Have you ever experienced church hurt? You know, when your expectations of people in the church are high, but reality just disappoints. We are all human, we all fall short. Disappointment is a natural part of the human experience. Is there hope for a better outcome? Listen in as Don and John chat about the reality of church hurt and three truths to equip and remind leaders and other Christians of the value of restored relationships with others—and Jesus.

Have you ever experienced church hurt? You know, when your expectations of people in the church are high, but reality just disappoints. We are all human, we all fall short. Disappointment is a natural part of the human experience. Is there hope for a better outcome? Listen in as Don and John chat about the reality of church hurt and three truths to equip and remind leaders and other Christians of the value of restored relationships with others—and Jesus.

Church Hurt: Dealing with Disappointment

Jon Weece

Jon Weece has been the senior pastor at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY for 23 years—and in those years, he's learned a thing or two. Listen in as Don and John chat with Jon about the value of humor, the impact of frustration, what he'd tell his younger self, and how to stay healthy in the long run. Jon recently spoke at Eagle Brook about frustration. Check it out!www.eaglebrookchurch.com/media/past-messages/series/voices/

Jon Weece has been the senior pastor at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY for 23 years—and in those years, he's learned a thing or two. Listen in as Don and John chat with Jon about the value of humor, the impact of frustration, what he'd tell his younger self, and how to stay healthy in the long run. Jon recently spoke at Eagle Brook about frustration. Check it out! <a href="https://www.eaglebrookchurch.com/media/past-messages/series/voices/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.eaglebrookchurch.com/media/past-messages/series/voices/</a>

Turning Down the Noise with Jon Weece

Gathering your whole staff regularly...seems like a lot of effort. Does it make a difference? Why does it matter? Listen in as Don and John connect with the Lino Lakes campus pastor, Andrew Hermann—who's also in charge of Eagle Brook's regular all-staff meetings. Believe it or not, gathering and aligning your staff regularly does make an impact, especially when done with intentionality.

Gathering your whole staff regularly...seems like a lot of effort. Does it make a difference? Why does it matter? Listen in as Don and John connect with the Lino Lakes campus pastor, Andrew Hermann—who's also in charge of Eagle Brook's regular all-staff meetings. Believe it or not, gathering and aligning your staff regularly does make an impact, especially when done with intentionality.

The Value of Gathering as a Staff with Andrew Hermann

Tyler Gregory

The last 3 years have been nothing short of a challenge. No one entered 2020 confident in their pandemic-handling skills or knowing exactly what to do during social unrest. Of course, hindsight is 20/20—or at least it's a little clearer. Listen in as Don and John chat with Eagle Brook's executive pastor, Tyler Gregory, about leading through challenging times and changing leadership, getting back to basics, and the hope he has for the church today.

The last 3 years have been nothing short of a challenge. No one entered 2020 confident in their pandemic-handling skills or knowing exactly what to do during social unrest. Of course, hindsight is 20/20—or at least it's a little clearer. Listen in as Don and John chat with Eagle Brook's executive pastor, Tyler Gregory, about leading through challenging times and changing leadership, getting back to basics, and the hope he has for the church today.

Leading Through Challenging Times with Tyler Gregory

Adam Weber

They start the episode talking about bird watching, as usual. But after that...it gets deep. Whether you're in a really tough season of life that feels never-ending, or your life is pretty sweet right now, Don and John's conversation with Adam Weber will encourage you, challenge you, and bring some hope into your day.

They start the episode talking about bird watching, as usual. But after that...it gets deep. Whether you're in a really tough season of life that feels never-ending, or your life is pretty sweet right now, Don and John's conversation with Adam Weber will encourage you, challenge you, and bring some hope into your day.

Tough Seasons & Loving People with Adam Weber

Ted Cunningham

Marriage is beautiful. And also: marriage is tough—enough said. Listen in as Don and John chat with Ted Cunningham—pastor, author, relationship expert, and comedian. They'll discuss God's design for marriage, the ingredients for a thriving marriage, and the parent/child relationship.Oh, and bird watching, of course. *P.S. There are a few audio rough spots—just keep listening through it!

Marriage is beautiful. And also: marriage is tough—enough said. Listen in as Don and John chat with Ted Cunningham—pastor, author, relationship expert, and comedian. They'll discuss God's design for marriage, the ingredients for a thriving marriage, and the parent/child relationship. Oh, and bird watching, of course. *P.S. There are a few audio rough spots—just keep listening through it!

Marriage & Parenting with Ted Cunningham

As a Christian in the workplace—on a church staff or otherwise—you'll encounter "spiritual warfare." Sounds dramatic...but, truthfully, we are in a battle. The Enemy does not want you to be a pastor, work in ministry, or have an influence for Christ in your workplace. There are two roles we can step into: the "civilian" or the "soldier." Civilians are easily distracted or unaware—soldiers are laser-focused and ready for a fight. Listen in as Don and John discuss the soldier's approach to this mission to reach people for Jesus.

As a Christian in the workplace—on a church staff or otherwise—you'll encounter "spiritual warfare." Sounds dramatic...but, truthfully, we are in a battle. The Enemy does not want you to be a pastor, work in ministry, or have an influence for Christ in your workplace. There are two roles we can step into: the "civilian" or the "soldier." Civilians are easily distracted or unaware—soldiers are laser-focused and ready for a fight. Listen in as Don and John discuss the soldier's approach to this mission to reach people for Jesus.

Soldiers vs. Civilians

In March 2020, Jason Strand took on the senior pastor position at Eagle Brook, succeeding the previous pastor of 28 years. What happened next, no one could have anticipated. You guessed it: a global pandemic. Listen in as Don and John chat with Jason about all that he's learned (and is still learning) through his first few years as senior pastor—his top takeaways, things he's leaning in on, and what he's choosing to fight for.

In March 2020, Jason Strand took on the senior pastor position at Eagle Brook, succeeding the previous pastor of 28 years. What happened next, no one could have anticipated. You guessed it: a global pandemic. Listen in as Don and John chat with Jason about all that he's learned (and is still learning) through his first few years as senior pastor—his top takeaways, things he's leaning in on, and what he's choosing to fight for.

Leaning in on Leadership with Jason Strand

Delegation—is anyone good at it? A lot of the time, it feels easier to do things yourself than to teach someone else to do the things instead. But delegation empowers the people you lead, and is actually massively important in your own work life as well. You can't do everything yourself—you'll burn out. In this episode, John and Don talk about their struggles with delegation and what they've learned about it on their leadership journey.

Delegation—is anyone good at it? A lot of the time, it feels easier to do things yourself than to teach someone else to do the things instead. But delegation empowers the people you lead, and is actually massively important in your own work life as well. You can't do everything yourself—you'll burn out. In this episode, John and Don talk about their struggles with delegation and what they've learned about it on their leadership journey.

The Art of Delegation

Jeff Dodge

Hold on to your hats—John claims this is one of the most innovative ways to build a church. No, it's not the Metaverse. Listen in as John and Don chat with our Online campus pastor, Jeff Dodge, and explore the origin of Eagle Brook's Viewing Groups, how they're going, and the future of online church. And yes, that includes Virtual Reality...

Hold on to your hats—John claims this is one of the most innovative ways to build a church. No, it's not the Metaverse. Listen in as John and Don chat with our Online campus pastor, Jeff Dodge, and explore the origin of Eagle Brook's Viewing Groups, how they're going, and the future of online church. And yes, that includes Virtual Reality...

Church Reimagined: Viewing Groups with Jeff Dodge

We’re passionate about helping leaders discover who they are and how to lead with wisdom and intentionality. Because when leaders get better, churches get better.

Seems like every other day, we hear about a leader who finishes their run poorly. Why is it so hard to finish well? In this episode, Don and John spend time with Byron, who's weeks away from retirement, to gain insight into what it takes to run a long race and finish well (spoiler: Byron was successful!)

Seems like every other day, we hear about a leader who finishes their run poorly. Why is it so hard to finish well? In this episode, Don and John spend time with Byron, who's weeks away from retirement, to gain insight into what it takes to run a long race and finish well (spoiler: Byron was successful!)

Finishing Well with Byron Emmert

Hey, it's ok to say, "I don't know what to do." In fact, it's sometimes the best move a leader can make when faced with obstacles—throw up your hands and ask God to steer the ship. In this episode, Don + John talk about times in their lives when they felt trapped under the weight of overwhelm and discuss lessons they've learned—through life and through the Bible—about how to get out from under it.

Hey, it's ok to say, "I don't know what to do." In fact, it's sometimes the best move a leader can make when faced with obstacles—throw up your hands and ask God to steer the ship. In this episode, Don + John talk about times in their lives when they felt trapped under the weight of overwhelm and discuss lessons they've learned—through life and through the Bible—about how to get out from under it.

Ever Feel Overwhelmed?

Kyle Idleman

Something beautiful happens when you understand that your church isn't actually yours. Being a leader doesn't mean it's all on you. Actually, the less you think you know what you're doing, the more you'll depend on God to grow his church through your leadership—no matter your role. John + Don sit down with Kyle Idleman, senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church, to hear what he's learned—and is still learning—about leadership.

Something beautiful happens when you understand that your church isn't actually yours. Being a leader doesn't mean it's all on you. Actually, the less you think you know what you're doing, the more you'll depend on God to grow his church through your leadership—no matter your role. John + Don sit down with Kyle Idleman, senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church, to hear what he's learned—and is still learning—about leadership.

Leadership Lessons with Kyle Idleman

To build a strong culture, a leader needs to know how to utilize the tools in their leadership toolbox. Any work environment has the potential to be handcrafted using these tools to allow the best possible work to come from the organization. In this episode, Don + John touch on four mantras we can use as tools to grow ourselves as leaders and, in turn, grow the communities we serve.

To build a strong culture, a leader needs to know how to utilize the tools in their leadership toolbox. Any work environment has the potential to be handcrafted using these tools to allow the best possible work to come from the organization. In this episode, Don + John touch on four mantras we can use as tools to grow ourselves as leaders and, in turn, grow the communities we serve.

Four Leadership Mantras

The term "megachurch" by definition describes a church with over 2,000 people attending. Not too crazy. But culturally, it can carry a negative connotation. Moral failings of mega-leaders are scattered throughout its history, made even more public by social media exposés and TV documentaries, ultimately leading to a bit of societal distrust. Understandable. In this episode, Don + John pull back the curtain on why we do what we do as a megachurch—and how, when done well, a big group of people can make a mega-impact.

The term "megachurch" by definition describes a church with over 2,000 people attending. Not too crazy. But culturally, it can carry a negative connotation. Moral failings of mega-leaders are scattered throughout its history, made even more public by social media exposés and TV documentaries, ultimately leading to a bit of societal distrust. Understandable. In this episode, Don + John pull back the curtain on why we do what we do as a megachurch—and how, when done well, a big group of people can make a mega-impact.

Demystifying the "Megachurch"

"Every Christian person needs people who hold them accountable, offer them support and encouragement, and help them grow spiritually." It's the case for community, and it’s not a new idea. God introduced it in Genesis, Jesus modeled it throughout his life, the early church took it on—and it's still a core component of the church today. In this episode, we're talking groups with our Groups Ministries director, Brett. He shares the "why" behind his passion for groups + the ways we've found they work well...and the ways we've found they don't.

"Every Christian person needs people who hold them accountable, offer them support and encouragement, and help them grow spiritually." It's the case for community, and it’s not a new idea. God introduced it in Genesis, Jesus modeled it throughout his life, the early church took it on—and it's still a core component of the church today. In this episode, we're talking groups with our Groups Ministries director, Brett. He shares the "why" behind his passion for groups + the ways we've found they work well...and the ways we've found they don't.

The Case for Community

Jeremy Freeland owns Boo'z Bar in Knapp, WI. You're probably wondering—why is a bar owner on a church leadership podcast? We promise, it's worth a listen to find out. But be warned: Jeremy's story is powerful, and what God is doing through him + the Eagle Brook Church Viewing Group he started at his bar might just leave you speechless. Watch Jeremy's story here: https://youtu.be/CidopaKU40c To learn more about viewing groups: https://eaglebrookchurch.com/viewing-groups/

Jeremy Freeland owns Boo'z Bar in Knapp, WI. You're probably wondering—why is a bar owner on a church leadership podcast? We promise, it's worth a listen to find out. But be warned: Jeremy's story is powerful, and what God is doing through him + the Eagle Brook Church Viewing Group he started at his bar might just leave you speechless. Watch Jeremy's story here: <a href="https://youtu.be/CidopaKU40c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/CidopaKU40c</a> To learn more about viewing groups: <a href="https://eaglebrookchurch.com/viewing-groups/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://eaglebrookchurch.com/viewing-groups/</a>

Church Reimagined: Boo’z Bar

How do you keep your staff aligned while the world becomes more and more polarized? In this episode, John + Don chat with Jerry Hurley, team development leader at Life.Church, about how to define, assess, and develop your team culture into one that is focused, inspired, and healthy from top to bottom.

How do you keep your staff aligned while the world becomes more and more polarized? In this episode, John + Don chat with Jerry Hurley, team development leader at Life.Church, about how to define, assess, and develop your team culture into one that is focused, inspired, and healthy from top to bottom.

Building a Healthy Team Culture

What is "spiritual authority"? Are you born with it? Do you have to be a pastor to have it? No matter who you are, you can carry spiritual authority, but it takes intentionality for it to grow and flourish to its full potential in your life. Enjoy this conversation with Worship Pastor Emily Alexander as she gives John + Don a picture of the future of worship and how to pursue genuine, God-given authority.

What is "spiritual authority"? Are you born with it? Do you have to be a pastor to have it? No matter who you are, you can carry spiritual authority, but it takes intentionality for it to grow and flourish to its full potential in your life. Enjoy this conversation with Worship Pastor Emily Alexander as she gives John + Don a picture of the future of worship and how to pursue genuine, God-given authority.

Growing in Spiritual Authority

What would you try if you knew you couldn't fail? A new year means new goals, and here's a convo to inspire you while you're making them. Ryan Leak sits down with John to talk about chasing failure, dreaming big in the new year, and how to be productive while keeping your sanity.Watch the Chasing Failure documentary at ryankleak.comStay in touch with Ryan! Text your name to (469)809-1201.

What would you try if you knew you couldn't fail? A new year means new goals, and here's a convo to inspire you while you're making them. Ryan Leak sits down with John to talk about chasing failure, dreaming big in the new year, and how to be productive while keeping your sanity.Watch the Chasing Failure documentary at <a href="http://ryankleak.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ryankleak.com</a> Stay in touch with Ryan! Text your name to (469)809-1201.

Chasing Failure in the New Year

Eagle Brook Church Leadership Podcast

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