Mature Me w/ Rich Wilkerson Jr.

On the road to VOUSCon, Rich sat down with worship leader and recording artist John Wilds for a powerful conversation about presence, purity, and purpose.John has led worship around the world—but his story starts far from the stage. Raised by a single mother, he experienced homelessness, church hurt, and deep rejection. At 17, he cried out to God—and one encounter changed everything.They talk about what it means to truly be led by the Spirit, how to protect your heart when your platform grows, and why everything comes down to your posture before God.John shares the weight of discipleship, the danger of performance, and how to keep your awe in a world that rewards filters over faith.“The ultimate goal is not that God uses me—it’s that God has me.”This episode is a powerful reminder that restoration begins with surrender.Don’t miss this one—watch the full episode now. 🔗Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

On this episode of Mature Me: On the Move, Rich sits down with JJ—husband, preacher, and pastor of Journey Church in Orlando—for a conversation about calling, character, and learning to lead through both clarity and cost.JJ doesn’t just talk about faith—he’s lived it.He shares the story of losing his son, planting a church through grief, and how that journey reshaped his understanding of trust, purpose, and the voice of God.They talk through how he prepares to preach, the art of communication, and how creativity and illustration can carry truth in a way people can truly receive it—without ever watering it down.More than anything, JJ reminds us that who we are always speaks louder than what we say.This one’s for the leaders, the pastors, the preachers…for anyone learning to lead while carrying the full weight of the call.Final episode before VOUSCon. 🔗 Don’t miss it.

Less than two weeks from VOUSCon, Mature Me: On The Move continues with bestselling author and leadership coach Jon Gordon.In this episode, Rich sits down with Jon—a voice who has deeply shaped his leadership journey.Long before the bestselling books and leadership conferences, Jon was a husband on the verge of losing his marriage. That breaking point led him to Jesus… to daily gratitude walks… and eventually to writing The Energy Bus—a book that was rejected 30 times before becoming a global phenomenon.Together, they unpack the long road to purpose—what it really takes to lead with impact. From team culture to personal calling, and Jon’s latest release The 7 Commitments of a Great Team… it all comes back to three core values: Love. Serve. Care.This conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s not about what we can do—but what God can do through us.Watch the full episode now 🔗 Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

On this episode of Mature Me: On the Move, Rich sits down with Bodie—singer, songwriter, husband, and father of three—for a powerful conversation about identity, gifting, and the tension between platform and presence.Rich dives into Bodie’s journey: from getting expelled in high school to leading in the Church, from saying no to The Voice until God gave the green light, to learning how to stay grounded while on tour.Bodie opens up about pride, pressure, and what it means to humbly partner with heaven.The question that keeps him anchored: Does this offend my spirit… or just my flesh? This one’s for anyone walking the tension between platform and posture. Watch the full episode now 🔗Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

Mature Me is on the move.We’re on The Road to VOUSCon—running 400 miles in 40 days from Jacksonville to Miami—serving people, building community, and having conversations along the way.In our first stop in Duval, Rich sits down in the RV with one of his favorite preachers—and longtime friend—Tim Timberlake, senior pastor of Celebration Church.Tim has been pastoring for 21 years. He’s walked through pain, pastored under pressure, and grew up running from the call of God. But today, his mission is clear: “All I want is to make sure God is pleased before anything else.”In this episode, Tim and Rich talk about what it means to serve on the move—to be a church not only in the community, but truly for the community.They unpack spiritual maturity, the cost of consistency, and what it means to preach from a place of presence—not performance.Tim shares hard-earned wisdom:“If we seek popularity, we forfeit power.”“If the enemy can’t get you to stop, he’ll try to speed you up.”This conversation is for anyone navigating pain, pressure, and the tension of purpose. Don’t miss it. Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

This week on Mature Me, Rich sits down with Chandler Smith—former U.S. Army officer, West Point graduate, and one of the top CrossFit athletes in the world.From wrestling at a national level to leading in the military to ranking 7th in the world at the CrossFit Games, Chandler’s life has been marked by competition. But beyond the accolades is a story of resilience.In this episode, Chandler shares about his upbringing, the discipline it takes to lead, and the moments that tested his identity. From losing a finger to battling depression, he shares how faith, community, and consistency helped him keep showing up.This conversation is a reminder that strength isn’t just physical. It’s shaped through commitment. If you’ve ever wrestled with pressure, purpose, or performance—this episode will meet you there.Watch the full episode now!Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

In this episode of Mature Me, Rich sits down with Sean Cannell—CEO of Think Media and a leading voice in digital strategy.Sean’s been creating videos for over 20 years—before viral content or creator careers were even a thing. What started in a small church has grown into a global media company serving top creators and brands.They talk about: — Building with character — Using AI as a leadership tool — Stewarding what’s in your hand — Handling conflict with maturityWhether you're a full-time content creator, church leader, or just trying to make sense of faith in the scroll-and-swipe era—this episode’s for you.Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

In this episode of the Mature Me Podcast, Rich sits down with Philip Anthony Mitchell: husband, father, pastor and a faithful man of God. Philip Anthony is probably no stranger to you all. He leads 2819 Church in Atlanta, Georgia and is a man of God’s word. They unpacked ministry from all angles and the reality of being held to such a high public standard. They unraveled the idea of what success really looks like, the power of the secret place and even leading through hard times.Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

In today’s episode, Rich is joined by his wife, DawnCheré Wilkerson — as she releases her very first book, Slow Burn.Written over a decade, what began as journal entries and reflections has become a powerful testament to the quiet strength and beauty found in waiting. Slow Burn is about the work and wonder hidden in the waiting. As DawnCheré says, “the wait is not just a season — the wait is life.”They dive into the real-life moments, unexpected turns, and lessons learned that shaped Slow Burn.If you’re in a season of waiting — or wondering if it matters — this episode is for you.There’s a purpose to be found right where you are.Pick up your copy of Slow Burn today: https://readslowburn.com/Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠

On this episode of the Mature Me Podcast, Rich sits with theologians Dr. Tennison and Dr. Valmyr as well as Dakota Duron and the students of VOUS College of Ministry to talk about the cross and the call to maturity.On the heels of Easter, they discuss the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. They explore dense, theological concepts like the dual nature of Christ, the power of suffering, what it means to grow from milk to meat and the power of the resurrection of Christ. More than just theology, this conversation gives practical handles as we mature in the understanding of what the cross means for our faith. Sign up for Leadership With Rich free weekly newsletter: ⁠https://www.richwilkersonjr.com⁠Watch this episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARNPkLHwzeC4KSXGu4RISQ Follow Rich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwilkersonjr/Follow Rich on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richwilkersonjr?lang=en⁠