The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast

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• Arthur Brooks on the Science of Happiness and the Inner Life of Church Leaders 23.06.2026 41min

  Why are so many ministry leaders struggling with unhappiness, and how can the tools of behavioral science intersect with Christian theology to bring true joy? In this episode, Ed Stetzer sits down with social scientist, Harvard professor, and bestselling author Arthur Brooks to discuss his latest insights on the science of happiness and its profound implications for church leaders.Brooks unpacks the four pillars of a happy life (faith, family, friendship, and work that serves other people) and addresses why pastors often score low on personal enjoyment despite their high sense of vocational meaning. Tracing the distinctions between worldly pleasure and holy enjoyment, Brooks addresses the reality of spiritual desolation, drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola to explain why feeling distant from God doesn’t make a leader a fraud. From practical self-management routines to redefining ministry success away from numerical idolatry, this conversation offers pastors a vital roadmap to sustain their inner lives and lead with authentic joy.ABOUT OUR GUESTArthur C. Brooks is a social scientist, author, and speaker known for his work on happiness, leadership, meaning, and human flourishing. He serves as a professor at Harvard University, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness.Brooks previously served as president of the American Enterprise Institute and has written bestselling books including From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey. Drawing from research, personal experience, and moral philosophy, Brooks helps audiences think deeply about purpose, relationships, and well-being. He is a sought-after speaker among business, academic, nonprofit, and faith-based audiences.
• N.T. Wright on God’s Homecoming and the Meaning of Heaven 09.06.2026 50min

  What if our common understanding of heaven and the afterlife misses the plot of the biblical narrative? In this episode, Ed Stetzer connects with biblical scholar and theologian N. T. Wright to talk about his book, God’s Homecoming. Wright explains how popular Christian ideas about escaping the physical world to live in a disembodied heaven are rooted more in Platonism than the text of Scripture.Tracing themes from Genesis to Revelation, Wright highlights God's design for heaven and earth to work together, culminating in a future resurrection and a renewed creation. He discusses the current role of the Holy Spirit in looking after believers between death and the final resurrection, and how the church can act as a local model of this new creation today. For leaders navigating modern ministry, this conversation provides a challenge to align our language, hope, and social action with a historic, biblical framework.ABOUT OUR GUESTN. T. Wright is a leading New Testament scholar, theologian, and former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England. He is widely known for his work on the historical Jesus, the Apostle Paul, resurrection theology, and the kingdom of God. Wright has taught at Oxford, Cambridge, and McGill University and currently serves as Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.He has written influential books including Simply Christian, Surprised by Hope, and Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Wright is respected for making complex theology accessible to pastors, students, scholars, and everyday Christians around the world.
• Carl Trueman on the Desecration of Man 26.05.2026 36min

  What does it mean to be human in an age that celebrates the destruction of the sacred? In this timely episode, Ed Stetzer sits down with renowned historian and author Carl Trueman to discuss his latest work, The Desecration of Man. Following the success of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Trueman explores how the rejection of external authority and the ascent of "expressive individualism" have led us to a point where we no longer just ignore meaning—we actively delight in smashing it.From the pervasive influence of technology and AI to the complex ethical landscapes of IVF and surrogacy, Trueman traces the roots of our modern malaise back to thinkers like Rousseau, Freud, and Nietzsche. Together, Ed and Carl wrestle with how the church can offer a "consecrated" alternative, pointing to the Imago Dei as the only stable foundation for human dignity. This is a vital conversation for leaders seeking to navigate a culture that is rapidly reconfiguring the very definition of humanity.ABOUT OUR GUESTCarl Trueman is a theologian, historian, and author known for his work on church history, theology, culture, and the modern self. He serves as a professor at Grove City College and previously taught at Westminster Theological Seminary and the University of Nottingham.Trueman is widely recognized for his thoughtful analysis of contemporary culture through the lens of historic Christianity. His bestselling book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self has significantly shaped evangelical discussions about identity, expressive individualism, and cultural change. A frequent conference speaker and commentator, Trueman combines scholarly depth and cultural insight as he helps Christians think carefully about faithfulness and truth in a rapidly changing world.
• Stephen and Alex Kendrick Discuss Their New Film War Room 24.08.2015 24min

  The Kendrick Brothers talk about making a film that calls people to prayer. 
• Jody Dean Gives Church Administration Advice to Pastors Who Hate It 27.11.2024 34min

  Get notes on this podcast here:  https://churchleaders.com/podcast/501014-jody-dean-church-administration.html Dr. Jody Dean joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to explain why church administration is an essential part of ministry and how, far from taking away from ministry's personal side, administration supports and empowers pastoral care. Rev. Dr. John Dickson joined us last week to discuss the historical impact of Christianity, the importance of acknowledging the church's failures as well as its contributions, and how Christians should engage with culture today. Check out our conversation with him here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/500763-john-dickson-good-evil-church-history.html  ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685 Visit ChurchLeaders Website: https://churchleaders.com Find ChurchLeaders on Facebook: https://facebook.com/churchleaders Follow ChurchLeaders on X: https://x.com/ChurchLead Follow ChurchLeaders on Instagram: https://instagram.com/churchlead/ Follow ChurchLeaders on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/churchleaders/  "Managing the Ministry: A Practical Guide to Church Administration" by Dr. Jody Dean New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Follow Jody on X/Twitter Practical Tools for Church Leaders Brotherhood Mutual Church Community Builder Church Form ChurchLeaders ChurchLaw&Tax Evernote Google Suite Planning Center The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast Todoist
• Thom Rainer: Why Pastors Need To Ask Their People for Prayer 01.11.2023 30min

  Get notes on this podcast here:  https://churchleaders.com/podcast/461704-thom-rainer-pastors-ask-prayer.html Dr. Thom Rainer joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to share why it is important that people pray for their pastors and to encourage church leaders to take the vulnerable step of asking their congregations for prayer. Why are people leaving church and not returning? Dr. Ryan Burge joined us last week to reveal what the data shows about the answer to this question and what church leaders can do to encourage those who have left the church to come back. Check out our conversation with him here: https://churchleaders.com/podcast/461251-ryan-burge-biggest-reason-people-leaving-church.html    ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685   Visit ChurchLeaders Website: https://churchleaders.com Find ChurchLeaders on Facebook: https://facebook.com/churchleaders Follow ChurchLeaders on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChurchLead Follow ChurchLeaders on Instagram: https://instagram.com/churchlead/ Follow ChurchLeaders on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/churchleaders/   "When the People Pray: An Invitation to Intercede for Your Pastor and Revive Your Church" by Dr. Thom Rainer   "Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive" by Dr. Thom Rainer "I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference" by Dr. Thom Rainer "The Post-Quarantine Church: Six Urgent Challenges and Opportunities That Will Determine the Future of Your Congregation" by Dr. Thom Rainer "Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian" by Dr. Thom Rainer Church Answers Follow Thom on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• Ryan Burge: The Biggest Reason Why People Are Leaving Church 25.10.2023 38min

  Get notes on this podcast here:  https://churchleaders.com/podcast/461251-ryan-burge-biggest-reason-people-leaving-church.html Dr. Ryan Burge joins "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast" to share what the data actually shows about why people are leaving church (and not returning) and what church leaders can do to encourage them to come back.  What did you think of Prime Video's "Shiny Happy People"? Alex Harris joined us last week to explain why he appeared in the docuseries, what he sees as its shortcomings, and how church leaders can benefit from watching it. Check out our conversation with him here:  https://churchleaders.com/podcast/460810-alex-harris-shiny-happy-people-serves-church.html  ► Listen on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-churchleaders-podcast/id988990685 Visit ChurchLeaders Website: https://churchleaders.com Find ChurchLeaders on Facebook: https://facebook.com/churchleaders Follow ChurchLeaders on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChurchLead Follow ChurchLeaders on Instagram: https://instagram.com/churchlead/ Follow ChurchLeaders on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/churchleaders/   "20 Myths about Religion and Politics in America" by Dr. Ryan Burge "The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?" by Michael Graham and Jim Davis with Dr. Ryan Burge "The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going" by Dr. Ryan Burge "Religion Has Become a Luxury Good" by Dr. Ryan Burge Check out Ryan's website Follow Ryan on X/Twitter  
• Jackie Hill Perry: God Is Not Calling Gay People to Be Straight 22.08.2018 33min

  Jackie Hill Perry talks about leaving the lesbian lifestyle to follow God's plan for her life.
• Tony Morgan: Know Your Mission Field 20.06.2018 37min

  Church strategist Tony Morgan has some ideas to help your church grow numerically and your members, spiritually.
• Derwin Gray: Why Sunday Is Still the Most Segregated Time of the Week and What to Do about It 17.05.2017 35min

  Pastor Derwin Gray, also known as the Evangelical Linebacker, talks about creating multiethnic, multicultural churches that can tutor the culture on how to love people across barriers. 
• Terry Smith: Dreaming of Diversity in Your Church 05.09.2018 35min

  Pastor Terry Smith talks about making your church a place of hospitality by being intentional about creating an environment where people celebrate the fact that they are doing life with people who are not like them.
• Jerry Jenkins, Co-author of Left Behind Series, on How Learning to Tell a Good Story Will Improve Your Sermons 21.10.2015 30min

  Jerry Jenkins talks Left Behind, the writing life, and how busy leaders can find time to write.
• Dave Gibbons on Fighting Racism in the Church and Engaging Global Cultures 14.10.2015 31min

  Dave Gibbons discusses how American church leaders can better minister cross-culturally.
• Leadership Insights from the Fasting-Growing Churches America 07.10.2015 27min

  Jim Long, editor of Outreach magazine, discusses their recent issue on the fastest-growing churches in America.
• Chris Brown on Avoiding Common Mistakes Leaders Make with Money 30.09.2015 31min

  Chris Brown discusses the unique financial challenges ministry leaders face and the best ways to grow in our stewardship of God's resources.
• Kevin Palau on How Churches Can Work Together to Reach Their Cities for Christ 23.09.2015 33min

  Kevin Palau discusses how the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association wants to change the way churches do evangelism.
• Kay Warren on Mental Health and the Church 16.09.2015 24min

  Kay Warren discusses what churches should do to minister to those struggling with mental illness.
• Brad Lomenick Shares Leadership Trends Every Church Leader Should Know 09.09.2015 47min

  Brad Lomenick discusses leadership trends top-level leaders are watching closely.
• Lysa TerKeurst Shares One of the Best Ways to Grow Mighty in God's Word 02.09.2015 34min

  Lysa TerKeurst discusses how people can be transformed by the renewing of their mind.
• Adam Weber: Lessons Learned When Our Church Experienced Extraordinary Growth 21.06.2016 34min

  Adam Weber shares the lessons he's learned from leading one of the fastest growing churches in America.