The Discerning Leader Podcast
The Discerning Leader podcast is for Christian leaders who are interested in discovering the joy of 'practicing a preference for God' in all aspects of their personal lives and relationships, their leadership and service to others. Each episode our host, Steve Macchia, founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (LTI), with friends from the LTI community, will explore one aspect of spiritual discernment as a way of life. Join us on this refreshingly transformational journey and add your voice to this leadership conversation.
Episodes
Surrendering Self-Referencing | Season 41, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "All of these self-centered preoccupations keep us from a healthy self-awareness." — Steve Macchia How often do we make ourselves the center of the conversation—sharing our stories, offering our opinions, displaying our accomplishments, or subtly managing how others perceive us? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott e
The Mirror Of The Soul | Season 41, Episode 5
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "What are we holding on to that God may be asking us to release?" — Steve Macchia When does self care become selfish care? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the "mirror of the soul"—the invitation to develop a deeper, more honest awareness of who we are, what is happening within us, and how our inner lives
The Seduction of Significance | Season 41, Episode 04
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "The lie that we've bought into [is] that we need to be pushing and shoving ourselves into a being-seen place." — Steve Macchia What happens when our desire to be seen, known, and significant quietly becomes the thing that drives us? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the seduction of significance—the subtle
Meeting The False Self | Season 41, Episode 3
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "The truth of Jesus will set you free. But also, the truth of your story will set you free." — Steve Macchia In this episode, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the false self and the layers of identity we develop through our stories, wounds, choices, shame, and expectations of others. Together, they consider how these patterns can become so familiar that w
Coming Home To Your True Self | Season 41, Episode 2
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "We have to keep coming home and pursuing God and godliness rather than self and selfishness." — Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the difference between our true self and our false self—and the ways we can quietly lose ourselves when we begin to derive our identity from what we do rather than
Mark Buchanan | September 2026 Special Edition, Episode 01
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Mark Buchanan "All of my books begin as self-therapy. They begin as sort of addressing an ache in me, a wonderment, a puzzle, a hurt, whatever it happens to be, where I have to figure something out." - Mark Buchanan In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes author and longtime friend Mark Buchanan for a rich conversation about the spirit
The Gift of (Being Your) Self | Season 41, Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "Our life would be so different—and our churches and marriages and families and communities would be so different—if we remembered our Creator and delighted in everything that he has created." – Steve Macchia What if the truest version of ourselves isn't something we have to create, perfect, or promote—but something we learn to receive? In the opening episode
Abigail Carroll | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 09
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Abigail Carroll This episode originally aired on May 4, 2023 as Episode 4 of Season 26. "Poetry is the premise and the tool for submitting myself to beauty." - Abigail Carroll In this concluding conversation of our Summer 2026: Rewind series, Steve Macchia welcomes poet and pastor Abigail Carroll to explore the spiritual significance of beauty, creativity, poetry, and w
Mark Buchanan | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 8
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Mark Buchanan This episode originally aired on June 17, 2021 as Episode 3 of Season 11. "The premier physical activity for spiritual formation is walking." — Mark Buchanan In this REWIND episode, Steve Macchia welcomes Mark Buchanan to explore God Walk and what it means to move at "the speed of your soul"—the speed of love and grace. They reflect on Sabbath, attentivene
Amy Murgatroyd | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 7
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Amy Murgatroyd This episode originally aired on October 14, 2021 as Episode 4 of Season 14. "I'm not creating these moments. I'm bearing witness to them." – Amy Murgatroyd What would change if we slowed down enough to really see? In this episode, Steve Macchia talks with photographer and filmmaker Amy Murgatroyd about the spiritual practice of noticing. After a health
Rich Plass | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rich Plass This episode originally aired on August 19, 2021 as Episode 2 of Season 13. "Every leader needs someone who can hear their story without judgment." - Rich Plass Steve Macchia welcomes longtime friend Dr. Richard Plass, author of The Relational Soul, to explore how our earliest relationships form us and why healing often begins when we have the courage to tell
Alice Fryling | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 5
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alice Fryling This episode originally aired on October 28, 2021 as Episode 6 of Season 14. "Aging faithfully isn't about holding onto what once was—it's about trusting the God who remains faithful in every season." - Alice Fryling In this thoughtful conversation, Steve Macchia welcomes author and spiritual director Alice Fryling to explore the holy invitation of aging f
Alan Fadling | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 4
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Sara Singleton This episode originally aired on November 4, 2021 as Episode 1 of Season 15. "We have a cultural assumption that fast is good and slow is bad…how might slow be good for your soul?" – Alan Fadling In this episode, Steve Macchia welcomes author, spiritual director, and Unhurried Living founder Alan Fadling for a rich conversation about slowing down to the p
Sara Singleton | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 3
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Sara Singleton This episode originally aired on May 12, 2022 as Episode 7 of Season 18. "You don't have to do anything or be anything for God to love you more." - Sarah Singleton In this deeply moving conversation with Steve Macchia, Sarah shares the remarkable story of God's faithfulness through infertility, adoption, heartbreaking loss, vocational calling, racial rec
Adele Calhoun | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 2
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Adele Calhoun This episode originally aired on September 23, 2021 as Episode 1 of Season 14. "Shaming voices have the power to cripple us. They isolate us from the truth about ourselves and others." – Adele Calhoun How we deal with the shaming voices of our past will either set us free to live more abundantly, or will keep us crippled by their falsehood. In this week's
Gary Franklin | Summer 2026: Rewind, Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Gary Franklin *This episode originally aired on May 11, 2023 as Episode 5 of Season 26.* "For the first twenty years of my ministry, discernment wasn't a part of my way of life – it was just busyness and activity." – Gary Franklin A large part of discernment is learning to pay attention to our soul. Gary Franklin is a pastor in the greater Atlanta area who has minister
Caring for Your Soul in Every Season | Season 40, Episode 12
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "A spiritual practice is not a prescription for success; it's an invitation to deeper intimacy with God." - Steve Macchia As Season 40 of The Discerning Leader Podcast comes to a close, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott reflect on the journey of exploring the state of our souls through the lens of LTI's Soul Care Audit. Together they revisit key themes from the se
The Monastery of the Soul | Season 40, Episode 11
Host: Steve Macchia Guests: Gayle Heaslip, Matt Scott "Hospitality of the soul is about a gracious welcome, not just a literal space. It's a kind of inner spaciousness and unhurried quality that's created within our hearts." – Steve Macchia What does it mean to practice hospitality—not just in our homes, but within our souls? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes
Spiritual Community: A Safe Space For The Soul | Season 40, Episode 10
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Gail Edmonson, Matt Scott "Community is built through trust, but it is redeemed through love, grace, forgiveness, and a lot of listening." - Steve Macchia In this episode, Steve Macchia, Matt Scott, and Gail Edmondson explore the beauty, challenges, and transformative power of spiritual community. Together they discuss why healthy community requires trust, humility, li
How Spiritual Direction Nurtures The Soul | Season 40, Episode 9
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Susan Currie, Matt Scott "I'm becoming more and more convinced that every leader needs a spiritual director." – Steve Macchia This week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, offers a thoughtful conversation about the transformative practice of spiritual direction. Steve Macchia and Susan Currie explore what spiritual direction is, how it differs from counseling,
The Power of Spiritual Friendships | Season 40, Episode 8
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Rick Anderson, Matt Scott "We all need people who believe the best in us, stand beside us when we feel like falling, and help us keep going." – Steve Macchia If you've ever longed for deeper connection, wondered how to cultivate genuine soul friendships, or found yourself feeling isolated in leadership or life, this conversation offers encouragement and practical next
Our Emotions Are Not Our Enemies | Season 40, Episode 7
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Marcos Leon, Matt Scott "If we don't go to the place of owning and identifying our feelings and emotions, we won't be able to embrace both our brokenness and wholeness." – Steve Macchia Why do so many of us struggle to name what we feel? How do family systems and early experiences shape our emotional lives? And what might happen if we stopped treating emotions as enemi
Creating Space In A Crowded Life | Season 40, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia Guest: Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Soul care begins by creating space to listen." - Steve Macchia If you feel spiritually weary, distracted, or hungry for deeper intimacy with God, this episode offers a gentle invitation to create space for the One who refreshes our souls. Steve Macchia is joined by Suz Skinner and Matt Scott for a rich conversation about creating space to be with
Exchange Your Striving For Delight | Season 40, Episode 5
In this reflective episode of the Discerning Leader podcast, Steve Macchia, Matt Scott, and Dr. Kim Alexander explore the deep spiritual practice of Sabbath rest and its impact on the soul. Moving beyond the idea of simply "stopping," they unpack what it means to truly rest—embracing surrender, trust, and delight in God's presence. Through personal stories, cultural observations, and spiritual ins
A Disposition Toward Silence And Solitude | Season 40, Episode 4
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott, Fyfe Blair "What are the 'pillows' that allow your soul to finally rest in God?" – Steve Macchia In this episode of the Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Machia is joined by Matt Scott and Fyfe Blair for a rich and reflective conversation on silence and solitude. Together, they explore why these ancient practices feel so difficult in a distracted, fast-paced
Renewing The Mind For A Healthy Soul | Season 40, Episode 3
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott, Jeremy Stefano "The mind must be renewed if the soul is to be transformed." – Steve Macchia In a world saturated with distraction, misinformation, and anxiety, what we think about—and how we think—deeply shapes the condition of our soul. In Episode 03 of Season 40, Steve Macchia, Jeremy Stefano and Matt Scott unpack how examining truth, prayerful reflection,
Caring for the Body, Tending the Soul | Season 40, Episode 2
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott and Dr. Brenda Woods "We cannot separate the body and the soul—our bodies impact our spiritual health." – Steve Macchia How does your physical body shape the health of your soul? In this episode, Dr. Brenda Woods joins Steve Macchia and Matt Scott as they explore the deep connection between our physical and spiritual well-being. Together, they challenge the f
What's The State Of Your Soul? | Season 40, Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Matt Scott "The soul is the only part of us that is eternal—so why do we neglect it the most?" - Steve Macchia "How is it with your soul?" This timeless question opens the door to a deeper awareness of our life with God. In this first episode of the new season, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the meaning, depth, and importance of the soul—described as the very esse
An Invitation To Transformation | Season 39, Episode 7
Featuring: Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Each parable of Jesus is an invitation—not just to understand, but to be transformed." - Steve Macchia What if the parables of Jesus are not simply stories to understand—but invitations to be transformed? In this concluding episode of Season 39: Praying the Parables of Jesus, Steve Macchia, along with Suz Skinner and Matt Scott, reflects on the fi
Praying the Parables with Open Hands | Season 39, Episode 6
Featuring: Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Tell me your story…and I'll companion you in your lack of trust." - Steve Macchia What might change if you encountered the parables of Jesus as an invitation into a life of deeper trust? Episode 39.6 reflects on a powerful gathering of parables centered on the theme of trust—trusting in God's provision, His love, His rescue, and His heart toward u
Persistent in Prayer and Serving | Season 39, Episode 5
Featuring: Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "Ask. Seek. Knock… there's initiative attached to every one of those words." - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia, Suze Skinner, and Matt Scott continue their journey through Praying the Parables of Jesus, reflecting on a group of parables centered around one simple word: serve. Through prayerful convers
A Generous or Stingy Life? | Season 39 Episode 4
Come Close, Draw Near | Season 39, Episode 3
Featuring: Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, Matt Scott "God's invitation is always the same: come close, draw near, follow Me." - Steve Macchia What does it mean to truly receive God's invitation? In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Machia, Sue Skinner, and Matt Scott explore a powerful grouping of parables from the book Praying the Parables of Jesus—each echoing a single, compellin
Are You All In For The Kingdom? | Season 39, Episode 2
Featuring Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott "The parables confront us with a question: Kingdom of God or kingdom of earth?" - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast (Season 39, Ep 02), Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott reflect on six parables that share one compelling invitation: be all in for the kingdom of God. Through the practices of lectio and visio d
Receiving the Kingdom of God | Season 39, Episode 1
Featuring Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott As Season 39 of the Discerning Leader podcast begins, Steve Macchia, Sue Skinner, and Matt Scott invite listeners into a 40-day journey of praying the parables of Jesus. Rooted in the ancient practices of lectio divina and visio divina, this season explores how word and image together awaken a posture of receptivity to God's kingdom. Through hon
The Best Time To Craft A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "And that's the ripple effect that happens when men of God like you take this seriously and put real teeth into noticing what's necessary for this season." - Steve Macchia In this concluding episode of Season 38, Steve Macchia welcomes James Hopman to share how he crafted his personal rule of life in the midst of an exceptionally full season. As a pastor,
From Burnout and Brokenness to Beloved | Season 38, Episode 5
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rev. Jen Keifer "You and I, we find our passion somewhere between a fist in the air of injustice and the tear in our eye of compassion and mercy." - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, host Steve Macchia is joined by Rev. Jen Kiefer, who shares her deeply personal journey of crafting and living a rule of life rooted in belovedness rather than
Safeguarding Love In Our Rule Of Life | Season 38, Ep.04
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "If God's going to be in the center of our lives, we have to be willing to let him come in and take over every single aspect of our lives." - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Machia and James Hauptman explore how a personal rule of life is ultimately lived out in community. Drawing from ancient Christian wisdom and the
Weaving Together Your Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 03
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "If God's going to be in the center of our lives, we have to be willing to let him come in and take over every single aspect of our lives." - Steve Macchia What do we do with the raw materials of our lives? Episode 3 of Season 38 invites you into a reflective and practical conversation about crafting a personal Rule of Life. Host Steve Macchia welcomes Ja
How To Begin Crafting A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 02
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "A rule of life allows us to live with intention and purpose in the present moment." - Steve Macchia How do you actually begin crafting a Rule of Life? What steps can you take, and what tools can help you along the way? In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and James Hauptman share practical insights and concrete guidance
A Way of Life for Well-Ordered Living | Season 38, Episode 01
Host: Steve Macchia Guest: James Hauptman "Without a humble, attentive heart our self centeredness will not lead to the abundance of a God-empowered life." - Steve Macchia 2026 begins with a brand new season of The Discerning Leader Podcast. Featuring James Hauptman, Steve Macchia hosts a rich conversation around well-ordered living that comes from crafting a personal rule of life. Whether you've
Embracing Inefficiency (Slowness) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
Host: Steve Macchia Co-Host: Matt Scott As we step into a new year, this episode invites us to resist the urge to sprint and instead begin 2026 with deliberate, unhurried intentionality. In this final episode of Season 37, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott offer a thoughtful conversation about the gift of slowing down and embracing inefficiency. They explore how slowness creates space for the deeper fo
Alone and Not Lonely (Solitude) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-Host: Matt Scott "Solitude and silence are a gift when experienced together. And when they are practiced within a community, they can become a place of significant growth and maturation." - Steve Macchia Many people find solitude uncomfortable. The idea of being alone with our own thoughts can feel overwhelming—even daunting. Yet solitude is not the same as loneliness. In t
A Quieted Soul Within (Silence) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-Host: Matt Scott "Silence is the place where the deepest work happens in our lives." - Steve Macchia Advent loses its meaning when it is overwhelmed by constant noise. Silence invites the noise to quiet down, helping us recognize the inner distractions we often ignore. It is in these moments of stillness that God works most deeply—transforming our hearts and drawing us clos
A Decluttered Advent (Spaciousness) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness, Episode 2
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-Host: Matt Scott "We have to say no to the demands of this world. We have to create some space that is sacred and holy and dedicated wholly to our heart's devotion to Jesus." - Steve Macchia We often give into a compulsion to complicate the simple and clutter that which is spacious. What if this Advent was different for you? In this podcast conversation, Steve Macchia and M
Resisting Excess and Exhaustion (Simplicity) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness, Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-host: Matt Scott "Simplicity? It goes against the grain of our society. We're needing to make a concious choice to say no to the excess and to the busyness." - Steve Macchia How is it that the most wonderful time of the year often draws us into excess and exhaustion? Tune into the first episode of Season 37 as Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the posture and practice of
J.R. Briggs | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 12
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: J.R. Briggs "We don't know how to ask good questions and point to another because we're just so fixated on ourselves." - Steve Macchia Steve Macchia and J.R. Briggs remind leaders that transformation begins by asking better, more honest questions. Their conversation invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and cultivate curiosity that leads to wiser, Spirit-led discernme
Gary Thomas | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 11
Host: Steve Macchia Guest: Gary Thomas "A simple definition of spiritual formation is that the pathway to a deeper walk with God is aligning a deep understanding of the truth about God with the truth about ourselves." – Steve Macchia In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia shares a conversation with long-time friend Gary Thomas. In Gary's most recent book, The Life Y
Alison Cook | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 10
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alison Cook "To have a healthy sense of identity and focus intently on what matters most, that's what we're all longing for." - Steve Macchia Curiosity, boundaries, healing, and integration. In Episode 10 of Season 36, Steve Macchia interviews Dr. Alison Cook as she shares wisdom and insight from these themes in her recent book "I Shouldn't Feel This Way." A psychothera
Bill and Kristi Gaultiere | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 9
"Relational health and vitality is based on our ability to be empathetic toward one another as God has been empathetic toward us." - Steve Macchia In Episode 36.09 of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia interviews Bill and Kristi Gaultiere of Soul Shepherding as they share wisdom from their recent book, Deeply Loved. Together, they discuss how the life-giving and life-changing power of em
Jeff Crosby | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 8
"Reading is yet another way we can notice and discern the work of God in everyday life." – Steve Macchia Why should we read? It's a question Jeff Crosby both poses and beautifully answers through engaging personal stories, literary reflections, and spiritual insights. His rich and thought-provoking book, World of Wonders, explores how reading can be an act of worship and spiritual formation. Tune
Ashley and Bryce Hales | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 7
"There's so much of us that is yet to be explored because we don't access our imagination." - Steve Macchia Is it possible to experience a life of fruitful obedience when we're exhausted, anxious, and busy? In their book A Fruitful Life, Ashley and Bryce Hales help readers dive deep into the Sermon on the Mount and discover Jesus' vision of a good and fruitful life. This podcast episode, hoste
Bill Simmons | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Bill Simmons "We tend to go other places…our work, our relationships, our hobbies, our attachments as opposed to simply finding our rest in God." - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes Bill Simmons to share themes from his new book, The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational Life. Bill is the presiden
Mimi Dixon | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 5
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Mimi Dixon "Let us reflect with gratitude on this movement-making piece of literature that has entered our hearts and the spiritual formation world. We are so grateful for the faithfulness of Richard Foster." - Steve Macchia Miriam (Mimi) Dixon began her ministry in 1979 and has been building up local churches ever since. Holding both an MDiv and DMin degree from Fulle
Jimmy Mellado | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 4
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Jimmy Mellado "When we have an awareness of a need, will we run to the need? Are we going to be known for our generosity or for our stinginess?" - Steve Macchia Steve Macchia and Jimmy Mellado connect in Episode 04 of Season 36. After serving for more than 20 years as the president of the Willow Creek Association, Jimmy has been the President and CEO of Compassion
Nicholas and Sheila Rowe | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 3
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Nicholas and Sheila Rowe "We've been instructed to act justly, to love mercifully and to walk humbly with the Lord. We want to take the risk of extending friendship across the lines that have historically separated us." - Steve Macchia In Episode 03 of Season 36, Nicholas and Sheila Rowe offer their expertise in helping leaders process painful and traumatic experie
Dave Ripper | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 2
Host: Steve Machia, Guest: Dave Ripper "In essence, the number one question we ought to be asking ourselves is 'How can I help you draw closer to God?'" - Steve Macchia In Episode 02 of Season 36, Steve Macchia hosts Dave Ripper, author of 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus.' In this conversation, Steve and Dave discuss Dallas Willard's approach to reading the Bible and how we can
Suz Skinner | Discerning God's Invitations Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Suz Skinner "Our prayer is that our eyes will be open, our ears will be attentive, and our hearts will receive the gift of the parables of Jesus." - Steve Macchia Season 36 begins with a conversation between Steve Macchia and Suz Skinner. They share about their soon-to-release book, Praying the Parables of Jesus, an immersive encounter with the teachings of Jesus. U
Gordon Macdonald – Part 2 | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 9
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Gordon Macdonald This episode originally aired on May 5, 2022 as Episode 6 of Season 18 "Expect to reorganize your interior life every 7-10 years." –Gordon MacDonald Gordon Macdonald joins Steve Macchia again for the conclusion of this 2-part conversation around his book "The View from Eighty." Sharing the final 8 insights that make for success or failure in
Gordon Macdonald – Part 1 | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 8
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Gordon Macdonald This episode originally aired on April 28, 2022 as Episode 5 of Season 18 "Your number one priority in the Lord's work is your family." –Gordon MacDonald Gordon Macdonald joins Steve Macchia for the first of two conversations, drawing from his book "The View from Eighty." A summary of 15 things that make for success or failure in ministry, Go
Eric Peterson | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 7
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Eric Peterson This episode originally aired on April 7, 2022 as Episode 2 of Season 18 "God is in everything, in all the details of life, and not just the pleasant ones." – Eric Peterson In this REWIND episode, Eric Peterson joins Steve Macchia to reflect upon the luminous trail of spiritual discernment. Using the metaphors of mountain climbing and hiking, Eri
Carolyn Arends | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 6
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Carolyn Arends This episode originally aired on October 13, 2022 as Episode 2 of Season 22 "The promise we always have is not no pain – it's no wasted pain. There's nothing that He can't redeem." – Carolyn Arends Carolyn Arends joins Steve Macchia to share watershed moments of her life story. Highlighting several major turning points and milestones, she offer
Bill and Kristi Gaultiere | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 5
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Bill and Kristi Gaultiere This episode originally aired on November 10, 2022 as Episode 6 of Season 22 "Ohh, I need to do some more inner journey work. This is an invitation." –Kristi Gaultiere Bill and Kristi Gaultiere join Steve for a rich conversation about spiritual practices, discernment and soul care. In their book Journey of the Soul, they reflect on
James Bryan Smith | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 4
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Bryan Smith This episode originally aired on November 3, 2022 as Episode 5 of Season 22 "Every need that my soul has, Jesus meets them – every single one of them." – James Bryan Smith James Bryan Smith joins Steve for a conversation about how our view of God transforms our understanding and experience of spiritual disciplines. In this REWIND episode of
Nathan Foster | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 3
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Nathan Foster This episode originally aired on April 14, 2022 as Episode 3 of Season 18 "The Jesus way is clear: hang out with 12 nobodies and then give them the keys." –Nathan Foster Nate Foster joins Steve Macchia for a conversation about our awareness of God and quiet reflection. In this REWIND episode, Nate invites us to consider how God often fills in th
Rowena Day | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 2
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rowena Day This episode originally aired on April 13, 2023 as Episode 1 of Season 26. "There are so many ways that our attention is pulled, and we are divorced from our own bodies which make it really hard to notice God." – Rowena Day In this REWIND episode of The Discerning Leader podcast, Rowena Day shares with Steve how she notices the presence of God through t
Trevor Hudson | Summer 2025: Rewind, Episode 1
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Trevor Hudson This episode originally aired on October 6, 2022 as Episode 1 of Season 22. Trevor Hudson joins Steve Macchia to discuss what it means to discern the voice of God and follow Jesus in family and vocational life as well as times of discontent and suffering. Drawing from the wisdom of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Dallas Willard, Trevor offers insights and
Walking with the Saints | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 10
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "It's important to be surrounded by people who model what a Christ-like life looks like, invest in you regularly, offer spiritual friendship, ongoing guidance and encouragement." — Steve Macchia The final episode of Season 35 explores what it looks like to walk with the saints. You'll hear personal stories from Steve and Matt as they share some of the rel
Living a Shared Rule of Life | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 9
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Those who have an articulated communal rule of life stick together longer and more faithfully...and go deeper in their walk together with the Lord." — Steve Macchia Healthy churches and healthy spiritual communities are comprised of those who learn, live and grow together in Christ. These communities offer a safe place to share hurts and heartaches, pray
Can You Be Trusted With Power? | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 8
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Leadership is about whether or not the people are doing better because of your decisions." — Steve Macchia We know all-too-well the destruction that comes when power, influence and authority are mishandled and misguided in selfish ambition. This conversation explores "power" and how we can healthily steward the influence and authority entrusted to us in
Speaking and Hearing the Truth in Love | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 7
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "If we could practice listening first before speaking, how different our words would be and how different our relationships would be." — Steve Macchia Humbly receiving the preached Word of God is one means of speaking and hearing the Truth in love. But what does this look like within the context of our relationships? How do we humbly and gratefully accept
The Ministry of Bearing | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 6
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "That's the hard reality...that I, too, irritate others. I need others to bear with me, also." - Steve Macchia How do we lovingly bear with one another and suffer alongside others in spiritual community? This episode tackles some of the hard realities we all face when we stay in one place long enough. What does it look like to move beyond tolerating and e
Offering Soul Hospitality | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 5
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "This welcoming spirit of graced hospitality is to be shared and received continuously, one at a time and in community." - Steve Macchia Learning to offer soul hospitality to another only comes after first experiencing the hospitality of God. In this episode of The Discerning Leader podcast, Steve and Matt define soul hospitality, how it shapes and builds
Rupture and Repair | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 4
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Relational turmoil and conflict can indeed be resolved as we work toward mutual reconciliation." - Steve Macchia When we live in a spiritual community together, it's inevitable that we will encounter conflict. It can be a challenge to know what to do when someone has broken our trust, sinned against us or brought harm to our life. How do we repair that w
A Healthy Dose of Humility | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 3
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "It's not only my neighbor's will but their honor that needs to be more important than mine."—Steve Macchia Spiritual communities are to be marked by humble and meek followers of Jesus. In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader podcast, Steve and Matt explore questions like: What is the role of humility within a spiritual community? How do we hono
Listening is an Act of Love | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 2
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Listening and presence are the greatest exhibition of love." —Steve Macchia One of the ways we love and serve each other in our spiritual communities is by learning to listen well. This podcast episode invites you to consider how you can become a better listener as you receive, welcome, and accept another. Offering practical exercises and personal experi
The Perfect Community | Life Together: Discerning God in Spiritual Community Episode 1
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia & Matt Scott "We are to be like the Trinity and model our lives accordingly." —Steve Macchia The perfect church is a misnomer. But what if there was such a thing as a perfect community? The relationship within the Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) is indeed, the perfect community. Beginning with a conversation around the life of the Trinity, Season 35 of The Discerni
Easter Sunday - April 20, 2025 | Holy Week Interlude 2025
The Discerning Leader Podcast pauses its weekly episodes to feature this Holy Week Interlude. As Lent comes to its pinnacle during Holy Week, each of these episodes reminds us of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. With a daily Scripture reading and excerpt from Outstretched Arms of Grace, these reflections invite you to walk with Jesus through the final week of his earthly life. Journey
Holy Saturday - April 19, 2025 | Holy Week Interlude 2025
The Discerning Leader Podcast pauses its weekly episodes to feature this Holy Week Interlude. As Lent comes to its pinnacle during Holy Week, each of these episodes reminds us of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. With a daily Scripture reading and excerpt from Outstretched Arms of Grace, these reflections invite you to walk with Jesus through the final week of his earthly life. Journey
Good Friday - April 18, 2025 | Holy Week Interlude 2025
The Discerning Leader Podcast pauses its weekly episodes to feature this Holy Week Interlude. As Lent comes to its pinnacle during Holy Week, each of these episodes reminds us of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. With a daily Scripture reading and excerpt from Outstretched Arms of Grace, these reflections invite you to walk with Jesus through the final week of his earthly life. Journey
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