Leading in the Gospel: Recent Episodes
Cary Schmidt
Every month, Leading in the Gospel will feature an ongoing conversation with spiritual leaders for spiritual leaders. The goal is growth in Gospel-shaped leadership and a Gospel identity. The conversations will be personal, practical, theological, and focused on mentoring the next generation’s spiritual leaders in declaring and displaying the gospel.
What keeps a ministry healthy for the long haul? It starts by returning to what matters most.
In this episode of the Leading in the Gospel podcast, we explore "Returning to Core Gospel Values in Ministry "—why every leader, ministry, and church must continually realign with the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to lead with Christ at the center.
🎧 Listen today and be reminded that lasting impact begins with lasting Gospel priorities.
Cary Schmidt and Kurt Skelly continue their conversation on gospel-shaped confrontation, walking through practical, biblical wisdom for handling hard conversations with grace, truth, and emotional maturity.
Cary and Kurt tackle the tough topic most leaders avoid: confrontation. They outline nine “pre-conversation” practices that keep hard talks redemptive, not explosive. As pastors, the aim is always gentle, truthful, Spirit-led conversations that restore people and protect the health of the whole church.
In this episode, Cary sits down with author Jonathan Williams to unpack one of the most debated and misunderstood passages in the Bible. See how Romans 9 must be read as part of God’s unfolding story: that His Word has not failed, His promises remain, and His heart is for all people. They highlight the dangers of misinterpreting Romans 9, the beauty of God’s consistent faithfulness, and the call for pastors and believers alike to tell the story of the gospel clearly and compellingly.
Cary and Andrew discuss practical and biblical ways to extend gospel invitations in church services—avoiding both manipulation and neglect—so that unbelievers consistently have a clear opportunity to respond to Christ.
Cary and Andrew get real about feeling overwhelmed in ministry! Together the name the internal and external causes and outline a gospel-shaped path forward built on identity in Christ, biblical (not escapist) optimism, and practical steps like honest review, wise counsel, and shared load.
Cary Schmidt sits down with Ethan Malachuk, pastor of Mount Greylock Baptist Church in MA, for a long-awaited conversation about bivocational ministry. Ethan shares his journey of pastoring while working in the secular world, reflecting on the unexpected blessings, challenges, and spiritual growth that come with this path. Drawing from biblical examples—particularly Paul’s ministry in Corinth, Thessalonica, and Ephesus—the episode affirms bivocational ministry as both legitimate and often necessary, not as a stepping stone, but as a sustainable, God-honoring calling. The conversation encourages pastors and church leaders to rethink traditional models, embrace financial transparency, and prioritize calling and health over convention or pride.
Cary Schmidt is joined by Andrew Browning to discuss the often-overlooked tension between faithfully explaining the Bible and helping people apply it meaningfully to their lives. They explore what it means to grow in gospel-shaped application—not just giving listeners a to-do list, but pointing them to the Person and work of Jesus as the true source of lasting transformation. Through honest reflections and practical strategies, they urge preachers to rely on the Holy Spirit, craft application that inspires rather than burdens, and guide people to live out their faith from a place of grace, not guilt.
In Part 2, Cary and Kurt continue their conversation on relational loss in ministry, this time focusing on gospel-shaped responses. Drawing from David’s experience with Saul, they discuss how to process betrayal, walk through grief, and move forward in faith. They encourage pastors and ministry leaders to respond with grace, forgive without expecting anything in return, and trust God’s sovereign work even in the midst of personal hurt. Find practical counsel, biblical insights, and hope for those navigating emotional pain from canceled friendships or ministry relationships.
Cary Schmidt and Kurt Skelly dive into the difficult experience of “getting ghosted” in gospel ministry, where friendships or ministry relationships abruptly end without closure or explanation. They explore both internal ghosting (within the church) and external ghosting (among ministry colleagues), highlighting the confusion, pain, and disillusionment that often follow. This episode encourages pastors and leaders to process the experience biblically, avoid bitterness, and lean into grace. Join us for part 2 where they will discuss how the gospel provides a framework for responding to ghosting in a Christlike manner.
In this conversation, Cary interviews guest Tommy Lee as he shares his journey and testimony, as well as his involvement in Resource Global, Wheaton College, and Together LA. They discuss the importance of addressing insecurities in leadership and dealing with pain, particularly in ministering to those in secular environments. Together they encourage leaders to embrace their strengths and rely on God's strength.
In this conversation, Cary and guest Drew Dyck discuss Drew's book 'Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything'. Drew shares his journey in Christian publishing and the importance of showing up and being present for others. He emphasizes the value of faithful obedience and the need to let go of perfectionism. They also explore topics such as navigating doubts, finding strength in the Psalms, the impact of the book 'Steady Strength' to Christian leadership, the importance of vulnerability and real friends in ministry, and the connection between nurturing a healthy soul and leading a healthy culture.
What is Gospel-Centered Theology? Josué Ortiz joins us for episode 4 of Leading in the Gospel. Josué has been pastoring the Iglesia Bautista Gracia Abundante (Abundant Grace Baptist Church) in Mexico City for the last two years. Show Notes: http://inthegospel.com/episode04/
What is Gospel-Centered Theology? Josué Ortiz joins us for episode 3 of Leading in the Gospel. Josué has been pastoring the Iglesia Bautista Gracia Abundante (Abundant Grace Baptist Church) in Mexico City for the last two years. Show Notes: http://inthegospel.com/episode03/
Our motives require constant inspection. Healthy spiritual leaders will intentionally reflect on both what is driving their walk with God and what they are using to motivate those they lead. Show Notes: http://inthegospel.com/episode02/
Motives matter! There are both good and bad reasons to do what is right. As a spiritual leader, your motivations overflow into how you motivate others which in turn creates the culture of the church. Every leader desires a healthy culture, but do we have healthy motives ourselves? Show Notes: http://inthegospel.com/episode01/
Every month, Leading in the Gospel will feature an ongoing conversation with spiritual leaders for spiritual leaders. The goal is growth in gospel-shaped leadership and a gospel identity. The conversations will be personal, practical, theological, and focused on mentoring the next generation’s spiritual leaders in declaring and displaying the gospel.