For A Purpose: A TSF Podcast

In this episode, we pick the brains of prominent Restoration Movement leaders across the nation. If you have questions about leadership in the church, we have answers.

In this episode of For a Purpose, we sit down with Jimmy McLoud, Lead Pastor at First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio, and board member of The Solomon Foundation. Jimmy shares his unexpected journey into ministry leadership—from a “random” visit to a church building that led to 12 years on staff, to stepping into the role of lead pastor during a season of transition.We explore the growth of First Christian’s thriving special needs ministry, the lessons Jimmy learned moving from executive pastor to lead pastor, and the powerful stories of restoration, healing, and hope happening within the church. If you’re interested in church leadership, culture, or what it looks like to faithfully follow God’s call, even when it’s uncomfortable, this episode will inspire and challenge you.

Today we get to listen to Mark Moore, professor at Ozark Christian College and author of “Core 52”. He shares with us the importance of vision in the church, and why a strong vision can make a difference, and how Christians were the people to make a huge impact on humanity, through simple things like the inception of public education and foster care.

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon and Matt Wilson—brothers, co-lead pastors, and the heart behind Ekklesia Christian Church in Conway, South Carolina. From childhood stages to shared leadership, their journey is a story of calling, creativity, and deep brotherhood—both in family and in ministry.You’ll hear how their different strengths fuel a dynamic partnership: Brandon brings depth through discipleship and recovery, while Matt drives vision and mission. Together, they’ve developed innovative approaches to church, including a unique Thursday night format built around group discussion and spiritual growth, and a wildly creative Easter series styled as a murder mystery investigation.They also open up about the real-life challenges and joys of leading side-by-side as brothers, and how their relationship reflects the kind of honest, intimate leadership modeled by Jesus.To close, Brandon and Matt share what it means to be part of The Solomon Foundation family—where churches don’t just get resources, they gain lasting relationships and support.Whether you’re leading with a sibling, a team, or just learning how to grow where you’re planted, this episode will inspire you to lead with authenticity, creativity, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, we hear from life coach and pastor Tra Beard from Northwest Church of Christ in South Haven, Mississippi, as he unpacks what it means to lead with courage rooted in God’s vision. Recorded live at our recent conference, Tra challenges leaders to stop chasing personal ambition and instead align their vision with divine revelation from God’s Word.Drawing from the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18–19, Tra walks us through five key characteristics of courageous leadership—from confronting corruption to trusting God’s power alone. He unpacks the idea of “anointing” and how God equips us to do the impossible through His strength, not ours.This episode is more than just a message—it’s an invitation to reflect. You’ll be prompted to consider your current leadership challenges, where God might be realigning your perspective, and what new assignments He’s calling you into.Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or simply navigating your next faithful step, this conversation will encourage you to lead boldly and faithfully—for a purpose.

In this special episode recorded live at the TSF Pastors Conference in Pismo, we sit down with Jerry Harris—pastor, leader, and publisher of Christian Standard—to unpack the powerful story behind one of the oldest Christian publications in America.From its origins in 1866 during the aftermath of the Civil War, Christian Standard has been the voice of the Restoration Movement—calling believers back to the simplicity and power of the New Testament church. Jerry takes us through its remarkable history, the cultural moments it has helped shape, and the lasting influence it’s had on generations of leaders.But this conversation isn’t just about legacy—it’s about what’s next. We explore how Christian Standard is innovating in the digital age, equipping leaders, and fostering unity among independent Christian churches. From rich archives and Bible study resources to thought leadership and community-building, Jerry shares how the magazine continues to be a vital tool for the Church today.Whether you’re new to the movement or have deep roots in it, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and reminders of why we do what we do—for a purpose.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, generosity strategist and ministry leader Julie Bullock takes us on a journey that blends biblical truth, personal stories, and a few unforgettable dinner table memories to help us rediscover what it really means to live—and give—like Jesus.Speaking at our REFRESH Conference, Julie opens with a prayer that sets the tone for the conversation: gratitude, transformation, and surrender. She shares a vulnerable and humorous story from her college days—one that unexpectedly turns into a powerful metaphor about control, trust, and how we often approach giving.Julie invites pastors and ministry leaders to not just teach generosity but to be personally transformed by it. With compassion and clarity, she challenges us to stop treating giving like a transaction and instead let it become an act of worship that reshapes our hearts, homes, and churches.Whether you’re a church leader navigating how to talk about generosity, or someone longing to grow in the way you steward your resources, this episode will move you toward a life that reflects God’s abundant grace.

In this eye-opening episode from the REFRESH Conference archives, attorney and church advocate Jonathan Sams delivers a timely and challenging message for church leaders navigating today’s legal and cultural landscape.Jonathan breaks his talk into two parts—first addressing the vital importance of strong, healthy church leadership. Though it wasn’t his original plan to focus here, the urgency around leadership clarity and structure takes center stage as he walks through the practical and spiritual implications of how churches are led.In part two, Jonathan dives into what he sees as critical for the future of the church: retaining the ability to practice church discipline and clearly articulating doctrine. With conviction and clarity, he explains why churches must take legal and structural steps to protect their theological integrity and spiritual authority.This episode isn’t just a legal briefing—it’s a call to courage for leaders who want to faithfully steward their mission in a shifting world. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or ministry partner, Jonathan’s insights will challenge you to lead with intentionality and conviction—for a purpose.

In this heartfelt and humorous episode, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman shares a message of deep encouragement and challenge from our 2019 REFRESH conference. With his signature storytelling style, Kyle reminds us of the sacred weight of leadership, the beauty of serving alongside our spouses, and the transformative power of metaphor in scripture.From unforgettable baptism stories—including a military man who asked to be held underwater for 3 minutes, to a woman who required a full-on sweep the leg moment—Kyle weaves laughter and meaning into moments that illustrate the depth of God’s work in people’s lives.But the heart of this message centers on one phrase: “Kiss the Wave.” Inspired by the Spurgeon quote, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages,” Kyle unpacks how our trials can become sacred reminders that draw us closer to Jesus. He shares how metaphor is a powerful tool throughout scripture—how God reveals Himself as a Father, a Rock, a Shelter—and how those metaphors speak to every moment of our faith journey.Whether you’re a leader weathering hard seasons or simply in need of a fresh perspective on God’s presence in the waves of life, this message will leave you both smiling and strengthened.

In this special archived episode, we take you back to our 2019 REFRESH event, where Solomon Foundation CEO Doug Crozier shared the heart, mission, and momentum behind the organization. This is more than a financial update—it’s a front-row seat to the why behind what we do.Doug unpacks how TSF has helped 240 churches grow from 65,000 to over 130,000 in weekly attendance, with more than 18,500 baptisms along the way. You’ll hear stories of real churches being encouraged, resourced, and connected—not just with funding, but with community.Doug casts vision for how TSF does ministry through relationships, not transactions. From strategic facility planning and construction support, to loan funding and media resources like Christian Standard and The Lookout, TSF exists to come alongside churches so they can thrive.You’ll also hear the financial side of the mission—how every deposit plays a direct role in fueling church growth. With a goal to raise $160 million in deposits that year, Doug shares how the foundation’s transparent, audited structure allows everyday people to invest in Kingdom impact.If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at The Solomon Foundation, this episode captures it beautifully—straight from the man who’s led it since day one.