Church Unfiltered with Dr. Anthony Cobbs

Have you ever heard a great sermon ruined by a weak or random illustration? As a preacher, a writer for Our Daily Bread and having written for sermon helps companies, Dr. Cobbs has learned the importance of a great illustration. This episode looks at tips for creating effective sermon illustrations and how to make sure the word of God remains the focus. 

Traditional, older churches often struggle to reach the next generation. Our services are typically not designed for them, and our leadership usually doesn't reflect them either. In this episode we discuss five ways to reach emerging generations such as: * Asking the tough questions * Establishing a cause to support * Raising up a pastor to plant elsewhere Supporting episodes: Episode 8 Do Ch...

Have you ever felt like you don't have enough time in the day? Has anyone ever made you feel guilty for not being accessible? Each of us have the same 24 hours. How we use that time is dependent upon our life balance and making sure we have set boundaries with the people pulling at us. This episode looks at six ways we can not only manage our time but manage ourselves so that we are able to m...

The call to serve on church staff is exciting, especially when the experience is filled with joy and growth. But just like any other area of work, sometimes it is necessary to move on from a staff or volunteer position. Dr. Cobbs solicited input from 25 current or former church staff workers and asked them to share how they concluded it was time to leave a staff role. In this episode, he presents...

Katie Allred is known around the country as an expert on social media and digital discipleship. Her Facebook group, Church Communications has over 30,000 members and offers practical tips and best practices for churches. She is a professor at the University of Mobile and a consultant for church and business leaders to improve their communication efforts. On this episode Katie joins Dr. Cobbs to di...

Leadership coach Shawn Lovejoy is a former pastor and is the CEO and founder of Courage to Lead. He works with pastors and business leaders across the country. Shawn joined Dr. Cobbs for a discussion on topics in leadership and many of the challenges leaders face both personally and professionally. Connect with Shawn Lovejoy: https://www.couragetolead.com Join the Breakthrough Ministry Consulting...

Everyone has questions and we are here to answer if possible. This episode  addresses three questions from across the country: 1. How do you handle people who hurt you? 2. What is the most disappointing thing about ministry? 3. As church reopens, what has changed or is it back to "busyness"? Dr. Cobbs answers these questions candidly and prayerfully. For more church consulting and tips s...

As churches and businesses strive to recover from the impact of the pandemic, employees and volunteers are making their way back to work. How do we make sure people are welcomed back with tangible, productive expectations? Dr. Cobbs discusses three ways to re-engage staff and volunteer leaders by focusing on their strengths, well-being and offering encouragement along the way.

I asked a few dynamic fathers to join me to discuss how faith and fatherhood intertwine. Josh Shelby, Dramone Taylor, and Jon Singletary opened up about the blessings and struggles of being a father. These three have unique circumstances that stretched them as men but have risen to be great dads who have a lot to share.

The mental health of the pastor is often overlooked and under appreciated. Dr. Aisha Woods returns to discuss her doctoral research on clergy, mental health and the reality that oftentimes, pastors feel isolated and alone when help is what they need.  This episode is a must for all pastors, the family or friends of pastors and those who want to pray for pastors.

Leading while in the second seat (as an Executive Pastor, Assistant Pastor, COO, etc.) is challenging but fulfilling when the person is truly called for the assignment. Dr. Cobbs sat down with Christopher J. Harris, the Executive Pastor of Crossover Church of Tampa to discuss insight into being successful while leading from the second seat.

The role of the church consultant is to help pastors and church leaders accomplish the assignment God has given to them. Guest J. Charity Ware is a consultant and owner of Ministry Up. She joins Dr. Cobbs for a discussion on what's trending in the church world and how consultants can help church leaders prepare for the future.

The best places to work typically have leaders who are self-aware and striving to become better at connecting with their team. On episode 48 we looked at signs of horrible bosses, this episode takes note of a few things leaders can do that will increase morale and help followers feel empowered and safe. Pastors, executives, volunteer leaders alike can learn from this brief episode on becoming a le...

It has been said that people don't leave jobs they leave their bosses. Whether in a church setting, corporate or volunteer role, bad behavior can lead to bad leadership. This episode looks at five red flags to help leaders avoid the label of a horrible boss.

Leadership development is a must for pastors and church leaders. The Gallup organization has put much research into understanding the best way to grow as a leader is to develop one's strengths. This episode discusses the Gallup Strengths Assessment and how it can help you become a better leader and develop others as well.

Effective communication during a crisis is imperative as leaders seek to guide people through tough times. This flashback episode was recorded during the first week of the most radical global crises of the modern era: the Coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Cobbs shares five key elements of effective communication that are applicable even today.

As many leaders examine how to move into a new season of life professionally or personally, it is easy to get stuck with what's comfortable and familiar. Dee C. Marshall is gifted at helping leaders focus on development and stretching themselves to become better at what they do. She has worked on Wall St., works with politicians and national leaders, and pastors.  This episode is a challenge...

Volunteers are the engine to your organization. How you recruit, develop and mobilize people is essential to the success of your efforts. Veronica Patterson, has lead volunteers for years at Higher Dimension Church. She is masterful at recruitment and retention and associates it all with building relationships and organizational structure. She is the CEO of The Arisco Group, a consulting agency th...

"It's lonely at the top" is an adage that those who are in leadership know to be true. Bishop Joseph Walker, the pastor of Mount Zion Nashville and the Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship joins us to discuss the topic of loneliness. His new book, "Leadership and Loneliness" is on sale now and available by clicking here . Whether you are a ministry leader...

The post-pandemic season will see churches either thrive or potentially close their doors. One option church leaders can consider is merging two or more churches together. In this episode we discuss reasons why churches should merge as well as obstacles the process might reveal.

Three questions submitted by listeners deal with a variety of issues and concerns. This episode the three questions are:  1. How do I maximize my gifts in this season?  2. What do I do if I do not want to return to church when It reopens? and  3. How do I know when to leave a ministry role?

Should pastors get involved in public service? Dr. Michael Evans, Sr thinks so. He is the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church  and the first African-American mayor of Mansfield, Texas. Dr. Evans joins us to discuss why he got involved in public service and why it is important for pastors and church leaders to be ready to serve in the capacity God calls you.

Church planting is an extremely difficult task. The average lifespan of a new church plant is less than three years. In other words, not all churches survive. On this episode I share why I eventually closed the church I started, and offer tips on how to avoid the same fate. If you are a church planting pastor or part of a launch team, you want to hear this episode.

What’s all the hype about Clubhouse? Why is everyone on TikTok? And how should church leaders respond? Should we use it or avoid it at all costs? I asked social media expert Jennifer Benton to explain the new app and the advantages and disadvantages of these popular platforms.

Finding and overseeing church staff is difficult, especially when you don't have a strategy or processes in place. Human Resource expert Krystal Speed and Dr. Ray Malone, Director of Human Resources at the Baptist General Convention of Texas, discuss considerations for church leaders concerning hiring the right people and why HR is so important to the church.