HOPE Network Leadership Podcast: A Podcast for Church Leaders

About HOPE Network Leadership Podcast: A Podcast for Church Leaders

Our podcast is for anyone looking for hopeful insights and practical ideas for navigating the challenging landscape of church leadership.

Publisher

HOPE Network Leadership Podcast

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Sept 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Host Conversation: A Broad Conversation About Spiritual Formation

   In this conversation, Jason brings Steven into the conversation to explore spiritual formation through the lenses of experimentation, habit formation, adaptive leadership, evangelism, and the long arc of becoming more like God. Steven shares how trying new practices—and even failing at them—has reshaped his prayer life, reduced anxiety, and opened space for genuine transformation. Jason reflects on spiritual formation as a lifelong journey rather than a single conversion moment, drawing from campus ministry, the Engel scale, and Eastern Orthodox ideas of theosis. Together they offer a refreshing, grace-filled vision of spiritual growth rooted in curiosity, patience, and the Spirit’s ongoing work in every person. Key Ideas Discussed Experimentation as spiritual practice: Spiritual disciplines become transformative when approached as experiments—try something, reflect, adjust, try again. Moving beyond “I should” spirituality: Steven describes shifting from obligation-driven disciplines to practices that shape his inner life. Adaptive leadership and spiritual growth: Borrowing from Heifetz, Steven frames spiritual formation as iterative learning rather than static performance. Habit formation and spiritual maturity: How routines, triggers, rewards, and intentional practices can reshape thinking, behavior, and relationships. Anxiety and spiritual habits Steven: shares his Lenten practice of “giving up worrying about tomorrow” and how Scripture became a trigger for peace. Evangelism as spiritual formation: Jason reframes evangelism as helping people take the next step in their journey, not rushing them to baptism. The Engel scale and patient discipleship: People begin at different places; spiritual formation honors their starting point. Theosis and becoming Godlike: Jason reflects on Eastern Orthodox ideas of becoming like God and how they challenge perfectionism. Failure as a spiritual teacher: Both discuss how failure opens pathways to growth that success alone cannot. Resources Mentioned Ronald Heifetz – Adaptive Leadership (referenced conceptually) Charles Duhigg – The Power of Habit James Clear – Atomic Habits (mentioned indirectly as “a lot of people have read”) Dallas Willard – writings on spiritual disciplines Richard Foster – writings on spiritual disciplines Engel Scale of Evangelism Eastern Orthodox theology – Theosis Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6–7) – “Do not worry about tomorrow” and “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” Ted Lasso – quote attributed to Mark Twain: “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Becky Burroughs: Leading with Consistency, Courage, and Calling

   EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does it really feel like to be a woman serving in ministry today? In this conversation, Becky Burroughs—minister, coach, mentor, and longtime leader—opens up about the challenges, hopes, and realities women face in church leadership. Drawing from decades of experience and countless coaching conversations, Becky names the themes she hears again and again: the longing for community, the struggle for respect, the tension between giftedness and policy, and the deep desire to serve faithfully in environments that don’t always know how to support them. With honesty, humor, and wisdom, Becky invites listeners to consider what healthy leadership looks like—for women, for men, and for the church as a whole. GUEST BIO Becky Burroughs spent most of her life setting high expectations, driving herself into the ground, denying her feelings, and hiding her fears. It took a series of traumatic events, and a full-blown identity crisis, for her to discover her true identity and to love herself as God loves her, unconditionally. Becky has served in a variety of leadership positions for 40+ years, as a small business owner, a leader in the non-profit world, and for the past 18 years, a full-time minister at the Highland Oaks Church of Christ (https://www.hocc.org/) in Dallas, where she has held a variety of positions: Administration Minister, Children’s Minister, Executive Minister, and now, Outreach Minister. Always a champion for others, Becky is now a certified Life/Leadership Coach for Christian women, a speaker, and author, encouraging and empowering women to find their true identity, know their worth, and use their voice. When she is not with her 20 grandchildren, she can be found jumping out of perfectly good planes or traveling the world. You can connect with Becky via her coaching websites Becky Burroughs Coaching (https://beckyburroughs.com/) and Leadership Bootcamp for Women in Ministry (https://leadershipbootcampforwomeninministry.com/). She also hosts the podcast Leadership Becomes Her (https://beckyburroughs.com/podcast/).

3. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Kaley Ihfe: Listening to Every Voice

   EPISODE DESCRIPTION What happens to a church when the quietest voices finally get heard? In this conversation, Kaley Ihfe explores the transformative power of listening—especially to those who rarely speak up. Drawing from family dynamics, church leadership, Broadway Church of Christ’s (https://www.bwaychurch.org/) journey of expanding women’s roles, and her work with Lavish Hope, Kaley reflects on why intentional hearing matters for relationships, ministry, and the health of the body of Christ. She shares stories of overlooked giftedness, the beauty and pain uncovered through listening sessions, and the deep impact of creating space for ministers’ wives to be seen. Grounded in the example of Jesus, who consistently noticed those on the margins, this episode invites leaders to slow down, pay attention, and cultivate a community where every voice is valued. GUEST BIO Kaley Ihfe serves as the Director of Lavish HOPE ministries (https://hopenetworkministries.org/lavish-hope/). She has a B.S. in Communications, an MEd in School Counseling, and an MA in Christian Ministry and is certified in the Enneagram Spectrum Training through Dr. Jerry Wagner. She has had a variety of jobs - all people oriented: at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, in Pflugerville ISD, and at Abilene Christian University.  She has served alongside her husband, Karl Ihfe, in ministry for 26 years first in Austin and currently in Lubbock. Kaley is passionate about teaching scripture and being an active part of her community. She teaches adult Bible classes, writes Bible study curriculum, and speaks at retreats. She and Karl have a son in graduate school at Wichita State University and a daughter at Lipscomb. You can email Kaley at Kaley@lavishhope.org or catch her on Instagram @lavishhope.hn Heart of the Conversation This conversation is about hearing the unheard—the quiet voices in families, churches, and ministries whose gifts, perspectives, and experiences often go unnoticed. Kaley Ihfe shares her experiences with how intentional listening builds genuine relationships, strengthens congregational life, empowers overlooked members, and aligns with the way of Jesus, who consistently paid attention to those on the margins. Key ideas discussed include Listening to quiet voices Kaley describes how in family gatherings, some people naturally dominate conversation while others need intentional invitation. She connects this dynamic to church life, where quieter members often hold valuable perspectives. Theological grounding for hearing others She emphasizes Paul’s teaching that every member of the body has gifts, and ignoring quieter voices means losing essential contributions. Leadership that empowers Churches thrive when leaders create structures that invite participation, broaden who gets asked to serve, and intentionally listen to diverse voices. The impact of listening during change Kaley shares insights from Broadway’s process of expanding women’s roles, including both gratitude and pain expressed during interviews and listening sessions. Lavish Hope and ministers’ wives She explains how ministers’ wives often feel unseen, and how Lavish Hope provides space for them to be known, valued, and supported. Jesus’ example Kaley highlights how Jesus surrounded himself with diverse people and consistently paid attention to those on the margins—an example the church must emulate. Resources Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Christ (https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1038&context=discernment) (2021) A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Roles (https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=discernment) (2022)

4. 

   8 Jul 2026

   George Welty: Christian Formation through Ritual, Liturgy, and Intentional Worship Planning

   What if the rituals we repeat—at home, in worship, and in community—are shaping us far more than we realize? In this conversation, longtime minister George Welty shares how encountering liturgy for the first time reshaped his understanding of spiritual practices. A surprising but brief experience as a consultant for an Episcopal church in transition provided him with a new perspective on how liturgy, ritual, and intentional worship planning form people into the likeness of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers in daily practice or cycling through the Christian calendar year to year, repetition and ritual are a subtle yet powerful resource for growing in the likeness of Christ. GUEST BIO George Welty has spent thirty years serving as a teacher, coach, minister, photographer, storyteller, and spiritual director, with a deep heart for ministry and formation. He is a D.Min. student at Lipscomb University and is passionate about exploring the beauty of God’s story and inviting the curious into the adventure of faith.

5. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Amanda Box: Disarming Conflict with Humility and Courage

   Whether in workplaces, churches, or families conflict can become a catalyst for healing and growth when approached with humility, courage, and learned communication skills. In this episode, communication expert and evangelist Amanda Box says that conflict isn’t the problem; our lack of skill, avoidance, and defensiveness are. She offers a hopeful, practical vision: with intentional training, vulnerability, and persistence, even long broken relationships can experience genuine healing. Key ideas discussed include: Conflict is inevitable—but not inherently toxic. What makes conflict harmful is our lack of skill and our tendency to avoid discomfort. Humility and courage are essential. Humility means acknowledging your contribution; courage means entering the room unarmed and vulnerable. Avoidance is the real enemy. People often quit jobs or leave churches rather than face uncomfortable conversations. Defensiveness derails everything. Under stress, most adults revert to the emotional maturity of a 12 year old. Communication is a physical skill. It must be practiced, not merely understood intellectually. Language matters. Words like “contribution” instead of “fault” change the emotional landscape. Healing is possible. Even deeply damaged relationships can be restored when both parties engage sincerely. Church conflict is uniquely complex. Spiritual expectations and relational closeness raise the stakes. Training should happen before crisis. Like athletics, communication skills must be developed long before the “game.” Books Recommended Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler GUEST BIO As the self-appointed communication evangelist, Amanda Box coaches people on all things communication as president of Box Communication, Inc (http://www.amandabox.org/). Amanda served Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Jackson, Mississippi in two different roles for 11 years as children’s minister and connections minister. As connections minister, she worked with ministry leaders, small groups, and new members. Other career adventures include all things communication. Amanda has consulted with business and industry for over 20 years to equip people with improved communication skills in critical areas such as conflict, presentation skills and team building. Additionally, Amanda was a full-time college professor for 10 years and spent four years as the public relations professional for a non-profit. Amanda earned her undergraduate degree in communication from Freed-Hardeman University in 1991 and a master’s degree in communication from Mississippi College in 1993. Amanda and her husband Chuck live in Austin, Texas.

6. 

   6 May 2026

   Evertt Huffard: Humility, Maturity, and the Heart of Accountability

   What if accountability isn’t a burden to resist, but a gift that helps us grow? In this conversation, Evertt Huffard helps us rethink what accountability really means in Christian leadership. Drawing from decades of experience as a missionary, professor, school administrator, and international consultant working with churches in more than 40 nations, Evertt explains why accountability often feels negative in our individualistic culture—and why, when rooted in Christ, it becomes a life giving practice shaped by humility, trust, and shared mission. Evertt explores how Jesus models accountability, why emotional and spiritual maturity matter, and how elders, ministers, and ministry teams can cultivate healthier systems of mutual responsibility. He shares the dangers of unclear expectations, the challenges of organizational culture, and why outside voices are often needed to help churches reset unhealthy patterns. Evertt also reflects on why systemic change in churches is difficult, why outside voices are often needed, and why humility, patience, and Christ centered leadership remain the foundation for any community seeking to grow. GUEST BIO Dr. Evertt W. Huffard is Professor Emeritus of leadership and missions at Harding School of Theology, where he taught for 32 years. He also served as VP/Dean for 15 years. He currently equips emerging church leaders and is a consultant for church leaders as one of the partners in Hope Network Ministries. Evertt has extensive life experience in the Middle East beginning when he was a teenager when his parents moved to Jerusalem, Jordan in 1963. There he attended an Arab High School on the West Bank. He also has urban ministry experience in Los Angeles and Memphis. He lectures on leadership, missions, biblical archaeology, and the Muslim-Christian encounter. Evertt and his wife Ileene have hosted over 40 Bible land tour groups to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. They have three children and ten grandchildren. His latest publication is The Honor of God: More about Character than Reputation or the Radiance of Glory (Westbow Press, 2026). He wrote a chapter entitled “From Quick Fix to Healthy Assessment” in Doing God’s Work (2013) and “Leading by Consensus” in Navigating the Storm: Resources of Hope for Church Leaders (2017) [These resources are available at http://hopenetworkministries.org/resources/for-eldersshepherds/ (http://hopenetworkministries.org/resources/for-eldersshepherds/)].

7. 

   8 Apr 2026

   Carlus Gupton: Leading Calmly in an Age of Polarization

   When political tension, cultural upheaval, and congregational expectations collide, how can church leaders remain grounded? In this conversation, professor, consultant, and preacher Carlus Gupton shares what it means to lead with clarity, calm, and conviction in an age of polarization. Drawing from years of coaching ministers and teaching on systems theory, Gupton unpacks why leaders can’t stay ahead of every issue—but can cultivate a non-anxious presence, distinguish biblical principles from political strategies, and model healthier dialogue within their churches. He also discusses the pressures leaders feel to “say something,” the danger of off the cuff political commentary, and the formative power of civil conversation paired with shared missional work. Gupton also offers a hopeful reminder: the church’s witness—rooted in moral excellence, compassion, and spiritual formation—still has the power to bless a fractured world.Guest Bio Carlus is from Mayfield, Kentucky. He began preaching at age 17 and has continued for over 45 years, broadening this work in 2001 to include training ministers. In addition to his current role as Professor and Director of the Doctor of Ministry, he is an interim minister, consultant, and coach, having served a few hundred churches for over 20 years. He has also taught at Harding School of Theology (2014-2021) and Johnson University (2001-2013). Teaching specialties include church leadership, spiritual formation, change, conflict, and biblical and theological studies. He also taught communication at the University of Tennessee (2001-2011). Carlus is also the founder and publisher of LifeandLeadership.com (https://lifeandleadership.com/), a website with over 1,500 pages of resources for church leaders. I am partnered with a dedicated consortium of church consultants and coaches, Hope Network Ministries (https://hopenetworkministries.org/our-team/partners/), who serve churches all over the world. He and his wife, Ann, have two grown daughters and two grandsons. Ann and Carlus live in Nashville, Tennessee. Books Recommended or Mentioned Winsome Persuasion: Christian Influence in a Post-Christian World by Tim Muehlhoff and Richard Langer (2017) Winsome Conviction: Disagreeing Without Dividing the Church by Tim Muehlhoff and Richard Langer (2020) The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded American is Tearing Us Apart by Bill Bishop (2008) Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland (2019)

8. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Jon Mullican: Staying Calm and Staying Connected in Church Leadership

   EPISODE DESCRIPTION What if the conflict in your church isn’t really about a person—but about the system everyone is part of? In this episode, Pat Bills and leadership coach Jon Mullican explore how anxiety moves through church systems, why certain patterns keep repeating, and what it takes for leaders to respond with clarity instead of reactivity. Jon draws from family systems theory to explain why removing a “problem person” rarely solves the deeper issue, how calm and connected leadership can shift the emotional climate, and why honest self-reflection is the starting point for healthier congregational life. A grounded, practical conversation for church leaders navigating tension, transition, or big decisions. GUEST BIO Jon is passionate about enhancing relationships within the church by facilitating authentic, open dialogue. He has a gift for discernment and listening in a way that allows people to be heard and understood, and provides opportunities for deep connection with God and with others. Jon has served two congregations as Executive Minister, one in Tulsa and one in Dallas. He coaches church leaders using the Enneagram and other assessments to support their personal growth and self-awareness. Jon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from United States Naval Academy in 1985 and a Master of Science degree in Organization Development from Pepperdine University in 2005. In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his family, taking his wife out on dates, and making furniture from wood in his garage, when time permits. Jon and Dana have three grown children and two grandchildren. Jon Recommends: Books The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction by Adam McHugh Listening: Hearing the Heart by Robin Daniels Movie The Tree of Life

9. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Grady King: Identity, Rest, and Spiritual Health

   Episode Description What happens when a lifetime of ministry, responsibility, and relentless pace collides with the limits of the human body? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, HOPE Network president Grady King recounts the life altering health crisis that left him in a medically induced coma, fighting sepsis, kidney failure, and multiple organ shutdowns. Doctors called his remarkable survival a miracle. In this episode Grady reflects on the emotional patterns, spiritual pressures, and family of origin dynamics that shaped his drive to keep pushing long after his body was begging him to stop. He also shares how his recovery reshaped his understanding of identity, rest, and spiritual health. Grady’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership begins not with doing, but with being rooted in God’s love. Whether you’re a minister, elder, nonprofit leader, or simply someone who struggles to slow down, this episode invites you to rethink what healthy leadership looks like — and to rediscover the peace that comes from leading out of abundance rather than exhaustion. Guest Bio Grady serves as President of HOPE Network. His ministry life spans fifty years with forty years in congregational ministry in Churches of Christ in Oklahoma and Texas. While with HOPE Network he served six years as director of church resources at Oklahoma Christian. His formal education includes degrees from Oklahoma Christian University (Bachelor of Science in Education); Abilene Christian University (Master of Science and Doctor of Ministry). His ministry passion is healthy leaders and healthy churches rooted in the gospel and missional life. He and his wife, Karen live in Irving, TX, and are members of the Mansfield Church of Christ. He enjoys reading, writing, sports, playing with grandchildren, and anything helpful for church leaders. Recommended Books & Articles For more on this topic, read Grady’s article on the HOPE Network Ministries blog (https://hopenetworkministries.org/blog/). You can also catch more of Grady’s writings on Substack (https://substack.com/@gradyk).

10. 

    7 Jan 2026

    Chris Goldman: Strategy that Serves the Mission

    What does strategic leadership look like in a church context? In this episode, Chris Goldman, Lead Pastor for Northwest Church (https://nwchurch.com/) (Lynnwood, WA) shares how vision, collaboration, and long‑term thinking shape healthy congregations. Chris shares how his ministry journey, including his training in business and marketing, have influenced the way he approaches organizational strategy in the church. He unpacks the difference between preaching and leading, why strategy can’t be crafted in isolation, and how ministers can build teams that think and plan beyond Sunday mornings. Chris also walks through the Northwest Church’s bold strategic shift: selling its campus, purchasing a vacant fitness gym, and transforming it into a community‑centered ministry hub. This is a practical and insightful conversation for leaders who want to think more clearly, plan more collaboratively, and guide their churches with purpose.

11. 

    10 Dec 2025

    Jay Jarboe: The Making of Good Church Leadership

    Jay Jarboe, one of our HOPE Network partners and a gifted encourager, joins us to share his wisdom on what makes a good leader, the importance of team leadership, and the power of coaching for church leaders and leadership teams. In this conversation, from our unpublished archives, Jay reminds us that leadership is not about heroic individuals but about communities shaped by Christ, working together in faith. Whether you’re a minister, elder, or simply seeking to grow in your discipleship, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom for the journey. Books recommended in the episode: The COACH Model for Christian Leaders by Keith Webb, The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clifton, and two books by Henri Nouwen: In the Name of Jesus and Can You Drink the Cup? Jay Jarboe is the Director of the Emerging Leadership Initiative at Mission Resource Network (https://www.mrnet.org/) (MRN), a global network with the vision to multiply healthy leaders to disciple the unreached and under-served people groups of the world. He is a coach and mentor for global leaders with a focus on equipping them to multiply healthy leaders for future generations. Before joining the ministry of MRN, Jay served with the Sunset Church of Christ and Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) in Lubbock, TX holding multiple leadership role with the church and the institute. He is married to Sherry, and they have two adult children and four grandchildren. Jay and Sherry were missionaries in Mexico City and now they work with global workers, leaders, and churches around the world. Jay’s passion is seeking to be transformed into the image of Christ and helping others in that same quest.

12. 

    12 Nov 2025

    Sean Palmer: Why Diversity in Leadership Matters

    In today's episode, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for any thriving organization: building a diverse leadership team. For many churches, a lack of thriving may correspond to a lack of diverse voices in the leadership room. Having differing backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences isn’t just about representation. It’s about unlocking creativity, innovation, and resilience at every level of the organization. But this requires strategy, humility, and commitment. In this conversation with author and pastor Sean Palmer, we’ll explore how leaders can open up pathways for underrepresented voices and why diverse leadership is a game-changer for a church's impact. Whether you’re a paid or lay church leader, or simply passionate about inclusion, this discussion will give you fresh insights and practical steps to strengthen your leadership journey. You can read more about this in his article Leading a More Faithful Church: Why Diversity in Leadership Matters (https://hopenetworkministries.org/2025/03/leading-a-more-faithful-church-why-diversity-in-leadership-matters/) found on the Hope Network Ministries blog (https://hopenetworkministries.org/blog/). Sean Palmer is the author of Speaking by the Numbers: Enneagram Wisdom for Teachers, Pastors, and Communicators (IVP 2022), 40 Days on Being a Three (Enneagram Daily Reflections), and Unarmed Empire (Cascade 2017). With 24-years of ministry experience, Sean is a sought-after national keynote speaker, teacher, writer, and workshop facilitator. He is also the Teaching Pastor at Ecclesia Houston, one of America’s most innovative and vibrant multi-site churches, serving a predominance of Millennials and young adults. Sean studied Youth and Family Ministry at Abilene Christian University and Homiletics at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary, The Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, and Fuller Seminary. Sean and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for over 25-years and are parents to two adult daughters. You can connect with and learn more about Sean by checking out The Twists w/ Sean Palmer (https://seanpalmer.substack.com/) and www.seanisaacpalmer.com (www.seanisaacpalmer.com).

13. 

    8 Oct 2025

    Shannon Rains: Nurturing Belonging and Unity Across the Generations

    In today’s episode, we explore how churches can become communities that genuinely value and include all ages, especially children. Instead of building a child-centric church, Professor Shannon Rains argues for building awareness that pays attention to all voices: young and old, male and female, outgoing and introverted. The body of Christ is a place where every member ought to play an essential role, yet it requires hard work to shape a culture where every member actually means EVERY member. Shannon offers us practical wisdom on how ministers can patiently advocate for change and how congregations can move beyond token diversity toward true inclusion. Together, we’ll discuss practical ways leaders can nurture belonging, foster unity across generations, and reflect the richness of God’s kingdom in their communities of faith and practice. Shannon joined the faculty at Lubbock Christian University in 2016 after fifteen years in church ministry, specializing in children and family ministry. She has an MS and DMin from Abilene Christian University in Spiritual Formation. Shannon is the Graduate Certificate in Children’s Ministry Coordinator at LCU. Shannon regularly mentors ministers and church leaders. She consults with churches, assists them in developing a cohesive vision of children’s ministry, and provides support with the search process. In addition, Shannon is a resource for churches seeking more inclusive practices for women and children and frequently writes on the public inclusion of women’s leadership (https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/discernment/vol7/iss1/2/) and intergenerational worship. Shannon regularly writes a newsletter, “The Children’s Wing,” (https://shannonrains.substack.com/) on all the topics discussed by church volunteers in the resource room of the children’s wing – which is never limited to only the children’s ministry.

14. 

    10 Sept 2025

    Jim Martin: Encouraging and Mentoring the Next Generation of Ministers

    Jim Martin is an encourager to the core and an extraordinary mentor. In this episode we get a peak at what makes Jim the kind of person you just want to be with. He starts by sharing the important role three mentors played in his life as he moved from being a spiritually disconnected business student to becoming a minister. Jim understands the symbiotic nature of intergenerational connections between older and younger ministers. It is a relationship in which older ministers can offer hope and perspective while younger ones bring fresh energy and insights. Listen in as Jim talks about maintaining pure intentions, keeping a focus on mission, and remembering the lasting impact paying attention can have in the life of a church leader. Jim served as Vice-President of Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee from January 2014 – August 2024. Before that, he served as a preaching minister for 36 years, including the Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas from 1993 – 2013. He has also served churches in Missouri and Alabama. He was reared in Dallas and received his M. Div from Abilene Christian University and the D. Min from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee. Jim has led a number of mentoring groups for church leaders. Jim writes a newsletter, “Jim Martin’s Encouragement Note.” (https://jimmartin.substack.com/) Jim is a certified coach (ACC) and is invested in coaching ministers and other church leaders. Jim is husband to Charlotte, father to Christine and Jamie, father-in-law to Calvin, and grandfather to Brody, Lincoln, Sully and Elsie.

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Guest appearances

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