The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast

Arthur Brooks on the Science of Happiness and the Inner Life of Church Leaders Jun 23, 2026 00:41:13 Why are so many ministry leaders struggling with unhappiness, and how can the tools of behavioral science intersect with Christian theology to bring true joy? In this episode, Ed Stetzer sits down with social scientist, Harvard professor, and bestselling author Arthur Brooks to discuss his latest insights on the science of happiness and its profound implications for church leaders.Brooks unpacks t

N.T. Wright on God’s Homecoming and the Meaning of Heaven Jun 9, 2026 00:50:42 What if our common understanding of heaven and the afterlife misses the plot of the biblical narrative? In this episode, Ed Stetzer connects with biblical scholar and theologian N. T. Wright to talk about his book, God’s Homecoming. Wright explains how popular Christian ideas about escaping the physical world to live in a disembodied heaven are rooted more in Platonism than the text of Scripture.T

Carl Trueman on the Desecration of Man May 26, 2026 00:36:28 What does it mean to be human in an age that celebrates the destruction of the sacred? In this timely episode, Ed Stetzer sits down with renowned historian and author Carl Trueman to discuss his latest work, The Desecration of Man. Following the success of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Trueman explores how the rejection of external authority and the ascent of "expressive individualism"

Stephen and Alex Kendrick Discuss Their New Film War Room Aug 24, 2015 00:24:34 The Kendrick Brothers talk about making a film that calls people to prayer.

Jody Dean Gives Church Administration Advice to Pastors Who Hate It Nov 27, 2024 00:34:04 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/501014-jody-dean-church-administration.html Dr. Jody Dean joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to explain why church administration is an essential part of ministry and how, far from taking away from ministry's personal side, administration supports and empowers pastoral care. Rev. Dr. John Dickson joined us last week to disc

Thom Rainer: Why Pastors Need To Ask Their People for Prayer Nov 1, 2023 00:30:41 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/461704-thom-rainer-pastors-ask-prayer.html Dr. Thom Rainer joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to share why it is important that people pray for their pastors and to encourage church leaders to take the vulnerable step of asking their congregations for prayer. Why are people leaving church and not returning? Dr. Ryan Burge j

Ryan Burge: The Biggest Reason Why People Are Leaving Church Oct 25, 2023 00:38:03 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/461251-ryan-burge-biggest-reason-people-leaving-church.html Dr. Ryan Burge joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to share what the data actually shows about why people are leaving church (and not returning) and what church leaders can do to encourage them to come back. What did you think of Prime Video's "Shiny Happy People"?

Jackie Hill Perry: God Is Not Calling Gay People to Be Straight Aug 22, 2018 00:33:09 Jackie Hill Perry talks about leaving the lesbian lifestyle to follow God's plan for her life.

Tony Morgan: Know Your Mission Field Jun 20, 2018 00:37:55 Church strategist Tony Morgan has some ideas to help your church grow numerically and your members, spiritually.

Derwin Gray: Why Sunday Is Still the Most Segregated Time of the Week and What to Do about It May 17, 2017 00:35:01 Pastor Derwin Gray, also known as the Evangelical Linebacker, talks about creating multiethnic, multicultural churches that can tutor the culture on how to love people across barriers.

Terry Smith: Dreaming of Diversity in Your Church Sep 5, 2018 00:35:26 Pastor Terry Smith talks about making your church a place of hospitality by being intentional about creating an environment where people celebrate the fact that they are doing life with people who are not like them.

Jerry Jenkins, Co-author of Left Behind Series, on How Learning to Tell a Good Story Will Improve Your Sermons Oct 21, 2015 00:30:06 Jerry Jenkins talks Left Behind, the writing life, and how busy leaders can find time to write.

Dave Gibbons on Fighting Racism in the Church and Engaging Global Cultures Oct 14, 2015 00:31:58 Dave Gibbons discusses how American church leaders can better minister cross-culturally.

Leadership Insights from the Fasting-Growing Churches America Oct 7, 2015 00:27:46 Jim Long, editor of Outreach magazine, discusses their recent issue on the fastest-growing churches in America.

Chris Brown on Avoiding Common Mistakes Leaders Make with Money Sep 30, 2015 00:31:03 Chris Brown discusses the unique financial challenges ministry leaders face and the best ways to grow in our stewardship of God's resources.

Kevin Palau on How Churches Can Work Together to Reach Their Cities for Christ Sep 23, 2015 00:33:57 Kevin Palau discusses how the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association wants to change the way churches do evangelism.

Kay Warren on Mental Health and the Church Sep 16, 2015 00:24:56 Kay Warren discusses what churches should do to minister to those struggling with mental illness.

Brad Lomenick Shares Leadership Trends Every Church Leader Should Know Sep 9, 2015 00:47:30 Brad Lomenick discusses leadership trends top-level leaders are watching closely.

Lysa TerKeurst Shares One of the Best Ways to Grow Mighty in God's Word Sep 2, 2015 00:34:11 Lysa TerKeurst discusses how people can be transformed by the renewing of their mind.

Adam Weber: Lessons Learned When Our Church Experienced Extraordinary Growth Jun 21, 2016 00:34:33 Adam Weber shares the lessons he's learned from leading one of the fastest growing churches in America.

Daniel Yang: How People on the Margins Can Help Save the American Church Jun 8, 2022 00:25:13 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/426339-daniel-yang-margins-save-american-church.html Daniel Yang joins the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to talk about why American Christians must strive to learn from their brothers and sisters around the world and at the margins of their own culture. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-po

Best of 2021: Beth Moore, Part 2—What It Was Like to Leave the SBC Dec 29, 2021 00:27:46 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/408287-beth-moore-leave-sbc.html In another of our most popular episodes of 2021, Beth Moore continues her conversation with the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast and shares what led her to leave the Southern Baptist Convention. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685 ChurchLead

Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson: Pastors Are People, Too Mar 20, 2019 00:42:31 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/346789-spiritual-disciplines-justin-mcroberts-and-scott-erickson-pastors-are-people-too.html Justin and Scott discuss the need for pastors to embrace their humanity and they believe spiritual disciplines can help them do that. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685?mt=2 ► Listen

Michael Frost: The Church Needs to Get Back to Being Weird Sep 12, 2018 00:31:27 Christians have historically been the "weirdos" in society, but there is a fine line between living an alternative lifestyle and pulling "stunts" to get attention.

Kyle Idleman: How Pastors Miss the Grace of God Jul 4, 2017 00:37:02 Kyle Idleman discusses grace and how it is sometimes more difficult for pastors to experience grace than other people.

Ian Morgan Cron: How the Enneagram Can Transform Your Preaching Dec 16, 2020 00:36:53 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/386874-ian-morgan-cron-enneagram.html "One of the biggest mistakes you can make in life," says Ian Morgan Cron, "is to assume that your way of seeing the world is normal." ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685?mt=2 ► Listen on GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/music/listen?

Peter Greer: Stop Comparing Your Ministry to Others Aug 29, 2018 00:35:16 Comparing your ministry to others can be toxic for a pastor. Peter Greer suggests finding ways to partner with others involved in kingdom work instead.

Lee Strobel: Creating Dialogue Around the Gospel Mar 8, 2017 00:28:58 Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ shook the way people viewed Jesus as both a historical and relational figure. Decades later, his book that took a journalist's approach to proving Jesus's credibility is being made into a movie. Strobel shares the things he's learned about apologetics and evangelism in the interim.

Lysa Terkeurst: How to Lead When Your Private Life Is Being Shaken Nov 14, 2018 00:32:46 Lysa Terkeurst discusses leading through difficult personal times. In a relatively short period of time, Lysa experienced a major blow to her marriage and two life-threatening illnesses. What God taught her during that time likely won't make it onto a bumper sticker or cute Christian cliche.

Craig Groeschel: How to Pastor With Integrity Oct 3, 2018 00:35:05 Craig Groeschel discusses pastoring in the age of #metoo, pastoring people through seasons of hardship and doubt, and allowing yourself to not have all the answers.

William Vanderbloemen: How to Find and Keep Great Church Staff Aug 16, 2017 00:30:30 The most expensive hire a church can make is the wrong hire. Willaim Vanderbloemen of the Vanderbloemen Search Group understands the impact the right hire can make in a church and corporate setting. He shares the best practices of both worlds to help you make a potentially game-changing decision for your church.

Os Guinness: The Extraordinary Times We Are Living In and the Need for Christian Courage Jul 26, 2017 00:34:33 Os Guinness speaks about the problems of consumerism, modernism, and pluralism in the western church and how they have weakened our defenses against the world. While it may look bad, Os assures us: "As Christians, we should always be realistic—but with hope."

N.T. Wright: What the Church Has Missed in the Crucifixion of Jesus Oct 4, 2017 00:41:27 Professor Wright invites you to look at the crucifixion with fresh eyes and eager anticipation as you "trust the God of surprises."

Louie Giglio: If the Church Doesn't Take Risks, Goliath Will Never Fall Sep 27, 2017 00:41:46 A comfortable Christianity refuses to give up comfort for the cause of Christ. But, as Louie Giglio explains, this type of Christianity will never be able to slay the Goliaths of our time: Things like addiction, depression, and the uncertainty we face.

Jarrid Wilson: De-Stigmatizing Mental Illness in the Church Sep 20, 2017 00:35:05 Jarrid Wilson knows what it's like to struggle with a mental illness while also being in leadership. Does such a struggle disqualify one from leadership? And what can the church do to de-stigmatize the problem of mental illness in our congregations?

Max Lucado: How Pastors Can Be Anxious for Nothing Sep 13, 2017 00:35:04 Max Lucado has been called "America's Pastor". He certainly has enough experience in ministry to see that we are living in times where people are experiencing an unprecedented amount of anxiety. To the point where pastors need to know not only how to help people with this difficulty, but also how to help themselves.

Sam Allberry: You Don't Have to Be Married to Minister May 15, 2019 00:37:43 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/350560-sam-allberry-you-dont-have-to-be-married-to-minister.html On the topic of singleness, Sam Allberry says most in the church would be happy to have Paul as their apostle, but not necessarily as their pastor. Join us as we talk to Sam about does and does not qualify someone for ministry. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.c

Matt and Laurie Krieg: This Is How God Saved Our (Mixed-Orientation) Marriage Nov 18, 2020 00:43:15 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/385532-matt-laurie-krieg-god-marriage.html Both Matt and Laurie Krieg are primarily attracted to women. Yet God has used their "impossible marriage" to display the power and beauty of his love for us. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685?mt=2 ► Listen on GooglePlay: https://pl

J.D. Greear: Here Is How to Keep the Gospel, Not Politics, First Aug 14, 2019 00:34:57 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/357182-j-d-greear-keep-gospel-not-politics-first.html J.D. Greear says, "Church-defining issues are the gospel, and we can disagree on secondary matters even with unity in primary ones." At times this might seem impossible, but this week on our podcast, J.D. shares how to prioritize the gospel over any other issue...even politics.

Rich Birch: Here's How to Make Your Church Grow Apr 4, 2018 00:39:12 Rich Birch talks about new tools and old in helping your church grow.

Eric Bryant: How to Reach Those Who Aren't Like You Feb 7, 2018 00:42:48 Pastor, professor and author Eric Bryant talks about reaching the unchurched in your area and how to best introduce them to spiritual issues.

Matt Brown: Are We on the Brink of Revival? Apr 13, 2016 00:30:12 Matt Brown shares about ways God is moving mightily around the world and in our own backyard.

Mike Cosper: What 'The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill' Means for Church Leaders Jan 26, 2022 00:41:35 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/415759-mike-cosper-rise-fall-mars-hill-church-leaders.html Mike Cosper joins the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to share his experience creating the "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and his thoughts on what church leaders should take away from the series. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-po

Matt Brown: Speaking Truth Louder Is Not Working Mar 6, 2019 00:31:31 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/345732-matt-brown-the-thing-we-must-not-forget-about-truth.html Matt Brown is an evangelist who reaches roughly 2 million social media followers daily. In our conversation, Matt addresses the crisis of influence the church is currently experiencing in the world. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleade

Kathy Branzell: Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray in a Polarized Time Nov 11, 2020 00:32:58 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/385244-kathy-branzell-jesus-pray-polarized.html "No matter who is in the White House," says Kathy Branzell, "no matter the health concern, no matter what's going on in the world, we can pray, 'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'" ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990

Shawn Lovejoy: Building Healthy Cultures, Teams, and Systems in the Church Jun 7, 2017 00:28:04 Shawn Lovejoy of CourageToLead.com has coached a lot of pastors and church teams. In this interview, he gives practical tips for building a healthy culture, a healthy team, and put effective systems in place to allow growth in your church.

Chad Robichaux: Helping Broken Warriors Win the Most Important Battles in Life May 24, 2017 00:42:14 Chad Robichaux has held a lot of titles: Special Operations Marine, police officer, Mixed Martial Arts World Champion, to name a few. But his most important titles have been PTSD survivor, husband, and father. After coming to Christ, Chad and his wife, Kathy, founded Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs, which ministers to active and former military personnel battle divorce, suicide, and PTSD.

Robby Gallaty: How the Jewish Jesus Did Discipleship and Other Things We've Forgotten Apr 25, 2017 00:32:05 In the Western church, we tend to gravitate toward the New Testament. But we miss the deep richness of God's word and intention when we don't understand Jesus and his teachings with the context of the Old Testament. When we miss Jesus like this, we miss other things as well, including his approach to discipleship.

Bianca Olthoff: Discovering God's Huge Dream for Your Life Aug 4, 2016 00:26:58 Bianca Juarez Olthoff discusses fighting against human trafficking, overcoming strongholds, and embracing God's dream for our lives.

Andy Crouch: How to Flourish by Embracing Authority and Vulnerability Mar 10, 2016 00:33:31 Andy Crouch discusses the powerful relationship between authority, vulnerability, and flourishing throughout life.

Jeff Vanderstelt: Leading People to Submit All of Life to the Lordship of Christ Jun 15, 2016 00:27:20 Jeff Vanderstelt discusses how key shifts in the way we do discipleship can lead to big kingdom impact.

Leonard Sweet on the Shift We Must Make to Point People to Jesus Nov 13, 2019 00:35:03 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/365835-leonard-sweet-shift-point-people-jesus.html "The world is facing volcanic forces," says Leonard Sweet. In a "deeply schizophrenic" culture that makes everything an idol, Len believes Christians can and must rise to the challenge to go beyond merely making a stand for what is right. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.c

Steve Cuss: The Anxiety That Is Unique to Church Leaders Oct 30, 2019 00:36:31 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/364957-steve-cuss-dealing-with-anxiety-unique-church-leaders.html "Church leadership puts us under tremendous pressure, every one of us," says Steve Cuss. Steve gained valuable insights about dealing with anxiety when he was a trauma chaplain, insights he has found to be highly relevant to church leaders today. ► Listen on Apple

Drew Dyck: How to Do Your Future Self a Favor Mar 13, 2019 00:31:48 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/346325-drew-dyck-how-to-do-your-future-self-a-favor.html Drew Dyck read 62 books and conducted 14 interviews to write a book on self-control. Drew talks to us about the science and spirituality behind self-control and how its practice will lead you toward freedom. ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchlea

Christopher Yuan: If We Don't Redeem Singleness, We're Not Ready to Talk About Homosexuality Oct 16, 2019 00:42:41 Get notes on this podcast here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/363960-christopher-yuan-if-dont-redeem-singleness-not-ready-talk-homosexuality.html The opposite of every sin struggle, says Christopher Yuan, is holiness. Christopher shares with us why the church must return to a biblical view of singleness and provides other insights into how pastors can help Christians pursue holy sexuality.

Christine Caine: God Is Preparing You for Something He's Already Prepared For You Apr 11, 2018 00:26:55 Author and speaker Christine Caine talks about protecting your heart during times of doubt in ministry.

Pastor Choco: How Your Church Can Reach Out to Latinos Mar 28, 2018 00:34:06 Chicago pastor Choco de Jesus talks about church planting and specifically reaching Latinos in this week's ChurchLeaders podcast.

Ed Stetzer: How You Can Be a Better Leader Mar 21, 2018 00:31:59 In this week's podcast Ed Stetzer discusses leadership and management in the church.

Jeff Vanderstelt: When Discipling, Admit You Don't Know Everything Feb 28, 2018 00:36:46 Pastor and author Jeff Vanderstelt warns there is a great potential for arrogance for mentors who simply provide information without taking the time to ask questions.

Matt Redman: Worship Is Not about a Small, Flimsy God Feb 21, 2018 00:36:17 Worship leader Matt Redman talks about his early days in ministry and how worship has changed over the years.

Dave Ferguson: Multiplication is the Mission of Jesus Feb 14, 2018 00:36:55 Dave Ferguson talks about the exponential growth of the church when it practices multiplication in all areas, including leadership.

Nick Vujicic: Teaching the Church How to Fish Jan 17, 2018 00:41:21 Nick Vujicic talks about evangelism, mentoring and balancing family life with ministry in this podcast.

Clay Scroggins: How to Be a Great Leader When You're Not in Charge Nov 30, 2017 00:43:12 Clay Scroggins knows what it means to be a really good number two (or three, or four...). In the ministry world, having the ability to lead well from behind the scenes is an invaluable skill.

Glenn Packiam: The Gift of the Christian Calendar Nov 1, 2017 00:32:43 Pastor Glenn Packiam shares the value he's found in observing the rhythms of the Christian calendar—both personally and corporately with his congregation.

Lisa Bevere: How to Lead without Rival Oct 25, 2017 00:46:47 Lisa Bevere and her husband started Messenger International in 1990. Since that time, Lisa has written several best-selling books and learned a thing or two about leadership. Listen as she explains why she doesn't believe God loves us all equally and why this might actually help you lead without rival.

Dave Gibbons: Leading Your Church through Desert Moments Aug 2, 2017 00:47:45 Every church experiences tough transitions and desert moments. Sometimes these moments last much longer than anyone anticipates. Dave Gibbons, leader of Newsong Church in California, shares the wisdom he's learned from going through desert moments with his church and how he managed the new things that sprung from those times.

Adam Hamilton: Lessons on Leadership from Moses, the Reluctant Prophet Jul 12, 2017 00:33:54 Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S. He shares insights he's learned on leadership from the example of Moses in Scripture, as well as the practical lessons he learned from shepherding a burgeoning church.

Mark MacDonald: How to Make Your Church Known for Something Aug 9, 2017 00:35:49 Mark MacDonald has a teacher's heart, loves local churches, and is dedicated to improving church communication strategy so more will be reached for Christ. In this episode, Mark gives practical advice for churches to discover their audience and reach those in their community.

Craig Groeschel: The Small, Everyday Decisions that Reveal Divine Direction Mar 1, 2017 00:33:10 Craig Groeschel gives pastors practical insight into faithfully managing the seemingly insignificant decisions that will direct the course of your life and ministry.

Jennifer Rothschild: Understanding God's Love from Every Book of the Bible Feb 15, 2017 00:24:45 Jennifer Rothschild knows what it's like to believe in God's love despite her circumstances. Sometimes God's love can feel harsh, but he is unconditionally loving in a way we don't comprehend.

Scott Sauls: Cultivating Iron-Sharpens-Iron Friendships in the Church Feb 8, 2017 00:26:45 Friendships in the church have the potential to both encourage and challenge us to know Christ more deeply. Scott Sauls gives pastors insights for cultivating these kinds of friendships in their congregations.

Chip Ingram: How God Longs for You to See Him Jan 25, 2017 00:30:25 Chip Ingram discusses the transforming power of studying the attributes of God.

Timothy Lane: Teaching Your People to Live Without Worry Nov 30, 2016 00:24:50 Dr. Timothy Lane shares practical advice every leader should know about overcoming worry and anxiety.

James K.A. Smith: How Our Worship Practices Transform Our Deepest Loves Nov 23, 2016 00:26:33 Dr. James Smith discusses worship, worldview, and cultural formation.

Mark Bates: How to Lead Change When Change Is Hard Nov 16, 2016 00:22:13 Mark Bates discusses practical takeaways from leading a mission-critical change at his church.

Steve Arterburn: Fighting Against the Biggest Threats to a Pastor's Life and Ministry Nov 9, 2016 00:24:13 Steve Arterburn discusses how pastors can keep their lives free of burnout, pornography, addictions, and unconfessed sin.

Nancy Guthrie: What Grieving People Want Their Pastors to Know Nov 2, 2016 00:31:14 Nancy Guthrie discusses how pastors should minister to their people during seasons of suffering.

Chuck Swindoll: Avoiding Common Mistakes Pastors Make When Preparing to Preach God's Word Sep 21, 2016 00:32:32 Dr. Charles Swindoll discusses Bible study practices he's used throughout decades of ministry.

Emerson Eggerichs: Why Our Marriages Are Falling Apart and What We Can Do to Save Them Sep 14, 2016 00:29:40 Emerson Eggerichs discusses how pastors can build and save marriages, starting with their own marriage.

Glenn Packiam: How to Cultivate Worship Services with Depth and Mystery Sep 7, 2016 00:24:47 Glenn Packiam discusses how pastors and worship leaders can create services that are spiritually formative.

Episodes

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