FHU Leadership Podcast

Dr. Tim Alsup an adjuct instructor at FHU and preacher for the Great Oaks Church of Christ joins the podcast this week to discuss his research and work with evangelism. He discusses eight themes on how Christians and churches can be evangelistic in our post-Christian culture. His book is available from Amazon and other retailers. It is called "How Do you Share the Gospel in Our Culture?"  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Bartlett Woods Church of Christ minister and FHU youth ministry instructor on intergenerational ministry. They discuss what it is, how to do it, and why it is important. This discussion is vital for all congregations and church leaders. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Mark Blackwelder, longtime professor of Bible at FHU, on understanding the importance and challenges of identity. They discuss retirement, transitions, temptations, and other struggles related to this topic for church leaders. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU Doctor of Ministry student, Matthew Higginbotham on his dissertation research regarding church mergers. They discuss the benefits and challenges of church mergers. He shares some best practices for churches seeking to merge. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Doug Burleson, NT and Greek professor at FHU, on questions related to the qualifications of elders. He shares knowledge of the greek text of 1 Timothy and Titus. They focus on the qualifications related to an elder's family and the controversies that surround these questions in local churches.  

Are gospel meetings ineffective today? Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Gloster Street Church of Christ preacher and FHU alum Chad Ramsey on his research with churches on gospel meetings. They discuss reasons meetings are often ineffective and how church leaders can plan effective meetings for the church.  Here is the Leadership Guide for this Episode . 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews new FHU President Dr. Keith Harris on his leadership aims and philosophy. They discuss his goals for FHU and past leadership experiences.   Here is the Leadership Guide for this Episode .   

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Eric Lyons, the director of Apologetics Press and FHU alum, on the importance of teaching Christian apologetics. They discuss what is apologetics, why it is important to teach, and how churches can go about doing such.   Here is the Leadership Guide for this episode. 

Dr. Josh Ketchum closes out this season with a brief review and some thoughts on how working deacons provide stability to the congregation. Here is the Episode Guide for this episode that will assist you in discussing this episode.  If you are interested in getting a powerpoint from this lesson email him at jketchum@fhu.edu .    

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU President David Shannon on his nine year tenure at FHU. He reflects back on some of the key moments of his tenure, his leadership philosophy and aims, and discusses his transition back to Mount Juliet Church of Christ.  President Shannon takes us behind the desk and into his heart in a vulnerable and authentic way of reflection.  Here is the leadership guide fo...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum Jeremy Burleson on being a new elder. He discusses his transition into that role, challenges, surprises, and his effort to prepare himself. Jeremy is enrolled in FHU's Graduate School of Theology certificate for Church Leaders in Counseling. Jeremy serves as an elder at the Spring Hill Church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN.   To learn more about the Certific...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU President David Shannon and Dean of the College of Bible Dr. Justin Rogers on a new program to encourage, educate, and equip church leaders. The program called "The Shepherd's Path" is in its developmental stages but promises to be a great opportunity for current and future elders to gain valuable experience as they work with a cohort for a two year period.  Th...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Jon Paul Gulledge on a recent project he did with leaders from their congregation to develop their conviction, missional focus, and non-anxious presence. They defined their values and discussed harmful responses to challenging situations.  They discuss the leadership theory of Bowen Family System theory and its application to congregational settings.   Here is the...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews his mentor and friend Stan Dauck on long-term ministry and the challenges of serving both as an elder and minister at the same church. Stan has been preaching with the Bernie Church of Christ in Bernie, Missouri for 38 years serving as an elder for 18 of those years.   Here is the Leadership Guide for this episode .  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Matthew Morine from the Castle Rock Church of Christ on the church's vision. He discusses the minister's role in promoting the vision and the importance of a vision for a congregation.  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Matthew Morine preacher at the Castle Rock Church of Christ on the value of reading for leaders. Matthew shares his reading tips along with his favorite books and lessons from them for leaders.  Here are the books he recommended.   Overcoming the Darkside of Leadership - by Gary McIntosh  Dear Chairman by Jeff Gramm Anti-fragile - by Nassim Taleb and Joe Ochman...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum and preacher at the Maple Hill Church of Christ in Lebanon, TN on understanding church sizes and the transitions required by leadership. In this episode they discuss how churches can break size barriers for growth, how ministers and leaders must shift leadership philosophy in when changing size churches, and how transitions are challenging. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews long-time gospel preacher and interim minister Jerrie Barber on his experiences and wisdom with how to deal with conflict.  Jerrie share two books of which he and his wife Gail have written which can be found here.   Between Preachers - Jerrie Barber  Fleecy Clouds - Gail Barber Jerrie also has a weekly podcast that is exceptional. You can listen to it here or subs...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews FHU alum and current missionary-in-residence on the challenges of foreign mission work and what local leadership can do to support and encourage their missionary. 

In this bonus episode we share Chris McCurley's Dear Church Podcast which was released on December 4, 2025. In this episode Dr. Josh Ketchum, our normal host, is interviewed with his son Austin Ketchum about their new book: At His Table. The book contains 53 devotionals centered around the Lord's Supper. It is designed for the worshipper to be able to use it to enrich their communion each Lord's d...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews his good friend Mark Simons on the leading in the small church. Mark is an FHU alum and preacher at the Roan's Creek Church of Christ. Mark discusses the strengths, challenges, and unique blessings that are available through the small church. 

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Andrew Phillips about interpersonal communication. They discuss how to consider the story you are telling yourself and how to listen to the stories and statements of others. These skills are very valuable for church leaders.   Also you can email Josh Ketchum at jketchum@fhu.edu to be entered in his book drawing by Nov. 5, 2025.  To purchase a copy or learn abou...

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Aarek Farmer in this episode. Dr. Farmer is an education professor at FHU and a minister and elder in the church. He discusses his involvement in the recent church plant in Arlington, TN.  He tells an exciting missional story of how the Great Oaks Church of Christ in Memphis area planted this new congregation.   Also to enter the book giveaway of Josh and Austi...

Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews Dr. Andrew Phillips, a minister with the Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee on inductive versus deductive preaching outlines. Andrew explains the difference and how both types can be used effectively for the preaching of God's word.  

Host Dr. Josh Ketchum interviews business professor and tax accountant Dr. Brandon Lanciloti on what ministers should understand and know about tax issues.