Slingshot Group Podcast: Recent Episodes
Slingshot Group
Building a remarkable team and cultivating a healthy culture have never been more important for staying relevant in our current cultural moment and making an impact for God’s kingdom. And… It’s never been more challenging to get that team and culture right. So, tune in as we dive into practical conversations that explore the best strategies, insights, and solutions for helping you build your remarkable team.
If your team has zero tension, you might not be as healthy as you think. In this episode of the Reaching for Remarkable Podcast, Tim Foot and Matt Wright join host Brooke Hodnefield to explore Signature #6: Friction — engaging healthy conflict for remarkable growth. They unpack two traps that quietly derail teams, introduce a simple green-yellow-red framework for keeping friction healthy, and share the exact questions leaders can ask to invite pushback without letting it turn personal. Whether you're leading a church staff, a nonprofit team, or your own family, this conversation will help you stop fearing tension and start using it to move your mission forward.
Leadership is full of people problems — or so it seems. But what if the real issue is something hiding right underneath the surface?
In this episode of the Reaching for Remarkable Podcast, host Brooke Hodnefield is joined by Tim Foot (CEO of Slingshot Group and author of Reaching for Remarkable), Phil Bowdle, and Sarah Riebe (COO of Slingshot Group) to unpack the fifth key signature: Systems.
They share the story of Slingshot's own "Bonkers Year" — 54% growth in a single year — and what happened when the systems couldn't keep up. From the complacency trap to the hero-dependency cycle, this conversation is a wake-up call for any leader whose team is working harder and harder but somehow falling further behind.
Whether you love systems or quietly avoid them, this episode will change the way you think about what's really holding your mission back.
Grab a copy of Reaching for Remarkable at reachingforremarkable.com.
You don't build a mission—you build people, and then people build the mission. But that only works when everyone knows their lane.
In this episode of the Reaching for Remarkable Podcast, Brian Taylor sits down with Slingshot CEO and author Tim Foot, along with Matt Wright and Toni McEwan, to explore the fourth key signature of a remarkable team: Roles.
They unpack why job descriptions aren't enough, how to give every seat a clear "win," and the three traps that quietly erode healthy teams—the echo chamber, the comfort hire, and the shiny object. You'll also hear why chasing the "purple unicorn" candidate backfires, and how a one-line job description can bring clarity to your whole staff.
Whether you lead a church or a nonprofit, this conversation will help you align your people, strengthen your culture, and keep your mission moving forward.
http://slingshotgroup.org
http://reachingforremarkable.com
Every team has a culture — whether you've shaped it on purpose or not. In this episode of the Reaching For Remarkable Podcast, host Brooke Hodnefield is joined by Slingshot CEO and author Tim Foot, alongside VP of Nonprofit Executive Search Toni McEwan, for a candid conversation on the third key signature of remarkable teams: Culture. Together they unpack what really defines culture (hint: it's not what's on the wall), the early warning signs that culture is drifting, and how relational equity quietly builds — or breaks — trust over time. Tim names the cultural traps every leader needs to spot, Toni shares what candidates can feel the moment they walk into your organization, and both offer practical wisdom for moving from self-awareness to team awareness. If you sense something is off but can't quite name it, this conversation will help you lead with greater clarity, courage, and care.
http://reachingforremarkable.com
http://slingshotgroup.org
Your team is always communicating—whether they realize it or not. Every email, every meeting, every silence is sending a message. So what happens when those messages don’t line up? In this episode of the Reaching For Remarkable Podcast, Brian Taylor sits down with Slingshot Group CEO and author Tim Foot, alongside communications expert Phil Bowdle, to unpack the second signature of a remarkable team: Message. They explore why the best teams treat communication like musicians treat sound, how assumption traps silently erode alignment, and what it looks like to build a culture where listening drives clarity. Whether you’re leading a growing staff or navigating a season of change, this conversation will challenge you to close the gap between what you’re saying and what your team is actually hearing.
http://slingshotgroup.org
http://reachingforremarkable.com
Every organization has a mission statement. But is your team actually convicted by it? In this episode of Reaching For Remarkable, Brooke Hodnefield is joined by Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group and author of Reaching for Remarkable, and Matt Wright, VP of Church Executive Search, to dig into the first key signature: Conviction.
They explore the critical difference between belief and conviction, unpack the traps that cause even well-meaning teams to lose focus, and talk about what happens when the leader's conviction doesn't make it past the corner office. If your team knows the mission but can't seem to gain real momentum, this episode will help you find out why—and what to do about it.
http://reachingforremarkable.com
http://slingshotgroup.org
In the debut episode of Reaching For Remarkable, Brian Taylor sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group and author of Reaching For Remarkable, to unpack why so many teams get stuck at functional and never break through. Tim shares the story behind the book, introduces the 7 Key Signatures that set remarkable teams apart, and offers a fresh framework called "team awareness" that every leader needs. Whether you're building a team from scratch or trying to move your current team to the next level, this conversation will challenge you to stop settling and start reaching for remarkable.
Every leader knows the feeling—your day disappears, but your mission hasn’t moved forward.
In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, Tim Foot sits down with Toni McEwan and Phil Bowdle to unpack five time suckers every leader faces.
From inbox overload and people pleasing to lack of focus, control, and reactive leadership, they’ll help you spot what’s draining your time and energy—and how to take it back.
If you’ve been leading at full speed but feeling stuck, this conversation will help you slow down, refocus, and lead with clarity—because your remarkable mission deserves remarkable focus.
In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, Tim Foot sits down with psychologist, former pastor, and author Dr. Wes Beavis to unpack the six stages of burnout that every leader should know. Drawing from both research and personal experience, Wes shares why leaders often miss the warning signs, how burnout impacts teams and organizations, and practical rhythms to prevent and recover from exhaustion. Whether you’re leading in a church, nonprofit, or the marketplace, this conversation will help you slow down, pay attention to the “dashboard,” and take steps toward health and sustainability in your leadership.
What does it take to build something that lasts beyond your leadership? In this powerful conversation, Tim Foot sits down with Dave Ferguson to explore how intentional succession, apprenticeship, and multiplication shape the future of the church. Drawing from his own transition at Community Christian Church and his leadership of Exponential, Dave shares the do’s and don’ts of raising up new leaders, the barriers holding churches back from multiplying, and the hopeful signs of a movement led by risk-taking, permission-giving cultures. If you want to grow leaders, not just fill roles—this is the episode for you.
Leadership is all about relationships—and how we manage them can make or break our impact. In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, Tim Foot is joined by pastor, author, and leadership consultant Steve Cuss to explore the five core relationships that shape every leader's journey.
From the often-overlooked relationship with yourself to the people who stretch you the most, Steve offers practical wisdom for navigating relational dynamics, reducing leadership anxiety, and building emotionally healthy teams. No matter your role or experience, this conversation will help you lead with greater self-awareness, clarity, and care.
In this episode, we sit down with worship leaders and songwriters Shane Barnard and Shane Everett — known collectively as Shane & Shane — for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about life in ministry, the dangers of ego, and why community matters more than ever.
_____
For more information about Shane & Shane and The Worship Initiative, visit https://www.theworshipinitiative.com/
The workplace is shifting—and leaders are feeling the weight.
From rising expectations to navigating team transitions, it’s a challenging season to lead and to job hunt. In this episode, leadership coach and founder of Recruit the Employer, Jena Dunay, joins us to talk about what it looks like to lead well when everything feels uncertain.
We cover:
✨ The unrealistic pressure for leaders to meet every employee need
🧭 How to approach layoffs with clarity and compassion
💼 Why job seekers should reflect before rushing to update their resume
🌱 How to develop your team with transitions in mind
This conversation is full of practical insight and encouragement—whether you're leading a team or stepping into what's next.
What does it take to build a thriving leadership culture? Slingshot Group CEO Tim Foot sits down with Mac Lake, Founder of Multiply Group, to explore why leading yourself is the key to developing others.
Mac shares his journey as a young leader and his passion for equipping churches and nonprofits with strong leadership pipelines. With practical insights on personal growth, mentoring, and leadership challenges, this episode will inspire you to lead with greater impact.
In this episode, Jim Burgen and Jesse DeYoung from Flatirons Church pull back the curtain on leadership transitions, developing leaders from within, and the power of trust in executive roles. They reveal what’s working—and what they’ve learned the hard way in navigating conflict, prioritizing staff health, and the role of sabbaticals in sustaining long-term leadership. If you're leading in a church or nonprofit, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for building a thriving, mission-driven team.
In this episode, Tim Foot is joined by Mindy Caliguire, co-founder and president of Soul Care, to tackle the often-overlooked need for soul care among leaders. Together, they discuss the six key practices outlined in Mindy’s book, Ignite Your Soul, and how these practices can restore leaders facing burnout and deepen their relationship with God.
In this episode, Megan Fate Marshman discusses the power of small acts of obedience, stewarding our stories to point to the Gospel, and allowing the message to transform us first. She also shares insights from her new book, Relaxed: Walking with the One Who's Not Worried About a Thing.
In this conversation, Tim Foot and Joey Odom explore the profound impact of digital distractions on personal relationships and leadership. Joey shares a pivotal moment from his life that sparked a passion for addressing the issue of phone dependency, leading to the creation of Aro, a digital wellness tool. They discuss the reality of our relationship with technology, the intimacy crisis it creates, and practical strategies for leaders to foster healthier habits and connections.
In this episode, we chat with Jenni Catron, leadership expert and CEO of The 4Sight Group. Jenni shares her insights on building healthy team culture, shaped by her experiences in the music industry and executive leadership roles. She offers practical advice on diagnosing team culture health, distinguishing toxic cultures from toxic leaders, and aligning values during the hiring process. Whether you're leading a team or looking to improve culture, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead well.
In this episode, we chat with Glenn Packiam, Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church. Glenn shares his experiences moving from New Life Church in Colorado Springs to Rock Harbor Church in California, offering valuable insights on navigating change, honoring past leadership, and fostering collaborative environments. Whether you're a seasoned leader or stepping into a new role, this episode provides practical advice on managing transitions and building resilient teams.
Kadi Cole joins us again to discuss what it takes to attract and retain top talent in today’s changing landscape. Kadi and Tim highlight the potential of Gen Z leaders, the missed opportunities with older leaders, and the importance of coaching and mental health within teams.
In Part 2 of "Hiring Trends & Top Questions For Building Teams," we sit down with Phil Bowdle to explore how to do more with less in ministry. Uncover the surprising disconnect between senior leaders and their teams and learn how to bridge this gap.
Phil shares insights on embracing your role as a creative, pitching new hires, and best practices for interviewing. Discover effective strategies for casting vision to volunteers and ensuring your team is aligned and motivated.
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions, and don't forget to share and subscribe!
Join us on Part 1 of "Hiring Trends & Top Questions For Building Teams" as we sit down with Brian Taylor to answer the crucial questions you need to ask when building your team. Discover surprising hiring trends we're seeing in churches and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Gain valuable tips on promoting the right individuals, handling difficult conversations, and ensuring your team is aligned and effective. This episode is packed with practical advice for leaders aiming to build resilient and high-performing teams in today’s ever-changing landscape.
Stay tuned for part two with Phil Bowdle, and don't forget to share and subscribe for more insightful discussions.
David Ashcraft, former leader of LCBC Church and current President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, sits down with Tim Foot to discuss the impact of long-term leadership on organizational growth, the importance of perseverance during challenging times, and the transition from leading a local church to a national organization. This episode is packed with wisdom and valuable insights for leaders at all levels.
Tony Morgan, Founder and Lead Strategist of The Unstuck Group, joins the podcast to talk through the latest Church Staffing Trends report, preparing for staff turnover, which roles to prioritize for the future, and top tips for keeping your team unstuck.
Tim Foot chats with Jackie Brewster about the Enneagram, a fantastic tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and teamwork. They break down how the Enneagram goes beyond just labeling people and helps foster empathy and understanding for yourself and others. Tune in for an insightful conversation that can boost your leadership and team dynamics!
Get ready for an inspiring conversation on the Slingshot Group podcast as Tim Foot sits down with David Smallbone to explore the remarkable journey behind the hit movie "Unsung Hero." Many of you may know of David through his work in the music industry. Others may be familiar because of his family, including his children of Grammy award-winning artist Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone from the band For King + Country. Throughout the discussion, David imparts profound wisdom on navigating adversity as a family, the power of the Church in action, and staying aligned with one's purpose.
In this episode, Tim Foot, Brooke Hodnefield, and Matt Wright dive into the nuances of conflict within teams and organizations. From distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy conflict to navigating ideological and interpersonal tensions, they offer insights on conflict with your boss, conflict within teams, and generational conflict.
Dan Reiland joins the podcast to discuss the characteristics of healthy organizations, the art of discerning cultural fit, and proven strategies for getting the right leaders in the right roles. From thoughtful hiring to difficult firing decisions, learn how the best teams navigate talent management to achieve their vision.
Brandon Cormier shares his journey of planting Zeal Church in Colorado Springs and leading through explosive growth. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in leadership, surprises of being a lead pastor, growing teams, culture, and the moments where God showed up in powerful ways.
Laura Story, an accomplished author, worship leader, and Grammy and Dove award-winning songwriter known for hit songs like "Indescribable" and "Blessings", opens up about her captivating journey in worship ministry. Through her personal experiences, she sheds light on the crucial role authenticity and vulnerability play in leadership within the local church. This conversation is full of valuable insights as she talks about coping with disappointment, overcoming hardships, and embracing the challenges and rewards of ministry.
Explore the evolving landscape of leadership with Clay Scroggins, author of 'How to Lead When You're Not In Charge' and 'The Aspiring Leader's Guide to the Future.' In this insightful podcast episode, discover how leadership is transforming and the profound implications it holds for both you and your team. Clay covers the blind spots for leaders, the power of leading with influence rather than authority, and actionable steps to effectively shape your team for the future.
What is adaptive leadership? Tod Bolsinger, an author and leader in the fields of church and nonprofit leadership, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss the need for adaptive leadership in a changing world. He also shares the inspiration behind his book 'Canoeing the Mountains' and highlights the need for trust, alignment with God's purposes, and building remarkable and healthy church teams.
Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, sat down with Jesse DeYoung, the Executive Lead Pastor of Flatirons Community Church in Denver, CO, and their staff to delve into topics that everyone is thinking about but rarely talks about. They explore subjects such as navigating promotions, overcoming role stagnation, and the vital responsibility of staying healthy through transitions.
Kevin Queen sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to share his journey to becoming the Lead Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. Kevin discusses the best advice he’s received that shapes how he leads, how to stay faithful in the midst of trials, and how you too can stay connected to Jesus through the challenges of ministry.
If you want a healthy team, it’s time to give up managing your people and start leading them. But how do you do that? Matt Tresidder, CEO and co-founder of Leadr, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss ways to lead yourself well, develop your people, and create a healthy culture for your team to thrive in.
In a culture of constant connectedness, how can church leaders separate themselves from the noise to be the most productive and present leaders God created them to be? Jordan Raynor, entrepreneur and author, sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to discuss ways to dissent from the kingdom of noise, manage your time like Jesus, and model productive rest for your team.
How can ministries embrace AI rather than fear it? Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, chats with Kenny Jahng, an online ministry expert, about ways to leverage AI and use it to further the mission of your organization. Plus, find out easy ways to get started with AI and encourage your team to join you in the learning process.
How can a church or organization successfully guide a leadership transition? Join Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, as he sits down with Todd Clark, Senior Associate in Senior Leadership at Slingshot Group, to discuss what to do – and what not to do – when approaching a leadership transition. Also, learn what you should do in your first and last 90 days in ministry in this guide for healthy successions and leadership transitions.
Check out Christ Fellowship’s successful transition story here.
Join guest host Brian Taylor, VP of Worship and Creative Arts, as he sits down with Tim Foot, CEO of Slingshot Group, to explore why ministry leaders are stepping down in record numbers and how to make that transition graceful. Also learn the 5 things to quit before you quit ministry and in this go-to guide for thriving in ministry.
In a culture that seems to be getting darker and more divided by the moment, what does it look like to follow Jesus every day? How do you overcome challenges to leading and loving your church? Dive in with guest Larry Osborne, a seasoned author, mentor, and pastor of North Coast Church, as he unpacks the transformative joy and simplicity of daily obedience to Christ. From how to better shepherd your church to embracing leadership as a team sport, Larry offers words of wisdom that will encourage every weary leader. Listen now for invaluable insights that can reshape your daily walk with Jesus and reenergize your leadership journey.
How do you stay hopeful for the future of the church when so many people are leaving due to hurt, disappointment, and woundedness? Join the conversation with co-authors, pastors, and mother-daughter duo Nancy and Samantha Beach as they address the church’s dysfunctions while casting a vision for a brighter future. Tune in for encouraging insights on how each one of us can help pave the way for a renewed, more resilient church.
How do you tune your ear to hear the Holy Spirit? In this riveting episode, you’ll hear from Robby Gallaty—pastor of Long Hollow Church in Tennessee who was raised Catholic, was trained to be a UFC fighter, and battled a $200/day addiction to heroin and cocaine. Discover his remarkable story and how sitting in silence led to God bringing revival to Long Hollow in the form of 1,000 baptisms in 15 weeks.
In this captivating episode, Dr. Kevin Brown shares his firsthand experience of leading a remarkable and unexpected revival on Asbury University's campus. With awe-inspiring authenticity, he narrates the power of God's movement among the younger generation and the impact it had on transforming lives. Driven by a deep hunger for something genuine, Gen Z responded passionately to this uncoordinated humility. Join in as Dr. Kevin Brown shares profound insights on leading and investing in the church of the future, offering hope for a brighter future where authenticity and imagination pave the way.
In this episode, Warren Bird and Léone Crump discuss the importance of building resilient teams and leading through challenges. They share insights from their experiences in sports and ministry, emphasizing the power of working together as a unit. They explore the need for teams to adapt in an ever-changing landscape, the detrimental effects of dysfunctional teams, and the key factors that contribute to team floundering. With a focus on resilience and embracing disruption, they provide practical steps for teams to flourish and make a lasting impact.
In this captivating episode, renowned leadership expert Mike Foster takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. With a focus on authentic leadership, Foster delves into the power of primal questions and their role in achieving success. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, he reveals how embracing primal questions can unlock hidden potential, challenge conventional thinking, and pave the way for genuine leadership breakthroughs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, connect deeply with others, and make a lasting difference in their personal and professional spheres.
What happens when church hurt and disappointment drive someone to the brink of quitting? Join this conversation with author Natalie Runion as she shares her personal journey from wanting to quit ministry to starting the Raised to Stay movement - a movement about persevering in faith and ministry when it feels like there are a million reasons to walk away. Host Brian Taylor and Natalie explore the reasons behind the increasing prevalence of church leaders facing these issues and the role of social media in amplifying them. Discover how reconciliation and unity are the keys to healing within the church.
As a servant leader, you give your best to serve to others. But how can you make the most of your limited time? Join the conversation with NYT bestselling author and viral TED speaker Rory Vaden to explore strategies that will set you up to make a bigger impact. Discover how to reframe success, tap into your purpose, and multiply your time using a simple tactic called the significance calculation.
It’s hard work pretending like you’ve got your life together. But that’s how so many church leaders are living… until they burn out or hit rock bottom. In this gem of a conversation with Irene Rollins, pastor, consultant, wife, mother, and author of “Reframe Your Shame,” we talk about addiction, grief, self-care, leading your family, and more.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/
Worship ministry is integral to the life of a church. So why is it that so many worship ministries are riddled with tension? In this episode, you’ll hear Slingshot Associate, worship leader, and Worship Probs founder Brian Tabor share some answers… and great solutions. With humility, humor, and decades of experience in ministry, Brian offers practical ways to invest in healthy relationships, tune in to the state of your culture, and help your team release the pressure valve.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/
Are you running your church by yourself, or are you empowering others and developing them as leaders? In this moving episode, host Tim Foot is joined by author and leadership development expert Mac Lake and his son, Brandon Lake—a Dove and Grammy award-winning worship artist—for a conversation full of heart, laughter, tears, and vulnerability. Listen now for challenging and inspiring insights on discipleship, collaboration, and developing younger leaders.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/
Are you allowing Jesus to love you? Your answer impacts how you see yourself… and others. Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Derwin Gray, author, former NFL player, and founder of Transformational Church in North Carolina. In this episode, we dive deep into questions of leadership identity, team health, and healing the racial divide in our local churches.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/
Everyone experiences anxiety. It’s part of the human experience. But as a leader, how can you deal with it in a healthy way to better show up for your team? Tune in to a conversation with Steve Cuss—a pastor, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and author of “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs.” In this episode, you’ll learn how anxiety impacts team dynamics, ways to manage it, what to do when your organization is toxic, and how to grow in self-awareness so you can lead well.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast/
With so many demands on your time and attention, it can be hard to know whether you’re focusing on the things that will truly make an impact. In this episode, Slingshot VP of Senior Leadership Matt Wright puts podcast host Tim Foot in the hot seat to find out what every church leader needs to be focusing on in 2023. Listen now to hear Tim’s top 5 tips for getting proactive and intentional about culture, church strategy, and leadership.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast
Who doesn’t want to build a remarkable team? But in the quest to grow, so many leaders don’t see the people—particularly women—right in front of them who can help their ministry move forward. Listen now for a practical conversation with Kadi Cole on helping female church leaders thrive on teams, why it matters, and the next steps you can take to get started.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast
How do you balance the day-to-day demands of church leadership while also cultivating a healthy culture that sustains your leaders and keeps them engaged in ministry? Tune in to a practical conversation with Brad Lomenick on hustle culture, the rise of quiet quitting, and how to inspire a new generation of leaders.
Get more on this episode by visiting podpage.com/slingshotgrouppodcast
Welcome to the Slingshot Group Podcast for church leaders! Building a remarkable team and cultivating a healthy culture have never been more important for staying relevant in our current cultural moment and making an impact for God’s kingdom. And… It’s never been more challenging to get that team and culture right. And that is why we are doing this podcast! So, tune in as we dive into practical conversations that explore the best strategies, insights, and solutions for helping you build your remarkable team.
As church and ministry leaders, if the metric of success we held most dear was the number of people in our seats, students in small groups, babies in the nursery, or people in small groups then we’ve probably all failed in the last several months. While the game has forever changed, our mission and calling remain the same. The pandemic of 2020 did not cause systemic discipleship issues within the church, it merely revealed them. This is the topic our co-hosts, David Miller, Keith Robinson, and Brian Taylor explore in the final episode of season 4 of the Slingshot podcast.
Links for episode:
8 Ways to Measure Next Gen Ministry Success Beyond COVID-19
IMPROVLeadership™
In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, our co-hosts, David Miller, Vance Martin, and Brian Taylor, explore the idea of solving problems creatively. Currently, the Church is facing challenges we never foresaw coming and we don’t have a handbook to help us navigate them. Vance has a conversation with Kelvin Co, a genius when it comes to creativity and problem solving. Kelvin has served in multiple churches and the marketplace as a creative communicator and problem solver for over two decades. Together, they talk through many of the problems we’re facing right now, as well as new perspectives on bringing brilliant and effective solutions to the unique challenges of this current season.
In these shifting times, organizations need leaders who can adapt quickly to their team and culture. Investing in new staff members from the onset will help you avoid the most common mistakes people make when they begin a new role. Studies show that how someone navigates their first 90 days determines the value they bring to the team and organization in the long-term. Why is this window of time so critical for new hires to get onboarded and start well? In episode three of the Slingshot Group Podcast, our co-hosts explore the most common mistakes new hires make (and how to avoid them).
Launch – The First 90 Days
The Top 5 Mistakes A White Paper Document
In the second episode of the 4th season our co-hosts, David Miller, Brian Taylor, and Keith Robinson dive into an important conversation about how leaders can talk about race, confront racism, and participate in racial reconciliation. David sits down for a moving, raw, and candid conversation with John Williams, who serves as the Director of Racial Reconciliation at Fellowship Church in Monrovia, CA. Fellowship is a Gospel Centered, multi-ethnic, intergenerational church where John lives out his calling to see cultures, races, and communities reconciled.
https://madeforfellowship.com/centerforracialreconciliation
https://slingshotgroup.org/improvleadership/
https://www.amazon.com/Improv-Leadership-Lead-Every-Moment/dp/0310112958
In the season 4 opener of the Slingshot Group Podcast, our co-hosts, David Miller, Vance Martin, and Brian Taylor, unpack the importance of spiritual formation in the life of a leader. Is it possible to keep up with the demands of ministry while maintaining a vibrant relationship with God? That’s the question that Vance explores when he sits down for a compelling interview with Dr. Jan Johnson. Dr. Johnson is the author of twenty books, including When The Soul Listens, and more than a thousand magazine articles and Bible Studies. As a spiritual guide, her life’s work has been instrumental in helping Christians rediscover the joy of living as sons and daughters of God.
https://janjohnson.org
https://improv.slingshotgroup.org
IMPROVLeadership Book
Kicking off season 4 with our hosts David, Brian, and Vance.
Great ready for a great season.
Links: https://slingshotgroup.org
In this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast, David, Vance, and Keith talk about the personal challenges of being married while in vocational ministry. Today, overwhelming, pastors and faith leaders say that ministry has negatively affected their marriage and family. But, does marriage HAVE to become the enemy of ministry? Can one complement the other? Those are the questions David explores with our guest, Albert Tate. Albert serves as the founding pastor of Fellowship Church—one of the fastest-growing multiethnic churches in the United States.
Links for episode:
Alberttate.com
Albert Tate Podcast
IMPROVLeadership
Our new book, Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment, releases June 9th! To celebrate, we are launching a mini-season we’re we talk with leaders about each of the 5 competencies of Improv Leadership.
Hannah Ellenwood join the conversation to talk about Going North. Going North is Using indirect influence to redirect a person’s thinking or perspective.
Hannah is the Communications Director at The Rooted Network. 10-week curriculum is designed to empower individuals to establish healthy rhythms of discipleship and live out God’s design in the two spheres in which we spend most of our time—work and family. Using the same framework of risk experiences, 7 Rhythms, individual devotionals and group discussion, Life In Rhythm will move your groups from Rooted into deeper relationship with God and others.
A bit more about Improv Leadership: Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but great leaders can bring out the best in any person, in any situation. "There's no script for effective leadership," say authors Stan Endicott and David Miller. "But you don't need one." You can learn to improvise.
Improvisational leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams. In Improv Leadership, Endicott and Miller offer a toolbox of five leadership competencies that can help every person motivate teams to greater commitment, more passion, and better performance.
- Story Mining--uncovering a person's story and letting it shape the way you lead them
- Precision Praising--crafting praise to inspire, motivate, and even course- correct your team
- Metaphor Cementing--using concrete illustrations to "cement" an idea in someone's mind
- Lobbing Forward--challenging people to look beyond today to what might be in the future
- Going North--using indirect influence to redirect a person's perspective
Improv Leadership applies these skills to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. Highly flexible and easily adapted to different contexts, the proven ideas in this book stimulate leadership growth with "evergreen" principles that can be successfully introduced into any situation.
Links for episode:
Improv Leadership Book: https://improvleadershipbook.com/
Rooted Network: https://www.experiencerooted.com/
Our new book, Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment, releases June 9th! To celebrate, we are launching a mini-season we’re we talk with leaders about each of the 5 competencies of Improv Leadership.
Jared Wilkins joins David in a conversation around Metaphor Cementing. Metaphor Cementing is using concrete illustrations or metaphors to strengthen teachable points of view.
Jared is the Lead Pastor at Parkcrest Christian Church in Long Beach, CA.
A bit more about Improv Leadership: Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but great leaders can bring out the best in any person, in any situation. "There's no script for effective leadership," say authors Stan Endicott and David Miller. "But you don't need one." You can learn to improvise.
Improvisational leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams. In Improv Leadership, Endicott and Miller offer a toolbox of five leadership competencies that can help every person motivate teams to greater commitment, more passion, and better performance.
- Story Mining--uncovering a person's story and letting it shape the way you lead them
- Precision Praising--crafting praise to inspire, motivate, and even course- correct your team
- Metaphor Cementing--using concrete illustrations to "cement" an idea in someone's mind
- Lobbing Forward--challenging people to look beyond today to what might be in the future
- Going North--using indirect influence to redirect a person's perspective
Improv Leadership applies these skills to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. Highly flexible and easily adapted to different contexts, the proven ideas in this book stimulate leadership growth with "evergreen" principles that can be successfully introduced into any situation.
Links for episode:
Improv Leadership Book: https://improvleadershipbook.com/
Instagram: @jaredcwilkins
parkcrest.org
Our new book, Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment, releases June 9th! To celebrate, we are launching a mini-season we’re we talk with leaders about each of the 5 competencies of Improv Leadership.
In this episode, David is joined by Michael Neale about a competency we call Precision Praising. Precision Praising is carefully crafting praise to inspire and course-correct your team.
Michael Neale is a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, National Best-Selling author and veteran worship leader. In addition to that impressive list he is currently serving as the lead worship pastor for Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX.
A bit more about Improv Leadership: Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but great leaders can bring out the best in any person, in any situation. "There's no script for effective leadership," say authors Stan Endicott and David Miller. "But you don't need one." You can learn to improvise.
Improvisational leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams. In Improv Leadership, Endicott and Miller offer a toolbox of five leadership competencies that can help every person motivate teams to greater commitment, more passion, and better performance.
- Story Mining--uncovering a person's story and letting it shape the way you lead them
- Precision Praising--crafting praise to inspire, motivate, and even course- correct your team
- Metaphor Cementing--using concrete illustrations to "cement" an idea in someone's mind
- Lobbing Forward--challenging people to look beyond today to what might be in the future
- Going North--using indirect influence to redirect a person's perspective
Improv Leadership applies these skills to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. Highly flexible and easily adapted to different contexts, the proven ideas in this book stimulate leadership growth with "evergreen" principles that can be successfully introduced into any situation.
Links for episode:
Improv Leadership Book: https://improvleadershipbook.com/
michaelneale.com
prestonwood.org
Our new book, Improv Leadership: How to Lead Well in Every Moment, releases June 9th! To celebrate, we are launching a mini-season we’re we talk with leaders about each of the 5 competencies of Improv Leadership.
In this episode, David Miller talks with Miguel De La Mora about the Improv Leadership competency - Story Mining. Story Mining is thoughtfully uncovering a person’s story and allowing it to shape the way you lead.
Miguel is the Executive Director and Teaching Pastor at Grace Church Reno. He speaks at conferences and camps around the country.
A bit more about Improv Leadership: Anyone can read a few books and apply the lessons, but great leaders can bring out the best in any person, in any situation. "There's no script for effective leadership," say authors Stan Endicott and David Miller. "But you don't need one." You can learn to improvise.
Improvisational leaders understand the key principles of connecting, coaching, and communicating and use these ideas to build strong teams. In Improv Leadership, Endicott and Miller offer a toolbox of five leadership competencies that can help every person motivate teams to greater commitment, more passion, and better performance.
- Story Mining--uncovering a person's story and letting it shape the way you lead them
- Precision Praising--crafting praise to inspire, motivate, and even course- correct your team
- Metaphor Cementing--using concrete illustrations to "cement" an idea in someone's mind
- Lobbing Forward--challenging people to look beyond today to what might be in the future
- Going North--using indirect influence to redirect a person's perspective
Improv Leadership applies these skills to initiate powerful conversations, create memorable moments, and craft personal coaching strategies that help people grow. Highly flexible and easily adapted to different contexts, the proven ideas in this book stimulate leadership growth with "evergreen" principles that can be successfully introduced into any situation.
Links for episode:
Improv Leadership Book: https://improvleadershipbook.com/
migueldelamora.com
gracechurchreno.org
Over the past 13 years, Slingshot Group has helped hundreds of thriving churches and nonprofits retain and recruit remarkable leaders for their organizations. Our team is often asked by executive leaders how they can better identify, attract, develop, and keep the best people on their teams. In this episode, our cohosts, Vance Martin, David Miller, and Keith Robinson share the five areas of concern that every current and potential staff member considers when weighing an opportunity.
Links for episode:
RESOURCES FOR STAFFING THE CHURCH AND NONPROFITS
EBOOKS and WHITE PAPERS: https://slingshotgroup.org/ebooks-and-white-papers/
VIDEOS AND E-COURSES: https://slingshotgroup.org/videos/
Over the past week, the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has disrupted our lives in countless ways. In the absence of physical gatherings, how can churches care for their congregations and communities, as well as their staff? In thisepisode, our cohosts, Vance, David and Keith discuss how church leaders are navigating these uncharted waters and guiding their teams through these uncertain times with digital-first strategies. While this crisis has presented us with innumerable challenges, the call of leadership demands that we run toward the pain we see in our world today. Never have the ears and eyes of our world been more attuned to hear the good news of the gospel.
Links for episode:
How Churches and Their Leaders Can Respond To COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Slingshot Group White Paper: 5 Reasons You Should Hire A Communications Director
In this episode, David sits down with author and pastor, Jerrett Stevens, to explore the theme of prayer. In his new book, Praying Through, Jarrett shares a refreshing and inviting perspective on prayer—one that uncomplicates the topic and argues for simplicity. As a pastor for more than 20 years, Jarrett’s insights are deeply grounded in his own experience of learning to be with God in every season of ministry.
Jarrett Stevens is the author of several other books including Four Small Words, The Deity Formerly Known As God, and Creative Matters. He was previously a Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Church in Chicago, as well as pastoring at North Point Church in Atlanta. He and his wife Jeanne, co-pastor a thriving, diverse church they planted in Chicago called Soul City.
Links for episode:
https://jarrettstevens.com
https://soulcitychurch.com
How the Best Churches are Reaching People Beyond the Weekend
Season 3 Episode 1
In this episode, our cohosts, Vance and Keith sit down with two Creative Arts and Communications Pastors to discuss how their roles play a crucial part in accomplishing the mission of the local church. Cathi Workman, Communications Pastor at Mariners Church in Irvine, and Phil Bowdle, Creative Arts Pastor at Westridge in Atlanta, share from their experiences leading teams of digital missionaries in remarkable churches that are strategic about reaching people beyond the weekend. The future belongs to the churches and organizations that understand the role that creative communication will play in aligning their vision and amplifying their message.
Links for episode:
Slingshot Communications Lab
Slingshot Group White Paper: 5 Reasons You Should Hire A Communications Director
Philbowdle.com
Mariners Church
Slingshot Group Podcast
Kicking off season 3 with our hosts David, Keith, and Vance.
Great ready for a great season.
Links: https://slingshotgroup.org
Join our co-hosts, Vance, David, and Keith as they dialogue about David's recent interview with Carlos Whittaker on the subject of Mental Health and Leadership. Carlos shares from his own personal struggle with depression, how he found hope, and pathways for healing. Links: https://carloswhittaker.com
Churches are some of the most creative places to work. Whether it's songs, sermons, discipleship content, or visual art church leaders who create original content need to consider, "Who owns it?" This is the question we pose to our guest and expert on the subject of intelluctual property, Brock Shinen. Brock is the founder of the Law Office of Brock Shinen, Inc., a boutique law firm emphasizing business and intellectual properties matters. He is an Amazon #1 Bestselling author and seasoned attorney with more than a decade of experience as a consultant to churches, nonprofits, and businesses. Through the work of his agency, Digital Transformation, Brock trains organizations on effective use of social media, decision-making skills, and technology.
Links: https://www.brockshinen.com
In this episode, Vance sits down for an interview with David Kinnaman to discuss his latest book, "Faith For Exiles." In it, Kinnaman unveils major new Barna research that uncovers what's working as it relates to reaching the emerging generation and how resilient young adult Christians are sustaining their faith in digital Babylon. Later in the show, our co-hosts, Keith, David, and Vance take some time to process and discuss Kinnaman's fascinating research.
Links: http: https://www.barna.com/about/david-kinnaman/
"Is there life after failure?" is the question we explore in this episode of the Slingshot Group Podcast. Vance sits down with Blaine Bartel to have a very raw and candid conversation about his own painful journey of personal failure and lessons learned on the road to restoration. Today, Blaine is living proof that there is life and ministry after failure. He's a ministry and leadership coach, speaker, as well as an author. His most recent book Death By A Thousand Lies, and other resources can be found at https://blainebartel.com
In Episode 2 of Season 2, we explore the idea that when it comes to staffing and leading in an organization, "Fit Matters Most." Our three hosts unpack David's recent interview with Justin Herman as he shares from his own personal experience of why it's so important to get this right. Justin is widely recognized as an expert in Student Ministry and hosts a podcast, Controlled Chaos to help those who lead students. He also worked on the book Controlled Chaos: Making Sense of Junior High Ministry with Kurt Johnston to give advice on what he has learned in youth ministry.
Links
linktr.ee/controlledchaospodcast
linktr.ee/heyjustinherman
In this episode, Vance, David, and Keith explore something that all leaders have experienced - When you’re the bad guy, but you did the right thing. David interviews Dan Reiland, Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church. Dan shares his experience and wisdom about how to handle making the tough calls, even when they are not popular.
Links:
Follow Dan at - @Dan.Reiland
Dan’s blog - https://danreiland.com/
12Stone Church - https://12stone.com/
In this episode, Vance, David, and Keith push back against the idea that words like marketing and brand are “Not Just for the Marketplace.” This conversation is about how churches and nonprofits can better leverage the tools of technology to tell a better story in our physical and digital spaces. Keith also sits down with Mark Miller, Managing Partner of Historic Agency, for a fascinating interview about how ministry and technology have intersected. Mark shares from his wealth of experience about how organizations can benefit from getting this right. Also, be sure to check out Slingshot Group's upcoming Communications Lab powered by Historic Agency HERE.
In this episode, Vance, David, and Keith talk about the PK dilemma! Being a pastor is tough work and it can also be hard on your family. Join us as we dive into an important topic that will help you, as a ministry leader, raise PKs who love Jesus and who do not hate The Church. Vance interviews David Russell, Digital Pastor at Church of The Highlands, who not only has kids of his own, but who was a PK himself. David talks through the struggles and perspective of growing up in a pastor’s home. He also shares some practical tips on how to help your family thrive while in ministry. To learn more from David and Church of The Highlands visit: www.growleader.com/ or email David Russell at russell@churchofthehighlands.com.
In this episode, Vance, David and Keith explore how leadership transitions can make or break the future of any church or organization. We also sit down with our very own Todd Clark to learn how remarkable churches are meeting this challenge head-on. Todd currently serves as the V.P. of Senior Leadership at Slingshot Group and brings more than 25 years of ministry experience – in churches sized between 400 and 23,000. From his wealth of leadership experiences, Todd provides keen insights and practical tools for how organizations can navigate the often murky waters of leadership transition. Be sure to stick around after the interview with Todd for another round of “Stories with Stan.”
In this episode, Vance, David and Keith talk about what happens when you're let go from your ministry job. We also sit down with author and CEO of Institute for Discipleship Training, Ken Baugh, for an interview. As a former pastor for more than 25 years, Ken understands firsthand how ministry leaders can sometimes be forced to navigate seasons of change suddenly. Ultimately, Ken shares a message of hope for those who are willing to dig deep and assign meaning to the painful experience of being terminated. Today, Ken is pastoring pastors and coaching Christian leaders, helping them live in the abundance of Christ. To find out more about Ken's ministry and resources visit: http://idtministries.com/
In this episode we explore the shadow side of success. Our hosts share stories of success gone wrong and Vance has an honest conversation with Josh Whitehead - Executive Pastor at Faith Promise Church - about the new challenges that can arise in a season of rapid growth. Stick around after the interview for another story with Stan. https://faithpromise.org @joshuawhitehead
In this episode, Vance, David, and Keith talk about why many of the best churches to attend are the most difficult to work at. This conversation is followed up with an interview with the author of the book Simple Prayer and Lead Pastor at Metro Church – just outside of DC, Charlie Dawes. Charlie shares his experience working in this type of church and what he’s doing now to ensure that his church is both a great church to attend AND to work at.
Show Links
https://www.ivpress.com/simple-prayer
https://metrochurch.com/