The LeadingSmart Podcast

Welcome back to episode 23 of The LeadingSmart Podcast! Silos are one of the most common — and most damaging — forces quietly undermining healthy church organizations. But how do you know when you have them, and what do you do about them? In this episode, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate tackle the silo problem head-on, with Tim sharing five specific ways silos hurt organizations and Holly bringing the heat on why she feels so passionately about this topic.From territorial mindsets that replace mission with ownership, to broken trust between teams, to volunteers who burn out because nobody's communicating — Tim and Holly give church leaders practical language and tools to identify and dismantle the silos that could be quietly fracturing your culture.And then Tim drops a hot take: are there times when a silo can actually be healthy? Holly's skeptical — but you'll have to tune in to find out if he convinces her.In this episode:The 5 ways silos kill healthy organizations (including one specific to churches and volunteers)Why territorial language — "my ministry," "my volunteers" — is a warning sign worth paying attention toHow silos hide problems until they're expensive to fixTim's "hot take" on when siloing your team might actually be the right moveA practical Venn diagram exercise to help leaders identify what they can — and can't — controlWhen it's time to stop protecting a culture that isn't yours to fix📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome Back to Episode 22 of The LeadingSmart Podcast!Is your leadership team misaligned on staff performance? Are you holding on to people who are quietly killing your culture — or letting go of people who just need a better role? In this episode, Holly Tate and Tim walk you through one of the most powerful staff evaluation exercises they use in nearly every leadership gathering and consultation: The 4-Box Staff Framework.Using a simple 2x2 grid — with culture on one axis and performance on the other — you'll learn how to objectively assess every person on your team, have aligned conversations as a lead team, and know exactly what action to take for each person.In this episode, you'll learn:How to define "culture fit" even if your church hasn't established formal staff valuesHow to rate every staff member on a 1–4 scale for both culture and performanceThe 4 quadrants: Retain, Reposition, Remove, and Redeem — and what action each one requiresWhy your top performers will leave if you don't address your culture killersThe difference between a PIP and a coaching plan — and when to use eachHow to handle the "brilliant jerk": the person crushing their goals but destroying team cultureWhy this exercise is gold during a financial crunch or staff restructureWhether you lead a team of 5 or 50, this framework will bring clarity to conversations your lead team has been avoiding — and give you a shared language for making hard, loving, and necessary decisions about your people.As always, please email us any topics you would like us to cover!📺 Watch on YouTube at youtube.com/leadingsmart to see the actual framework graphic.📅 Upcoming Events discussed in today's episode:Large Church Gathering (10K+ attendance) — September https://www.leadingsmart.com/gatheringsOne-Day Experience in Houston — June  https://www.leadingsmart.com/houston-roundtableMonthly Virtual Executive Pastor Cohort — open enrollment (email [email protected] or [email protected] for a free trial)Graphic https://canva.link/4quadrantgraphic📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Is your church approaching a leadership transition? The type of pastor you need depends entirely on the season your church is in — and most boards get this wrong.In this episode of LeadingSmart, Holly Tate and Tim Stevens break down a powerful four-part framework for church succession planning that every board, search team, and executive pastor needs to hear before hiring their next senior leader.You'll learn:The 4 types of senior pastors churches need — and how to identify which one fits your church right nowWhy hiring a disruptor when you need healing (or vice versa) can devastate a congregationWhen to choose an internal vs. external candidate in your succession searchHow boards can get aligned before the hiring process to protect both the church and the incoming leaderReal-world examples from Willow Creek and other large churches navigating leadership transitionPlus — the team wraps with a fun question from James Clear's newsletter: "If every job paid the same, what would you do?" Whether you're 2 years or 10 years away from a succession, this episode gives you the language and clarity to plan well. Resources mentioned:Chicago Gathering for Executive Pastors (10K+ attendance): leadingsmart.comSuccession Webinar — 10 Things Every Church Needs to Know: leadingsmart.com📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome to episode 20! Is your church facing financial pressure? Wondering when — and how — to make the difficult decision to reduce your staff? In this episode of the LeadingSmart Podcast, hosts Tim and Holly Tate tackle one of the hardest leadership challenges in ministry: church layoffs and reductions in force (RIF).Whether you're navigating declining offering revenue, an over-staffed budget, or the aftermath of a campus closure, Tim and Holly bring decades of real-world church leadership experience to help you lead through this season with wisdom, clarity, and care.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between a layoff and a performance issue — and why getting this wrong damages trustThe key financial indicator every church leader should be tracking (staff compensation as a % of budget)Why you should act before your reserves are gone — so you can offer generous severanceA powerful org chart exercise to identify the right staffing structure objectivelyHow to communicate a layoff to your board, leadership team, and entire staff — and in what orderWhy shorter timelines are more humane than drawing out the processHow to rebuild team culture and morale after a reduction in forceThe unique emotional and spiritual dimension of church layoffs vs. corporate onesTim also shares hard-won lessons from leading through layoffs at Granger Community Church and Willow Creek, including how to benchmark severance by tenure and how to handle health insurance with care.If your church is facing this moment — or you want to be prepared before you ever have to — this episode is essential listening.🔗 Resources mentioned:Staff-to-budget ratio episode https://youtu.be/pLyNqvZksUU Leaders vs. Doers assessment — email [email protected] Pastor Gathering (10K+ attendance churches) — September in Chicago — https://www.leadingsmart.com/chicago26📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Is shared church leadership a growing trend — or just a passing experiment? In this episode of the Leading Smart podcast, Holly Tate and Tim Stevens dive into the rising movement of co-lead pastor models they're seeing across churches of all sizes.They unpack why this is happening now (generational shifts + leadership scandals), what these models actually look like in practice (2 pastors, 3 pastors, even 7!), and the key principles that determine whether shared leadership thrives or falls apart.In this episode:Why millennials and Gen Z leaders are gravitating toward co-leadershipReal examples: Village Church, New Spring, First Baptist OrlandoThe pros and cons of shared vs. single senior pastor modelsHow to define lanes, handle conflict, and protect trust over timeWhat happens when one co-leader exits — and why you need a plan NOWThe difference between agreement and alignment (and why it matters)Whether your church is exploring a co-lead model, already in one, or just curious about where church leadership is heading — this conversation is for you.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

What happens when it’s time for a senior pastor to step aside—and how can churches prepare before it becomes urgent?In this episode of the LeadingSmart Podcast (Season 3: Leading in Real Time), Tim Stevens and Holly Tate break down the four most common pastoral succession scenarios they see when working with churches across the country. Whether you're a founding pastor, board member, or church leader, this conversation will help you think proactively about leadership transitions and avoid common pitfalls.You’ll learn:The difference between a founding pastor vs. longtime pastor transitionWhat happens during board-initiated succession (and why it’s often challenging)Why proactive succession planning is critical—even 10 years in advanceThe two biggest factors that delay healthy transitions: identity and financesHow to prepare for succession before it becomes an emergencyIf succession is on your radar—or even if it’s not yet—this episode will give you a framework to start thinking strategically and faithfully about the future of your church.Resources mentioned:Download the Succession eBook: https://leadingsmart.comRegister for the upcoming Succession Webinar (April 28): https://leadingsmart.com/podcastBook a call with the Leading Smart team: https://leadingsmart.comListen to more episodes on church leadership, succession, and healthy growth:Subscribe for weekly insights from experienced church leaders navigating real-time challenges.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Leadership isn’t just about stepping back… but what if stepping back is actually hurting your team?In this episode of Leading Smart, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate unpack the real difference between empowering leadersand disengaged leaders—and why so many leaders get this wrong.From “swoop and poop” leadership to decision-making authority, this conversation will challenge how you think about delegation, trust, and what it actually means to empower your team.If you’ve ever:Felt like a bottleneck as a leaderWorked under a leader who disappears… then reappears and changes everythingWondered how to truly empower your team without losing controlThis episode is for you.What we hope you will take away:The difference between delegating vs. empoweringWhy clarity (not just trust) is the key to healthy teamsHow disengagement can quietly damage your organizationWhat “decision-making authority” really looks like in practiceHow to lead without becoming the bottleneckPerfect For:Senior leaders & executive pastorsSecond-chair leaders / integratorsGrowing teams navigating leadership tensionAnyone building (or rebuilding) a healthy leadership culture📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to episode 16! Tim and Holly reflect on a year of unexpected transitions, courageous leadership, and the lessons that often only come through real-time experience.As Holly approaches the one-year mark of relaunching The Ready Network, she shares a reflection called “12 Lessons in 12 Months.” What began as a simple exercise in reflection turned into a meaningful conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to move forward when the future isn’t fully clear.Together, Tim and Holly unpack several of the lessons that shaped the past year—from navigating uncertainty to leading with greater clarity and courage.In this conversation, they discuss:Why working with people you love and trust often matters more than the work itselfHow cultivating a mindset of gratitude can change how you lead through uncertaintyWhy doing things scared is often the fastest path to growthThe difference between managing time and managing energyHow leaders can get stuck in discernment loops and unintentionally stall momentumWhy clarity creates momentum for teams and organizationsHow the rise of AI may actually increase the need for human connectionPlus, Tim and Holly share a few of their favorite newsletters, introduce new members of the LeadingSmart team, and continue the ongoing conversation about what it looks like to lead in real time.If you're navigating change, building something new, or simply trying to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for the journey ahead.Resources mentioned in today's episode:Hollys book recommendation:https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Lion-Snowy-Day-Opportunity/dp/1601429290Subscribe to the ready network:  https://www.thereadynetwork.com/Hollys Favorite Newsletters: https://seths.blog/https://fs.blog/check-your-email/Tim's Favorite Newsletters: https://unbiasedjordan.substack.com/https://sherwood.news/subscribe/https://usafacts.org/📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to Episode 15! What happens when you stop telling church leaders what to talk about — and actually ask them? In this episode of The LeadingSmart Podcast, hosts Tim and Holly Tate recap three back-to-back gatherings held in Palm Springs and Clearwater, Florida, sharing the raw, unfiltered topics that rose to the top when executive pastors and lead pastors were given the mic.In this episode, you'll hear:How they used ChatGPT and AI tools to analyze open-ended survey responses — and what surprising topics surfaced that never appeared on a preset listWhy meeting structure and meeting culture became one of the hottest topics among church leaders in 2026How burnout and unsustainable pace showed up across both lead pastor and executive pastor groupsWhat an org chart exercise with 20+ church leaders revealed about structure, staffing, and what's actually workingWhy pastoral succession is quietly front-of-mind for 20–25% of executive pastors — even when no transition is announcedWhat made one attendee call this gathering "one of the best experiences in the last eight years"Whether you're a lead pastor, executive pastor, or church operations leader, this episode is a window into the conversations happening in rooms across the country — and a reminder that you're not navigating these challenges alone.Mentioned in this episode:LeadingSmart Gatherings (Palm Springs & Clearwater, FL)Upcoming Large Church Gathering (10,000+ attendance) — Registration opens next monthNext Winter Gatherings launching in JuneFree eBook: Simply Strategic — available at leadingsmart.com/resourcesSubscribe + get notified when June gathering dates go live → leadingsmart.com 📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Culture is either getting better or getting worse — there's no neutral. And yet so many churches wait until something breaks before they pay attention to it. So how do you build a staff culture that's truly healthy, deeply owned, and actually lasts beyond a leadership transition or a hard season?In this episode, Holly and Tim walk through the five practical steps LeadingSmart uses with churches of every size — from well-resourced megachurches to small church plants — to assess, define, and sustain a thriving team culture:See it — Before anything can change, you have to know where you actually are. Take an honest, structured assessment of your current culture — and don't make the mistake of surveying your team and never sharing the results.Say it — Define your values collaboratively, not top-down. This isn't a job for ChatGPT or a leadership offsite without the team. Real buy-in requires real weigh-in from the people who have to live it out every day.Saturate it — Say the values so often you think you might vomit — and then keep going. Culture doesn't stick from a one-time announcement. It has to show up in every meeting, every conversation, and every decision.Systematize it — Build the values into the regular rhythms of your organization. Monthly spotlights, staff newsletters, team meeting questions — if it's not in the system, it won't survive.Spotlight it — What gets recognized gets repeated. Celebrate the people who are living out your values, and make sure you're celebrating the value itself, not just the person.Tim also shares an unforgettable story from his time at Willow Creek — a typo on a stress cube that accidentally became the most powerful culture moment of the entire year, and a vivid reminder that how you handle the small moments says everything about who you really are as an organization.If you're a church leader who wants to stop reacting to culture and start intentionally shaping it, this episode will give you a clear framework and the inspiration to get started.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

What are the biggest legal risks churches are facing right now?In this episode of the Leading Smart Podcast, we sit down with church attorney Keith Richardson from Michael Best to unpack the top five legal issues impacting churches in 2026 — and what executive pastors, senior leaders, and boards must proactively address.Keith and his team work with over 400 churches nationwide, giving him a front-row seat to the real challenges pastors are navigating today.We cover:Child protection policies & abuse prevention – How to safeguard your church and properly respond to allegationsReligious freedom & First Amendment rights – What churches need to know about the right to worship and protestorsChurch leadership transitions – How to avoid messy senior pastor exits and public falloutChurch bylaws & board governance – Why outdated governing documents create personal liability for leadersAI in ministry – How artificial intelligence is reshaping church operations, sermon prep, and risk managementWhether you’re a lead pastor, executive pastor, board member, or church administrator, this episode will help you protect your church, steward your leadership well, and prepare for what’s ahead.If you’ve ever wondered:Do our child safety policies actually protect us?Could our board be personally liable?Are we legally prepared for a pastoral transition?Should we have an AI policy for our staff?What are our constitutional rights as a church?This conversation is essential listening.🎧 Subscribe for practical leadership insights, church governance strategy, and real-time guidance for leading in today’s changing legal and cultural landscape.Get in touch with Keith Richardson at MichaelBest https://www.michaelbest.com/people/keith-richardson/ Email: [email protected]📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Are you navigating the transition from a founder-led church to a more sustainable governance model? In this episode, Tim and Holly break down the seven essential shifts every church board must make when moving from founder-led to governing board structures.Drawing from real client experiences and decades of church consulting, they explore:How founder boards differ from governing boards and why both serve important purposesThe shift from loyalty to the founder to loyalty to the missionMoving from operational involvement to strategic governanceImplementing formal evaluation processes and succession planningCreating covenant-driven unity that outlasts any single leaderWhether you're a founding pastor preparing for succession, a church board member, or a senior leader thinking about long-term sustainability, this episode offers practical insights for building governance structures that will serve your church for generations to come.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

How do you know if your church is overstaffed, understaffed, or positioned wisely for the future?In Episode 11 of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate unpack one of the most common leadership questions churches ask: What is a healthy staffing percentage—and how do we know if ours is sustainable?This episode walks through two critical metrics every lead pastor and leadership team should understand:Personnel costs as a percentage of the church operating budgetStaff-to-attendance ratios using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) calculationsRather than offering rigid rules, Tim and Holly provide practical guardrails leaders can use to evaluate staffing decisions in light of their church’s mission, strategy, and growth stage.You’ll learn how to calculate fully loaded staffing costs, account for part-time and contract staff, and recognize warning signs that staffing growth may be outpacing attendance or giving. The conversation also explores how staffing structures impact team morale, volunteer engagement, and long-term ministry effectiveness.If you’re a lead pastor, executive pastor, or church leader responsible for stewardship, staffing, or culture, this episode will help you lead with greater clarity, wisdom, and confidence.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome Back to Episode 10 of The LeadingSmart Podcast! Struggling to figure out when your church needs an executive pastor? You're not alone. In this episode of Leading Smart, hosts Holly Tate and Tim Stevens tackle one of the most common questions church leaders ask: when is it time to hire an XP, and what should that role actually look like?Here's the challenge most churches face—the executive pastor role can mean wildly different things depending on your context. Some churches need a big E, little p (executive/pastor) who excels at operations, systems, and administration. Others need a little e, big P (executive/PASTOR) who brings strong ministry leadership, preaches regularly, and shepherds the team. And larger churches might need both through separate roles like Executive Pastor of Operations and Executive Pastor of Ministries.In this practical conversation, Holly and Tim break down the key factors that determine when you need an XP. Spoiler alert: it's probably sooner than you think, but it also depends heavily on the wiring of your lead pastor and existing team. They explore how churches are creatively solving operational challenges through outsourcing in areas like finance, HR, IT, and legal support—freeing up staff to focus on high-impact ministry rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.You'll also discover a free self-assessment tool from Leading Smart that helps you identify whether you need someone who leans more executive or more pastoral. Whether you're a church of 150 or 1,500, this episode will help you think strategically about your staffing structure and avoid the trap of hiring someone just because "that's what churches do."Key topics covered in this episode:• When to hire an executive pastor (hint: probably sooner than you think)• The difference between an "Executive" pastor and an "executive Pastor"• How to use the free self-assessment tool to identify what kind of XP you need• Smart outsourcing strategies for finance, HR, IT, and legal support• The 25-50-100 dollar exercise for auditing your workload and prioritizing high-impact activities• Return on energy versus cost savings when making staffing decisions• How fractional services can free up your team to focus on ministry📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to episode 9! Are you drowning in administrative tasks? Struggling to focus on what only you can do as a church leader? You might need the right support role—but do you need an Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, or Chief of Staff?In this episode of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate break down the critical differences between these three essential support roles and help you determine which one (or combination) is right for your church or organization.Understanding the Three Roles:Administrative assistants are reactive—they handle the day-to-day tasks like booking hotels, managing receipts, and scheduling meetings. Executive assistants are proactive—they represent you to your staff, discern what truly needs your attention, and keep everything else off your plate. The Chief of Staff role is rising in popularity, especially in large and complex church organizations, serving as an integrator of people development, strategic initiatives, and organizational health.Tim shares insights from 30+ years of leadership, including his early inspiration from Leo McGarry on The West Wing, while Holly breaks down her hot take on how AI and automation will reshape these roles in the coming decade. They discuss why the right executive assistant takes 2-4 years to develop that perfect working relationship and how complementary Working Genius profiles (like Holly's DG pairing with Anna's ET) create powerful partnerships that energize rather than drain.When Do You Need Each Role?You don't need a mega church budget to benefit from these positions. Tim and Holly explain how churches with just 8-20 staff members can implement these roles part-time or as "hats" worn by existing team members. They share real examples of churches using volunteers in executive assistant capacities and creating new positions like "Director of Strategic Initiatives and Growth" to increase everyone's capacity.This episode is perfect for senior pastors and lead pastors feeling overwhelmed, executive pastors building support structures, church leaders in multi-site or complex organizations, and anyone wondering if they need an executive assistant or evaluating their organizational structure.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

What if the way we start this year could reshape how we lead, relate, and respond to the people around us?In the first episode of 2026, Holly Tate sits down with Tim to unpack one simple—but deeply challenging—leadership principle: believe the best. In a season marked by polarization, cynicism, and quick assumptions, they explore why choosing curiosity over judgment isn’t just a personal virtue, but a cultural necessity for healthy teams and organizations.Drawing from real leadership moments, personal failures, and organizational experience, Tim explains why “believing the best” was the single lesson he would keep from his 40 Lessons in 40 Years—and why it continues to shape how he leads today. Together, they wrestle with the tension leaders feel between extending trust and protecting their organizations, discuss how assumptions quietly erode culture, and offer practical ways to interrupt cynicism before it takes root.You’ll hear:Why most leaders naturally assume the worst (and how it shows up in everyday decisions)How curiosity can defuse conflict and build trustWhat it looks like to “trust but verify” without becoming cynicalPractical ways to create a culture that believes the best—without being naiveHow to recover when believing the best actually does lead to disappointmentWhether you’re leading a team, an organization, or simply trying to lead yourself better in the new year, this conversation sets the tone for Season 3 and invites you to lead with clarity, compassion, and intention.Let’s start 2026 by choosing to believe the best—and leading smarter because of it.Join us on a trip to Israel https://www.leadingsmart.com/israel📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on the five biggest leadership lessons we learned in 2025—lessons shaped by real conversations with church leaders, boards, and executive teams across the country.In this season finale of LeadingSmart, Tim and Holly unpack what 2025 revealed about:Why many churches outgrow their board structure without realizing itHow men and women can lead together in healthy, effective waysWhy poor meeting discipline quietly damages staff cultureWhat senior pastors need to clarify before and after leadership transitionsAnd why consistency is harder—and more important—than most leaders expectThis is an honest, practical conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and what church leaders should pay attention to as they head into 2026.Whether you’re a senior pastor, executive pastor, board member, or ministry leader, this episode will help you reflect on the past year and move forward with greater clarity and intention. 📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome Back to The LeadingSmart Podcast! In this episode, Tim and Holly take you inside a real-time strategic planning process with one of their client churches. They break down what a strategic plan actually is, what it isn’t, and why so many organizations get stuck by overcomplicating the process.Drawing from decades of experience, they explain why long-term three- to five-year plans are becoming less effective, how to build a roadmap your team can align around, and why collaboration and early “weigh-in” create lasting buy-in.You’ll hear how they gathered input from staff, key leaders, and the congregation, how they filtered ideas down to what deserves disproportionate focus, and the exact steps they use to help churches form a plan that reflects who they are and where God is leading them next.Whether your team feels overwhelmed by too many initiatives, unclear about direction, or stuck after finishing a major milestone, this episode offers a practical and honest framework for building a strategic plan that actually works.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Episode 5: Executive Team Meetings That Actually Work | Leading Smart PodcastWelcome back to Season 3 of the LeadingSmart podcast—leading in real time, where ideas spark mid-week, inspiration hits on Zoom calls, and yes… sometimes Tim is literally recording from a hotel room overlooking LAX.In this episode, Holly and Tim dive deep into one of the most misunderstood, overcomplicated, and under-disciplined parts of church leadership: executive team meetings.Turns out, even the big churches feel unsure about cadence, structure, and how to stop talking in circles. So we break it all down—tactically, honestly, and with plenty of laughs.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• The ideal cadence for an executive meeting (and why weekly works best)• How long these meetings should really be• Agenda frameworks that reduce confusion and clarify who decides what• How to use goals, dashboards, and priorities without overengineering them• The collaborative tools every team should be using• The “end-of-meeting discipline” that prevents miscommunication• Why offsites are an investment, not an indulgence• And a “Hot Takes on the Holidays” segment you didn’t know you neededIf you’ve ever sat in a meeting wondering, “Didn’t we already decide this?” or “Why are we talking about this again?” — this episode is for you.Helpful LinksHave a question or episode topic? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Tim and Holly dive into one of their favorite tools for helping leadership teams work better together: the Working Genius assessment from Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group.Here's the thing most leaders miss: your team isn't lacking intelligence, resources, or talent. The problem is you're not working together well. That's where Working Genius comes in. Unlike personality assessments like Myers-Briggs or Enneagram that help you understand yourself, Working Genius shows you how to actually get work done as a team.In this episode, Tim and Holly break down the six stages every project goes through - Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity (W-I-D-G-E-T). They explain why some people love brainstorming sessions while others want to scream "just make a decision already," and how understanding these differences keeps your meetings from dragging on forever with the wrong people in the room.You'll learn about the critical "decision line" that most executive teams blow right past (causing confusion for everyone else), why sitting in endless discernment loops kills momentum, and how to stop wasting time in meetings that drain your energy instead of filling your tank.This episode is for executive pastors, lead pastors, and leadership teams who are tired of butting heads, frustrated by inefficient meetings, or wondering why great ideas never seem to make it across the finish line. If you've ever thought "we have plenty of smart people - why can't we get this done?" this conversation will help you figure out what's actually holding your team back.Find out what your working genius is here:https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Church giving not growing like it used to? You're not alone. In the 3rd episode of the LeadingSmart podcast, hosts Holly Tate and Tim Stevens sit down with generosity consultant David Whiting to unpack a 6 steps revolutionary framework for understanding and growing church generosity.David, a dear friend of Tim's for over 50 years and consultant with Generosity OS, reveals his six-level framework for church giving that's helping churches across the country break through plateaus and build sustainable cultures of generosity.What You'll Learn:The 6 Levels of Church Giving:Level 1: Duty-Based GivingLevel 2: Worship-Based GivingLevel 3: Needs-Based GivingLevel 4: Mission-Based GivingLevel 5: Disciple-Based GivingLevel 6: Legacy/Kingdom-Based GivingPlus: -  How to diagnose where your church is strong (and weak) in generosity -  Why most churches struggle with the 2-minute offering moment (and how to fix it) -  How to create a 52-week giving calendar that keeps your messaging fresh -  The difference between transactional and transformational generosity -  Why younger generations give differently than older generations - How one church increased giving by 27% in one year - The biggest mistakes pastors make during offering talksPerfect For:Lead Pastors seeking to grow church givingExecutive Pastors managing church financesStewardship committee membersChurch leaders planning capital campaignsAnyone interested in biblical generosity and discipleshipDavid Whiting is a church consultant specializing in generosity with Generosity OS and Leading Smart. With decades of experience as a lead pastor and consultant, David has helped hundreds of churches transform their culture of giving from transactional duty to transformational discipleship.Connect with David Whiting: [email protected] | [email protected] Learn more about Generosity OS: generosityos.com#ChurchLeadership #ChurchGiving #Generosity #PastoralMinistry #ChurchGrowth #Stewardship #LeadingSmart📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Gen Z Church Attendance & Young Adult Ministry: The Great Return to Church | Leading Smart Podcast S3E2Discover why Gen Z and millennials are now the most regular churchgoers, outpacing older generations for the first time in decades. In this episode of the Leading Smart podcast, hosts Tim Stevens and Holly Tate explore groundbreaking Barna research on church attendance trends, young adult ministry, and Generation Z spiritual formation.Read more in this article: https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/Topics Covered:Gen Z church attendance statistics and millennial churchgoers data (2025 Barna research)Church growth strategies for reaching young adults and Gen ZDiscipleship pathways for younger generationsChurch giving trends and generosity challenges with new attendeesPost-COVID church attendance patterns and why older generations haven't returnedYoung adult ministry best practices and spiritual formation strategiesChurch leadership challenges in ministering to Gen Z and millennialsRethinking Sunday service planning when attendees come 1.9 times per monthBuilding community and relational connections with younger churchgoersGeneration Distinct interview: young leaders responding to spiritual curiosityThis episode is perfect for, church leaders, pastors, ministry leaders, church staff, worship leaders, executive pastors, and anyone interested in church growth, Gen Z ministry, young adult outreach, discipleship strategies, and contemporary church leadership trends.Learn practical strategies for spiritual formation, volunteer engagement, and creating meaningful touchpoints with the next generation of churchgoers. Generation Distinct: https://www.generationdistinct.com/📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome to Season 3 of The LeadingSmart Podcast!Join co-hosts Holly Tate and Tim Stevens as they tackle the real, unfiltered challenges facing church leaders today in real-time. With decades of combined experience consulting with churches across the country, Holly and Tim bring honest conversations about what's actually happening in ministry leadership right now.Season 3 dives into the hot-button issues you're thinking about but might not be discussing openly—starting with women in leadership, team dynamics, and the evolving landscape of church culture. Whether you lead in a complementarian or egalitarian context, you'll find practical wisdom, research-backed insights, and actionable strategies to help your church thrive.This isn't about changing your theology—it's about improving your leadership. Each episode features:Real-world examples from churches making it workResearch and data on current ministry trendsPractical takeaways you can implement immediatelyHonest discussions about the challenges (and solutions) no one else is talking aboutHolly and Tim don't shy away from complexity. They lean into it, offering nuanced perspectives that respect diverse theological positions while pushing every leader to do better for their teams and congregations.Perfect for: Lead pastors, executive pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone invested in building healthier church teams.New episodes release weekly. 📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Officially launching Season 3, October 28! This season is all about leading in real-time.Tim Stevens and Holly Tate tackle the biggest leadership challenges facing executives and managers today bringing you timely leadership insights as events unfold. This season focuses on real-time leadership strategies, practical management tips, and proven frameworks for navigating rapid organizational change.What You'll Learn This Season:✅ How to run effective executive team meetings and leadership summits✅ Mastering crucial conversations and difficult workplace discussions✅ Leading through uncertainty and organizational change management✅ Real-time decision making when there's no playbook✅ Current leadership trends and business strategy insights from North America🎉 BONUS: The Simply Strategic Show 20th Anniversary EditionWe're partnering with The Unstuck Group to re-release all 37 episodes of the original podcast Tony Morgan and I launched two decades ago—now available for the first time in years!📌 Subscribe now to get notified when Season 3 drops next week!00:00 Welcome to Season Three of the Leading Smart Podcast!00:35 Reflecting on Past Seasons and Production Challenges02:01 What to Expect in Season Three03:30 Special Announcement: Simply Strategic Show Re-release03:56 Honoring Tony Morgan and the Simply Strategic Show05:03 Conclusion and How to Access Resources📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

After 40 years in full-time ministry, what keeps someone from becoming bitter, burned out, or cynical? In this final episode of Season 2, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate dive deep into guarding your heart in ministry and maintaining faith for the long haul. Most ministry leaders either give up, burn out, or become resentful within their first decade of service. So how do you make it 40 years while still loving Jesus, loving people, and staying passionate about the mission? Tim shares hard-won wisdom from four decades of church leadership, including his time at Granger Community Church, Vanderbloemen Search Group, and Willow Creek Community Church. In this honest conversation, they explore the hidden dangers that erode a leader's heart over time - from the insidious nature of comparison at pastors' conferences to the personal pain of watching staff members leave. They tackle the unhealthy codependency many leaders develop with their churches, the controlling posture that damages teams, and why your identity must be separate from your ministry role. But this isn't just about what can go wrong - Tim provides actionable strategies for staying healthy in ministry for the long haul. Learn how to structure your days, weeks, months, and years for sustainable ministry; why taking a nap might be the most spiritual thing you do today; and how to maintain an open-handed, kingdom-minded approach when people inevitably leave your team. Whether you're a lead pastor, worship leader, student pastor, executive pastor, or anywhere on the church staff, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you finish well. Success in the long game isn't about being paid full-time in ministry for 40 years - it's about keeping your faith intact and your heart soft toward God and people, no matter where your career takes you.🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED:- Warning signs of ministry burnout (bitterness, cynicism, being guarded)- The danger of comparison in church leadership- Why people leave churches - and how to handle it with grace- Separating your identity from your ministry role- Practical rhythms for rest: daily, weekly, monthly, and annual strategies- What "success" in the long game really means"Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Rest isn't weakness. You are not the savior. He already came."This episode is perfect for church leaders, pastors, ministry staff, and anyone serving in vocational ministry who wants to stay healthy for the long haul.#MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #PastorBurnout #ChurchStaff #LeadershipPodcast #FaithAndWork📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to Episode 11. This episode isn’t just another ministry story — it’s an honest, emotional reflection on leadership, growth, burnout, community, and soul health after decades in ministry.The Lead Team during the high-growth years at Granger Community Church reflect on the exhilaration of that season — and the parts that were sometimes soul-crushing. Together, they share candid lessons about what it meant to lead through rapid growth, the loneliness of leadership, the cost of success, and the importance of relationships and self-awareness.The major themes running through the conversation include:🔹 The cost of unchecked growth and success🔹 The danger of isolation in leadership🔹 Why soul care and self-awareness matter more than performance🔹 Learning from failure and decline after years of winning🔹 The importance of not leading aloneWhether you’re a pastor, a ministry leader, or someone passionate about leading with integrity, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to slow down, reflect, and care for your soul as much as your calling.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

In this episode of LeadingSmart, host Tim Stevens—with 40 years of leadership experience—continues sharing his 40 Lessons in 40 Years. Joined by cohost Holly Tate, Tim unpacks four powerful lessons that every leader needs to hear.From learning how to “take your fun with you” in ministry, to remembering that your best ideas won’t come from behind a desk, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouraging stories. Tim and Holly also discuss the importance of staying curious as a leader, choosing joy, and always believing the best about others.Whether you’re leading a church, a nonprofit, or a team in the workplace, these insights will help you lead with wisdom, humility, and joy.👉 Download the full 40 Lessons in 40 Years ebook at LeadingSmart.comWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why joy is a choice and how to “take your fun with you” into ministry and leadershipWhy the best ideas come when you leave your desk and get close to the people you serveHow curiosity keeps leaders humble and growing over timeThe discipline of believing the best about others, even when it’s not easy📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

What happens when church boards don’t adapt as the church grows? Frustration, stalled momentum, and pastors ready to walk away.In this episode, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate talk about one of the most overlooked but critical topics in church leadership: board governance. Based on Tim’s 40 Lessons in 40 Years, they break down seven shifts every board needs to consider—from moving beyond doing the work themselves to actually overseeing it, to shifting from protecting relationships to protecting the mission.This isn’t just theory. Tim shares real stories from churches he’s worked with, the common mistakes he sees, and how healthy governance gives both pastors and boards clarity.This episode covers:Why governance is culture, not just paperworkSeven practical shifts boards face as the church growsHow the right setup protects both pastors and the mission📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

What causes great leaders to fade—and how can you avoid it? In this episode of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens unpacks 40 Lessons in 40 Years of ministry and leadership, focusing on why leaders lose influence and how to stay strong by investing in the next generation.7 practical ways to invest in younger leaders:Give them a voice at the tableGive them room to try (and fail)Speak words of belief into themLend them your credibilityInvest in their developmentMentor them intentionallyLearn from themFrom passing the mic to mentoring with purpose, this episode is packed with real stories and wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about leadership development.Our Episode HighlightsWhy clinging to past achievements can make leaders fadeHow to pour into younger leaders while learning from themPractical steps to ensure your leadership legacy outlasts youFun segment: Unpopular Opinions (Southwest Airlines, avocados, and more!)👥 Whether you’re a senior pastor, executive leader, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about legacy, influence, and the future of the church.00:00 Investing in the Next Generation00:09 Introduction to Episode Eight00:34 Why Leaders Fade and How to Avoid It01:23 The Importance of Giving Young Leaders a Voice02:12 Embracing New Kinds of Success04:30 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership06:30 Practical Steps to Invest in Young Leaders09:49 Lending Credibility to Open Doors14:15 Generation Distinct and Mentoring Young Leaders15:00 Coaching Young Pastors15:33 Learning from Young Leaders16:11 Curiosity and Technology18:11 Unpopular Opinions: Introduction18:38 Unpopular Opinions: Travel and Habits20:54 Unpopular Opinions: Food and Drinks23:38 Conclusion and Partner Highlight📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome to The LeadingSmart Podcast Episode 7: Why Systems Can Be the Most Pastoral Part of LeadershipMost leaders think of systems as boring—but what if they’re actually one of the most pastoral things you can create? In this episode, Tim and Holly unpack why church systems, staffing strategies, and budgeting processes aren’t just logistics—they’re acts of leadership care.Drawing from 40 years of experience as an executive pastor, Tim shares practical lessons on hiring, mission and vision clarity, and how to know what to say “no” to. You’ll also hear how frameworks like Rocket Fuel help visionary and integrator leaders thrive, plus a fun “Stevens or Maxwell” challenge that puts leadership quotes to the test.👉 By the end of this conversation, you’ll see how the right organizational systems create freedom, focus, and healthier teams.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

This episode of The LeadingSmart Podcast is one of my favorites yet—because I get to sit down with all four of my kids.We talk about the good, the bad, and the funny moments of growing up in a pastor’s home—from staff parties in the backyard to the challenges of living life in the spotlight. You’ll hear their honest reflections on faith, family, and what it was like to be raised in ministry.Whether you’re raising kids while leading in the church, or you’re just curious about what happens behind the scenes in a pastor’s family, I think you’ll find this conversation both encouraging and real.Episode Highlights:* Growing up in a ministry home: the good, bad, and funny* Lessons about family, freedom, and faith* Why family should never come second to ministry* Honest reflections from kids who lived itIf this episode encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend!#LeadingSmart #TimStevens #PastorsKids #leadershippodcast 📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Join Tim Stevens, founder of LeadingSmart, and Holly Tate in this powerful episode about navigating the toughest seasons of leadership. If you've ever felt stuck in middle management, wondered how to gain influence without authority, or questioned whether your leadership efforts are making a difference - this episode is for you. Tim's raw honesty about leadership failures and the long journey of rebuilding will encourage any leader in a difficult season.What You'll Learn:How to lead authentically during organizational crisesWhy influence grows by what you do, not what you're calledThe importance of "leading where you are" before you have a seat at the tablePractical strategies for young leaders to build influenceHow to find the genius in the room and empower your teamKey Highlights:Tim shares vulnerable stories from his 40+ years in ministry leadership, including:Handling moral failures on senior teamsLeading through Willow Creek's difficult rebuilding seasonThe power of serving at any level to build influenceWhy great leaders ask questions instead of having all the answers🎯 2026 LeadingSmart Gatherings Now Open!NEW: Senior Pastor Gathering - Palm Springs (Limited to 40 pastors) Featuring Dave Dummitt (former Willow Creek) and David WhitingExecutive Pastor Gatherings:Palm Springs, CaliforniaClearwater Beach, Florida (NEW location with sunset yacht dinner!)These intimate gatherings sell out quickly - secure your spot today!Coming Next Week:Tim interviews all four of his adult children about growing up as pastor's kids - a rare, honest conversation about ministry family life.#Leadership #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #ExecutivePastor #SeniorPastor📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to Episode 4 on The LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens (founder of LeadingSmart) and Holly Tate dive deep into what might be the most crucial leadership responsibility: building the right team. After 40+ years in ministry leadership and consulting on thousands of teams, Tim reveals why getting this wrong costs organizations massive time, energy, and mission impact.The Harsh Reality: One wrong hire can consume 80% of your leadership energy, stealing focus from your highest-capacity team members who could actually advance your mission.The Game-Changing Tip: Tim shares why "clarity is kindness" and how the church's "terminal disease of niceness" is actually cruel to both struggling employees and thriving team members.The Leadership Breakthrough: Learn the difference between "nice" and "kind" in difficult conversations - and why this distinction could save your organization.Key Revelations from 40 Years:• Why calling your staff a "family" sets you up for failure (and what to say instead) • The "quick hellos, long goodbyes" principle that transforms team dynamics• How Tim learned to spot talent vs. trying to motivate the unmotivated • Why celebration isn't "fluffy" - it's a strategic leadership tool that increases retention and performance • The Notre Dame football example that proves culture beats talentCritical Leadership Lessons:"Influence grows by what you do, not what you're called" "Culture eats strategy for breakfast - if your staff culture is toxic, no vision will stick" "You can't terminate your sister, but sometimes you have to remove a team member for the mission" BONUS: Epic Two Truths & A Lie - Ministry Edition!You won't believe which of these is true: Tim narrated the Kids Adventure Bible audiobook, Holly played ET in a church play, or Tim sang high tenor in a Southern gospel quartet!🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights every Tuesday!00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges00:37 The Importance of Hiring and Team Building03:16 Balancing Grace and Clarity in Tough Conversations07:57 Celebration as a Leadership Tool13:16 Understanding and Building a Positive Culture16:39 The Power of Culture in Overcoming Challenges17:27 The Role of Chemistry in Team Dynamics18:56 Balancing Chemistry and Culture in Organizations20:36 Reflecting on Leadership and Team Building21:08 Fun Segment: Two Truths and a Lie27:00 Highlighting Vander Bloomin's Contributions28:30 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to Episode 2 of The LeadingSmart Podcast! Tim's wife, Faith shares the raw reality of 35 years of marriage while serving in ministry. From their first meeting at Bible camp to navigating four major life transitions, they reveal the struggles and victories that shaped their relationship. Key Topics Covered: • How they met and the "knight in shining armor" rejection story • Why their move to Granger Community Church was their hardest transition • The brutal reality of Faith's identity crisis during their Texas years • Managing introvert/extrovert dynamics in marriage and ministry • Parenting 4 kids in the pastor's home (ages 24-32) • Communication strategies for major life decisions • Protecting your family from ministry pressures Golden Nuggets: ✓ "Say yes as often as you can" - their #1 parenting principle ✓ Why you should never talk about your kids in sermons after age 5 ✓ How to make unified decisions when personalities clash ✓ The importance of finding your identity outside your spouse's ministry role Honest Moments:Faith's 2-year struggle with belonging in TexasThe "two of us against the world" feeling during denominational changesWhy Tim reaches out for social plans now (spoiler: it's about energy management)The most spontaneous thing they've done in 35 yearsPerfect for: • Ministry couples navigating transitions • Anyone struggling with major life changes • Parents balancing family and calling • Couples working through personality differences • Leaders considering ministry moves Bonus: Watch them play the "Still Newlyweds" game at the end!Time Stamps00:00 Facing Opposition: A New Ministry Path00:29 Welcome to the Leading Smart Podcast00:40 Meet Faith Stevens: The Better Half01:02 35 Years of Marriage: A Journey Together01:34 How Tim and Faith Met: A Love Story02:59 Early Years: From Friendship to Marriage05:09 Navigating Life's Challenges Together12:26 Significant Moves and Ministry Transitions13:19 The Hardest Move: Leaving Life Action15:55 Adjusting to Texas: The Toughest Years22:04 Moving Back to Chicago: A New Chapter25:27 Communication and Unity in Marriage30:25 Navigating Emotional Conversations31:29 Balancing Introverted and Extroverted Personalities37:44 Parenting While Pastoring45:23 Challenges and Rewards in Ministry56:55 The Newlywed Game#MarriageInMinistry #MinistryLife #LeadershipPodcast #ChurchLeadership #MarriageAdvice #PastorsWife #MinistryTransitions #Chris📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to The LeadingSmart Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of ministry leadership: longevity and playing the long game.After 40 years in ministry (with 20 of those at one church!), Tim shares hard-won wisdom about what it really means to build for lasting impact rather than burning out trying to "win the quarter."What This Episode Covers✅ The beautiful benefits of long-term ministry relationships✅ How to recognize when longevity becomes unhealthy codependency✅ Tim's honest story about the "detox" process after leaving a 20-year ministry role✅ Practical wisdom on building sustainable rhythms that won't flame you out✅ Why thinking "long game" is essential for lasting kingdom impactPLUS - We're launching a new segment: "Hard to Believe Church Memories" where Tim and Holly share some pretty wild stories from their church kid days. Let's just say... half-wolf attacks and Tammy Wynette's house are involved. 😅Whether you're in your first year of ministry or your fortieth, this conversation will help you think differently about sustainability, identity, and building the kind of impact that lasts decades.Next Episode: Holly interviews Tim AND his amazing wife Faith Stevens. You won't want to miss it!Got your own crazy church memories? Email us at [email protected] - we'd love to hear them!Resources Mentioned:🤝 Learn more about our partners at Generosity OS https://www.leadingsmart.com/partners#LeadershipPodcast #ChurchLeadership #MinistryLife #LongGame #LeadingSmart #PodcastLife #ChurchMemories #MinistryBurnout #Leadership📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome to Season 2 of LeadingSmart! In this special premiere episode, we're switching gears from pastoral succession to something deeply personal - Tim Stevens shares his 40-year ministry journey and the lessons he wishes he'd known starting out.What this episiode will cover:✅ Tim's unconventional path from 18-year-old gap year to ministry leader✅ 9 years with Life Action Ministries (including how he met his wife!)✅ 20 transformative years at Granger Community Church✅ Building teams at Vanderbloemen Search Group✅ The unexpected call to Willow Creek during COVID✅ Launching Leading Smart full-time5 Key Lessons from This Episode:1. Everything builds toward the next (even when you can't see it)2. Knowing when it's the right time to move3. Understanding "push vs. pull" in career transitions4. Recognizing the difference between a "calling" and the "next right move"5. Never burn bridges when you leave🔥 Tim's Passionate Reminder: "You don't have to say everything in order to be telling the truth."This season features 10-12 episodes condensing 40 lessons, plus special interviews with Tim's wife Faith, his adult children, and the "Granger OGs."Next Episode: "The Long Game" - Why longevity matters in ministry leadership#theleadingsmartpodcast #leadershipodcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #leadership #40years #lifelessons #lessonslearned #lessonslearnedinlife📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

In the final episode of Season 1, Holly and Tim wrap up the series on pastoral succession by tackling a topic that’s often overlooked—but critical: staffing and structure in a new season of leadership.Whether you're an executive pastor, board member, or senior leader, this episode will help you think clearly and strategically about what your team should look like after a new senior pastor steps in. From aligning your structure with the new leader’s strengths to preserving a healthy culture and avoiding silent staff turnover, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on.You’ll learn:Why the team that worked for your last pastor may not work for the next oneHow to build your org chart from a blank slate—before slotting in namesWhat healthy staff transitions look like—and when to expect natural turnoverA simple four-box framework for evaluating your team’s fit and performanceHow to ensure your staff feels clear, aligned, and equipped to thriveIf you care about setting your church—and your new senior leader—up for long-term success, don’t miss this conversation.Stay tuned for season 2, coming July 29th! #pastoralsuccession #churchleadership #staffingandstructure #orghealth #healthyteams #leadingsmart #churchconsulting #hollyandtim #teamculture #churchstaff📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Join hosts Tim and Holly on the LeadingSmart podcast as they dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of pastoral succession: creating the perfect senior pastor profile. In this essential episode, discover why having a written profile is non-negotiable for successful church leadership transitions.Key Topics Covered: • Why every church needs a detailed senior pastor profile before starting their search • The four primary leadership styles: Preacher, Leader, Shepherd, and Systems Administrator• How to determine non-negotiables vs. nice-to-haves in your pastoral search • Common mistakes churches make when building profiles (including bending profiles to fit preferred candidates) • Navigating internal candidates and managing church relationships during succession • Using tools like Working Genius to understand leadership differencesPerfect for: Church boards, search committees, transition teams, denominational leaders, and anyone involved in pastoral succession planning. Whether you're facing an upcoming retirement, church plant, or leadership transition, this episode provides actionable insights from experienced church consultants.Tim and Holly share real-world examples from their years at Vanderbloemen and their consulting work, including a powerful case study of a church with three internal candidates and how a clear profile helped make the difficult decision.Don't miss our season finale next week - Episode 10 on staffing and structure after succession!Season 2 of Leading Smart launches July 29th with fresh insights on church leadership and pastoral transitions.#PastoralSuccession #ChurchLeadership #SeniorPastor #ChurchTransition #LeadershipSearch #PastoralSearch #ChurchConsulting #LeadershipDevelopment📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Who Should Be On Your Transition Team and What Do They Actually Do?In this episode of LeadingSmart, hosts Tim and Holly discuss one of the most critical components of pastoral succession - the transition team. If you're a church leader wondering how to navigate this important process, this episode is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss!What You'll Learn:- Why "transition team" is better than "search committee" - The ideal size and makeup of your transition team (spoiler: it's not your entire board!) - Essential qualities to look for in team members - Red flags: Who should absolutely NOT be on your transition team - The 8 key responsibilities of an effective transition team - How to avoid "scope creep" and keep your team focused - Practical tips for internal vs. external candidate transitionsKey Takeaways:Aim for 6-8 people with a mix of board members and congregation membersLook for macro-level thinkers, not people with personal agendasPrioritize wisdom, prayer, and discernment over representationDefine roles clearly to prevent the team from trying to "run the church"Plan for celebration, communication, and handoff processesResources Mentioned:"The Pastoral Search Committee Handbook" by William VanderbloemenLeadingSmart is your go-to resource for pastoral succession planning. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming transition or just want to be proactive, Tim and Holly provide expert guidance based on real-world experience.Next Episode Preview: Episode 9 will cover building the ideal senior pastor profile for both internal and external candidates.Need Help With Your Transition? The Leading Smart team offers coaching and advisory services to guide churches through successful pastoral transitions.#PastoralSuccession #ChurchLeadership #TransitionTeam #PastoralSearch #ChurchManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #ChurchGrowth📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to LeadingSmart Podcast! This season, hosts Tim and Holly are diving deep into pastoral succession, and in Episode 7, they tackle one of the most critical aspects: communicating the transition effectively.What You'll Learn:✅ When to announce - the pastoral transition to your congregation  ✅ Cone of silence vs. going public - pros and cons of each approach  ✅ The four key audiences you need to consider in your communication plan  ✅ Common communication mistakes that erode trust and how to avoid them  ✅ How to frame succession as a WIN, not a loss✅ Real-world examples from churches that got it right (and wrong)Here are some key takeaways: "You can make the best decision ever, but if you don't communicate it well, you've lost the battle" - even the right decision can fail with poor communication.Church Example:Tim shares insights from Willow Creek's recent successful transition, where the announcement, gratitude, and vision casting all happened in just 30 minutes - allowing the church to continue "without missing a beat."Rant vs. Raves Segment:The hosts share their favorite brands including Shady Rays sunglasses, Vuori clothing, and more! LeadingSmart Partners Partners- **Reach the Lost** - Church SEO and online presence- **InTulse** - Phone systems and church communication- **TouchPoint** - Church management systemsNext Episode: The Transition Team - who's on it and why it matters📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to The LeadingSmart Podcast! Your hosts Tim and Holly tackle the topic that most people tend to avoid. Nobody wants to talk about church finances, but ignoring them during succession is a recipe for disaster.🔑 What Tim and Holly cover:The three critical financial areas that can make or break your successionWhy pastors stay too long (hint: it's often about money, not ministry)How to close the financial gap when your founding pastor isn't retirement-readyThe sticker shock of paying market rate for your new pastorCreative ways to fund that overlap season without breaking the bankGetting real data on what pastors actually make in your area💡 You'll want to listen if you're:A board member wondering how to help your pastor retire without going brokeA senior pastor worried you can't afford to leaveAnyone planning a succession and realizing you need two pastor salariesA church that hasn't done a compensation study in... ever🎉 Fun Segments: Tim and Holly's Southwest Airlines debate - they could NOT disagree more about cattle-run boarding vs. assigned seats!🤝 Special thanks to our partners at Generosity OS (helping churches with capital campaigns and donor development) and Thrivent (church lending that actually makes sense for churches).🎧 Next Episode: How to communicate your transition plan - because all this prep work means nothing if you can't get the message right!Subscribe for more episodes on healthy church leadership and succession planning!#pastoralsuccession #churchfinances #churchleadership #pastors #churchboards #succession #churchmoney #leadership #generosity #churchlending #thrivent #leadingsmartpodcast #generosityos 📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome back to The LeadingSmart Podcast!In this episode of LeadingSmart, hosts Tim Stevens and Holly Tate tackle one of the most critical questions in pastoral succession: Should you promote from within or look externally? When that promising teaching pastor or student ministry leader seems like the perfect fit, is it really an opportunity—or are you walking into a landmine?Tim and Holly break down the real challenges churches face when considering internal candidates for senior pastor roles. From the emotional complexity of the "American Idol" approach to succession, to the harsh reality that less than one in ten internal candidates who don't get the job actually stay at the church, this episode doesn't shy away from the tough truths.What You'll Learn:When promoting internally works (and when it absolutely doesn't)The critical landmines that can destroy both relationships and church healthWhy timing matters more than you think in succession planningHow to objectively evaluate someone you know personallyThe importance of having clear leadership development pathwaysKey Insights:If your church is growing and healthy, internal promotion can maintain momentumIf your church is plateaued or declining, you likely need fresh external perspectiveNever let the process drag on—make internal candidate decisions within 3-4 monthsAvoid stacking internal candidates against external searchesPlus, don't miss Tim's surprising rave about airplane travel and Holly's passionate rant about men not wearing wedding rings!Whether you're a senior pastor planning your succession, a board member navigating this process, or a ministry leader wondering about your own future, this episode provides the honest, practical guidance you need.Hosts: Tim Stevens and Holly Tate bring years of church consulting experience to help leaders navigate the complexities of pastoral transitions.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Tim and Holly get real about one of the messiest parts of church leadership: navigating succession with your board. They share stories from the trenches about what makes succession healthy (and what doesn't) and how to actually have those tough conversations.🔑 What Tim and Holly cover:Why trust has to come first (and what to do when it doesn't exist)Who really gets to make the succession call - and how to get on the same pageThe "goalpost problem" - why pastors keep changing their minds about timingHaving honest conversations without the whole board knowing (the "cone of silence")Should you find someone just like your current pastor or totally different?Two questions your board better ask before you start looking for anyone💡 You'll want to listen if you're:An executive pastor watching this play out with your senior pastorA senior pastor trying to figure out your own succession timelineA board member who has no clue how to bring this upAnyone who's seen succession go sideways and wants to avoid that mess🎧 Leading Smart Podcast - Episode 4: The Board's Role in Healthy SuccessionTim and Holly get real about one of the messiest parts of church leadership: navigating succession with your board. They share stories from the trenches about what makes succession healthy (and what doesn't) and how to actually have those tough conversations.🎉 Fun Segments: Tim's pickleball obsession and Holly's surprise musical improv experience!🤝 Special thanks to our partners at Michael Best, an international law firm specializing in church legal needs and succession planning support.🎧 Next Episode: Internal successors - good idea or bad idea?Subscribe for more episodes on healthy church leadership and succession planning!church leadership, pastoral succession, executive pastor, senior pastor succession, church board, succession planning, pastoral transition, church governance, ministry leadership, pastor retirement, church staff, leadership transition, pastoral search, church bylaws, board relationships, ministry succession, church administration, pastoral leadership, church management, senior pastor search📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

In this deeply personal episode, Tim and Holly talk about the emotional and vulnerable side of pastoral succession that often goes unspoken. We get real about what senior pastors—especially founding pastors—actually face when they start thinking about stepping down.Here's what we cover:The Identity Crisis: Why pastors who've led for 20-30+ years struggle with questions like "Is this my last Easter?" after leading 37 consecutive holiday services.The Two Biggest Fears: How identity confusion and financial uncertainty keep pastors holding on longer than they should, and practical steps to address both.The Ripple Effect: The often-overlooked impact on spouses and children, including staff transitions and identity shifts for the entire pastoral family.The Art of Transition: How outgoing pastors can become "Chief Cheerleader Officers," transferring trust to their successors while new leaders elevate the legacy of those who came before.Who pastors should talk to: From trusted board members to financial advisors to other pastors who get it.This Episode is for:Senior pastors contemplating successionSecond-chair leaders supporting pastoral transitionsChurch board members dealing with leadership changesAnyone interested in healthy organizational successionPlus, don't miss our signature "Rant vs. Rave" segment where we discuss everything from Seth Godin's disruptive thinking to the modern evolution of engagement announcements!Next Episode: The board's role in healthy succession planning00:00 Introduction: The Emotional Journey of Senior Pastors00:16 Understanding the Vulnerability of Senior Pastors02:14 Identity and Financial Fears03:07 Support Systems for Senior Pastors05:19 The Role of the Spouse and Family08:16 Transitioning Roles and Legacy Building13:46 Rant vs Rave: Engagements and CelebrationsThe LeadingSmart Podcast - Where leadership wisdom meets real-world application.#pastoralsuccession #emotionaljourney #churchleadership #faithcommunity #churchlegacy #generationaldifferences📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the LeadingSmart podcast! If you've ever wondered about the right time to talk about pastoral succession, this episode is for you. We unpack key talking points and share insights to help you identify when it's time to take your next steps. This season is all about pastoral succession, and in this episode, we break down the right time to start those crucial conversations using seven key indicators to help assess your church’s current situation. Whether it's a plateauing congregation, aging members, or staff turnover, we explore the signs that it might be time for a leadership change. Plus, we discuss the importance of self-awareness and planning for the future. Join us as we provide actionable insights to ensure a smooth transition for your church's leadership.The 7 Signs It’s Time to Talk About Pastoral Succession:The church is plateaued or in decline– Even if no one is failing, a lack of growth could signal a need for new leadership and fresh vision.The congregation is growing older– A church often reflects the age of its pastor. As the pastor ages, so might the congregation unless intentional efforts are made to attract younger members.The pastor has lost passion or energy– This isn’t always tied to age, but when passion for the local church diminishes, it's time to consider what’s next—for the pastor and the church.There is significant staff turnover– High turnover, especially among strong staff members, may be an indicator of leadership or cultural shifts that need to be addressed.The pastor has developed a passion for something else– Whether it's a nonprofit, writing, or new ministry interests, a shift in passion can be a cue to start succession conversations.A strong internal successor is on staff– When a capable future leader is already part of the team, it might be time to consider transitioning before they leave for another opportunity.The pastor’s age– Age alone isn't the issue, but it does impact long-term effectiveness and relatability—especially to younger generations.00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Succession00:46 When to Start Talking About Succession01:17 Signs It's Time for Succession05:07 Staff Turnover and Leadership06:30 Passion and Interests Outside the Church10:31 Identifying a Strong Successor13:19 Considering the Pastor's Age15:25 The Most Important Reason for Succession16:40 Rants and Raves19:45 Conclusion and Resources#theleadingsmartpodcast#leadershippodcast #pastoralsuccesion#churchleadership #podcast📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.It's official! The LeadingSmart Podcast is finally here! Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdom—even when it’s hard.In Season One, we’re diving into a topic most churches avoid until it’s too late: pastoral succession. Over 10 episodes, we’ll pull back the curtain on one of the most critical and complex leadership conversations in the Church today.Whether you’re a senior pastor beginning to ask “what’s next?”, a board member trying to plan for the future, or a staff leader walking through change, this season will give you the tools, language, and courage to navigate succession well.💡 Here’s what you can expect each week:Insight from decades of experience helping churches through transitionHonest stories from the frontlines Tangible takeaways you can apply with your team, board, or congregationAnd of course…our weekly Rants & Raves on everything from leadership to soft pants 😄Because the truth is: Succession isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. And it starts long before you think you’re ready.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.

In the inaugural episode of the LeadingSmart podcast, co-hosts Holly Tate and Tim Stevens delve into the crucial topic of pastoral succession. They discuss the importance of being prepared for both planned and emergency successions, especially as many baby boomer pastors approach retirement. The episode touches on common misconceptions about succession planning, the emotional and identity challenges pastors face during transitions, and offers insights into the best timing for these conversations. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how churches can navigate leadership transitions smoothly and effectively. Plus, enjoy a fun segment of 'Rants vs. Raves,' where Holly and Tim share their personal likes and dislikes.00:00 Introduction and Tragic Story00:17 Welcome to the Leading Smart Podcast01:20 Why Pastoral Succession Matters03:15 Planned vs. Emergency Succession05:52 Misconceptions About Succession07:27 Emotional and Identity Challenges11:04 Rants and Raves15:19 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc📲 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a church leader who needs this.