Leading through Resistance, with David Ashcraft

David Ashcraft joins Doug and co-host Daniel Goulding on this episode of the Intentional Churches Podcast, sharing lessons from decades of leadership at LCBC in Pennsylvania.

From painful early years where elders walked out, to the explosive growth that brought thousands of people across multiple campuses, David unpacks how radical alignment and a relentless focus on “best vs. good” shaped a disciple-making movement.

During their conversation, you’ll hear why alignment matters more than keeping everyone happy, how LCBC codified its culture without losing passion, and what the 90–10 rule teaches us about the need for some people to be upset if you’re truly moving forward. David also unpacks how to discern between “good” opportunities and the “best” mission, and he shares honestly about the personal cost leaders pay to remain faithful through seasons of growth.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 When Elders Walk Out: The Pain of Early Leadership
01:10 Meet Co-Host Daniel Goulding and His Church Plant Story
02:44 David Ashcraft’s Journey: From Texas to Pennsylvania
04:48 Facing Opposition: Letters from Abe and the Worship Wars
07:11 LCBC’s Growth: From 150 to 25,000 Across 25 Campuses
08:23 The Core Issue: Alignment vs. Misalignment in the Church
09:40 Good vs. Best: The Principle that Guides Every Decision
11:19 Lessons from Rapid Growth and Staff Alignment Challenges
14:00 Codifying Culture: From Intuition to Intentionality
16:33 Multi-Site Expansion and Why Limitations Became Opportunities
18:52 Stewardship, Buildings, and Keeping the Mission Central
22:12 Guarding Staff Culture While Scaling Fast
25:56 The 90–10 Rule: Leading with Clarity, Not Popularity
29:20 Picking Battles Carefully Without Losing Alignment
33:52 Codifying the “Gut”: Axioms and Culture Statements
39:02 Encouragement for Leaders in Shrinking or Struggling Churches
43:25 The Real Cost of Growth and Leadership Pain
45:25 Why David Stepped Into The Advantage and Global Leadership Network
47:17 Final Wisdom: Lead, Don’t Chase Popularity

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