Leading From Alignment

Did you grow up in an environment where failure was embarrassing, hidden from, and often considered fatal? Was failure treated as the enemy? In today’s episode we focus on reframing failure and why it matters so much to your leadership longevity and fruitfulness

Small is not a problem, a virtue, or an excuse! In today’s episode we welcome Karl Vaters back to the mic for Part 2 of an insightful and truly powerful conversation around what it takes to lead a vibrant, healthy church—regardless of its size.

In today’s episode we chat with Karl Vaters about the positive trends he is observing with churches across the country, a few challenging trends, and what leaders can do about those challenging trends

Today’s episode focuses on getting a leader ready to enjoy an amazing vacation this summer. In Episode 188, John and Jim focus on three foundational pieces to getting the best out of your time off . . . Pre-vacation planning; the vacation itself ; and then re-entry to work afterwards

More pastors tell us in July they want to quit than in any other month of the year. In today’s episode John & Jim unpack a fresh perspective that outlines two ways you can grow deeper and wider during the summer months

In today’s episode we continue our conversation with Sean Nemecek, author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout. In Part 2 we dig into how anxiety and shame fuel burnout, and then we outline a practical pathway toward recovery

The latest report from Barna (2023) reveals an explosive statistic: 40% of pastors report they’re suffering from burnout. In 2015, that number was 11%. In today’s episode, we interview author Sean Nemecek about his book, The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout. Together we unpack why this is happening, and share dashboard warning lights that alert us to looming burnout

Unless you live under a rock, you’re likely aware of the revival that broke out at Asbury College in Wilmore Kentucky. In today’s episode, John and Jim continue their conversation around the amazing move of God’s Spirit on college campuses across our country. . . both Christian and secular—and then outline what leaders can/should do in response

In today’s episode John and Jim start a two-part series exploring what God is up to at Asbury College and at college campuses across our country . . . and what our response as leaders to these goings-on might/should be

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels when it comes to engaging the communities around you? In today’s episode, Pastor Chris Brooks returns to unpack three effective ways a church can impact the communities they serve: Community Service, Community Development, and Community Empowerment.

Caring for the health of those who serve alongside us in ministry is one of the most important responsibilities a pastor has. In today’s episode John interviews Pastor Chris Brooks, lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church, about the staff care effort at Woodside, and how churches of any size can get started with this initiative

Mental and emotional health is achievable. It’s a lot of work . . . but it ultimately is doable. In today’s episode we wrap up our seven-week focus on mental and emotional well-being by unpacking two powerful pieces of a preventive plan to help you get and stay healthy

God has called you as a leader to run a marathon, not a sprint. To finish strong. In today’s episode, we explore the impact that running and leading on a full tank has on our longevity and sustained fruitfulness as leaders

We’re currently in the middle of a series of pods focused on mental and emotional health. We’ve talked about becoming our own best friend; telling our anger where to go. Today we’ll focus on protecting ourselves from people whose mission in life is to hurt us

In today’s episode we continue our conversation which started in Episode 176 . . . Telling Anger Where to Go. All of us experience this most human of emotions. Those of us who get and stay healthy mentally/emotionally are learning how to process our anger in a way that honors God and simultaneously frees us from the suffocating grip of bitterness

In today’s episode we continue our series of conversations on mental and emotional wellbeing. Today’s pod focuses on the most human of emotions . . . anger . . . and increases our understanding of this emotion’s ability to complicate our life if we don’t handle it skillfully

Anxiety and depression are at epidemic levels in the United States. And leaders are not immune. In today’s episode, John and Jim continue their conversation around how to become your own best friend without becoming a self-centered narcissist

It’s February, and here in Michigan it’s the dead of winter, and often the height of Seasonal Affective Disorder. In today’s episode, John and Jim kick off a series of pods centered on the mental/emotional wellbeing of leaders with the subject: Become Your Own Best Friend

A church or a business won’t get to their end zone without fuel—the culture created by meaningful values provides that fuel. In today’s episode, John & Jim discuss a pathway to identify your organization’s core values, and highlight the powerful impact they have on you, your team, and the future of the organization you lead

Vision is about destination. Vision speaks to where you and the organization you lead are ultimately heading over a period of time. Using a football metaphor, vision is the end zone. In today’s episode, John and Jim help us exercise our visioning muscles by exploring three powerful outcomes of a clear, compelling, mouthwatering view of the future

Can you believe it’s 2023? Blink, and here comes another year. A year full of opportunity . . . surprises probably . . . and likely, some challenges. We think one of the best things a leader can do with a new year is to take stock of the prior year. In today’s episode, John takes time to reflect on the three most significant lessons he learned in 2022

In today’s episode John and Jim welcome Paul Feuerstein back to the mic. In Part 2 of their conversation, they unpack some of the biggest challenges facing leaders today, and practical things leaders can do about those challenges

In today’s episode, John and Jim interview Paul Feuerstein, lead pastor of Helena First in Helena Montana. Together they unpack six axioms that are common to leadership no matter the size/demographic/location of the church you lead

In today’s episode, we welcome Josh Spurlock back to the mic for Part 2 of their conversation. Josh is the founder of My Counselor Online, an amazing organization dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of leaders. In this powerful follow-up to Episode 167 John, Jim, and Josh explore where the mental and emotional health landscape is going in the United States, and how leaders can create...

In today’s episode, John and Jim welcome Josh Spurlock to the mic. Josh is the founder of My Counselor Online, an amazing organization dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of leaders. In this powerful conversation, John, Jim, and Josh unpack current trends regarding burnout among leaders, what’s contributing to it, and what leaders can do to get and stay healthy. This is a can’t miss e...