The Lead Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

283. Escape the Ministry Hamster Wheel Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with Shelby Honeycutt to explore how ministry coaching can help leaders escape the endless “do-more” cycle. They unpack practical ways to trade frantic activity for focused, fruitful service.

If you’ve ever felt trapped on the ministry hamster wheel, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear path to sustainable impact.

Key Topics Covered

Tailored Coaching – Why one-size programs rarely solve unique challenges
Accountability that Motivates – Turning good intentions into finished projects
Proactive Conflict Skills – Stopping problems before they start

Key Quote
“Leaders are learners. If I keep growing, my team can keep growing too.”

Scripture References

2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me … entrust to faithful people.”
Matthew 5:13 – “If the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”

Takeaway
You don’t need more hours in the week—you need systems, support, and outside perspective. Coaching helps you focus on what only you can do while equipping others to carry the mission forward.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

282. The Ministry Blind Spot Costing You BIG Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart kicks off a new series on the power of ministry coaching, featuring Lead Ministry certified coach Bill Van Kirk. They delve into what ministry coaching truly is, why it's a game-changer for leaders, and how Lead Ministry's unique approach combines coursework with tailored, Spirit-influenced guidance. Discover how an outside, collaborative voice can help you overcome challenges, identify strengths, and thrive in your God-given calling.

Key Topics Covered

Defining ministry coaching: Tailored support, guidance, and encouragement.
The collaborative nature of coaching for achieving ministry goals.
Lead Ministry's unique model: Coursework + personalized coaching.
The importance of an "outside voice" for perspective and problem-solving.
How coaching benefits the coach, sharpening their own leadership.

Key Quote
Bill: "Likely what you need is a coach. You need somebody who has the outside perspective, who has the knowledge and the training and the background in order to look at your situations objectively, your problems, your friction points, and to help walk you through that."

Scripture References

2 Timothy 2:2 – "The things which you've heard from me in the presence of many witnesses pass them on to others who will be able to pass them on as well."

Takeaway
Ministry coaching offers invaluable tailored support and an objective perspective, helping leaders navigate challenges, solidify best practices, and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable ministry.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

281. How Smart Leaders Use Summer to Multiply Impact Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin unpack practical strategies to help you not only survive but thrive in summer ministry. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities of the summer season, offering fresh encouragement and tangible ideas for leaders in the trenches.

If you’ve ever felt drained by summer ministry chaos, this episode will equip and inspire you with simple shifts that lead to long-term impact.

Key Topics Covered
– Intentional Rest – Planning rest both before and after major events
– Summer Serve – Using low-commitment roles to test and grow new volunteers
– Family Investment – Making your own family part of the ministry journey

Key Quote
“Your value isn’t tied to your numbers… just because the tank is empty doesn’t change the car’s worth.”

Scripture References
Genesis 2:2–3 – “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.”
Mark 6:31 – “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Takeaway
Summer is a powerful ministry season when approached with intentional rest, fresh volunteer strategies, and a focus on family. Small, simple changes can multiply impact and renew both leaders and teams.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

280. The Summer Ministry Playbook: Recruit, Simplify, Win Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack how to thrive in summer ministry, even when your best volunteers are on break. They explore creative recruiting strategies, leadership spotting, and program simplification — all to help you make summer a launching pad for fall success.

If you've ever struggled to keep ministry running smoothly in the summer months, this episode will equip and inspire you with practical tools and fresh perspective.

Key Topics Covered
Volunteer Recruitment – How to fill summer roles without guilt
Leadership Identification – Spotting future leaders during one-off serving
Program Simplification – Adjusting summer programming for excellence and ease

Key Quote
“Your summer programming can be simple and easy — but still awesome, effective, and efficient.”

Scripture References
Proverbs 30:25 – “The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer.”

Takeaway
Summer doesn’t have to be a survival season. With intentional planning, clear communication, and a dash of creativity, you can recruit new people, refresh your core team, and set the stage for a strong fall.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

278. Ministry Burnout Masterclass Summary May 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk give a fast-paced recap of their entire 12-part burnout series. They explore the roots of ministry exhaustion and offer a practical, six-step wellness stack to keep leaders healthy long-term.

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I nearing the edge?” this crash course will equip and inspire you with a clear action plan.

Key Topics Covered
• Warning signs of burnout – spotting physical, emotional, and spiritual flags
• Why ministry is uniquely at risk – relentless expectations & inexhaustible need
• The Six S’s Wellness Stack – sun, social, sweat, sustenance, sleep, spiritual practices

Key Quote
“Burnout is legitimate—and preventable—but only when leaders set intentional limits and life-giving rhythms.”

Scripture References
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me…my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Galatians 6:2 & 6:5 – “Bear one another’s burdens…each one should carry their own load.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

Takeaway
Leaders avoid burnout by guarding personal rhythms, building shared systems for burdens, and refusing to carry loads that belong to others.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

277. Burned Out or Called Out? 7 Steps to Know (Burnout Series 12) May 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk tackle a question every ministry leader dreads: “Should I stay or should I go?” They explore the fine line between burnout and a genuine call to move on, offering practical frameworks and Spirit-led discernment tools for pastors who feel stuck.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your fatigue is a sign to rest or a signal to pivot, this conversation will equip and reassure you with biblical wisdom and concrete next steps.

Key Topics Covered

Burnout Indicators – Physical, emotional, and spiritual signs to watch
Call-Out Clues – Holy nudges, fresh fruit, and inner peace
7-Step Discernment Path – From rest and journaling to drafting exit plans

Key Quote
“High stress doesn’t prove divine calling—sometimes it just proves we’ve become addicted to activity.”

Scripture References

2 Corinthians 12:10 – “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Proverbs 16:2 – “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” 277277

Takeaway
Discernment isn’t a lightning bolt—it’s a Spirit-guided process. Rest, invite counsel, evaluate fruit, and move with confidence whether the next step is to stay, shift, or go.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

276. Thick Skin, Tender Heart: You Need BOTH or You’ll Fail (Burnout Series 11) May 05, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk wrestle with the tension every ministry leader feels—developing thick skin without letting the heart grow hard. They explore criticism, cynicism, and spiritual attack, offering practical strategies to stay resilient and tender in the face of burnout.

If you’ve ever gone home replaying harsh words on endless repeat, this conversation will equip and inspire you with a biblical path to endurance.

Key Topics Covered

Thick Skin vs. Hard Heart – recognizing the difference
Fearless Moral Inventory – uncovering hidden resentments
Daily Gratitude & Community – simple habits that protect your soul

Key Quote
“Thick skin protects you, but a tender heart keeps you loving.”

Scripture References

Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
Psalm 119:165 – “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

Takeaway
Burnout is more than exhaustion; it’s often the slow calcification of the heart. Cultivating resilience requires both God-given armor against offense and Spirit-formed compassion for people—even critics.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

275. Kill the Program, Save The Leader (Burnout Series 10) Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk tackle the silent burnout trigger of stubbornly clinging to failing programs. They explore why leaders keep sinking time and money into ideas that no longer work, offering practical strategies for quitting wisely and reallocating resources to life-giving initiatives.

If you have ever felt trapped by tradition or guilt, this conversation will equip and inspire you with a clear path forward.

Key Topics Covered

Sunk Cost Fallacy – Why past investment can blind us to present reality
Recognizing Dead Horses – Metrics and emotions that signal it is time to quit
Graceful Exits – Communicating change, redirecting resources, and avoiding burnout

Key Quote
“Dismount that dead horse and move on, lead with wisdom.”

Scripture References
Luke 14:28 – “Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…?”
Ecclesiastes 3:6 – “A time to keep and a time to cast away.”

Takeaway
Effective leaders know when to end a program, release guilt, and invest energy where God is moving. Quitting well protects your team from exhaustion and opens space for fresh vision.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

274. The One Word That Stopped My Burnout (Burnout Series 9) Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk dive into one of the most overlooked sources of burnout in ministry: obsessing over problems you can’t control. They explore how misplaced concern leads to frustration, anxiety, and wasted energy—and how learning to say "NOPE" can set you free.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the dysfunction around you, this episode will equip and inspire you to lead with focus, excellence, and peace.

Key Topics Covered
• Concern vs. Responsibility – Why knowing the difference changes everything
• The Power of “NOPE” – A 4-letter framework for emotional boundaries
• Leading Up by Leading Well – How excellence in your area builds influence

Key Quote
“I am concerned about many things. I am responsible, but for a few. Focus on the few.”

Scripture References
Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation…present your requests to God.”

Takeaway
You don’t have to fix every ministry. You just need to own yours. When you lead with integrity and clarity in your sphere, influence will follow. Focus your energy on what you can control—and let go of the rest.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

273. Stop Carrying What’s Not Yours: The Burden vs. Load Trap (Burnout Series 8) Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh and Bill unpack the surprising power of understanding burdens vs. loads. They explore how misidentifying these two can lead to burnout, resentment, and a church culture of unhealthy dependency.

If you've ever wondered, “Am I doing too much?” this episode will equip and inspire you with practical ways to lead with wisdom and stay in ministry for the long haul.

Key Topics Covered

Burdens vs. Loads – A biblical distinction with big implications
How churches accidentally enable burnout
Creating systems of care that don’t crush your leaders

Key Quote
"You make your decisions, and your decisions make you."

Scripture References

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:5 – “For each will have to bear his own load.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

Takeaway
Not every need is a burden. Some are loads people are meant to carry. When ministry leaders start picking up what others should own, burnout is inevitable. The answer isn’t doing more—it’s building systems that activate the body of Christ.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you in your leadership. Share it with a friend, and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected