"Winning in Ministry" is a podcast dedicated to empowering church leaders and ministry professionals with the tools and insights needed to thrive in their spiritual and organizational roles. Each episode features engaging discussions with experienced pastors, ministry experts, and thought leaders who share their wisdom on effective leadership, congregational growth, and navigating the challenges of modern ministry. Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical advice, or strategies to enhance your ministry's impact, "Winning in Ministry" offers valuable content to help you lead with confidence and purpose. Tune in to discover how to overcome obstacles, foster a vibrant church community, and achieve success in your ministry journey.
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Matthew discuss the pervasive issue of overprogramming in modern ministry. They explore how busy schedules and excessive activities can lead to burnout among ministry leaders and congregations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of simplicity, evaluating programs against the church's mission, and fostering relationships within the church community. The hosts share insights from experienced leaders on recognizing signs of overprogramming, the impact on personal lives, and strategies for navigating change while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth and community engagement.
Chapters
00:00 The Challenge of Overprogramming in Ministry
09:48 Identifying Signs of Overprogramming
18:22 The Impact of Busy Ministries on Relationships
28:16 Navigating Change and Simplification in Ministry
39:40 The Path Forward: Embracing Simplicity
8 Jun 2026
Ep. 15 - Visionary Leadership
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Matthew explore the essential role of vision in ministry. They discuss how to discern a God-given vision, the importance of humility, and the need to engage others in that vision. The conversation also addresses the challenges and doubts that come with pursuing a vision, emphasizing that the impact of a vision is more significant than mere numbers. The episode features insights from seasoned leaders Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Rick Frye, who share their experiences and wisdom on leading with a God-given vision. In this conversation, Ray Sanders and his guests discuss the importance of having a God-sized vision in ministry, the challenges of discernment, navigating resistance, and the necessity of celebrating successes. They emphasize the role of faith in overcoming obstacles and the need for patience and adjustment in vision. The discussion also highlights the significance of community and collaboration in achieving ministry goals, as well as the importance of recognizing and addressing opposition while maintaining unity.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding God-Given Vision
10:03 The Role of Humility in Vision
19:54 Engaging Others in the Vision
29:47 Navigating Challenges and Doubts
39:58 The Impact of Vision on Ministry
34:02 Navigating Resistance and Opposition
40:48 Faith and Financial Miracles
46:34 Adjusting Vision and Mission Creep
52:50 Celebrating Success and the Journey
6 Apr 2026
Ep. 15 - What’s Next?
This episode explores the delicate art of pastoral transition, emphasizing how to navigate change with wisdom, faith, and grace. Featuring insights from experienced ministers, it offers practical advice on discerning God's call, communicating transitions, and leaving a legacy of love and trust.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Delicacy of Ministry Transition
02:07 Why Every Minister Will Face Transition
04:08 The Importance of Leaving Well
07:12 How to Know God's Will in Transition
09:14 Personal Experiences with Ministry Changes
12:08 Discerning God's Voice and Calling
16:11 Faithfulness in Hard Times
22:16 Questions to Ask Before Moving
28:40 Using the Decision Tree for Transitions
33:25 Ensuring God's Call is Clear
36:11 The Role of Stillness and Trust
40:53 Communicating Transition to Staff and Church
44:23 Handling Messy Transitions with Grace
49:40 Navigating Unfavorable Transitions
52:58 Leaving with Grace and Trust in God
54:47 Final Thoughts on Transition and Legacy
16 Mar 2026
EP. 13 - Growing the Right Way
This episode explores the principles of healthy church growth, emphasizing spiritual depth, community impact, and sustainable leadership. Featuring seasoned pastors Dr. Anthony Jordan and Rick Frie, it offers practical insights on avoiding shortcuts and building ministries that thrive in faith and service.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Significance of Healthy Growth
02:17 Defining Healthy Growth in Ministry
04:59 Leadership and Ministry Foundations
08:43 Making Disciples of All Nations
12:30 Reaching Diverse Communities
16:56 Pitfalls of Unhealthy Growth
20:56 Authentic Leadership and Dignity in Ministry
25:53 Measuring Success in Ministry
33:23 Balancing Numbers and Depth
45:21 Guarding Against Ego and Pride
55:40 Humility and Stewardship in Growth
01:02:14 The Role of Community Engagement
01:04:44 Conclusion: Stewardship and Prayer
01:05:41 Closing Remarks and Resources
2 Mar 2026
Ep. 12 - Succession Planning
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew discuss the critical yet often overlooked topic of succession planning in ministry. Joined by seasoned leaders Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Rick Frie, they explore the complexities of leadership transitions, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to ensure a smooth handoff of leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, trust, and a methodical approach to succession, as well as the need for both outgoing and incoming leaders to embrace their identities in Christ during transitions. The episode concludes with a call to action for pastors to invest in their future and the future of their ministries through intentional planning and support from organizations like Edify Leaders.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Succession Planning
07:15 Successful Transition Stories
14:27 Methodical Approach to Succession
21:59 Preparing for Life After Ministry
29:41 Identity and Transition in Ministry
16 Feb 2026
Ep. 11 - Dynamic Teams
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew discuss the essential elements of building dynamic teams within church ministries. They explore the importance of relationships, trust, alignment, and ownership in creating effective teams. The conversation features insights from experienced ministry leaders Dr. Anthony Jordan and Dr. Ricky Frie, who share their experiences and strategies for leading high-impact teams. The episode emphasizes the need for leaders to be teachable, to confront issues when necessary, and to foster an environment where team members feel valued and heard.
Chapters
00:00 Building Dynamic Teams in Ministry
05:45 Qualities of a Dynamic Team
11:35 The Importance of Relationships
17:44 Teachable Leaders and Team Dynamics
23:36 Encouraging Followership in Leadership
24:06 Empowering Leadership Through Vision Sharing
26:30 Influential Figures in Leadership Development
30:15 The Importance of Spiritual Truth in Leadership
32:35 Creating Team Unity and Recognizing Individual Gifts
38:31 Confrontation and Growth in Leadership
44:42 Building Relationships for Effective Leadership
2 Feb 2026
Ep. 10 Problematic People
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Wendell Lang, discuss the challenges of dealing with problematic people in ministry. They explore the types of difficult individuals pastors encounter, the emotional toll these relationships can take, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation also emphasizes the need for biblical guidance in conflict resolution and the significance of community support for pastors.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Problematic People in Ministry
12:04 Understanding Types of Problematic Individuals
23:39 Biblical Guidance for Handling Conflict
26:58 Protecting Yourself and Your Family
30:05 The Importance of Support Networks
19 Jan 2026
Ep. 9 - The Sheep Need A Shepherd
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, the hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew and their guests Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Wendell Lang explore the essential role of shepherding in ministry. They discuss the biblical basis for shepherding, the responsibilities of pastors, and the importance of connection and presence in leading a congregation. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in ministry, the significance of loving and knowing one's flock, and offers encouragement for pastors facing the challenges of leadership.
Chapters
00:00 The Need for Shepherding in Ministry
08:51 Understanding the Role of the Shepherd
15:00 The Importance of Connection and Presence
21:47 Balancing Ministry and Personal Well-being
28:17 Encouragement for Pastors and Leaders
5 Jan 2026
Ep. 8 - Rest to Be Your Best
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastors Rick Frie and Wendell Lang, explore the critical yet often neglected topic of rest in ministry. They discuss the theological and practical aspects of rest, emphasizing its necessity for effective leadership and spiritual health. The conversation highlights the cultural tendency to equate busyness with productivity and godliness, while advocating for intentional planning of rest to avoid burnout. The hosts share personal experiences and practical tips for incorporating rest into a busy ministry life, ultimately reinforcing the idea that true effectiveness in ministry comes from a place of rest and renewal.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Rest in Ministry
12:31 Understanding the Need for Intentional Rest
25:32 Practical Approaches to Incorporating Rest
39:09 The Impact of Rest on Leadership and Ministry
19 Dec 2025
Ep. 7 - Broken Arrows
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastor Wendell Lang and Pastor Randy Davis, explore the unique challenges faced by pastor's families, particularly focusing on the experiences of preacher's kids (PKs). They discuss the pressures of living in a 'fishbowl' and the expectations placed on PKs, emphasizing that they are just kids and not perfect. The conversation delves into the concept of 'broken arrows'—the struggles and imperfections in parenting and how love and acceptance play crucial roles in navigating these challenges. The hosts share personal stories and insights on raising children after God's own heart, highlighting the importance of consistency, communication, and modeling faith in their lives.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Fishbowl: Parenting in Ministry
09:53 The Unique Challenges of Preacher's Kids
19:25 Broken Arrows: Dealing with Imperfection
28:58 The Role of Love and Acceptance in Parenting
38:38 Keys to Raising Kids After God's Own Heart
12 Dec 2025
Ep. 6 - Disciple making
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Mathew, along with guests Pastor Cayo Cavalcante and Pastor Randy Davis, explore the critical role of discipleship in ministry. They discuss the Great Commission, the definition of a disciple, the importance of relationships in disciple-making, and the challenges faced by pastors in this endeavor. Practical steps for effective discipleship are shared, emphasizing the need for accountability and the organic nature of teaching through life experiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on measuring effective discipleship and the true success of ministry being rooted in the quality of disciples rather than mere attendance numbers.
Chapters
00:00 The Great Commission and Its Importance
06:42 Defining a Disciple
14:01 The Nature of Discipleship
17:52 Challenges in Disciple Making
20:47 Practical Steps for Discipleship
24:34 The Importance of Discipleship in Leadership
32:44 Key Principles of Effective Discipleship
35:42 Practical Steps for Discipleship
39:58 The Role of Time in Discipleship
45:39 Redefining Success in Ministry
1 Oct 2025
Ep. 5 - Minister's Manifesto
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Matthew discuss the Minister's Manifesto, a resource designed to guide and encourage pastors and ministry leaders. They explore the importance of family, the challenges of loneliness in ministry, the need for a warrior mentality, and the purpose of the church as a community of believers. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of staying fresh in one's relationship with God and the importance of living out one's identity as a minister of the gospel.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Minister's Manifesto
06:39 The Importance of Family in Ministry
13:45 Combating Loneliness and Isolation
20:53 The Warrior Mentality in Ministry
28:33 The Purpose of the Church
39:39 Staying Fresh and Avoiding Complacency
45:23 Living Out the Minister's Identity
3 Sept 2025
Ep. 4 - Secret lives - hidden habits that hinder
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Matthews, along with guests Pastor Wendell Lang and Pastor Randy Davis, delve into the hidden struggles faced by ministers, particularly the phenomenon of living a double life. They explore the causes behind secret habits, the stronghold sins that many pastors grapple with, and the critical importance of accountability and support in overcoming these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for ministers to be open and honest about their struggles, seek help, and build strong relationships to foster integrity and healing in their lives and ministries.
Chapters
00:00 The Double Life of Ministers
10:28 Understanding the Slippery Slope
19:26 Identifying Stronghold Sins
29:46 The Importance of Accountability
40:05 Finding Healing and Support
2 Aug 2025
Ep. 3 - Preaching for Life Change
Summary
In this episode of the Winning in Ministry podcast, host Ray Sanders and co-host Tom Matthew engage in a deep conversation about the art of preaching with seasoned ministers Dr. Anthony Jordan and Pastor Rick Fry. They explore the essential elements of effective sermons, the importance of preparation, and the personal journey of finding one's voice as a preacher. The discussion includes memorable sermon experiences, the significance of a personal relationship with God, and practical advice for engaging with diverse audiences. The episode emphasizes the need for authenticity in preaching and the importance of loving one's congregation.
Chapters
00:00 The Art of Preaching
02:18 Personal Experiences in Ministry
10:15 Finding Your Voice as a Preacher
14:02 The Importance of Preparation and Study
28:06 Understanding Your Audience
29:15 Tailoring Messages for Different Generations
31:39 The Power of the Gospel Across Ages
33:18 Balancing Academics and Relatability in Preaching
36:27 Being Authentic and Real in Ministry
39:17 Understanding the Diverse Spiritual Needs of Congregations
40:52 The Importance of Faithfulness to the Word
43:40 Staying True to Your Calling Amidst Competition
48:44 The Unique Role of the Pastor
52:13 Wisdom for Young Preachers
56:23 Final Thoughts on Preaching and Ministry
2 Jul 2025
Ep. 2 - StressFULL - Don't Burn Out
Pastors Rick Fry and Wendell Lang join hosts Ray Sanders and Tom Matthew to examine burnout in ministry, highlighting causes, warning signs, and strategies for managing stress and restoring passion in this interview episode.
2 Jul 2025
Ep. 1 - Intro
Hosts Tom and Ray introduce Edify Leaders' mission to support pastors, addressing ministerial challenges and emphasizing encouragement through honest relationships, highlighting the organization's unique approach.
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