Shows
Ministry MixHow to Lead When You Are HurtingLeading While Hurting: Showing Up When You’re StrugglingWhat do you do when your soul is limping but the sermon still needs to be preached? In this vulnerable episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard open up about what it’s like to keep leading when you’re tired, grieving, burned out, or just broken. They share honest stories of preaching through pain, shepherding with a heavy heart, and discovering how Jesus meets leaders not after the storm—but in it.If you’ve ever had to lead while hurting, you’re not alone. A...2025-07-3026 minMinistry Mix10 Ways to Understand and Engage Your CityIn this practical episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard walk through 10 ways to better understand the place where you live and lead. Whether you're planting a church, revitalizing a congregation, or just trying to be a more thoughtful neighbor, knowing your city is a key part of effective ministry.From demographics to diners, prayer walking to property tax data, this episode gives leaders a real-world framework for discovering the rhythms, pain points, and potential of their community.If you want to stop guessing and start engaging—this one’s for you.10 Ways to U...2025-07-2335 minMinistry MixMinistry Lessons from Odd JobsIn this episode, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope swap stories about the odd jobs they’ve worked—from lifeguarding and grease trap cleaning to bouncer gigs and debt collection. But it’s more than fun stories—they pull leadership and ministry insights from each experience. Whether you’re scrubbing toilets or selling copiers, there are spiritual lessons everywhere.Key Takeaways:Train for the unseen: Phil shares how lifeguarding taught him to prepare for emergencies that may never come—yet be ready when they do. Ministry leadership is the same.Humility is leadership currency: Cleaning...2025-07-1629 minMinistry Mix6 Tips for Holding A Baptism ServiceIn this practical episode, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope dive into six essential tips for holding baptism services that are meaningful, mission-focused, and joy-filled. Whether you're a lead pastor or part of a church team, this conversation is packed with real-life stories, helpful strategies, and a few tangents along the way.You’ll learn:How to capture and share baptism stories to inspire your church and community.Why it’s better to spread out baptisms instead of batching them all together.The importance of giving space but not waiting too long b...2025-07-0929 minMinistry MixLessons from Planting a Successful Church (with Jim Collins)In this second part of our two-part conversation with Jim Collins, we pick up the story after his failed church plant in Tennessee. Now, Jim shares how God led him—slowly and graciously—toward planting again, this time in Las Vegas, Nevada. But this story isn’t just about “success.” It’s about soul-level transformation, submission to God’s process, and the deep lessons of leadership that only come through waiting, listening, and learning.From new rhythms of spiritual health to wise counsel and assessment, Jim walks through how he and his wife approached this second attempt with humility...2025-07-0236 minMinistry MixSummer Outreach Goals (and Why You Shouldn’t Take the Summer Off)In this unfiltered and unscripted episode, Phil and Richard have a real conversation about why summer is one of the most strategic seasons for church outreach—and how your church or ministry can make the most of it.Rather than settling for the “summer slump,” they share how their churches are leaning in with clear goals, creative outreach ideas, and intentional mobilization. From micro-events to digital reach, and personal invitations to park pop-ups, they explain how summer can be a season of growth, not just survival.You’ll hear real strategies, some goofy banter, and a health...2025-06-2527 minMinistry MixLessons from Failing to Plant a Church (with Jim Collins)In this raw and encouraging conversation, Phil sits down with Jim Collins to talk about something we don't hear enough in ministry circles: failure. Jim shares his personal story of planting a church in Tennessee that didn’t go as planned—from launch dreams to a painful unraveling. But more than that, Jim reflects on the deeper lessons God taught him about leadership, calling, submission, and identity through that hard season.Whether you’re a young leader eager to launch or a seasoned pastor navigating burnout or regret, this episode is a grace-filled reminder that failure isn’t fatal—...2025-06-1735 minMinistry Mix5 Lessons on Ministry from FortniteIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard ready up to bring you a Fortnite-themedguide to real ministry leadership. Whether you’ve built your share of ramps or have no idea what a "Loot Llama" is, this episode is for you.What can Fortnite teach us about ministry? Turns out—a lot.From failed solo pushes to sweaty wins and unexpected healing stations, we share 5 (plus a few bonus) leadership lessons that apply just as well to church planting and ministry teams as they do to Battle Royale:Don't lead alone – Minist...2025-06-1123 minMinistry Mix6 Actions to Take If You Feel Called to MinistryIn this episode of the Ministry Mix Podcast, Phil and Richard dive into a practical conversation for anyone sensing a call to ministry. Whether you’re a high school student, a mid-career professional, or already serving in a church, this episode outlines six clear and biblical steps you can take right now to discern and develop your calling—before you ever get a position or a platform.You’ll hear about:Why character must come before competencyHow lingering and showing up consistently can shape your future ministryThe importance of being teachable and asking the right questionsWhy readin...2025-06-0432 minMinistry Mix3 Impacts from Losing MentorsIn this episode of the Ministry Mix Podcast, Phil and Richard explore what happens when the people who helped shape you in ministry are no longer there—whether through death, burnout, moral failure, or natural transition. They open up about their own experiences of losing key influences in their life and the disorienting, yet defining impact it can have on a leader's soul and direction.The conversation covers:Why losing a mentor hits harder than expectedHow feelings of grief, betrayal, and disillusionment can affect your leadershipThe dangers of dependency and idolizing mentorsHow to grow into your ow...2025-05-2826 minMinistry Mix8 Ways to Move People Toward MissionsIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard explore one of the most vital tasks of ministry leadership—helping people move toward the mission of God. Drawing from real-life stories and pastoral experience, they walk through eight practical ways to encourage everyday believers to live on mission.From telling everyday stories of obedience, to normalizing small steps of faith, to making prayer and missional rhythms part of church culture, this conversation is full of accessible ideas any ministry leader can implement. Whether you lead a small church or a large team, this episode challenges the idea th...2025-05-2129 minMinistry Mix6 Keys to Planning Events that Work (with Chris Ford)Not every church leader dreams of running events—but nearly all of us do. In this episode, Chris Ford returns to Ministry Mix to share what he’s learned as a full-time event planner and volunteer church leader. From hosting massive music festivals to pulling off a church Christmas party, Chris has seen it all—and made a few mistakes so you don’t have to.We dive into the 6 keys to planning events that actually work: defining your purpose, budgeting realistically, building the right team, promoting beyond Instagram, preparing for the unexpected, and evaluating for next...2025-05-1428 minMinistry Mix7 TV Shows That Impacted Our Lives & MinistryWhat do The A-Team, Friends, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Walking Dead have in common? They’ve all taught us something about leadership, storytelling, or the soul. In this laid-back (and slightly post-lunch delirious) episode, Phil and Richard each share three TV shows that shaped their approach to ministry—and end with one shared favorite that might surprise you.From embracing curiosity over judgment, to diagnosing the root of the issue, to learning resilience and hope in a broken world, this episode explores how watching with intentionality can help ministry leaders grow—not just escape.I...2025-05-0731 minMinistry Mix6 Actions to Take When You Feel Like QuittingMinistry is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. In this episode of Ministry Mix, Richard Pope and Phil Gifford talk candidly about those moments when quitting ministry sounds way too appealing. Whether you're facing burnout, conflict, disappointment, or just a tough season, this episode offers real talk and six practical actions to take before you walk away.From looking back at God's faithfulness to examining your rhythms and asking for help, Phil and Richard walk through honest stories, biblical encouragement, and wisdom gained through experience (and, of course, a few Fortnite analogies). We hope y...2025-04-0925 minMinistry Mix5 Reasons to Have a Vision SundayIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope dive into a critical tool in a church leader's toolbox—Vision Sunday. Whether you're a lead pastor or a ministry leader, this episode unpacks five reasons why setting aside a Sunday to cast vision can bring clarity, focus, and unity to your church or ministry. From clarifying direction and filtering out distractions, to resetting momentum after busy seasons and rallying your people around a shared mission, Phil and Richard walk through the practical and spiritual importance of this church rhythm.You'll hear real-life stories, helpful planning ti...2025-04-0227 minMinistry Mix6 Signs You Are Building Trust With Spiritually Disconnected PeopleIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard dive into one of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of evangelism—building trust with those who are spiritually disconnected. Drawing insights from the book I Once Was Lost, they explore the first key threshold people must cross before embracing faith: trusting a Christian. With skepticism toward church leaders at an all-time high and many self-identified Christians not actively engaged in church, trust is a crucial foundation for meaningful gospel conversations.The hosts unpack six signs that indicate you’re building trust with spiritually disconnected people, from lear...2025-03-2626 minMinistry Mix4 Different Ways to Think About Easter OutreachIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard dive into the sometimes awkward, sometimes effective, but always important discussion of how churches approach Easter outreach. Should churches rely on big events, flashy egg hunts, and, yes, even the Easter Bunny? Or is there a better way to leverage the season to reach people for Jesus? They explore four different ways to think about Easter outreach that go beyond a single Sunday service, focusing on relational connections, serving before inviting, and engaging spiritual curiosity.From their own experiences with Easter events—both successful and not—Phil and Rich...2025-03-1926 minMinistry MixHonest Thoughts on Becoming a Pastor (with Chris Ford)In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard sit down with Chris Ford, a worship pastor and elder candidate at Canvas Church, to discuss the realities of stepping into pastoral ministry. Chris shares his journey from serving in worship ministry to becoming a pastor-in-training, offering honest reflections on the biggest surprises, challenges, and lessons he’s learned along the way. From the unseen burdens pastors carry to the tension between task-driven leadership and true shepherding, Chris opens up about the transformation required to move from simply leading worship to genuinely pastoring people.We also dive into th...2025-03-1228 minMinistry Mix17 Books that Have Impacted Our LivesYou read that right. 17 Books. In this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss a long list of impactful books that have shaped their lives and ministry. We consider the importance of reading for personal growth and leadership, showing how books can influence thinking and pastoral practices. Among the books mentioned, "Desiring God" by John Piper, "Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, and "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis stand out for their theological insights and ability to deepen one's understanding of faith. This discussion encourages listeners to explore learning that inspires them...2025-03-0530 minMinistry Mix6 Reminders When Dealing With CriticismIn this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the topic of criticism and how it is a favorite, unavoidable part of leadership in ministry. Hear stories on experiences with personal criticism, but also learn how some criticism can be constructive learning opportunities. Leaders can maintain a balance of having a soft heart while fostering a strong mindset, allowing them to lead effectively amidst criticism.Here are the six reminders shared:1) Develop thick skin2) Learn from criticism3) Focus on one's calling and mission4) Remember your value2025-02-2625 minMinistry Mix4 Ways to Care for Your Team on SundaysIn this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss practical ways to care for the people you lead, particularly during Sunday morning gatherings. We look at the importance of greeting and thanking the team, actively listening to their needs, and slowing down to engage meaningfully with them. Each person who serves with you needs specific and timely encouragement, rather than general praise. The goal is to help people grow, find joy in ministry, and ultimately see the value they bring to the Kingdom. Meaningful relationships and attentiveness are crucial for effective ministry leadership.2025-02-1926 minMinistry Mix4 Rhythms for Navigating DiscouragementIn this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discuss the discouragement that ministry leaders often face. He shares four rhythms to help navigate discouragement: 1) Gathering intentionally 2) Digging deeply3) Laughing freely4) Resting regularly They remind listeners that it's important to build these practices into their lives proactively so that they are prepared when discouragement strikes. Embrace these rhythms for sustained growth and well-being in all leadership journeys.Reflection Questions:1. Can you identify areas in your life where you can make time to dig deeper into your faith? What...2025-02-1226 minMinistry MixHow to hold a worship and prayer nightIn this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the importance of creating deep experiences of prayer and worship within the church. They share insights and practical tips for planning altar nights, which are focused on fostering spiritual intensity and a greater desire for Jesus among the congregation. Richard emphasizes the significance of scripture-led prayer, closeness among participants, and the need to be flexible during these gatherings while avoiding overly programmatic approaches. The conversation aims to inspire ministry leaders to raise their church's spiritual temperature through intentional worship practices.Reflection Questions:2025-02-0525 minMinistry MixSongs that Impact our LivesIn this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss the profound impact of music on their lives and leadership. They reflect on songs that have shaped their faith and ministry, emphasizing music’s ability to minister to the soul and foster self-awareness. Songs can resonate with us all during challenging seasons, providing comfort and inspiration. If you are a ministry leader, look to use music as a tool for connection and healing in their your own life and even communities.Reflection Questions:1. Can you think of a specific song that has helped yo...2025-01-2927 minMinistry Mix5 Ways to Measure Health That Are Not Your NumbersIn this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discusses measuring success in ministry beyond just attendance and numbers. They emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of prayer, encouraging spontaneous gatherings among church members, and promoting enthusiastic singing as indicators of a healthy church environment. Additionally, he highlights the significance of individuals taking next steps in their faith and actively responding to the needs of others within the church community. The goal is to encourages pastors and ministry leaders to focus on cultivating spiritual growth and community engagement as key markers of success.2025-01-2228 minMinistry Mix8 Tips for Reading the Bible in 2025In this new year episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss strategies for ministry leaders to deepen their relationship with God through intentional Bible reading in the new year. Tip 1 - Pray what you ReadTip 2 - Have a PlanTip 3 - Get a good commentaryTip 4 - Ditch the PlanTip 5 - Read correlating Bible versesTip 6 - Ask good questionsTip 7 - Feel what you readTip 8 - Share what you read Jump in to help strengthen your Bible reading in this new ye...2025-01-1535 minMinistry Mix8 Ways to Engage Your Community This Christmas2024-12-0429 minMinistry MixLessons from Weird Ministry Stories2024-11-2727 minMinistry MixThinking about the De-ChurchedIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard discuss the phenomenon of the Dechurched—those who identify as Christians but have disengaged from the local church. They explore the various reasons for this disengagement, such as cultural shifts, personal hurt, and the busyness of life, while emphasizing the importance of genuine community and care to help re-engage these individuals. The hosts suggest practical ways for churches to connect with the dechurched, focusing on relationship-building and understanding the unique needs of this group. Effective outreach requires a commitment to embodying the gospel in a way that resonates dee...2024-11-2027 minMinistry Mix6 Lessons from Homeless ChurchesIn this episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard discuss lessons learned from experiencing church homelessness. Throughout both their church's history, there have been times when facilities needed to change last minute or the normal use was disrupted. They emphasize the importance of reliance on God during chaotic times, the need for churches to identify themselves as people rather than a building, and the unexpected growth in faith and community that can emerge from such challenges. Additionally, they highlight how simplifying operations can lead to more authentic relationships and deeper connections within the church. Ultimately, t...2024-11-1326 minMinistry Mix4 (and a half) Spiritual Lessons from the Apple Orchard with Charles CampbellIn today's podcast episode, Phil and Richard welcome Charles Campbell to discuss valuable lessons learned from his experience running an apple orchard. Charles shares four key leadership insights: the importance of being grafted into God’s family, the necessity of pruning for growth, adapting to unexpected challenges, and the significance of being rooted in the right foundation. Charles emphasizes that true maturity in faith is about increasing dependence on God and trusting Him through life's challenges. The conversation encourages ministry leaders to open their eyes to everyday examples that can enrich their leadership journey. Reflection Quest...2024-11-0640 minMinistry Mix5 Ways To Follow Up From Teaching and PreachingIn this podcast episode, Phil and Richard discuss the challenges of making sermon teachings memorable and impactful. They explore five practical strategies to boost retention:-Encouraging prayerful reflection-Using discussion questions-Implementing application challenges-Encouraging note-taking and sharing-Utilizing social media to reinforce sermon themesThe goal is to help leaders think about how they engage their people in the learning process and following up to foster spiritual growth. Reflection Questions:What might cause people forget most of the sermon content shortly after hearing it? Wh...2024-10-3024 minMinistry MixFriendship In MinistryIn this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard explore the value of friendships among ministry leaders. Despite their different backgrounds and ages, their connection deepened as they supported one another through ministry challenges, strategic discussions, and even personal struggles. Friendship are vital in combatting loneliness and stress, especially for pastors, many of whom report having very few close friends. As the conversation progresses, Phil and Richard identify five key benefits of friendship: crisis support, strategic collaboration, laughter through difficulties, and mutual spiritual encouragement. True friendship can lead to healthier souls and more vibrant ministries. 2024-10-2326 minMinistry Mix6 Things You Should Tell People You LeadIn the latest episode of the Ministry Mix podcast, Phil and Richard delve into essential communication strategies for ministry leaders.They emphasize the importance of speaking truthfully and compassionately to those you lead, with leadership that goes beyond merely directing tasks—it should also nurture the spiritual growth of individuals as they become more like Jesus. The conversation touches on six critical phrases that leaders should consistently communicate. 1) I'm Sorry: The need to apologize2) Your Work Matters: The kingdom significance of their work3) You are doing well: The power of encouragement...2024-10-1625 minMinistry Mix3 Ways Our Past Impacts Our Leadership (Part 2)In the second episode of the podcast, Phil and Richard continue to discuss how personal past experiences shape ministry leadership. They share stories highlighting the impact of struggles, such as mental health challenges, financial difficulties, and even cancer, on their approaches to leading and connecting with others. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging our history to foster a more compassionate and authentic ministry practice. Let's reflect on our own stories and how these inform their leadership, aiming for growth through community and open conversation.Reflection Questions:1) How do you think a person's past experiences can...2024-10-0931 minMinistry Mix3 Ways Our Past Impacts Our Leadership (Part 1)Join us for our new podcast, Ministry Mix! Dive into real conversations about ministry leadership. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, we've got insights and encouragement waiting for you.We hope you enjoy real conversations for the souls and strategies of ministry leaders. Our first episode dives into how our backgrounds influence our ministry. In this episode, Phil and Richard share personal stories from their pasts that have significantly influenced their approaches to ministry, emphasizing the importance of soul care and authentic conversations among leaders. Phil discusses his upbringing in a pastoral f...2024-10-0221 minMinistry MixMinistry Mix TrailerGet ready for the launch of the Ministry Mix podcast where we bring you real conversations for the souls and strategies of ministry leaders. Whether you are a seasoned pastor or just starting out in ministry, this podcast is a place for you to be a part of conversations on topics that matter to you. Check out some short samples from a few of our episodes. 10 episodes will drop weekly starting October 2. Be sure to subscribe and share with your friends! 2024-09-2703 min