How Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life and Career with Chad Brooks - Episode 12

Takeaways from today’s episode:

Leadership & Ministry

Relational capital is essential: Trust must be built before meaningful change can occur in any organization.

Identity must be rooted in Christ: Healthy pastors don't derive their identity from their performance or congregation.

Embrace adaptive leadership: Leaders must discern whether challenges are technical (clear solutions) or adaptive (requiring new thinking and more profound questions).

Balcony leadership > Dance floor leadership: Leaders need to step back for perspective instead of constantly reacting on the front lines.

Jiu-Jitsu as Professional Parallels

Jiu-jitsu fosters humility, trust, and a deep sense of community, making it ideal for individuals in isolating roles, such as ministry or entrepreneurship.

It's therapeutic and relational: Many practitioners find healing from social anxiety and develop close bonds.

Marital Arts is a surprising model for discipleship: The structured mentorship, mutual accountability, and growth mirror spiritual formation.

A powerful self-defense and confidence tool for kids, especially girls.

Productivity & Strategy

Hustle isn’t sustainable: Ministry leaders must shift from a focus on hustle to a strategy-driven approach.

Strategic productivity is key: Know what to focus on, when to rest, and when to push.

Reactive leadership burns you out; responsive leadership builds stability.

Slower, deeper work leads to sustainable growth, especially in post-COVID churches.

Writing & Publishing:

Self-publishing is a powerful tool: It allows for speed, ownership, and creating a legacy of practical, useful books.

Think library, not masterpiece: Build a body of helpful content over time instead of aiming for a single magnum opus.

Books are stepping stones, not capstones: Writing helps clarify and share what you’re already learning.

You can find Chad on X/Twitter (@revchadbrooks) or Substack at Chad Brooks. His website is www.revchadbrooks.com

Be sure to pick up his new book, “Is My Church Healthy?”

Get full access to Eric Hoke at erichoke.substack.com/subscribe