Church Leadership in Focus

In this insightful episode of Church Leadership in Focus , host Don Hicks explores the critical issue of self-worth and leadership identity . Many pastors and ministry leaders faithfully serve others while privately wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, comparison, performance-based acceptance, and self-doubt. Drawing from biblical truth and practical leadership principles, Don examines how scarc...

Dr. Hicks shares a powerful personal testimony about an opportunity to teach at the Evangelical Theological Bible School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When circumstances prevented him from traveling, he prayerfully reimagined the mission—choosing instead to teach remotely from Lynchburg, Virginia, through Liberty University’s Liberty Theological Seminary where he has taught nearly 20 years. He will be...

In today’s episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Dr. Don Hicks welcomes Willa Dean Montgomery for a deeply insightful conversation about calling, resilience, and leadership development. Willa’s journey is anything but ordinary. From serving as a Medical Specialist in the United States Army to becoming a pastor, nonprofit founder, and doctoral student, her life reflects a powerful testimony o...

In this powerful episode of Church Leadership in Focus , Dr. Don Hicks sits down with Vickie Runk, co-founder of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities. Together, they explore how faith, family values, and servant leadership have shaped a thriving model of senior care in Central Virginia. Vickie shares her journey from social work to building a multi-generational ministry of care—one that trea...

In this powerful and reflective episode, Dr. Don Hicks explores the profound spiritual truth that we find God when we release our grip on self-centered living . Drawing from the candid remarks of a public figure facing terminal illness, this conversation confronts the illusion of self-sufficiency and the quiet pride that often places us at the center of our own universe. Together, we examine how m...

In this compelling episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Don Hicks confronts a deeply important reality: pastors are often leading without protection. While they faithfully preach, counsel, and shepherd others, they are simultaneously absorbing criticism, navigating conflict, and carrying heavy emotional burdens—often alone.  Through a powerful real-life story and decades of ministry insight, Don...

In this episode, Dr. Don Hicks and Dr. Frank Gonzalez explore the realities of pastoral ministry. From sermon preparation to conflict resolution and leadership growth, this conversation provides practical and spiritual insight for pastors at every stage of ministry. https://ccnorthlakes.com/ Tell us how we're doing Strength for the Journey Podcast A weekly short inspirational message from Tris...

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Don Hicks sits down with Dr. Frank Gonzalez to explore the journey behind the calling. From life before Christ to salvation, marriage, family, and the call into ministry, this episode reveals how God shapes leaders over time. This conversation highlights the power of surrender, partnership in ministry, and God’s faithfulness through both joy and suffering. http...

On this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Dr. Don Hicks welcomes back Paxton Bryant, a student at Liberty University majoring in Digital Media,Television and minoring in Pastoral Ministry. Dr. Hicks and Paxton talk about their friendship and his freshman experiences and God's faithfulness. He also shares personal stories and offers encouragement for new students starting their colle...

Many pastors are deeply trained in preaching, shepherding, and theology—but far less equipped to lead healthy financial and operational systems. Yet financial clarity, stewardship, and administrative integrity are not merely back‑office concerns; they are core leadership responsibilities. In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus , host Dr. Don Hicks sits down with Mark Brown , President of Or...

In today’s episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks and Pastor David Lones tackle a crucial—and often avoided—topic: creating a biblical code of conduct for church leaders. This is more than policy. It’s about protecting people, guarding spiritual authority, and cultivating Christlike leadership culture. Drawing from Scripture, pastoral experience, and hard-earned lessons, this convers...

What happens when church leadership lacks clear behavioral boundaries—and what changes when accountability is defined before a crisis? In this episode of Church Leadership In Focus , Dr. Don Hicks explores the often-overlooked issue of leadership conduct and accountability . Through two contrasting case studies, Dr. Hicks shows how the presence—or absence—of a leadership code of conduct can shape...

Dr. Don Hicks teaches from Scripture about the sin of complaining and how to turn complaining into praise! He uses examples from the Bible and everyday life that you will identify with. In the conclusion of this podcast. You will learn the next time you find yourself complaining, Remember the three reasons God dislikes complaining;  1.    complaining denies God's sovereignty.  2.    2 Complai...

Pastoral ministry is sacred work—but it is also emotionally demanding. In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus , host Dr. Don Hicks addresses a topic many pastors struggle with silently: depression . With honesty and compassion, Dr. Hicks explores why depression is more common in ministry than many are willing to admit, how it is often presented uniquely in pastors, and why faithfulness and...

Church Leadership in Focus welcomes TSgt Cristhian Roldan for a compelling conversation with host Dr. Don Hicks on faith, leadership, and service in the U.S. Air Force. Cristhian shares his journey in the Air Force, his role serving Airmen through the chapel, and his discernment and next steps toward becoming an Air Force Chaplain—offering timely insight for pastors and leaders navigating calling...

What do church leaders need to understand about hidden despair in the pews? In this episode, Cristhian Roldan shares his journey of conversion and recovery, offering hope and wisdom to shepherd people with truth, grace, and compassion. Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLC Proud sponsor of the Church Leadership in Focus Podcast. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I...

In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks equips pastors and church leaders with a biblical framework for confronting conflict faithfully and courageously. Drawing from Scripture and real-world ministry experience, Don explores what it means to be a biblical peacemaker—one who speaks truth in love, pursues reconciliation, and honors Christ even in difficult conversations. This e...

In this Episode of Church Leadership in Focus Dr. Don Hicks teaches about Barnabas: Characteristics of a Peacemaker. He explains the Bible, rather than providing detailed methods or techniques for mediating disputes, Scripture focuses primarily on describing the character qualities of people, like Barnabas, who are used by God to bring others together. Although mediation techniques are important,...

 In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus , Dr. Don Hicks sits down with his longtime friend, Jeff Connell, for an insightful and deeply encouraging conversation. Together, they explore Jeff’s story, the shaping of his theological journey, and the unique role a “personal theologian” can play in the life of a pastor or ministry leader. Listeners will hear how Jeff’s experiences, study, and cal...

In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus , Dr. Don Hicks sits down with his longtime friend, Jeff Connell , for an insightful and deeply encouraging conversation. Together, they explore Jeff’s story, the shaping of his theological journey, and the unique role a “personal theologian” can play in the life of a pastor or ministry leader. Listeners will hear how Jeff’s experiences, study, and cal...

In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks explores the vital role of listening in church leadership and conflict resolution. He begins by addressing a growing problem in churches today—the tendency to weaponize disagreements. Instead of seeking understanding, people often rush to express opinions or assume the worst about others. Drawing from Scriptures such as Proverbs 18:2, Ja...

In this powerful episode of Church Leadership in Focus , host Don Hicks sits down with Pastor David Lones to explore Jesus’ teaching in John 15 and what it means for pastors and ministry leaders today. Instead of viewing obedience as a heavy burden or a performance scorecard, Jesus invites leaders to see obedience as the natural fruit of abiding in Him . This episode walks through the heart of Chr...

On Todays Episode you will hear the incredible Kingdom Impact story of Frank Landrey — a story rooted in salvation, strengthened by obedience, and multiplied through faithful service. You will hear about: Being the golf coach at Liberty University, retiring in 2015, then what he has done since then, Gideon Ministry, selling real estate, bath planet, starting missions in action, Vincennes Memorial...

On Todays Episode you will hear the incredible Kingdom Impact story of Frank Landrey — a story rooted in salvation, strengthened by obedience, and multiplied through faithful service. You will hear about Franks wife Carol, family, playing basketball for Gorgia Tech, personal salvation story, and education.  Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLC Proud sponsor of the Church Leade...

In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus , host Don Hicks sits down with Pastor Nathe Ozment , senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Halls, Tennessee, and chaplain for the Dyersburg Police and Sheriff’s Department. Pastor Nathe shares his inspiring journey into ministry, the lessons learned from three decades of pastoral leadership, and how his counseling background shapes his approac...