GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges
The GrowLeader podcast brings you thought-provoking inspiration along with practical insights and tips that will help you grow as the leader you are called to be.
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75 | Levi Lusko – Blessed are the Spiraling
04/21/2025
75 | Levi Lusko – Blessed are the Spiraling
What do you do when life feels like it’s spiraling—and how can that moment become the start of something more significant? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Levi Lusko joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor for an honest conversation about leadership, creativity, and the hidden opportunities inside seasons of struggle. They unpack what it looks like to lead through midlife, steward influence well, and embrace the shift from stage to sage. Levi shares the story behind his new book Blessed Are the Spiraling, including how a panic attack, personal loss, and burnout became a catalyst for deeper clarity and calling. He also talks about writing rhythms, sermon preparation, and the power of intentional systems for capturing and storing content. Whether you’re recalibrating your pace, mentoring the next generation, or looking for fresh ways to connect with your spouse and team, this episode will help you rediscover purpose in the middle of pressure—and find joy in the journey ahead. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More | Levi Lusko: - Levi’s HC Chapel Message: - Blessed Are The Spiraling Book: - The Marriage Devotional: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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74 | Carey Nieuwhof – Leading through Church Trends
04/07/2025
74 | Carey Nieuwhof – Leading through Church Trends
What trends are shaping the future of the Church—and how should leaders respond with wisdom and courage? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and longtime voice in the church world, to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing pastors today. From a fresh wave of Gen Z revival to the sharp decline in evangelism, Carey shares real-time insights backed by research and frontline conversations with church leaders around the world. They discuss what it means to lead in a post-Christian culture, how to build momentum with new believers, and why confession might be the unexpected key to engaging the next generation. Carey also reflects on lessons from his own leadership transition and offers practical advice for leaders navigating change. Whether you’re preparing for Easter, building your team, or rethinking how to reach people in 2025, this episode will help you lead with clarity, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose. . . . . Episode Resources: - 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025: - Learn more from Carey Nieuwhof: - Carey's Leadership Podcast: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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73 | Mark Pettus – Mission in the Middle
03/24/2025
73 | Mark Pettus – Mission in the Middle
What does it look like to lead with clarity, humility, and confidence through a leadership transition? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Mark Pettus to talk about the heart behind the recent leadership transition at Church of the Highlands. Pastor Mark shares how calling, confirmation, and clarity guided his journey—alongside a deep honor for what came before. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders at every level—whether you’re in a season of transition, preparing for one, or helping others grow into new roles. They unpack how to steward vision, build momentum for what’s next, and navigate leadership change as a team. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or a ministry, this episode will help you discern your next step, carry legacy with purpose, and lead with wisdom through seasons of change. . . . . Episode Resources: - Anniversary Sunday Message: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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72 | Leading through Transition
03/02/2025
72 | Leading through Transition
What does a healthy church transition look like? In this episode, Pastor Chris shares the journey of transitioning from Lead Pastor to Founding Pastor at Church of the Highlands. For over two years, Pastors Chris and Mark Pettus, carefully prepared for this moment—ensuring healthy leadership succession, organizational stability, and a clear vision for the future. This conversation is packed with wisdom, practical takeaways, and behind-the-scenes insights for leaders preparing for their own transitions. . . . . Episode Resources: - Anniversary Sunday Message: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader Regional | Miami, FL: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader
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71 | Dudley Delffs – The Art & Process of Writing
02/17/2025
71 | Dudley Delffs – The Art & Process of Writing
How can you turn your ideas into a book? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Dudley Delffs, a bestselling author, editor, and publishing expert, to discuss the process of writing, publishing, and using books as tools for leadership and ministry. Many leaders feel called to write but don’t know where to start—this conversation breaks down the step-by-step journey from idea to published book. From structuring your message and finding your writing rhythm to deciding between traditional publishing and self-publishing, we cover the key elements every aspiring author needs to know. We also explore how to refine your ideas, work with editors, and use books to disciple and equip others beyond your immediate reach. Whether you’re a pastor, business leader, or creative, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world advice to help you write with clarity and purpose. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More | Dudley Delffs: - PC's Books: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: https://www.growleader.com/onedays All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader Regional | Miami, FL: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC: https://www.thestudioc.org/growleader
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70 | Mark Pettus & Bubba Massey – Reaching & Discipling the Next Generation
02/03/2025
70 | Mark Pettus & Bubba Massey – Reaching & Discipling the Next Generation
How can churches effectively reach and disciple the next generation of leaders? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Pastors Mark Pettus and Bubba Massey to dive deep into how churches can build thriving student and college ministries. They discuss the key strategies that help churches engage young people, foster discipleship, and create an irresistible environment for the next generation. From rethinking youth ministry models to leveraging mentorship and discipleship, they break down what’s working today to equip students for a lifetime of faith. The conversation also explores the power of calling young leaders into ministry, building strong church cultures for students, and the rising hunger among young people for deeper spiritual engagement. If you’re a pastor or church leader looking to strengthen your student and college ministries, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical takeaways that will help you create a movement that transforms lives and builds lasting church growth. If you want to learn more, we would love to invite you to our upcoming GrowLeader One Day all about reaching and discipling students. You can learn more and register for this special one-day event here: . . . . Episode Resources: - GrowLeader Regional | Miami, FL: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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69 | Models & Mentors
01/06/2025
69 | Models & Mentors
Who will you learn from in 2025? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor kick off the year by exploring how leaders can grow through intentional models and mentors. Pastor Chris shares personal stories of how he has applied lessons from others to create systems and strategies that have fueled the success of Church of the Highlands. The discussion dives into the power of learning from other leaders, pursuing mentorship intentionally, and crafting a personal growth plan to stay ahead. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or simply looking for ways to grow, this episode offers practical wisdom to start your year with focus and purpose. . . . . Episode Resources: - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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68 | Ed Mylett – The Power of One More
12/16/2024
68 | Ed Mylett – The Power of One More
How can leaders use their influence to build a legacy that transforms lives and inspires the next generation? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we’re highlighting a powerful session from the 2024 Impact Leadership Conference at Highlands College featuring Ed Mylett. A renowned speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Ed shares transformative insights on leadership, legacy, and the power of vision. He challenges leaders to embrace their pain as a platform for purpose, cast a God-sized vision that inspires others, and empower the next generation to carry the mission forward. With practical advice and inspirational stories, this episode will equip you to lead with conviction, create lasting impact, and build a life that leaves a meaningful legacy. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More | Ed Mylett: - Impact Leadership Conference 2025: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC:
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67 | Essential Year-End Questions
12/02/2024
67 | Essential Year-End Questions
How can leaders reflect, refocus, and reignite their vision to lead effectively into the new year? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges dives into the importance of reflecting on the past year to identify lessons, celebrate wins, and prepare for the future. He shares seven key questions every leader should ask to evaluate their leadership, align their vision and values, and uncover growth opportunities. This episode offers practical insights on focusing your efforts, empowering your team, and starting the new year with prayer and fasting to invite God’s presence into your plans. Whether you’re looking to grow personally or lead your organization more effectively, these strategies will help you build momentum and make a lasting impact. . . . . Episode Resources: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Watch last year's December episode: - See Church of the Highlands Values: - Pray First Resources: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: - GrowLeader Roundtables: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch more episodes: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:12 - Reflecting on the Past 07:17 - Evaluating Vision and Values 30:37 - Preparing for the New Year | Prayer and Fasting 32:20 - Thank You, Partners!
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66 | Sammy Rodriguez – Leading in a Complex Culture
11/18/2024
66 | Sammy Rodriguez – Leading in a Complex Culture
How can church leaders boldly share God’s truth while inspiring hope and love in a complex world? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Sammy Rodriguez to discuss how leaders can navigate today’s complex cultural landscape. They dive into the challenges of balancing truth and love while engaging with a rapidly changing world. Pastor Sammy shares powerful insights on the role of the Holy Spirit in leading with conviction and grace, and emphasizes the importance of investing in the next generation. The conversation explores how staying Spirit-led and empowering young leaders can position the Church to make a lasting impact in a complex culture. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Pastor Sammy Rodriguez: - Book | Fresh Oil Holy Fire New Wine: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - NEW GrowLeader One Days: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:19 - Meet Pastor Sammy Rodriguez 08:26 - Balancing Truth and Love 21:13 - The Role of the Holy Spirit 28:02 - Thank You, Partners!
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65 | Dr. Dharius Daniels – Consistent Leadership
11/04/2024
65 | Dr. Dharius Daniels – Consistent Leadership
In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast Dr. Dharius Daniels, a visionary leader and pastor, sits down with pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor to discuss practical strategies for ministry success. Together, they explore the power of consistency, effective discipleship of men, and the importance of establishing a rhythm for ministry through principles like the “Ideal Week.” Dr. Daniels shares his journey of finding his voice, the lessons he’s learned in growing churches, and the transformative discipleship program he’s developed to shape men as godly leaders in their homes and communities. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Dr. Dharius Daniels: - Highlands College Chapel: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn More and Register for GrowLeader Conference 2025: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - OneHope: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:23 - About Highlands College 03:40 - Meet Dr. Dharius Daniels 08:08 - Message Prep and Delivery 13:55 - The Power of Consistency in Leadership 26:17 - Discipleship and "Made Men" 32:09 - Thank You, Partners!
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64 | Norwood Davis – Building Strong Financial Foundations - WIF
10/21/2024
64 | Norwood Davis – Building Strong Financial Foundations - WIF
How do you ensure financial decisions prioritize Kingdom impact over infrastructure growth? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Norwood Davis, President of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation (WIF), to discuss the financial principles every church leader should know. They dive into the importance of having a clear financial strategy to support church growth. Norwood shares key financial metrics for churches and explains how WIF has helped fund over $630 million in church projects. The conversation also explores how creating margin in your budget can lead to unexpected opportunities and why preparing your team for financial growth is essential to success. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Overflow: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:25 - Intro Norwood Davis 05:23 - Financial Strategy & Church Growth 07:13 - About WIF 14:59 - Creating Margin In Your Budget 22:41 - Leading Your Team Through Financial Growth 27:30 - Thank You, Partners!
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63 | Year-End Momentum
10/07/2024
63 | Year-End Momentum
Ready to build momentum into the new year? Join pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor as they discuss how to "stack the dominoes" into the new year as well as how to navigate the often polarizing election season with grace and wisdom. They unpack leadership strategies for maintaining focus on what matters most during the holidays and year-end, including how to define vision, develop givers, and make the most of key Sundays leading up to Christmas. Packed with practical insights for pastors and leaders, this episode is all about stacking momentum, so that each event, service, and outreach builds toward greater impact. Don’t miss the essential advice on leveraging “At the Movies”, Thanksgiving outreaches, and preparing for Christmas to close out the year strong! . . . . Episode Resources: - Jesus the High Road Leader: - Giving Hope Resources: - Kingdom Builders Virtual Intensive: - Yearly Preaching Calendar: - GrowLeader Roundtables: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:24 - Intro + Election Season & Leadership 07:51 - Thank You, Partners! 10:48 - Fall & the Holidays 17:38 - Define Vision & Develop Givers 26:07 - Preparing for Christmas & 21 Days of Prayer
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62 | Vance Roush – A System of Generosity - Overflow
09/16/2024
62 | Vance Roush – A System of Generosity - Overflow
In this episode Vance Roush, founder of Overflow, joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor to talk about his journey of starting a church in the Silicon Valley and how it led to the creation of Overflow, a system of generosity for churches. Overflow allows churches to receive stock and cryptocurrency donations, as well as traditional forms of giving. Vance emphasizes the importance of removing friction from the giving process and the power of generosity in expanding the kingdom of God. He also encourages pastors to hire the right people to navigate the world of technology and leverage it for the growth of their churches. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn More about Overflow: - Book a Demo with Overflow: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:18 - About Vance Roush 09:04 - Removing Friction from Generosity 24:54 - Thank You, Partners!
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61 | Jesus the High Road Leader
09/02/2024
61 | Jesus the High Road Leader
In a culture that likes to pick sides, who can we look to as a model of high road leadership? In this episode, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor discuss the importance of living out the values and principles of Jesus, which is the heart of a new book Pastor Chris co-authored with John C. Maxwell called “Jesus the High Road Leader”. They emphasize the need for an attractive spirituality that draws people to God as well as highlight the value of all people, even those we may disagree with, and the importance of entering their world to understand them. Pastor Chris shares examples of how he has applied these principles in his own life and encourages pastors to preach on these topics. . . . . Episode Resources: - Order "Jesus The High Road Leader" book: - Pre-Orders: - Bulk Orders: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 02:22 - High Road Leaders 11:20 - Lead Like Jesus 17:19 - Attractive Spirituality 22:46 - Value People 25:30 - Enter Their World 31:06 - Thank You, Partners!
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60 | Craig Groeschel – The Power of Pre-Deciding
08/19/2024
60 | Craig Groeschel – The Power of Pre-Deciding
In this episode, Pastor Craig Groeschel, the Senior Pastor of Life.Church, joins Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor to discuss church growth, leadership, and the power of pre-deciding. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy church culture, the importance of reaching people and creating margin, and the potential of the YouVersion Bible app. Craig shares his personal disciplines and the concept of pre-decision, which involves making a plan ahead of time to be successful. He emphasizes the need for accountability and creating systems that make it easy to succeed. . . . . Episode Resources: - Learn about the 3 Leadership Mindsets: - Get Involved with YouVersion: - Email: - Website: - Watch the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:47 - About Craig Groeschel 03:33 - Reaching People and Creating Margin 23:19 - Craig's Personal Disciplines 32:04 - Thank You, Partners!
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59 | Brad Straarup – Church Health Assessment
08/05/2024
59 | Brad Straarup – Church Health Assessment
In this episode, Pastors Chris and Matt are joined by Brad Straarup to discuss GrowLeader's newest service, the Church Health Assessment! They discuss the importance of assessing the health of various aspects of a church, such as worship, children's ministry, and overall culture. They emphasize the need for regular self-assessment and external assessment to identify areas of improvement and ensure growth. The conversation also touches on the value of feedback, the role of leadership in driving change, and the importance of aligning with the vision and values of the organization. . . . . Episode Resources: - NEW Church Health Assessment: - PC's Personal Questions: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:27 - GrowLeader + Motion Conferences 02:38 - About Brad Straarup 03:32 - Church Health Assessment 17:38 - Personal Dashboards 19:53 - Personal and Organizational Questions 29:45 - Thank You, Partners!
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58 | Mark Pettus – Leading the Now Generation
07/01/2024
58 | Mark Pettus – Leading the Now Generation
As leaders, what can we do to reach the next generation for Jesus? In this episode, Mark Pettus– the President of Highlands College, joins Pastors Chris and Matt to discuss the importance of student ministry and leadership development in the church. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both large events and small group discipleship and highlight the significance of personal connections and access to pastors and leaders in the church. They touch on the challenges faced by the current generation, such as loneliness and the negative impact of technology, and the importance of providing a cause for young people to believe in. Lastly, they unpack the need for more leaders in the church is also addressed, with a focus on raising up the next generation of church leaders through programs like Highlands College. This is a great episode to inspire your whole team to develop the next generation of leaders! . . . . Episode Resources: - Motion Night Info: - Motion Midweek Info: - Sunday Message "Fighting for the Next Generation": - Interested in Highlands College: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access FREE church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:46 - Intro 09:17 - The Importance of Student Ministry 33:10 - Thank You, Partners!
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57 | Rob Hoskins – Reaching the Unreached
06/17/2024
57 | Rob Hoskins – Reaching the Unreached
What can we do to reach the unreached? In this episode, Rob Hoskins the President of OneHope, joins pastors Chris and Matt to discuss the importance of global missions in churches today. While discussing how to prioritize missions and sharing personal stories, they highlight the impact of digital missions and the role of the local church in reaching children and young people with the Word of God. The conversation emphasizes the urgency and opportunity for global missions and encourages pastors to be actively involved in missions efforts. . . . . Episode Resources: - Hear more from Rob Hoskins: - Learn more about OneHope: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - Compassion International: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:30 - Intro 02:12 - A Missions Mindset 31:14 - Thank You, Partners!
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56 | John Maxwell – High Road Leadership
06/03/2024
56 | John Maxwell – High Road Leadership
What is the secret to being a High Road Leader? In this conversation, Pastor Matt interviews Dr. John C. Maxwell about his new book, High Road Leadership, and the importance of being a high road leader in a divided world. They discuss the motivation behind Maxwell's continuous work and his passion for evangelism. They also touch on the upcoming book that Maxwell is co-writing with Pastor Chris, which focuses on Jesus as the ultimate High Road Leader. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth and intentionality in leadership, as well as the importance of representing Jesus and living out Christian values in a divided society. . . . . Episode Resources: - Hear more from Dr. John C. Maxwell: - Get a copy of High Road Leadership: - Highlands Resources | Growth Track: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - Compassion International: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:20 - Thank You, Wesleyan Investment Foundation! 00:52 - Intro 06:37 - The Urgency of Impact 08:34 - High Road Leadership 31:07 - Thank You, Partners!
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55 | Dino Rizzo – Training and Supporting Church Planters
05/20/2024
55 | Dino Rizzo – Training and Supporting Church Planters
Ministry can be tough and so the best way to do it is in a community! In this episode, Pastor Dino Rizzo joins us to discuss the importance of planting churches and how the Association of Related Churches (ARC) is supporting leaders to do just that. Dino emphasizes the importance of training and supporting church planters, as well as the funding model used by ARC. He also highlights the need for churches in cities that currently have a low number of churches while explaining the importance of collaboration, relationships, and community in the church planting process. This episode is a great reminder of the amazing things God is doing through the local Church and the importance of doing ministry together! . . . . Episode Resources: - Plant a Church through ARC: - Become an ARC Partner: - Support Churches through ARC: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - Compassion International: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:43 - Intro 01:57 - The Heart of ARC 19:08 - Keys to Church Plant Success 31:18 - Thank You, Partners!
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54 | A Message of Hope – Sharing Our Faith with Others
05/06/2024
54 | A Message of Hope – Sharing Our Faith with Others
What is the best way to reach people for Jesus? Share your personal faith journey! In this conversation, Pastor Chris Hodges discusses the importance of sharing your faith and reaching out to those who are far from God. He emphasizes the need for personal evangelism and teaching church members how to share their faith. The conversation highlights the key principles of recognizing God-given moments, refocusing on how we live our lives, and relaying the message of hope to a broken world. This is a great episode to reignite a passion in your team to share their faith and create a church culture where every church member is prepared to give an answer for the hope they have. . . . . Messages on Evangelism from Pastor Chris: - GrowLeader Podcast Episode 40: - This is My Story | July 2022: - Salt and Light | July 2022: - How Do I Share My Faith? | September 2015: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: - Compassion International: - StudioC: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:27 - Intro 01:46 - Sharing Our Faith 13:40 - The Message of Hope 32:26 - Thank You, Partners!
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53 | Chad Veach – Lessons in Building, Excellence, and Growth
04/22/2024
53 | Chad Veach – Lessons in Building, Excellence, and Growth
What is the secret to excellence and growth in ministry? In this episode, Pastor Chad Veach joins us to discuss what he has learned over the last 10 years and shares his experience visiting Highlands College. We start by discussing the importance of creating a culture of honor before delving into the principles of being a builder and the spiritual aspects of leadership. We also discuss topics from growth and challenges of starting a church to the need for counsel/outside perspectives and the importance of excellence in leadership. To close it out, Chad shares his personal growth plan, which includes daily Bible reading, intentional learning, and focused time for strategizing and planning. This episode provides both practical advice and encouragement that we can all use as leaders! . . . . Episode Resources: - Highlands College Discovery Day: - HC Chapel with Chad Veach: - Leadership Lean-In with Chad Veach: - Unleash your leadership potential with our NEW show notes with Discussion Questions! - Hear more from Chad Veach: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - The StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:36 - Intro 01:34 - Chad Veach at Highlands College 08:49 - Being a Builder 14:37 - The Principle of Excellence 26:33 - Personal Growth 31:01 - Thank You, Partners!
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52 | Making Disciples - 12 Steps for Every Believer
04/01/2024
52 | Making Disciples - 12 Steps for Every Believer
Looking for practical ways to disciple new believers after Easter services? In this conversation, Pastors Chris and Matt discuss the importance of intentional evangelism and discipleship. They emphasize the need to preach the gospel in every service, give people a chance to respond to God, and get their information for follow-up. Pastor Chris also highlights the 12 steps every believer needs to take through 4 areas: Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. By providing clear steps and resources, churches can effectively disciple their members and help them grow in their faith. . . . . Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential by following along with our Show Notes with discussion questions and Timeline below! - Highlands Resources | Growth Track Course: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:18 - Intro 03:37 - Intentional Evangelism 12:33 - Steps of Discipleship 14:46 - Know God 19:23 - Find Freedom 23:44 - Discover Purpose 27:52 - Make a Difference 30:13 - Thank you, Partners!
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51 | Blue Van Dyke – Effective Membership Engagement - StudioC
03/18/2024
51 | Blue Van Dyke – Effective Membership Engagement - StudioC
What is the secret to membership engagement? In this episode, Blue Van Dyke, the founder of StudioC, joins Pastors Chris and Matt to discuss the importance of member engagement in church growth. He shares his background in marketing and strategy, and how he applied those principles to help churches engage their members. StudioC provides a personalized messaging platform that allows churches to target their members with personalized content based on their stage in the member lifecycle. This is a great episode to learn how you can help your members feel known, cared for, and encouraged as they take steps in their faith journey. StudioC is accessible to churches of all sizes, and you can learn more about them through the links below! . . . . Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential by following along with our Show Notes with discussion questions and Timeline below! . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Join us in person for Financial One-Day: https://www.growleader.com/financial-one-day - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:24 - Intro 01:09 - Membership Engagement System 02:28 - About Blue Van Dyke 13:04 - Starting StudioC 23:29 - Know the One 27:06 - Thank you, Partners!
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50 | Taking Inventory – 8 Characteristics of Growing Churches
03/04/2024
50 | Taking Inventory – 8 Characteristics of Growing Churches
What are the key characteristics of a growing church? In this episode, Pastors Chris and Matt discuss the importance of taking inventory and detecting problems within your church early. They introduce a new health assessment tool from GrowLeader and share the eight qualities that all growing churches possess, including passionate spirituality, gift-oriented ministry, empowering leadership, functional structures, inspiring worship, holistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving relationships. This is a great episode to share with your team so we can all be looking for areas we can improve to reach more people! . . . . Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential by following along with our Show Notes with discussion questions and Timeline below! - Received updates on Church Assessment: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:29 - Intro 03:46 - Church Assessment 11:30 - Natural Church Development 18:27 - 1. Passionate Spirituality 20:53 - 2. Gift-Oriented Ministry 22:42 - 3. Empowering Leadership 24:48 - 4. Functional Structures 25:37 - 5. Inspiring Worship 29:58 - 6. Holistic Small Groups 30:29 - 7. Need-Oriented Evangelism 31:09 - 8. Loving Relationships 34:07 - Thank you, Partners!
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49 | Wess Stafford – The Heart of Poverty – Compassion International
02/19/2024
49 | Wess Stafford – The Heart of Poverty – Compassion International
What is the heart of poverty and how can we confront it? In this episode, Pastors Chris and Matt are joined by Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International, who shares stories from his life and what led him to joining Compassion International. From experiencing both poverty and abundance, to becoming a bridge for people to providing relief to those in need, Wess helps us understand the heart of poverty and what we can do to confront it. Prepare yourself for an inspiring conversation that will motivate all of us to join together and release people from poverty in Jesus name! Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential by following along with our Show Notes with discussion questions and Timeline below! . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for upcoming Regionals in 2024: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . Timeline: 00:00 - Highlight 00:31 - Intro 02:48 - Wess Stafford 13:51 - Experiencing Poverty 23:03 - Experiencing Abundance 30:14 - Confronting Poverty 44:29 - Thank You, Partners!
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48 | Leading with Integrity – 7 Steps to Maintaining Integrity as a Leader
02/05/2024
48 | Leading with Integrity – 7 Steps to Maintaining Integrity as a Leader
What are the steps to finishing strong as a leader with integrity? In this episode, Pastors Chris and Matt discuss the importance of maintaining integrity as a leader. PC shares seven key principles to help leaders guard against moral failure and make wise choices. These principles include never considering yourself above temptation, keeping a strong relationship with God, maintaining a strong marriage, developing healthy outlets, guarding your mind, remembering the consequences, and protecting yourself. Whether you are a seasoned or young leader, this episode shares powerful advice so we all can finish strong! . . . . Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential by following along with our with discussion questions and Timeline at the end! . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Register for 2024 Regionals: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - The StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation: . . . . - Timeline 00:00 - Highlight 00:18 - Intro + Anniversary Sunday 03:01 - GrowLeader Conference & Regionals 04:41 - All-Staff Message 09:16 - 1. Consider Temptation 12:00 - 2. Relationship with God 15:50 - 3. Maintaining Your Marriage 20:50 - 4. Healthy Outlets 24:49 - 5. Guard Your Mind 26:32 - 6. Damaging Consequences 29:17 - 7. Protecting Yourself 31:24 - PC's Prayer 32:45 - Thank You, Partners!
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47 | William Vanderbloemen – Essential Leadership Habits - Be the Unicorn
01/22/2024
47 | William Vanderbloemen – Essential Leadership Habits - Be the Unicorn
What are the essential habits to look for in a leader? Discover the must-have habits for effective leadership in this insightful episode! Join Pastor Chris and William Vanderbloemen as they delve into William's latest book, "Be the Unicorn". Unpacking findings from 30,000 top leader interviews, they explore some of the 12 key habits for success, including data-driven insights on fast response times, self-awareness, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Whether you're refining your personal leadership style or making strategic hires, this episode offers valuable wisdom to foster growth in your leadership journey! . . . . Episode Resources: - Get your copy of "Be the Unicorn": - Hear more from William Vanderbloemen: - Unleash your leadership potential with our NEW show notes with Discussion Questions! . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Register for upcoming Regionals in the Fall: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - The StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation:
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46 | Annual Goal Setting – Seeking God’s Will for our New Year Goals
01/01/2024
46 | Annual Goal Setting – Seeking God’s Will for our New Year Goals
Happy New Year! As leaders, how can we start the new year by seeking God’s will for our New Year goals? Join Pastors Chris and Matt as they share practical advice for setting annual goals and seeking God’s will through prayer and fasting. Discover practical steps to craft meaningful New Year goals that you can stick with, achieve, and are deeply rooted in God’s will for your life. This episode emphasizes the importance of setting health-driven goals, sharing your goals with others, and how to distill your annual goals into daily steps that are supported by your “Ideal Week”. Tune in for a powerful conversation that will equip you to embrace the new year with purpose, actionable goals, and a steadfast commitment to seeking God’s will in every step. . . . . Episode Resources: - Unleash your leadership potential with our Show Notes and Discussion Questions! - 21 Days of Prayer: - Full Focus Planner: - Full Focus - Ideal Week: . . . . All things GrowLeader: - Learn more about Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: - Access free church resources: - Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: - Watch the GrowLeader Podcast: . . . . Follow along on Socials: - Instagram: - Threads: - Facebook: . . . . Thank you to our partners! - Compassion International: - The StudioC: - Wesleyan Investment Foundation:
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