AVAIL Podcast

What turns a strong leader into a stagnant one? In this Part 2 episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman returns with wisdom forged over nearly five decades of ministry. From the danger of becoming a “zoo lion” to the subtle slide into ego-driven leadership, Charles reveals the costly mistakes pastors make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just starting or decades in, this conversation will challenge you to fight complacency, stay under authority, and lead with both grit and grace.

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t failure—but comfort? On this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman, founding pastor of Abundant Church, unpacks a lifetime of lessons from over 48 years of ministry. With wisdom forged through real-world experience, Charles shares the most common (and costly) mistakes leaders make—from entitlement to ego to neglecting personal growth. If you're ready to lead with humility, resilience, and long-term faithfulness, this conversation is your roadmap.

What happens when a backslidden believer encounters the raw presence of God—on a beach, with no lights, no music, and no church in sight? In this captivating episode of the AVAIL podcast, pastor, author, and life coach Benny Perez shares the supernatural story that reshaped his life, ministry, and message. From physical suffering and disappointment with God to a Spirit-led encounter that changed everything, Benny invites leaders to rediscover the Kingdom of God—not as a future promise, but a present reality. If you’ve ever felt stuck between what you believe and what you experience, this conversation is your invitation to believe again.

What’s beneath the surface of your leadership—and is it helping you last or leading you to burnout? In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with pastor, counselor, and author Chip Judd, we explore what it takes to lead from a place of deep emotional and spiritual health. With honesty and insight, Chip unpacks the roots of chronic stress, how our childhood patterns shape our adult ministries, and why most leaders are running on fumes without realizing it. If you're tired of pretending and ready to be free, this episode offers a better way—one rooted in the Father’s love, personal wholeness, and sustainable leadership.

What does it really take to live a healthy, sustainable life in ministry—and not burn out along the way? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL Podcast, counselor, pastor, and author Chip Judd joins host Virgil Sierra for a candid conversation about The Endurance Factor, the book he co-wrote with Greg Surratt. Drawing from decades of experience and a life-altering lung transplant, Chip shares what it means to build rhythms of health, guard your most important relationships, and redefine success through the lens of spiritual and emotional wholeness. Leaders, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, confront what’s driving you, and embrace a way of leading that’s both powerful and sustainable.

What if your business partner was the Builder of All Things? In this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, entrepreneur and author Richie Breaux joins Virgil Sierra to share how a near-death experience shaped his faith and leadership, and how partnering with God transformed his business journey. Richie unpacks key insights from his book Builder of All Things, including the power of stewarding rather than owning, recognizing divine timing in seasons of abundance and drought, and leading with a surrendered heart. Together, they explore how diligence and obedience unlock the 153 Season—a moment when God’s provision aligns with our preparation. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation will remind you of the One guiding your GPS.

What happens when your faith collides with the unknown? In this insightful episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re joined by Stephan Tchividjian—CEO and Founder of the National Christian Foundation of South Florida. Together with host Virgil Sierra, Stephan unpacks what it means to lead from the “messy middle,” where growth, humility, and surrender shape lasting impact. You’ll hear how authenticity with Christ, not performance, creates true influence; why pride is a subtle but dangerous threat in leadership; and how white space—not busyness—fosters deeper connection. This is a heartfelt call to slow down, listen well, and lead with intimacy.

When your image of God is shaped more by fear than by love, something has to change. In this thought-provoking episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Young—author of The Shack and Lies We Believe About God, and founder of the William Paul Young Initiative. Paul opens up about his deeply personal journey through addiction, infidelity, and pain—and how it all led him to discover the transformative power of God’s unconditional love. Together with host Virgil Sierra, Paul explores the lies we carry about God, the importance of questioning without losing faith, and how living in the present moment helps us truly experience the Divine. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving a more honest, grace-filled faith.

God’s love isn’t just something He has—it’s who He is. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Jason Clark challenges us to rethink our understanding of God’s nature and love. Drawing from his upcoming book, Rethinking God with Tacos, Jason shares how deconstructing false ideas about God leads to a deeper, more authentic faith. If you’ve ever struggled with rigid or limiting views of God, this episode will inspire you to embrace His love in a new way!

You don’t have to carry the weight of leadership alone—there’s a better way forward. On today’s episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re sitting down with Pastor John Cameron, founder of Empower Leader, a coaching ministry designed specifically to serve lead pastors. John shares powerful insights from decades of ministry—from launching a multi-site church in New Zealand to now coaching leaders across the globe. He unpacks how vision clarity, resource alignment, and leadership development are essential for sustainable growth. If you're a lead pastor feeling stretched, stuck, or simply seeking wisdom for the next phase, this conversation will speak directly to your season.