Clarity, trust, and connection. These are the building blocks of a healthy team culture. Meet Jenni Catron, a leadership coach, author, and speaker passionate about cultivating healthy leaders to lead thriving organizations. In today’s episode, you’ll learn about striking a balance between shouldering the responsibility, but not all the weight, of course-correcting a culture toward healthy. Welcome to Episode 110 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS @jennicatron...
Jul 02, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 110
“Church growth isn’t what’s propelling us forward—it’s the Great Commission.” Meet Daniel Im, pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. In this episode, Sean and Daniel explore the delicate balance between pastoral care and visionary leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining both to avoid becoming stagnant. Daniel shares his insights on the evolving dynamics of discipleship and evangelism, arguing for a reliance on the Holy Spirit's work in ...
Jun 18, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 109
Your systems of decision-making have the potential to bring greater clarity to who you are and how you do things. Today, Sean Morgan discusses how level-five leaders frame each decision with a silver-bullet technique, and how it can lead toward momentum every time. Welcome to Episode 108 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS Leading Change , by John Kotter sean@theascentleader.org If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few ye...
Jun 04, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Today’s episode is all about the complexities of life after ministry, exploring how the roles we inhabit can become intertwined with our identities. John discusses the importance of separating one's identity from his or her role, the challenges faced in transitioning from local church ministry, and the significance of cultivating deep and meaningful relationships. John shares insights from his own journey, emphasizing the necessity of vulnerability, intentionality, and daily obedience in serving...
May 21, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 107
Navigating change in churches requires courage, vision, and a willingness to adapt. By fostering a culture of adaptability, celebrating wins, and grounding decisions in biblical principles, churches can embrace momentum for growth and impact. As leaders prioritize clarity, focus, and inclusivity, they pave the way for a thriving future rooted in faith and resilience. Welcome to episode 106 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS The Way of Jesus sean@theascentlead...
May 07, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 106
ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Pastor Jeremiah Ramer, the lead pastor of Crossroads Church located between Odessa and Midland, West Texas. From a cross-country move with unexpected transitions to the challenges of stepping into leadership that would soon endure a church split, Jeremiah shares his remarkable experiences and the incredible growth his church has seen in recent years. Welcome to episode 105 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan...
Apr 23, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 105
“The smartest leaders get the most help.” Meet Ray Johnston, Senior Pastor of Bayside Church. In today’s episode, Johnston explains the surprising secret to building momentum－and it all begins with encouragement. When we understand the types of support needed, the gaps between our “challenge level” and our “support level,” and the most effective way to share vision, we’re on our way to momentum in the church. Welcome to episode 104 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan. EPISOD...
Apr 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 104
ABOUT THE EPISODE Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins us on today’s episode of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast. Addressing the topics of pride and humility, Dr. Joel urges a theological shift in our view of success. He outlines three fundamental steps for cultivating the necessary humility as a leader: recognition, reflection, and community. Listen to today’s episode for practical advice on honest accountability and transparency in your lea...
Mar 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 103
Today, we welcome Les McKeown, author of "Predictable Success," to the podcast! Listen in to hear his insights on pattern recognition, self-awareness, and honesty in effective leadership. He encourages leaders to confront the internal voice of imposter syndrome in order to conquer it. Welcome to episode 102 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS PredictableSuccess.com Predictable Success , by Les McKeown sean@theascentleader.org If you’re a leader approaching a su...
Mar 12, 2024•59 min•Ep. 102
ABOUT THE EPISODE “You will grow only to the threshold of your pain.” Meet Sam Chand, author and leadership consultant who serves leaders worldwide as they seek personal and organizational growth. Sam expands on the topic of leadership pain in today’s episode. He asks pastors two key questions when discerning their leadership health. And while there is no such thing as “balance” in ministry, listen to Sam’s wisdom in navigating health amid “ministry spurts.” Welcome to Episode 101 of the Leaders...
Feb 27, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 101
“Trust comes from relationships.” Today, you’ll be hearing a familiar voice from the podcast. We’re flipping the script on episode 100, and Sean Morgan is interviewed today by Josh Surratt, Lead Pastor at Seacoast Church. How can we learn intentional leadership development from the military? What makes it easier to follow a lead pastor and make space for high-level leaders on your team? Listen in for Sean’s perspective and wisdom for these questions. Welcome to Episode 100 of the Leaders in Livi...
Feb 13, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 100
“Sometimes God says, ‘That was a nice idea, but it wasn’t a divine vision.’” Meet Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry. With inspiring insight into the nuances and necessities of pivoting as leaders, Pastor Wayne gives helpful cues to build resiliency in a way that healthily impacts your church. Welcome to Episode 099 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS Resilient , by John Eldredge A Self-Aware Leader , by John C. Maxwell L...
Jan 30, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 99
ABOUT THE EPISODE “Sometimes, you have the grace to receive a vision but not the grace to communicate it.” Meet Chris Fletcher, Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. Today, we get to hear Chris’ insights on leadership transition. We’ll learn about the wisdom of ambiguity in the beginning, what changes with money and leaders as you transition, and the necessity of peer mentorship. Welcome to Episode 098 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS sean...
Jan 16, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 98
“There are more people open to the Gospel than ever before.” Meet Sean Morgan, host of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast and Founder of The Ascent Leader. Today’s episode offers eight church trends all pastors should be aware of as we enter 2024. Sean’s insight not only points to these specific trends but also to what they mean for your church and your leadership. How do we lead with courage as we see fertile soil trend upward? Welcome to Episode 097 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with...
Jan 02, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 97
“If you don’t have a healthy elder board in a church, you might as well not have an elder board.” Meet Darryl, Justin, and Jonathan, three of the four Flatirons Elders. In a special group interview, today’s episode gives insight into what honesty and integrity look like when played out on a healthy board. Find out why a healthy team does not mean “smooth sailing.” Welcome to Episode 096 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS https://www.flatironschurch.com/ sean@t...
Dec 19, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 96
“Our enemy hates that we’re taking days of rest.” Meet Brady Boyd, Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Today’s episode is a reminder of the crucial ways Sabbath rest refuels a pastor’s soul. On a weekly basis, pastors carry an emotional and often traumatic weight as they shepherd their congregations. Today, Pastor Brady encourages all leaders to incorporate healthy rhythms that will make space for pastors to be able to sustain a ministry for the long haul. Welcome to Episode 095 of the Leaders in ...
Dec 05, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 95
“The church goes upward in age and inward in focus naturally…It’s only intentionally that the church goes downward in age and outward in focus.” Meet Stephen Foster, leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford and advisor to Alpha. Stephen brings a refreshing reminder of the need for churches to embrace a vision that moves the demographic downward in age while outward in focus － all while embracing multiple generations in church culture. Listen for insights in today’s episode on how to best engage wha...
Nov 21, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 94
“You can’t lead people or take them anywhere until they trust you.” Meet Archie Coates, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton. In a conversation about transitioning into a lead pastor role, Archie gives personal insights from his recent transition at HTB. He brings a healthy mix of humility and disruption to a seasoned church. Learn about the difference between loving a church you “birthed” versus a church you “adopted” in today’s episode. Archie’s perspective and wisdom will give you practical concept...
Nov 07, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 93
“The only way to plant a church is through evangelism.” Meet Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha course and former vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. Nicky’s enthusiasm for a better focus in church evangelism is life-giving and inspiring. He meets the challenges of today’s church with a sense of intentionality and strategy that will encourage you and motivate change. Welcome to Episode 092 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS sean@theascentleader.org...
Oct 31, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 92
“Justice and love are two halves of the same coin.” Meet N.T. Wright, the former Bishop of Durham, theologian, author, and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Today, we are tackling current events in Israel and Gaza with a renewed perspective of lament. N.T. Wright brings a depth of wisdom that not only expands on our understanding of biblical text, but also informs us of how we are to operate today in the church. Welcome to Episode 091 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Se...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 91
“It’s a narcissistic leader who passes the baton and then hopes that the church diminishes or fails.” Meet Dave Stone, former lead pastor at Southeast Christian Church. Sharing from personal experiences, Dave gives us insight into healthy leadership transitions, including how to be the biggest champion for your successor, how to carry an interim pastor role, and how to gauge the health of your leadership. Welcome to Episode 090 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LIN...
Oct 03, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 90
“To go too long, to go too far…big mistake.” Meet Dan Reiland, former Executive Pastor at 12Stone® Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Dan’s example of transitioning as an outgoing pastor is one every pastor should take note of. With practical metrics on what successful transition looks like afterward, spiritual insights for staying in tune with God’s voice, and a heart for serving the next generation, today’s episode is a helpful one for what it looks like to transition healthily in the church. W...
Sep 19, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 89
“I have a radical ownership of everything I’m doing…By God’s grace, I’m waking up every day making a choice to lead God’s church.” Meet Jared Herd, Senior Pastor at The Church at Rancho Bernardo. Jared gives us a helpful look at his experience with a tough transition from a Co-Pastoring model. Listen in for practical wisdom on healthy Boards and the grit of leadership. Welcome to Episode 088 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS sean@theascentleader.org https://t...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 88
“If you do nothing, the devil braids the church’s success and the health of your soul together, and he makes you think it’s the same thing.” Meet Julian Lowe, Lead Pastor at Oasis LA. In today’s episode, we hear a vulnerable and insightful look at what succession in leadership looked like for Julian. With honesty and transparency, we hear about the challenges of humility, how gratitude can accompany obedience, and distinguishing your personal relationship with Jesus from the church you lead. Wel...
Aug 15, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 87
“If I have power, especially in ministry, it’s because it is a gift. And I’m accountable not in my audience, I’m accountable to the God of the universe who has laid down His life for the sake of the world.” Meet Mark Labberton, former Fuller Seminary President, author, and host of Fuller Studio’s Conversing podcast. Join us for an engaging conversation on what it means to lay down power. Mark gives insight on the concept of co-leadership and healthy power dynamics as he challenges us to pursue d...
Aug 01, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 86
ABOUT THE EPISODE “There is a sacrifice to ministry that scars you…that is part of the job.” Meet Mark Clark, one of the Senior Pastors at Bayside Church in Sacramento, California. In today’s episode, Mark shares his personal experience of entering a role as Senior Pastor after founding Village Church, a multi-site church with locations in multiple cities across Canada. You’ll get a glimpse into his perspective on the evolution of pastoral roles, the secret sauce to keeping good leaders, and the...
Jul 18, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 85
ABOUT THE EPISODE “Get clear on your calling.” Meet Ben Snyder, Lead Pastor at Cedar Creek Church in Ohio. Ben talks with us about his personal experience in a quick transition season. He gives helpful advice, now in hindsight, glimpses into the challenges he faced, and key reminders for leaders entering a season of new leadership styles. Welcome to Episode 084 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKS www.cedarcreek.tv William Bridges’ Managing Transitions If you’re...
Jul 04, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 84
ABOUT THE EPISODE “God loves your church more than you do…Invite Him into the discussion.” Meet Steve and Dana Clifford, former pastors at Westgate Church in San Jose, California. Without underestimating the hard work and the time it takes to healthily transition from one pastor to another, Steve and Dana give insight into how their successful transition has contributed to healthy new seasons in their lives and their church. Learn about the timing and prep it took to get there in today’s episode...
Jun 20, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 83
“Pastors tend to overestimate the value of vision and underestimate the value of strategy.” Meet Thom S. Rainer, and his son, Sam Rainer. With much experience in church consulting and transition, Thom and Sam are CEO and President (respectively) of Church Answers, an organization providing resources for pastors experiencing the ups and downs of ministry. Today’s podcast gives us a glimpse into practical roles an interim pastor should be filling as well as encouragement for all churches to revive...
Jun 06, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 82
“Do what is required to finish well.” Sean Morgan is sharing with us today the keys to a successful transition in ministry leadership. If we’re being honest, transition in ministry is not often the beautiful baton hand-off we desire it to be. There are challenges and intricacies that can prevent churches from experiencing the ideal "smooth transition." Today’s episode offers insight behind the “why” of common challenges as well as guardrails for a better path forward. Welcome to Episode 081 of t...
May 16, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 81
