Season 8: Episode 169 - Chris Crain on Navigating Church Conflict & Staying on Mission
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Mark and Andy are joined by Dr. Chris Crain, Executive Director of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, for a conversation about conflict in the church—especially during high-stress seasons like Christmas (recorded just before Christmas 2025).
Chris explains common times when conflict is more likely to surface, including busy church-calendar seasons (Christmas/Easter), budget and stewardship campaigns, staffing changes, and when the pastor is away. The group discusses how even good seasons of activity can create a “vacuum” that leads to tension. Chris encourages leaders not to take conflict personally and to view non-essential differences as healthy tension rather than threats, noting how failure to do so can alienate people and even lead to a mass exodus.
Chris shares how he prioritized clarifying mission and values at the association, including the mission statement: to encourage, equip, and engage biblically faithful churches in the Great Commission for God’s glory, and five core values: truth, in touch, on mission, on purpose, and for the church.
2 Feb 2026
Season 8: Episode 168 - Slowing Down: The Importance of Pace
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, hosts Mark and Andy discuss the importance of slowing down in ministry. They emphasize the need for church leaders to reduce their hurried pace to foster deeper relationships and better spiritual health.
Andy & Mark share personal experiences, discuss the challenge of balancing tasks, and reflect on how Jesus' unhurried life serves as a model.
The episode highlights the benefits of slowing down, from avoiding burnout to enhancing the quality of ministry, and encourages leaders to evaluate and adjust their own pace accordingly.
22 Jan 2026
Season 8: Episode 167 - Robert Mullins on Encouraging & Equipping Pastors
In this episode of the Church Leadership Podcast, Mark and Andy welcome their good friend Dr. Robert Mullins. Robert, who serves as the Executive Director for the Madison Baptist Association, discusses his journey from local church pastor to leading an association of pastors. The conversation delves into the importance of intentionality, community, and disciple-making within pastoral leadership. Robert shares insights on how his role focuses on creating a supportive environment for pastors, addressing burnout, and fostering church health. The episode is a heartfelt dialogue that aims to encourage and equip church leaders in their ministries.
You can find out more about Passion Tree Ministries at https://passiontree.org (https://passiontree.org)
You can also get in touch with Robert by emailing him at robert@madisonbaptists.org (mailto:robert@madisonbaptists.org)
Inside a recent episode
Season 8: Episode 169 - Chris Crain on Navigating Church Conflict & Staying on Mission
Published 25 Feb 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And if we're called to lead change in our churches, organizations, we're going to experience conflict. And so, you know, a long time ago, my My gut reaction, my default was to respond emotionally. My first response would be to blow up or to take things personally. And so how can we confront conflict? How can we address the things we're trying to change in our cultures, in our churches that we're leading without doing it, without making it combative, without making it personal? How do we do that? Well, Hebrews 12, 15 tells us to see that no root of bitterness rises up in us. And we have to guard our hearts, Mark. […]
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