Leading: Recent Episodes
John Ryan Cantu
The podcast that covers a wide array of leadership topics and how we as Christians lead in these different types of environments. Whether you're a ministry leader, a manager, entrepreneur, business owner, organizational leader, this podcast is for Christians like you who want to become better at leading!
In honor of Pastor’s Appreciation month, I’d like to talk to a fellow Pastor to get their insight on the role of a Pastor during the, what I’m calling, “ 2020 Anomaly.” During this time, Pastors have had to make very difficult decisions, choose to give in, or not give in to political stances and issues, and perhaps deal with division in the church. While we can’t speak for every Pastor, the goal of this conversation is to highlight some of these struggles Pastors have had to face this year. Here are some highlights: How would you summarize 2020 in one word? Making decisions people don't like Dealing with the political turmoil of 2020 within your organization What are some Pastoral frustrations? What are some Pastoral joys?
Michael Tucker was with me on an ealier episode in 2019. On this show he joins me to discuss many topics regarding the current American Church and its reponse to the culture war in our country. Here are some highlights: Has the word evangelical lost its evolved? How does the world see the evangelicals? The churchs' response to today's culture wars The rising concerns of social media And possible solutions to all of these issues If you enjoy the contect please consider leaving a rating or review. Special Guest: Michael Tucker.
Dustin Bass is a writer, podcaster, and historian (among other things). He joins me for a meaninful conversation on the state of today's American church. Orginally, I brought Dustin on to discuss the importance of historical literacy. While we do touch on that subject in great detail, the converstaion is much deeper than that alone. We talk about Journalistic integrity The greatest threat facing the American church The persecution of the church The significance of historical and biblical literacy This is probably the longest conversation I've had on the show and it's because we dive deep into many topics as it relates to our church in America. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Check out Dustin's ealier episode Embrace Truth episode number 16. Check out his podcast The Sons of History Youtube Channel Thinking It Through Special Guest: Dustin Bass.
Evangelist and author Timothy McCain joins me again for another conversation, this time to talk about his most recent book, This Is Your Chance. This is a super inspiring and motivating conversation, don't miss it! Special Guest: Timothy McCain.
Right now it’s our time. Millennials have, in many places, taken over leadership in areas of ministry, business, politics, etc. and the direction our generation has taken our world can clearly be seen. We’re a very different America today than we were just10 years ago. This brings forth questions about the future and specifically, the futre of the church. Will my daughters do church differently than the way I did? How differently? Will they GO to church? Will GOING to church even be the main method of doing church on a Sunday morning or will it shift? What does that do to sacred church traditions that even we as millennials (like the LEAST traditional generation) still practice? Join me and my guests for this much needed conversation on how we prepare for what may lie in store for the future generation church. Special Guests: Abraham Guajardo and Eleazar Rodriguez.
In this solo episode I talk about a few things many of us have learned or have been reminded of during this crazy, pandemical, extremely divisive, political, type of year. What have we learned in leadership from 2020? And how can we grow and mature from it? I talk about all of that in this episode. Enjoy!
Last week, Texas Governor Abbott announced phase 1 of the reopening of Texas. This reopening, which calls for organizations to limit capacity to 25 percent, includes churches. The question many are asking: How do I reopen? I recorded 3 separate interviews via a Facebook Live Zoom call. This is one of those interviews, with Pastors JR and Eleazar Rodriguez of Vida City Church in Houston Texas. While each Pastor and orgniazation is different, this provides some ideas and perspective to anyone looking for direction. In this episode we discuss: How to reopen A timeline on reopening What kids ministry will look like What social distancing looks like in the church How to deal with pressure from members and other people/churches
Live Zoom Call! Today's show is a little bit of a different format. We went Facebook Live via a Zoom call and this is the recording of it. George Carballo (Pastor and District Youth Director) is back with me to discuss how churches can engage their members, reach new people, and continuing doing church without skipping a beat. We provide great tips and resources churches can use during this unprecedented time. We can still be strong while having a completely new model temporarily in our employment. Enjoy! Check out George's previous episode on the Leading Podcast called "Leading in the 21st Century." Episode 1. Special Guest: George Carballo .
Everyone is faced with a difficult decision from time to time, leaders tend to find themselves making these decisions frequently and as of late it seems the toughest of decisions are having to be made. How can we as leader successfully make tough decisions? And how can we deal with the backlash and criticism that inevitably comes with those decisions? Here are some key take aways: Seek wisdom and direction. Even leaders need leaders Be confident in your desision making after the decision has been made Know that there are not always great options on the table, decide on the best one when there are no great ones How to Make The Decision? * Think of the greater good * Given them the "why" * Remove yourself from the equation How Do Handle Backlash? * Ignore the noise * Be confident while remaining humble PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ALL PEOPLE for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
The following are stats laid out in Jody Burkeen's book, Man Up: Becoming a Godly Man in an Ungodly World 61 percent of church goers are female This means that only 39 percent are male 13 million more women in church than men in any given Sunday 70-80 percent of in week church goers are female Over 70 percent of the boys who are raised in church will abandon it during their teens and 20 and many will not return More than 90 percent of men believe in God and 5/6 call themselves Christians but only 2/6 attend church on Sunday Fewer than 10 percent of US churches are able to establish or maintain a vibrant men’s ministry Pastor and Author Jody Burkeen joins me today to discuss his book Man Up. We discuss: Why don't men want to go to church? Manning up personally/spiritually Being a more Godly husband Being a more Godly father Manning up in church Manning up at work Discipleship https://manupgodsway.org Special Guest: Jody Burkeen.
Tension! It’s that awkward, uncomfortable, and unwanted feeling we’ve all experienced. In leadership it’s unavoidable. You will confront tension in your leadership, the question is, how will you handle it? My guest today, Dr. Matthew Rawlins, specializes in dealing with tension. We also talk about: Presenting change in an exciting way (people aren't always excited to change) Leadership in different cultures Having tough conversations Recognizing that tension is not always bad It's a great conversation for any leader! Enjoy the show. Show Links https://brokentopleadership.com http://matthewrawlins.org Special Guest: Matthew Rawlins.
In leadership there is always a transition period, a "stepping up" moment where the leader assumes his or her position or calling, and gets to work. It’s not always easy ,though. Stepping into leadership can be tough. It can cause mental, emotional, and Spiritual stress and it can cause people to say want to throw in the towel. My guest and I discuss the process of stepping into leadership. Conversation highlights: Growing up under the spotlight Learning to lead with family Getting friends to see you as a leader Dealing with people who don't want to follow you MORE! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and if you're enjoying the contect please leave a rating or review. Be blessed! Special Guest: Gabe Garcia.
END OF THE YEAR EPISODE! 2019 is out the door and we welcome a new year, a new decade, and new goals. It's natural for us to be thinking of next year's goals, but this isn't only a show for the turn of a year. In today's solo episode I take on a very important question: Why do people fail at keeping their goals? We hope you enjoy this week's episode. If you found value in the show please subcribe, share, rate or review. It means a lot! Happy New Year! https://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ayelet.fishbach/research/Woolley&FishbachPSPB.pdf https://medium.com/nirow-app/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-the-psychology-explained-192dac214a82 https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2017/06/30/most-americans-are-taking-vacations-they-cant-afford/#60cc7d2d577a
What a great conversation with J Allen Mendoza that you are not going to want to miss! I mean it! We start off the conversation talking about how he survived cancer as a teenanger while not having a relationship with God and how that actually brought him and his family to God. We then talk about his work as a Youth Pastor and the power of connecting with people within your church or organization. This is what you need to know about connecting. People are relational, they need a sense of belonging The "connect cards" should NEVER be the means of attempting to connect with people People stay when they feel connected We talk about this and much more. As always, if you enjoy the content let us know by leaving a rating or review. But why not both? Speaking of connecting, connect with J Allen on social media. He's doing awesome things and making an impact. Special Guest: J Alan Mendoza.
This week's show is a litte different than most of the ones in the past but it's a good one! Calvin Huynh is a Chrisitan entrepreneur in the health and fitness industry. His passion is teaching people the truth about fitness and nutrition and believes that every person should be constantly exercising soul, body, and spirit. Here are some key points of discussion: Working for yourself The importance of good spiritual, mental, and phyiscal health through a Christian framework How Christians should stand apart from non-Christian leaders and entrepreneurs Fitness and nutrition tips Check out Calvin's website at https://awesomefitnessscience.com If you enjoy the content please suscribe and leave a rating/review. Special Guest: Calvin Huynh.
Grant Botma is the founder of Stewardship (featured on INC. 5000 most successful companies), a company that offers a wide range of financial services. He is also author of his new book, The Problem Isn't Their Paycheck, where he outlines three key points to leading and motivating employees in a way that creates a culture everyone wants to be a part of. Grant has seen effectiveness in his company by implementing each of these three principles in his company's culture. Freedom Affirmation Unified Purpose Grant is also a man of God who seeks to help people be better stewards of their money. This is a show you are not going to want to miss! Special Guest: Grant Botma.
Luis (Kike) Martiznez joins me on the show today to provide incredibly valuable insight on the management of volunteers. Kike has over 20 years of experience managing employees as well as unpaid volunteers. We talk about the key differences, the pros and cons of having volunteers, and how to create an organized ministry, business, or organization. He provides 5 pillars of volunteer management: Attraction Integration Recognition Development Retention You're going to love this show! Two favors I want to ask from you. Make sure you're subscribed! Rate and/or review if you enjoy the content! Special Guest: Luis Martinez .
Guest Host, Joel Cardona had an idea to put me in the hotseat to be interviewed and asked questions. This is the final week of our Pastor's Appreciation Series. We discuss my experience thus far as a Pastor. It's a great conversation you don't want to miss! Key highlights include: My (short) story The calling of Pastoring Navigating and making decisions for an established church Pastoral joy and struggles A few Office references As always, if you enjoy the content please rate and review.
Today I have a conversation with a young Pastor near the Houston area. He has served under the leadership of Joel Osteen and Danilo Montero at Lakewood Church before planting his own church a little over a year ago. We have a great conversation about his role as a Pastor. Here are some questions we dive into. How do you balance family life with the busyness of Pastorship? What are the most challenging aspects of being a Pastor? What do you love most about being a Pastor? Are there ever moments where you want to quit? We hope you enjoy the show. And happy birthday to me!!! The big 30 when this episode releases! But okay, enough about me. Enjoy the show. Special Guest: Emilio Frias.
During the month of October we are talking to and about Pastors, in honor of Pastor's Appreciation Month. Today's guest is Psychologist Dr. Jared Pingleton and we have a very serious but necessary conversation regarding mental health among Christian leaders, especially amongst Pastors. Dr. Pingleton offers insightful perspective on mental health and the church as well as how the church should respond to it. He wrote an article (link below) entitled Suicide and the Church where he offers 4 key relatites we must acknowledge. A church cannot be healthier than its leadership. A church cannot be healthy if it is not emotionally safe. A church cannot be healthy if it doesn’t specifically address the scope of human need. A church cannot be healthy if it is not equipped to effectively minister to specific human needs. Check out the full article at https://influencemagazine.com/en/Practice/Suicide-and-the-Church As always, if you enjoy the contect, rate or review and share this episode with your fellow leaders. Special Guest: Jared Pingleton .
Joel is back as my co-host, this time discussing things Christians DON'T say. Our first podcast together discussed the unbiblical things Christians say but this time we dive in to many of the secrets Christians keep to themselves from reasons ranging from shame, to embarassment, to not wanting to be judged. We try to keep it light-hearted but given the topic, it's hard to be at times. Here are some highlights to the discussion. I don't like the people at my church! I'm afriad of death I don't think God hears my prayers I'm unhappy I don't think God will do the miracle And more! The purpose of this episode is to let you know that you don't suffer alone. Your struggles are not unique and if we'd only release some pressure of seeming to have it all figured out, we'd find out that there is a community of people who will walk through your pain, doubts, fear, and struggles. We hope this encourages you!
Chali Martinez is the founding Pastor of Vital church in McAllen Texas. He is a dynamic speaker and minister shaping and impacting lives for as long as I can remember. I’m honored to have him on the show. We have a great conversation that gives us insight into the launch of his church, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. In this episode we talk about: Chali's upbringing as a Pastor's Kid and how that influced his future How to know if you're called The planting process and the challenges Naming the church What he has learned in his many years of leadership Booking Requests Damaris 956-322-4909 Special Guest: Chali Martinez.
AWESOME SHOW ALERT!! Author, leader, and cancer survivor, Dr. Doug Stringer joins me for an incredibly inspirational conversation. Doug is by far the guest with the most leadership experience on the podcast with loads of insight and tips for successful leadership. In this show we talk about: Staying postive despite a stage 4 cancer diagnosis The importance of a solid support system Building relationships for greater impact (How he picked up a hitchhiker that sparked a series of relationships) Leading with confidence His book Leadership Awakening If you enjoy the podcast please rate or review! Special Guest: Doug Stringer.
In this episode I go solo, discussing some leadership characteristics that have been on my mind lately that I believe are absolutely vital to every person in or considering going into leader. Here are the 5 points I discuss in this episode. Humility Confidence WIlling to Be Last Impactul, Not Impressive Perseverance What else do you think it takes to be a leader? Let me know! johnryan@leadingpodcast.com Ratings and reviews welcome
Michael is a guy who learned leadership from the inside out. As a Pastor's kid he saw first hand what went into running a church ministry and on this show we discuss some of the lessons he learned from observing as well as practicing. Key highlights of the discussion: How leadership is learned Watching leadership versus being in leadership Making changes Doing everything with purpose and intention As always, if you enjoy the content please rate or review! Special Guest: Michael Tucker.
Writer, podcaster, business owner, and man of many other traits, Dustin Bass joins me on the show today to discuss the simple yet complex concept of truth. Topics of discussion include: Dustin's company and why he got into it The Sons of History Podcast(an MO for something else?) Embracing Truth The objectivity/subjectivity of truth Post-monderism within the church Can't we just call someone else's "truth" a preference? We dive deep in this philosophical and theological discussion. Be blessed by it and check out Dustin's podcast at the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sons-of-history/id1439182519 Special Guest: Dustin Bass.
Joey Salazar is the Executive Pastor at Journey Church in Orlando Florida and he discusses 4 key points of a healthy church that will lead to great leadership, great teams, and church growth. Joey was and remains an integral part of the church since its launch and continues to work alongside his team and Pastor to make sure the ministry is running in a healthy manner. We talk abou the importance of preparation, teamwork, strategy, and more. Most importantly, here are the key points. Prayer Culture Systems Teams Special Guest: Joey Salazar.
Apologist Eric Hernandez joins me today for a conversation on the importance of Christian apologetics. We barely scratch the surface on what it is and some of the different approaches to it but it's a great conversation. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs believers to always be ready to give a defense for the faith and the hope that is in them. Apologetics is that defense. There are several approaches and methods used when employing apologetics and that is something discussed in this conversation. In this podcast we cover the folllowing and more: Eric's calling to the apolgetic ministry Defining apologetics and why it should matter The importance of philosophical questions Kalam Cosmological Argument The Moral Argument The differences between classical and presuppositional apologetics Questions to ask yourself moving forward: * Why do you believe in God? * Why should someone else believe in the Judeo-Christian God Resources http://www.erichernandezministries.com https://crossexamined.org/christian-apologetics/ https://carm.org As always, if you're enjoying the content please rate and review! Special Guest: Eric Hernandez.
You're in for a treat (I think)! In this episode I'm joined by one of my best friends, Joel Cardona as my first ever Co-Host. In this episode we discuss some very popular, albeit unbiblical things Christians say and teach. It's a fun one. Here are some of the things discussed. Persecuting Saul vs. Saint Paul Creation Catholics God's House Seeing doctors Deviled Eggs And more! Leaders should always seek to lead with accurate and Biblical information. Credibility is a HUGE aspect of leadership and we should strive to always preserve truth. While it's true that the Bible is silent on many issues, we should be able to respect each other's opinions on those issues if it does not compromise the rest of Scripture and our relationship with Christ.
AMAZING SHOW ALERT!!I Hispanic worship artist, Eunice Rodriguez is in the studio today to talk about worship, what it is, what it means, how we express it, and how it looks in the darkest hours. Eunice talks about her story on how God literally took away her voice for a year; no singing, no music, not even speaking. In this episode we talk about: Eunice's origin story Calling Obedience What worship is A section on leading worship This episode is for anyone going through difficult situations pertaining to their calling, worshippers, worship leaders, and pretty much any Christian. Connect with Eunice on social media. See the webpage for more connecting information. Special Guest: Eunice Rodriguez.
In today's episode I share a message I shared with my church on the topic of leadership. No guest today =( we'll continue that format next week though, so no worries! Today's episode is based out 2 Timothy 2:20-21: _20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. _ The best leaders are not the ones with the best talent, highest degrees, or most experience, a great leader is one who has learned the value of serving. In this episode you will learn: What makes a GREAT house (church, organization, household, company, etc.) The intrinsic value of silver and gold Your intrinsic value What makes a great leader Some background on my life life as a developing Pastor As always, leave a RATING or REVIEW!!
Jesse Carballo, long time friend and former Young Adults Pastor shares his experiences working with Young Adults. If you work with Young Adults this is an episode you do not want to miss. Some of the questions asked and topics discussed include: What works and what doesn't for YAs? What do they want in church services? The challenges of leading people with such an age difference Transitioning from youth group to young adults If you enjoy the content please leaving a rating and review! Special Guest: Jesse Carballo.
If you have no vision, you're a blind man (or woman) leading the blind. But bow important is vision? That's the topic for today as I have an INCREDIBLE conversation with Mike Rosas. Mike is an entreprenuer and minister with years of experience in organizational leadership. Today we talk about his inspiring story growing up, how at an early age he development a speech impediment known as stuttering and through that, how God spoke to him to speak to the nations. In this episode you will hear: Mike's story Balancing a diversified work life The importance of processes, people, and teams The importance of vision and the perils of not having it To learn more about Mike visit his website www.mikerosas.org or visit the guest page at www.leadingpodcast.com If you love the content please be sure to leave a rating and review! Special Guest: Mike Rosas.
Alexis Mondragon grew up as a Pastor's kid with certain expectations from members of his church. This episode highlights his journey to finding and stepping into his passion outside what others might have expected of him. I LOVE the first 20 minutes of this show. As a Pastor's kid myself, it was nice conversing with someone who was in many ways in the same shoes I was in growing up. The whole episode is great, but I really enjoyed his story growing up as a Pastor's kid in a very conservative church and hearing how he navigated out of the expectations others had of him. Alexis is a new blogger and has had many doors open to him recently as a fashion blogger and model. ANY FEEDBACK is appreciated, please reach out to me with suggestions, questions, or feedback at johnryan@leadingpodcast.com. Also head over to your Apple Podcast app to leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the content. Thank you! Special Guest: Alexis Mondragon.
Timoth McCain is an Evangelist out of Florida and founder of Opening Eyes Ministry. He and his family travel around the nation with a message of revival and Gospel. In this episode Tim discusses his upbrining, his insight on what modern churches lack, his ministry, and how he balances all of that with a family life. Tim has a wife and young son that he knows are his first ministry. He provides great insight on balancing the challenge between church ministry and family life. This show is for: * The minister * Pastor * Evangelist * Workaholic * Parent Special Guest: Timothy McCain.
Josh is a college friend of mine and currently serves in the Arab world with his family. Today we talk about money and ministry, an often taboo topic for many ministers and churches. Josh has spent a considerable amount of time raising funds for his ministry and organizations. This show is for you if: If you work in the nonprofit sector Work in a ministry Need help raising funds or gaining sponsorship If you work in any of these areas you know that lack of funds can often be the greatest challenge in pursuing our endeavors. Take a listen to this show, take notes, and I hope it helps! Special Guest: Josh R..
Miranda Gloria is a social media influencer, specifically on Instagram, with a following of more than 30k people. Today we discuss different aspects of what that looks like. Putting yourself out there Dealing with haters Being a CHRISTIAN influence in a non-Christians space The difference between calling and passion If you enjoy the show please leave a rating or review! Special Guest: Miranda Gloria .
My guest today is a very good friend of mine, Matthew Hammersky. Matt just lancuhed a new church in Deer Park, Texas called Risen Nation Church. Today we discuss the ups and downs of church planting. What are the key differences from taking over an established chuch versus planting a new one? Before that conversation, we talk about his calling to Pastorship and his story leading up to this point in his life. If you're looking to start a new church or a new ANYTHING, this is the episode for you! Enjoy! Special Guest: Matthew Hammersky.
Abraham Guajardo and Milton Guardado join me today for a casual discussion on the many challenges small chruches face. As you will soon learn, small churches do not simply refer to the size of the church but rather it is a mindset that keeps churches from growing and thriving. Special Guests: Abraham Guajardo and Milton Guardado.
Generations tend to shape their culture, resulting in a constant need to adapt in order to better serve and communicate with that target generation. In my conversation with George Carballo, the District Youth Director for the Texas Louisiana Hispanic District, we talk about the current trends that appeal more to today's youth and how we can better reach them while staying true to the Gospel message. Special Guest: George Carballo .
This is the very first (unoffical) episode of the Leading Podcast! In this show I will introduce myself as your host as well as what you can expect from coming episodes and why I believe Christian leadership is increasingly more important today than ever before. The run time is much shorter than what the average show length will be, making for a short and sweet introduction.