Ministry Mix

In this episode of Ministry Mix , Phil and Richard sit down with Chris Ford, a worship pastor and elder candidate at Canvas Church, to discuss the realities of stepping into pastoral ministry. Chris shares his journey from serving in worship ministry to becoming a pastor-in-training, offering honest reflections on the biggest surprises, challenges, and lessons he’s learned along the way. From the...

You read that right. 17 Books. In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss a long list of impactful books that have shaped their lives and ministry. We consider the importance of reading for personal growth and leadership, showing how books can influence thinking and pastoral practices. Among the books mentioned, "Desiring God" by John Piper, "Lord of the R...

In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the topic of criticism and how it is a favorite, unavoidable part of leadership in ministry. Hear stories on experiences with personal criticism, but also learn how some criticism can be constructive learning opportunities. Leaders can maintain a balance of having a soft heart while fostering a strong mindset, allowing them to l...

In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss practical ways to care for the people you lead, particularly during Sunday morning gatherings. We look at the importance of greeting and thanking the team, actively listening to their needs, and slowing down to engage meaningfully with them. Each person who serves with you needs specific and timely encouragement, rather than gen...

In this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discuss the discouragement that ministry leaders often face. He shares four rhythms to help navigate discouragement:  1) Gathering intentionally  2) Digging deeply 3) Laughing freely 4) Resting regularly  They remind listeners that it's important to build these practices into their lives proactively so that they are prepared when discouragement strike...

In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the importance of creating deep experiences of prayer and worship within the church. They share insights and practical tips for planning altar nights, which are focused on fostering spiritual intensity and a greater desire for Jesus among the congregation. Richard emphasizes the significance of scripture-led prayer, closeness am...

In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the profound impact of music on their lives and leadership. They reflect on songs that have shaped their faith and ministry, emphasizing music’s ability to minister to the soul and foster self-awareness. Songs can resonate with us all during challenging seasons, providing comfort and inspiration. If you are a ministry leader, lo...

In this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discusses measuring success in ministry beyond just attendance and numbers. They emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of prayer, encouraging spontaneous gatherings among church members, and promoting enthusiastic singing as indicators of a healthy church environment. Additionally, he highlights the significance of individuals taking next steps...

In this new year episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss strategies for ministry leaders to deepen their relationship with God through intentional Bible reading in the new year.  Tip 1 - Pray what you Read Tip 2 - Have a Plan Tip 3 - Get a good commentary Tip 4 - Ditch the Plan Tip 5 - Read correlating Bible verses Tip 6 - Ask good questions Tip 7 - Feel what you read Tip 8 -...

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard discuss the phenomenon of the Dechurched—those who identify as Christians but have disengaged from the local church. They explore the various reasons for this disengagement, such as cultural shifts, personal hurt, and the busyness of life, while emphasizing the importance of genuine community and care to help re-engage these individuals.  The hosts...

In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss lessons learned from experiencing church homelessness. Throughout both their church's history, there have been times when facilities needed to change last minute or the normal use was disrupted.  They emphasize the importance of reliance on God during chaotic times, the need for churches to identify themselves as people rat...

In today's podcast episode, Phil and Richard welcome Charles Campbell to discuss valuable lessons learned from his experience running an apple orchard. Charles shares four key leadership insights: the importance of being grafted into God’s family, the necessity of pruning for growth, adapting to unexpected challenges, and the significance of being rooted in the right foundation.    Charles em...

In this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discuss the challenges of making sermon teachings memorable and impactful. They explore five practical strategies to boost retention: -Encouraging prayerful reflection -Using discussion questions -Implementing application challenges -Encouraging note-taking and sharing -Utilizing social media to reinforce sermon themes The goal is to help leaders think abo...

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard explore the value of friendships among ministry leaders. Despite their different backgrounds and ages, their connection deepened as they supported one another through ministry challenges, strategic discussions, and even personal struggles. Friendship are vital in combatting loneliness and stress, especially for pastors, many of whom report having v...

In the latest episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard delve into essential communication strategies for ministry leaders. They emphasize the importance of speaking truthfully and compassionately to those you lead, with leadership that goes beyond merely directing tasks—it should also nurture the spiritual growth of individuals as they become more like Jesus.  The conversation touches...

In the second episode of the podcast, Phil and Richard continue to discuss how personal past experiences shape ministry leadership. They share stories highlighting the impact of struggles, such as mental health challenges, financial difficulties, and even cancer, on their approaches to leading and connecting with others. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging our history to foster a more c...

Join us for our new podcast, Ministry Mix! Dive into real conversations about ministry leadership. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, we've got insights and encouragement waiting for you. We hope you enjoy real conversations for the souls and strategies of ministry leaders.  Our first episode dives into how our backgrounds influence our ministry. In this episode, Phil...

Get ready for the launch of the Ministry Mix podcast where we bring you real conversations for the souls and strategies of ministry leaders. Whether you are a seasoned pastor or just starting out in ministry, this podcast is a place for you to be a part of conversations on topics that matter to you.  Check out some short samples from a few of our episodes. 10 episodes will drop weekly starting Oct...