The Glass House

Latest Episodes:

88: Transitioning a Church to New Leadership with Dr. Phil Jett and Adam Mason Dec 29, 2023

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Today, on this special episode of the Glass House, we are dropping into your feed on a Friday to bring you an important re-air of an episode that means a great deal to us at the Glass House. This episode on transitioning church, with our guests, Adam Mason and Dr. Phil Jett, is especially dear to us because of Dr. Jett's recent passing.
It was our desire to honor him by putting these wise words out for you to enjoy, once again. We hope this will encourage you to think of ministry mentors in your life. Reach out to them, and tell them how much they mean to you. It's always a good time to say thank you.
You may watch Dr. Jett's memorial service HERE.
Follow the Glass House on Instagram HERE.

87. The Weirdest Story Jesus Ever Told Dec 18, 2023

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In today’s episode, The Glass House shares a sermon Ben preached recently at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas. The message is from Luke 16, where Jesus tells of a shrewd manager who used worldly wealth to gain friendships. Ben shows how the most important thing a church can do – including both staff and members – is to invest in its relationships with one another. He concludes with five questions to consider as you navigate relationships with the people in your life. We hope you are both encouraged and challenged by the message!
SHOW LINKS:
“Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks
“The Power of Moments” by Chip and Dan Heath

86. On the Spot- Starting Over Dec 11, 2023

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With only 20 days left in the year many of us are reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the new year. This season is often seen as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, renewal of commitments, and the setting of new goals. But what does a new start really bring us? Do we have more excitement in the anticipation of a new season, or in the actual season we’ve been waiting for?

On today’s show Ben and Lynley tackle the topic of starting over with producer Angie Elkins. They get real about what holds them back from starting something new, achieving goals, and the patience God’s plans usually require of us. Whether you’ve bought your 2024 planner or you’re barely getting to the 2023 finish line, this episode has something for everyone!
SHOW LINKS:
Starting Over by Chris Stapleton

Atomic Habits

Luke 9:61-62

Proverbs 16:9

85. The Super Small Church Dec 04, 2023

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Over the last several episodes we’ve talked about the unique challenges of ministry leaders living in the glass house of church leadership. We’ve recently received a letter challenging one of our episodes addressed to small churches, and the lack of relevancy to the "super small church", a category of churches we didn’t realize we weren’t speaking to. According to feedback, these super small churches are less than 100 people with 1-2 pastors on staff, typically with the second staff member being a part-time employee. These super small churches make up 73% of Southern Baptist Convention churches in America, so today’s episode is directed to those faithful leaders!

Ben and Torie from Alabama and Trey and Ashley from Texas share with us the challenges and opportunities of pastoring in a small church in a small town. We appreciate their transparency in the things they envy and struggle with, as well as the gifts and blessings that come from their community and church families. Ben and Torie share with us how deep loyalty and trust run in a small town, while Trey and Ashley challenge our worldly view of success as a pastor and debunk the myths of small church ministry.

To all the pastors and their families who are wearing multiple hats and preparing a message while also cleaning the church, we see you and we are thankful for the work you’re doing in your corner of the world!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE

Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com

84. On the Spot- Ethical Dilemmas Nov 20, 2023

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Picture yourself in a situation where telling a small lie could potentially save someone from a great deal of harm. Is it ever morally justifiable to deceive for the greater good?

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "The Glass House" with Ben and Lynley Mandrell. It’s a special episode this week as our producer, Angie Elkins, puts us “on the spot” with a series of ethical dilemmas and asks the question, “Is this right or wrong for a ministry leader?” Topics range from singing the national anthem in a church service to taking a sabbatical and more. This episode will challenge your thoughts, stir your conscience, and maybe even leave you questioning the very essence of right and wrong. Okay, maybe not that far! We hope you enjoy the challenging questions and honest, unscripted responses.
Show Links:
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE

Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com

83. Our Biggest Mistakes with the Stephens, Cains and Dances Nov 13, 2023

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Ministry is complex and making mistakes is inevitable. On today’s show Ben and Lynley sit down with three ministry couples who are transparent about their biggest mistakes they’ve made and learned from over the years. Jarrett and Debbie Stephens, Corey and Melody Caine, and Mark and Janet Dance share with us how they have navigated the challenges of ministries and what they have learned on the other side of some of their biggest mistakes!

Learning from leaders who have gone before us is a gift! We will forever be grateful for the ministry couples who enter the glass house with us and share their stories!

Mentions:

- The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

- Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry by Mark

82. The Only Woman at the Table with Robert and Tasha Calvert Nov 06, 2023

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Church staffs are inundated with male leadership. On ministry nights or get togethers where spouses are included, husbands of women on staff can easily feel like the odd man out. On today’s show Ben and Lynley explore the complexities of this dynamic with Robert and Tasha Calvert.

Robert and Tasha Calvert have been married for over 20 years, together they share four daughters and two sons-in-law, and live in Texas. Robert has had an extensive career in the technology industry, currently working for Microsoft. Tasha is the women’s minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Robert and Tasha’s gift to this episode is their transparency. You will hear how they struggled for years to learn one another, how their balance of each another is their strength through church conflict, and how they navigate the challenges <

81. How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years with Lisa Whittle Oct 23, 2023

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When a pastor or ministry leader falls, it impacts the entire family and community. Walking through a tragedy like this is difficult for everyone. Today’s guest has walked this road firsthand as a daughter of a pastor who had a very public fall from their church ministry position. Lisa Whittle shares with us how her father’s actions and the reaction from the church community deeply impacted her faith and relationship with the local church.

Lisa is the best-selling author of 9 books and several Bible studies, including Jesus Over Everything and The Hard Good. She is a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom-line approach. She is the founder of online communities: Ministry Strong for ministry leaders and Called Creatives for writers and speakers, and host of the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. She’s a wife, mom, lover of laughter, good food, and The Bible.

As we broke down a few points from Lisa’s article, How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years, our prayer is that through this conversation we grow in compassion and grace. Our prayer is that we think twice next time we forward an article or respond to a text. May we be people that surround and support those in need of grace because of the overwhelming amount of grace our Father has given to us.

80. Our Biggest Mistakes featuring Ed and Kathy Litton & Tyler Litton Oct 16, 2023

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All of us, including pastors and pastor’s families, need God’s grace every day. The question is not whether we will fail, but where will we turn when we do? On today’s episode Ben and Lynley have a candid conversation with Dr. Ed and Kathy Litton as they share their unique challenges and the mistakes they made in pastoral ministry.

Ed and Kathy Litton live in Mobile, Alabama where Ed pastors Redemption Church. Kathy is the Director of Planter Spouse Development at the Send Network. Both lives took unexpected twists as they lost their former spouses in car accidents. Ed and Kathy share 6 grown children and 12 grandchildren. Ed and Kathy are transparent in their parenting struggles and a personal, yet very public, failure. The Littons provide keen insights and a living example of staying close to the heart of Christ, in whom “there is no condemnation” (Romans 8:1).

79. Autism in the Glass House with the Quillets Oct 09, 2023

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One third of special needs families say they have left a church because they didn’t feel seen and welcomed, or because there wasn’t a ministry for their child. With 1 in 36 children in the United States being identified with autism, it’s time for the American church to not just welcome families with special needs, but to truly serve them! On today's show Ben and Lynley have a challenging conversation with Tyler and Cathie Quillet on how they have struggled through church life as parents with an autistic son, and how they believe churches can best serve and support all families.

Tyler and Cathie are married and have two sons. Tyler is the team leader for the Custom Church Resources and Smallgroup.com team at Lifeway Christian Resources. Cathie is a marriage and family therapist and specializes in walking families through the tough spaces of infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption.

Not everyone has to be an expert of autism, but as ministry leaders and Christians, we must be a student of all people so that we can show everyone the love of Christ. We hope today’s episode challenges you to have eyes open to how you can best serve families in need around you!

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