Serving Among the Poor with Jimmy Dorrell

In this episode of the ⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠ interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jimmy Dorrell⁠, founder of ⁠Mission Waco Mission World⁠.

They discuss Jimmy’s ministry serving the poor and shares about the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and entering the pain of those in need.

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

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. You Can’t Reach the Poor from a Distance—You Have to Live Among Them
Real ministry begins when we leave our comfort zones and move into the neighborhoods that need us most.

2. Compassion Is Entering the Pain of Others
True compassion means walking with people in their suffering, not just serving from a distance. It’s about presence, empathy, and solidarity.

3. Relationships Are the Heartbeat of Community Transformation
Programs don’t change lives—people do.

4. Theological Depth Fuels Real-World Impact
When grounded in Scripture, justice and mercy become powerful expressions of the gospel.

5. Experiential Learning in Hard Places Will Change How You Lead
Challenging environments can radically reshape our vision, leadership, and love for people.

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.

God Is On the Move! with Christine Caine

In this episode of the ⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠, ⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠ interviews ⁠Christine Caine⁠ who shares her insights on the global movement of God, the importance of discipleship, and the church’s role in justice and mission work.

⁠Christine’s personal testimony has led her work to start A21⁠ which seeks to end slavery. She highlights the transformative power of faith and the urgency of action in today’s society.

Join us and Christine at the ⁠Beyond Us Conference⁠ in October 2025 at Baylor University.

🔥 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. “God is Moving Around the World—Are We Ready?”People are coming to faith in surprising places across the globe. This global momentum is a wake-up call for church leaders in the West to reignite their passion for the mission of Jesus.

2. “Gen Z Doesn’t Want Fluff—They Want Real Answers”Young people today are spiritually hungry but skeptical of surface-level religion. The church must engage with deep, honest, and relevant discipleship that actually speaks to their lives.

3. “Justice Isn’t a Trend—It’s Biblical”Justice is not just a social movement; it’s central to God’s heart and mission. Churches that embrace this will be more aligned with Scripture and more effective in reaching their communities.

4. “Your Story Could Be Someone’s Turning Point”Personal testimonies still carry incredible power. Sharing your faith story—even casually—can unlock conversations and transformation in people who are spiritually searching.

5. “The Church’s Best Days Are Ahead—If We Focus on Jesus”Despite challenges, the church can thrive again. By returning to Jesus at the center, we’ll find clarity, courage, and direction for the future.

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.

Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling with Dr. Nijay Gupta

In this episode of the Innovative Church Leaders podcast, Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta, a New Testament scholar, author, and professor at Northern Seminary. He invites us to rediscover the wonder of the Bible and the radical nature of early Christianity. He explores how the early church’s unity, generosity, and deep respect for human dignity can inspire modern Christians to live with greater intentionality, love, and purpose.

Nijay is the author of the following books:

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Bible should be approached with wonder and imagination.
2. Early Christians were radical in their faith and actions.
3. Unity among Christians is lacking and needs to be addressed.
4. The church must confront its failures and scandals honestly.
5. Returning to the foundational teachings of Jesus is essential for renewal.

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.

The God You Need to Know with Margaret Feinberg

In this episode of the Innovative Church Leaders podcast, Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Margaret Feinberg about her new book, The God You Need to Know: Experience the Holy Spirit’s Power and Presence Today, which explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Margaret is a popular Bible teacher, speaker at churches and conferences, host of The Joycast podcast, and author of Scouting the Divine, Fight Back With Joy, Taste and See, among many others. She was recently named one of 50 women most shaping culture and the church today by Christianity Today. 

5 Key Takeaways:

  • The Holy Spirit is present in moments of pain and loss.
  • Gideon’s story teaches us about discernment and questioning God.
  • The Holy Spirit can guide us through dreams and personal experiences.
  • Practicing awareness of the Holy Spirit can transform lives.
  • Community is essential in the discernment process.

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.

Repurposing the Church with Mark DeYmaz

In this episode of The Innovative Church Leaders Podcast, Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Mark DeYmaz discuss the journey of Mosaic Church in Little Rock, focusing on multi-ethnic ministry, innovative church economics, and community engagement.

Mark shares insights on bridging the gap between humanity and divinity in church outreach, emphasizing the importance of nonprofits and sustainable models for church growth. He offers practical advice for new church leaders, highlighting the need for passion, prayer, patience, and persistence in their ministry efforts.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The importance of multi-ethnic ministry.
2. The church must engage with the community to be relevant.
3. Multiple streams of income are essential for church sustainability.
4. Church economics must adapt to the community’s needs.
5. Passion, prayer, patience, and persistence are key to success.

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.

Finding Our Identity in Christ with Kelsey O’Connor

In this episode of the ⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠ interviews Kelsey O’Connor as she ⁠shares her inspiring journey from being a Division I softball player to facing life-altering injuries that challenged her identity and faith.

Through her recovery, she found strength in her relationship with God and learned to redefine herself beyond her accomplishments.

5 Key Takeaways:

  1. Kelsey’s injury led to a profound identity crisis.
  2. Faith played a crucial role in recovering and redefining her identity beyond athletics.
  3. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of seeing people’s character.
  4. Her viral speech inspired many to live a life beyond labels.
  5. Describing people by their attributes fosters genuine connections.

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.

City Leaders Collective with Rob Kelly

In this episode of the ⁠⁠Innovative Church Leaders podcast⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Dr. Eric Bryant⁠⁠ interviews ⁠Rob Kelly⁠, cofounder of the ⁠City Leaders Collective⁠ and co-author of ⁠Metanoia⁠ (with Alan Hirsch).

Rob unpacks the power of church unity, the role of networks in city transformation, and the mindset shift needed for true innovation in ministry. Drawing from his upcoming book The Four Greats, Rob challenges leaders to move beyond silos, partner for impact, and reimagine what it means to serve their cities for holistic flourishing.

5 Key Takeaways:

  1. Unity among churches is essential for effective ministry.
  2. The City Leaders Collective supports holistic city flourishing.
  3. Metanoia represents a radical shift in mindset for leaders.
  4. Church leaders should view other churches as teammates, not competitors.
  5. Engaging with the community can revitalize church leadership.

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.