The Christian Leader Made Simple Show
By: Ryan Franklin | Christian Leader Made Simple
Language: en-us
Categories: Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Education, Self Improvement, Business, Management
Many leaders are searching for clarity in a very confusing world. Their lives are chaotic and they struggle with their effectiveness, and as a result, they don’t enjoy leadership as much as they could. I provide a framework called The Christian Leader Blueprint that helps leaders learn and master the biblical skills needed to improve their leadership health and effectiveness. It helps a person gain a better rhythm of life, see themselves more clearly, leverage their strengths, and produce more productive relationships. You can download The Christian Leader Blueprint - Short Guide for free today at www.ryanfranklin.org.#le...
Episodes
Short Clip: How Your Phone Is Quietly Replacing God’s Voice | Dr. Tom Trimble
Jan 08, 2026Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/hDxHkneqASs?si=MXWSdLog-1XDbxIn
Description:
Dr. Tom Trimble emphasizes the urgent need to regain control over technology, clarifying that he is not against it but believes it must be managed intentionally. Drawing from Marshall McLuhan’s idea that “the medium is the message” and Neil Postman’s view that technological change is ecological, he explains that smartphones have transformed every aspect of life—family, worship, and even prayer. Reflecting on his late son Anthony’s words, Trimble shares a powerful lesson: after all the time spent on our devices...
Listen to This BEFORE Casting Vision for Church Growth in 2026 | Dr. David Bernard
Jan 05, 2026You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
In this conversation, Ryan Franklin and Dr. David Bernard explore the concept of visionary leadership within the church. Dr. Bernard shares his insights on how to discern a God-given vision, the importance of unity among leaders, and t...
Duration: 00:55:44Short Clip: Why Telling the Truth Doesn’t Actually Heal People | Dr. Gregg Makin
Jan 01, 2026Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/hkRVlPKwv0A?si=092ct_vKiKv7fBuE
Description:
Dr. Gregg Makin explains the importance of right-brain, heart-to-heart connection in ministry and leadership. He outlines three keys for relational impact—attunement, emotional connection, and grace—emphasizing that empathy must precede truth for real transformation. Makin also describes his six-month NeuroChange Institute training program, which integrates neuroscience, coaching, and the example of Jesus to help leaders create corrective relational experiences. The program, provisionally approved by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), equips pastors and coaches to foster deeper emotional attunement and lasti...
Short Clip: Why Your Church Leadership Style Isn't Working With Gen Z | Dr. Tim Elmore
Dec 29, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/RwhshyDvGGs?si=3nW_qzHePvOrZqru
Description:
Dr. Tim Elmore shares lessons from his early years with John Maxwell, who taught him leadership essentials like “off-the-platform charisma” and big-picture thinking. These experiences inspired his passion for developing young leaders. In his book The Future Begins with Z, Elmore explores Generation Z’s unique challenges and potential in the workforce, introducing the “Peter Pan paradox”—where their authority rises as maturity lags. He encourages leaders to listen, coach, and view Gen Z as “the sandpaper on my leadership I didn’t know I needed,”...
Pastors, This Christmas I'm Politely Begging You to Do This
Dec 22, 2025You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
This brief Christmas episode is a heartfelt conversation with pastors and ministry leaders about navigating one of the busiest seasons of the year. Ryan shares simple, practical ways to rest well, handle relational tension with grace and truth, and enter the new year with renewed c...
Short Clip: How to Lead with God's Agenda, Not Your Own | Akil Thompson
Dec 18, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/49b2kf7UGjA?si=PQm9wobYVNu6vc7L
Description:
Akil Thompson spoke about true spiritual leadership as aligning completely with God’s agenda rather than one’s own. He shared personal experiences of dying to self, surrendering ambition, and learning that God values character over ministry success. Thompson described seasons where God withheld permission to plan, teaching him obedience and dependence on the Spirit’s leading. Through these lessons, he realized leadership means guiding others away from self-interest and toward God’s kingdom purpose, emphasizing that obedience and humil...
Short Clip: Christians Are Scrolling Themselves Into an Identity Crisis | Dr. Tom Trimble
Dec 15, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/hDxHkneqASs?si=MXWSdLog-1XDbxIn
Description:
In this conversation, Dr. Tom Trimble discusses his book exploring the intersection of sociology, technology, and theology in digital communication. He introduces the STAIRS framework—Self-control, Theology of communication, Anxiety, Identity, Relationships, and Spirituality—to address how technology shapes human behavior, empathy, and faith. Trimble emphasizes applying biblical principles to online interactions, warning of the spiritual and emotional costs of digital dependence and urging believers to reclaim attention, empathy, and relationship with God and others in the digital age.
Purchase The C...
Short Clip: Why My Depression Didn’t Budge No Matter How Hard I Prayed | Dr. Gregg Makin
Dec 11, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/hkRVlPKwv0A?si=092ct_vKiKv7fBuE
Description:
Dr. Gregg Makin shares his journey through a season of deep depression that revealed unprocessed emotions and loneliness beneath his successful ministry life. He explains how growing up in an environment that dismissed feelings led him to rely on logic and spiritual effort rather than emotional connection. Through counseling, self-awareness, and building a supportive “life team,” he learned to process old emotional patterns, connect authentically, and find healing. Makin highlights how unprocessed experiences resurface until they are addressed through relational safet...
The Shocking Truth About Bully Pastors Nobody Wants To Admit with Josh Melancon
Dec 08, 2025You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan tackles a difficult but necessary subject—egotism in leadership. Pastor Josh Melancon joins the conversation to openly share his own battle with ego and the destructive...
Duration: 01:03:28Short Clip: How to Make Room for God When Life Doesn’t Slow Down | Mandy Holloway
Dec 04, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/urau1D-IsSw?si=fkBKkeBudtXL1OPz
Description:
As a wife, mom, foster parent, staff minister, and traveling preacher, Mandy Holloway prioritizes her family, submits to her husband and pastors, and guards her time with prayer, worship, and intentional living. She avoids distractions like social media, leans on spiritual accountability, and invests in her health to sustain her calling. One of her most impactful ministry moments came in Uganda, where she confronted a violent demonic manifestation, prayed with authority in Jesus’ name, and witnessed the woman delivered and filled wit...
Short Clips: The One Thing Millennials Want That Churches Won’t Give Them | Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
Dec 01, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/4GNc-BA4sqQ?si=n9p30WjkjK6ohZPv
Description:
Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler shares findings from her research on Apostolic Millennials, noting their desire for meaningful engagement, authenticity, mentorship, and involvement in ministry. She explains that while young people are happy in their faith, they expect educated and relational leaders who can guide them with both truth and grace. Transitioning into her book, she unpacks “flow” as the intersection of divine assignment, gifting, and God’s timing. Drawing from psychology and ministry, she stresses that leaders thrive when serving in thei...
100 Years of Leadership Advice in 75 Minutes
Nov 24, 2025You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
Every generation faces new challenges, but the core of leadership never changes. In this special episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan Franklin brings together over 100 years of leadership wisdom from five remarkable voices over th...
Duration: 01:14:16Short Clip: Why Helping People Starts with Attuning Not Teaching | Dr. Gregg Makin
Nov 20, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/hkRVlPKwv0A?si=092ct_vKiKv7fBuE
Description:
Dr. Gregg Makin emphasizes the power of relational connection in emotional and spiritual healing. He explains that true transformation happens through empathy, presence, and right-brain, heart-level connection rather than logical advice. Drawing from Jesus’ interactions with the bleeding woman and the woman at the well, he illustrates how grace, safety, and genuine understanding can calm the nervous system, heal emotional wounds, and create lasting change.
Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blue...
Short Clips: How to Step Into Your Calling When You Feel Unqualified | Mandy Holloway
Nov 17, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/urau1D-IsSw?si=fkBKkeBudtXL1OPz
Description:
Mandy Holloway describes battling fear and depending on God’s anointing, prayer, and Scripture to minister boldly. She recounts how local work (juvenile facilities, prisons) led to international opportunities, foster care, and many baptisms. Emphasizing surrender and obedience, she argues ministry isn’t an elite gift but every believer’s commission, urging people to ask God who they are. She calls herself a “voice crying in the wilderness,” preparing others to meet Jesus.
Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today...
Short Clips: Why You’re Gifted But Still Miserable in Ministry | Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
Nov 13, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/4GNc-BA4sqQ?si=n9p30WjkjK6ohZPv
Description:
This conversation with Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler unpacks her book’s statement: “Flow is the place of your divine assignment and the sweet spot of your anointing.” She explains that spiritual flow is not just about performance but about placement—where calling, gifting, purpose, and God’s timing converge. Drawing from psychology’s concept of “flow,” she relates it to ministry, emphasizing that leaders thrive when they serve from their true God-given design rather than forced roles. Dr. Banks-Butler highlights the importance of...
7 Things About GEN Z Every Church Leader NEEDS TO KNOW | Dr. Tim Elmore
Nov 10, 2025You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore to talk about his new book, The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z As They Upset the...
Duration: 00:44:48Short Clip: The Habits Quietly Disconnecting You From Your Ministry
Nov 06, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/pSPfb8qIy18?si=9iun_90DaCiWnxXg
Description:
Ryan Franklin teaches on four major barriers to healthy relationships: pride, past wounds, unhealthy patterns, and emotional exhaustion. He explains how each one creates distance—whether through walls we build, hurts we carry, habits we tolerate, or energy we deplete. Using biblical examples like Elijah, Franklin highlights the importance of humility, healing, healthy rhythms, and rest. His central message is that reconnection doesn’t begin when others change—it begins when we choose to change, steward our emotional health, and model genuine...
Short Clip: What Christian Leaders Get Wrong About Calling | Mandy Holloway
Nov 03, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/urau1D-IsSw?si=fkBKkeBudtXL1OPz
Description:
Mandy Holloway shares her passion for prison ministry, recounting a powerful moment where women rejected lies of the enemy, embraced their identity in Christ, and experienced deliverance, healing, and the Holy Ghost. She stresses that reaching the lost, caring for the broken, and living out the Gospel is not a “special calling” for a select few but a commission for every believer, rooted in obedience and love for Jesus.
Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today:
https://www.ry...
Short Clip: Why Your Ministry Feels Stuck (And What God’s Doing About It) | Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
Oct 30, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/4GNc-BA4sqQ?si=n9p30WjkjK6ohZPv
Description:
Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler shares how faith, love, and neuroscience intersect in healing and leadership. She emphasizes the power of scripture, prayer, and relational support in restoring hope, while also highlighting the value of education and scientific insight. Her message encourages leaders to overcome burnout by “re-words” such as reconnect, repent, and release, guiding them toward renewal, spiritual growth, and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/bluepr...
Grow as a Leader, Grow Your Church | Pastor Akil Thompson
Oct 27, 2025You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together?
Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free!
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment
In this episode, Pastor Akil Thompson introduces The Leadership Sweet Spot—a model that brings self-leadership, spiritual leadership, and organizational leadership into balance. When leaders find this sweet spot, they grow stronger, lead healthier, and create churches that thrive. If you’ve ever...
Duration: 01:07:20Short Clip: This is What Pride Looks Like in Christian Leaders (&How to fix it)
Oct 23, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/pSPfb8qIy18?si=9iun_90DaCiWnxXg
Description:
Ryan Franklin teaches on relational barriers in leadership, showing how pride subtly builds walls through silence, unforgiveness, and the need to be right, while humility builds bridges by making the first move. He also highlights how past wounds, if left unhealed, can shape relationships, leadership, and culture—using Joseph’s story in Genesis 50 as an example. Franklin emphasizes that unhealed pain often bleeds into interactions, distorts perceptions, and creates invisible barriers, but healing and reconnection are possible through humility and honest self...
Short Clip: If You’re Leading Alone, You’re Already in Trouble | Darrell Johns
Oct 20, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/XQBNwlFqXbA?si=XkoZEHHoU5-QXHNZ
Description:
Pastor Darrell Johns explains that the earliest warning sign against ineffective leadership is realizing that solo leadership is unbiblical. He shares how God reminded him that while a church may outgrow his personal abilities, it can never outgrow his vision—prompting him to lead with openness and empower others. Johns reflects on releasing talented staff, even when it’s difficult, and valuing long-term relationships. He defines a “dream team” as faithful, committed people who serve Christ, the church, and each other, are dependab...
Short Clip: Why Your Prayers Aren’t Producing Fruit (& How to Fix it)
Oct 16, 2025Pastor Luke St.Clair unpacks the practice of praying over the spirit, soul, and body, emphasizing full submission to God as essential for fruitful and effective leadership. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and the tabernacle model of prayer, he outlines a structured, scripture-based approach that deepens spiritual alignment. St.Clair highlights the difference between gifts and fruit, urging leaders to prioritize internal growth over external validation. He encourages consistency in prayer, not as ritual, but as a pathway to transformation—affirming that structure helps eliminate excuses and cultivates a lifestyle of daily surrender and spiritual clarity.
Pu...
Duration: 00:10:19Dr. Tom Trimble Spent 10 Years Studying Tech... What He Realized is Shocking
Oct 13, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode of the Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Dr. Tom Trimble joins Ryan Franklin to unpack his book Digital Dominion. Together they explore how technology, especially smartphones and social media, is shaping our minds, families, and faith in ways we often don’t notice. From powerful personal stories to the STAIRS framework, Dr. Trimble offers biblical wisdom and practical steps for keeping technology a tool for the Kingdom rather than a trap for the soul. This conversation will chal...
Duration: 01:11:01Short Clip: When Life Falls Apart, This Is What God Can Do
Oct 09, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/JGHNMcDp4Bw?si=0Ak13eIWEO0fAdr3
Description:
In this moving reflection, Andy Ferguson shares how the intense trials of 2024—including his recovery from illness, his wife's spine surgery, and his mother's stroke—could have derailed him. Instead, he experienced God's sustaining grace through the support of his church, friends, and strangers. Despite physical and emotional challenges, Andy stayed anchored in his calling and found deeper intimacy with God. He testifies to the peace, provision, and spiritual growth that came through suffering, emphasizing that hards...
Duration: 00:09:43Short Clip: The One Leadership Mistake That Always Backfires
Oct 06, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/XQBNwlFqXbA?si=XkoZEHHoU5-QXHNZ
Description:
Pastor Darrell Johns discusses common pitfalls leaders face when building teams, such as placing unprepared or unfaithful individuals in trusted roles, avoiding necessary confrontations, failing to provide training or resources, overworking staff, neglecting morale, and lacking accountability or feedback. He emphasizes honoring volunteers, creating clear expectations, and avoiding micromanagement by fostering a healthy culture, extending grace for mistakes, and distinguishing between systemic issues and human error. Johns shares personal insights as a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” underscoring the need to re...
Duration: 00:10:05Short Clip: Why Pastors Burn Out Without This Kind of Prayer
Oct 02, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/7AjuU-JsrSs?si=g7aMe3IznTFFYreF
Description:
Pastor Luke St.Clair shares how prayer is both a personal and pastoral lifeline, helping him preach, lead, and stay grounded. He describes lifting the Word in prayer as a way to build faith, fight anxiety, and resist isolation—especially for leaders facing emotional and spiritual pressure. By consistently praying over the mind, body, and spirit with scripture, leaders are renewed and realigned with God’s truth. St.Clair emphasizes that spiritual connection with God and community is vi...
Duration: 00:11:16Why Christian Leaders Are Burning Out Trying to Fix People | Dr. Gregg Makin
Sep 29, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
What if insight and truth alone aren’t enough to create real transformation? In this episode of the Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Dr. Gregg Makin unpacks the neuroscience of lasting change and why so many leaders find themselves frustrated when people stay stuck despite powerful sermons, wise counsel, or deep conversations. With over 40 years of experience training and equipping leaders, Gregg explains how the brain processes experience, why early memories still shape present reactions, and how true transformation happens “below...
Duration: 00:52:49Short Clip: What Andy Ferguson Learned From His Instant Miracle
Sep 25, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/JGHNMcDp4Bw?si=0Ak13eIWEO0fAdr3
Description:
In this heartfelt account, Andy Ferguson shares his miraculous healing from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at a youth camp and reflects on how it shaped his lifelong faith. He contrasts that instant miracle with his ongoing battle with Addison’s disease, emphasizing how both experiences deepened his trust in God. Despite physical weakness, Andy testifies to supernatural peace and divine provision. He encourages pastors and leaders facing illness or burnout to hold fast to their calling, reminding them tha...
Duration: 00:10:23Short Clip: The First Step Every Pastor Should Take to Build a Strong Team | Darrell Johns
Sep 22, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/XQBNwlFqXbA?si=XkoZEHHoU5-QXHNZ
Description:
Pastor Darrell Johns shares enduring team-building principles from his extensive leadership experience, stressing that team ministry is a biblical conviction, not a style. He encourages leaders to invest in a few, build core disciples, and pray for God-called laborers. Offering practical steps for those feeling overwhelmed, he underscores the importance of prioritizing God, marriage, family, and ministry, and concludes with a prayer of encouragement for leaders facing challenges in their work for God’s Kingdom.
<...
Duration: 00:10:32Short Clip: The Prayer Method That Keeps Leaders Spiritually Strong | Luke St. Clair
Sep 18, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/7AjuU-JsrSs?si=g7aMe3IznTFFYreF
Description:
Pastor Luke St.Clair shares how his passion for prayer and his book The Whole Man were shaped by a lifelong culture of revival and dedicated prayer modeled by his evangelist parents. He explains the need for structured, scripture-based prayer to help believers—especially leaders—cultivate spiritual depth. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he describes praying over the spirit, soul, and body as an act of full submission to God. By making the Word a daily part of prayer, belie...
Duration: 00:10:42From Broken to Called: How Mandy Holloway Turned Pain into Kingdom Purpose
Sep 15, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
What happens when someone gives Jesus their full and unconditional “yes”? In this powerful episode, Ryan sits down with evangelist Mandy Holloway — a woman whose life and ministry are fueled by radical obedience to the Great Commission. From the prison to the pulpit, from Uganda to Ireland to the Philippines, Mandy shares what keeps her passion burning 23 years after her salvation. You’ll hear stories of healing, deliverance, and bold Kingdom work — all rooted in the simple Gospel. Whether you’re in local mi...
Duration: 01:03:21Short Clip: How God Sustained Andy Ferguson When His Body Was Failing
Sep 11, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/JGHNMcDp4Bw?si=0Ak13eIWEO0fAdr3
Description:
In this emotional and powerful testimony, Andy Ferguson recounts a life-threatening health crisis in 2023 while traveling for ministry. After months of exhaustion, unexplained symptoms, and drastic weight loss, he was diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Despite critically low sodium levels and being near death, Andy experienced supernatural peace during a 9-day ICU stay. Surrounded by trauma and chaos, he describes the overwhelming presence of God that sustained his spirit, even as his body failed. His story hig...
Duration: 00:10:05Short Clip: The Hardest Part of Ministry No One Talks About | FBI Chaplain Kristen Ellis
Sep 08, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/r-F5OHcTVgg?si=tlXSqCsENV2vNfy1
Description:
In this moving conversation, Kristen Ellis reflects on the power of the "ministry of presence," especially in chaplaincy with law enforcement. She shares how simply being available—offering peace, empathy, and acceptance—can be transformative. Kristen emphasizes the emotional and spiritual toll of high-stress professions and the importance of creating safe, judgment-free spaces. She draws from both Scripture and personal experience to highlight how Spirit-led empathy and silent support can communicate deep care, healing, and dignity—without needing...
Duration: 00:10:53Short Clip: How to Heal a Marriage That Feels One-Sided | Bestselling Author Dr. Gary Chapman
Sep 04, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/bAqUoLJ4aPM?si=LscCIK9ws6hE9ugA
Description:
In this heartfelt interview, Dr. Gary Chapman emphasizes the biblical foundation of apology, forgiveness, and personal responsibility in marriage. He outlines practical steps for couples to rebuild trust and reconnect, starting with self-examination and genuine repentance. Chapman highlights the importance of speaking each other’s love language and serving one another selflessly, echoing Christ’s example. He offers encouragement to struggling couples—especially pastors and leaders—urging them not to lose hope but to seek help, rel...
Duration: 00:09:42Spiritual Flow: The Brain Science Behind Why Your Ministry Feels Off | Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
Sep 01, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
What if true leadership isn’t about doing more—but about flowing from a place of alignment with God? In this rich conversation, Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler—author, speaker, and seasoned prayer leader—joins Ryan to explore the spiritual dynamics of the flow state and how it transforms the way we lead. Drawing from her book Spiritual Flow State, Dr. Butler explains how obedience, inward elevation, and divine assignment create space for Spirit-led momentum. Plus, she shares key findings from her research o...
Duration: 01:07:20Short Clip: Why Empathy is the Most Overlooked Ministry Tool | FBI Chaplain Kristen Ellis
Aug 28, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/r-F5OHcTVgg?si=tlXSqCsENV2vNfy1
Description:
In this heartfelt conversation, Kristen Ellis explores the deep emotional and spiritual toll experienced by law enforcement and the vital role of chaplains and ministers in supporting them. She highlights the power of empathy, presence, and simply being available in moments of crisis or grief. Drawing from personal experiences, Ellis illustrates how ministry and chaplaincy are uniquely equipped to meet people in their pain, offering safety, compassion, and understanding. Her reflections emphasize that presence—not preaching—is often...
Duration: 00:11:47Short Clip: How Great Leaders Handle Conflict Without Losing Control | Dr. Carl Wilson
Aug 25, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/9ZccVfA5DSo?si=a-42DNt0feP__NpF
Description:
In this conversation, Dr. Carl Wilson shares 10 principles for “fighting fair” in relationships, emphasizing emotional control, respectful communication, and seeking resolution over victory. He urges leaders to model the behavior they want to see, using tools like “I” statements, setting ground rules, and staying focused on the issue—not the person. His advice applies beyond marriage to leadership, churches, and workplaces, improving relationships by at least 50% when practiced consistently.
Purchase The...
Duration: 00:09:03Short Clip: Why Your Love Feels “Off”, Even When They're Trying Hard | Dr. Gary Chapman
Aug 21, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/bAqUoLJ4aPM?si=LscCIK9ws6hE9ugA
Description:
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Gary Chapman shares the origin story behind The 5 Love Languages, rooted in decades of marriage counseling. He recounts the pivotal moment he realized people express and receive love in different ways, leading to his breakthrough framework. Chapman discusses how this simple concept has transformed relationships globally, with over 20 million copies sold and translations in 50+ languages. He also reflects on its broader application beyond marriage—including in the workplace—and addresses commo...
Duration: 00:10:44Christian Leaders: Your Leadership Isn't Broken, You're Just Missing This
Aug 18, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
Many Christian leaders feel stuck—not because they lack vision or effort—but because unseen barriers quietly sabotage their ability to connect. In this solo episode, Ryan Franklin uncovers four powerful yet often hidden barriers that disrupt relationships and weaken influence: pride, past wounds, poor patterns, and emotional exhaustion. With honest storytelling and biblical insight, he reveals how these walls form, how they affect your leadership, and how to start dismantling them—one intentional step at a time. If you’ve ever fe...
Duration: 00:38:06Short Clip: Why Presence Matters More Than Words in Ministry | FBI Chaplain Kristen Ellis
Aug 14, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/r-F5OHcTVgg?si=tlXSqCsENV2vNfy1
Description:
In this powerful reflection, Kristen Ellis shares a deeply personal encounter with the Ohio State Highway Patrol following a traumatic incident. She emphasizes the profound impact of simply showing up—what she calls the "ministry of presence." Drawing from her role as a chaplain, Ellis highlights the sacred responsibility of being present in crisis, supporting first responders not just through words, but through compassion, proximity, and spiritual sensitivity. Her story underscores the vital connection between ministry and com...
Duration: 00:10:22Short Clip: This Is Why Your Apology Isn’t Working | Dr. Carl Wilson
Aug 11, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/9ZccVfA5DSo?si=a-42DNt0feP__NpF
Description:
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Carl Wilson explores the deeper layers of conflict resolution, focusing on how apologies, validation, and emotional maturity shape healthy relationships. He explains that true remorse is shown through behavioral change—not just words—and emphasizes learning each other's "apology language." Dr. Wilson advocates for giving others a dignified way out of conflict, using active listening techniques like OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmation, Reflection, and Summary) to foster understanding. By approaching conflict as a partnership rather than...
Short Clip: Pastors: If You Feel Like Quitting Watch This...
Aug 07, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/LFZ8go_axgc?si=wMUVDx_cdEjWF_8y
Description:
This transcript features Scott Graham offering encouragement and wisdom to pastors and church leaders. He addresses feelings of inadequacy in ministry, emphasizing God’s intentional calling and the importance of dependence on Him. Graham urges pastors not to compare themselves to others, to sharpen their skills while trusting God, and to focus on glorifying the King. He also discusses the modern challenge of cultivating commitment among church members, noting cultural shifts and encouraging leaders to model, preach, and patiently men...
If You’re Doing It All Yourself, Your Church Will Never Grow | Pastor Darrell Johns
Aug 04, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader® Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan Franklin sits down with Pastor Darrell Johns—Assistant General Superintendent of the UPCI and longtime pastor of Atlanta West Pentecostal Church—to talk about one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of church leadership: building a dream team. With decades of experience in local and organizational ministry, Pastor Johns unpacks practical and biblical insights on why team ministry matters, what makes it work, and how leaders can overcome fear and insecurity to dev...
Short Clip: "If I'm Humble God's my Ally, if I'm Proud He's My Enemy" - Dr. Clay Jackson on Church Leadership
Jul 31, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/8Dy-E7dyeWE?si=S5szRZCfjROrEIi7
Description:
In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Clay Jackson reflects on humility, holiness, and the deep personal cost of authentic ministry. Drawing from his own missteps and growth, he emphasizes God's relentless call to integrity, the importance of spiritual maturity, and the need for the Church to resist commercialization. Dr. Jackson challenges leaders to prioritize mission over image, authenticity over performance, and Spirit-led labor over mere excellence. With candid insights and pastoral wisdom, he calls for a return to the heart of the g...
Short Clip: How to Fight Without Losing the Relationship | Dr. Carl Wilson
Jul 28, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/9ZccVfA5DSo?si=a-42DNt0feP__NpF
Description:
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Carl Wilson discusses emotional intelligence and conflict resolution in relationships, emphasizing the importance of being intentionally present when listening—especially for those with fast-moving thoughts like individuals with ADHD. He explains how true listening involves slowing down, withholding immediate reactions, and allowing emotional expression without taking it personally. Dr. Wilson highlights strategies like containment, proportional response, and attacking the behavior—not the person—to foster healthier communication. With humility and practical wisdom, he underscores that re...
Short Clip: Why I Gave Up a $48K Job to Make $13K in Ministry | Scott Graham
Jul 24, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/LFZ8go_axgc?si=wMUVDx_cdEjWF_8y
Description:
In this powerful and deeply personal testimony, Scott Graham recounts his life-changing call to ministry, sparked by a sermon at youth camp and affirmed by a final, prophetic moment with his dying grandfather. He shares the emotional cost of leaving a secure future to follow God’s calling and emphasizes the importance of anchor moments that affirm one’s purpose during difficult times. Graham reflects on the challenges of early ministry, particularly impatience in studying scripture, and stresses that spiri...
From Confusion to Clarity: How Pastor Luke St.Clair Learned to Hear God
Jul 21, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Pastor Luke St.Clair joins us to explore what it means to pray as a whole man—spirit, soul, and body. Drawing from his book The Whole Man, Pastor St. Clair unpacks a powerful framework of praying Scripture, hearing God’s voice clearly, and creating a consistent rhythm of prayer in the middle of leadership demands. We talk about everything from the Tabernacle model of prayer to renewing strength through prayer...
Duration: 00:54:14Short Clip: Why Church Leadership Is Breaking Down and What Needs to Change | Dr. Clay Jackson
Jul 17, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/8Dy-E7dyeWE?si=S5szRZCfjROrEIi7
Description:
In this powerful reflection, Dr. Clay Jackson shares the personal and professional journey that inspired his book on church leadership. Drawing from his experiences as a physician, pastor, and scholar, he explores how shifts in cultural attitudes toward authority and integrity sparked his conviction that the church needs a leadership reset. Motivated by witnessing both effective and failed leadership, he emphasizes the importance of humility, consistency, and servant-hearted influence rooted in the New Testament. His work calls for a deeper, context-aware, s...
Short Clip: Why You Should Stop Measuring Yourself by Someone Else’s Calling | Pastor Juan Lopez
Jul 14, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/F_-pdEzsicI?si=QtkY5ze2rfpeU6dD
Description:
In this heartfelt conversation, Juan Lopez shares the deep lessons he's learned in leadership, discipleship, and identity. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that only God can save, while we’re called to love, serve, and point others to Him. Juan reflects on the freedom found in embracing his unique calling, rather than chasing roles or titles. Through his work at Calvary Tabernacle, he’s learned to value obedience over comparison and to find his identity not in position or su...
Short Clip: What Most Leaders Get Wrong About Humility | Dr. Brent Coltharp
Jul 10, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/I8lWZ11RO8s?si=uKYCO5zIt3PQtdO8
Description:
Dr. Brent Coltharp shares the key habits behind sustained excellence in leadership—personal growth, humility, reflection, and a relentless commitment to improvement. Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey, not just the results, he encourages leaders to view the daily grind as part of the "good work." With a heart for the Kingdom and a passion for development, Dr. Coltharp reminds us that growth is both a personal and organizational responsibility—and that every faithful step forward matters.
<...
How a Near-Death Crisis Reshaped Andy Ferguson’s Calling
Jul 07, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
Worship pastor and guitarist Andy Ferguson has spent over 25 years leading others into the presence of God—but behind the songs is a story of perseverance through deep valleys. In this episode, Andy opens up about his sudden health crisis, the peace of God that met him in a hospital room, and what it means to keep serving even when your strength is gone. He shares about a miraculous healing in his twenties, the legacy of a mother who chose life, and the lesso...
Duration: 00:55:25Short Clip: Why Every Pastor Needs Study Time That Isn’t About Sunday | Scott Graham
Jul 03, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/LFZ8go_axgc?si=wMUVDx_cdEjWF_8y
Description:
In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Scott Graham emphasizes the importance of personal Bible study for spiritual growth, rather than solely for sermon preparation. He discusses the value of deepening one’s spiritual well through study, the benefits of using tools like Logos Bible software, and his cautious stance on AI in sermon writing. While acknowledging AI’s usefulness for tasks like illustrations or visuals, he warns against relying on it for sermon content, stressing the sacred responsibility of preac...
Short Clip: My Mom’s Prayer When I Was in Jail... and it Saved My Life | Pastor Juan Lopez
Jun 30, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/F_-pdEzsicI?si=QtkY5ze2rfpeU6dD
Description:
In this moving account, Juan Lopez recalls hitting rock bottom at 18, facing a 20-year prison sentence, and crying out to God for the first time. He reflects on the powerful influence of his mother, whose unwavering faith, prayer, and love planted seeds in his heart. Despite growing up in chaos and addiction, her transformation and devotion inspired him to seek hope. In jail, Juan realized the root of his destructive behavior and asked God for help, marking the beginning o...
Short Clip: This is the Real Test of Your Leadership | Dr. Clay Jackson
Jun 26, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/8Dy-E7dyeWE?si=S5szRZCfjROrEIi7
Description:
In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Clay Jackson emphasizes the primacy of character over gifting in spiritual leadership. He shares insights on humility, accountability, and integrity, urging leaders to submit to sanctification and surround themselves with trusted voices. Drawing from both pastoral and medical experiences, he illustrates the power of spiritual discernment through proximity and consistency. Jackson encourages leaders to be the same person in every context, letting the Spirit shape them for lasting impact, and highlights humility as t...
Dr. Gary Chapman Reveals the Most Common Mistake with the Five Love Languages
Jun 23, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman — the best-selling author of The 5 Love Languages® — to explore the timeless truths behind building lasting, loving relationships. I'm excited to find out the fascinating story of how he discovered the concept of love languages, the global impact of his work, and practical insights for couples who may feel disconnected or discouraged. We'll also dive into Dr. Chapman’s newest book, A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage, and the life-c...
Duration: 00:36:03Short Clip: Why I Take Two Weeks Off Every 6 Months (And You Should Too) | Dr. Brent Coltharp
Jun 19, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/I8lWZ11RO8s?si=uKYCO5zIt3PQtdO8
Description:
Dr. Brent Coltharp shares his honest journey of learning to rest, play, and prioritize family while leading in multiple demanding roles. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality—blocking vacation time, setting weekly family rhythms, and adjusting expectations with changing seasons of life. From gym time with his teenage son to structured family dinners with conversation starters, Dr. Coltharp highlights how presence, even in simple moments, fosters meaningful connection and balance in leadership and life.
Purchase The...
Short Clip: How to Believe in God’s Love When You Feel Unworthy | Pastor Juan Lopez
Jun 16, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/F_-pdEzsicI?si=QtkY5ze2rfpeU6dD
Description:
In this powerful testimony, Juan Lopez shares how the unwavering love and mentorship of Jim Sliva helped lead him from a life of addiction, crime, and prison to transformation through Christ. Despite taking advantage of Jim’s kindness, Juan was moved by his consistent love and support. He recounts how prison became a turning point, where mentorship and God's grace reshaped his life. Today, Juan passionately mentors others, driven by his experiences and the redemptive power of God's love.
Short Clip: What the Early Church Had That We’ve Lost | Dr. Clay Jackson
Jun 12, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/8Dy-E7dyeWE?si=S5szRZCfjROrEIi7
Description:
In this heartfelt and insightful discussion, Dr. Clay Jackson reflects on the dynamic between Spirit-led living and institutionalized church structures. He emphasizes the balance of word and work in Christian ministry, the importance of walking with people through life, and the challenge of restoring apostolic momentum. Jackson critiques the historical shift from Spirit-empowered leadership to hierarchical control and calls for a renewed embrace of diverse spiritual giftings, authentic discipleship, and Spirit-led leadership in the modern church.
Purchase The C...
Why Presence Matters More Than Platform and Preaching | FBI Chaplain Kristen Ellis
Jun 09, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Kristen Ellis, pastor, teacher, and FBI chaplain. Kristen shares her remarkable journey into chaplaincy, including her firsthand experience supporting federal agents during the tragic 8/11 event. She unpacks the life-changing principle of the "ministry of presence" and offers wisdom on leading with empathy, especially in times of crisis. Kristen also speaks to the vital role of community involvement in leadership and provides practical advice for leaders who feel disconnected or overwhelmed. Tune in to be inspired by Kri...
Duration: 01:14:25Short Clip: Why Men are Losing Their Voice in the Church | Pastor Jerron Carney
Jun 05, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/sh-FDr-WuAc?si=-b0vB8b2a0yVS2Fi
Description:
Jerron Carney discusses the crisis of absent fathers in families and the church, emphasizing how shame and past mistakes often silence men from leading. He highlights the need for a culture of grace and truth, where mentorship and support help men reclaim their roles. The conversation explores masculinity, arguing that true strength includes both authority and compassion. Carney advocates for an environment where men can heal, grow, and lead with confidence, balancing love with accountability. The discussion challenges t...
Short Clip: The Truth About Sleep Every Pastor Needs to Hear | Dr. Daniel Butler
Jun 02, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/V2rybQvcrz4?si=rXUuYLzR8-A-kWKh
Description:
The Critical Role of Sleep in Leadership Health
Daniel Butler shares groundbreaking insights on the importance of sleep, emphasizing that proper rest is even more vital than exercise for overall well-being. Drawing from research by NASA and renowned psychologist Dr. Archibald Hart, he explains how sleep directly impacts brain health, stress management, and long-term cognitive function. He highlights how insufficient sleep leads to depression, memory decline, and even structural brain damage. Butler stresses that leaders, particularly pastors, must prioritize rest, in...
Short Clip: Why Leaders Struggle When They Seek Affirmation Over Calling | Pastor Tim Gaddy
May 29, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/PlhXxJKQL9Y?si=6pAUp26tnt5Bfjwx
Description:
Tim Gaddy discusses the dangers of insecurity and the need for affirmation in leadership. He warns against relying too much on external validation, which can lead to unhealthy decision-making. Instead, he encourages leaders to find security in their relationship with God and seek feedback from trusted mentors and peers. Using the parable of the talents, he illustrates how insecurity can cause leaders to hold back rather than step into their full potential. Tim challenges leaders to develop confidence in their c...
The Best Marriage Advice You Won’t Hear in Premarital Counseling | Dr. Carl Wilson
May 26, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this powerful episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Carl Wilson to unpack his popular lesson, Fighting Fair in Love and Relationships. Whether you're navigating marriage, ministry, or leadership, these 10 steps to handling conflict can transform the way you communicate. From taking it private to keeping it real, from listening to understanding to knowing when to walk away—Dr. Wilson brings wisdom, vulnerability, and practical insight rooted in both science and scripture. Don’t miss this fast-paced, honest conversation that could r...
Duration: 01:10:25Short Clip: The Mindset Shift That Turns Confrontation to Collaboration | Dr. Brent Coltharp
May 22, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/I8lWZ11RO8s?si=uKYCO5zIt3PQtdO8
Description:
Dr. Brent Coltharp champions a leadership style rooted in service, understanding, and intentional growth. Whether guiding his wife, children, or team members, he seeks to recognize their unique wiring, personalities, and callings. By embracing open communication, “carefrontation,” and tools like DISC or Enneagram assessments, he creates space for others to thrive. His leadership is marked by adaptability, mutual respect, and a commitment to building strong, interdependent teams—at home, in ministry, and across multiple organizations. For Dr. Coltharp, true su...
Short Clip: Why You’re Not Ready to Lead If You Can’t Submit | Charles Robinette
May 19, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/P3VEFCX4YWo?si=dCwvovL04072IWf2
Description:
Charles Robinette emphasizes the necessity of submission to spiritual authority in discerning God's will. He shares how seeking counsel from a trusted man of God provides clarity, accountability, and protection from blind spots. Robinette highlights the importance of honoring spiritual leadership, even when it means reshaping or delaying personal dreams. He contrasts his own radical, high-energy nature with the wisdom of having structured guidance, acknowledging that true spiritual success requires both passion and submission. Ultimately, he stresses that submission ensures l...
Short Clip: A Proven Path for Men Struggling With Lust in Silence | Pastor Jerron Carney
May 15, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/sh-FDr-WuAc?si=-b0vB8b2a0yVS2Fi
Description:
Jerron Carney is a passionate pastor and leader dedicated to strengthening men, families, and the church through accountability and spiritual growth. He advocates for radical accountability, emphasizing honesty, daily check-ins, and deep relationships to help men overcome struggles like pornography and anger. Carney believes in fostering a church culture where difficult topics are addressed with grace and support. His approach prioritizes transparency, biblical discipline, and community, encouraging men to break free from isolation and build lasting spiritual habits. T...
What Every Pastor Needs to Know about Studying God's Word | Scott Graham
May 12, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Podcast, Ryan Franklin sits down with Scott Graham, General Secretary of the United Pentecostal Church International, to explore the high calling of preaching and the power of studying God’s Word. Scott shares defining moments from his early ministry, including personal struggles that shaped his approach to Scripture. Together, they discuss practical study habits, common pitfalls pastors face, and how to balance sermon preparation with personal spiritual growth. With decades of exper...
Duration: 01:03:28Short Clip: What Happens When Suffering Doesn’t Have a Name... | Dr. Daniel Butler
May 08, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/V2rybQvcrz4?si=rXUuYLzR8-A-kWKh
Description:
Faith, Mental Illness, and the Power of Endurance
Daniel Butler shares the deeply moving story of his wife’s battle with severe mental illness and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the intersection of faith, medical intervention, and resilience. Despite being undiagnosable after extensive psychiatric evaluations, her condition mirrored demonic possession but was ultimately severe psychological distress. After years of searching, a medication regimen finally provided some relief, though at great physical cost. Through her unshakable faith and determination, she outlived medical predictions and...
Short Clip: Why Great Leaders Lean Into Their God-Given Strengths | Pastor Tim Gaddy
May 05, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/PlhXxJKQL9Y?si=6pAUp26tnt5Bfjwx
Description:
Tim Gaddy highlights the importance of recognizing personal strengths and aligning them with one’s calling. He encourages leaders to lean into their strengths while also embracing challenges that foster growth. Using his own experiences, he explains how surrounding yourself with capable people can enhance leadership effectiveness. He warns against complacency, stressing that leaders must continuously learn, read, and refine their skills. Tim reminds leaders that the kingdom of God is always growing, and they should embody that same mindset to...
Short Clip: How the Wrong People Can Mute the Voice of God in Your Life | Charles Robinette
May 01, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/P3VEFCX4YWo?si=dCwvovL04072IWf2
Description:
Charles Robinette emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and intentionally prioritizing prayer and spiritual relationships. He warns that surrounding oneself with unstable or faithless individuals can disrupt one's spiritual clarity. Drawing from biblical teachings and neuroscience, he highlights how relationships shape spiritual growth. Robinette encourages believers to assess their influences, embrace seasonal relationships, and transition to new ones that align with their calling. He advocates for organic, healthy separations rather than burning bridges, fostering spiritual maturity and positive t...
Addicted, Angry, and Facing 20 Years: How Pastor Juan Lopez Found a New Life
Apr 28, 2025Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:
https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching
In this episode, we sit down with Juan Lopez to explore his incredible journey from incarceration to becoming an inspirational church leader. You'll hear about Juan's early life struggles and the pivotal moment that led him to embrace faith. This is important because it shows how transformation is possible for anyone. Juan shares how his mother's spiritual journey influenced his path to ministry and how his experiences with addiction and recovery shape his leadership today. Join us to discover practical way...
Duration: 01:04:06Short Clip: How to Pray Prophetically and Activate God’s Promises | Charles Robinette
Apr 24, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/P3VEFCX4YWo?si=dCwvovL04072IWf2
Description:
Charles Robinette discusses cultivating a prophetic prayer life with intentionality, faith, and identity in Christ. He emphasizes declaring God’s promises with certainty rather than pleading, aligning prayer with biblical truths. Robinette explains the importance of seeding one’s spirit with God’s word, comparing it to planting and nurturing a fruitful field. He contrasts preaching as an art with ministering through demonstration, urging believers to create opportunities for God to fulfill His word. The discussion highlights faith-driven prayer, kingdom vision...
Short Clip: How to Overcome the Fear of Failure and Step Into Biblical Manhood | Jerron Carney
Apr 21, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/sh-FDr-WuAc?si=-b0vB8b2a0yVS2Fi
Description:
Jerron Carney discusses the True Men ministry at Woodlawn, built on four pillars: integrity, courage, faith, and servanthood. He emphasizes that courage is essential for stepping into the unknown and overcoming the fear of failure, which many men, including leaders, struggle with. Carney shares how he gathered 12 men, encouraged mentorship, and empowered them to shape the ministry’s direction. By giving men a seat at the table and valuing their voices, the movement grew organically, fostering ownership, transformation, and...
Short Clip: How Cycling Helped Me Overcome Burnout and Depression | Dr. Daniel Butler
Apr 17, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/V2rybQvcrz4?si=rXUuYLzR8-A-kWKh
Daniel Butler shares his transformative journey of overcoming burnout and prioritizing health after recognizing the warning signs of stress and mild depression. Through a course with renowned psychologist Dr. Archibald Hart, he learned the importance of self-care, recognizing emotional fatigue, and maintaining longevity in leadership. A pivotal shift occurred when he committed to an annual cycling challenge with his brothers, which dramatically improved his health and reinforced the power of exercise. His story highlights the necessity of balancing ministry with personal well-being, ensuring l...
The Authority Crisis: How the CEO Pastor Model is Failing the Church | Dr. Clay Jackson
Apr 14, 2025In this episode, we dive into the transformative journey of Dr. Clay Jackson, a physician, pastor, and scholar, who believes church leadership needs a reset. We explore why the church shifted from its dynamic, Spirit-led beginnings to a more institutional model and how leaders today can restore that original momentum. This is important because many churches emphasize supernatural gifts but overlook vital leadership gifts. We discuss transitioning from hierarchical to team-based leadership and balancing order with the Holy Spirit's movement. You'll learn practical steps for engaging every church member in the Great Commission and maintaining a healthy life rhythm...
Duration: 01:24:19Short Clip: The Leadership Growth Problem No One Warns You About | Pastor Tim Gaddy
Apr 10, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/PlhXxJKQL9Y?si=6pAUp26tnt5Bfjwx
Description:
Tim Gaddy reflects on his leadership journey, recalling how his church plant grew from four people to a thriving congregation. He explains how growth brings both challenges and opportunities, requiring leaders to delegate and develop others. Recognizing stress points and seeking mentorship helped him expand his capacity without burnout. Tim emphasizes the need for intentional decisions to sustain growth, prioritize people, and remain adaptable. His insights provide a roadmap for leaders looking to maximize their influence while staying grounded in th...
Short Clip: How to Stay Strong When Life Feels Out of Control | Dr. Eugene Wilson
Apr 07, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/FUfKEJuFZcE?si=jBxRRUu3TwfKqcsy
Description:
Dr. Eugene Wilson shares practical strategies for managing chaos while maintaining balance in life and leadership. He emphasizes emotional intelligence, the importance of structure, and the need to prioritize rest and family time. Using personal anecdotes, Dr. Wilson highlights methods like grounding techniques, daily walks, and creative stress relief to navigate overwhelming seasons. He also underscores the value of vacations and building a supportive "life team" to sustain health and effectiveness. The conversation inspires leaders to recognize their unique stressors and implement s...
Short Clip: Why Every Leader Needs a Transition Plan to Succeed | Pastor Daniel McKillop
Apr 03, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/YT5WdMJipYI?si=GQRCkZpSjscgUrvn
Description:
Daniel McKillop shares his passion for successful leadership transitions, drawing from his personal experience and biblical examples. He explains that leadership isn’t just about building something great—it’s about ensuring it lasts beyond one’s tenure. Daniel emphasizes that every leader is in transition, whether they realize it or not, and must prepare for the future. He reflects on the transition of his own church, which has thrived for over 90 years due to its history of passing leadership effectively. His insights...
The Truth About Imposter Syndrome in Ministry with Dr. Brent Coltharp
Mar 31, 2025In this episode, Dr. Brent Coltharp shares his journey as a ministry leader, exploring the importance of effective time management, self-leadership, and continuous learning. He offers practical strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and balance multiple responsibilities while fostering personal growth. Brent emphasizes building confidence and the value of supportive voices in leadership. He also discusses the challenges of balancing family time with ministry duties, stressing the need for intentional conversations and adapting to life’s seasons. Additionally, he highlights the importance of leveraging team strengths, managing disappointments, and cultivating productive relationships. Brent concludes with inspiring insights on continuous improvement in...
Duration: 01:09:32Short Clip: Faithfulness Isn’t About Being Fearless—It’s About Showing Up | Dr. Eugene Wilson
Mar 27, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/FUfKEJuFZcE?si=jBxRRUu3TwfKqcsy
Description:
Dr. Eugene Wilson reflects on resilience in leadership through the story of Apostle Paul, who faced immense challenges yet remained steadfast. Drawing from personal prayer and study, Dr. Wilson recounts Paul's journey in Acts, connecting his struggles with his own ministry experiences. He highlights how faith and divine encouragement can sustain leaders through difficult seasons. The message focuses on embracing resilience, trusting God's plan, and finding strength in divine assurance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint bo...
Short Clip: A Leader’s Greatest Responsibility is Who Comes After Them | Daniel McKillop
Mar 24, 2025Link to the full podcast:
https://youtu.be/YT5WdMJipYI?si=GQRCkZpSjscgUrvn
Description:
Daniel McKillop explores the challenges of leadership transitions, drawing from Elijah and Elisha’s relationship. He explains that even great leaders like Elijah had vulnerabilities, and the transition of leadership required both humility and intentional mentorship. Daniel emphasizes that every leader needs someone from the next generation to walk with them and help them navigate their own struggles. He highlights how Elisha’s presence helped Elijah overcome his deep discouragement, showing that successful transitions require both the wisdom of the past and the...
From Silence to Clarity: How Missionary Charles Robinette Learned to Hear God
Mar 17, 2025In this powerful conversation, Ryan Franklin and Charles Robinette dive into the journey of discerning God’s voice, the importance of submission to spiritual authority, and the transformative impact of understanding one’s identity in Christ. They discuss how clarity in hearing God comes through intentional spiritual disciplines, strong mentorship, and relational accountability. Robinette shares personal experiences that emphasize the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, the power of prophetic prayer, and the necessity of overcoming fear, jealousy, and control in ministry. They also explore the value of healthy separations in relationships, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges chur...
Duration: 01:18:10The Silent Crisis of Manhood in the Church | Pastor Jerron Carney
Mar 03, 2025In this episode, Ryan sits down with Pastor Jerron Carney for a powerful conversation on the importance of strong male leadership in the church and community. Jerron shares his personal journey, the influence of strong mentors, and the challenges men face—including absent fathers, shame, and guilt. They discuss the necessity of radical accountability, particularly in overcoming struggles like pornography, and the role of community support in fostering true biblical manhood. Jerron also unpacks the significance of strong marriages, integrity, and redefining success in men’s ministry. If you’re looking for practical strategies to strengthen leadership, build mentorship, and cu...
Duration: 01:10:35Held Together by Grace: A Pastor's Fight To Save His Wife and Himself
Feb 17, 2025Dr. Daniel Butler shares a heart wrenching journey through personal and family challenges, focusing on his wife’s mental health struggles and how these experiences have reshaped his life and ministry. He speaks openly about the real impact of chronic stress and the importance of caring for both your emotional and physical health. For Daniel, faith isn’t just a comfort—it’s the foundation that helped him lean on community support and find hope during the toughest times. He explains how prioritizing self-care, from getting enough sleep to managing stress, isn’t a luxury but a necessity for living out...
Duration: 01:24:51From Soldier to Shepherd: The Incredible Journey of Pastor Cortt Chavis
Feb 03, 2025In this episode, Pastor Cortt Chavis shares his inspiring journey from a military veteran to a passionate church leader and pastor. Cortt discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his decision-making skills and leadership style, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships with God and others. He offers valuable insights on cultivating a culture of effective decision-making within teams and the significance of self-development for young leaders. Tune in for practical advice and powerful stories that will encourage and equip you on your leadership journey.
Connect with Cortt Chavis:
https://fornewyork.org
https://www.donnywillis.com
...
7 Essential Ways To Strengthen Your Ministry in 2025
Jan 20, 2025Discover seven powerful strategies to transform your ministry in 2025 on this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Podcast. Host Ryan Franklin shares practical insights to help Christian leaders find balance, avoid burnout, and maximize their impact. From developing a sustainable rhythm of life and crafting a clear personal vision to leveraging your strengths and building a personal support team, Ryan provides actionable steps to strengthen your leadership. You’ll also learn how to identify and address leadership derailers and foster a culture of growth within your team. Packed with biblical wisdom and real-life tips, this episode is perfect fo...
Duration: 00:26:07Why Playing It Safe Is Holding Back Your Leadership with Tim Gaddy
Jan 06, 2025In this episode, Tim Gaddy shares his expertise on overcoming common pitfalls and increasing your leadership capacity. With years of experience as a senior pastor and district superintendent, Tim discusses what leadership capacity truly means and how leaders can identify areas for growth. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, taking risks, and maintaining submission to God. Listeners will also gain insights into overcoming challenges like comparison and insecurity, along with practical tools to enhance their leadership potential. Tune in for valuable strategies that can transform your leadership journey!
Connect with Tim Gaddy:
X - @tim...
The Secret to Emotional Strength for Christian Leaders with Dr. Cindy Miller
Dec 09, 2024In this episode, Ryan welcomes Dr. Cindy Miller, a highly respected pastor, counselor, and professor, to uncover "The Secret to Emotional Strength" for those in ministry and leadership. Dr. Miller shares pivotal experiences from her journey, emphasizing the importance of balance and emotional resilience in the life of a Christian leader. They discuss practical ways to recognize burnout, prioritize emotional well-being, and integrate rest amid a busy ministry schedule. Packed with valuable strategies, this conversation offers essential guidance for leaders seeking to strengthen their emotional foundation and sustain their impact over the long haul.
Connect with Dr...
No. 1 Christian Psychologist on Hidden Costs of Ignoring ‘Drain’ Relationships | Dr. John Townsend
Nov 25, 2024In this exciting episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. John Townsend, renowned psychologist, leadership expert, and New York Times best-selling author. Dr. Townsend shares pivotal moments from his journey and dives deep into the biblical principles of relationships and leadership. They discuss the concept of relational nutrients, how leaders can assess whether their connections are fueling or draining them, and why it's essential for pastors and leaders to receive support as well as give. Packed with practical steps for building life-giving relationships, this episode is a must-listen for Christian leaders seeking to enhance their leadership health and effectiveness.
<...
3 Red Flags of an Unhealthy Church with Derald & Karen Weber
Nov 11, 2024In this episode, join Derald and Karen Weber, District Superintendent and first lady of the Louisiana District, as they share their invaluable insights on transforming church health and growth. With decades of experience in ministry, the Webers discuss key moments in their journey, define what a healthy church looks like, and identify common barriers to growth. Discover practical strategies for prioritizing health while pursuing expansion and hear inspiring success stories from their consulting work. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or involved in ministry, this episode is filled with wisdom to help you thrive!
Connect with...
Leadership Expert Explains How to Master Hard Conversations | Dr. Gilbert Fugitt
Oct 28, 2024With over 20 years of experience in higher education and ministry, Dr. Fugitt, an expert in leadership and conflict resolution, shares invaluable insights on mastering difficult conversations—a crucial skill for effective leadership. He walks us through an 8-step model designed to facilitate open dialogue and navigate tough discussions with emotional intelligence. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or Christian business leader, you'll gain practical strategies to create a safe environment for conflict resolution and transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth. Tune in to learn how to enhance your leadership effectiveness!
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Duration: 01:03:41Next Level Leader with Dr. Eugene Wilson
Oct 14, 2024Join us for a great conversation with Dr. Eugene Wilson as we unpack his newest book, Next-Level Leader. In this episode, we explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, including stretchability, resilience, and the challenges of loneliness that many leaders face. Dr. Wilson shares practical strategies for managing chaos and maintaining focus in uncertain times, along with biblical insights that can guide your leadership journey. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or business professional, you’ll gain valuable tools to elevate your leadership and thrive in your role.
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Duration: 01:04:26Joel Urshan on The Fruit of the Spirit in Leadership
Sep 30, 2024In this episode, we are joined by Joel Urshan, senior pastor and host of The Fruitful Vine podcast, to explore the impact of the Fruit of the Spirit on effective leadership. Joel unpacks how these spiritual attributes can transform decision-making, enhance communication, and help leaders navigate challenges like loneliness. He shares personal insights and practical steps for integrating the Fruit of the Spirit into daily leadership practices. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or a business professional, this conversation offers valuable wisdom to elevate your leadership journey and cultivate a thriving community.
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Duration: 01:07:01How to Overcome the Fear of Failure
Sep 16, 2024In this episode titled "How to Overcome the Fear of Failure," I dive into one of the most common yet often overlooked challenges that leaders face: the fear of failure. Drawing from my experience in executive coaching and personal struggles, I explore how this fear can silently impact even the most confident and competitive leaders, draining their energy and stalling their progress. I share a personal story of overcoming this fear when launching my leadership podcast and YouTube channel, and I provide practical, faith-based strategies to help you conquer this fear in your own life. Join me as we...
Duration: 00:37:17How to Discover Your Life’s Purpose with Greg Hackathorn
Sep 02, 2024In this episode, I sit down with Greg Hackathorn, a passionate church leader, podcaster, and church planter based in Sydney, Australia. Greg shares his journey from the Midwest of the United States to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Sydney, Australia, where he now balances multiple roles. We dive into how he built The Hacka Podcast into a global success, his experiences in church planting, and his approach to church administration. Greg also offers valuable insights into discovering and pursuing your life’s purpose, along with practical steps to maximize your potential. Whether you’re seeking direction or loo...
Duration: 00:55:19Building People, Life Vision, and Leadership with Ryan Allmon
Aug 19, 2024In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, we sit down with Ryan Allmon, pastor, church planter, and North American Missions Director of Louisiana. Ryan shares his powerful insights on building people, staying focused on life vision, and leading with purpose. Drawing from his extensive experience in ministry and his structured approach to leadership, Ryan discusses how understanding your God-given purpose can transform the way you serve and lead. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers practical wisdom on balancing structure with spiritual guidance to make a lasting impact in your ministry...
Duration: 01:03:14Carlton Coon on Discipleship, Personal Growth, and Church Success
Aug 05, 2024In this episode, I dive deep with veteran pastor and acclaimed author Carlton Coon to explore the integral relationship between effective discipleship and church leadership. Carlton shares his insights on nurturing personal growth in leaders, the pivotal role of continuous learning, and how these elements drive church expansion and success. With decades of experience in various leadership capacities, he offers valuable strategies and personal anecdotes on developing leaders and fostering a thriving church environment. Whether you're a ministry leader or someone interested in the dynamics of organizational development, this episode provides essential wisdom on cultivating success through focused discipleship...
Duration: 01:07:12The Fusion of Truth and Grace with Ryan Franklin
Jul 22, 2024In this episode, "The Fusion of Truth and Grace," we unpack a transformative concept that has deeply impacted my life and ministry. Join me as I share my personal journey of struggling with the balance between grace and truth and how embracing both has changed my relationships and approach to leadership. Through biblical insights and real-life examples, we'll explore how grace without truth leads to immaturity, and truth without grace leads to legalism or rebellion. Discover how the fusion of these two powerful principles can create a healing force, guiding you to a more fulfilling and spiritually mature life.<...
Duration: 00:32:25Urban Growth and Visionary Leadership with Australia's General Superintendent Stanley Harvey
Jul 08, 2024Join us as we sit down with Stanley Harvey, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Australia and Pastor of the Pentecostals of Sydney. Reverend Harvey shares his insights on leading a vibrant urban church in the heart of Sydney, a city bustling with challenges and opportunities. Discover how he navigates the complexities of urban growth, drives expansion without the conventional resources like ample parking, and implements his visionary leadership to foster both local and national church development. Throughout the discussion, Reverend Harvey reveals the strategies behind his effective management of dual leadership roles and how he balances...
Duration: 01:12:29