Chasing Elephants Podcast - podcast cover

Chasing Elephants Podcast

Student Leadership University, Jeff Wallace, Brent Crowewww.slulead.com
This podcast is designed to create room for critical thinking and creative discussions. It is our hope you will join us every week for real, honest, relevant and hard conversations about leadership and more.
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Episodes

Equipping the Next Generation for a Polarized World (feat. Jason Jimenez) | Ep. 246

Together, Jeff and Jason unpack the cultural tensions that young people face and explore the critical role of biblical worldview training in helping them navigate complex ethical and moral challenges. With clarity, conviction, and compassion, they tackle pressing questions: How can pastors and leaders respond to the moral confusion of our times? What strategies can churches adopt to disciple youth in truth and grace? Why is apologetics and worldview training more vital now than ever before? Whet...

Jun 27, 202547 minEp. 246

The Heart of a Father | Ep. 245

Join Brent and Jeff as they celebrate and explore the spiritual significance of the father-child relationship through the lens of our Heavenly Father’s example.

Jun 13, 202547 minEp. 245

Training Youth Ministry Volunteers (feat. Brian Preston) | EP. 244

Together, they dive deep into the practical and strategic aspects of volunteer ministry exploring proven principles for recruitment, effective training methods, and sustainable retention strategies. With a wealth of hands-on experience, Brian shares valuable insights that every church leader can apply, whether you’re leading a few volunteers or managing a large team. If you serve in a local church and want to better equip and empower your volunteers to thrive in ministry, this is a conversation ...

May 30, 202542 minEp. 244

No more awkward parent ministry (feat Chad Higgins) | EP. 243

In this episode of Chasing Elephants , Jeff sits down with LifeWay Students Specialist Chad Higgins to talk about the newly released book Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together , co-written by Higgins and Zac Workun. This conversation goes beyond strategy, it explores the heart of why the church must redefine how it partners with parents. Jeff and Chad dive into research-based insights showing that parents are ready for more, more connection...

May 16, 202544 minEp. 243

Curiosity (feat. Drew Worsham) | EP. 242

In this episode of the Chasing Elephants Podcast, Jeff continues his compelling series of conversations with influential voices and practitioners from around the globe. He sits down with Drew Worsham, author, church planter, and illusionist based in San Antonio, TX for an insightful discussion on Drew’s new book, The Art of Curiosity. Together, they explore how the Church has lost its sense of awe and wonder in engaging with God’s creativity and the grand narrative of Scripture. This episode is ...

May 09, 202532 minEp. 242

This Story has POWER (feat. Pastor Ed Newton) | EP. 241

For this episode of the Chasing Elephants Podcast, Jeff continues his series of conversations with some of the leading voices and practitioners around the world. In this next conversation, he sits down with Dr. Ed Newton, Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX. They discuss a wide range of topics, as it relates to how to navigate the many challenges and complexities of ministry and leadership. Pastor Ed shares so many insights that will help every leader. This is a conversation...

May 02, 202549 minEp. 241

The Cross and the Empty Tomb - Preparing Our Hearts for Good Friday and Easter| Ep. 239

Today, we are slowing down to focus on what is most important — the cross and the empty tomb. As believers, Holy Week is not just a date on the calendar — it’s the very center of our faith. So today, we want to journey together from Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday, reflecting deeply on what these days truly mean for us.

Apr 18, 202532 minEp. 239

The King and the Lamb - Preparing Our Hearts for Passover and Palm Sunday | EP. 238

As we approach Holy Week, we want to pause and reflect on two significant events—Passover and Palm Sunday—and how they connect in profound ways through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our purpose in this episode is simple: to help prepare our hearts to fully embrace and understand the depth of Holy Week, as we look at Jesus as both King and Lamb.

Apr 11, 202529 minEp. 238

COVID & Culture - 5 Years Later | EP. 237

Five years after the outbreak of COVID-19, the world has undergone significant and lasting changes in various aspects of culture, societal patterns, adolescent development, and human interaction. This episode discusses major shifts and emerging trends that continue to shape our world. Join Brent and Jeff as they discuss what this looks like for us now!

Apr 04, 202550 minEp. 237

The Question of Leadership (feat. Ryan McDermott) | EP. 236

Leadership is more than a title—it’s a calling to influence, inspire, and impact those around us. As ministry leaders, our responsibility isn’t just to know what Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16 about being salt and light—it’s to live it out in every aspect of our leadership and ministry. Today, we’re diving into the question: Why and how do we influence? This is a crucial topic that will be explored at YPS by leaders like Pastor Eugene Cho and Dr. Kathy Koch, who bring deep wisdom and insight into...

Mar 28, 202550 minEp. 236

The Question of God’s Mission (feat. Ryan McDermott) | EP. 235

This conversation will be a major focus at YPS, where we’ll hear from powerful voices like Pastor Derwin Gray and Shane Pruitt, who are passionate about seeing this generation step into the greater narrative of God’s redemptive work. Why do you believe this topic is so important for leaders today? Do you sense a movement of revival in this generation? What are some of the indicators you’ve seen? How can ministry leaders actively foster and align with God’s mission in their own contexts? Conclusi...

Mar 21, 202546 minEp. 235

Spiritual Formation (feat. Ryan McDermott) | EP. 234

The Question of Spiritual Formation: Who Are We Becoming? To help us explore this crucial topic, we’re honored to have voices like Dr. Robert Smith and Megan Fate Marshman joining us at YPS. Their wisdom and insight will challenge us to deepen our walk with Christ and lead from a place of spiritual health. Questions asked on today's episode: Why do you believe spiritual formation is such an important conversation for leaders today? How have you personally practiced spiritual disciplines in your ...

Mar 14, 202538 minEp. 234

Ethics and How We Should Think | EP. 233

At YPS, we focus on four foundational questions that shape the event’s content: Spiritual Formation – Who are we becoming? God’s Mission – What story is God telling? Ethics – How should we think? Leadership – Why and how do we influence? At its core, YPS provides: A Community – A network of like-minded leaders passionate about investing in students. A Place of Learning – Engaging discussions led by experienced ministry practitioners. A Moment of Understanding – A space to reflect, recalibrate, a...

Mar 07, 202527 minEp. 233

Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out: An Interview with Pastor Todd Mullins | Ep. 232

Todd Mullins is the son of Tom Mullins, the founding pastor of Christ Fellowship, which was established in 1984. Todd and his wife, Julie, are the senior pastors of Christ Fellowship, leading the church into new seasons of growth and ministry. They have one son, Jefferson Todd Mullins Jr., who is married to Cassie Mullins. In addition to his leadership at Christ Fellowship, Pastor Todd co-founded Church United, a movement uniting churches from different denominations to share faith, offer hope, ...

Feb 28, 202549 minEp. 232

The Ethics of the Creation Order: Why Gender Matters | Ep. 231

Key Takeaways 1. The Foundation—God’s Design in Creation Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Gender is not a social construct, but a divine ordinance established at creation. Genesis 2 highlights the intentionality in the creation of male and female, reflecting God’s image in a complementary way . Marriage (Genesis 2:24) is designed to reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Discussi...

Feb 21, 202539 minEp. 231

The Four Loves to Christian Leadership | Ep. 230

Key Discussion Points C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves: A Brief Overview C.S. Lewis’s classic book The Four Loves breaks down the four distinct forms of love that humans experience. Each love, while good, requires God’s divine love (Agape) to be fully redeemed and effective . Affection (Storge) – The love that naturally develops in families and close communities. Friendship (Philia) – The deep bond of trust and companionship between people with shared interests. Romantic Love (Eros) – The passionate ...

Feb 14, 20251 hrEp. 230

A Candid Conversation with Dr. Robert Smith | Ep. 229

Dr. Smith, author of the acclaimed Doctrine That Dances , shares wisdom that bridges the past and present, offering a powerful perspective on how history informs faith and how the church can inspire the future. Haven’t read Doctrine That Dances yet? Trust us—this book is a game-changer. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to educate, inspire, and challenge listeners to celebrate history while looking forward with hope. Show Notes Featured Guest: Dr. Robert Smith – Professor, s...

Feb 07, 202529 minEp. 229

'Voices from the Trenches (Part 2) | Ep.228

In this special two-part series, Jeff dives deep into the heart of student ministry with three dynamic and seasoned youth pastors who are on the frontlines every day. Together, they unpack the trends, challenges, and real-time issues shaping the landscape of ministry in today’s world. Meet the Guests: Tim Wadsworth: Director of Student Ministries at North Hills Church, Greenville, SC. Jason Stanland: Middle School Pastor at Fruitcove Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. Bryan Howell: High School Pa...

Jan 31, 202520 minEp. 228

Voices from the Trenches (Part 1) | Ep.227

In this special two-part series, Jeff dives deep into the heart of student ministry with three dynamic and seasoned youth pastors who are on the frontlines every day. Together, they unpack the trends, challenges, and real-time issues shaping the landscape of ministry in today’s world. Meet the Guests: Tim Wadsworth : Director of Student Ministries at North Hills Church, Greenville, SC. Jason Stanland : Middle School Pastor at Fruitcove Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. Bryan Howell : High School...

Jan 24, 202535 minEp. 227

Dream like the King | Ep.226

Dr. Jeff Wallace and Dr. Brent Crowe break down leadership principles exemplified in the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan 17, 202531 minEp. 226

New Year's Resolution? - Ep.224

Make New Years resolutions that don't just stick but that maximize your impact for the glory of God. Don't be one of the 80% that fail on their resolutions by mid-January. Tune in as Brent & Jeff discuss a framework to setting goals through making margin, creating rhythms and serving with impact.

Jan 03, 202523 minEp. 224

Family Advent Traditions - Ep.222

Here are some things to know about Advent: What is Advent? Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on four pillars - hope, peace, love, and joy.The word "advent" means "coming". And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus. History: The tradition of Advent has b...

Dec 13, 202436 minEp. 222

Keeping Advent Sacred - Ep.221

The Season of Advent Here are some things to know about Advent: What is Advent? Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on four pillars - hope, peace, love, and joy.The word "advent" means "coming". And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus. History: The trad...

Dec 06, 202434 minEp. 221

The Attitude of Gratitude - Ep. 220

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (CSB) 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Unpacking 3-Princples Concerning An Attitude of Gratitude: Gratitude is always to be expressed “Rejoi...

Nov 22, 202438 minEp. 220

To Vote or Not to Vote | Ep. 217

Romans 13:1 (CSB) A Christian’s Duties to the State: “ Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.” We are called to submit to higher authorities, which means, who we choose as leaders matters . The leaders we choose has a great impact on rather people prosper or endure extended hardship. Proverbs 29:2 (CSB) says, “When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, peo...

Nov 01, 202449 minEp. 217
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