The Disrupters: Faith Changing Culture

To whom have you given your loyalty? Who is loyal to you?A hallmark of modern leadership is the demand for unquestioning loyalty—loyalty to the boss, loyalty to the organization, loyalty to the vision.  But when loyalty is demanded instead of inspired, it can quietly become a weapon of control that quashes dissent, silences the vulnerable, and enables abuse.  And misplaced loyalties can create harmful power imbalances in even the most equitable organizations.In this episode of The Disrupters podcast, host Nicole Martin sits down with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson—writer, international speaker, leadership consultant, mentoring coach, and founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc. Natasha is a former Marine Corps officer, graduate of the US Naval Academy, and author of many books, including A Sojourner’s Truth. With over two decades of leadership experience across the military, government, church, and nonprofit spaces, she brings clarity and conviction to what it means to lead with integrity and inspire loyalty to God.Natasha offers stories from her time in the military and the church, exposing how misplaced loyalty can cover abuse, silence victims, and keep leaders trapped in cycles of control. From church politics to mentoring dynamics, she names the hard truths: spiritual leaders are not immune to abusing people’s loyalty, and even Christians can be tempted to place their loyalty with people rather than with God. But she also shows a better way—how consistent meditation on God’s Word and practicing sacrificial leadership can inspire loyalty to God and his mission rather than to us and our own. Jesus never demanded loyalty, he invited people to follow. And healthy leaders should do the same. Tune in now.This episode highlights the following themes:Practicing intentional, considerate, sacrificial leadershipPower dynamics, boundaries, and abuse of loyaltyHow to lead to inspire loyalty to Jesus and his missionLinks from the episode:Learn more about Natasha Sistrunk RobinsonRead Natasha Sistrunk Robinson’s book: A Sojourner’s TruthExplore Leadership LINKSLearn more about Nicole MartinRead Nicole Martin’s book: Nailing ItRead the transcript hereCredits:✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if your desire to “get it right” is the very thing preventing you from doing what God wants to do through you? We often cling to perfection because we fear loss. However, transformation and leading through change always demand it.In this episode of The Disrupters podcast, host Nicole Martin welcomes Tod Bolsinger, leadership expert, professor, and author of the new Practicing Change Series, as well as Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience. Tod is the founder of AE Sloan Leadership and serves as executive director of the DePree Center Church Leadership Institute. With decades of pastoral and consulting experience, he brings powerful wisdom on navigating real transformation in leadership, especially when the path forward is unclear, uncomfortable, and costly.In this engaging conversation, Tod challenges the myth of lossless leadership and invites us into the real work of adaptive change. He confronts the idol of perfectionism in leadership, showing how anxiety, ego, and the pressure to always know what to do frequently get in the way of real growth. He challenges Christians to stop expecting that following Jesus will be a comfortable, lossless process. Tod also shares how spiritual resilience is formed, not found, and how keeping a Jesus-centered view of organizational leadership requires pursuing the mission, never the brand. When we stop trying to control the outcome and instead join hands with others, we begin to move forward one faithful, imperfect step at a time. Because the goal isn’t about looking like you’ve got it all together. It’s about trusting God enough to lose what’s safe, so something eternal can rise in its place.Tune in now to discover what you need to lay down to lead with courage, clarity, and Christ at the center of everything.This episode highlights the following themes:Crucifying perfection and embracing transformationLeading through loss and adaptive changeHolding mission and identity above brand and imageLinks from the episode:Learn more about Tod BolsingerRead Tod Bolsinger’s new series: Practicing ChangeRead Tod Bolsinger’s books: Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered ResilienceLearn more about Nicole MartinRead Nicole Martin’s book: Nailing ItRead the transcript hereCredits:✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if the influence you’re chasing is costing you a more valuable, eternal reward? In a culture obsessed with instant likes, applause, and relevance, many leaders are settling for temporary honor instead of eagerly seeking God’s praise. In this episode of The Disrupters podcast, host Nicole Martin sits down with Christine Caine—speaker, author, activist, and founder of A21, Propel Women, and Equip & Empower. For over 30 years, Christine has served the global Church, fought human trafficking, and raised up women to walk boldly in their God-given purpose. She brings raw honesty and spiritual fire to this conversation, sharing what it really means to crucify our obsession with worldly influence and to influence the world for Jesus instead.Christine speaks with conviction about the difference between fame and faithfulness, urging us to surrender to God in the hard seasons that He uses to shape us. She challenges the idea that anointing is about being seen when it is more often forged in the dark—through obscurity, faith, failure, and years of preparation. As Christine shares stories of the cost of her own faithfulness, we’re reminded that real influence starts, is sustained, and ends in deep dependence on God. True influence is not about how many people follow you, but whether your life leads others to follow Jesus. Listen to the full episode now.This episode highlights the following themes:Eternal rewards over temporary applauseGod’s anointing as the source of true influenceTrusting God's process over platform-buildingLinks from the episode:Learn more about Christine CaineLearn more about Nicole MartinRead Nicole Martin’s book: Nailing ItRead the transcript hereCredits:✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian FellowshipAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Have you ever caught yourself craving applause more than God’s praise? In a culture that thrives on followers, likes, and platforms, it’s dangerously easy to let our egos take the lead. But what if leadership was never meant to be about who sees you, but about how you radically serve others? What if true authority isn’t marked by the applause you receive from people, but by the joy you receive from God? That’s the message that Jesus taught when he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to lay down his life as a ransom for many.”In this episode of The Disrupters podcast, host Nicole Martin sits down with Chrishan Jeyaratnam, lead pastor at Hillsong East Coast. From growing up between cultures in Australia to leading one of the largest and most recognizable church communities in the world, Chrishan’s story is full of challenges, grace, and humble leadership. With profound vulnerability, he opens up about what it takes to tame the ego and stay grounded in God's love while standing on even the largest stages.Chrishan shares his personal story—from navigating identity as a child of Sri Lankan immigrants in Australia to leading a global church in the heart of New York City. Along the way, he confesses the hidden weight many leaders quietly carry: the pressure to perform and the applause that feeds the ego. He reflects on how easy it is to confuse public affirmation with spiritual authority, and how even good intentions can become entangled with pride. But instead of shame, he offers a freeing truth: you don’t have to destroy your ego, you have to anchor it. Through contemplative silence, emotional intimacy with others, and a deep understanding of God’s unwavering delight, he urges leaders to stop leading for love and start leading from love. Because God’s message to his people isn’t just “Be strong”—it’s “Be still and know that I am God.” We invite you to join us in crucifying our egos together. Engage in God’s joy, feel his pleasure in your calling, and start leading from a place of wholeness and humility. Listen to the episode now!This episode highlights the following themes:The essential, daily discipline of crucifying ego in leadershipNarcissism, pride, and how societies reward self-centerednessLeading for God’s praise instead of worldly affirmationLinks from the episode:Learn more about Chrishan JeyaratnamLearn more about Nicole MartinRead Nicole Martin’s Book: Nailing ItRead the transcript hereCredits:✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

True power isn’t about control—it’s about surrender. When the world demands dominance, Jesus calls us to be servants, people who are a witness to God’s power by the way we live in “with-ness” with others.In this first episode of the sixth season of The Disrupters podcast, Hosanna Wong joins host Nicole Martin to tackle one of the most common leadership idols: Power. Wong is an international speaker, bestselling author, and spoken word artist. Known for her powerful piece “I Have A New Name,” she challenges us in this episode to embrace the truth that God’s power actually is made perfect in our weakness. Her latest book, “You Are More Than What You've Been Told,” unpacks how God's love for us overshadows what the world says about us.In this conversation, we’re confronting what it means to crucify our own power so that we can lead in God’s divine power instead. Step into the freedom of sharing the Good News with people, not holding it over them. Discover the hope found in real relationships and learn what it means to stay rooted in God's power, even when the pressures of leading become overwhelming. Be encouraged to trust God more deeply as Wong shares a story about her brother Elijah, a testament to the impact of God’s miraculous power in her own life.Be inspired. Be challenged. Be disrupted. Tune in to discover how the power of God’s love can heal and transform us and our leadership practices.This episode highlights the following themes:Leading in God’s power when you are powerlessAuthenticity and humility in leadershipThe impact of God's love over worldly powerLinks from the episode:Learn more about Hosanna WongRead Hosanna Wong’s book: You Are More Than What You've Been ToldLearn more about Nicole MartinRead Nicole Martin’s Book: Nailing ItRead the transcript hereCredits:✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The world is undergoing a crisis of leadership.Traditional models of leadership are no longer serving institutions and their constituents well.Leaders need new, innovative paradigms to counter the status quo and to serve their organizations.In season six of The Disrupters, host Nicole Massie Martin, IVP author and chief operating officer at Christianity Today, reveals healthy leadership disruptions that lead to flourishing in the home, the workplace, the church, and the world.Martin converses with pastors, executives, parents, activists, and influencers like Hosanna Wong, Tod Bolsinger, and Christine Caine to inspire us to crucify our leadership idols and nail our outdated leadership practices to the cross.Join Nicole Massie Martin as she explores the ways that Christians can disrupt unhealthy leadership structures and practices.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on the IVP YouTube channel.Season six of The Disrupters kicks off on April 9th.Links and CreditsLearn more about The DisruptersLearn more about Nicole Massie MartinRead Nailing It by Nicole Massie Martin✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅Producers: Jack Reece and Travis Albritton✅Executive Producer: Helen Lee✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts✅Social Media Manager: Allie Noble✅Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅Theme Song: "Something Else" by Nu Alkemi$tAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today is the day after the U.S. presidential election. As the results are being announced, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our calling to love God and love people in the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which we live.In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.In this episode, releasing the day after Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the unchanged calling of all Christians—to seek shalom where we live. She emphasizes that as Christians, we must join with Jesus Christ in loving and serving our neighbors and promoting the wellbeing of our towns and cities. This episode also features a reading of Jeremiah 29:4-14 from The First Testament, read by IVP authors Jay Kim, Carmen Imes, Dorena Williamson, and Robert Chao Romero.Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.Links from this episode:Get to know more about Miranda Zapor CruzCheck out Miranda’s book, Faithful PoliticsCheck out The First Testament by John GoldingayAdditional IVP Resources 2024 Election Season Links and Credits✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi GoldsteinDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today is the day of the U.S. presidential election. While we wait for the results to be counted, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our ultimate hope in the return of our eternal king, Jesus Christ.In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.In this episode, releasing Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the eternal hope that we have in Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that as Christians, we are citizens of God’s kingdom and waiting for the U.S. election results must pale in comparison to waiting for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. This episode also features a reading of Philippians 3:20-4:1 from The Second Testament, read by IVP authors Scot McKnight, Lynn Cohick, Terence Lester, and Prasanta Verma.Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.Links from this episode:Get to know more about Miranda Zapor CruzCheck out Miranda’s book, Faithful PoliticsCheck out The Second Testament by Scot McKnightAdditional IVP Resources 2024 Election Season Links and Credits✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi GoldsteinDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today is the day before the U.S. presidential election. Before we vote, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about who we are and whose we are in Jesus Christ.In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.In this episode, releasing the day before Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the importance of Christian identity in the context of the United States presidential election. She emphasizes that Christian identity is built upon Jesus Christ—the chief cornerstone and “living lodgepole” —rather than political parties or ideologies. This episode also features a reading of 1 Peter 2:4-12 from the First Nations Version, read by IVP authors Terry Wildman, Chloe Sun, Amy Williams, and Michael Bird.Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.Links from this episode:Get to know more about Miranda Zapor CruzCheck out Miranda’s book, Faithful PoliticsCheck out the First Nations Version, edited by Terry M. WildmanAdditional IVP Resources for the 2024 Election Season Links and Credits✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi GoldsteinDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Michael Wear, founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, joins the host to discuss the importance of spiritual formation in political engagement. They explore the concept of abstention from politics and distinguish between meaningful participation and passivity. They also touch on the role of character and deep listening in transforming political discourse.