The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast

Today, very few church leaders feel like they are winning. We look at our churches compared to what they  used  to be or what  we'd like  them to be, and it's hard to feel like we're making a real difference. So we're faced with a difficult temptation... Do we use our best energy to chase the perception of momentum? Or do we pursue heaven's perspective and seek to live wit...

Great news! I'm officially back from my summer sabbatical and I'm excited to share with you insights from my time away.  In the 3rd - 5th centuries, early Christian men and women fled to the desert to escape the moral compromise in the church and the idols of the world. They did this, not out of self-righteousness, but in order to send a life raft to the church and be a gift to the world...

One of the most destructive temptations leaders face is living and leading from the veneer of a "false self". In other words, we project an image of how we'd like to be perceived, rather than living from truth.    In today's podcast, I share a sermon from Colossians 3 that explores how we can overcome our false self and live out of our true self in Christ. Learn more about the...

Many leaders today believe that if we're going to get things done and be successful, we must "take the bull by the horns". We are told that strength and power win in the economy of leadership. So when Jesus boldly announces "Blessed are the Meek", it's no wonder that many of us shrug our shoulders and keep plowing ahead. In today's podcast, I share a sermon that...

Today on the podcast, I share a part of an interview I did earlier this year with the Canadian Church Leaders Network. I expanded upon what I see as one of God's purposes for pouring out His Spirit - giving us the power to die. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

For too many years, I thought being a peacemaker was simply being a nice person. Because of this illusion, I spiritualized my conflict avoidance and created a culture in my church where everyone pretended things were ok.  This is the definition of false peace. In the second part of this series, we explore how Jesus disrupted false peace by cleansing the temple. If you're a people-pleaser, thi...

I spent my early years avoiding conflict. True peacemaking, when understood correctly, actually comes through disrupting false peace. In today's podcast, I share a sermon that goes deeper into this new understanding. I assure you...it changes everything. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Many pastors have been professionally educated and extensively trained. The problem is – we are facing a  massive  discipleship crisis. I've found that much of our training doesn't help get at the root of this problem. Deep change requires a new kind of training. In today's episode, I cast a biblical vision for why training is not a "once and done" experience but a lifesty...

Have you ever stopped to consider what  season  you are in? Spring, summer, fall, or winter? When we ignore the reality of our season, not only do we constantly feel like we're missing it, but we are unable to receive the unique gifts of God. On today's podcast, together we'll explore how to discern and navigate our unique leadership seasons. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Co...

For many leaders, the pain and failure that come with leadership are often too much to bear.  But the truth is – pain and failure are some of God's greatest gifts to us. Why? Because it is the only way we will mature into the unique leaders He has destined us to become. In today's podcast episode, I'll show you how to perceive the challenges of leadership as gifts from the Father. L...

Have you ever returned from vacation tired and empty? As we enter into the summer months in North America, we have an opportunity to completely re-think the way we take our vacations from a biblical perspective. On today's podcast, I explore  what you must do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your vacation  in order for you to get the rest and restoration you need. Learn more about the EH Global Lead...

Is your life and leadership the same on the INSIDE as it is on the OUTSIDE? You might respond "Of course it is!". But reality is - sometimes it's hard to know. That's why God often sends others to help us see our own blindspots. In today's podcast, I share this full sermon and 3 invitations that I believe are critical for the day in which we live.   Learn more about the EH...

It has been almost 40 years since I graduated from seminary.  I had no idea there would also be a few HARD lessons waiting for me. Each of them would completely transform my life and ministry. In today's podcast, I share just 5 of these important lessons hoping they can be a gift to you as well. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conferenc...

Most leaders are consumed with solving problems, putting out fires, and managing people. Most leaders are taught that THIS is good leadership! But the truth is, if you want to be a  transformational  leader, you must learn to lead from the inside out. In today's episode, I share about the three temptations that must be resisted in order to lead from within. Learn more about the EH Global Lead...

Last week on the podcast we covered a thorny topic –  Church Scandals . In today's episode, I tackle several questions that listeners sent me last week, and then we dive into part two of the key to addressing our church scandal crisis. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Church scandals. They seem to be more and more frequent in headline news. Each one has a dramatic effect on all of us. They are to be grieved but also carefully examined. Please listen to today's episode, and if appropriate, share with others leaders who could benefit from this conversation. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

We must recover the ancient practice Sabbath. It's how we slow down our lives to delight in Jesus, and in doing so, anchor ourselves into eternity. ​​​​​​​ On today's podcast, I share a message which is the second part of our podcast series on the Sabbath. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

When we enter into Sabbath we are able to work from our rest, not just rest from our work. This is the theme we explore in today's podcast episode. Working from our rest allows our lives to become a sign and wonder pointing to the reality of Jesus. Want to see how? Listen to the episode now. Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Becoming an emotionally healthy disciple is not just about self-discovery and self-improvement. Ultimately, our discipleship MUST lead us  to become spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith  - helping those around us discover their God-given power and purpose. In today's podcast, I share a message that invites us to become spiritual mothers and fathers in the faith. Learn more about the EH...

On today's podcast, I share a sermon that will help you grow as an emotionally healthy leader – prudent with your time, wealth, energy, and resources. Only with prudence are we able to become the kind of leaders who create and shape the future! Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Recently, I made a large, consequential decision over the period of 3 - 6 months. This discernment process required me to personally apply the principles of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in a deep way. In today's podcast episode, I will walk you through the specifics of this real-life decision, why it was complex, and five questions that guided me in this decision-making process. Learn mor...

For the last 9 weeks, we've been exploring the core theology and practices of  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. But now it's time to address your questions and challenges as you put it into practice.  Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Without a thoughful plan, we are left with only our best intentions.   Today on the podcast I teach you how to develop a "Rule of Life" - an ancient practice that helps you build your life around the love of God.  This podcast is part of a  multi-week series in which we explore the seminal work from  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality .  If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you wan...

In today's podcast episode I bring the last of a multi-week  podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality .  If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen. If you missed the first episode on  The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality,  you can...

We were made by God to live within rhythms and limits.  On today's podcast, we explore this countercultural practice that cuts to the very heart of our beliefs about God and ourselves.  Today's episode is a continuation of  an 8-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality .  If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start...