Best Lifeway Leadership Podcasts (2024)

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293. Holistic Discipleship with Allen Yeh 36:13

23h ago36:13

36:13

How can we as leaders cultivate a discipleship experience that truly values perspectives from across cultures? Are we prepared to address the unique questions different generations bring to faith—and how can the Holy Spirit guide us in navigating these conversations? In this episode, Dr. Alan Yeh joins us to explore the rich distinctions between th…

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How Do I Learn to HATE My Sin? 14:42

3d ago14:42

14:42

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tyler who asked, ““I know in my head that my sin is sinful, but I can’t seem to ‘metabolize’ it and get that truth into my heart. How can I do that?” A glimpse inside this episode: The goal of salvation is a new kind of righteousness. Understanding sin requires both head knowl…

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7. The Event Planner Hat with Bill Emeott 48:04

7d ago48:04

48:04

Connect with Lifeway Kids

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291. Creating A Healthy Discipleship Culture with Larry Osbourne 36:27

8d ago36:27

36:27

What if our efforts to pursue knowledge in discipleship unintentionally create barriers to faith? How can we, as leaders, foster a church culture that emphasizes not just understanding Scripture, but living it out authentically in community? In this impactful episode, Brian Daniel interviews Larry Osborne, teaching pastor at North Coast Church, who…

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Will There Really Be No Marriage in Heaven? 10:24

10d ago10:24

10:24

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Andrew who asked, “Could you attempt to provide some clarity on whether an earthly marriage between Christians means that husband/wife relationship carries into eternity?” Thank you Andrew for your question! A glimpse inside this episode: Jesus teaches that there is no marriag…

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6. The Coaching Hat with Heidi Hensley 43:10

14d ago43:10

43:10

Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving kids ministry team?" In this episode, Heidi Hensley shares her insights on the vital roles that shape a successful ministry, with a special emphasis on the coaching element. From purposeful recruiting to fostering community among volunteers, Heidi explains how these efforts lay the foundation for impa…

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290. Creating A Gospel Centered Culture with Trevin Wax 35:27

15d ago35:27

35:27

What does it mean to live out a faith that’s rooted in the true essence of the gospel, especially in a world where personal fulfillment often overshadows deeper convictions? How can church leaders foster a culture that balances relevance with timeless truth, or guide conversations around politics without compromising unity? In this thought-provokin…

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Gospel & Politics: Joseph Backholm 30:36

17d ago30:36

30:36

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Joseph Backholm. Joseph is a Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing. A glimpse inside …

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5. The Counselor Hat with Sam Luce 48:55

21d ago48:55

48:55

Stepping into the role of a counselor can feel intimidating, but wearing this hat can be so crucial for creating lasting spiritual impact on the families we serve. On today's show we're putting on the "counselor hat" and tackling one of the most meaningful yet challenging roles in kids ministry. Moving away from a flashy, entertainment-driven appro…

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289. The Importance of Intentional Discipleship with Coleman Ford 37:04

23d ago37:04

37:04

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the depth and intentionality needed for true discipleship. In today's episode, Brian Daniel and Joel Polk engage with Dr. Coleman Ford, author of Formed in His Image, to discuss the significance of spiritual formation within the church. Dr. Ford emphasizes the need for accessible resources and inte…

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Gospel & Politics: Neil Shenvi 27:36

24d ago27:36

27:36

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Neil Shenvi where they discuss the complexities of critical theory, its implications for society, and how it intersects with Christian beliefs. Neil is another member of the Summit Church with a Ph.D. from Berkeley in Theoretical Chemistry. A glimpse inside this epis…

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4. The Evangelist Hat with Danielle Bell 30:50

28d ago30:50

30:50

In this insightful episode, we dive into the vital role of evangelism in children's ministry with special guest Danielle Bell. Together, Jana and Danielle explore how to keep the gospel at the heart of kids' ministry, emphasizing the power of family involvement and creative strategies to share faith with children. Danielle opens up about her minist…

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288. Creating Safe Spaces in Group Life with Nicole Zasowski 38:03

30d ago38:03

38:03

In this episode, Brian Daniel and Haley Malone are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Nicole Zasowski for a powerful conversation on the intersection of counseling and group life. Together, they unpack the importance of creating safe spaces within small groups, especially as anxiety continues to rise in today’s culture. Nicole shares …

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Gospel & Politics: Brooke Medina 27:15

1M ago27:15

27:15

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Brooke Medina. Brooke is a member of the Summit Church and serves as Vice President of Communications for the John Locke Foundation. She’s been published in numerous outlets including The Hill, Entrepreneur, Washington Examiner, WORLD, Daily Signal, FEE, and others. …

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3. The Teaching Hat with Kevin Jones 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

Whether you're wrangling toddlers or leading preteens, wearing the teaching hat is one of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) parts of the ministry. In this episode, Kevin Jones and Jana Magruder are putting on their "teaching hat" and diving into all things related to leading well in kids ministry! We talk about the vital role adul…

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287. The Process of Creating an Effective Bible Study with Amber Vaden and Joel Polk 38:59

1M ago38:59

38:59

Happy Wednesday friends! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the art and intricacies of creating effective Bible study materials that truly engage and transform lives. We explore the delicate balance between theological depth and practical application, ensuring that Bible studies not only teach Scripture but also foster real-life discipleship…

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Gospel & Politics: Katie McCoy 38:33

1M ago38:33

38:33

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Katie McCoy. Dr. McCoy serves as the director of Women’s Ministry for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She holds a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of To Be A Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians …

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286. The Relationship Between Worship and Discipleship with Socrates Perez 33:07

1M ago33:07

33:07

What if worship wasn’t just about music, but a key to deeper discipleship? In today’s episode, Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Horizon West Church Worship Pastor, Socrates Perez, to explore how worship can transform the hearts of small group members and draw them closer to Jesus. From cultivating gratitude and trust they discuss how wor…

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Introducing Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder 4:25

1M ago4:25

4:25

Are you feeling over-worked, over-looked, or thinking about leaving ministry? Do you love working with kids and families, but find yourself questioning longevity? When is the last time you recalled your calling to ministry? When's the last time you reminded yourself of your "why"? The calling to Kids Ministry is a sacred calling, and a calling wort…

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2. The Creative Hat with Jeff and Abby Land 34:34

1M ago34:34

34:34

Whether you're crafting a Bible lesson, planning a fun event, or simply looking for ways to engage young hearts, creativity is your secret weapon in kids ministry! Jeff and Abby Land join us on the show today to explore practical ways to wear the "creative hat" in your ministry. From transforming everyday spaces into biblical adventures to caring f…

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1. What Is a Calling and Why Is It Necessary? 28:47

1M ago28:47

28:47

Hey friends, welcome to a brand new podcast, Kids Ministry Calling! In the busyness of leading kids ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But today, your host Jana Magruder and producer Nikki Ogden, are hitting pause to reflect on one essential truth: the importance of your calling. Join us as we …

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Gospel & Politics: Jason Thacker 30:45

2M ago30:45

30:45

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Dr. Jason Thacker. Dr. Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in bioethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty…

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285. The Importance of Community in Discipleship with Dave Enns 36:09

2M ago36:09

36:09

On today's show we have Pastor Dave Enns, small group paster at North Coast Church in Southern California. He and Brian discuss the importance of small groups in building relationships and fostering spiritual growth. He emphasizes the need for churches to prioritize relationships and create opportunities for people to connect with one another. Dave…

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Gospel & Politics: Ben Watson 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Ben Watson. Watson is a former NFL tight end as well as a writer, speaker, and activist. He is a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network, and he serves as VP of Strategic Relationships with the Human Coalition, one of the largest pro-life and pro-women’s…

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284. The Value of Deep Discipleship with Jen Wilkin 38:49

2M ago38:49

38:49

When evangelical christians were asked if everyone born is innocent in the eyes of God, 65% said, "yes". 48% of evangelicals agreed that God learns and adapts to different circumstances, while a staggering 43% agreed that Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God. With the Bible being more accessible than ever, research shows that Biblical lite…

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Gospel & Politics: Ed Stetzer 36:46

2M ago36:46

36:46

Ask the Pastor is continuing our Gospel & Politics series. This week features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Dr. Ed Stetzer. Stetzer is a leading thinker in his field and has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates. A glimpse in…

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283. Discipleship Through Tragedy with Chris Surratt 33:25

2M ago33:25

33:25

Hey friends! Welcome back to another great season of Group Answers! On today's episode we invited former long time cohost of Group Answers, Chris Surrat. Chris Surratt currently serves as the Executive Pastor of Discipleship and Groups at Harvest Church in Southern California. Prior to Harvest, he was the Discipleship and Small Groups Specialist fo…

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Gospel & Politics: Rebecca McLaughlin 26:05

2M ago26:05

26:05

This week’s Ask the Pastor episode kicks off our brand new series, Gospel & Politics. This series will feature Pastor J.D. with other respected leaders talking about how we can integrate both the gospel and politics into our lives this election season. A glimpse inside this episode: Secular beliefs often have Christian foundations, and Christians s…

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New Season Trailer! 6:10

2M ago6:10

6:10

Hey friends! We are excited to start a new season of Group Answers starting next week! You are not going to want to miss the incredible conversations with guests J.T. English, Jen Wilkin, Coleman Ford, and so many more! If you have caught up on last season, we encourage you to go do that now! Join us back next week to kick off a season you're not g…

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318. Using Leadership Tools in Ministry 40:41

3M ago40:41

40:41

Ministry is a team sport and it's crucial for the success of the team to have a diverse range of players. In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Landry Holmes discuss the importance of knowing the different personalities and unique wiring of team members in order to better leader, equip, and engage with y…

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Greatest Hits: Is There Such a Thing as an “Unanswered Prayer? 12:27

3M ago12:27

12:27

In this final edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks about the pain of unanswered prayer and the realities of prayer for the Christian. A glimpse inside this episode: This is a tricky question. I’ve often heard that behind every question is a questioner. When we’re dealing with unanswered prayer, the Bible has a lot to say. Bu…

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317. ETCH 2024: AI and Child Development with Dr. Shelly Melia 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

An entire generation is growing up watching videos, completing assignments, and potentially being taught by artificial intelligence. The AI concept that use to make good movies, is a reality of our present. While there are many benefits to AI, there are serious threats that ministry leaders need to be aware of. On today's show of Kids Ministry 101,…

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Greatest Hits: Why Aren’t YOU a Missionary? 10:30

3M ago10:30

10:30

In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. shares how God called him to the mission field before calling him to be a pastor of a church that sends and supplies the mission field in extravagant ways. A glimpse inside this episode: When God called me to be a pastor, he did so by first calling me to the mission field. I spent the f…

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316. ETCH 2024: Trauma-informed Ministry with Stephanie Shivers 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

In this episode of the Kids Ministry 101 podcast, Chuck and Jana have a conversation with trauma expert Stephanie Shivers, where they discuss the concept of trauma-informed ministry. Stephanie Shivers shares her knowledge and provides practical ways to help volunteers in children's ministry understand and support children who have experienced traum…

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Greatest Hits: How Do We Live in the World but Not of the World? 13:00

3M ago13:00

13:00

In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks how to live in the world but not of the world. A glimpse inside this episode: Who do you feel the closest kinship with? Who do you spend most of your time with? The lesson from Lot’s life is that you have to make up your mind from the beginning: Who do you really want to be? If it…

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315. ETCH Conference 2024 Overview with Melita Thomas 41:40

3M ago41:40

41:40

If you're a Next Gen leader of any kind, the ETCH Conference is for you! Lifeway's Etch Conference in Nashville, Tennessee will help you reset your focus so that you're ready to lead others! On today's episode, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Melita Thomas discuss what's in store for the conference this year, and why you should bring your entire t…

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Greatest Hits: Is Marijuana Ever OK for Christians to Use? 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks about whether the legal use of marijuana is wise or helpful for Christians. A glimpse inside this episode: In the past, this was an easy enough question, because marijuana was illegal. It wasn’t a “gray area” for Christians. The drug was illegal, so it was off-limits to those who …

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