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IL #664: Christian Leadership Ethics — When Telling the Truth Conflicts with Doing What’s Right

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

Release Date: 11/10/2025

IL #670: Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Spendor show art IL #670: Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Spendor

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

In the busyness of Christmas, we often move from task to task, celebration to celebration—without ever truly receiving the most important gift of the season. In this reflective episode, Ron shares a deeply personal story of a forgotten gift left unopened on his desk—a small brown bag with his name on it, quietly waiting amid the rush of end-of-year leadership responsibilities. What begins as a simple memory unfolds into a powerful spiritual metaphor. Through a surprising note tucked inside a devotional book, Ron is reminded how easily we admire the wrapping of Christmas—songs,...

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Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

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Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

The headlines are all too familiar: another Christian leader fails, trust is shattered, and followers are left reeling. These public downfalls aren’t random—they follow a sobering pattern of spiritual drift and moral compromise. In this episode, we explore the seven most common reasons leaders fall—and more importantly, how you can stand firm. Drawing on insights from Pastor Shane Idleman and supported by biblical examples, Ron Kelleher outlines why even the most gifted leaders stumble: pride that blinds, busyness that burns out, compromise that erodes character, and relationships that...

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Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

Some stories in Scripture capture the essence of faith and leadership in just a few verses. The story of the paralyzed man and his four friends in Mark 2:1–12, Matthew 9:1–8, and Luke 5:17–26 is one of them—a story of faith in motion, compassion in action, and teamwork that moved heaven itself. In this episode, Ron explores what this moment reveals about authentic Christian leadership. These friends weren’t scholars, pastors, or CEOs. They were ordinary people who believed that Jesus could do what no one else could—and their determination changed a life forever. Their example...

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Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

Why do so many leaders fall short—not for lack of skill, but for lack of courage? In this powerful episode, Ron explores what author Jill Schulman calls “The Bravery Gap”—the space between knowing the right thing to do and actually doing it. Every leader faces it: the moment when faith collides with fear, and comfort feels safer than courage. Drawing wisdom from both Scripture and experience, Ron shows how Christian leaders can close that gap and step into bold, God-honoring leadership. Using Schulman’s four practical steps and adding a fifth distinctly spiritual one—prayer—this...

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IL #665: The 5 Woes of Hypocritical Leaders: Lessons from Jesus’ Warning show art IL #665: The 5 Woes of Hypocritical Leaders: Lessons from Jesus’ Warning

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

In Matthew 23, Jesus delivered a powerful rebuke to the religious leaders of His day—those who wore masks of holiness but whose hearts were far from God. These “woes” weren’t just criticisms of ancient Pharisees. They were—and still are—timeless warnings for every leader who is tempted to prioritize image over integrity. In this episode, we explore five specific traits of hypocritical leaders that Jesus condemned: Pride and Self-Exaltation – The desire to be admired often takes precedence over serving others. Legalism Without Love – Leaders focus on rules while neglecting...

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IL #662: What the Bible Says About Worry and How Leaders Can Model Faith Over Fear show art IL #662: What the Bible Says About Worry and How Leaders Can Model Faith Over Fear

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

Worry has a way of creeping into every corner of leadership—especially in seasons of pressure, uncertainty, or high stakes. As Christian leaders, we often carry the burdens of our teams, organizations, and even our families. But what does the Bible say about worry? More importantly, how can leaders respond in a way that builds faith rather than spreads fear? In this episode, we explore biblical wisdom on worry and offer a fresh, faith-filled perspective for leaders feeling overwhelmed. You’ll discover: Jesus’ direct command to “not worry” (Matthew 6:25–34) and what it means for...

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Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

When you live your faith boldly in the workplace, you’re bound to face opposition—from policies that restrict expression, to coworkers who mock your values, to cultural narratives that paint you as out of touch. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. In this episode, we turn to Nehemiah 4 for encouragement and direction. Nehemiah’s leadership during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls reveals what it means to lead with courage when pressure comes from every direction. North, south, east, and west—Nehemiah was surrounded. But he stayed focused, stayed faithful, and...

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IL #664: Christian Leadership Ethics — When Telling the Truth Conflicts with Doing What’s Right show art IL #664: Christian Leadership Ethics — When Telling the Truth Conflicts with Doing What’s Right

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

As Christian leaders, we’re called to speak the truth. But what happens when truth-telling could lead to injustice, betrayal, or harm? Is there ever a time when discretion honors God more than full disclosure? In this episode, we explore the tension between truth and righteousness—a complex but essential part of Christian leadership ethics. Drawing from four powerful biblical examples—Rahab, the Hebrew midwives, Samuel, and Elisha—we examine how faithful leaders have navigated difficult moral decisions when obedience to God required something more than strict rule-following. This...

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IL #663: Watchfulness vs. Worry — What the Bible Really Says show art IL #663: Watchfulness vs. Worry — What the Bible Really Says

Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher

Worry is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. It shows up in boardrooms, late-night thoughts, and critical decisions—robbing us of peace and pulling our eyes off God's promises. But Scripture offers a better way: watchfulness. In this episode, we explore the stark difference between worry and watchfulness. Worry is fear-driven and reactive. It drains energy, clouds judgment, and spreads anxiety across teams. But watchfulness is faith-fueled and proactive. It's rooted in prayer, focused on God’s Word, and alert to both spiritual challenges and God’s guidance. You’ll discover...

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As Christian leaders, we’re called to speak the truth. But what happens when truth-telling could lead to injustice, betrayal, or harm? Is there ever a time when discretion honors God more than full disclosure?

In this episode, we explore the tension between truth and righteousness—a complex but essential part of Christian leadership ethics. Drawing from four powerful biblical examples—Rahab, the Hebrew midwives, Samuel, and Elisha—we examine how faithful leaders have navigated difficult moral decisions when obedience to God required something more than strict rule-following.

This episode challenges the idea that leadership integrity is simply about always telling the truth. Instead, we uncover a higher standard: one rooted in wisdom, discernment, and alignment with God’s redemptive purposes.

You’ll walk away with:

  • Biblical examples of ethical leadership in morally complex situations
  • A framework for balancing truth-telling and protecting others
  • Practical questions to help you lead with integrity and courage
  • Action steps to apply Christian leadership ethics in today’s workplace or ministry

If you’ve ever faced a tough decision where telling the whole truth felt like a betrayal of righteousness, this episode is for you. Integrity isn’t just about facts—it’s about faithfully representing God’s heart. Tune in and reflect on how your leadership can align with both truth and righteousness.