Simple Faith with Rusty George

What's your favorite story of all time? It could be a Tom Clancy or Stephen King novel, or maybe your favorite book from childhood. It amazes me the way that stories, from Batman to Star Wars, captivate people so profoundly. What if it's not just a matter of entertainment, but ties into a grander narrative - one that encompasses even the seemingly boring aspects of our lives? Well, today on Simple Faith, we'll take a look at some of my favorite stories and dig into this concept, exploring the fundamental elements of storytelling - the hero, the villain, the guide, and the goal - and how they relate to the ultimate story being told throughout human history, starting from the Garden of Eden. Special thanks to our sponsor, Subsplash! You can find our more about one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church at http://subsplash.com/simple.Resources:Episode Transcript

Ever wonder what it takes to foster growth in a modern church, especially in a post-pandemic world? Then you'll want to join me for a real engaging conversation with Rich Birch, a church growth expert. Rich and I delve into the nitty gritty, discussing everything from the importance of communication within church ministries, to adapting the methods of the Attractional Church Movement in an evolving spiritual landscape. We examine the unique balance of roles within the church, and how to optimize the length of a message during services. The conversation gets extra interesting when we talk about fostering an 'invite culture,' a practice that has taken on a new level of importance since the onset of the pandemic. And of course, we couldn't leave out the significant connection between a robust volunteer culture and church growth.Rich also shares some of his favorite resources for spiritual growth. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and be inspired by this candid conversation. And be sure to share it with a friend or two!Special thanks to Subsplash for sponsoring this episode.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with RichTwitterUnseminary InstagramUnseminary FacebookUnseminary Website

I got to sit down with Pastor Matt Piland, a leader, family man, and Executive Pastor of the fast-growing Bethlehem Church. Drawing on his unique journey from Louisiana to the pulpit, Matt unravels the power of leadership coaching and how it has fostered his growth as a church leader. It was great to hear his insights on his responsibilities as an Executive Pastor, his camaraderie with the Lead Pastor, and the qualities he prioritizes in his Campus Pastors.The conversation takes an interesting turn as we look at the dynamics of leadership within the church and the importance of communication, mutual respect, and avoiding bitterness on your team. We also get a chance to explore church growth post-pandemic and how we can measure growth in an era where more people are attending church online. If you're curious about how to help your church grow or about leadership coaching can help you grow, then this is the episode for you.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with MattInstagramA clip from Matt's most recent message.Bethlehem ChurchLeadership Alone Isn’t Enough: 40 Devotions to Strengthen Your Soul by Dan ReilandEpisode 216: Leadership legend Dan Reiland makes culture simple

I had a chance to meet Kevin Lloyd, a pastor from North Carolina, and I knew I wanted him to join me on the podcast. Kevin shares his journey to becoming an executive pastor and provides insights on navigating leadership challenges while developing faith. He also opens up about the spiritual disciplines he adopted to help him stay grounded and connected to God during his transition. Kevin stresses the importance of godly relationships and finding rest. He also opens up about his experiences of loneliness while moving into his new role.We shift gears to dig into how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can impact leadership. We explore the challenges of helping someone with low EQ, figuring out how to tread the fine line between brutal honesty and empathy. I share my strategy of using performance evaluations to initiate the conversation and encourage growth, and touch on valuable resources like Aaron Burke's podcast series on EQ and the significance of tapping into someone's teachability.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with KevinInstagramLifePoint ChurchCourageous PastorsThe Synergist by Les McKeownThe Emotionally Healthy Leader (Made for More Leadership Podcast)b

Brian Dodd is back with some powerful insights from his new book, Mighty: Seven Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress, based on his popular blog posts from 2021. Listen in as he discusses how churches and small groups can leverage production, protection, perception, and passion for discipleship and leadership growth.We also we take a look at church growth in a post-COVID world and the common threads that show up in successful churches. Hear how authenticity and genuine faith are driving church attendance and how pastors can connect with their congregations in this new landscape. Of course, it's not a Brian Dodd episode without some valuable lessons from sports, so we share lessons on leadership from the KC Chiefs' journey to the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl win, as well as valuable travel tips and the importance of kindness. Listen in, leave a comment, and let us know how you're finding success post-COVID.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesBrian Dodd on Leadership WebsiteThe Pursuit of Service PodcastMighty: Seven Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress by Brian DoddConnect with Brian:FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramListen to past episodes with Brian here:Bonus Episode: What Football Can Teach Us about Leadership with Brian Dodd & Mark WeigtEpisode 198: How to make learning leadership simple with Brian DoddEpisode 234: Brian Dodd makes the college football playoffs simple

This week, we welcome back bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson. It was great having him on the podcast to talk about his new book, which captures life's essence in three simple words. And we like simplicity here. As the conversation unfolds, we learn more about Mark's battle with cancer and the profound impact it had on his life. He also delves into his journey as a blogger and author, his approach to building a community, and his latest book that captures life's essence in three simple words. You'll be inspired by how he's managed to maintain a positive attitude and keep his faith strong through life's challenges. So, tune in to be part of this enlightening and thought-provoking discussion with Mark Batterson.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptMark Batterson's WebsitePlease, Sorry, Thanks by Mark BattersonConnect with MarkFacebookInstagramTwitter

It's been an honor serving Real Life Church for the past 20 years. Join me and my lifelong friend Michael Hinton as we reflect on two decades of ministry at Real Life Church. Michael and I share our journey, discussing the highs, the lows, and the faithfulness of God throughout it all. Michael and I also explore the wisdom we've gathered from mentors and how it has shaped our ministry work. We discuss the importance of asking questions, taking risks, and being wise stewards. We share insights on navigating the risks and wisdom involved in making major decisions. We also discuss how balancing roles as a pastor, husband, and father have taught us the importance of prioritizing quality time at home. This episode is packed with valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way, from leadership challenges to the power of prayer. So, join us as we reminisce, reflect, and share wisdom from 20 years of ministry at Real Life Church.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash: The first engagement platform for churches.

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be? Join us for this episode of Simple Faith with our guest, former pastor and current executive coach, Joseph King Barkley. It's great to have him back on the podcast as we talk about how to make transformation simple. In my chat with Joseph, we take a closer look at the power of mindset and commitment.Joseph brings his expertise to the table, sharing his insights on phenomenology and introducing new ways of seeing our circumstances. He also introduces an interesting concept that challenges us to go past our limits and accomplish more. Finally, we talk about the unique role pastoral leadership plays in shaping the spiritual growth of a congregation. Listen in to this week's episode and share in the comments how you might be inspired to go on your own path of transformation and growth.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptJoseph Barkley’s WebsiteConnect with JosephInstagramTwitterLinkedInTikTok

I'm thrilled to be joined by Darren Whitehead, an extraordinary mind in the church world and founding pastor of Church of the City in Nashville. Darren shares his unique journey into ministry sparked by an unexpected visa error. We also dive into how Darren started Church of the City, how he uses humor to connect with people from the stage, and we reflect on his book Holy Roar, written with Chris Tomlin. In this technology-driven world, Chris and Darren write about the power of worship – and the profound impact of seven Hebrew words used to express our adoration for God inside and outside the weekend service. From the role of millennials in the church to the importance of 'digital fasting', this episode is packed with some great insights. Listen in and share with a friend, because you won't want to miss this one!ResourcesEpisode TranscriptChurch of the City in Nashville, TNHoly Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship by Chris Tomlin and Darren WhiteheadConnect with DarrenInstagramFacebookTwitter

This season has seen a lot of job transitions. With tech layoffs and the great resignation, people have been seeking the perfect fit for them professionally. So what happens once you find that job and transition over? Adam Bishop knows a little about that and is on the podcast to talk about his experience with a job transition. I ask him about stepping into his new role at NewHope Church, and about how to manage change through transitions. We also talk about our experience with Courageous Pastors, a great leadership coaching organization.If you’ve got a job transition you’re navigating or you’re just considering what that could look like for you, listen in to our conversation here.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptCourageous PastorsNewHope Church Connect with AdamFacebookTwitterInstagram

Two of my favorite people are on the podcast today: Pastors Mike Breaux and Gene Appel. If you’ve ever looked at your teaching calendar and been overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, then this is the episode for you. We dug into what building out a teaching calendar is like for a pastor, what to consider when building it out, and how use your teaching calendar as a tool to better care for your congregation.Between Mike and Gene, they have so many years of pastoral knowledge to share, so you won’t want to miss this episode. Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with Gene AppelFacebookTwitterConnect with Mike BreauxYouTube

All of us wanna pray and be better at prayer. We just don't always know what to say. We panic when someone calls on us to pray in our small groups or at family gatherings. Maybe we even pull out one of the early prayers we memorized in Sunday School.But what if we could ask for something so much more? What if prayer could be so much more than praying for a good day or safe travels, but a real, open conversation with God?In today's episode, I share the five prayers you can pray to change your day. Listen in and let me know which one resonated with you in the comments.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesAfter Amen by Rusty George (Book, Audiobook, and Pastor Resources)1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today, I wanted to share a few of my favorite books with you. These are books that really impacted the way I looked at my faith. I hope each recommendation could be helpful to your mind and soul this summer no matter where you are in your faith journey. Now, all the books mentioned in this episode are available as audiobooks as well. So if you're on the go all the time or if the idea of reading brings back memories of high school summer reading lists, trust that you're in good shape. Listen in to this week's Simple Faith to hear a bit more about why I picked these specific books, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptInvitation to a Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.Winning the War in your Mind by Pastor Craig GroeschelIn the Name of Jesus by Henri NouwenMove by Brian Tome

Hey listeners! We are doing something new, let's call it simplifying! Moving forward, we are renaming this podcast, Simple Faith. Why, because that's the goal! To help make faith simple. Simple Faith is a chance for us to give more focus to making faith simple. And there was no better episode to start this off with than this one.Kyle Idleman is here to help us figure out how to follow God when our way isn't working. As a matter of fact, he wrote a whole book about it. Kyle and I dig into the process of writing that book and the lessons Kyle learned himself about following God. We also talk about how to slow down and let go of the pressure to perform so we can make room for a greater connection to Jesus. You can find Kyle's new book, When Your Way Isn't Working, here and anywhere else you can purchase books.Special thanks to our sponsor, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptKyle Idleman's Website

There were some incredible guests this month on the podcast. I got to sit with not one but two executive pastors who had some great insight on what it's like to lead from the second chair. Mark Mears walked us through his marketing tips and how to grow from a leader to a legacy builder. May was also Mental Health Awareness month, and just in time I got the chance to talk with two incredible individuals about mental health: Bryan Hixson, a neuroscientist and Chad Veach, pastor of ZOE Church. I'd love to hear from you about your favorite episode from the month in the comments. You can find the full episodes and resources from this month below:Episode 255: Jim Sheldon makes Executive Pastoring simpleEpisode 256: Lane Jones makes leading from the second chair simpleEpisode 257: Bryan Hixson makes the brain simpleEpisode 258: Mark Mears makes marketing simpleEpisode 259: Chad Veach makes authenticity and overcoming anxiety simpleSpecial thanks to our sponsor, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers. If you're looking for support you on your journey to health, check them out.

It’s the last day of Mental Health Awareness Month and I’m so glad to have Chad Veach on the podcast this week. Chad is an author, speaker, and lead pastor of ZOE Church in Los Angeles. Chad shared some of his stories as a founding pastor and a father. We also got to talk about his new book, Worried about Everything Because I Pray About Nothing. But what he had to say about authenticity and overcoming anxiety is worth the price of admission alone. I know that you’ll be able to get some great insight from my conversation with Chad. Listen in and let me know what you think in the comments below.Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this episode!HighlightsChad’s Story - 2:08How Chad got started in ministry.Chad’s experience parenting his daughter with a rare brain condition.Becoming a pastor when you were a pastor’s kid.Prayer as the antidote to worry - 10:10How ZOE Church began.The inspiration behind Chad’s new book.Chad’s rhythms for prayer and routine for podcasting.Overcoming imposter syndrome - 19:31Chad’s perspective on imposter syndrome in leadersChad’s own experience navigating impostor syndrome.“Be careful of the motive in your heart…”ResourcesEpisode TranscriptChad Veach’s WebsiteLeadership Lean In with Chad Veach - YouTube/PodcastWorried about Everything Because I Pray About Nothing by Chad VeachZOE Church

If you’ve ever supersized a Pepsi, ordered a piece of cheesecake from the Cheesecake factory, or enjoyed a Schlotsky’s sandwich, then you have my good friend Mark Mears to thank for that. Mark has been a chief marketing officer for companies like Pepsi, Cheesecake Factory and Schlotzky's Deli. And he’s on the podcast this week to talk about how he got there as well as his new book The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder. Listen in as we dig into the marketing skills you can keep in mind for your organization, the mistakes to avoid, and how to figure out your purpose.Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this episode.About Mark - 02:17How he got into marketingBe the Best Tree You Can Be - 08:40The fig tree story that shifted Mark’s perspectiveA fig tree can’t be a maple tree…Serving the whole person through LEAF - 25:16Mark shares a bit about the heart behind LEAF.Mark shares about his new book.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptMark Mears’ WebsiteThe Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder by Mark MearsSeeds 4 Growth #7 - Mark MearsMark Mears’ LinkedIn

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it seemed fitting to have a brain expert join me on Leading Simple. Bryan Hixson leads an incredible research organization focused on understanding how the brain works. How our brain functions can dramatically affect the way we lead and the way we live. It influences how quickly we can bounce back from difficulties and how easily we can let things go. I sat down with Bryan to learn more about why that is and came out of our time with my mind blown. You won't want to miss our conversation. Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this episode.HighlightsAbout Bryan Hixson - 02:10A little about Bryan HixsonWhy do we call it Mental Health?What is a brain map?How does stress affect our brains? - 10:49The pandemic’s effect on our brain health.The value of in person connection.Thoughts around the current mental health epidemic.Healing our Brains - 23:12Bryan explains how our brains function.What are some helpful tools for us to help our brains?ResourcesEpisode TranscriptBrain Performance Centers of Southern California - website

Lane Jones is one of the co-founders of North Point Ministries, an incredible church with multiple campuses across the Atlanta area. I’ve gotten to know and learn from him over the past five years and it’s great to have him on the podcast to share his insights with you. He led along Andy Stanley as they started and grew North Point to what it is today. Lane shares his experiences from the early days, the lessons he learned about leadership over three decades, and what’s next for him in the coming years.Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this episode.HighlightsLane’s Story - 02:36About Lane JonesMinistry beginnings in AtlantaThree Decades of North Point - 12:47What the early days at North Point were like.Gaining notoriety as a ministryNavigating exponential growthNorth Point todayWhat’s Next? - 43:11What does the next decade look like for Lane?How to support leaders from the second seat

People hear the title Executive Pastor and wonder what that title actually means? Well, my guest Jim Sheldon sheds some light on what that role has meant for him as he helps lead Mission Church, a church plant in Ventura, California. He also gives some background about what it was like for him moving from a corporate setting to into ministry (including a role as a police chaplain).Maybe you've considered transitioning from a corporate role to a role in ministry. We got to touch on that with guests like Jodi Tonarelli (listen to her perspective on being an executive pastor here) and Debbie Robert (listen to her story here). And Jim's story is another one to hear if that's a question you're asking yourself. I think you'll get a lot from his experiences guiding staff and his own self discovery in this role. I think you're going to be really blessed by what Jim has to say.Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this episode.HighlightsAbout Jim - 01:35Jim’s early yearsMoving from the Marketplace to MinistryWhat is an Executive Pastor? - 10:23What does an executive pastor’s day look like in a church plant setting?What does it mean to develop people?How has Mission Church changed since day one?“Tell me more…” - 29:34How to work alongside a visionary leader.Jim’s role in leading staff at Mission.Jim’s work as a police chaplain.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptMission Church Website

April was an exciting month as we sat down with with Jim Wallace as he reflected on a new chapter in his life and Debbie Robert came from behind the scenes to share her experience as an executive assistant. Roy Ratcliffe helped us look at grace through his eyes as he detailed his time with the infamous Jefferey Dahmer, and Bjorn Bjornsson helped to make therapy a little more accessible. If you hear something in this month's Best of that stood out to you you can find the full episodes and resources from this month below:Episode 250: Detective Jim Wallace processes the crucifixion crime sceneEpisode 251: Debbie Robert makes Executive Assisting simpleEpisode 252: The Pastor who baptized Dahmer makes grace simpleEpisode 253: Bjorn Bjornsson makes therapy simpleSpecial thanks to our sponsor over at Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.

My guest for the week is Bjorn Bjornsson from Saga Center based in California. He was previously in ministry back in Iceland before becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. Bjorn sits down with me and talks about his early experiences as a pastor, the need for mental health support in the church, and how you can find a counselor who is the right fit for you.Therapy can feel like a taboo word for so many people, particularly in the church. Going to therapy used to be seen as a sign of weakness. But over the years, people have become a lot more open about sharing their own experiences with mental health and finding the support they need.If you’ve heard me speak on a Sunday, maybe you’ve heard me talk a little about my own journey with anxiety and mental health. Or you’ve heard me talk with previous guests about their own journeys (like in this episode with Dan Broyles, LMFT) If you’re feeling a little skeptical about therapy, or you’ve been wondering where to even start, then take a listen to this episode and share it with a friend. The Saga Center is our sponsor for this episode, and I’m so grateful to them for it. You can find out more about Saga, Bjorn, and the work that they do in the resources below.HighlightsAbout Bjorn & Saga Center - 01:54Bjorn’s beginnings in IcelandHow Saga came to beMental Health in the past few years - 13:03Finding a Christian CounselorNavigating the mental health epidemic of the past few yearsBuilding trust againFinding the right support - 26:42Finding the courage to get support.The unique pressures being in ministry has on mental healthResources (links to books mentioned, websites, etc)Episode TranscriptConnect with the Saga CenterSaga Center websiteFacebook

You might be familiar with the name Jeffery Dahmer. In the nineties, the world was horrified to learn about his crimes. He was even the subject of a recent Netflix series. His name has become synonymous with the most extreme, the worst of the worst, and maybe somebody beyond the grace of God. So how does one forgive what seems to be the unforgivable? And what is it like to be in the position of a pastor who is asked to baptize someone as infamous as a serial killer? Well, it was a surprise to learn that Jefferey Dahmer gave his life to Christ during his time in prison. And I had a chance to talk with the man who baptized Jeffrey Dahmer, a pastor named Roy Ratcliff. Roy shares his experience with Jefferey and the incredible grace in his story of faith.You may know someone who is wrestling with the idea of God’s grace. Maybe you’re struggling to give grace to yourself, and you don’t know where to start. If that lands for you, listen to today’s episode and share it with someone you think might want to hear this.Special thanks to our sponsor over at Saga Counseling Center.HighlightsThe Backstory - 02:33About RoyHow he came to meet Jeffrey Dahmer.Why did he do the crimes? - 15:25Roy shares his own thoughts about why Jeffey Dahmer committed those crimesWhat led Jeffery to want to be baptized?What was the day of his baptism like?God’s Grace and Forgiveness - 33:08Did Jeffrey Dahmer feel remorse?How did Roy see God differently after his experience with Jeffrey?What does Jeffrey’s story mean for us?ResourcesEpisode TranscriptDark Journey Deep Grace: Jeffrey Dahmer's Story of Faith by Roy RatcliffPhoto by Jackson David on Unsplash

Well, today, you’re in for something special. You get to hear first hand what it’s like to be an executive assistant from my good friend, Debbie Robert. Debbie is the Executive Director of Administration at Real Life Church and has a wealth of wisdom to share from her time here. Debbie gives her perspective on how she navigated rapid growth, difficult situations, and working alongside me. She also highlights some of the differences between working in the marketplace versus working in ministry and lays out what it takes to find a great executive assistant. (One way is through one of our sponsors this year, BELAY Solutions). It’s been an honor having Debbie as a part of the team, and I really think you’re gonna have a lot to learn from what she has to say in our conversation.Special thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this month’s episode.Highlights About Debbie - 2:43Debbie’s life before RLCThe trip that changed Debbie’s whole world.Working in the medical field versus working in ministry.Serving God, Serving your Ministry - 11:30Debbie’s strategy for navigating difficulties in ministry.What makes a great administrative assistant?Tricks of the Trade - 24:20Debbie’s tricks of the assistant trade.What every new administrative assistant should know.What is the greatest joy of the job?ResourcesEpisode Transcript

It's great to have one of our favorite guests, cold case detective and author J. Warner Wallace back on the podcast. He's joined us before to make the case for Easter and the case for the resurrection. This time around, we talk about his upcoming book, Jesus' impact on the world at large and how being in a different season of life has called Jim to different things. Jim offers some incredible wisdom and insights that I know you'll want to hear, so listen in to this week's Leading Simple.Special Thanks to the Saga Center for Mental Health for sponsoring this month's episodes!ResourcesEpisode Transcript Previous J. Warner Wallace EpisodesEpisode 104: Understanding the Resurrection with J Warner WallaceEpisode 193: The Importance of Easter and the Case for the Resurrection with J Warner Wallace

From figuring out how to deal with content overload to better understanding the future of church to figuring out why God cares about who we sleep with and rounding it out with the excitement of a new Dodger baseball season. I've gotta say, March was an incredible month for Leading Simple. It was great having each guest on the show this month. If you hear something that stood out to you and want to know more, then you can find the full episodes from this month here:Episode 244: Brad Lomenick makes navigating content overload simpleEpisode 246: David Kinnaman makes the future of church simpleEpisode 247: Sam Allberry answers why God cares who we sleep withEpisode 248: MLB Scout Marty Lamb makes this season for the Dodgers Simple ----------------------------------------------------------------Special thanks to our sponsor, BELAY!If you're a church leader trying to do it all, you don't have to anymore. BELAY’s modern church staffing solutions have been helping busy church leaders delegate important the details for over a decade. And just for the incredible people who listen to Leading Simple, we partnered with BELAY to bring you a church leadership toolkit with some of the most essential resources to support you in your role. You can download the resource here.

It's springtime, so you know what that means: It's time for Dodger baseball! It's an honor to have Marty Lamb back on the podcast. We spend some time talking shop about what to look out for this upcoming Baseball season. With new players, new rules, and new prospects, there is a lot to talk about. We also look back on the legacy of the late Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. And if you've never heard of Refuge for Women, Marty gives an overview of the incredible work they do to support women recovering from human trafficking. Special thanks to our friends over at BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode. You can access a free leadership resource here at belaysolutions.com/rusty. Or you can text RUSTY to 55123 to claim this exclusive offer.HighlightsNew Season, New Scouts - 2:33Preparing for a new baseball season.Who's got the best player prospects this year?Marty's shares stories about Tommy LasordaWhat does Dodger Baseball Look Like This Season? - 08:29Marty talks about the future of Dodger BaseballMarty's thoughts on some major moves from the minor league.Unpacking new rules in baseballRefuge for Women - 39:47What is Refuge for Women?ResourcesEpisode TranscriptEpisode 210: Dodgers scout Marty Lamb makes spotting talent simpleConnect with MartyTwitterInstagramThe Official Dodger’s WebsiteRefuge for Women's Website - Refuge for WomenSurvivor Made - Products made by those housed by Refuge for Women.I AM - Easter Devotional

There are no more controversial issues in our culture right now than the issue of sex and identity. We’re having those conversations at Real Life Church in our series Sex&Theology. And last month on the podcast, we got to hear Becket Cook’s experience (you can take a listen to his episode here)This month, you’re in for another insightful episode. Sam Allberry is a pastor, speaker, and author of several books, including Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? We get to sit down and work through talk through the theology behind the Christian sexual ethic and how to approach these conversations in real time with friends, family, and loved ones. I know you’ll get a lot out of this episode.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode. And you can access a free leadership resource here at belaysolutions.com/rusty. Or you can text RUSTY to 55123 to claim this exclusive offer.HighlightsSam’s Calling - 2:56About Sam AllberryThe story behind “Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?”Wrestling with the Christian Sexual Ethic - 13:17How the Christian sexual ethic has been viewed through history.Understanding God’s purpose for sexWhat does this look like in real life? - 24:56How can the church love the LGBTQ+ community better?How to have conversations with your kids about their gender and sexual identity.Sam shares his personal experiences.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptWhy Does God Care Who I Sleep With? By Sam AllberrySex&Theology Resources

When you think of organizational research, the names that most readily come to mind are Gallup, Pew, and Barna Group. We've gotten to hear from Savannah Kimberlin as we talked through what a post-COVID world would look like (you can listen to the episode here). And it’s an honor to have David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group on the podcast this week. David helps shed light on what the data says about the future of the Church and shares his perspective on some of the trends we’re seeing in churches today. David was also gracious enough to share his personal experience navigating major life transitions and overcoming difficulties along the way.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode. And you can access a free leadership resource here at belaysolutions.com/rusty. Or you can text RUSTY to 55123 to claim this exclusive offer.About David and Barna Group- 02:41David’s early daysBeing a public pastor as CEO of BarnaAbout about Barna GroupThe Future of the Church - 10:05Questions we should ask ourselves when we look at the data.Confronting our own assumptions about ChristianityDavid breaks down church trends.Transition, Grief, and Loss - 49:58The power of suffering.Learning from those who’ve suffered greatly.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptBarna Group’s Website2 Corinthians 1:3

Information overload in this day and age is a real thing. And there is no silver bullet to make all the information make sense for how we lead. So how do we sort through it all? Who better to join me for this episode than leadership consultant and content curator Brad Lomenick? Brad shares his tips for getting the most out of the wealth of content available and shares some of his favorite podcast recommendations. We also talk about how leaders can leverage their influence for a more intentional impact on the people they lead. I enjoyed my time with Brad and I know you’ll enjoy hearing his insights.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode! I partnered with BELAY to bring church leaders a free resource that I think will really make a difference. You can access the resource here at belaysolutions.com/rusty.ResourcesConnect with BradTwitterInstagramFacebookThe H3 Leadership PodcastH3 Leadership by Brad Lomenick (book)

Leading Simple has had some incredible guests this February. If you've got 15 minutes and want to hear some of the highlights from each episode, this is for you. If as you're listening something jumps out at you and you want to dig a little deeper, you can find the full episodes from this month here:Episode 239: Becket Cook makes identity simple.Episode 240: Ben Connelly tells us to stop asking for forgiveness.Episode 241: Gary McIntosh makes solo pastoring simpleEpisode 242: Brian Carpenter cures burnout through fly fishing.Special thanks to our sponsor, BELAY!If you're a church leader trying to do it all, you don't have to anymore. BELAY’s modern church staffing solutions have been helping busy church leaders delegate important the details for over a decade. And just for the incredible people who listen to Leading Simple, we partnered with BELAY to bring you a church leadership toolkit with some of the most essential resources to support you in your role. You can download the resource here.

If there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s supporting leaders. And Brian Carpenter shares that same passion. That’s why he started the Refuge Foundation and why we love sending groups to the incredible experiences that they create. The Refuge Foundation sets up experiences where leaders can not only grow but recover from the pains of leadership. Burnout is more prevalent in ministry and the statistics are stunning. Now, we’ve talked with one of the board members of the Refuge Foundation about how to avoid burnout (you can listen to my conversation with Lance Witt here). And it was great getting another perspective on how to prevent it. Brian and I sit down and dig into his heart behind the foundation, his experiences in ministry, and how fly fishing with friends can be one of the most restoring things you can do.Special thanks to BELAY Solutions for sponsoring this week’s episode! You can learn more about how they support pastors and leaders at belaysolutions.com/rusty.Resources (links to books mentioned, websites, etc)You can reach Brian at [email protected] Website

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.