Best LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

1
12. Happy New Year! 6:08

5h ago6:08

6:08

Happy New Year friends!! As we enter this fresh season, we want to take a moment to reflect on all that we've accomplished in the previous season and look ahead to the exciting opportunities in the season to come! Last season, we had the privilege of sharing incredible stories from fellow ministry leaders, diving deep into the strategies that help …

1
Books of the Year, Part I 18:03

3d ago18:03

18:03

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy: Rosalie Hall Hunt How to Know a Person, David Brooks Marks of a Movement: What the church…

1
Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery? 8:39

10d ago8:39

8:39

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?” A glimpse inside this episode: There are many the nuances for Christians around plastic surgery, enhancing beauty, the cultural pressures surrounding appearance, and the importance of focusing on inner beauty and heart posture. While cosmetic enhanceme…

1
Should Christians Be Concerned about AI? 9:30

17d ago9:30

9:30

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Christians be concerned about AI?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. looks at the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) from a Christian perspective. While AI is a tool that can be used for good or bad, the underlying human nature can lead to th…

1
11. You Asked - We Answered! Q&A from ETCH Conference 39:12

21d ago39:12

39:12

It’s a Wrap on an Incredible Season! Join us for an exciting and heartfelt finale to this season of Kids Ministry Calling Podcast! In this special Q&A episode, we’re diving into YOUR questions straight from the floor of the ETCH Conference. From navigating challenging ministry moments to celebrating big wins in kids ministry, this episode is jam-pa…

1
Are Denominations Biblical? 14:13

24d ago14:13

14:13

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Are Denominations Biblical?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the biblical basis for denominations while addressing common criticisms. While denominations may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of cooperation in the mission of the church …

1
10. All the Hats of Ministry with Lynley Mandrell and Nikki Ogden 33:34

28d ago33:34

33:34

Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen roles at once in kids ministry? Whether you’re organizing holiday programs, managing volunteers, or supporting families in need, the demands can feel endless! In this episode, Jana Magruder, Nikki Ogden, and Lynley Mandrell, explore what it takes to thrive in kids ministry leadership, sharing real-life strateg…

1
294. Mission-Driven Leadership with Ron Edmondson 37:15

29d ago37:15

37:15

In this insightful episode, Brian Daniel and Ron Edmondson unpack essential leadership principles tailored for church environments, while also bridging the gap between faith-based and secular leadership. Together, they dive into practical strategies and share personal experiences, offering valuable takeaways for small group leaders who aim to make …

1
Is It Wrong for Christians to Do Yoga? 12:12

1M ago12:12

12:12

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that has actually been asked by two listeners, Lillian and Jesse: “Is it OK for Christians to do Yoga?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the historical roots of yoga in Eastern religions and how it contrasts with Christian meditation. He emphasize…

1
My Marriage Started After an Unbiblical Divorce: What Should We Do? 11:01

1M ago11:01

11:01

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that asked, “I’m currently married to a man who had an unbiblical divorce. To make it worse, we actually began dating before the divorce was finalized. We recently both got saved, and now are facing the question: are we living in continuous adultery? We’re both sick over how our marriage b…

1
9. The Leadership Hat with Stephanie Chase 23:57

1M ago23:57

23:57

Live from the ETCH Conference, join us for an exciting conversation with Jana Magruder and Stephanie Chase, Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas! This season, we’ve been diving into all the different “hats” of Kids Ministry, and today, Stephanie draws random “hats” from a bucket to share her insights! Get ready to laugh…

1
293. Leading Small Groups Through the Seasons with Haley Malone 29:58

1M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode of the Group Answers Podcast, host Brian Daniel is joined by Haley Malone, Director of Groups at First Orlando, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, growth, and adaptability in ministry. Haley shares valuable insights into the rhythm of leadership, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and fostering connection among gr…

1
How Can I Give Honest Criticism with Grace and Love? 15:19

2M ago15:19

15:19

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tristan who asked, “As Christians, how can we be honest about an individual’s poor performance (in my case, scoring a poor performer based on their work quality) with grace and love?” A glimpse inside this episode: Honest criticism can be done in a loving and graceful manner. …

1
8. The Administrative Hat with John Murchinson 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

In this engaging conversation, John Murchison shares insights on the importance of administration in children's ministry, discussing how his background in engineering has equipped him with problem-solving skills that are invaluable in ministry. He emphasizes the need for leaders to balance administrative tasks with empowering volunteers, fostering …

1
292. Holistic Discipleship with Allen Yeh 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

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…

1
How Do I Learn to HATE My Sin? 14:42

2M 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…

1
7. The Event Planner Hat with Bill Emeott 48:04

2M ago48:04

48:04

Didn't realize you would be a certified event planner when you entered Kids Ministry? We're here for you! In this conversation, Bill Emeott dives into his wealth of experience in children’s ministry, zeroing in on the essentials of impactful event planning! He stresses the importance of having a clear purpose, knowing your audience, and setting foc…

1
291. Creating A Healthy Discipleship Culture with Larry Osbourne 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

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…

1
Will There Really Be No Marriage in Heaven? 10:24

2M 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…

1
6. The Coaching Hat with Heidi Hensley 43:10

2M 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…

1
290. Creating A Gospel Centered Culture with Trevin Wax 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

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…

1
Gospel & Politics: Joseph Backholm 30:36

2M 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 …

1
5. The Counselor Hat with Sam Luce 48:55

2M 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…

1
289. The Importance of Intentional Discipleship with Coleman Ford 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

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…

1
Gospel & Politics: Neil Shenvi 27:36

2M 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…

1
4. The Evangelist Hat with Danielle Bell 30:50

3M 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…

1
288. Creating Safe Spaces in Group Life with Nicole Zasowski 36:27

3M ago36:27

36:27

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 …

1
Gospel & Politics: Brooke Medina 27:15

3M 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. …

1
3. The Teaching Hat with Kevin Jones 22:59

3M 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…

1
287. The Process of Creating an Effective Bible Study with Amber Vaden and Joel Polk 37:23

3M ago37:23

37:23

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…

1
Gospel & Politics: Katie McCoy 38:33

3M 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 …

1
286. The Relationship Between Worship and Discipleship with Socrates Perez 31:30

3M ago31:30

31:30

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…

1
Introducing Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder 4:25

3M 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…

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

3M 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 …

1
2. The Creative Hat with Jeff and Abby Land 34:34

3M 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…

1
Gospel & Politics: Jason Thacker 30:45

3M 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide