Next Level Leader Podcast | Victory Church

About Next Level Leader Podcast | Victory Church

Next Level Leadership Podcast by Pastor Ed Crenshaw

Publisher

Victory Church

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Oct 2026

   A Theology of Lawn-Mowing: Finding God in the Ordinary Rhythms of Life

   This episode explores how faithfulness in the ordinary responsibilities of life becomes an essential part of spiritual growth and leadership. Pastor Ed challenges us to rethink the everyday tasks we may be tempted to resent or overlook—from mowing the lawn and going to work to caring for our families—and instead see them as things God has entrusted to us. He emphasizes that stewardship is about far more than money: everything we have belongs to God, and how we care for what He has placed in our hands shapes our capacity for greater responsibility. When we approach ordinary work with gratitude and do it as unto the Lord, even simple tasks can become acts of worship and opportunities to grow closer to God. The goal is a life of faithful stewardship where there is no divide between spiritual leadership and everyday obedience, and even the smallest responsibilities can become offerings to God.

2. 

   6 Sept 2026

   Strategy and Miracles: Obedience That Makes Room for God | Episode 7

   Notes for this month's episode This episode explores the vital balance between strategic planning and trusting God for miracles. Pastor Ed shares personal stories from his church's journey, including seasons of waiting for a miracle without taking action, and seasons of planning without leaving room for God. He emphasizes that true kingdom leadership requires both: doing what we can do with wisdom and effort, while fully expecting God to do what only He can do. Drawing from Acts 4 and the imagery of Israel between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, Pastor Ed challenges leaders to avoid two extremes: passive waiting that avoids hard work, and self-reliant planning that leaves no room for God. The goal is a cooperative faith where our obedience and preparation create an atmosphere for God to move miraculously, bringing Him the greatest glory. Key Takeaways: God honors both wise planning and miraculous dependence. True kingdom leadership requires us to do what we can do while trusting God to do what only He can do. Practical atheism is a real danger. We can believe in God theologically while living and leading as though He is not involved, and we must guard against this tendency. God sometimes places us in impossible situations on purpose, not as a sign of failure, but so that we are forced to depend on Him and He receives the greater glory. The early church modeled cooperative faith in Acts 4, committing to bold action while asking God to confirm His word with signs and wonders. This is the pattern for Spirit-filled ministry. Preparing for a miracle is an act of faith. Expanding our capacity, raising up leaders, and mobilizing volunteers before the breakthrough arrives demonstrates that we genuinely believe God is going to move. Life Application This week, identify one area of your life or ministry where you have been either waiting passively for God to act or relying entirely on your own strength. Write down one practical step you can take to do your part, and then spend intentional time in prayer asking God to do what only He can do in that situation. Share what you discover with a trusted friend or your small group next time you meet.

3. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Why Spiritual Self-Care Matters | Episode 6

   Notes for this month's episode This episode centers on the critical importance of spiritual self-care for leaders. Pastor Ed shares from personal experience that as a church grows, the senior pastor's most important responsibility shifts to maintaining a healthy, intentional walk with God. Drawing from Acts 20, where Paul instructs the Ephesian elders to "keep watch over yourselves" before watching over the flock, the message is clear: leaders cannot effectively care for others if they are neglecting their own relationship with God. Practical rhythms like daily quiet time, weekly Sabbath, and periodic sabbaticals are presented not as luxuries but as essential disciplines rooted in Scripture. The episode also explores how Sabbath serves as both a spiritual discipline and a statement of identity, declaring that we belong to and depend on God rather than on our own efforts. Pastor Ed is honest about past failures, including allowing the world's frantic pace to dictate ministry rhythms, and shares how a 2022 sabbatical reshaped his understanding of rest. Whether you are a pastor, a volunteer, or a parent with young children, the call is the same: prioritize your connection with God, enter each day from a posture of rest, and trust that God's work is ultimately accomplished through His presence and power, not through human striving alone. Key Takeaways Spiritual self-care is not selfish. It is the foundation of effective leadership and ministry. Acts 20:28 (NIV) reminds us to watch over ourselves before we can properly watch over others. Sabbath is a God-given rhythm, not an optional extra. It is a weekly declaration that we belong to God and depend on Him, distinguishing us from a world that measures worth by productivity. Neglecting our walk with God, even in the name of doing God's work, puts both ourselves and those we lead at greater risk spiritually and relationally. Daily and weekly rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and rest are practical tools that keep us connected to God's presence and power, and they are available to everyone regardless of life stage or schedule. We enter each day from a posture of rest, not the other way around. This biblical pattern, rooted in creation itself, reframes how we approach our responsibilities and our dependence on God. Life Application This week, choose one intentional step to protect your time with God. It might be setting a specific time each morning for even 10 to 15 minutes of Scripture reading and prayer, identifying one day or half-day to observe as a Sabbath rest, or simply silencing your phone for a set period to be still before the Lord. Whatever you choose, treat it as an act of trust, a declaration that you belong to God and that His work in and through you flows from His presence, not from your own striving. Share your commitment with someone in the group so you can encourage each other throughout the week.

4. 

   5 Jul 2026

   You Are Anointed for This | Episode 5

   Notes for this month's episode: This episode explores what it means to be anointed by God and how that anointing is essential for effective leadership and ministry. The anointing is defined as the presence and power of God that enables believers to do what He has called them to do. It is distinct from personality, gifting, or hype, and is rooted in a genuine relational connection with the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Luke 4 and Ephesians 4, the message emphasizes that just as Jesus operated in the power of the Spirit, every believer is called to do the same in their God-assigned sphere of influence. The episode also addresses the dangers of an unclear calling, the temptation toward self-reliance, and the risk of taking the anointing for granted. Leaders are challenged to walk in confident faith while remaining grounded in Christlike humility and ongoing dependence on God. The warning from Matthew 7 serves as a sobering reminder that the presence of spiritual activity does not replace the need for a genuine, ongoing relationship with the Lord. When leaders truly walk in their anointing, the result is more miracles, more people coming to Christ, and a deeper sense of fulfillment that comes only from doing God's work in God's power. Key Takeaways The anointing is the presence and power of God that equips every believer to fulfill the specific calling God has placed on their life, and it is available to all, not just those in full-time ministry. A clear sense of God's calling produces confidence in the anointing, which is essential for enduring hardship, opposition, and seasons of doubt in ministry and life. There is a real danger in separating the anointing from a humble, relational walk with God. Spiritual activity and results do not automatically mean a person is right with the Lord. Hype, personality, and self-reliance are poor substitutes for the genuine anointing of the Holy Spirit, and leaders must learn to trust God's power rather than manufacture their own energy or confidence. When leaders walk fully in their God-given anointing, the result is more miracles, more people coming to Christ, and a deep sense of fulfillment that only comes from doing God's work in God's power. Life Application This week, identify one specific area of your life, whether it is your role at church, your family, your workplace, or your community, where God has called you to serve or lead. Each morning, before you step into that role, take two or three minutes to pray and intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to anoint you for that assignment. At the end of the week, reflect on whether leaning on God's presence made a difference in how you showed up. Come ready to share what you noticed with your group next time.

5. 

   7 Jun 2026

   When Love Matters More Than Perfection | Episode 4

   Notes for this month's podcast: In this episode, Pastor Ed shares a powerful story from a recent trip to Chile, where he invited a longtime friend to church. Despite challenges that could have created a poor first impression—including difficulty finding the church, a lengthy service, and a highly technical sermon—the genuine warmth, hospitality, and spiritual sensitivity of the church made a lasting impact. The conversation explores an important question for every church leader: Does your area of ministry make up for a difficult sermon? While excellence matters and every ministry should strive to do its best, Pastor Ed emphasizes that authentic love, personal connection, and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit often have a greater impact than polished programs. The episode challenges leaders to consider whether guests would feel welcomed, valued, and cared for based solely on their ministry area. Through practical examples and stories from Victory Church, listeners are encouraged to create environments where people experience God's love through simple acts of hospitality, meaningful conversations, and Spirit-led prayer. The discussion serves as a reminder that while excellence honors God, it is ultimately His love working through His people that changes lives. Key Takeaways Genuine hospitality and authentic care can overcome many imperfections in a church experience and leave a lasting impact on guests. The first few minutes of a guest's experience are critical and often influence whether they will return, more than the sermon or worship service itself. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to pray for people can create powerful moments of healing, encouragement, and connection. Church leaders should focus less on apologizing for perceived shortcomings and more on helping guests recognize what God may be doing in their lives. Excellence is important because God deserves our best, but God's love working through people is what ultimately transforms hearts. Life Application This week, look for opportunities to intentionally show God's love through simple acts of hospitality and care. Whether at church, work, or in your community, pay attention to people who may be new, hurting, or feeling disconnected. Ask God to make you sensitive to the needs around you, and be willing to step out in faith through a conversation, encouragement, or prayer. You may discover that a small act of kindness becomes a significant part of someone's journey toward healing and hope.

6. 

   4 May 2026

   Reaching The People God Has Called Us To Reach | Episode 3

   Notes for this month's podcast: This sermon focuses on the critical importance of prioritizing guests and newcomers in church ministry, drawing lessons from Jesus' example with the feeding of the 5,000. The pastor shares a personal experience visiting a church that prioritized volunteers over guests, highlighting how this approach can create barriers for people seeking God. The message emphasizes that while honoring volunteers is important, the primary mission must be welcoming those who are giving God a chance - whether first-time visitors, returning believers, or those who have fallen away from faith. The sermon provides practical applications, including the "5-minute rule" (spending the first five minutes after service connecting with people you don't know), parking at the bottom of the lot to leave prime spots for guests, and sitting at the front of the auditorium to create a welcoming atmosphere. The core message challenges leaders to shift from what's convenient for insiders to what's most accessible for outsiders, recognizing that reaching people for Jesus involves both spiritual priorities and practical hospitality that removes barriers to experiencing God's presence. Key Takeaways Jesus prioritized welcoming crowds even when it was inconvenient for His disciples, showing us that reaching people must be our primary focus during worship services While honoring volunteers is important, we must ensure that our emphasis on serving insiders doesn't create barriers for guests and newcomers Practical hospitality involves choosing personal inconvenience - like parking farther away, sitting up front, and connecting with strangers first - to make others feel welcomed The five-minute rule after service (talking to someone you don't know before connecting with familiar faces) can transform the experience for first-time guests during their most vulnerable moment Our mission is life and death - helping people move from darkness to light - which should motivate us to prioritize accessibility over personal convenience Life Application This week, practice the 'five-minute rule' in your daily life - not just at church. Whether you're at work, school, community events, or social gatherings, spend the first few minutes looking for someone who might be new, alone, or could use a friendly conversation. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and make someone else feel welcomed and valued, just as Jesus did with the crowds who came to Him.

7. 

   8 Apr 2026

   Trusting God in Leadership | Episode 2

   Following God often requires moving forward without knowing the complete destination, just as Abraham did when God called him to leave his homeland for a land that would be shown to him. Faith isn't passive waiting but active preparation combined with trust in God's provision. Like the Israelites who marched toward battle while trusting God to fight for them, we must take practical steps while depending on divine guidance. Character develops through uncertainty when we choose to trust God despite our questions. Unity becomes crucial during times of the unknown, as we stand together while seeking answers and moving forward in faith.Key Takeaways1. God often calls us to move before He reveals all the details of His plan, just as He did with Abraham2. True faith requires both trusting God and taking action - it's not passive but involves doing our part while depending on Him3. Unity and godly character are essential when walking through uncertainty together as a community4. God sometimes places us in situations where we need miracles so that He can display His power and receive glory5. Leadership in uncertain times means guiding others while maintaining our own dependence on God's guidance and provisionLife ApplicationThis week, identify one area of your life where God may be calling you to step out in faith without having all the answers. Commit to taking one practical step forward in that area while also spending time in prayer, asking God to guide your path. Practice the balance of doing your part while trusting God to do His part.

8. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Creating An Evangelistic Culture | Episode 1

   Christian leaders face a critical question about the evangelistic culture their leadership creates. If team members followed their example in evangelism, would it result in a thriving culture of witness or merely efficient program management? Creating an evangelistic culture requires cultivating the internal motivation to share Jesus rather than just teaching techniques. This culture must flow naturally from who we are as individuals and as a church, developing an authentic desire to welcome people into a relationship with God. Churches often lose their evangelistic edge when success breeds complacency. Leaders become focused on managing ministries and ensuring programs run smoothly, losing sight of the ultimate goal of helping people reach their world for Jesus. Today's church faces resistance from younger Christians who view evangelism as wrong and older generations who consider it someone else's responsibility. The solution involves normalizing testimony sharing and helping people understand that introducing others to Jesus should be as natural as introducing them to a close friend. Effective evangelism begins with sharing your personal story and living out God's goodness in observable ways. Leaders must model this behavior through their own interactions and stories rather than creating pressure through demands. Both relational evangelism and spontaneous encounters have their place in reaching people. The key is equipping people to be effective witnesses in whatever context God places them, understanding that while we have responsibility to share, the pressure for results rests with the Holy Spirit. Key Takeaways Effective evangelism flows from culture and relationship rather than techniques and pressure All ministry areas should center on the ultimate goal of helping people reach their world for Jesus Sharing our personal testimony and story is more powerful than having perfect evangelistic methods Expecting good things from God makes our witness attractive and creates opportunities for others to ask about our hope Leaders must model evangelistic behavior rather than just talking about it or forcing it on their teams

9. 

   4 Mar 2026

   Next Level Leader Podcast Teaser

   Coming soon! Next Level Leader Podcast

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings