The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins: Recent Episodes
Paul Jenkins
Throughout the years, I've come to believe two truths: one, everyone leads someone, and two, no one really feels qualified to lead anyone. Add the pressure put on us by culture to have all the answers in a world full of confusion, and you've got a recipe for reluctant leaders. Thankfully, when it comes to leading in the Bible and in life, the most qualified aren't always the most obvious. This podcast is a conversation for all of us who want to lead well but never feel like we are.New episodes are released on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Are we expecting Jesus to change lives as much as the people who are desperately searching for Him?
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul reflects on the powerful story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 and what it reveals about faith, desperation, and the surprising places where God is at work today.
Using the recent testimony of a former TikTok tarot reader ("Alex Reads Tarot"), who publicly gave her life to Jesus and walked away from the occult, Paul explores a challenging question:
Have those outside the church become more expectant than those inside it?
Bartimaeus couldn't see Jesus—but he believed Jesus could change everything. While the crowd tried to silence him, Jesus stopped, called him forward, and restored his sight.
What if the Church's greatest calling today isn't to quiet desperate people, but to encourage them to keep calling out to Jesus?
In this episode:
- Why Bartimaeus' story still speaks to our cultural moment
- What recent conversion stories reveal about spiritual hunger
- How disappointment can quietly erode our expectation of God's power
- Why desperate people have always been drawn to Jesus
- How followers of Jesus can become encouragers instead of gatekeepers
Key Scripture:
Mark 10:46-52"Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Jesus stopped..."
Memorable Quote:"Once, the church was desperate and the world was doubting. Today, it sometimes feels like the world is desperately searching while the church has quietly lowered its expectations."
Reflection Questions:Who in your life have you quietly assumed is too far from God?
What would it look like to believe that Jesus is still stopping for people who are desperately calling His name?
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Dallas Willard once described Jesus with a word that feels almost impossible in today's world: relaxed.
Not careless. Not disengaged. Not indifferent.
Relaxed.
Meanwhile, many of us feel pulled in a dozen different directions at once. Responsibilities, relationships, ministry, work, finances, notifications, expectations—the pressure is real.
The Apostle Paul understood that pressure. He wrote that he faced the daily weight of concern for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). Yet beneath all of that responsibility was one clear focus: that Christ would be formed in God's people (Galatians 4:19).
In this episode, we explore the connection between Paul's concern for the churches, Martha's distraction in Luke 10, and the invitation to return to the love of God as our primary anchor.
Because the goal isn't to care less.
It's to stop being pulled apart by everything that competes for our attention.
When we truly believe we are loved by God, we discover the freedom to carry responsibility without being crushed by it.
In This Episode:
- Why Dallas Willard described Jesus as "relaxed"
- The hidden meaning behind Paul's "daily concern" for the churches
- How distraction literally means being pulled in different directions
- What Mary and Martha teach us about focus and formation
- Why spiritual pressure is different from spiritual purpose
- The question that may summarize the entire gospel
Memorable Quote:
"We don't overcome distraction by caring less. We overcome it by becoming anchored in the love of God."
Reflection Question:
What concern or responsibility has been pulling you in different directions lately—and what might change if you carried it from a place of being deeply loved by God rather than striving for His approval?
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Have you ever felt like you're constantly trying to catch up?
Behind on work. Behind on goals. Behind on expectations. Maybe even behind on life itself.
In Episode 73 of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul reflects on a question that has become increasingly important in his own journey: What if God isn't rushing you?
As this episode releases, Paul is stepping away for a week with his family—a practice that doesn't come naturally for someone who loves leading, creating, building, and moving things forward. That tension becomes the backdrop for an honest conversation about hurry, attachment, spiritual formation, and the pace of Jesus.
In This Episode:
- Why our culture equates speed with success
- The difference between urgency and faithfulness
- How fear often drives our hurry more than our schedules
- What attachment theory teaches us about rest and trust
- Why Jesus consistently moved at a different pace than the people around Him
- The connection between being with Jesus and becoming like Jesus
- Why rest is not a reward for finishing everything
- How slowing down can become an act of faith
Key Scripture:
Mark 3:14 — "He appointed twelve that they might be with Him..."
Memorable Quotes:
- "Urgency and faithfulness are not the same thing."
- "Sometimes we're not running toward success. We're running away from insecurity."
- "Before there was ministry, there was relationship. Before there was mission, there was attachment. Before there was doing, there was being."
- "Rest isn't a reward for finishing everything, because you'll never finish everything."
- "The goal of spiritual formation isn't becoming more productive or more efficient. It's becoming more like Jesus."
- "Maybe the invitation of Jesus isn't to move faster. Maybe it's to walk closely enough with Him that His pace becomes your pace."
Reflection Question:
What would change this week if you truly believed that God wasn't rushing you? How would you pray differently, lead differently, parent differently, work differently... and rest differently?
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Why do so many of us feel guilty when we slow down?
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul explores the deeper reasons rest can feel uncomfortable — especially for leaders, helpers, pastors, and high-capacity people who have quietly tied their identity to productivity.
From ultramarathon training to the pace of Jesus, this conversation looks at how our culture rewards exhaustion while Jesus continually invited people into rest.
But real rest is harder than it sounds.
Because the moment the noise stops, we often come face to face with what distraction has been covering up.
In this episode:
- Why recovery is part of growth
- How productivity can become identity
- Why silence feels uncomfortable for many of us
- The connection between attachment and rest
- The difference between striving for God and resting with God
- Why Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds
- How Sabbath teaches us trust
If you’ve ever struggled to slow down without feeling anxious, guilty, or unproductive, this episode is for you.
Key Scripture
- Matthew 11:28–30
Quotes from This Episode
- “Recovery is part of the training.”
- “We don’t know how to simply be with Him.”
- “When we stop producing, we often discover how much of our identity was attached to our productivity.”
- “Silence has a way of exposing what activity has been covering up.”
- “Some of us only feel valuable when we’re needed.”
- “We only know how to strive in the service of God.”
- “You are not the Messiah.”
- “The world keeps spinning even when you stop.”
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
For this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we’re talking about something most of us wrestle with: how to measure progress in a healthy way.
In a culture obsessed with instant results, it’s easy to believe we’re failing when growth feels slow. But whether it’s physical training, spiritual formation, emotional health, or leadership development, the deepest transformation usually happens quietly over time.
Using ultra marathon training as a backdrop, Paul explores why daily measurements can be discouraging, why “invisible growth” still matters, and how God often works beneath the surface long before fruit becomes visible.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow progress in your faith, leadership, healing, or personal growth, this episode is a reminder that consistency matters more than quick results — and that deep roots grow slowly.
In this episode:
- Why daily metrics can distort our perspective
- The danger of measuring our souls like social media
- What endurance training teaches us about spiritual growth
- Signs of real transformation that often go unnoticed
- How Jesus described Kingdom growth in Mark 4
- Why slow growth is still healthy growth
- The difference between becoming impressive and becoming whole
Key Quote:
“Formation is usually boring before it becomes beautiful.”
Scripture Reference:
- Mark 4:26–29
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
We live on a planet sustained by five great oceans. But what sustains the human soul?
In this episode, Paul shares how a simple morning rhythm—shaped through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and grounded in everyday objects—has become a pathway to deeper attachment with Christ.
A candle.
A cup of coffee.
A faithful companion named Eden.
A chair.
And above all… Christ.
These five “Cs” have become daily reminders that God’s presence still meets us in ordinary places.
If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, emotionally tired, or mentally cluttered, this episode is a reminder that renewal often doesn’t come through dramatic breakthroughs—it comes through simple, consistent return.
In This Episode:
- Why ordinary objects can become sacred reminders
- How God’s light pushes back inner darkness
- The warmth and filling presence of God
- Jesus as the Companion who stays close
- Learning to rest your full weight in God’s care
- Why Christ is the center of every sustaining rhythm
- How to build your own daily reminders of grace
Key Scripture References:
- John 1:5
- Psalm 23:5
- Proverbs 18:24
- Matthew 11:28–30
- Colossians 1:17
Memorable Line:
Sustainable faith is rarely built in dramatic moments. It’s built in daily returning.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who’s been running on empty.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
We live in a world built for speed—instant answers, constant connection, and endless noise. But what if all that “progress” is quietly costing us something deeper?
In this episode, Paul explores the tension between the fast-paced superhighways we’ve grown used to and the ancient paths God invites us to walk. Through a simple but powerful question—Could you go back to life without your smartphone?—we begin to uncover just how much our habits have shaped us.
Anchored in Jeremiah 6:16, this conversation doesn’t just highlight the beauty of the ancient path—it confronts the reality that most people won’t choose it. But for those who do? There’s a kind of rest waiting that no amount of speed or convenience can ever provide.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Faster isn’t always better
Just because something is efficient doesn’t mean it’s forming you in the right direction. - Our habits shape our expectations
What we’ve grown used to (speed, convenience, distraction) has rewired what feels “normal.” - Spiritual depth requires a different pace
Stillness, silence, and waiting aren’t setbacks—they’re pathways. - Most people won’t choose the ancient path
Not because they can’t—but because they won’t slow down enough to walk it. - Rest is promised—but only on that path
God doesn’t just offer direction… He offers restoration.
📖 Scripture Focus
- Jeremiah 6:16 – The invitation to walk the ancient paths—and the sobering reality that many refuse.
💡 Reflection Questions
- Where in your life have you traded depth for speed?
- What feels hardest about slowing down right now?
- If you’re honest, are you admiring the ancient path… or actually walking it?
- What’s one small step you could take today to choose a slower, more intentional rhythm?
🛠️ Simple Practice (Start Today)
5-Minute Reset
- Put your phone in another room
- Sit quietly with God
- Read a short passage of Scripture
- Don’t rush—just notice His presence
It might feel unfamiliar… but that’s how new (ancient) rhythms begin.
🔁 Share & Subscribe
If this episode challenged or encouraged you, share it with a friend who might be feeling the weight of a fast-paced life. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
🎙️ Closing Thought
The world will keep inviting you to move faster.
God is inviting you to walk deeper.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
We live in a world that rewards speed, noise, productivity, and visible results. So it makes sense that a lot of us have learned how to do things for God without really slowing down to be with God.
In this conversation, Paul talks with Angela, a fellow doctoral cohort member, counselor, and woman of deep wisdom, about what it means to move beyond a checkbox faith and into a life of presence. Angela shares her story of coming to the helping professions later in life, how she bridges faith and counseling, and why intentional time with God changes the way we show up with people.
They talk about the difference between information and transformation, the contagious nature of anxiety and peace, the tension between being and doing, and why the presence of God is not a luxury for helpers, but oxygen.
This episode is especially for pastors, leaders, counselors, and caregivers, but really, it’s for anybody who knows what it feels like to be busy, spiritually dry, and hungry for something deeper.
Key takeaways
- You can do helpful things without being deeply anchored in God, but it changes the quality of your presence.
- Being with Jesus is not wasted time. It shapes what you carry into every room.
- A non-anxious, non-pushy presence is one of the greatest gifts we can offer people.
- Spiritual practices are not meant to be dry checklists but relational spaces of encounter.
- Gratitude, walking, music, Scripture, stillness, and even imagination can all become ways of meeting with God.
- Identity must inform activity, not the other way around.
- Our culture trains us to chase information, but transformation often comes through presence.
- God is not frustrated with our slowness; He is patient, present, and inviting.
Memorable lines / pull quotes
- “You can do without being, but it’s going to affect the integrity of your doing.”
- “When I’m connected with God, I feel like I have more to give.”
- “Has the good news reached your face?”
- “God has a non-pushy presence.”
- “Their quiet time was with Him.”
- “Identity informs activity.”
- “We are so busy doing things for God that we don’t even think about what we’re bringing into those things.”
- “It’s not just the fuel for the rest of your day. Jesus is going with you for the rest of your day.”
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Leadership pressure is unavoidable. Expectations, decisions, criticism, responsibility—it all adds weight. Most leaders spend their energy trying to reduce pressure, avoid pressure, or escape pressure.
But what if pressure isn’t just something to eliminate?
In this episode, we explore a different lens from James 1: pressure produces something in us. When handled well, the very things that squeeze leaders can actually shape their character, deepen their faith, and strengthen their endurance.
Instead of asking, “How do I get rid of this pressure?” we learn to ask a better question:
“What is God forming in me through this?”
If you're leading anything—a church, a team, a family, or a ministry—this conversation will help you see leadership pressure in a whole new light.
In This Episode:1. Pressure Reveals What’s Already in Us
Pressure acts like a spiritual MRI. It exposes what’s happening inside our hearts—our fears, our trust, our patience, and our insecurities. What rises under pressure shows us where God is still forming us.
- Pressure Builds Leadership Endurance
Strength rarely grows in comfort. Just like muscles develop under resistance, leaders develop perseverance through the weight of responsibility and the challenges they face.
- Pressure Deepens Our Dependence on God
Pressure has a way of reminding leaders that the mission isn’t sustained by our strength alone. The moments that push us hardest often pull us back toward deeper reliance on God.
Key Scriptures:James 1:2–4
“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Luke 6:45
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
2 Corinthians 1:8–9
“This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.”
Reflection Question for Leaders:Instead of asking “How do I escape this pressure?”, try asking: “What might God be producing in me through this?”
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
What if the very thing you think is protecting you as a leader is actually holding you back?
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul sits down with Natasha Skolny, a former professional ice skater who is now a leadership coach and founder of The Leadership Cabin. It's a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about authenticity, nervous system regulation, resilience, and what it really takes to lead people well.
Natasha introduces the idea of “corporate armor”—the protective persona leaders put on to look competent, composed, and in control—and explains why that armor quietly erodes trust instead of building it. Together, Paul and Natasha explore why leaders are often promoted for control, but succeed long-term through connection.
The conversation moves from boardrooms to locker rooms to ice baths, unpacking:
- Why vulnerability actually increases credibility
- How control and discipline are not the same thing
- What professional athletes understand about emotional regulation
- Why breathwork, movement, and even cold plunging help leaders stay grounded
- How stored emotion shows up in surprising (and often destructive) ways
- Why the best leaders invest in coaches—and keep doing it
- How Natasha helps young women reconnect with their voice, values, and direction
This episode is honest, hopeful, and highly practical—especially for leaders who are tired of pretending they’re fine and ready to lead from a healthier place.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Armor creates distance; humanity builds trust
- What got you here won’t get you there
- Regulation beats repression—every time
- Resilient leaders train their nervous systems, not just their skills
- You were never meant to lead alone
🔗 Connect with Natasha
- Website: theleadershipcabin.com
- LinkedIn & YouTube & Instagram
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In a world more connected than ever, leadership has quietly become more distant.
We have constant access to people—texts, emails, meetings, metrics—but proximity isn’t the same as presence. And when leaders begin leading from a distance, something subtle but serious happens: our decisions start to lose their soul.
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul Jenkins reflects on an often-overlooked moment in Exodus 28:30, where God instructs the high priest to wear the breastplate—the place of discernment—over the heart.
That detail is more than symbolic. It’s formative.
This episode explores why:
- Good decisions flow from a well-connected heart
- Leadership always moves in two directions—toward people and toward God
- Distance shows up first in our decisions
- Vulnerability isn’t a soft skill, but a leadership necessity
When leaders close the gap emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, people stop being projects and start being people again. Stories stay close. Pain stays human. Growth stays personal.
If you’ve been feeling cynical, sharp, or detached in your leadership, this episode offers a hopeful invitation—not to work harder, but to move closer.
Closer to God.
Closer to people.
Closer to the heart.
Key Takeaways
- You can be around people and still not be with them
- Discernment belongs near compassion, not distance
- Leadership breaks down when either people or God drift from the heart
- Vulnerability keeps decision-making human and God-honoring
- The heart must stay involved for leadership to remain effective
Scripture Referenced
- Exodus 28:30
Leadership Practice for the Month
Wear the breastplate again.
Let decisions be shaped by love.
Lead with people, not over them.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone you’re leading—or another leader who needs the reminder. And as always, keep giving God your best, and He’ll do the rest.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this episode, Paul sits down with Maggie Mastin — life coach, spiritual director, and director of career development at Indiana Wesleyan University — for a conversation that brings leadership back into the real world… your actual body.
They explore what happens when leaders live from the neck up, why “slowing down” is more spiritual than it sounds, and how paying attention to physical sensations can become a surprising pathway to discernment, emotional health, and Spirit-led presence.
This one is equal parts practical, pastoral, and (yes) a little funny—because apparently Paul still can’t do a British accent without getting roasted.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- Why the body often reacts before the brain can explain
- The tension between having a body and being a body
- A simple practice: noticing tightness, warmth, restlessness, or peace as “data”
- How to create slower space in leadership without getting weird about it
- A powerful moment from Paul’s church: anxiety in worship as discernment, not distraction
- Seasons of the soul: why you can’t live in “spring” forever
- The “embers and flames” metaphor for faith that sustains you over time
- What farm life teaches about patience, limits, and trust
- Why play and whimsy matter more than we admit
- Photography as a “thin place”: capturing holy moments in ordinary life
Key quotes (short and shareable)
- “Your body moves toward what you want before you can explain it.”
- “You’re not the season you’re in—but the season you’re in matters.”
- “You can’t have flame without ember.”
- “Pay attention to the tension.”
Try this today (a 60-second practice)
Before your next meeting, sermon prep session, or hard conversation:
- Take one slow breath.
- Ask: What’s happening in my body right now?
- Name it without fixing it (tight, heavy, energized, restless, calm).
- Ask: God, what are You inviting me into through this?
About Maggie
Maggie is a spiritual director, life coach, educator, and the director of career development at Indiana Wesleyan University. She helps people grow in self-awareness, discern their next steps, and live with greater integration—body, soul, and story.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we dig into the difference between trending right (short-term hype, emotional highs, quick wins) and right trending —the slow, often unsexy work of real growth that actually changes your life.
We even talk football.
Yes, the Carolina Panthers lost—but somehow the future feels brighter. Why? Because improvement changes perspective. And the same is true for us.
When we’re getting stronger—physically, emotionally, spiritually—it reshapes how we see setbacks, disappointments, and even losses. Progress breeds hope.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why progress matters more than perfection
- How getting physically stronger can shift your mental and emotional outlook
- The danger of confusing emotional spikes with true spiritual formation
- Why fragmentation keeps us stuck—and integration sets us free
- How spiritual and emotional health grow best when they grow together
- What Scripture has to say about endurance, growth, and becoming whole
This episode is for leaders, pastors, and everyday followers of Jesus who want more than a quick fix. It’s for those who are willing to play the long game—the Jesus way.
Because the best lives aren’t lived when everything goes right…
They’re lived when we’re right trending.
Key Scripture:
- Romans 5:3–5
- 1 Timothy 4:8
- Philippians 1:6
Listen & Subscribe
If this episode encouraged you:
- 👍 Like the episode
- 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast
- 📤 Share it with someone who needs hope rooted in progress
And as always—
Keep giving God your best, and He’ll do the rest.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Emmanuel: The God Who Chose Us
Christmas reminds us that God is not just with us—
He wanted to be with us.
In this special Christmas-week episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we reflect on the meaning of Emmanuel and the often-overlooked truth behind it: God didn’t come reluctantly. He came willingly.
Drawing from Philippians 2, this episode explores the humility of Jesus, the intentionality of the incarnation, and the deep comfort found in knowing that God chose proximity—not distance.
Because there’s a big difference between someone being present…
and someone wanting to be present.
In This Episode:
- Why Emmanuel means more than “God is with us”
- The difference between presence and desire in relationships
- How Philippians 2 reveals the heart behind the incarnation
- Why Jesus’ humility points to God’s longing for closeness
- What it means to be wanted by God—especially when you feel overlooked
Key Scripture:
- Matthew 1:23 – “They will call him Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”
- Philippians 2:5–11 – The humility, obedience, and love of Christ
Big Idea:
God didn’t come because He had to.
He came because He wanted to.
Take a Moment:
As you move through the busyness of Christmas, pause and sit with this truth:
You are not an obligation to God.
You are loved.
You are wanted.
Next Steps:
- Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they matter
- Subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast
- Leave a review—it helps others find the show
Merry Christmas from TRLP.
Keep giving God your best—and He’ll do the rest.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul unpacks a powerhouse Greek word hidden in Philippians — συναθλέω (soon-ath-LEH-oh), a term ripped straight from the ancient athletic arena. It doesn’t just mean “work hard for Jesus.” It means strive together — shoulder-to-shoulder, like teammates fighting for the same goal.
Then we take that truth straight into Christmas. When Jesus was born, He wasn’t called “God with me.” He was named Immanuel — God with us. Plural. Team language. Community hope. The incarnation is God yelling into our isolation:
“Get up… you don’t have to do this alone.”
This one’s for every leader feeling the grind, carrying too much weight, and wondering if they’re supposed to fight these battles by themselves. You’re not.
In this episode:
- Why Christianity isn’t a solo sport
- The gritty team-language of συναθλέω
- How Christmas pulls us into community courage
- What “Immanuel” means for worn-out leaders
- A practical reminder: joy grows when faith goes side-by-side
Key Scriptures:
Philippians 1:27 • Isaiah 7:14
Takeaways:
- Faith is shared sweat
- God came close and brought others with Him
- We fight better when we fight together
If this hits home, share it with someone on your team — encouragement multiplies when it’s passed around.
Connect:
Follow, like, and subscribe to keep the conversation going each week. And if this episode helped you today, consider sharing it with the teammate God’s placed in your life.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Episode Theme: How choosing gratitude reshapes our leadership, our relationships, and our mental and spiritual health.
Episode Summary:
We live in a culture trained to obsess over what’s missing. But the way of Jesus flips that narrative. Gratitude doesn’t ignore hard circumstances — it invites us to see God’s goodness right in the middle of them. In this episode, Paul shares how thankfulness reorients us, strengthens us, and becomes a weapon against the lies that drain our joy. We’ll laugh a little, reflect a lot, and walk away with a practical practice to help gratitude come alive in real life.
What You’ll Hear:
- Why gratitude doesn’t always come naturally
- How thankfulness actually rewires the brain
- Why Paul calls gratitude “resistance” in a culture of scarcity
- Where Scripture anchors us when the struggle gets real (1 Thess. 5:18, Psalm 100:4, Luke 22:19, Philippians 1:3)
- A simple daily challenge to speak gratitude into someone’s life
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to Who’s present
- Thanksgiving is a doorway into God’s presence, peace, and perspective
- You can give thanks in all circumstances without pretending you’re thankful for all circumstances
- Naming what you’re grateful for disrupts the enemy’s lies
- Leaders become healthier when love, not lack, sets the tone
Practice of the Week — “Name It Forward”
1️⃣ Think of someone God has used to bless your life
2️⃣ Tell them specifically why you’re thankful
3️⃣ Watch how encouragement multiplies joy
Questions for Reflection:
- Where do I naturally drift — toward gratitude or grumbling?
- What’s one gift from God I’ve been overlooking?
- Who can I thank today for the impact they’ve had on me?
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this episode of the Reluctant Leader Podcast, host Paul Jenkins explores the power of narratives and how they shape our perceptions of others and ourselves. Using the contrasting stories of NFL players Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, Paul illustrates how initial impressions can be hard to change, but emphasizes that our stories are never finished. He ties this concept to biblical examples, showing how God continues to rewrite stories despite past mistakes. Paul offers practical takeaways, encouraging listeners not to write people off too soon and to reject negative self-narratives, reminding us that our stories are still being written by God.
**** CORRECTION: Stroud did not win the Heisman Trophy - he placed third in the voting.
00:00 Introduction to the Reluctant Leader Podcast
00:46 The Power of Narratives: An NFL Story
03:26 The Impact of First Impressions
04:14 God's Narrative: Stories of Redemption
05:24 Practical Takeaways on Narratives
07:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Narratives shape everything. The stories we tell (and believe) become the lens through which we see people — and ourselves.
- First impressions aren’t final verdicts. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud show how early perceptions can stick — even when the facts change.
- God rewrites stories. From Moses to Peter to Paul, Scripture proves God refuses to let our worst moments define our lives.
- Give people grace to grow. Don’t judge someone’s “rookie season.” What looks like failure might just be formation.
- Don’t settle for an incomplete story. Your label isn’t your legacy. God’s still writing your next chapter.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“It’s easier to live with a label than to fight for a new narrative — but that’s not how our God works.”“The first season doesn’t define the player, and the first failure doesn’t define the person.”“God doesn’t just start stories. He finishes them.”
📖 Scripture Highlight
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
— Philippians 1:6
💡 Reflection & Challenge
Before you hit send, before you judge someone, or before you tell your own story in shame — pause and ask:
“Is this the full story, or just a chapter?”
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
My guest is Dustin Scott — husband, dad to a miracle five-year-old named Roman, and a leader who’s spent years walking with people through recovery. He’s from Tucson, Arizona, and recently shifted from working in addiction recovery to teaching theology—because, as he says, “recovery is spiritual formation.”
In this episode, Dustin and I talk about what it really means to let Jesus meet us in our mess instead of waiting to get our act together first. We dig into why slowing down to breathe—really breathe—isn’t some new-age trick, but a way to remember that God’s Spirit still fills our lungs like He did in Genesis 2.
We also talk about the tension leaders live in: bringing peace to others while fighting for it ourselves, holding joy and pain in the same hand, and realizing that fixing a problem isn’t the same as healing a soul.
Dustin shares the incredible story of his son Roman’s birth—a miracle that came after years of heartbreak—and how that experience reshaped his view of faith, leadership, and what it means to walk with a limp but still lead with love.
We end up where Philippians 2 points us: Jesus came close, so we can, too. Whether it’s addiction, anxiety, or just the everyday chaos of life, formation happens when we stay close enough to let Him shape us through it.
Connect with Dustin: Recovery Formation on Substack
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this powerful and honest conversation, Paul sits down with Christa Cordova, a mental health educator and fellow doctoral student, to talk about something many believers quietly carry — spiritual hurt and church trauma.
Christa has walked the road herself, serving in both church and parachurch roles that left deep scars. Now, she uses her experience and training in Critical Incident Stress Management to help others heal, discern what they’ve experienced, and rebuild a healthy, whole faith.
Together, Paul and Christa unpack what spiritual abuse really means (and doesn’t mean), how to spot the difference between being hurt by church and being abused by church, and how pastors and leaders can cultivate safe, trauma-sensitive spaces that honor both truth and healing.
They also talk about:
- Why awareness and self-reflection are vital for healthy leadership
- The concept of the “bell sheep” — a beautiful image of spiritual leadership that follows the Shepherd closely
- The Japanese art of Kintsugi and how it pictures God’s work of turning brokenness into beauty
- How churches can take practical steps toward being places of refuge rather than harm
- The courage it takes to come back to church after being wounded
Christa offers tangible advice for pastors and church leaders, including the value of the 988 Crisis Hotline, why every church would benefit from having a trauma-trained leader, and how building a network of local therapists can transform pastoral care.
Whether you’re a pastor trying to lead with compassion, or someone still healing from spiritual wounds, this conversation will remind you that Jesus meets us in our scars — not in our perfection.
Resources Mentioned:
- A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer
- When the Church Harms God’s People by Diane Langberg
- The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen
- National Crisis Hotline: 988
Connect with Christa:
👉 christacordova.com
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
What do you do when the place that was supposed to heal you is the place that hurt you?
In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Paul sits down with Sarah Holstra – pastoral counselor and self-described “boundary coach” – to talk about the messy but holy work of relational repair.
They cover:
- What a “boundary coach” actually does (and why you probably need one)
- Why most church hurt is more about relationships than leadership
- How to walk with people who have been wounded by the church – without piling on shame
- The crucial gap between what we expect and what we experience – and how to fill it with trust instead of suspicion
This episode will encourage pastors, leaders, and anyone longing to re-engage with community after pain. Sarah reminds us that healing is possible, relational repair is holy work, and God is still writing better stories for us than the ones our pain has been telling.
Links & Resources:
- Sarah Halstra – Love Your Story Therapy
- Holy Hurt by Hillary McBride
- Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @emotionalsupportpastor
- SarahHolstra.com
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Episode Summary:
In a culture that’s always chasing the next new thing, why are so many young people drawn to what feels ancient, rooted, and steady? In this episode, Paul explores how the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16), the old wells (Genesis 26:18–33), and the deep roots of old trees point to the surprising attractiveness of tradition. Whether your church is 200 years old or just a teenager, this conversation will encourage you to rediscover the treasures that give stability, refreshment, and depth to the next generation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why younger generations are drawn to tradition in a world of constant change.
- How Jeremiah’s “ancient paths” offer wisdom for today’s church.
- What Isaac teaches us about “re-digging the wells” of spiritual life.
- Why the stability of older churches matters in an unstable world.
- Practical ways younger or non-traditional churches can tap into ancient practices without losing their vibrancy.
Practical Takeaways for Non-Traditional Churches:
- Introduce rhythms of Scripture reading, prayer, or creeds.
- Teach church history alongside the Bible to anchor people in the bigger story.
- Be intentional with communion, fasting, and prayer gatherings as deep wells of grace.
- Offer consistency in leadership and discipleship that builds stability over time.
Key Quote:
“The future of the church needs the past to flourish. And maybe the most countercultural, attractive thing we can offer to the next generation isn’t a brand-new idea, but an ancient, living well.”
Resources & Links:
- Jeremiah 6:16
- Genesis 26:18–33
- Want to dig deeper? Visit pauljenkins.tv
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Paul shares how stepping into doctoral studies reshaped his confidence—not by gaining more knowledge, but by finding the freedom to develop ideas in community. Through the lens of Proverbs 27:17, we explore how “iron sharpening iron” transforms reluctant leaders into confident ones.
Key Takeaways:
- Sharpening happens in community, not isolation.
- Confidence grows when you develop ideas out loud, not just deliver them.
- Sharing = pressure; developing = freedom.
- Jesus and Paul modeled sharpening relationships.
- Every leader needs a circle, not just an audience.
Reflection Questions:
- Who in your life sharpens you—and who do you sharpen?
- Do you have a space where you can bring half-formed ideas without fear?
- Where have you been trying to perform instead of grow?
Scripture References:
- Proverbs 27:17
- 2 Timothy 2:2
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
What do you do when the story you were writing for your life suddenly gets flipped upside down? Nina Sossamon-Pogue knows a thing or two about that. From elite-level gymnast to Emmy-winning news anchor to tech exec — and then crashing hard when life unraveled — Nina’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the sacred work of getting back up.
In this episode, we talk about:
- 🌀 How to handle unexpected "plot twists" in your story
- 💥 Why identity crisis often follows big life transitions (and what to do with that)
- 🧠 The neuroscience of resilience — and why your brain resists change
- ✝️ How faith can reframe failure as formation, not finality
- 📖 Why your worst chapter might not be your last
- 🛠️ Practical tools for building emotional stamina when life breaks you open
Whether you're leading a church, navigating a personal storm, or just in a season of uncertainty — this conversation is an invitation to believe that what’s next might actually be better.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Now What Workshop: https://www.nowwhatworkshop.com/
- Nina’s book: This Is Not the End
- www.ninasossamonpogue.com
🙌 Connect with Nina:
Instagram: @nina_sp.eaks
LinkedIn: Nina Sossamon-Pogue
🙏 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that this isn’t the end of their story either.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us at pauljenkins.tv for more conversations that help you keep following Jesus — through doubt, devotion, and everything in between.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
📖 Episode Overview:
Let’s be honest — sometimes the hardest thing about leadership isn’t starting something new… it’s knowing when to stop. In this episode, Paul gets real about a recent decision to pause his weekly email, The Launch Pad, and redirect that time and energy into his leadership at The Gathering and his doctoral studies.
It’s a vulnerable, practical conversation about what it looks like to evaluate our efforts with wisdom and courage — and how to pivot without shame when God starts blessing a different lane.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
- Why pivoting isn’t failure — it’s faithful leadership
- How to evaluate your current strategies through a wisdom-driven lens
- Practical questions to ask when deciding whether to press on or press pause
- Biblical encouragement from Acts 16 about trusting divine redirection
- Why God cares more about your mission than your methods
📖 Scripture Highlight:
Acts 16:6-10 — When Paul’s missionary strategy got blocked by the Holy Spirit, he didn’t fight it. He pivoted and ended up sparking a revival in Europe. God still works that way.
🛠️ Episode Resources:
- Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.”
- C.S. Lewis Quote: “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
🎧 Listen If You:
- Are wrestling with a project, ministry, or initiative that just isn’t bearing fruit
- Feel guilty about quitting something you once believed in
- Need wisdom and courage to reallocate your time, energy, and focus
- Want to hear a leader be honest about failure and faithfulness
📣 Stay Connected:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or teammate navigating a pivot of their own. And don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more reluctant leaders like us find their tribe.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Before Jesus ever sent His disciples out to preach, heal, or lead—He simply invited them to be with Him. In this episode, Paul unpacks Mark 3:14 and explores how powerful it is when leaders prioritize presence over performance.
You’ll learn why Jesus’ leadership style wasn’t built on strategy first—it was built on shared space, vulnerability, and relational connection. Whether you're leading a team, a ministry, or just trying to keep your group chat alive, this episode will encourage you to slow down, lean in, and lead like Jesus.
✨ In This Episode:
- The overlooked leadership wisdom of Mark 3:14
- Why being with your team matters more than always doing for your team
- 3 key takeaways from how Jesus led:
- Presence Builds Trust
- Presence Prepares Hearts
- Presence Multiplies Impact
- Practical tips to become a more present, intentional leader
- A prayer for leaders who feel stretched thin but want to lead with more heart
🛠️ Practical Presence Practices:
- Schedule “presence blocks” with team members
- Start every meeting with five minutes of non-task talk
- Ditch the phone, make eye contact, and give your full attention
- Take a walk, grab a coffee, or send a spontaneous check-in text
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this milestone 50th episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul sits down with Benjamin Crawshaw for an honest, relatable conversation about life, leadership, and what happens when everything falls apart. Benjamin shares his powerful story of how personal failure, ministry unraveling, and a season of isolation led him to rediscover God’s grace in unexpected places — including a 5-6 year-old girls’ softball team and a student ministry of four.
The episode dives into what it means to lead when you don’t feel qualified, how God often meets us in the margins, and why true leadership isn’t about numbers or titles but about showing up authentically. Benjamin opens up about how repressing emotions eventually catches up with us, and how his journey through counseling, community, and vulnerability has reshaped his perspective on faith, leadership, and mental health.
For anyone who’s ever felt burned out, overlooked, or unsure about their next step, this episode is a needed reminder that God’s not done with you yet. Paul and Benjamin also talk about how today’s culture, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, craves authenticity more than ever, and why that’s the perfect environment for real conversations about faith and emotional health.
It’s a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and encouragement, perfect for leaders (reluctant or not) navigating the messy middle of life and ministry.
🔗 Links to all the things:
To connect with Trueface, go to https://www.trueface.org/
You can contact Benjamin at benjamin@trueface.org
📙 Books we mentioned:
The Cure > https://amzn.to/3MCvF8M
Bo's Cafe > https://amzn.to/3EPnZzC
The Path > https://amzn.to/3ZbrgzR
☕️ The Starbucks Coffee Giveaway
Grab the QR code on Paul's site and use it at Starbucks to grab a coffee drink. Thanks for being a part of The Reluctant Leader Podcast community!
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Welcome to The Reluctant Leader Podcast—where we talkreal leadership for those of us who sometimes feel like we’re not cut out for it… but keep showing up anyway.
In this episode, I’m unpacking what I learned from posting 21 straight days of hope-filled, one-minute videos on TikTok. I’ll share what surprised me, the comments that reminded me why this matters, and why consistency is your secret weapon—especially when no one’s clapping yet.
We’re talking:
- The identity-shaping power of showing up
- The spiritual truth behind compounding faithfulness
- Why success in leadership is often slow, quiet, and deeply worth it
- How a few seconds of encouragement can change someone’s entire day
Scripture Anchor:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES:
▶️ Watch the 21 Days of Hope Challenge on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@pauljenkinstv
(Regular encouragement, straight to your scroll.)
📺 Subscribe to My YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@pauljenkinsTV
(Real talk on life, leadership, and following Jesus authentically.)
🎧 More Episodes of The Reluctant Leader Podcast
http://www.thereluctantleaderpodcast.com
(For when you need a nudge to keep leading, even when it’s hard.)
🧠 Highlight Quotes:
“The algorithm may be unpredictable—but God isn’t. He sees every seed you sow.”
“Consistency changes you before it changes the world.”
“Showing up comes before blowing up.”
🙌 Let’s Keep the Hope Going:
If this episode encouraged you, send it to a friend, leave a review, or tag me with your biggest takeaway. And remember: even reluctant leaders can lead with bold faith.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In a world overflowing with noise and polished personas, authentic leadership cuts through like a beacon of trust. In this episode, Paul unpacks why it's so powerful when leaders actually do what they say—how integrity, vulnerability, and consistency can create a kind of credibility that commands attention without shouting. Whether you lead a team, a church, or just your own life, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to lead with your whole, honest self.
🧭 What We Talk About:
- The “I’ll Go First” Principle: Why true leaders model what they expect.
- Consistency > Charisma: How everyday choices earn long-term trust.
- Owning Your Misses: How humility and honesty make you more credible, not less.
- The Jesus Blueprint: Leading with truth, not pretense—and why that still changes everything.
- Living the Message: Why people don’t need another highlight reel; they need an honest example.
📱 Social Media Snippets:
Use these for sharing across platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or LinkedIn:
💡 “People don’t need perfect leaders. They need honest ones.”
🎧 New episode on the power of authentic leadership. #LeadWell #AuthenticityWinsWhen your life speaks louder than your stage, people don’t just respect you—they trust you.
🎙️ Listen to When Words Walk wherever you get your podcasts.✋ Saying “we value rest” means nothing if you never take a day off. Leadership begins with living the message.
LeadershipMatters #WalkTheTalk
Your credibility isn’t built in your highlight reel. It’s built in your Tuesdays.
🔥 New episode on the superpower of real leadership.Jesus didn’t just speak truth—He lived it, washed feet, and bore the cross. That’s the blueprint.
JesusWay #AuthenticLeadership
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Ever feel stuck between where you started and where you want to be? The messy middle can be frustrating, filled with uncertainty, doubt, and the temptation to give up. But what if this season isn’t a roadblock—it’s the real work of transformation?
In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to trust the process when things aren’t happening as fast as we’d like. You’ll discover:
✅ Why surrendering control leads to more peace and clarity
✅ How struggles strengthen you rather than stop you
✅ The power of perseverance and why your harvest is coming at the right time
If you’ve been feeling discouraged or questioning whether to keep going, this episode is your reminder to stay the course. Growth is happening—even if you can’t see it yet.
💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your biggest takeaway on social media and tag me @pauljenkins. And if this episode encouraged you, consider leaving a review—it helps more people find hope in the process.
🎧 Listen now and take your next step forward with confidence!
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we dive into the biblical wisdom of seeking godly counsel and why no leader should make decisions in isolation. Proverbs tells us that wise advisers lead to success, but pride can keep us from listening. We’ll explore how humility opens the door to growth, how God often speaks through others, and why even the best leaders—Moses, David, and Paul—sought guidance. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to figure things out alone, this episode is for you!
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
The Bible has a lot to say about staying alert and keeping watch. If we aren't vigilant as leaders, the churches and organizations we're responsible for are often left in disarray and vulnerable to attack and vision creep.
As Jesus often told his followers: watch!
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
Too many of us are so addicted to the rush of something new that we've accepted that anything that gets repeated has to become boring or stale. But repetition is only a bad thing when we're repeating bad things! I repeat: repetition is only a...
You get the idea.
So let's change the narrative, and get busy repeating what needs to be repeated. As you'll find out in this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, some of the best things in life are born with the power of repetition.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
I've always been motivated by JFK's "we do them because they are hard" speech, and clearly, so was our country because we did get to the moon (regardless of what conspiracy theorists might think). But what happens after we've done hard things and we need time to rest and recover? Maybe more importantly, how do we find the strength to get back up and do another hard thing?
In this episode, Paul reminds us that while we may need to step back from time to time, we were never made to shrink back from hard things.
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!
In this interview, we take a deep dive with Karl Vaters, a seasoned pastor and author, as he challenges the conventional obsession with church size. For over 40 years, Carl has been an advocate for small churches and has worked to redefine success beyond just mere numbers.
Whether you're a church leader feeling the pressure to grow or just curious about the future of faith in America, I think you’ll find this interview fascinating, and Karl’s perspective refreshing.
More from Karl:
Visit his website at karlvaters.com to connect with Karl on all his socialsGrab his newest book, De-Sizing the Church, on Amazon and other retailers
Karl's podcast, The Church Lobby, is worth a listen!
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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
All of us know that our words have power but too many times we talk as if they don't. In this episode, Paul shares how one simple statement ignited passion and launched him into action. We're sure that you'll be encouraged, and will be challenged to consider the kindness - or lack of - in the words you speak to those around you.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Does God ever seem distant when you ask him about things that really matter to you? Of course, he does. But the good news is that you aren't alone! Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time in prayer has felt that way, and often, the more desperate we are, the longer he seems to take.
In this episode, Paul walks us through Luke 18 and shows us what to do when we face the unopened door of unanswered prayer.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
As we wrap up our "Restored to Health" miniseries in Psalm 126, the psalmist reminds us that even after we've been restored, there is work to be done.
Even more importantly, he reminds us that the work often still feels like work, and yet he holds out the very real hope that when the sowing brings us pain, the reaping will bring us bounty.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
We've all been there. We've gone public about something amazing that God has done in our lives, churches, businesses, or ministries only to wake up the next day and find ourselves wondering if it really happened?
In this episode, we can take comfort in the fact that the people of God also lived in the "now and not yet" places we find ourselves. Yes, God had brought back the captives (Psalm 126:1), and yet in Psalm 126:4 they asked Him to do it again.
Or did they?
Let's find out together in part 4 of our "Restored to Health" miniseries in Psalm 126.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Sometimes the process of being restored to joy is just that ... a process. That process can be daunting and overwhelming if we think it's about being the perfect leader or the perfect person, but when we accept as fact that the Lord has restored us to health, then the process can become a celebration of all that the Lord has done to this point.
No more hiding or pretending.
No more masks or fake smiles.
"Here I raise my Ebeneezer" because thus far, to this point in the process, the Lord has been my help. And that means, He'll continue to be from this point forward, too.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
As we continue our miniseries in Psalm 126, let's talk about the things that mark us when we're living lives that have been restored to health: joy, song, laughter, and the global influence that comes with a life of integrity.
Will we always feel like we're living up to that list? Of course not. But as we'll see in this episode, that doesn't mean that it isn't still true.
Join us as we continue our journey toward restored spiritual and emotional health, and as we learn the power of proclaiming what we remember about God's goodness. Let's overcome the enemy by testifying about what Jesus has done for us!
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
In this episode, Paul kicks off a miniseries diving into the game-changing truths found in Psalm 126, and takes us deeper into the profound wisdom that verse 1 offers for modern living
Learn how gratitude transforms our perspective, calms anxieties, and deepens trust in God's faithfulness. Discover how practicing gratitude reshapes your spiritual journey, cultivating contentment and propelling you toward a life filled with hope and purpose.
Join us on a journey toward restored spiritual and emotional health, and let gratitude be your guide toward the abundant life God promises.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Is hell "down there?" If it is, then why do we often talk about "hell on earth?" Why does the regret we experience at night as we replay the day feel so much like hell already, and how can we learn to live beyond it?
Is peace even possible, or are we destined to stay stuck in a Groundhog Day of bad decisions and painful regret?
In this episode, Paul shares some interesting insights into what hell might be and sheds some light on how God's goodness in this life gives us time to prepare for the next.
Want to schedule some time to chat with Paul by phone or over coffee? You can do that here.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
What's the biggest difference between Tiger Woods and me when it comes to playing golf? Well, we both hit bad shots from time to time (I hit a lot more of them), but we don't recover from them the same.
In this episode, let's talk about how important it is for us to be healthy enough as leaders that we can recover from the bad shots, and help the people we lead find their way back to joy after hard seasons.
If the quote I read from Jim Wilder's book made you want more, you can purchase his book, RARE Leadership, on Amazon here.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Welcome to the last episode of 2023! In this episode, Paul walks us through Psalm 126 and shows us how what the Lord told His people then still speaks to His people now. As the Year of the Door, 2024 holds so much promise for us, and as Paul explains, it's a year that will mark the church with joy, laughter, hope, and health.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
After a fast-paced, family-filled wedding weekend, Paul came home with three things:
- A new daughter-in-law,
- A wicked head cold (he's all about that bass in this episode!), and
- A fresh revelation of what the power of the gospel can do in us.
If you've got your Bible or your Bible app, turn to Ephesians 2;11-19 and follow along. If you don't, follow along anyway. 😂
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
So often in leadership, we talk about having a faith that can't be shaken, but in this episode, Paul points out what it looks like to have a faith that can be forsaken.
It's important, too, because - wait for it - we're going to be.
Thanks for being a faithful listener of The Reluctant Leader Podcast!! To enjoy a free coffee on me, simply click the link below and show the QR code to the awesome barista at your local Dunkin'!
Get your Cup of Joe here!
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
What if it was possible to live free from having the pressure to perform for God's love, and instead, live free in the reality that we've already been given God's love?
In this episode of TRLP, Paul interviews Robby Angle, a former staff pastor at North Point Community Church, and current CEO of Trueface, a ministry committed to creating authentic, trust-filled relationships.
We think you'll get a ton out of this interview (we did!!), and you're going to want to access all the resources mentioned by Robby and Paul.
To connect with Tzrueface, go to https://www.trueface.org/
To connect with Robby and Trueface on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/@Trueface
To watch Robby's stuff on Right Now Media, go to https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/teacher/1001593
To purchase The Cure > https://amzn.to/3MCvF8M
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes we get what we pay for? We buy cheap stuff to save a buck or two, only to have to buy that same cheap stuff over and over and over...
Sometimes, it's much better to pay the price in order to obtain something of value because we know that it will last.
Join Paul on a journey through a moment in a king's life that taught him that very lesson, and then take a peek at how God used it to set up the next generation to fulfill their destiny.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
It should come as no surprise that depressive episodes exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 18-25 year-olds are twice as likely to struggle with depression as people over 50, and that number is only rising.
Does that mean the older generation should write off the younger one? Far from it! In fact, it means that older leaders have a unique opportunity to influence and reverse the anxiety epidemic that has swept over our culture like a flood.
As Paul reveals in this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, that will only happen when we master the discipline of leading ourselves as peacemakers who can create "outposts of Eden."
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Have you ever felt like you had whiplash because of all the starts and stops as you tried to develop a new habit? Why do so many of us never actually achieve and stay at new levels in life and leadership?
In this episode, Paul takes us through a key moment in the life of Daniel and helps us understand why occasional effort will never result in consistent excellence.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
What happens when God rescues a life out of a broken home and foster care that loves hip hop but has country music in his roots? He opens the door for Rare of Breed, a leading artist in the genre of Country Hip Hop.
You read that right. Country Hip Hop.
You’re going to love this interview with Rob Hardin about his latest project, GodTwang, and how God is calling a broken generation back to Himself.
For more information about Rare of Breed, check out his website and all his socials.
Want to hear some of GodTwang? Spotify and Apple
Go to Eventbrite to make sure you’ve got a free ticket to our C4 Summit with Rare of Breed on May 6th.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Too often we place too much emphasis on things that can be seen and parts that can be platformed. But when was the last time you actually stopped to consider that each one of us are uniquely gifted for a part to play and a purpose to fulfill?
Let's talk about why the different parts of the body matter, and how you and I can lead ourselves and others into an understanding of which parts we're called to play.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
By now, you've probably heard about the outpouring at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. In this episode we talk with Pastor Nathan Smith, an Executive Pastor at The Refuge Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina, about his history with Asbury and his recent trip to experience the revival first hand.
We know you'll love the sincerity and humility that marks Nathan's life, and hope that this interview whets your appetite to hear more from him. We've provided the following links to help you do just that.
Learn more about his work and ministry at www.therefuge.netCheck out Pastor Nathan's blog at www.nathanwesleysmith.comMake sure to subscribe to Pastor Nathan's podcast at www.thebestviewintown.com
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Sometimes God asks us questions that He already knows the answer to, and those moments can lead to some pretty massive revelations. Like the day when God asked me this seemingly simple question:
"What's the difference between an army and an end-time army?"
No, it isn't a riddle, and, yes, the answer is important.
Extremely important.
Shout out to CUTRIGHT for pointing me in the direction of an amazing FREE tool from Adobe that got my podcast out of the cave!! You can subscribe to Cutright's YouTube channel here, and you can learn more about Adobe's Speech Enhancer here.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
If you're a leader like me, you can relate to the first chapter of Jeremiah.
God - yeah, THE GOD - tells Jeremiah that He's appointed him as a prophet to the nations, and reassures Jeremiah that he's been known since he was in his mother's womb.
That's a pretty strong endorsement, right? And yet, Jeremiah pushes back. He's too young. Too weak. Too...
Have you been there? Excited about being called by God, but reluctant to speak for God? If so, then I pray that you'll let this episode encourage you, because instead of coddling Jeremiah and his reluctance, God actually did quite the opposite.
He told him to get up and prepare for action.
He calls us to do the same, and He's gone ahead of us and prepared the fields for us. They are white and ready for harvest. So, let's go. Let's get up, use what we have, and do what we can while we wait for the more that we think we need. The One Who sends us knows what we need, and we can trust Him to provide it.
But we can't just sit back and wait for it. Those who are faithful with a little will be trusted with more. Let's start now, and prove that He can trust us with what comes next.
Check out Paul's podcast equipment dream list on Amazon (and in case you were wondering, I wouldn't say no to a gift purchase 🙂)
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Do I wish I could have interviewed John Mark Comer for this episode? In my best Minnesotian accent: "You betcha!"
But instead, we'll just settle for a John Mark quote along with some of the insights I've gained by reading and listening to quite a bit of his stuff. (And we'll work toward an interview someday down the road!!)
Here's our TWENTIETH episode (wow!), and one of the most important ones we've done because this one is all about how to sustain a life of doing. Hint: it all starts with Sabbath rest and family acceptance.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
If you could boil an entire year down to just one word, what would that word be?
For me, in 2023, that word would be PROCLAIM. But as we'll discover in the episode, there are a few things that we need to do first in order to ensure that we have something to say when we're given the opportunity to say something.
Sure, that last sentence was a mouthful, but it'll make more sense as you listen.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
As I learned while trying to drill holes into brick walls, a job that can be done gets frustrating fast when you try to do it with the wrong tools.
But the moment I used the right drill bit and the right screws turned into a one-on-one conversation with the Father about how He made the right tools for the job, and about how frustrating the Great Commission can be if we don't realize one critical truth:
You and I were made for this!
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
There are oils for everything! There is an oil to keep you from getting bitten by mosquitoes, and an oil to help you sleep.
Would you believe me if I told you that there's even an oil to help you get through this year's midterm elections? ("What???? Why didn't you tell me sooner??!!??")
In Matthew 25, Jesus told a story about 10 virgins, and He showed us why 5 were wise and 5 were foolish. In this episode, let's talk about the essential oil of the Holy Spirit, and the 3 reasons why we need Him if we're going to keep pointing people to Jesus after the election results come in.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
One day, Evan DiDio decided to try an experiment with thumbnails on YouTube, and that one decision changed the trajectory of his life.
Not only his but the millions who have seen the videos that he's helped publish on YouTube, including the witches who joined his church live stream simply because they saw a title and a thumbnail that made them curious.
You're not surprised that God would line up an interview that included witches on the week before Halloween, are you? I'm not, either.
If you're the media director of your organization, or you simply what to learn some tips and tricks to help you grow your digital impact, then you're going to eat this one up.
I know I did.
Oh, and he's totally wrong about chicken salad.
Want to get more from Evan? Here are all the links!
To take the online course, go here and use the coupon code MasterMedia to save an additional 10% off the enrollment fee.
You can find Evan on InstagramGo subscribe to Evan's YouTube channel
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
Back in 2005, U2 introduced the world to the catchy tune, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." On this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins, Paul explains how U2 got it wrong, and why we need to embrace the truth that we always find what we're looking for.
Grab a Bible or Bible app, find Proverbs 11:27, and lean in for some encouragement about what to do when it seems like all you can see are the mountains and obstacles between what God promised and where you are.
Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure toread the stuff I'm writingon my blog.
No matter how big or how small your church, business, or organization is, you've got something in common with all the other leaders in all the other places: you need more money and people.
In short, you need more resources so you can do more of what you're called to do.
This may surprise you, but that's not a new problem. In fact, even Jesus experienced it.
Yeah. That Jesus.
Grab your Bible or Bible app, a hot cup of coffee, and let's dive into what Jesus had to say about the wrong ways we often deal with lack.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
There are some stories in the Bible that never make it into the Sunday School teaching cycle, and on this episode of the podcast, Paul tackles one of them.
Apparently, if you whittle some stripes into some sticks, you can grow a pretty impressive herd of animals that will set you up for future success! Since none of us really want a large flock of animals, Paul shows us how that story, found in Genesis 30, can help us become better leaders.
As you'll find out, it really does matter what we're looking at, because we all tend to become what we see.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Community is one of those words that gets thrown around in the church, but most of us only have a surface level understanding of what it means in real life.
Enter Doug Bursch, a witty, humble pastor from the Seattle area, who provides listeners of the podcast a MASTERCLASS on Biblical community. In a way that is authentic and relatable, Doug shares about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of living in community with other believers, and points us to the hope that comes when we embrace the truth that it really isn't good for any of us to live alone.
Links to stay in touch with Doug:
Connect with Doug on TwitterandFacebook
Read Doug's blog at www.fairlyspiritual.org
Purchase a copy of Doug's books on Amazon: The Community Of God | Posting Peace
Subscribe to Doug's podcast, The Fairly Spiritual Show
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Dallas Willard once wrote: "Business is an amazingly effective means of delivering God’s love to the world by loving, serving, and providing for one another. God loves the world (John 3:16), and because he does, he has arranged the enterprise and organization of business as a primary moving force to demonstrate this love throughout human history."
In this episode, Paul and Matt Wilson talked about what that looks like, and how when business leaders stop chasing profits, they're actually freed up to pursue the treasures of heaven. We think you'll be inspired by the passion Matt has to do good for his clients, and the boldness he carries for introducing clients to Jesus!
Links to stay in touch with Matt:
Connect with Matt personally on Facebookand InstagramCheck out Matt's podcast, Living Life on Purpose, on Apple or wherever you cast your pods
You can get more info about Matt's podcast on Facebook and Instagram
Learn more about Matt's business at www.perpetuallifestyleplanning.comDuring the interview, Paul mentioned the Benham Brothers. If you're interested in learning more about how they use business to further the gospel, check out their website.
If you want to hear Paul's interview with David Benham, you can listen to it here.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
For our TENTH EPISODE, we're coming at you from quarantine!!
What happens when you spend a long weekend in quarantine with The B99 because you both tested positive for COVID? Obviously, you find a new show to binge, and we found "The Rookie" on ABC which was surprisingly entertaining. But more importantly, you find yourself thinking about caves, and how we should respond when it feels like someone turned out the lights and left you all alone.
Turns out, God has quite a bit to say about the times we feel alone, and if you're like me, you'll be glad to find out that He's doing a whole lot more in that cave than you ever thought He was.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Related Posts on the blog that you might enjoy:Beauty in the shadowsThe ultimate lieNo, you aren't an Olympian
Pastor Alan DiDio leads a small church in a small place that’s making a huge impact all around the world, and we're thrilled to welcome him back for a conversation about Gideon, another person from a small place that made a huge impact.
Not only is Gideon often misrepresented as fearful, but he also points us to some timely lessons about how present-day leaders can help the current church navigate doubt, oppression, and a major shift in how the church can measure growth.
Here are just a few of the truth takeaways you'll hear in this conversation:
"Trying to accomplish a spiritual calling through natural means is always going to lead to frustration."
"Our identity must define our activity."
**"Gideon had doubts about God, but also the courage to voice those doubts to God."
"God can do more with a committed core than we can do with a casual crowd."**- - - - - - - - - -
Links to stay in touch with Pastor Alan:
Are you interested in the ARMED Conference happening August 18-20? Go to armed.media to get registered!
Click here to get 2 signed copies of Pastor Alan's new book, Armed for Victory.
Learn more about his church and ministry at encountertoday.comSubscribe to Encounter Today on YouTubePurchase a copy of Pastor Alan's book on the life of Gideon, Encounter, on Amazon.
Get the book, Pentecostal Fire, by Larry Sparks, that Paul and Alan mentioned.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
Facebook
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Instagram
I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Sometimes we all find ourselves in what Antoine Lassiter calls "the messy middle." It's that place where we find ourselves caught between what we know God can do and what we still haven't seen God actually do. Too many times, we rush out of that place and miss the power that comes from answering the Biblical call to lament.
Antoine and his wife, Tonia, started Think Kingdom as a small group in 2014. Today, they lead a growing team of committed, diverse, and loving people who want to spread the message of Jesus Christ to their communities and ultimately the world. Antoine and Tonia served in leadership roles previously from children's ministry coordinator, marketing & outreach, church administrative and as executive pastor. Antoine and Tonia have two sons, Justin and Christopher, and a Boston Terrier, Anakin. They enjoy the beach, movies, and spending time together.
Links to stay in touch with Antoine:
Connect with Antoine on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Learn more about Antoine's church at www.thinkkingdomchurch.orgLearn about church planting with N.C. Baptists at ncbaptist.org/ministries/church-planting
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
On June 2, 2017, Tiffany's life was turned upside down when she suffered a shark attack while on vacation with her husband, J.J., in the Bahamas. But what the devil meant to kill, steal, and destroy, God has taken and used to show His glory, miracles, hope, peace, and love. That attack birthed a testimony of the power of God, and what it means to be an overcomer through Christ, that has been shared across the nation and around the world.
Tiffany has appeared on the TODAY Show, ABC news, CNN, and other worldwide media outlets, and we're thrilled to have her as a guest on The Reluctant Leader Podcast. She overflows with gratitude and joy, and we know that you'll be full of the same at the end of this episode.
Links to stay in touch with Tiffany:
Connect with Tiffany on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Learn more about Tiffany's ministry at www.beanovercomerministries.com
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
Facebook
Twitter
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Related blog posts for further growth:How to be an overcomer when all you feel is overwhelmedFaith moves forwardWell, I declare!God cares about your caresThere's always been a shelter in place
What would you do if you were the target of false accusations, and the very platform you'd been given was suddenly ripped out from beneath you? That's the situation that my guest, David Benham, faced along with his brother, Jason, in 2014 when HGTV pulled the plug on their reality show "Flip It Forward" just as it was about to premiere because of their vocal stance for the Biblical truth about life, abortion, and marriage.
They were canceled even though they'd already told the producers and executives what they believed! As David says, they were cancel culture before it was a hashtag.
But as the Lord opened doors for the brothers to share their story, they found over and over that people would tell them that they agreed with them, and were thankful for their bold witness. This only strengthened their resolve to stoke the fires within all believers to speak God's truth out loud and in the public arena.
As you listen, you'll be convicted, encouraged, and most of all inspired that the same God who protected and promoted David, will also protect and promote you.
Links to stay in touch with David:
Connect with David on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Learn more about David and Jason at www.benhambrothers.com
Get the free book David mentioned, Expert Ownership, herePurchase a copy of David's book, Living Among Lions, on Amazon.
Join the weekly Living Among Lions Livestream on their website or YouTube channel
David mentioned the book, Challenging Conversations, by Jason Jimenez.
Get more information about the Leaders Cadre with Jay Stewart at The Refuge.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Related blog posts for further growth:
Can we just cancel Cancel Culture?Canceling shameA response to the coronavirus and the fear it's feeding
Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair for a conversation between Paul and his friend Brian Johnson, a pastor, coach, and advocate through his church and ministry in Albemarle, North Carolina.
One of the things you'll love about Brian is his bold honesty and transparency concerning the obstacles we all face in our relationships, and how he thinks believers can push past them in order to bring H.O.P.E. in the areas of mental health and racial unity.
If you'd like to follow Pastor Brian and his ministry, you can do so at the links below:
Learn more about his church at www.perfectinglifechurch.comLearn more about his ministry at www.lifechangegroup.org
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul welcomes good friend, Pastor Jay Stewart, the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Refuge Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
As you listen to Jay's story, we think you'll be encouraged to see your own story differently. Over a span of 4 decades of faithful ministry, Jay has seen firsthand the supernatural outcomes that follow simple obedience, and none more so than what began in the concourse of The Refuge in 2014 when he was approached by a tall, African-American man and asked a question.
The answer Jay gave that man set in motion a series of events that eventually landed both of them in the national spotlight, and changed the trajectory of The Refuge Church forever.
But that's Jay's story to tell, and you're going to enjoy every minute of it!
If you'd like to follow Pastor Jay and his ministry, you can do so at the links below:
Learn more about his work and ministry at www.therefuge.netFind Pastor Jay on InstagramPurchase a copy of Jay's book, Welded, on Amazon
Go to Right Now Media to find the small group study to use with Welded
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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Twitter
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
What would you do if the Lord asked you to step away from the comfort you’d always known right into a discomfort He’d always loved?
For David Docusen, it meant a step of obedience that changed the trajectory of his life, and launched him into a ministry that is beautiful, daunting, and full of hope.
After pastoring in the local church for twenty years, David and his wife, Dara, launched Docusen Ministries. Now, through the Neighborliness Center, David invests in churches, nonprofits, and businesses across the world through speaking, teaching, and writing. After completing his doctoral degree studying the cyclical patterns of generational poverty, he worked with a group of businesspeople as a founding board member of Freedom Communities, an organization that focuses on equitable access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. He travels and speaks extensively to churches, community groups, and universities in spreading the Neighborliness message, and he also serves as a member of the executive board of Relevant magazine. David and Dara live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with their four kids: Max, Mary, Jack, and Ben.
Links to stay in touch with David:
Learn more about his work and ministry at www.neighborliness.com.Find free resources for churches and groups at www.neighborliness.com/resources.Purchase a copy of David's book, Neighborliness, on Amazon.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey. If you'd be willing to rate it and review it, you'll help more people find us.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
Related blog posts for further growth:
Waking up is hard to do. Wake up anyway.Humility crosses the line.God's will is greater than my can't.The greatest divide.
Pastor Alan DiDio leads a small church in a small place that’s making a huge impact all around the world.
When the Holy Spirit asked Pastor Alan to think through how church might change if it was only available online, it was months before the work had even heard of COVID. As he and his church leaned into that question, they began to intentionally engage the people who attended their services through a screen, and by the time the world was shutting down, their YouTube channel was blowing up.
Fast forward to today, and the growth is staggering. Their YouTube channel now has almost 200,000 subscribers, he regularly interviews key kingdom leaders like Mario Murillo, Lou Engle, Jeremiah Johnson, and Emma Stark, and his second book is set to be released in the summer of 2022.
The key? Stop chasing the results of faithfulness, and simply start being faithful. As Pastor Alan shares, it was faithfulness in prayer that prepared him to tackle the fear and discomfort that he knew he’d encounter the minute he said yes to what God was asking him to do.
Links to stay in touch with Pastor Alan:
Learn more about his church and ministry at encountertoday.comSubscribe to Encounter Today on YouTubePurchase a copy of Pastor Alan's book, Encounter, on Amazon.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
If you've ever felt the call to lead anyone or anything, you've asked the same questions that Paul talks about in this episode:
Am I enough?
Do I have enough?
While those two questions can make us reluctant to lead, it's the answers that God gives us that helps us overcome that reluctance with faith in who He is more than in who we are.
Remember, God's not asking us for what we don't have; He's asking us for what we do have. The little we have, placed in God's hands, will always be enough for Him.
Be sure to subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
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I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.
For as long as I can remember, people told me I was a leader.
And for as long as I can remember, I’ve been reluctant to lead.
So I did what was obvious. I read books on leadership. Lots of them.
So many books.
Guess what? They've all made me better, but none of them erased this suspicion that somehow we’ve idolized leadership in the church. We're driven by our ambition to attain the highest positions, and while everyone wants to become a popular leader, it seems that in the Bible, everyone prayed to be a faithful follower.
We seek status; God seeks servants.
We applaud platforms; God applauds prayer.
We want book deals; God wants us to deal with the Book.
We want to spend our popularity; God wants us to steward our influence.
Since leadership is influence (thanks, John Maxwell!), maybe we should be a bit more reluctant to lead if we can’t lead well? Maybe we should focus more on how we follow than trying to show others how well we can lead?
After all, it was Paul who called people to follow him, but only because he was following Christ.
That same Jesus - the One Paul was following - called His disciples to follow Him before He ever suggested that they lead others.
Reluctance to lead isn't good if it's the result of fear, but it isn't bad if it's the result of a weighty sense of responsibility to steward influence well.
I believe everyone leads someone, but that no one really feels qualified to lead anyone.
Instead, most of us feel inadequate, insecure, and invisible.
This podcast is for those people - the reluctant leaders. The ones who, like King Saul, are hiding in the baggage, and like King David, are overlooked and forgotten.
Thankfully, when it comes to leading in the Bible and in life, the most qualified aren't always the most obvious. This podcast will equip you to be and see those kinds of leaders.
The Reluctant Leader Podcast will launch in the Spring of 2022. Be sure to subscribe to it wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this with a friend or two so we can bring more people along with us on the journey.
You can always find the latest episodes at TheReluctantLeaderPodcast.com.
Let's connect!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
I'd love to have you connect with me on my blog, too, where I write at least once a week and wrote every day for a year in 2021. You'll find it at pauljenkins.tv.