Passing The Pulpit

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Millsaps, worship pastor at Bell Shoals Church, to talk about a powerful ministry idea that is helping churches rethink discipleship, creativity, and the next generation. What began as a simple burden to better equip creative kids in the church eventually became Kids Worship Camp—a hands-on ministry experience where children learn worship, songwriting, produ...

When Pentecost Sunday lands on Memorial Day weekend during graduation season, pastors face a unique challenge: what exactly are you supposed to preach on? Do you lean into the church calendar, address the cultural moment, honor life transitions, or try to somehow hold all of it together in one message? In this episode, Matt Redder shares five practical and pastoral ways to discern what to preach w...

What happens when your career changes but your calling doesn’t?  In this episode, we sit down with Luke Miller to explore his unique journey from pastoral ministry to the marketplace—and how his calling never changed, even when his job title did. From church planting in Dallas to spending over 15 years in church media, Luke shares honest insights on bi-vocational ministry, identity, and the tensio...

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse to unpack some of the most thought-provoking—and at times controversial—stories shaping the church today. From a provocative Easter marketing campaign that sparked major backlash, to a powerful conversation about engaging culture without compromising truth, this episode doesn’t shy away from the tension leaders are facing right now. We wrestle with questions...

What does it actually look like to lead in a way that outlasts you ? In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jim Mullins to unpack a leadership decision most leaders avoid: intentionally raising up and handing off leadership to others— before you have to. After nearly two decades of ministry, Jim didn’t just talk about leadership development—he lived it. Through a years-long process, he identifie...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Josh Read—a former pastor’s kid, missionary, and now senior product leader—to explore the intersection of ministry, technology, and calling. Josh shares stories from growing up in a ministry home, navigating a life of global missions, and building a career in the digital space—all while staying rooted in a deep awareness of God’s presence. From self-funded miss...

What is it really like growing up as a pastor’s kid? For many PKs, life in a ministry family can be both a blessing and a challenge. There are unique expectations, moments of pressure, and the constant question of whether faith is something you simply inherited or something you’ve truly made your own. In this episode, we sit down with Tyler, a pastor’s kid who is stepping into a worship leadership...

How does God work in the ordinary, everyday lives of people all around the world? One small step of faith, one choice, one conversation at a time.  This truth pours out of Jonathan Miller the creative director and entrepreneur who has spent decades trusting God with the right next step. In this episode we hear the powerful testimony of a man who has so much wisdom to offer the church community. Fr...

What does real revival actually look like — and why is the next generation at the center of it? In this conversation, Shane Pruitt shares what he’s seeing across churches, campuses, and communities as God moves among Gen Z and young adults. From the marks of authentic spiritual awakening to practical strategies for reaching students, equipping families, and mobilizing young leaders, this episode i...

What happens when a life built on discipline, structure, and service in the military collides with an unexpected calling into ministry? In this powerful episode, Ray Diaz shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to discovering his identity, faith, and purpose beyond the uniform. What began as a pursuit of direction and belonging through military life ultimately became a pathway God used to...

Ministry is hard. And if we’re honest, sometimes we’re shocked by just how hard it can be. The resistance, the criticism, the slow growth, the spiritual weight — it can leave even faithful leaders wondering if they missed God somewhere along the way. But Jesus didn’t hide the truth. In John 16:33, He told us plainly: “In this world you will have trouble.” The problem isn’t that ministry is difficu...

Is evangelism still possible in today’s hostile, distracted, and post-Christian culture—or have we simply lost our nerve? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit , Matt sits down with Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, for a direct, gospel-centered conversation about the urgency of evangelism in our moment. Greg challenges the fear, apathy, and theological confusion that often keep beli...

What shapes a leader’s convictions—and what sustains them over time? In this episode, we sit down with pastor, author, faith director ,and cultural apologist Lucas Miles to talk about the journey that shaped his ministry, the discipline of lifelong learning, and the threats facing the Church today. Lucas shares the moments that clarified his calling, how expository preaching continues to influence...

What does faithful ministry look like when leadership happens in the margins—between full-time work, church transitions, and congregational needs? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit , Matt sits down with a seasoned, bi-vocational ministry leader to talk candidly about the realities of long-term service in the local church. Drawing from two decades of ministry experience, the conversation explor...

What does faithful leadership require in a year already marked by tension, failure, and spiritual urgency? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit , Matt sits down with Jesse Jackson , Senior Content Editor at ChurchLeaders , to talk about the stories that are shaping the Church in early 2026—and why pastors can’t afford to ignore them. Drawing from Jesse’s daily work covering church and ministry ne...

The new year isn’t just about fresh starts—it’s about wise reflection. In this episode, we slow down to look back on the past year and talk honestly about what shaped us, stretched us, and strengthened us. Then we turn our eyes forward, considering how to move into the new year with intention, faith, and a clearer sense of direction. If you’re feeling reflective, hopeful, or somewhere in between,...

This Christmas, we’re exploring the spiritual rhythm of returning to the manger year after year. Like the shepherds, the Magi, and generations of faithful believers, we are invited to make an annual pilgrimage—not just to a place, but into the story of Jesus’ birth, His humility, and God’s faithfulness. In this episode, we reflect on how these yearly journeys shape our faith: they help us remember...

Pastors carry so much spiritual weight that they often forget the physical, emotional, and family weight that comes with ministry. In this special episode, my wife joins me—not only as a pastor’s spouse, but also as a nutritionist—to share wisdom on setting meaningful, sustainable goals for 2026. Together we explore the challenges of planning a new year when life feels unpredictable and why caring...

In this insightful and honest conversation with Todd Lidner, we dive into the critical transition many ministry leaders face when moving from church-based roles into the marketplace. Todd — founder of Launch Point — shares his experience helping ministers identify and translate their ministry gifts into meaningful, well-paid roles in the business world in addition to practical next steps for anyon...

The holiday season is one of the most meaningful—and most demanding—times of the year for pastors and ministry leaders. Between extra services, seasonal expectations, family commitments, and the pressure to deliver “your best sermons of the year,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or spiritually drained. In this episode, we dive into the real struggles pastors face during Thanksgiving, Advent, and Chr...

In a world that moves too fast and constantly tells us we deserve more, genuine gratitude has become a rare and revolutionary act. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we invite you into a deeper, more counter-cultural understanding of thankfulness—one that pushes back against entitlement, resets the soul, and opens our eyes to the quiet gifts we overlook every day. Whether you're celebrating wit...

From First Week to First Year: The Pastoral Journey dives into the real-life experiences of a brand-new pastor navigating the early days of ministry. Join us as we talk about the excitement, challenges, and lessons that come with stepping into church leadership for the very first time. From preaching your first sermon to handling pastoral care, building relationships, managing expectations, and fi...

In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, I sit down with Jesse Smith, a former worship pastor turned entrepreneur, to explore what it really means to live out your calling beyond the walls of the church. From stage to startup, Jesse has discovered that ministry doesn’t end when Sunday service does—it just moves into new spaces. Together, we unpack how the marketplace has become one of the greatest m...

We live in a world that moves at the speed of a swipe. Every day, Gen Z and young adults are bombarded with digital content designed to capture attention—but rarely to cultivate spiritual depth. So what does effective ministry look like in a culture driven by distraction, algorithms, and short attention spans? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, we sit down with Next Gen Pastor Cory Kasperson t...

In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, host Matt Redder sits down with Jason McMullen, an experienced Executive Pastor, to unpack what it really looks like to serve in one of the most pivotal — yet often misunderstood — roles in the church. Together, they discuss the unique calling of the Executive Pastor, what the journey into this kind of ministry can look like, and the balance between spiritual...