Author: eric@innovativechurchleaders.org

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠Michael Warden, executive coach and author of the epic fantasy series The Pearlsong Refounding.

Michael delves into understanding one’s identity for personal and ministry momentum.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Teachability and willingness to grow are essential for personal momentum.
2. Leaders often operate in the wrong habitat, hindering their potential and leading to burnout.
3. Understanding one’s identity is crucial for effective leadership.
4. Church leaders should seek renewal and connection with Christ.
5. Creative expression through writing can be a spiritual practice and point people towards God.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews Raj Pillai, Chief of Staff of ⁠Exponential⁠.

Raj shares about reproducing churches, his journey from India into church leadership, the importance of art in expressing faith, and innovative approaches churches are taking to engage their communities and make disciples.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Exponential aims to increase reproducing churches from 7% to 16%.
2. Churches are shifting from consumerism to discipleship.
3. Innovative community engagement is essential for church growth.
4. Church leaders need to support one another in their challenges.
5. Creativity in ministry can lead to revival among young adults.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠Mark Matlock⁠, the Executive Director of the ⁠Urbana Student Missions Conference⁠, the founder of ⁠WisdomWorks Ministries⁠, Senior Fellow at ⁠Barna⁠, and author of over 20 books.

Mark shares about the significance of the Urbana conference, insights on church trends, and the need for spiritual formation and resilience in discipleship.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Gen Z is experiencing both revival and retreat in their faith.
2. Urbana serves as a pivotal moment for young adults to contemplate their faith and mission.
3. Church leaders must adapt to the changing imagination of younger generations.
4.Resilient disciples prioritize faith at the center of their lives.
5. The church has unprecedented opportunities to connect with spiritually open individuals.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠Jesse Cruickshank⁠, a neuro-ecclesiologist and author of ⁠Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation⁠

Jessie shares about how understanding our biology can enhance spiritual growth and transformation, and she introduces ⁠Whoology⁠, a resource aimed at helping churches shift their culture towards effective discipleship.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. God designed us to learn through experience and story.
2. Experiential learning rather than a program leads to deeper transformation.
3. Identity formation is crucial for spiritual maturity.
4. Transformation requires embracing the messiness of growth in community.
5. Once someone becomes a disciple maker, they are forever changed.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠Dr. Julio Guarneri⁠⁠, the executive director of ⁠⁠Texas Baptists.⁠

Dr. Guarneri emphasizes the importance of holistic ministry that addresses both physical and spiritual needs in order to reach a diverse mission field. He also reflects on the global church’s role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Join us and Dr. Guarneri at the ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Us Conference⁠⁠⁠ in October 2025 in Waco, TX.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. There is a growing passion among students for following Jesus.
2. Many churches are struggling, with 80% plateaued or declining and need renewal.
3. Texas is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse states in the nation and remains a mission field and can become a mission force.
4. Holistic ministry is essential for meeting community needs.
5. Long-term faithfulness is crucial for advancing God’s kingdom and fulfilling the Great Commission.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠Tom Lin⁠, the president and CEO of ⁠InterVarsity⁠.

Tom shares about God’s work on college campuses, the ⁠Urbana Student Missions Conference⁠, the importance of mobilizing for global missions, along with insights from his experiences at Harvard and in Mongolia.

Join us and Tom at the ⁠⁠Beyond Us Conference⁠⁠ in October 2025 in Waco, TX.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. InterVarsity focuses on evangelism and discipleship on college campuses.
2. Students are encouraged to see their campuses as mission fields.
3. Participation in God’s mission is essential for church leaders.
4. It’s important to discern what is culturally essential in faith.
5. Being open to the Holy Spirit can lead to revival in churches.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Walker⁠, the Director of ⁠Hill House at the University of Texas at Austin⁠.

 Bill emphasizes the importance of a theology of work and vocational formation. He shares about the challenges and opportunities of engaging college students in a post-Christian environment.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Bill Walker emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with work.
2. Engaging college students requires a unique approach in secular environments.
3. There is a hunger for spiritual conversations among students.
4. Art and music can serve as bridges in conversations about faith.
5. Gen Z shows openness to spirituality without preconceived baggage.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Bob Roberts Jr.⁠, the founder of ⁠GlocalNet⁠, a ministry dedicated to mobilizing the church to bring about transformation in the public square, co-founder of the ⁠Multi-Faith Neighbors Network⁠, an organization committed to promoting religious freedom through intentional cross-cultural relationships.

Bob shares insights on the spiritual renewal among younger generations, the importance of mobilizing faith in the public square, and engaging with other faiths. He also discusses the upcoming ⁠Beyond Us Conference⁠ and shares a personal Holy Ghost story and the rapid movement of God.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Younger generations are hungry for God, not just religion.
2. The church should focus on serving the city, not just itself.
3. Engaging with other faiths is critical for effective ministry.
4. God often shows up when we gather with open hearts.
5. God is moving quickly in the world today.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠Trudi Sayers⁠, the national director of ⁠24-7 Prayer⁠ in Australia and prayer director at ⁠Red Church⁠ in Melbourne.

They discuss the origins of the 24-7 Prayer movement, the importance of building a culture of prayer within churches, and the renewal that can come through prayer.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Discover how the 24-7 Prayer movement, born in 1999, has evolved from a bold challenge to pray nonstop for a month into a powerful catalyst for personal and community transformation.
2. Learn how a renewed hunger for prayer is sweeping through churches worldwide, fostering greater unity across denominations through shared prayer initiatives.
3. Explore practical ways to build a vibrant prayer culture, including starting small, leveraging resources like the Lectio app, and creating prayer spaces that inspire ongoing worship.
4. Uncover personal stories of how prayer deepens faith, providing strength and support in challenging times, and how intercessory prayer can be a lifeline for individuals and communities.
5. See how fostering a culture of prayer requires both individual preparation and collective effort, leading to lasting change when people are equipped to pray both alone and together.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.

In this episode of the ⁠⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kevin Palau⁠, president of ⁠Palau⁠.

What does evangelism look like in a progressive city? In this episode, Kevin Palau shares how churches in Portland moved from isolation to collaboration—focusing on service, unity, and humility. Learn how ⁠Together PDX⁠ and ⁠SharePDX⁠ are reshaping outreach and how you can lead with boldness and grace in your city.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Community Service Opens Doors for Evangelism
   Serving the city builds credibility and opens hearts to the gospel in ways traditional methods often don’t.
2. Humility Opens Doors
   Engaging local leaders with respect—not an agenda—creates long-term influence and trust.
3. Church Unity Fuels Impact
   In progressive cities like Portland, collaboration among churches is essential for meaningful outreach.
4. Intentional Evangelism Still Matters
   While service is vital, clearly sharing about Jesus must remain central and deliberate.
5. If It Works in Portland, It Can Work Anywhere
   The transformation happening in one of the most unchurched cities in America offers hope—and a model—for every community.

THE INNOVATIVE CHURCH LEADER PODCAST AND GIVEAWAYS:

We want to help pastors experience and bring renewal through Spirit-led innovation, reaching new people, and making disciples who make disciples.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at innovativechurchleaders.org/join-us for a chance to win future book giveaways, retreats, cohorts, workshops, and assessments!

Subscribe, Rate, and Review The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or youtube.com/@InnovativeChurchLeaders.