m grateful to hear some of his insights on what it takes to do just that every day. We get a chance to talk about some of his learnings on the road and the highlights of his career so far. Marty also takes time to share about the incredible work he does with Refuge for Women, a non profit organization that supports survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Special thanks to our sponsor Stadia for sponsoring this episode!HighlightsAbout Marty Lamb - 2:11Marty’s start as a baseball player.How he became a baseball scout.What Does it Take to Spot Talent? - 08:29The qualities Marty looks for in an up-and-coming player.What makes an LA dodger different from other players?How do you balance the analytics with the classic way of scouting talent?Marty’s Work with Refuge for Women - 43:32What is Refuge for Women?An in-depth look at the work they do to help women recover from sexual exploitation.ResourcesMarty's TwitterMarty's Instagramhttps://www.mlb.com/dodgershttps://refugeforwomen.org/ - Refuge for Womenhttps://refugeforwomen.org/socal/ - The Southern California Branch of Refuge for Womenhttps://survivormade.org/ - Products made by those housed by Refuge for Women.

Some of the best leadership lessons I've learned have come from conversations I've had with sports legends like Ned Yost on the podcast (you can listen here as he talks about how to build a winning team culture). But there's nothing like learning alongside a friend. That's why I'm glad to have Brad Williams back for this episode of Leading Simple. Join us as we sit down to talk about the lessons on leadership we’ve picked up on throughout the summer, our hopes for the Lakers, and why magnifying the positive is crucial for any leader.Special thanks to Stadia for sponsoring this month's podcast.Resources​​Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks - Chris HerringExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win - Jocko Willink and Lief BabinDiscipline Equals Freedom - Jocko Willink Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley's Bill Campbell - by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle A Beautiful Constraint - Andrew Morgan and Mark BardenMansfield’s Book of Manly Men - Stephen MansfieldBecome Your Most Masculine Self - DevotionalNot in It to Win It: Why Choosing Sides Sidelines The Church - Andy StanleyTop Gun: Maverick - movie starring Tom Cruise

Kyle Idleman from Southeast Christian Church is my guest for this week's episode. What you may not know is that Kyle is the one who planted Real Life Church, where I am today. As we sat down, I learned a bit more about what it was like for Kyle to grow up under the microscope as a pastor's kid. (Something my daughters know a little something about. You can listen to their take on being a pastor's kid here). He shared with me how being open and authentic can be a catalyst for a better connection with your people. We also got to talk about his new book One at a Time. Kyle shares some great insights in this episode that I hope are helpful for you too.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Stadia Church Planting!HighlightsAbout Kyle - 2:05Kyle’s start in ministryPlanting Real Life ChurchFrom under the microscope to in the fishbowl - 20:28Kyle’s experiences as a pastor’s kidHow that helped him navigate being a pastor himselfUnderstanding brokennessThe importance of vulnerability in leadershipLeading Southeast Christian Church - 33:02Stepping into the senior pastor role at Southeast ChristianWhat it was like following not just one legend but twoHow to navigate a pastoral transition well.ResourcesKyle’s WebsiteOne at a Time - Kyle Idleman's bookSoutheast Christian Church

The Kansas City Royals were a significant part of my childhood. So, imagine how excited I am to have Ned Yost on the podcast. Ned Yost was the manager of the Kansas City Royals in 2014-15 when they went to the World Series and won. Ned and I sit down and talk all things baseball, of course. I got to hear some of the lessons he’s learned as a coach, how he listened to his instincts and honed his ability to develop talent. Ned also talked about his faith journey: how he because a Christian and how his faith ultimately impacted his coaching. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to learn incredible lessons from Ned’s life and leadership. And if you are a baseball fan, I have to say that this will be a special episode for you.

Lance Witt joins me on the podcast this week, and we’re talking about burnout. Burnout is an issue that I think every person, no matter their industry, has had to navigate. Lance openly shares his experience as a pastor at Saddleback and the pivotal moment when he realized he needed a shift in his life. Lance also provides some helpful tips on combating burnout and increasing your self awareness, so that you can lead and work from a healthier place.

Savannah Kimberlin is the Director of Research Solutions at Barna Group, and I am honored to have her as a guest on the podcast this week. Sometimes, data and statistics can be a little intimidating to people (myself included). Thankfully, there are people like Savannah and the incredible team at Barna Group who are called to research so we can see how the numbers reflect the world around us.Join Savannah and me as we talk through what our culture and faith look like after COVID, how to use trends in data to inform how you lead your organization, and what the stats have to say about how different generations engage church and faith.Special thanks to Growmentum for being our sponsor this month.

Kye Chung and Lee Coate from Growmentum sit down with Rusty and share their insights on what it takes to grow your organization. Special thanks to Growmentum for sponsoring Leading Simple throughout the month of June.

There are so many great articles and podcasts out there about how to create a healthy staff culture.This is not one of them.This week, Rusty reflects on how he broke his staff culture, and what it took to repair it.

Paul Hicks joins Rusty on the podcast this week. He is a part of Search Ministries based in Texas, along with another Leading Simple guest, Bruce Matthews.When we think about evangelism, our minds can immediately go to planning some big event with a lot of people. But in Rusty's conversation with Paul, he breaks down a process to share your faith that is centered on one person, one day at a time.If you’ve ever wondered how to get more confident in sharing the gospel with people who may not believe in God, or you are curious about what it means to make disciples, then you’ll enjoy hearing Paul's insights.

Mark and Michelle McKinney are co-pastors, parents, and the first dynamic duo on Leading Simple. Rusty sits down with the two of them to talk about the ups and downs of being a part of a church community. Michelle shared her experiences as a pastor, a pastor’s wife, and with her children. Mark also gave some advice to husbands about what it can look like to support their partner through difficulty. Plus, if you are considering adoption, the McKinneys walk you through some things you should think about before starting the process. Special thanks to our sponsor this month, Leadr.

For the 200th episode, Rusty’s daughters join him to talk about what it’s really like to be a pastor’s kid. Their perspective isn’t just helpful for pastors who are parents, but for anyone raising a child in this generation. Special thanks to Leadr for sponsoring this episode and to our listeners!

Holly Tate from Leadr joins Rusty for this week's episode to tackle some of the tough questions people may be having around their careers. Employees may be wondering how to discern the next best step in their career. Employers may be questioning how to help their teams feel supported and fulfilled in their roles. Across the board, people want to know how to develop as a leader. Holly breaks down 5 simple tools that you can utilize to help develop leaders in your organization.

This week's guest is author and leadership expert Brian Dodd. Rusty and Brian take this episode to make leadership simple. Take a listen as they discuss how to look at life through a lens of leadership and the best way to see growth in your leadership. Brian also shares the top 3 lessons from his new book, 2021: The Year in Leadership.

For this week's episode, Pastor Rusty George is at Real Life Church to celebrate Easter. You can listen here or watch here

This week, Rusty is joined by Al Lopus, the founder, and CEO of the Best Christian Workplaces Institute, on the podcast today. Rusty and Al sit down to talk about workplace health as well as Al's brand new book, Road to Flourishing: Eight Keys to Boost Employee Engagement and Well-Being. You can find it anywhere you buy books on April 19th, 2022.

In this episode of Leading Simple, Rusty sits down with Richmond Wandera as he shares his story of growing up in Uganda. At only eight years old, he and his family encountered devastating loss and poverty. Despite that, it paved the way for him to experience the incredible love of Jesus through one 15 year old girl's babysitting money. Special thanks to our sponsor, Compassion International. If you want more information about how to sponsor a child, go to compassion.org/rusty.

Rusty sits down with Kevin Queen, the lead pastor of Crosspoint Church as they talk about developing as a leader and getting creative in crisis. Kevin shares his experiences leading through a leadership transition, changing church culture, and a tornado.

Is it possible to prove the resurrection? Rusty sits down with J Warner Wallace for this week’s episode. They discuss about the impact that Christ had on history, science, and the modern world. Rusty also also had the chance to get his insight on how to talk to the next generation about why Christ matters.

Matt Allman joins Rusty on the podcast today. If you’re a pastor who’s ever wondered how to promote Easter, then this episode is for you. Rusty and Matt get the chance to talk about Easter. They also dig into how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Matt as a pastor and church planter so he could serve his people better. Matt also gives us the inside look at the two times of year you could be missing out on to help grow your church.