The Glass House

Send us Fan Mail How do you know when it’s time to step into something new, and trust God with the unknown? In this special episode of The Glass House , Ben and Lynley Mandrell take a heartfelt look back on their journey through 148 episodes as they prepare to step into a new season of ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church. With honesty and gratitude, they share the story behind their transition, fr...

Send us Fan Mail Join us today for an inspiring sermon from Ben that he preached recently at Longhollow Church.  The Grace Bible: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-grace-bible-for-kids-hardcover-dyslexia-friendly-M00101447/005849714

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we...

Send us Fan Mail What’s it really like to work on your team - and what kind of culture are you creating as a leader? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the heartbeat of every organization: staff culture. Whether you're leading a small team or serving on a large church staff, the environment you create - or tolerate - impacts everything. Ben and Lynley walk through several guid...

Send us Fan Mail Are you inviting the kind of accountability into your life that leads to real spiritual growth - or are you simply going through the motions? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore the timeless wisdom of John Wesley’s Holy Club questions and how they can still shape the spiritual lives of modern ministry leaders. Originally crafted for deep self-reflection and community...

Send us Fan Mail In a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and hustle, what is all this hurry costing us? In this episode, we slow down and take a deep breath to explore the spiritual, emotional, and relational toll of our nonstop lives. Drawing inspiration from John Mark Comer's powerful book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry , we unpack the rhythms of rest, presence, and purpose that J...

Send us Fan Mail Before we can lead others effectively, we have to learn how to lead ourselves. Are you paying attention to the habits, rhythms, and decisions that shape your personal leadership? We’re continuing our 10 & 10 Summer Series, where Ben dives into a leadership topic for 10 minutes and Lynley follows with 10 minutes of thoughtful, honest commentary from her perspective.  In this ep...

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you truly listened—not just to respond, but to understand? In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore one of the most undervalued yet essential skills in ministry leadership: listening. Whether you're navigating staff dynamics, leading small groups, or caring for your congregation, your ability to listen well can make or break y...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Glass House , Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the power of preparation—especially when it comes to shaping the environments we lead in. Whether you're welcoming a new staff member, greeting a church guest, or hosting a team event, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes. Ben & Lynley unpack why first impressions matter and how intentional details...

Send us Fan Mail In a season of constant change, is your heart moving closer to God—or drifting further away? In this special episode, we’re sharing a powerful message from Ben Mandrell, delivered at our annual One Lifeway gathering. With honesty and depth, Ben invites ministry leaders to reflect on something we often overlook: the subtle shifts of the heart. As everything around us changes, so do...

Send us Fan Mail Are you caring for your soul and body with the same intention you give to your ministry? As leaders, we often push through exhaustion and neglect our own well-being for the sake of serving others. But what if taking care of yourself is actually one of the most spiritual things you can do? In this episode, Ben Mandrell sit down with Tim Wheat to talk about the critical importance o...

Send us Fan Mail How do we handle anger as ministry leaders without letting it harm our relationships or leadership? Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can become a significant challenge—especially in the context of ministry. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Steve and Lisa Cuss to explore the complexities of anger and how it affects leaders. Steve a...

Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to serve faithfully in ministry through the decades? In this special episode of our "Through the Decades" series, Lynley Mandrell sits down with Kathy Litton—a pastor’s wife who has dedicated years to ministry, experiencing the highs and lows that come with a lifetime of service. Kathy’s journey is a testament to the resilience and grace required t...

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice a small moment of joy? As ministry leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the weight of responsibilities, constantly pouring into others while neglecting our own emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to pause and reflect on the difference between happiness and gladness—...

Send us Fan Mail As ministry leaders, how often do we carry guilt that God never intended for us to bear? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with guilt and forgiveness. Joined by Paige Greene, they dive into the complex emotions surrounding guilt—unpacking the difference between appropriate and inappropriate guilt—and how it impacts relati...

Send us Fan Mail Infertility is a silent struggle that affects more people in our churches than we may realize. For many couples, the journey is filled with grief, unanswered questions, and a longing that can feel isolating. How can we, as ministry leaders, create spaces where these struggles are acknowledged, where both men and women feel seen, and where the church becomes a place of comfort rath...

Send us Fan Mail "Shame is the emotion that touches all the other emotions." - Dr. Curt Thompson  What if shame is holding you back from living the full and abundant life God desires for you? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the weight of shame—its biblical roots, how it affects our relationships, and the ways it can keep us from experiencing true freedom. They also exp...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever faced a season of deep hurt or betrayal and wondered how you would ever heal? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Cynthia Wooldridge, a ministry leader who has walked through immense trials, including medical challenges and the heartbreaking betrayal of her husband. Through her journey of pain and restoration, Cynthia shares how faith, community, a...

Send us Fan Mail What does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a culture that often leans toward isolati...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself wrestling with sadness, wondering how to process the pain while still believing that God is good? As ministry leaders, we often walk alongside others in their suffering, offering comfort and hope. But what happens when we are the ones grieving? When the loss is personal, when the words of others don’t quite bring the comfort we need—how do we navigate...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt alone, even in a room full of people? Or wondered why ministry, with all its connections, can sometimes feel so isolating? It's important to us that you know you are not alone! In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell tackle a topic that resonates deeply with pastors and their families: loneliness. Ministry can be isolating, but this conversation sheds ligh...

Send us Fan Mail What if your greatest strength as a leader lies in embracing your emotions? As a leader, is it possible that showing vulnerability and healthy shame can actually unlock deeper connections and growth in your ministry? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leading with heart. Ben and Lynley Mandrell, along with Chip Dodd and Bryan Barley, explore the often-overlooked rol...

Send us Fan Mail What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity ? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact! In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing o...

Send us Fan Mail Merry Christmas, everyone! In today’s episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share their heartfelt reflections on this Christmas season. From the joy of having all their kids home to the blessings of serving their community, Lynley opens up about how the meaning of this season deepens as life brings new changes. Ben reflects on a year filled with significant milestones, embrac...

Send us Fan Mail How does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation? In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially...