The Glass House: Recent Episodes
Ben and Lynley Mandrell
Pastors and their families live in a “glass house”—an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses.
Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. Listeners who work in the trenches of church life will feel seen and gain tools to navigate ministry and life. Those who live outside this "glass house" will better understand what it's like to dwell there.
Join Ben and Lynley Mandrell for these shockingly confessional—yet redemptive—conversations.
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How do you know when it’s time to step into something new, and trust God with the unknown?
In this special episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell take a heartfelt look back on their journey through 148 episodes as they prepare to step into a new season of ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church.
With honesty and gratitude, they share the story behind their transition, from pivotal conversations to a deeply personal moment at a funeral that reignited their calling to the local church. They reflect on the challenges, the joys, and the incredible support they’ve received from the Lifeway team and listeners like you.
Throughout the episode, Ben and Lynley reaffirm their passion for encouraging pastors and their families and talk openly about the importance of discerning when God is leading you to let go of one assignment and step faithfully into the next.
Thank you for being a part of The Glass House community. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone navigating their own new chapter. The mission continues—and we’re so glad you’re with us. Where might God be calling you to take a bold step—and are you willing to trust Him with the transition?
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Join us today for an inspiring sermon from Ben that he preached recently at Longhollow Church.
The Grace Bible: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-grace-bible-for-kids-hardcover-dyslexia-friendly-M00101447/005849714
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Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps.
Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the unique characteristics of each generation—from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Jana explores how generational traits influence ministry approaches, communication styles, and discipleship strategies while Chuck emphasizes the need for ministry leaders to adapt, fostering intergenerational connections and creating spaces where all generations can grow together in faith.
Whether you're new to next gen ministry or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead more effectively across generations. Thanks for listening!
SHOW LINKS:
Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder
Flip the Script
Lifeway Research
Mccrindle Research
iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge
Generations by Dr. Jean Twenge
The Anxious Generation
Join us at ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference 2025
Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry
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What’s it really like to work on your team - and what kind of culture are you creating as a leader?
In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the heartbeat of every organization: staff culture. Whether you're leading a small team or serving on a large church staff, the environment you create - or tolerate - impacts everything.
Ben and Lynley walk through several guiding principles that shape healthy, high-functioning teams. They discuss the importance of direct communication, collaborative spirit, investment in community, clarity in leadership, flexibility in roles, and honoring processes that bring order to chaos. They also get honest about the real consequences of toxic culture and the hard work it takes to change course.
This episode will challenge leaders to evaluate the culture they’re shaping and offer hope that change is possible with intention, humility, and vision.
If this conversation sparked ideas or encouragement, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another ministry leader. Let’s keep building healthier teams—for the good of the Church and the glory of God.
SHOW LINKS:
Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.
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Are you inviting the kind of accountability into your life that leads to real spiritual growth - or are you simply going through the motions?
In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore the timeless wisdom of John Wesley’s Holy Club questions and how they can still shape the spiritual lives of modern ministry leaders. Originally crafted for deep self-reflection and community accountability, these questions spark a conversation about the delicate balance between discipline and grace.
Ben and Lynley reflect on the value of asking ourselves tough spiritual questions - not to earn God's favor, but to become more self-aware and intentional in our walk with Christ. They address the potential dangers of drifting into legalism and the importance of tailoring spiritual practices to fit how God uniquely wired each of us. Whether you thrive in structured routines or prefer more fluid rhythms, the episode encourages leaders to pursue accountability in ways that foster authenticity, not guilt. What form of spiritual accountability challenges you to grow while still leaving space for grace?
If this conversation encouraged you, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with someone who’s serious about spiritual growth. And stay with us for more conversations that speak into the soul of leadership.
SHOW LINKS:
Together Bible Study
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In a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and hustle, what is all this hurry costing us? In this episode, we slow down and take a deep breath to explore the spiritual, emotional, and relational toll of our nonstop lives. Drawing inspiration from John Mark Comer's powerful book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, we unpack the rhythms of rest, presence, and purpose that Jesus modeled for us—and how adopting them can transform our everyday lives.
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Before we can lead others effectively, we have to learn how to lead ourselves. Are you paying attention to the habits, rhythms, and decisions that shape your personal leadership?
We’re continuing our 10 & 10 Summer Series, where Ben dives into a leadership topic for 10 minutes and Lynley follows with 10 minutes of thoughtful, honest commentary from her perspective.
In this episode, Ben and Lynley explore the vital topic of self-leadership—the often-overlooked but foundational skill that impacts every area of our lives. They unpack four categories of activity that leaders typically engage in and challenge listeners to evaluate how they spend their time. The conversation encourages leaders to identify both strengths and weaknesses, making space for personal growth and greater alignment with their calling.
Together, they reflect on how to balance the demands of ministry with personal passions, and how leaning into your God-given wiring can lead to more joy and effectiveness in your work. Whether you're running on empty or ready for a refresh, this episode is packed with perspective to help you thrive—not just survive—in your leadership. If this conversation challenged or encouraged you, we’d love it if you’d rate, review, and share the podcast with your team or another ministry leader. And don’t miss the next episode in our 10 & 10 series—where leadership gets real, and so do we.
SHOW LINKS:
Four Thousand Weeks
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In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the power of preparation—especially when it comes to shaping the environments we lead in. Whether you're welcoming a new staff member, greeting a church guest, or hosting a team event, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes.
Ben & Lynley unpack why first impressions matter and how intentional details—big or small—can leave a lasting impact. They discuss the tension between thoughtful experiences and branding strategies, pointing to the deeper calling of hospitality as a reflection of care and mission.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to:
- Cultivate welcoming spaces for both visitors and teams
- Align preparation with purpose, not just performance
- Make every interaction feel personal, memorable, and mission-driven
If you’re leading in ministry, business, or your own home, this conversation will encourage you to think more intentionally about how preparation sets the tone for transformation.
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In a season of constant change, is your heart moving closer to God—or drifting further away?
In this special episode, we’re sharing a powerful message from Ben Mandrell, delivered at our annual One Lifeway gathering. With honesty and depth, Ben invites ministry leaders to reflect on something we often overlook: the subtle shifts of the heart. As everything around us changes, so do we—but are we paying attention to the direction of that change?
Drawing from the story of Cain and Abel, Ben explores how mistrust in God can quietly take root, leading us down a dangerous path if left unchecked. He asks soul-searching questions like, “Is it truly well with my soul?” and challenges listeners to consider whether their hearts are being shaped more by the pressures of ministry or the presence of God.
This message is both a caution and an invitation—to be still, to evaluate, and to redirect if needed. It’s a timely reminder for leaders at every level that our effectiveness in ministry begins with the health of our own souls.
If this episode encouraged or challenged you, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another leader in your life. Your support helps us continue creating meaningful conversations for ministry-minded people just like you.
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Are you caring for your soul and body with the same intention you give to your ministry? As leaders, we often push through exhaustion and neglect our own well-being for the sake of serving others. But what if taking care of yourself is actually one of the most spiritual things you can do?
In this episode, Ben Mandrell sit down with Tim Wheat to talk about the critical importance of health and self-care for pastors and ministry leaders. Tim shares his wisdom on how spiritual, emotional, and physical health are deeply connected—and how neglecting one can impact them all.
This episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re at the beginning of your wellness journey or just need a reminder that your health matters, you’ll find encouragement and practical tips for leading from a place of strength and sustainability.
What small habit can you start this week that would move you toward greater spiritual, emotional, or physical health? Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation that reminds ministry leaders: taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your calling—it’s part of it.
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Tim Wheat
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.
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How do we handle anger as ministry leaders without letting it harm our relationships or leadership? Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can become a significant challenge—especially in the context of ministry. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Steve and Lisa Cuss to explore the complexities of anger and how it affects leaders.
Steve and Lisa openly share their personal experiences with anger—how it shows up in their lives, how they’ve learned to recognize its protective nature, and the ways it challenges their leadership. They discuss how upbringing and past experiences shape our emotional responses, offering insights into how ministry leaders can better understand and manage their own reactions.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing healthy communication strategies when addressing conflicts and fostering supportive relationships to navigate emotional challenges. Steve and Lisa remind listeners that anger doesn’t have to be destructive; when understood and processed well, it can lead to growth and deeper connections.
Join us for this candid and insightful conversation as we learn practical strategies for navigating anger with grace and wisdom in ministry.
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
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What does it look like to serve faithfully in ministry through the decades? In this special episode of our "Through the Decades" series, Lynley Mandrell sits down with Kathy Litton—a pastor’s wife who has dedicated years to ministry, experiencing the highs and lows that come with a lifetime of service.
Kathy’s journey is a testament to the resilience and grace required to navigate ministry through various seasons of life. From the early years of enthusiasm to the challenges of grief and loss, Kathy shares her story of personal growth, emotional health, and the importance of community support. She reflects on how faith has anchored her through the struggles and how she’s learned to find purpose at every stage.
Kathy also tackles the pressures that come with aging and beauty in a world that often values the external, reminding us that true beauty comes from spiritual growth and inner strength. Her insights are both encouraging and practical, especially for those walking a similar path of long-term ministry.
Join us for this insightful conversation as Kathy shares her heart and hard-earned wisdom from decades of serving in ministry.
SHOW LINKS:
4o
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When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice a small moment of joy? As ministry leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the weight of responsibilities, constantly pouring into others while neglecting our own emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to pause and reflect on the difference between happiness and gladness—and why recognizing micro moments of joy in everyday life matters.
They explore the tension ministry leaders often face between serving faithfully and maintaining personal joy, emphasizing the necessity of self-care and how small moments of gladness can restore our perspective. The conversation highlights the power of serving others with a joyful heart, despite life's challenges and responsibilities, and how personal experiences shape our emotional health.
Listeners will also hear from Pastor Fred Luter, as he shares a powerful message he gave to the Lifeway team on enduring suffering and trials while holding firmly to our joy in the Lord. His words offer encouragement and remind us that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but is rooted in Christ.
How can you intentionally notice and embrace micro moments of joy in your daily life and ministry?
SHOW LINKS:
Together Bible Study
Connect with Pastor Fred Luter
Pastor Fred Luter on The Glass House
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As ministry leaders, how often do we carry guilt that God never intended for us to bear? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with guilt and forgiveness.
Joined by Paige Greene, they dive into the complex emotions surrounding guilt—unpacking the difference between appropriate and inappropriate guilt—and how it impacts relationships at home, in ministry, and in leadership. Together, they explore the necessity of setting healthy boundaries, embracing self-awareness, and rejecting guilt that isn’t warranted. Paige offers practical insights on having hard conversations, navigating communication with difficult personalities (including narcissism in leadership), and the power of a sincere apology. She also encourages ministry leaders to recognize the difference between guilt and fear, and to seek help when needed to maintain emotional and spiritual health.
This conversation will empower you to lead from a place of freedom and grace rather than guilt and fear.
Join us as we explore how to navigate guilt and forgiveness in a way that fosters healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and deeper personal growth.
SHOW LINKS:
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Infertility is a silent struggle that affects more people in our churches than we may realize. For many couples, the journey is filled with grief, unanswered questions, and a longing that can feel isolating. How can we, as ministry leaders, create spaces where these struggles are acknowledged, where both men and women feel seen, and where the church becomes a place of comfort rather than silence?
In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Doug Brown as he shares his deeply personal journey through infertility—the emotional and spiritual challenges, the impact on relationships, and the often-overlooked grief that comes with it.
Doug emphasizes the importance of community support, vulnerability in ministry, and open conversations about loss. He also explores the complexities of adoption, the need to acknowledge both mothers and fathers in these struggles, and how churches can cultivate spaces of empathy and encouragement. Through his organization, Uniquely Knitted, Doug is dedicated to providing resources and support for those navigating the difficult road of infertility.
Reflection Question: How can you foster a culture of openness and support in your ministry for those experiencing infertility and loss?
Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we learn how to walk alongside those facing infertility with compassion, grace, and hope.
SHOW LINKS:
Uniquely Knitted
The Infertility Feelings Podcast
Connect with Dr. Townsend
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"Shame is the emotion that touches all the other emotions." - Dr. Curt Thompson
What if shame is holding you back from living the full and abundant life God desires for you? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the weight of shame—its biblical roots, how it affects our relationships, and the ways it can keep us from experiencing true freedom.
They also explore the regrets of the dying, shedding light on the importance of living authentically, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, expressing emotions, and investing in meaningful friendships. Through honest conversation, they emphasize the power of vulnerability and the pursuit of a life that reflects God’s grace and joy.
In what areas of your life do you struggle with shame, and how can you take steps toward living more authentically in faith?
Join us as we uncover how to break free from shame, embrace vulnerability, and build a life rooted in God’s love and truth.
SHOW LINKS:
Dr. Curt Thompson
The Soul of Shame
The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying
The Body
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Have you ever faced a season of deep hurt or betrayal and wondered how you would ever heal? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Cynthia Wooldridge, a ministry leader who has walked through immense trials, including medical challenges and the heartbreaking betrayal of her husband. Through her journey of pain and restoration, Cynthia shares how faith, community, and vulnerability played a crucial role in her healing.
Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, the necessity of honest relationships, and the strength that comes from walking through hardship with others. This conversation highlights the importance of a supportive community in times of crisis, the process of rebuilding trust, and how God meets us in our brokenness to bring restoration.
Join us as we explore Cynthia’s story and the hope that comes from embracing faith and fellowship, even in the midst of life’s hardest moments.
SHOW LINKS:
Together Bible Study
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
What does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a culture that often leans toward isolation.
Drawing from Ben’s Together Bible Study, they explore the challenges pastors face in getting congregants plugged into groups, the growing trend of isolation, and the impact of avoiding true community. Looking at the early church, they highlight how believers spent time together both formally and informally and why genuine connection takes time and intentionality. Ben challenges listeners to lean into the natural ebbs and flows of group life, the struggles and rewards of building relationships, and examine the balance between individual responsibility and collective engagement.
As you reflect on your role in building and nurturing biblical community, we encourage you to take the next step with Ben Mandrell’s Together Bible Study. This resource dives deeper into the biblical foundation of authentic relationships and provides practical steps for fostering meaningful connection in your church. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone longing for deeper community, Together will equip and inspire you to take intentional steps toward living in biblical fellowship. Grab your copy today and start building the kind of community God designed us for—one that thrives on breaking bread, learning together, fellowshipping, and prayer.
SHOW LINKS:
Together Bible Study
Bowling Alone
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
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Have you ever found yourself wrestling with sadness, wondering how to process the pain while still believing that God is good?
As ministry leaders, we often walk alongside others in their suffering, offering comfort and hope. But what happens when we are the ones grieving? When the loss is personal, when the words of others don’t quite bring the comfort we need—how do we navigate those moments?
Today, Ben and Lynley Mandrell are joined by Rachel Lorance, who shares her journey of grief following her father’s battle with cancer. She opens up about the complexities of loss, the impact of well-meaning but painful words, and the role of communication and counseling in the healing process.
This is a conversation about sorrow, faith, and the unwavering goodness of God, even in the midst of suffering.
SHOW LINKS:
Still Good
The Voice of the Heart
Gentle and Lowly
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
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Have you ever felt alone, even in a room full of people? Or wondered why ministry, with all its connections, can sometimes feel so isolating? It's important to us that you know you are not alone!
In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell tackle a topic that resonates deeply with pastors and their families: loneliness. Ministry can be isolating, but this conversation sheds light on the importance of cultivating deep emotional connections and fostering intimacy in relationships. They explore how cultural shifts have contributed to increased feelings of isolation and why vulnerability and effective communication are essential for navigating these challenges.
We're confident that you will gain insights into the dynamics of emotional bonds, the power of curiosity and comfort in relationships, and practical resources for strengthening connections in the face of loneliness. This episode offers hope, encouragement, and actionable advice for families committed to thriving together in the unique call of ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Created for Connection
Bowling Alone
Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.
Send us a text
What if your greatest strength as a leader lies in embracing your emotions? As a leader, is it possible that showing vulnerability and healthy shame can actually unlock deeper connections and growth in your ministry? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leading with heart.
Ben and Lynley Mandrell, along with Chip Dodd and Bryan Barley, explore the often-overlooked role of emotions in leadership, particularly for pastors navigating the complexities of ministry. Discover how vulnerability and emotional connection can transform your relationships and leadership effectiveness. The discussion dives into the challenges leaders face in acknowledging their emotions, overcoming fear, and navigating the fine line between toxic and healthy shame. Learn how embracing your emotional needs fosters genuine connections, personal growth, and healing—for you and those you lead.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of ministry, this episode will equip and inspire you to lead with courage and authenticity. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Living with Heart Podcast
Voice of the Heart Center
The Voice of the Heart: A call to full living
Connect with Dr. Chip Dodd
Connect with Bryan Barley
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact!
In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing outreach and evangelism opportunity for your church. You'll discover how VBS builds meaningful relationships, engages entire families, and serves as a powerful multi-generational ministry strategy. Ben Mandrell, along with Chuck Peters and Melita Thomas, tackle common challenges churches face in implementing VBS, from budget constraints to volunteer recruitment, and explore solutions that make it achievable for every church. Be inspired by stories of lives transformed through VBS and learn why trustworthy, culturally relevant content is key to its lasting impact.
If you’re looking for a proven way to energize your congregation and extend your ministry’s reach into the community, this conversation will leave you convinced that VBS is the best investment you can make this year!
Check out the show links below to take your best next step in reaching the community God has entrusted to you!
SHOW LINKS:
VBS Digital Kit
VBS Director's Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass
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Merry Christmas, everyone!
In today’s episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share their heartfelt reflections on this Christmas season. From the joy of having all their kids home to the blessings of serving their community, Lynley opens up about how the meaning of this season deepens as life brings new changes.
Ben reflects on a year filled with significant milestones, embracing both the joy and the bittersweet moments that come with Christmas. They acknowledge that while this season is a time of celebration, it can also be a time of sorrow for many. Together, they point us back to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus—the Savior whose birth we celebrate and whose return we eagerly await.
Stay tuned for some exciting plans we have in store for the next season of The Glass House!
SHOW LINKS:
96. Loving Your Church Staff Well with Mark and Jenna Hallock
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A Week In The Life of A Pastor with Lindsay & Ben Skipper
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Through the Decades with the Pastor's Wife with Anne Wright
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Through the Decades with Donna Gaines
Voice of the Heart
Bounce Curl
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
How does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?
In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.
This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving! On today's episode we explore the subtle yet serious risks pastors face when they lean too heavily on their natural talents and abilities. While God-given skills are valuable, an over-reliance on them can lead to spiritual dryness, pride, and a lack of dependence on the Holy Spirit.
This conversation serves as a heartfelt reminder that pastors are called to rely on Christ as their source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration. Enjoy this episode and share it with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
What if joy wasn’t something to fear but an act of courage and faith? How do seasons of change and loss shape the way we lead and the way we see ourselves? And what if the key to making better decisions wasn’t buried in the past or hidden in the future, but found right here in the present moment?
In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and leadership triggers that impact pastors and Christian leaders. Inspired by the question and book by Nicole Zasowski, “What if it’s wonderful?”, this conversation explores how pain and safety inform our identity, why unresolved emotions affect our behaviors, and how celebrating God’s goodness shifts the focus away from ourselves and back to Him.
This episode offers a compelling call for leaders to process their emotions through the lens of faith, embrace joy even when it feels risky, and lead from a place of authenticity and hope. Perfect for pastors and leaders seeking to navigate emotional challenges while remaining steadfast in their calling. Tune in and discover how to celebrate God’s goodness amidst the complexities of leadership!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Nicole Zasowski
What If It's Wonderful?
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Donna Gaines, a devoted pastor’s wife and seasoned ministry leader, who opens up about her transformative journey in ministry. Donna shares the trials and triumphs she’s encountered along the way, shedding light on the often unseen challenges pastors' wives face. From the power of prayer, to the value of authentic community, she reveals how these pillars have been foundational in her life and ministry.
Donna’s transparent conversation covers her personal evolution—navigating changing relationships, meeting societal expectations, and embracing the inevitable challenges of aging. With wisdom and humility, she urges us to embrace "self-forgetfulness" and refocus on Christ, steering clear of distractions that may cloud our view of Him.
Join us as we dive into an episode that promises to inspire, comfort, and challenge pastors’ wives to stay true to themselves while faithfully walking the path God has set before them.
SHOW LINKS:Bellevue Baptist ChurchThe Anxious GenerationConnect with Donna Gaines
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
What happens when a health crisis leads you to re-evaluate everything—especially your ministry?
In this inspiring episode, Josh and Mallory Allen open up about the impact of a personal health crisis on their church planting journey, highlighting how it prompted them to take a hard look at their calling and ministry priorities. They also share their journey of raising kids in ministry and the lessons learned from involving their children in service and outreach. Josh and Mallory discuss the invaluable role of teaching kids to serve both in the church and in the community, a practice that’s helped their children grow resilient in the face of ministry challenges.
Through it all, they stress the importance of finding support and encouragement within the church community, making this episode a powerful listen for anyone navigating family life and ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
What happens when a pastor and his wife feel called to step back from leadership—but not from their passion for ministry?
In today's episode, Danny and Rhonda Sinquefield open up about their journey through decades of ministry, sharing how they navigated the unique challenges and transitions as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They recount their experiences at Faith Baptist Church, the call to Memphis, and the unexpected identity crisis that arose when they stepped back from formal leadership. With heartfelt reflections, the Sinquefields explore the value of family, the importance of open communication, and the power of building lasting relationships within the church community.
Their story is not only a testament to faith but also a source of wisdom and encouragement for future generations in ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
Managing time well is one of the greatest challenges for anyone in ministry. Between sermon prep, meetings, family commitments, and personal spiritual growth, finding balance can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Chris and Nikki Ogden open up about the realities of time management as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They walk us through their weekly routines, the unique challenges of sermon preparation, and how their time management styles differ. Along the way, they offer practical advice for young couples in ministry and share wisdom on staying faithful both in marriage and in the calling God has placed on their lives. I
t’s an encouraging conversation and whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will encourage you to prioritize what matters most while effectively managing your time.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Glass House—where Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive deep into the real-life highs and lows of ministry with pastors and their spouses, all while living in a glass house!
This episode is extra special because we’re bringing you highlights straight from the Southern Baptist Convention! Ben and Lynley had some surprise guests swing by the booth this summer, and here’s the fun part: each guest blindly picked a card with a question they had to answer on the spot!
Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Send us a text
People can be mean! No matter what position you serve in, none of us are exempt from receiving criticism. On today's show we're featuring a crossover episode from Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They share stories of thier own experience with criticism and offer practical strategies to process feedback without losing your cool. This episode also underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile.
Youth Ministry Booster is a podcast that has the most hilarious and honest conversations between Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. They are big fans of youth ministry and desire to engage, entertain, and equip youth leaders.
So get ready for a laugh and some heartfelt stoires that reflect the resilience needed to handle candid feedback while still forging meaningful connections.
SHOW LINKS:Listen to more of Youth Ministry Booster
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We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
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As a ministry leader, do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions while your heart isn't really in it anymore? Checking off the tasks, doing your job, while all the while our hearts are drifting and the Holy Spirit is quietly leaving the building. This message is for you! When looking at Samson's life, you see a man who drifted far from God without realizing it until it was a little too late. Thankfully, we can learn from Sampson and it doesn't have to be too late for you!
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
Send us a text
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
Send us a text
The church building was built in the 40's, and it's really starting to look like it! The new pastor has a vision for making it more visually appeasing, first time guest friendly, and updating the security for the sake of children. But there's a big problem, how can he get the congregation on board with a project that has a minimal budget?
Today's episode is a conversation Ben and Lynley had at the Southern Baptist Convention with Dave Milam and John Parker from Visioneering Studios discuss the importance of intentional and thoughtful church building design. They highlight the challenges that many pastors face with their church buildings, including functionality and limited budgets. They emphasize the need for a master plan that looks ahead to the future and allows for phased renovations or additions. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating welcoming and well-designed spaces for guests, the value of outdoor spaces, the return to on-campus adult education spaces, and the opportunity to right-size large sanctuaries. Dave and John share inspiring stories of church building projects that have had a positive impact on communities and individuals.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
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Happy Monday Friends! Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have an incredible discussion with Ben and Lynley about their latest movie, The Forge. This film focuses on discipleship and following Jesus, and Alex and Stephen share their hearts behind making this film. They emphasize the importance of having a strong foundation in Christ and prioritizing Him above all else.
Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, FLYWHEEL, COURAGEOUS Legacy Edition, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Alex co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. Alex and his wife, Christina, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.
After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen Kendrick now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, COURAGEOUS, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Stephen co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Film Foundation. Stephen and his wife, Jill, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are also active members at Sherwood Church.
As God moves you through a path of discipleship through surrender, our prayer is that you encourage others to join you in this path! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-theforgebooks.com
-To find out more about the movie, buy tickets, or rent theaters go to: theforgemovie.com
-To watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szH5_y-0aqg
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
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In every pastor's ministry, there comes a time when they must walk through a transition and hand over leadership to the next generation. Is it possible for pastors and congregations to navigate these waters smoothly?
On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley discuss succession planning with Bryant Wright and Clay Smith during the Southern Baptist Convention last summer. These two pastors share from their personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the transition from an outgoing pastor to a new leader. They emphasize the importance of starting the succession process early, having a clear plan, and considering the cultural fit of the new pastor. They also discuss the need for honoring the predecessor and maintaining a positive transition for the congregation. The conversation concludes with advice for pastors and church leaders who are considering a similar transition.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.
Show Links:-Succession
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
Send us a Text Message.
Last summer at the Southern Baptist Convention, Ben and Lynley got to sit down with pastors and wives from all over the country and have them choose one of four different questions to answer. On today's episode, we asked two couples "what is one thing you would change about your brain?"
In this conversation, ministry leaders Brandon and Amy Peterson, and Matt and Julianne Longworth, discuss their experiences in ministry and the challenges they have faced. They talk about the importance of not getting defensive in ministry and learning to understand that people's responses are often influenced by their own filters and history. They also discuss the struggles that come from overanalyzing and people-pleasing when attempting to make decisions.
We're sure that leaders all over the country have dealt with these issues before, and we hope you find encouragement in knowing you're not alone! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
TAKE OUT LISTENER SURVEY-We'd love to hear more from you about what you would like to hear on the Glass House. Take the survey HERE to be entered to win the amazing giveaway Ben & Lynley mentioned at the top of the show.&nbs
Send us a Text Message.
Have you ever been listening to someone spew out their feelings and you immediately want to "fix" it? Have you felt the need to tell them everything is going to be okay and to look at the positives? Now imagine what it would feel like to simply sit with them in their feelings. To simply let them experience the depth of their emotions. On today's show Ben and Lynley are joined with Jennie Allen as they discuss how to untangle the tension of sitting with others in their emotions, and also the tension in experiencing your own emotions.
Jennie Allen, Bible teacher, author, and the visionary behind IF:Gathering, leads a new chapter as the Founder & Visionary of Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer gathering. Driven by a deep love for God and an unyielding belief in the potential of this generation, Jennie's mission is to disciple a generation of Jesus followers to live what they believe. Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.
Today, Jennie discusses her new book, 'Untangle Your Emotions,' and shares her personal journey of learning to embrace her emotions and the impact it has had on her relationships. Jennie emphasizes the value of being present with others in their pain and the healing power of connection. She also explores the concept of numbness as both a gift and a hindrance, and encourages listeners to give themselves grace in navigating their emotions.
Listen now to the five steps Jennie gives to identifying and dealing with emotions! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Jennie Allen
-Untangle Your Emotions
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Check out more about the Luke in the Land Bible study HERE.
In a field where you are constantly pouring out and meeting the needs of others, it can be easy to neglect yourself. However, caring for yourself as you lead a ministry shouldn't just be a well-intention, it is critical to make it a way of life. Today's show is for all of you that have had the well-intentions, but have struggled with caring for yourself.
Mark and Christine Satterfield join Ben and Lynley to discuss the importance of self-care and taking care of one's health, especially for pastors and ministry leaders. They share their own experiences of working out together and adapting their routines with young kids. They emphasize the need for intentionality and finding pockets of time for self-care, even in busy ministry schedules. Ministry leaders must prioritize their health and model healthy habits for their staff and congregation.
Throughout this conversation you'll hear how small changes can make big differences and practical tips for incorporating new habits. Check out the show links below for the great resources mentioned. Thanks for sharing and listening to a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Body for Life
-Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
-Atomic Habits
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
If you're a regular listener to The Glass House, then you've heard plenty of wives speak to the topic of supporting their husbands in ministry. But what you haven't yet heard is how a husband can also be their wife's biggest cheerleader and supporter when she is the one in vocational ministry.
Jen Wilkin and her husband Jeff, join Ben and Lynley on The Glass House to discuss their ministry journey and the dynamics of their marriage as Jeff supports Jen in vocational ministry. These two dive into the topic of envy and insecurity in ministry and have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for couples who may find themselves struggling when one person's ministry is thriving more than the other's. Jen emphasizes the importance of serving where you are, while Jeff highlights the need to be a cheerleader for your spouse and support their calling. Through sharing their personal experiences and challenges, they share the importance of staying informed to details, the value of maintaining a work life balance, and the significance of having genuine friendships.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Revelation Bible Study
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Happy Southern Baptist Convention Eve! Over the next few days Southern Baptist Churches from around the country will come together in Indianapolis and will debate about key issues involving our churches. Recently Ben preached a sermon from Romans 14 and we thought it would be perfect to publish it on The Glass House. It is not uncommon for christians to be passionate about their positions and opinions and not agree with one another. We hope this episode encourages every listener to keep the most important things at the center: the resurrection of Jesus, the power of the Gospel, and the unifying grace that God gives to all of us.
If you would like more on this topic, a few Lifeway authors wrote an incredible book, World On Fire: Walking in the Wisdom of Christ When Everyone's Fighting About Everything. Check it out!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Today on the Glass House we are surprising you with a really special Friday episode. At Lifeway we have some really fantastic podcasts that we want to make sure you know about. Angie Elkins is our producer on the Glass House, but she also has her own show called Let It Shine. Lynley has been a co-host with her this season and they had a really interesting conversation around family rhythms. We are sharing it with you today. Make sure you check out Let It Shine and give it a follow too. We think you'll love it.
From Angie: As a mom of three kids, one of my favorite things to do is hear from other moms what's working and not working for them. I love hearing about the rhythms, routines, and habits that different families have creatd and formed to help them build the home and family they desire to have. One of my favorite people to talk about this topic with is Lynley Mandrell.
Lynley is one of the most intentional and strategic people I know, so when it comes to habits and routines, she's the perfect person to talk to! In fact, Lynley cohosts The Glass House Podcast with her husband, Ben, and they have an entire episode on the topic of family values, rythyms, and routines!
We know that no two families are the same and certainly none of us are perfect! We hope this episode encourages you and inspires you to make small changes to be intentional in building the family and home you know God wants you to have!
SHOW LINKS:
Habits of the Household
The Glass House Episode - Family Values
Emotions are created by God as indicators of how we are processing the environment or circumstances around us. Most people identify themselves as emotional or not by how much they cry; however, there's a lot more to emotions than crying and it's important that we experience the emotions God has given us. On today's episode of TGH, Ben and Lynley discuss this topic with Bryan Barley.
Bryan Barley is a former church planter that recently moved to Nashville, TN. He and his wife of 17 years share four children. He is a coach for The Voice of the Heart Center.
Bryan discusses the importance of emotional health and how it relates to our relationship with God and others. He shares his personal journey of discovering emotional health and the impact it had on his life and ministry. The conversation also touches on the challenges of sharing honest feelings in a healthy way within a marriage and the need for boundaries and self-awareness.
It is critical for pastors to have safe spaces where they can be vulnerable and share their struggles. We hope this conversation encourages you and supports you in finding that space!
SHOW LINKS:
-The Voice of the Heart book
-The Voice of the Heart Center
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
After every Sunday church service, the biggest thing on the pastor's mind, is how quickly the following Sunday's message is coming. Sermon preparation doesn't just effect the pastor, it also effects the entire family. On today's show Ben and Lynley share with a live audience filled with student ministry leaders at the Lifeway Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. You'll hear Ben and Lynley discuss what to share and what not to share, the authority that comes with being an effective preacher, and Ben's top 5 tips for sermon preparation. Ben and Lynley also emphasize the risks that come from sacrificing time in the Word, and not teaching with your God-given authority.
This episode is filled with practical tips and we hope it's an encouragement to you. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
One of the best tools young parents have, is the tips from older parents a little further down the road! On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share with you practical tools for being intentional in your parenting while serving in ministry. From family closers to teaching your kids how to return a question, you'll hear practices that can cultivate an intentional and healthy family culture. Ben and Lynley have picked up several of these tips from other families along the road of parenting, and we encourage you to try some of these for your family! We'd also love to hear from you! What are some practical tips that have helped you be intentional in cultivating the family culture you desire?
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
There is no typical work week for a pastor. Unforeseen life events, people in crisis, or administrative tasks will always be ever-changing week to week. While being flexible is necessary in ministry, so is establishing healthy boundaries and time management skills. On today's show, Ben Skipper, Senior Pastor of Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, Ms, and his wife Lindsay, share their insights on time management as a pastor and pastor's wife. Ben and Lindsay discuss the challenges of having a typical week, the importance of self-management, and advice for young pastors.
As you listen we hope you're encouraged to set healthy boundaries, while also remembering flexibility is key! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Couple's Nashville Giveaway ENTER HERE
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
We cannot believe we are already at our 100th episode! It’s been quite a journey and we are so thankful for the guests who came and shared their life and story with us. This show wouldn’t be what it is without vulnerability and transparency, and we’re thankful to create a space where ministry leaders can experience both. To our listeners, we are so thankful you’ve chosen to join us in this journey. We hope by listening you've realized you’re not alone, or have been encouraged by the experiences, and sometimes mistakes, of others!
Today Ben and Lynley go back to where it all began, the very first episode! Not only will you hear clips they’ll discuss, but you’ll also hear the ways the two of them have grown over the last few years and what they wish they could have done differently. Milestones are always a time for reflection and gratitude, and we believe this 100th episode is just that- a reflection of life in the glass house, and hearts filled with gratitude to be on this journey with you!
This is just the beginning!
SHOW LINKS:
-Couple's Nashville Giveaway ENTER HERE
-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE
Head to college, get married, land your dream job, have kids, go to church, and live the American Dream. It's the reality most American Christians are living in, and it's where the Ley Family found themselves when they experienced a calling from God asking them to leave it all behind.
On today's episode, Michael and Naomi Ley share their experiences as missionaries and the challenges they faced from letting go of dreams and expectations, difficulties in learning a new language, and the complexities of raising children on the mission field. The two share their journey of transitioning back to the US and the lessons they learned along the way. Despite the hardships, they express the joy and fulfillment of building relationships and the reward of surrendering their lives to God's mission.
We're thankful for the Ley's transparency in this difficult conversation and we're certain it will be an encouragement to everyone! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
A recent study discovered that over 1/2 of pastors over the age of 50 had less than $50,000 in their retirement fund and no expectation they would ever retire. On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley dive into a topic that no pastor likes talking about: finances!
Dr. Hance Dilbeck from GuideStone joins in this conversation and shares alarming research and statistics on pastoral compensation and the emotional impact it can have on a pastor and their family, yet encouraging advice on how churches of all sizes can navigate financial hurdles and also support their pastor! Dr. Hance has served as the executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists since 2018. Prior to that, he had served as a pastor in Oklahoma churches for 30 years, 15 of which were at the Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. During that time, the church tripled in size even as it took part in planting 32 churches. Dr. Dilbeck holds his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Julie have three married sons and eight grandchildren.
In this episode we'll tackle the importance of pastors' financial security, retirement planning, and highlight the common mistakes churches make in compensation. To all the pastors listening, Dr. Hance has advice on how to advocate for yourself and work with the church to address your families need.
We know this can be a challenging conversation, yet a necessary one to have! Thanks for listening and sharing this to a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-GuideStone
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Too often pastors and their wife feel pressure to step into any role necessary and serve the church. However, we all have different personalities, gifts, strengths, and yes, even weaknesses. On today's show Ben and Lynley discuss Clifton Strengths Finder with Ed O'Neal. Ed O'Neal is an American Veteran, leadership developer, and executive coach for leaders of non-profits, banking, and small businesses. Ed shares the importance of working in one's strength rather than obsessing over weaknesses. In this episode you'll hear about the importance of self-awareness, how to overcome limiting beliefs, and how you can apply your strengths to your ministry and your family!
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Clifton Strength FInders -Connect with Ed O'Neal-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Ministry leaders typically spend time caring and discipling their congregation, and often times forget the very people they're in the trenches with. Caring for your staff and team is crucial for the overall health and impact of a church's ministry. On today's show, Pastor Mark and Jenna Hallock share ways they've created a healthy culture and cared for their staff over the years.
Mark and Jenna are from Englewood, Colorado. In 2009 God called the couple to revive Calvary Church. They have two adult children and love Zingers and Doritos! Mark and Jenna are such a fun couple to be around and we know you'll leave this episode inspired by ways to care for your team!
SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
We all know that living in the glass house is hard, but growing up in it can be even harder. Today Ben and Lynley are concluding this 3 part series on what it's like to grow up in the glass house.
Today's conversation is two Lifeway employees, Tyler Litton and Heather Burczynski. Tyler is the manager of Media Creative and Heather serves as the Executive Assistant to President Ben Mandrell. The two discuss the need to be adaptable, being wired to protect their father, ways of processing loss, and reveal what they would or wouldn't have changed.
We hope you've enjoyed this season, and if you haven't listened to part 1 and 2, we encourage you to click the links below! Thanks for sharing this episode with a friend!
Show Links:
-Part 1 of Series
-Part 2 of Series
-Breaking Free by Beth Moore
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. And even though all of these people were pastor's kids, they all have unique stores!
On today's show, two Lifeway employees, Joel Polk and Shelly Richardson, share with us their experience growing up in the glass house. We discuss how being a pastor's kid effected their view of ministry, the pain of experiencing critical leadership, and the joys of the church body rallying around the family.
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. Today's we're kicking off this series with Kelly Minter.
Kelly Minter is an author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Her most recent Bible study from Lifeway publishers is called Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith Through the Spiritual Disciplines. Kelly speaks around the country and also works closely with Justice & Mercy International in the Amazon jungles of Brazil as well as the Eastern European country of Moldova. Kelly is deeply passionate about teaching the Bible and believes it permeates all of life. When she’s not writing, traveling, or speaking she enjoys time in her garden, cooking, and being with her friends and family. A Southern transplant, she delights in long walks, her local church, meaningful conversation, and coffee in her Justice & Mercy International diner mug.
Kelly Minter grew up in the glass house and shares with us the complexities of that reality, how her parents put what was best for the kids over the opinions of others, and the blessings and struggles that come along with the calling.
Thank you so much for listening and sharing this episode with your friends who are raising kids in the glass house!
SHOW LINKS:-Connect with Kelly Minter-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
The Glass House is starting a new series interviewing pastors' wives! We will hear from the different generations what it required of them to be a pastor's wife when they were younger. On today's show we have Veronica Geear, wife of JD Greear, Senior Pastor of The Summit Church in North Carolina. Veronica shares some incredible wisdom in having people speak into our blindspots, how we carefully speak into areas in our husband's life that only we can, and how little control we actually have in our life. We hope this episode encourages pastor's wives in whatever season you may be in. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
-Becoming Elisabeth Elliot
-Being Elisabeth Elliot
-How to Stay Married, The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told
-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Have you ever asked your spouse a simple question, like, "whats for dinner?" and all of a sudden they're making a snarky comment back to you? Have you ever found yourself responding out of irritation and frustration when your spouse or kids simply ask you a question? On today's show Nicole Zasowski describes to us what happens when we are operating in our pain cycle, how we can regulate our emotions, and why the simplest of questions can push us over the edge.
Nicole Zasowski is a marriage and family therapist outside of New York City. She is an author of Lost to Found and What If It's Wonderful, along with being a full time mom and wife. She also has a Bible Study resource coming soon through Lifeway!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
From Lost to Found
What If It's Wonderful
The 5 Temptations of a CEO
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
On August 23rd, 2005 people all over the country were glued to the television watching the largest hurricane in recent history move towards the Gulf Coast. As if a category 5 hurricane wasn’t enough of a threat, the levees that protect New Orleans, Louisiana from incoming water, collapsed. On today’s show Dr. Fred Luter shares his experience of losing everything to a natural disaster, the onset of depression he endured, and the joy of seeing the greater church body come together in a time of need.
Suffering in this life is inevitable. Dr. Fred challenges us to trust that our suffering allows us to be better ministry leaders as we serve and better understand those in our ministry.
SHOW LINKS
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
What happens when we hide who we really are? What happens when we let God do a work in 90% of our life, while trying to hide the other 10% from Him? It's so incredibly powerful to come clean to people in your life and confess your sins to others. Typically, it's where the healing that needs to take place begins. In today's episode you'll hear a message that Ben preached at Long Hollow Church. This message is filled with conviction to confess, but also filled with so much hope of the healing God desperately wants to do in our life! We hope this episode gives you the encouragement you need to take the step to live authentically and come out of hiding.
Show Links:
Lifeway Bible - Legacy Note Taking Bible
Lifeway Bible for kids - Explorer Bible
Proverbs 4:23
2 Kings 13
Long Hollow Church
Proverbs 15:3
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
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Today, on this special episode of the Glass House, we are dropping into your feed on a Friday to bring you an important re-air of an episode that means a great deal to us at the Glass House. This episode on transitioning church, with our guests, Adam Mason and Dr. Phil Jett, is especially dear to us because of Dr. Jett's recent passing.
It was our desire to honor him by putting these wise words out for you to enjoy, once again. We hope this will encourage you to think of ministry mentors in your life. Reach out to them, and tell them how much they mean to you. It's always a good time to say thank you.
You may watch Dr. Jett's memorial service HERE.
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In today’s episode, The Glass House shares a sermon Ben preached recently at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas. The message is from Luke 16, where Jesus tells of a shrewd manager who used worldly wealth to gain friendships. Ben shows how the most important thing a church can do – including both staff and members – is to invest in its relationships with one another. He concludes with five questions to consider as you navigate relationships with the people in your life. We hope you are both encouraged and challenged by the message!
SHOW LINKS:“Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks
“The Power of Moments” by Chip and Dan Heath
With only 20 days left in the year many of us are reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the new year. This season is often seen as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, renewal of commitments, and the setting of new goals. But what does a new start really bring us? Do we have more excitement in the anticipation of a new season, or in the actual season we’ve been waiting for?
On today’s show Ben and Lynley tackle the topic of starting over with producer Angie Elkins. They get real about what holds them back from starting something new, achieving goals, and the patience God’s plans usually require of us. Whether you’ve bought your 2024 planner or you’re barely getting to the 2023 finish line, this episode has something for everyone!
SHOW LINKS:
Starting Over by Chris Stapleton
Atomic Habits
Luke 9:61-62
Proverbs 16:9
Over the last several episodes we’ve talked about the unique challenges of ministry leaders living in the glass house of church leadership. We’ve recently received a letter challenging one of our episodes addressed to small churches, and the lack of relevancy to the "super small church", a category of churches we didn’t realize we weren’t speaking to. According to feedback, these super small churches are less than 100 people with 1-2 pastors on staff, typically with the second staff member being a part-time employee. These super small churches make up 73% of Southern Baptist Convention churches in America, so today’s episode is directed to those faithful leaders!
Ben and Torie from Alabama and Trey and Ashley from Texas share with us the challenges and opportunities of pastoring in a small church in a small town. We appreciate their transparency in the things they envy and struggle with, as well as the gifts and blessings that come from their community and church families. Ben and Torie share with us how deep loyalty and trust run in a small town, while Trey and Ashley challenge our worldly view of success as a pastor and debunk the myths of small church ministry.
To all the pastors and their families who are wearing multiple hats and preparing a message while also cleaning the church, we see you and we are thankful for the work you’re doing in your corner of the world!
SHOW LINKS:
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Picture yourself in a situation where telling a small lie could potentially save someone from a great deal of harm. Is it ever morally justifiable to deceive for the greater good?
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "The Glass House" with Ben and Lynley Mandrell. It’s a special episode this week as our producer, Angie Elkins, puts us “on the spot” with a series of ethical dilemmas and asks the question, “Is this right or wrong for a ministry leader?” Topics range from singing the national anthem in a church service to taking a sabbatical and more. This episode will challenge your thoughts, stir your conscience, and maybe even leave you questioning the very essence of right and wrong. Okay, maybe not that far! We hope you enjoy the challenging questions and honest, unscripted responses.
Show Links:Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Ministry is complex and making mistakes is inevitable. On today’s show Ben and Lynley sit down with three ministry couples who are transparent about their biggest mistakes they’ve made and learned from over the years. Jarrett and Debbie Stephens, Corey and Melody Caine, and Mark and Janet Dance share with us how they have navigated the challenges of ministries and what they have learned on the other side of some of their biggest mistakes!
Learning from leaders who have gone before us is a gift! We will forever be grateful for the ministry couples who enter the glass house with us and share their stories!
Mentions:
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The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
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Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry by Mark
Church staffs are inundated with male leadership. On ministry nights or get togethers where spouses are included, husbands of women on staff can easily feel like the odd man out. On today’s show Ben and Lynley explore the complexities of this dynamic with Robert and Tasha Calvert.
Robert and Tasha Calvert have been married for over 20 years, together they share four daughters and two sons-in-law, and live in Texas. Robert has had an extensive career in the technology industry, currently working for Microsoft. Tasha is the women’s minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Robert and Tasha’s gift to this episode is their transparency. You will hear how they struggled for years to learn one another, how their balance of each another is their strength through church conflict, and how they navigate the challenges <
When a pastor or ministry leader falls, it impacts the entire family and community. Walking through a tragedy like this is difficult for everyone. Today’s guest has walked this road firsthand as a daughter of a pastor who had a very public fall from their church ministry position. Lisa Whittle shares with us how her father’s actions and the reaction from the church community deeply impacted her faith and relationship with the local church.
Lisa is the best-selling author of 9 books and several Bible studies, including Jesus Over Everything and The Hard Good. She is a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom-line approach. She is the founder of online communities: Ministry Strong for ministry leaders and Called Creatives for writers and speakers, and host of the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. She’s a wife, mom, lover of laughter, good food, and The Bible.
As we broke down a few points from Lisa’s article, How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years, our prayer is that through this conversation we grow in compassion and grace. Our prayer is that we th
All of us, including pastors and pastor’s families, need God’s grace every day. The question is not whether we will fail, but where will we turn when we do? On today’s episode Ben and Lynley have a candid conversation with Dr. Ed and Kathy Litton as they share their unique challenges and the mistakes they made in pastoral ministry.
Ed and Kathy Litton live in Mobile, Alabama where Ed pastors Redemption Church. Kathy is the Director of Planter Spouse Development at the Send Network. Both lives took unexpected twists as they lost their former spouses in car accidents. Ed and Kathy share 6 grown children and 12 grandchildren. Ed and Kathy are transparent in their parenting struggles and a personal, yet very public, failure. The Littons provide keen insights and a living example of staying close to the heart of Christ, in whom “there is no condemnation” (Romans 8:1).
One third of special needs families say they have left a church because they didn’t feel seen and welcomed, or because there wasn’t a ministry for their child. With 1 in 36 children in the United States being identified with autism, it’s time for the American church to not just welcome families with special needs, but to truly serve them! On today's show Ben and Lynley have a challenging conversation with Tyler and Cathie Quillet on how they have struggled through church life as parents with an autistic son, and how they believe churches can best serve and support all families.
Tyler and Cathie are married and have two sons. Tyler is the team leader for the Custom Church Resources and Smallgroup.com team at Lifeway Christian Resources. Cathie is a marriage and family therapist and specializes in walking families through the tough spaces of infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption.
Not everyone has to be an expert of autism, but as ministry leaders and Christians, we must be a student of all people so that we can show everyone the love of Christ. We hope today’s episode challenges you to have eyes open to how you can best serve families in need around you!
Mentions:
True or False: Hiring your friend is a great idea?
On today’s show we tackle the conversation of friendships and whether or not you should hire your friends. Friendships can be complicated as it is, so at what cost do you risk the friendship to have the opportunity to work together? Ben and Lynley share personal stories about their own friendships over the years, how the quote “it’s lonely at the top” has played out in their life, and how the needs for friendships are different for men and women.
Mentions:
Patrick Lencioni book – The 5 temptations of the CEO
Strength to Strength
In today’s episode we have an honest conversation with couples Chris and Libby Philips and
Landon and Tara Dowden about their biggest mistakes in ministry. Our guests don’t hold back as they confess to a range of mistakes, including betrayal of a confidence, overcommitment, people-pleasing, and even a fistfight between one of the couples’ own children on the front pew!
Life is messy and ministry life is no different. We hope today’s episode encourages you to
honestly and compassionately confront your own mistakes, knowing that God’s grace is bigger
than our failings.
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As ministry leaders we know the order of priorities are God, family, church, but we also know that’s not how it always works. Too often our priorities are distorted due to us living outside of our means with our energy, time, and gifts. Overworking ourselves inevitably leads to affecting the overall mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our family.
Dr. Heidi Warner graduated with her undergraduate degree in psychology and writing from Indiana Wesleyan University, Indiana in 2002 and her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2009 from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She is passionate about seeing hurting people find healing, hope and freedom from the struggles that hold them back from living life fully. Her commitment to supporting people on their journey through hardships comes from a personal Christian faith and her own journeys through difficult times.
In today’s episode Dr. Heidi Warner challenges us to redefine success, grow in the knowledge of our boundaries, and to ask our family the hard questions. This episode is packed with wisdom and practical resources we hope you can use as you strive to honor God with your priorities.
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Mentions:
Episode 3: The Glass House with Derwin and Vicki Gray
Emotionally Healthy Leadership by Pete Scazzero
Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend
The Best Yes - Lysa Terkeurst
Margin - Richard Swenson
In design, it is often said, there should be an unexpected element in every room. We have decided to lean into this rule in podcasting as well and throw in something completely unexpected. We have asked our producer, Angie Elkins, to completely surprise us with questions that we hope will help you get to know us better, provoke you to think about some things that you have not before, and honestly, just laugh along with us.
We are calling these episodes, On the Spot with Ben and Lynley, because we have no idea what is coming. Today you will hear us answering random questions, but in upcoming episodes, Angie will be surprising us with topics that we know you, as listeners, want to hear more about. We hope you enjoy these. We would love, as always, to hear what topics you would like to hear more about in these On-the-Spot episodes.
Mentioned:
Raphael Nadal’s biography
Julia Louis Dryfus episode with Jane Fonda (Language warning)
The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
With differing personalities, marital needs, and rhythms of shifting seasons it is inevitable that mistakes are going to be made along the way. We have made plenty of them and today we are excited to sit down with Nick and Meredith Floyd to talk about their biggest mistakes throughout their ministry journey.
Nick and Meredith met when they were both attending Liberty University and have been married for almost 20 years. They have four children together and serve at Cross Church Northwest Arkansas. Nick serves as the Senior Pastor and prior to becoming Senior Pastor, Nick had served at Cross Church for 10 years, and was Lead Teaching Pastor and Staff Leader, teaching weekly at the Fayetteville campus.
Nick and Meredith shared great advice on humbling ourselves to our families and loving one another in a Christlike way. While mistakes are going to happen, our prayer is that as leaders of our ministries and homes, we allow the Spirit to fill us with his grace and wisdom to continue the journey faithfully.
Links:
What if it’s Wonderful
Visioneering Studios
Karen’s Kingsbury’s book: Let Me Hold You a Little Longer
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
As leaders, we can have dreams, hopes, and visions… but only one of those is going to lead our people. Today’s guest is the brilliant Bryan Rose who shares with us exactly what vision is, how we receive it, cast it, and follow through. Whether you’re leading a small, medium, or large church, this episode is for you!
Bryan Rose is the Senior Lead Navigator and multisite specialist for Auxano. After serving in a pastoral capacity for 12 years, Bryan now enjoys meeting with church staff and lay leaders in helping them discover their ministry’s vision. His facilitation weaves together a strong strategic style with engaging creativity. Bryan and his wife Kelly live in Nashville with their two children.
We know firsthand how overwhelming receiving and casting a vision can be. As you listen you’ll hear five practical steps that you can walk through in creating a vision for your ministry. If you need help, reach out to Bryan at Auxano.com or email us at president@lifeway.com. You won't regret investing in your future!
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Steve Cuss has become a favorite guest for us here at the Glass House. We decided to share one of our favorite previous episodes with you today that features Steve and some excellent advice on how to manage change in your ministry. We also talk about managing our own anxiety as leaders and at the end of the episode, Steve gave Lynley some unforgettable advice tht we continue to think about and hear from you, our listeners about. Please email us and let us know your thoughts about this episode. We love hearing from you. Steve’s book, Managing Leadership Anxiety is available HERE.
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Forgiveness is something we never graduate from. It’s an ongoing process of healing that God is working in our lives. This week, we are sharing a sermon Ben preached at Forest Hills in the Nashville area about his journey with forgiveness. We pray you’ll be challenged by this word & share it with someone who comes to mind as you listen.
Mentioned:
Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall
Episode from the Glass House with RT Kendall is HERE.
Genesis 45- the story of Joseph
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
One of our favorite things, on the Glass House team, is to hear from you. Today, we’re asking our friend and biblical counselor, Adam Mason to help us answer. We talk about everything from “what’s your favorite game?” to the responsibilities of the pastor’s wife. We discuss how to get along with other staff members and what to do when you think it’s time to leave your church. Thanks for listening and remember to share this episode with a friend.
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Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
The SBC 2023 wrapped just a couple of weeks ago, and one of the highlights for Team Lifeway is always the special breakfast we host for those attending the SBC. This year, Ben and Lynley invited Phil and Jennifer Rothschild to be their special guest to discuss the importance of making peace with our inner critic. If this is the first time you’ve listened to The Glass House, make sure you are following the podcast on any platform where you’re listening, so you don’t miss a single episode.
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Recently Lynley was a guest on the Ministry Wives Podcast with host Christine Hoover to discuss how she and Ben navigated their last transition in ministry. When God calls us, it doesn’t always mean the transition will be smooth or easy. Lynley shares with Christine about what went well, what didn’t, and how God’s hand was evident in the transition from being a lead pastor’s wife & children’s director at Storyline Church in Denver, Colorado to Nashville where Ben began to lead Lifeway as the president.
Mentioned in the show:
Ministry Wives Podcast with Christine Hoover HERE
North American Mission Board Church Planting SEND Network HERE
The Glass House Episode 1 - The Glass House is Fragile HERE
Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com
Did you have a hero as a kid that always knew what to do under pressure? Many of us struggle to know what to do and even struggle with anxiety and fear about big decisions at home and work. Ben recently preached at Long Hollow Church, in the Nashville area and shared this message based on Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament in the book of II Chronicles. We thought it was such a timely message for the Glass House listeners, as well.
Mentioned in the show:
Montana by Keith Dunnavant HERE
II Chronicles 20 HERE
I Kings 18 HERE
The Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds HERE
Proverbs 3 HERE
Choose Your Own Adventure Books HERE
Isaiah 26:3 CSB HERE
Did you know that one of the most undervalued positions inside the church walls is the student pastor? That was a big surprise to Lynley and I when we heard author Steve Cuss say this. So we’ve invited Ben Trueblood, the Director of Student Ministry here at Lifeway, and Brian Preston who serves as the student minister at Battle Creek Church in Oklahoma to talk about what it’s like for today’s current student pastors on the front lines with students today.
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Please email us your questions at president@lifeway.com
The Glass House can often be a fragile place to live, but when ministry couples experience trauma serving in ministry it becomes an extremely tender place to be. Pastors and their wives often deal with families in their churches who are forced to face this tragedy, but what do they do when sudden loss by suicide touches their own family?Today Ben and Lynley invited Jason and Sarah Little to discuss the difficult topic of suicide. This is a very open and honest conversation that could be difficult for some to listen to.
Mentioned in the show:
Surviving Suicide Loss: Making Your Way Beyond the Ruins book HERE
GriefShare Program HERE
Romans 8:1 HERE
Galatians 6 HERE
EMDR Therapy HERE
Disappointment With God by Philip Yancey HERE
Matthew 11:28 HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Please email us your questions at president@lifeway.com
So many of you have requested this topic, so today Lynley and I are joined by Lange and Jamie Patrick who are sharing their story in ministry- with fostering and adoption, after having biological children. So many ministry couples find themselves in different places when God speaks to them about expanding their family through foster and adoption. The Patricks’ story will inspire you, as well as lend some valuable insight on how to tackle this inside The Glass House.
Mentioned in the show:
The Body Keeps The Score book HERE
Reach out to the Patricks at hello@teampatrick.co
Pastors are getting older and young adults are drifting away from the vocation of pastoral ministry. These facts have important implications for the future of the church. That’s why we invited Shane Pruitt onto the show today to discuss his newest book, Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership. It makes us wonder about the future church leaders and their places in the church now- just waiting for encouragement ro step into their calling. Shane is such a positive and hopeful voice on this topic and Lynley and I were happy to get the opportunity to have this conversation with him
Mentioned in this episode:
Calling Out the Called by Shane Pruitt and Scott Pace
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Please email us your questions at president@lifeway.com
Over the years, we’ve been give a lot of advice. One of our favorite things to do on the show is to ask our guests to share some of the best advice they’ve been given. Today is the 3rd edition in this special series of episodes. You may have missed some of these episodes of The Glass House, so we’ve linked them below to make it easy for you to listen. Enjoy!
Listen to previous guest on The Glass House by clicking their name below: Mike Minter
Toni and Carey Nieuwhof
Kelly and Gregg Matte
Nicole Zasowski
Scott and Candiss Fortenberry
RT Kendall
Veronica and JD Greear
Mark and Brenda Croston
Jen Wilkin
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Please email us your questions at president@lifeway.com
Partnership between spouses in ministry can be a challenge, but it can also produce extremely fruitful rewards. Today, Ben and Lynley are sharing some of their most vulnerable stories of partnership fails and wins.
Mentioned in this episode:
What if It’s Wonderful by Nicole Zasowski One Man Band by Old Dominion
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Please email us your questions at president@lifeway.com
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming our friend, former pastor and new author, Mike Minter. Mike pastored one single church for 48 years in the Washington, D.C. area. We’ve had many requests from pastors and ministry leaders about doing an episode on how you can know when it is time to quit or move on to a new church. Answering the question about when the assignment is finished is so hard. Mike is sharing wisdom on this topic from his new book, Stay The Course.
We’d love to hear your feedback at President@lifeway.com
Mentioned in the show:
Stay The Course book HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming Mark and Brenda Croston to the show. Mark serves at Lifeway as the Director for Black Church Ministries, and Brenda is the founder of Simple Truth Ministries, as well as an author, speaker and trainer for Lifeway. When Mark was pastoring, his first wife died of cancer. He and Brenda are sharing their story today of how they both experienced deep grief and loss, what it was like for God to bring them together and how that impacted their church.
We’d love to hear your feedback at President@lifeway.com
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Today on The Glass House we’re discussing a hot topic that has been the source of much debate for centuries inside the church. Author, speaker, Bible teacher and podcast host, Jen Wilkin joins us today to lend her insight into this polarizing topic. This episode will not only enlighten you, but give you Biblical resources as you continue to have this conversation with your ministry leaders inside your church community.
We’d love to hear your feedback at President@lifeway.com
Mentioned in the show:
Genesis 2 HERE
You Are A Theologian by Jen Wilkin & JT English HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Today on The Glass House we’re joined by JD and Veronica Greear, the pastor of Summit Church, to unpack a book that JD recommended to Ben recently. This taps into many secret fears that pastors and ministry leaders have about when we reach that second half of life and find the better part of our career over. How do we navigate the massive career shift as life and the path ahead change for each of us? Today’s conversation will be an encouragement to both ministry leaders and spouses as we face these major life transitions. We’d love to hear your feedback at President@lifeway.com
Mentioned in the show:
From Strength to Strength, Finding Success,Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Authur C. Brooks HERE
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
We all face criticism, and learning to handle it is one of life’s greatest challenges. But how often have we stopped to think of how critical we can be of others? Ben recently preached at Long Hollow Church, in the Nashville area and shared this message based on a story in the book of Nehemiah. We thought it was such a timely message for the Glass House listeners, as well. We’d love to hear your feedback at President@lifeway.com
Mentioned in the show:
What if It’s Wonderful? by Nicole Zasowski
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE.
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming RT Kendall to discuss a topic that never gets old because it requires a daily practice - total forgiveness. For pastors and those serving in the church, we cannot fully love the people we serve when we keep a record of wrongs. Our prayer is that this conversation will challenge you to search your own heart for those who need total forgiveness.
Mentioned in the Show:
Total Forgiveness by RT Kendall
Send your encouraging stories to president@lifeway.com
2 Corinthians 2:11
Genesis 45
Ephesians 4:30
Ephesians 4:31-32
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming church planters from Jackson, MS, Scott and Candiss Fortenberry, to talk about the issues of mental health in ministry. This topic isn’t an easy conversation because often it comes with shame, loneliness and a lot of questions that don’t have easy answers. We hope today’s show inspires you to break down the walls, create a safe space and be open to this discussion, in your home and in your church.
Mentioned in the Show:
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Onsite Workshops
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming Carey and Toni Neiuwhof. Carey is easily thought of as one of the foremost thought leaders for the evangelical church. Both are authors of numerous books and are here today to share about their journey through burnout and mental health issues, and how it affected their marriage.
Mentioned in the Show:
Before You Split - Toni Neiuwhof
Leadership Academy
At Your Best - Carey Neiuwhof
The Peacemaker - A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict - Ken Sande (Author)
Today on The Glass House, we are sharing a message that Ben recently preached at Long Hollow Church about emotions and how much they affect us. Afterwards, Ben and Lynley’s kids told him that this message really resonated with them, and they wanted to talk more about it. We’re hoping that this message will be a resource for you, with your family to spur on conversation about emotions and forgiveness.
Mentioned in the Show:
Esther 2:7
Esther 3:2
James 4:1
Proverbs 4:23
Esther 3:5
Paul Tripp - A Dangerous Calling
Esther 4:14
Esther 7:5
Acts 5:3
Esther 7:9
Romans 7:18-19
The Carter House in Franklin, TX
2 Corinthians 5:21
Ben and Lynley are bringing back the best advice show from some of our most recent guests - their “golden moments” on their episode of The Glass House. Enjoy.
Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 45: Spiritual Warfare in the Glass House with Robby and Kandi Gallaty
Episode 46: Know Thy Gamer with Drew Dixon
Episode 48: Doubts Inside the Glass House with Jamie and Tara Dew
God is Just, Not Fair with Jennifer and Phil Rothschild
Episode 39: The Value of Aesthetics with Dave Milam
Today Ben and Lynley are chatting with Jamie and Tara Dew. Jamie is currently the President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, but before he pastored a small church of less than 100 for over 8 years. Tara is an adjunct professor at the seminary and is about to release her first book with Lifeway. If you are currently dealing with doubts, asking if God is still at work where you are, then this conversation will bless you. We’re also talking about fears and what we do when our kids have seasons of doubt.
Mentioned in the Show:
Matthew 11 - Jesus and John the Baptist
Psalm 121
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley are chatting with Pastor Robby and Kandi Gallaty about a season of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for their ministry and family. We don’t often speak of spiritual warfare and the toll it takes in the lives of ministers and their families. We all want to have that moment on the mountain top, but we don’t talk about the extreme pressure when we’re walking through the valley. This episode will bring you so much encouragement as you walk with God in your personal life and your ministry.
Mentioned in the Show:
Spiritual Armor classic book from the 17th century (Robby)
Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Manley Beasley Audio Sermons
Ron Dunn Website
Philippians 3:10
Paul Tripp’s book - So What Did You Expect
Ephesians 6 - The Armor of God
Today’s show is a replay of a live interview Ben recently did for the LifeWay employees with author and musician Andrew Peterson. This interview delves into Andrew’s season of “dark nights” that resulted in his recent book published by LifeWay in October of 2021, The God of the Garden and songs that have been important during that season.
Mentioned in the Show:
The Glass House Instagram
The God of the Garden
The Wingfeather Saga
Adorning The Dark
Behold the Lamb of God
“Be Kind To Yourself”
Isaiah 55
“Is He Worthy?” from The Resurrection Letters Anthology
Ben and Lynley are dropping a bonus episode in response to Monday’s who with their former neighbors from Denver, Mike and Leanna Lusche on 10 ideas and tips for how to neighbor during the holidays. These ideas range from free to not-free and will help you as you try to build relationships with your neighbors.
Mentioned in the Show:
Acts 17:26
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley chat with former neighbors Mike and Leanna Lusche. Ben and Lynley have a passion for relational evangelism and who better to speak toward developing community with Christians than their non-Christian neighbors from when they were church planting in Denver. There are so many obstacles to overcome when we don’t share the same belief system, but with the right mindset, we can cross the street and be friends and have strong relationships with our neighbors who don’t believe or live the way we do.
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley chat with Jason Thacker, who leads research at the Ethics and Liberties Commission of the SBC and has authored a book called Following Jesus in a Digital Age. It is very complicated to pastor in this digital age when we are expected to be available 24/7. There are so many effects that this digital age has on us. Listen in today as we discuss how pastors and wives can respond in a balanced and godly way.
Mentioned in the Show:
Following Jesus In a Digital Age Book
Ecclesiastes 7:10
James 1:17
John 3:30
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley chat with Jason Thacker, who leads research at the Ethics and Liberties Commission of the SBC and has authored a book called Following Jesus in a Digital Age. It is very complicated to pastor in this digital age when we are expected to be available 24/7. There are so many effects that this digital age has on us. Listen in today as we discuss how pastors and wives can respond in a balanced and godly way.
Mentioned in the Show:
Following Jesus In a Digital Age Book
Ecclesiastes 7:10
James 1:17
John 3:30
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley chat with their own daughter, Ava, in response to some viewer mail that asked for more parenting episodes. As a college freshman, Ava shares her experience growing up as a pastor’s daughter, along with some of her concerns that she and other young people her age are wrestling with in reference to the church and the convention for the next generation. Listen in today to hear a first hand account of what it is like growing up in the glass house.
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley chat with their own daughter, Ava, in response to some viewer mail that asked for more parenting episodes. As a college freshman, Ava shares her experience growing up as a pastor’s daughter, along with some of her concerns that she and other young people her age are wrestling with in reference to the church and the convention for the next generation. Listen in today to hear a first hand account of what it is like growing up in the glass house.
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley are chatting with the Vice President of Strategic Design at Visioneering Studios, Dave Milam. Dave helps churches of all sizes see the value of the space inside their church walls with design, redesign and maintenance plans. Today’s discussion will shed some light on how to maximize the space you have and perhaps make changes to the space on what can be a very little budget dollars.
Mentioned in the Show:
Visioneering Studios - https://www.visioneeringstudios.com/
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley are chatting with the Vice President of Strategic Design at Visioneering Studios, Dave Milam. Dave helps churches of all sizes see the value of the space inside their church walls with design, redesign and maintenance plans. Today’s discussion will shed some light on how to maximize the space you have and perhaps make changes to the space on what can be a very little budget dollars.
Mentioned in the Show:
Visioneering Studios - https://www.visioneeringstudios.com/
Today on the show, Ben and Lynley are chatting with pastor and author Steve Cuss during a live podcast recording this past summer from the Southern Baptist Convention Lifeway Breakfast, just before the convention began that morning. Steve is known for helping people notice, name and diffuse anxiety. The tools that are discussed during this conversation are played out, as Steve turns the table on Ben and Lynley by asking a hot topic question about women in ministry in front of this live crowd.
Mentioned in the Show:
https://www.stevecusswords.com/
Managing Leadership Anxiety: https://store.stevecusswords.com/
Episode 37: 3 Needs of the Small Church with Ronnie and Melissa Martin
Today on the show Ben and Lynley are chatting with Ronnie and Melissa Martin who pastor Substance Church in Ohio. Most of the churches Lifeway serves are considered small churches with 250 people or less. Today’s conversation includes how difficult it is to break into the culture of a small town at an established church, as well as the pace a pastor in a small town needs to move and how to support their spouses.
Mentioned in the Show:
Christine Hoover - How To Thrive As a Pastor’s Wife
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode of The Glass House. For more information about this episode please click HERE for show notes.
Please click HERE to see show notes and get more info about this episode of the Glass House.
Please click HERE to check out the show notes and other information about this episode.