ABOUT KARA Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. As a youth ministry veteran of over 20 years, she serves as an Advisor to Youth Specialties. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women You Should Know", Kara is the author or co-author of a number of books including Sticky Faith, Essential Leadership, Deep Justice Journeys, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum. CHARACTERISTICS OF CHURCHES REACHING MILLENNIALS: The Issue: “The first job of leaders is to define reality.” The best research indicates that almost half of youth group grads are leaving the church after they graduate. The young adult population is grossly underrepresented in most churches. The vast majority of churches are aging and shrinking. Kara and the team at Fuller Youth Institute have been researching churches that are beating the odds and “gr

CHURCH PLANTING God will never promote you beyond what your character can sustain. Church Planting Birthing a church is like birthing a child. Pregnancy- this stage is the planting and growth of God’s vision for the church that He wants to birth through you. It is so important that this “pregnancy” is taken full-term, not birthed prematurely. During this time, it is important to trust the leaders in your life and their wisdom for timing. It’s one thing to stand next to a leader and feel like you are carrying the weight of that leadership, but you won’t know the full weight of leadership until you get there yourself. Building a Team It is important to surround yourself with people that can come alongside you and lift your hands, not hang off your hands. People that bring solutions, not just problems, are critical to supporting a lead pastor. It’s a privilege to get close to the “spiritual nakedness” of your leader. It’s in our brokenness that the light of Jesus shines thr

ABOUT DAN Dan and Kelly Matlock grew up in the Midwest but fell in love with Texas when they moved there in 2003. In 2011 they felt called to start a church in Hays County. Dan loves spending time with his family, being outdoors, playing sports, and driving his motorcycle. He’s an avid football fan in general but a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. BE THE CHURCH Be The Church: Build an awesome team around you. Before you “have” church, you have to BE the church. When you look at the life of Jesus, he was not surrounded by “Christians” all the time. How can we get in people’s worlds and be the church outside the walls of a church? Get involved in the community. The church is here to serve people. The church exists to show the community what God is like. Serving the community with no strings attached will open doors for relationships later on. Be intentionally close to others churches. When the church wins, the kingdom wins. “

ABOUT KYLE Kyle Turner is the lead pastor of The Cause: A Jesus Church, which he launched in September 2010 with his wife, Liz, in the heart of Kansas City, MO. Kyle and Liz have two children: Blaire and Graham, as well as a furry one named Cub. Kyle is an all-around sports fan, played a mean game of high school basketball, and loves riding motorcycles. He is also surprisingly good at free-styling fresh rap lyrics. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #69: Kyle Turner - Church Planting & Seeking God's Calling Google Play - Episode #69: Kyle Turner - Church Planting & Seeking God's Calling Church Planting & Seeking God's Calling 1. UNITY: Unity is essential, especially in a marriage, when it comes to answering God’s calling. You shouldn't have to trick your spouse into God’s calling. It’s better to do things slower and in unity than to jump into something when you're not on the same page. 2. SEEK AUTHORITY: Do whatever it takes to hear from God. There will be hard times, so a

ABOUT RICH Rich is one of the early multisite church pioneers. He served on the leadership team of Connexus Community Church in Ontario, a North Point Community Church Strategic Partner. Currently he serves as Operations Pastor at Liquid Church in the suburbs of New Jersey. Rich is married to Christine and lives in Scotch Plains, NJ with their two kids and one dog. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #68: Rich Birch - Unreasonable Churches Google Play - Episode #68: Rich Birch - Unreasonable Churches GUEST LINKS Rich's Twitter Rich's Facebook Rich's Instagram multisitesolutions.com MENTIONED LINKS creativesheep.org UNREASONABLE CHURCHES Ninety-four percent of churches are losing ground against the growth of the communities they are in. 1. Unreasonable Fundraising It is important for leaders to be very clear why the cause is important and why this is important right NOW. When a compelling vision (WHY) connects with an urgent NOW, that will motivate people. Peop

ABOUT FRANK After more than five years of building children’s ministry strategies at one of the most influential churches in the nation, Frank Bealer is expanding his scope to work on systems and strategies that will help thousands of other churches. Frank is the founding CEO of the Phase Family Centers, an innovative concept for bringing together churches, families and communities. Frank is also the Executive Director of Leadership Development at Orange / The Rethink Group and the author of The Myth of Balance. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #67: Frank Bealer - The Myth of Balance Google Play - Episode #67: Frank Bealer - The Myth of Balance GUEST LINKS Frank's Twitter Frank's Facebook Frank's Instagram FamilyMinistry.Church MENTIONED LINKS creativesheep.org MythofBalance.com THE MYTH OF BALANCE God didn't call us to sacrifice the family He’s given us on the alter of Ministry. We must weigh things against the calling God has placed on our lives. Are w

ABOUT DEAN Dean is the founding pastor of Rock. He has been married to his wife, Kim, since 1983 and they have three adult children; Alesha, Allyson and Preston. Since 1981 Dean has served in the full time ministry. Prior to starting the church in 2004 he served as a Youth and Associate Pastor in three different churches. Along with his current pastoral duties Dean is also an adjunct professor at Charis Bible College in Woodland Park. SERVANT LEADERSHIP Recognizing Staff Abuse: Staff Abuse: the idea that you can treat people who work for you however you want in the name of serving God. Common Characteristics of Staff Abuse: demanding, disrespectful leader belittles staff from platform micromanaging & lack of trust failure to delegate not communicating or building relationships with staff not giving appropriate affirmation This is not what Jesus modeled to us. Harsh leadership hurts and wounds people. We are a reflection of the greatest influence in our life. The Serv

ABOUT KENNETH Kenneth has over a decade of ministry experience. He currently lives in Colorado and serves on staff at his local church. He and his wife Andrea have three children. Kenneth's life has been forever changed by pursuing a genuine, dynamic relationship with Jesus. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #65: Kenneth Weston - It's All About Jesus Google Play - Episode #65: Kenneth Weston - It's All About Jesus GUEST LINKS Kenneth's Twitter Kenneth's Facebook MENTIONED LINKS Seeds.com - Kids on the Move Code Orange Revival - Joyce Meyer IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS Sometimes it takes something drastic in our lives for us to start seeking a true, personal relationship with Jesus. God doesn't send negative circumstances, the enemy does, but He can use those situations to draw us in. Dive into the Word Let it show you the Truth. Come without preconceived notions or ideas. Ask God to reveal Himself through His Word. Be open. “Holy Spirit, show me something today.

Brian is a husband, father of three, and businessman. He is an OU grad and currently works in the Oil & Gas industry. Brian serves as a high-level volunteer for the Directional Leadership Team at Church on the Move. Brian is the co-founder of the Mountain Men ministry, dedicated to helping men find true life-change through an authentic relationship with Jesus. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #64: Brian Jobe - Ask, Seek, Knock Google Play - Episode #64: Brian Jobe -Ask, Seek, Knock GUEST LINKS Brian's Twitter Brian's Facebook MENTIONED LINKS creativesheep.org Church On The Move Men's Breakfast: Brian Jobe Blue Letter Bible App leadersheeppodcast.com ASK, SEEK, KNOCK Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Life is about people, no matter what avenue or venture you are in. We ca

Earl is the Lead Pastor of Shoreline Dallas. He has been in full-time ministry for 18 years. He and his beautiful wife Oneka with their two handsome boys moved to Dallas to launch Shoreline Dallas Church. A vibrant church with over 1,000 people who call Shoreline their home. It’s only been three years since the launch and God has been doing amazing things there. His vision is to see “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #63: Conquer Fear with Faith Google Play - Episode #63: Conquer Fear with Faith GUEST LINKS Earl's Twitter Earl's Facebook Earl's Instagram MENTIONED LINKS creativesheep.org CONQUER FEAR WITH FAITH Sometimes we misinterpret the advice and encouragement of those closest to us as criticism. We must face our own insecurities to truly be open to hearing from others. Are your insecurities a blessing or a stronghold? 2 Corinthians 11:30 “If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.” Don’t

ABOUT PAUL Paul Daugherty, along with his wife Ashley, serve as the Lead Pastors of Victory in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have two boys, Liam and Benaiah. Paul and Ashley travel around the world speaking at churches, conferences and city wide outreaches. Paul is the youngest son of the late Billy Joe Daugherty, the founder of Victory Christian Ministries. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #62: Paul Daugherty - Navigating Transition Google Play - Episode #62: Paul Daugherty - Navigating Transition GUEST LINKS Pastor Paul's Twitter Pastor Paul's Facebook Pastor Paul's Instagram PaulDaugherty.org Victory Church MENTIONED LINKS CreativeSheep.org Learning to Lead Podcast NAVIGATING TRANSITION Keep Getting Ready: A season of transition can feel frustrating and uncertain, but its important to keep getting ready, to keep training. Nobody is 100% ready as they enter a new role, but God prepares us along the way. Read, listen to podcasts, meet with mentors and leaders as you prep

ABOUT DANIEL Daniel is a successful multi-business owner and entrepreneur. He obtained an advertising degree from Oral Roberts University. He is currently a partner in Thrive15, a subscription-based online and off-line practical training resource for entrepreneurs. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #61: Daniel McKenna - Maintaining Motivation Google Play - Episode #61: Daniel McKenna - Maintaining Motivation GUEST LINKS Daniel's Twitter Daniel's Facebook Daniel's Instagram Thrive 15 MENTIONED LINKS CreativeSheep.org Thrive15.com The Daily Hustle Youtube The Power of the Pull by Steven Furtick MAINTAINING MOTIVATION “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” - Bill Gates Building Great Systems: 1. Outstanding training: transfer your vision & passion through employees/volunteers first, then it will reach your audience/church members. 2. Ridiculous checklists: a living, breathing document that changes a

ABOUT RYAN Ryan works at Life.Church as part of the Digerati team, an interactive team of people responsible for the web & app experience, giving, volunteer, and people platform experiences. He has a background as an agency graphic designer. Ryan is an Oklahoma native and OSU grad. He lives in Edmond with his wife, Jennifer, and two sons. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #60: Ryan Tauss - Inside the Life.Church Digerati Team Google Play - Episode #60: Ryan Tauss - Inside the Life.Church Digerati Team GUEST LINKS Ryan's Twitter Ryan's Facebook Ryan's Instagram Ryan on Behance MENTIONED LINKS CreativeSheep.org The High Impact Leader Develop.me leadersheeppodcast.com INSIDE THE LIFE.CHURCH DIGERATI TEAM The 3 Areas of Leadership: Self Family Work How can you lead with passion in every area? Using Technology to Build Relationships: Technology should be leveraged to engage people and build relationships. Think through the product in the experience aspec

A leader points the way and sets the pace of the home. It’s critical to have goals for yourself and for your family. In Your Marriage: Never quit dating your spouse. Let your kids see you in love with your spouse. Three areas that need intentional attention in marriage: Prayer life/ spiritual life Money Intimacy If you're not working on these 3 areas intentionally, the relationship will struggle. Parenting: Deuteronomy 6 was written for parents. Often times, parents want better for their kids in most areas, but spirituality can be neglected. It’s easy to settle for “just don't be bad.” Parents are responsible for setting the pace and having a vision for the home. If you have a vision for kids at the church, you should have a vision for the kids in your home. If you don't have a plan or goals to aim at, it won't happen. Be intentional. Positional vs. Relational Leadership: Positional leadership is the lowest form of leadership. Anybody can be a father. Strive to be a daddy;

ABOUT BEN Ben currently serves at Liquid Church in New Jersey as the Creative Arts Pastor overseeing the weekend services, mentoring the worship department, leading the video department & pastoring the church online community. Ben is married to his wife, Rose, and is the father of two girls. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #58: Ben Stapley - Cultivating a Creative Team Google Play - Episode #58: Ben Stapley - Cultivating a Creative Team GUEST LINKS Ben's Twitter Ben's Facebook Ben's Instagram Ben's Website Ben's Vimeo MENTIONED LINKS kindrid.com Liquid Church CULTIVATING A CREATIVE TEAM Building a Team Someone in your church has the skill set you are looking for that would be willing get engaged on a volunteer time. The arts are often underutilized for volunteer positions. Who are the people on your team and what are their gifts that can help you build? Start with people and not your product. Strive for communicative clarity. Asking for Volunteer Work Lead wit

ABOUT JOHN MITCHELL John is the owner and operator of Creative Audio Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Creative Audio Lab does custom music creation, music and sound design, and on location audio. In addition, John has launched a site called musicfromthelab.com, a unique music library created by the collaborative team at Creative Audio Lab. John is married and the father of two. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #57: John Mitchell - A Natural Strategy for a Supernatural Calling Google Play - Episode #57: John Mitchell - A Natural Strategy for a Supernatural Calling GUEST LINKS Creative Audio Lab Twitter John's Facebook John's Instagram Creative Audio Lab Creative Audio Lab Instagram musicfromthelab.com MENTIONED LINKS kindrid.com musicfromthelab.com creativesheep.org A NATURAL STRATEGY FOR A SUPERNATURAL CALLING Working in Excellence Excellence means not settling for the status quo. Excellence is never a cookie cutter process. Working with efficiency. Creative exce

ABOUT CAREY Carey Nieuwhof is founding pastor of Connexus Church and is author of several bestselling books. Carey blogs, podcasts, writes and speaks to church leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #56: Carey Nieuwhof - High Impact Leader Google Play - Episode #56: Carey Nieuwhof - High Impact Leader GUEST LINKS Carey's Twitter Carey's Facebook Carey's Instagram CareyNieuwhof.com Carey's Blog Carey Nieuwhof's Leadership Podcast MENTIONED LINKS Kindrid.com TheHighImpactLeader.com HIGH IMPACT LEADER Your Story: Start learning from leaders around you. Be patient. Don't give up when you're not seeing the success you're wanting to see. You are living your story and God’s story. God is writing a story in your life right now. There comes a point when you process your progress and realize your story could help somebody else. Focus as much ON the story as the telling of the story. You have to be a

ABOUT RYAN Ryan serves as a bi-vocational pastor, CEO of KidzMatter, creator of 12 Stone Ventures and the co-founder of The Leverage Group. Ryan and his wife, Beth, publish KidzMatter Magazine, a publication for those who minister to kids and families in the church. He is the author of 9 Things They Didn’t Teach Me in College About Children’s Ministry, Pulse (KidzMatter), Give Me Jesus, and The Volunteer Code. Ryan serves as the co-Founder and Dean of Kidmin Academy, the co-Founder of Kidmin Nation, and the Executive Director of the Sam Chand Leadership Institute. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #55 - Leading the Most Important Organization Google Play - Episode #55: Ryan Frank - Leading the Most Important Team GUEST LINKS Ryan Frank Twitter Ryan Frank Facebook Ryan Frank Youtube RyanFrank.com LEADING THE MOST IMPORTANT ORGANIZATION Making Family Your Priority If you don’t fight for your family, nobody else will. Your schedule shows where your heart is. Love is spe

ABOUT JON SANDERS Jon is the founder and head pastor of The Rescue Church, a multi-site church that started in South Dakota. Jon left his career as a full-time firefighter to answer God’s calling on his life to enter ministry. Jon lives in South Dakota with his wife and three children. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #54: Jon Sanders - Dealing with Betrayal Google Play - Episode #54: Jon Sanders - Dealing with Betrayal GUEST LINKS Jon's Twitter Jon's Facebook Jon's Instagram Jon's Website MENTIONED LINKS Jon's Blog Kindrid.com Small Town Big Church Podcast The Rescue Church DEALING WITH BETRAYAL Finding Your Calling God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. God only wants us to be willing enough; we don't have to be old enough, experienced enough, smart enough, ready enough, etc. God writes a much better story than we could write for ourselves. Sometimes God asks us to give up / sacrifice something we love for Him to work in our lives. Our j

ABOUT DUSTY OTIS Dusty is the former strength and conditioning coach for Lincoln Christian School and has a passion for physical health. He is currently the Campus Pastor for Church on the Move’s South Campus. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his wife and three children. LISTEN NOW iTunes - Episode #53: Dusty Otis - Stewarding Your Body through Healthy Habits Google Play - Episode #53: Dusty Otis - Stewarding Your Body through Healthy Habits GUEST LINKS Dusty's Twitter Dusty's Facebook Dusty's Instagram MENTIONED LINKS kindrid.com YouVersion Rick Warren’s 365 Daily Devotional bodybuilding.com YouVersion Visioneering Plan STEWARDING YOUR BODY THROUGH HEALTHY HABITS Forming Healthy Habits: "Motivation gets you started, but habits keep you going." We are composed of 3 parts, spirit, mind, and body, but we can tend to neglect the third part, the body. Healthy habits include a realistic routine, eating right, and adequate rest. Dusty's Morning Routine