Best Lifeway Leadership Podcasts (2025)

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How PTZ Cameras Are Transforming Worship Services | Bryan Bailey, Director of Media, Prestonwood 43:38

3d ago43:38

43:38

Are you considering PTZ cameras for your church worship service? Join Phil Cooke and Bryan Bailey, Director of Media at Prestonwood Baptist Church, to explore how one of the nation’s leading churches is leveraging PTZ robotic cameras to transform church worship experiences. Whether you're a church media director, on a media team, or training volunt…

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Living the Dream – Faith-Based Documentary Filmmaking with Ryan Grow | Lifeway Films 31:30

18d ago31:30

31:30

Are you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking. From pitching …

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BONUS: Which Bible Promises Apply Today? 14:55

26d ago14:55

14:55

This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?” We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God. All promises of God are fulfilled in Christ. Understa…

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306. Biblical Masculinity in a Confused Culture: A Conversation with Casey B. Hough 33:36

1M ago33:36

33:36

In today’s culture, the conversation around masculinity is often marked by confusion, polarization, and deep emotional complexity. As leaders and disciplers of men—whether in small groups, homes, or churches—we’re faced with the challenge of helping the next generation navigate manhood in a way that reflects both strength and humility, courage and …

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Why Does Correct Theology Matter? 14:13

1M ago14:13

14:13

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Correct Theology Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Theological doctrine shapes our relationship with God and others. Understanding essential beliefs is crucial for unity in the church. Not all theological issues are of equa…

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305. Discipleship in a Noisy World with Ruth Chou Simons 35:21

1M ago35:21

35:21

In a world overflowing with noise and opinions, how can we, as disciples and leaders, cultivate wisdom, grace, and meaningful conversations? Discipleship doesn’t just happen in classrooms or sermons—it happens in the daily rhythms of our lives, in the words we speak, the beauty we notice, and the way we lead others in truth and love. In this episod…

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Creative Ways to Transform Your Church Worship | Interview with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley 42:38

1M ago42:38

42:38

Church doesn’t have to be boring! In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley of Zarephath Christian Church to uncover creative, practical ways to revitalize your worship experience. Whether you're running a traditional or contemporary church service, these creative strategies will boost engagement, i…

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Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter? 13:08

1M ago13:08

13:08

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Living a faithful life is essential, even in mundane tasks. Every believer has a role in God’s mission, regardless of their position. Motherhood and domestic roles can…

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304. Combating Cultural Christianity: Leadership Insights from Matt Vairetta 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

Discipleship can be both rewarding and challenging, especially in today’s ever-changing church landscape. As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating cultural shifts, combating spiritual apathy, and seeking new ways to foster genuine community. In multi-site churches, these challenges can be even more pronounced, requiring intentional strategies…

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Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter? 11:05

2M ago11:05

11:05

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: The doctrine of hell is crucial for understanding God’s justice. Many people struggle with the concept of hell, leading to doubt. Biblical imagery of hell should be ta…

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303. How to Measure True Discipleship: Insights with Dr. Richard Blackaby 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian journey, but how do we truly measure its impact? In this episode Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Dr. Richard Blackaby to discuss the critical importance of making disciples as the final command of Jesus. They explore the challenges of gauging discipleship effectiveness and emphasize that gen…

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Technology, Theology, & the Heart of Church Media Production| Interview with Will Chapman 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

What does it take to thrive in church media ministry? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for an inspiring conversation with Will Chapman, Online Minister at Cottonwood Creek Church and seasoned media director. Gain valuable insights on church media leadership, team building, communication, and the use of AI for church teams that can help you bui…

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Why Does Prayer Matter? 10:22

2M ago10:22

10:22

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Prayer Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Prayer is essential for experiencing the fullness of joy. Unanswered prayer can be a part of God’s better plan. Persistence in prayer is often necessary for receiving answers. Prayer…

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302. Cultivating Deep Discipleship in a Digital Age with John Eldredge 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

In a world consumed by screens and distractions, how do we cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus? In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with author and counselor John Eldredge to explore the impact of technology on our spiritual lives and what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s culture. John unpacks the essence of discip…

1
301. Understanding the Great De-Churching with Jim Davis 37:36

2M ago37:36

37:36

Why are so many people leaving the church—and what can we do about it? In this episode of The Group Answers Podcast, hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Jim Davis, teaching pastor and co-author of The Great De-Churching, to explore one of the most significant movements happening in the church today. Together, they unpack the growing p…

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Inside Reality TV and Game Show Careers: Interview | Showrunner Sean Kelly & Editor Matthew McCartie 49:39

2M ago49:39

49:39

Ever wondered how reality TV and game show careers work behind the scenes? In this interview, showrunner-producer Sean Kelly and editor-producer Matthew McCartie with host Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com dive into the fascinating world of television production, sharing insider secrets about working on reality shows, game shows, and the creative pr…

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How Do I Balance Marriage and Tithing? 7:50

2M ago7:50

7:50

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. pauses his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” to answer a listener question about challenges of tithing when a spouse disagree. A glimpse inside this episode: Tithing is a biblical command that reflects trust in God. Communication is key when spouses disagree on financial matters. It’s important to honor e…

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300. Presencing Jesus: A Transformative Approach to Discipleship with Dr. Leonard Sweet 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

Discipleship isn’t just about teaching others about Jesus—it’s about living in His presence and helping others do the same. In this episode, Dr. Leonard Sweet joins the conversation to explore the deeper dimensions of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of presencing Jesus rather than merely presenting Him. He unpacks how understanding our hum…

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Why Does It Matter to Live a Gospel-Centered Life? 11:27

2M ago11:27

11:27

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with a question on why it matters to live a gospel-centered life. A glimpse inside the episode: The gospel is central to every part of the Christian life. Living a gospel-centered life means returning to the gospel daily. The gospel fosters organic change ra…

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299. Discipleship in Action with Elizabeth Woodson 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

Discipleship isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how we live. In this episode of Group Answers Podcast, Brian Daniel welcomes Bible teacher and author Elizabeth Woodson to discuss the vital role of modeling discipleship in the church and the balance between instruction and action in discipleship. Drawing from her recent study on Galatians, El…

1
Unlock the Power of Improv! Acting, Team Building & Communication with Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra 33:52

3M ago33:52

33:52

Improv is not just for actors! Find out how improvisation skills can elevate your ability to land on your feet in any situation as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra of thisishardtoread Productions and Oddity Improv. Together, they break down the values of improv classes for spontaneity, team collaboration, se…

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Why Does It Matter? The Virgin Birth 10:31

3M ago10:31

10:31

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” by diving into the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus. A glimpse inside this episode: The virgin birth is crucial to understanding Jesus’ identity. Jesus was born without a sin nature due to the virgin birth. The doctrine of the virgin birth is essent…

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298. The Future of Women’s Discipleship: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities with Alicia Wong 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Discipleship is a calling that extends to every believer, and the way we equip and support others in their spiritual journey continues to evolve. In this episode hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone welcome Alicia Wong, Women’s Ministry Specialist at Lifeway, to discuss the shifting landscape of women’s discipleship. They explore the growing hunger …

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Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally? 19:10

3M ago19:10

19:10

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D.pauses his “Why Does It Matter” series to answer a listener question who asked, “Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally?”Pastor J.D. addresses some common questions and emphasizes the importance of grounding sermons in Scripture, the role of the preacher as a steward of God’s word, and the overarc…

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297. Deep Discipleship: Cultivating a Life in Christ, Community, and Mission with Kyle Worley 39:16

3M ago39:16

39:16

Discipleship is more than a program—it’s a way of life. In this episode, Brian Daniel welcomes Pastor Kyle Worley to discuss how discipleship has evolved at Mosaic Church and why a clear, intentional model is essential for growth. They explore the importance of cultivating a discipleship culture rooted in biblical literacy, community, and mission. …

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Best Practices for Using Drones, Cable Cameras and Jibs in Church 14:31

3M ago14:31

14:31

Drone cameras, cable cameras (Spidercams) and jibs are showing up more and more in church services. Are they enhancing the worship experience or distracting the congregation? Church media consultant Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares best practices for church media directors and production teams on introducing new technology while capturing Go…

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Why Does It Matter? Purity Before Marriage 15:12

3M ago15:12

15:12

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” and focuses on why purity before marriage even matters by exploring the biblical stance on sexual ethics. A glimpse inside this episode: Many people question why sex before marriage is a big deal. God’s instructions on sex are rooted in wisdom and love. Sex …

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296. Reigniting Community in the Church with Ben Mandrell 36:45

3M ago36:45

36:45

Many church leaders today are facing a growing challenge—apathy among congregants. People are attending services, but are they truly engaged? Are they building authentic relationships, or simply going through the motions? These are questions worth asking as we consider the state of community within the church. This episode of Group Answers dives in…

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Why Does It Matter? Biblical Authority 23:30

3M ago23:30

23:30

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. starts a brand new series called, “Why Does It Matter.” Listen as he unpacks the significance of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy, and its role in Christian life. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible’s authority is foundational to Christian faith. Understanding why the Bible matters is crucial for believ…

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295. Who is the Real Jesus? Uncovering Truth with Shane Pruitt 35:18

4M ago35:18

35:18

Who is Jesus—really? In a world filled with personal interpretations and cultural distortions, it’s easy to lose sight of the true Christ revealed in Scripture. In this episode of The Group Answers Show, Brian Daniel and Joel Polk sit down with Shane Pruitt to uncover common misconceptions about Jesus and explore how discipleship can help believers…

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What Kind of Church Media Director Do I Need? 14:37

4M ago14:37

14:37

Media matters! Even if you’re a small church or nonprofit, a qualified church media team can help you get your message out in a more impactful way. If you’re wondering where to start and who to hire first, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares detailed information on roles, qualifications and even pay scale to help you build a dynamic media team.…

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Weather the Storm – Crisis Management Training for Churches and Nonprofits with Phil Cooke 35:36

4M ago35:36

35:36

A crisis does not have to break your church or nonprofit organization. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers an overview of crisis management based on his book and masterclass titled, “Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis.” Find out how to failsafe your ministry from a crisis …

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Books of the Year, Part 2 13:44

5M ago13:44

13:44

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares part two of his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Forgive by Tim Keller The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Dr. Michael Heiser Where the Light Fell: A…

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Books of the Year, Part I 18:03

5M ago18:03

18:03

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy: Rosalie Hall Hunt How to Know a Person, David Brooks Marks of a Movement: What the church…

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Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery? 8:39

5M ago8:39

8:39

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?” A glimpse inside this episode: There are many the nuances for Christians around plastic surgery, enhancing beauty, the cultural pressures surrounding appearance, and the importance of focusing on inner beauty and heart posture. While cosmetic enhanceme…

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Should Christians Be Concerned about AI? 9:30

5M ago9:30

9:30

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Christians be concerned about AI?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. looks at the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) from a Christian perspective. While AI is a tool that can be used for good or bad, the underlying human nature can lead to th…

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Are Denominations Biblical? 14:13

6M ago14:13

14:13

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Are Denominations Biblical?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the biblical basis for denominations while addressing common criticisms. While denominations may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of cooperation in the mission of the church …

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294. Mission-Driven Leadership with Ron Edmondson 38:03

6M ago38:03

38:03

In this insightful episode, Brian Daniel and Ron Edmondson unpack essential leadership principles tailored for church environments, while also bridging the gap between faith-based and secular leadership. Together, they dive into practical strategies and share personal experiences, offering valuable takeaways for small group leaders who aim to make …

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Is It Wrong for Christians to Do Yoga? 12:12

6M ago12:12

12:12

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that has actually been asked by two listeners, Lillian and Jesse: “Is it OK for Christians to do Yoga?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the historical roots of yoga in Eastern religions and how it contrasts with Christian meditation. He emphasize…

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My Marriage Started After an Unbiblical Divorce: What Should We Do? 11:01

6M ago11:01

11:01

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that asked, “I’m currently married to a man who had an unbiblical divorce. To make it worse, we actually began dating before the divorce was finalized. We recently both got saved, and now are facing the question: are we living in continuous adultery? We’re both sick over how our marriage b…

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Making Creative Changes – Releasing Creative Control | Creative Leadership Tips 💡 8:49

6M ago8:49

8:49

Leading creative teams and managing projects often means balancing your artistic vision with the needs of clients, audiences, or stakeholders. In this video, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com dives deep into how to release creative control while staying true to your creativity and navigating the demands of business culture. Whether you’re a young cr…

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293. Leading Small Groups Through the Seasons with Haley Malone 30:46

6M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of the Group Answers Podcast, host Brian Daniel is joined by Haley Malone, Director of Groups at First Orlando, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, growth, and adaptability in ministry. Haley shares valuable insights into the rhythm of leadership, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and fostering connection among gr…

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How Can I Give Honest Criticism with Grace and Love? 15:19

6M ago15:19

15:19

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tristan who asked, “As Christians, how can we be honest about an individual’s poor performance (in my case, scoring a poor performer based on their work quality) with grace and love?” A glimpse inside this episode: Honest criticism can be done in a loving and graceful manner. …

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292. Holistic Discipleship with Allen Yeh 35:25

6M ago35:25

35:25

How can we as leaders cultivate a discipleship experience that truly values perspectives from across cultures? Are we prepared to address the unique questions different generations bring to faith—and how can the Holy Spirit guide us in navigating these conversations? In this episode, Dr. Alan Yeh joins us to explore the rich distinctions between th…

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How Do I Learn to HATE My Sin? 14:42

6M ago14:42

14:42

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tyler who asked, ““I know in my head that my sin is sinful, but I can’t seem to ‘metabolize’ it and get that truth into my heart. How can I do that?” A glimpse inside this episode: The goal of salvation is a new kind of righteousness. Understanding sin requires both head knowl…

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How to Produce the BEST Christmas Pageant ever! Behind the Scenes of a Successful Church Program 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

How early is too early to plan your church Christmas pageant or program? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares the “best of” Christmas podcasts for church media directors, choir directors and their teams to produce the best Christmas pageant or program ever! Go behind the scenes of the “The Gift of Christmas” stunning multi-media…

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291. Creating A Healthy Discipleship Culture with Larry Osbourne 35:39

7M ago35:39

35:39

What if our efforts to pursue knowledge in discipleship unintentionally create barriers to faith? How can we, as leaders, foster a church culture that emphasizes not just understanding Scripture, but living it out authentically in community? In this impactful episode, Brian Daniel interviews Larry Osborne, teaching pastor at North Coast Church, who…

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Will There Really Be No Marriage in Heaven? 10:24

7M ago10:24

10:24

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Andrew who asked, “Could you attempt to provide some clarity on whether an earthly marriage between Christians means that husband/wife relationship carries into eternity?” Thank you Andrew for your question! A glimpse inside this episode: Jesus teaches that there is no marriag…

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290. Creating A Gospel Centered Culture with Trevin Wax 34:39

7M ago34:39

34:39

What does it mean to live out a faith that’s rooted in the true essence of the gospel, especially in a world where personal fulfillment often overshadows deeper convictions? How can church leaders foster a culture that balances relevance with timeless truth, or guide conversations around politics without compromising unity? In this thought-provokin…

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Gospel & Politics: Joseph Backholm 30:36

7M ago30:36

30:36

This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Joseph Backholm. Joseph is a Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing. A glimpse inside …

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Lifeway Leadership Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen