Leaders in Living Rooms

James Grogan, Lead Pastor at Eastlake Church, shares his dynamic insights on revitalizing church momentum, especially post-pandemic. He delves into innovative leadership strategies that foster adaptability and community engagement. Grogan emphasizes the importance of clarity, vision, and celebrating small victories to motivate congregations. He also discusses the introduction of transformative spiritual growth initiatives and the power of discernment in pastoral roles, highlighting how these elements contribute to a thriving church culture.

ABOUT THE EPISODEIn this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Pastor Jeremiah Ramer, the lead pastor of Crossroads Church located between Odessa and Midland, West Texas. From a cross-country move with unexpected transitions to the challenges of stepping into leadership that would soon endure a church split, Jeremiah shares his remarkable experiences and the incredible growth his church has seen in recent years.Welcome to episode 105 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan.   EPISODE LINKSsean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS JEREMIAH RAMER?Jeremiah Ramer has been the Lead Pastor of CROSSROADS Church in Odessa, Texas since July of 2020. Jeremiah is passionate about introducing those far from God to the transforming power of Jesus. It is his goal to mobilize and encourage believers at every stage to maximize their lives to impact the community and the world with God’s love.     He was born and raised in Texas. After graduating High School in Celina, Texas, Jeremiah attended Rice University where he pursued his business degree and played football. While at Rice, God called him into ministry and he transferred to Taylor University where he studied Bible Exposition. He has nearly completed a Masters of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Jeremiah has been in ministry since 2003 as a Student Pastor and has a heart for reaching this generation with the gospel as well as inspiring and encouraging the church to reach students and families. He has served and led in different pastoral roles such as High School & College Pastor, Student Ministry Pastor, Family & Teaching Pastor and most recently as an Outreach & Teaching Pastor at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California.Jeremiah is a family man and he and his wife, Tessa, have been married for 18 years this November. They have four beautiful daughters. Kenna is 12, Kollins is 10, Charleston is 7, and Chayse is 3.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“The smartest leaders get the most help.” Meet Ray Johnston, Senior Pastor of Bayside Church. In today’s episode, Johnston explains the surprising secret to building momentum－and it all begins with encouragement. When we understand the types of support needed, the gaps between our “challenge level” and our “support level,” and the most effective way to share vision, we’re on our way to momentum in the church. Welcome to episode 104 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan.  EPISODE LINKSsean@theascentleader.orgBayside Church Core ValuesThrive ConferenceIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS RAY JOHNSTON?Ray Johnston is the Senior Pastor of Bayside Church in Granite Bay, California—the very church he founded—which has grown to over 18,000 people. A 30-year veteran of both youth and adult ministry, Ray believes that the Church is called to outreach, spiritual growth, and equipping leaders. In addition, Ray serves as president of Thrive Communications Inc. and has authored several books.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.

ABOUT THE EPISODEDr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins us on today’s episode of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast. Addressing the topics of pride and humility, Dr. Joel urges a theological shift in our view of success. He outlines three fundamental steps for cultivating the necessary humility as a leader: recognition, reflection, and community. Listen to today’s episode for practical advice on honest accountability and transparency in your leadership.EPISODE LINKSThe Hidden Peace, by Joel Muddamallesean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS JOEL MUDDAMALLE?Muddamalle serves as Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, co-host of the popular podcast Therapy and Theology alongside Lysa TerKeurst and Jim Cress, and theologian in residence for Haven Place Ministries. His work studying theology and its practical application has led him to conclude that living a humble life is not a sign of defeat but a mark of Jesus’s victory in our lives.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

Les McKeown, a renowned speaker and author of "Predictable Success," shares his insights on effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of pattern recognition and self-awareness for leaders. McKeown tackles imposter syndrome, encouraging leaders to confront their internal doubts. He discusses vital leadership qualities, including strategic thinking and personal growth shaped by diverse experiences. The conversation also delves into navigating transitions and the dynamics of trust and collaboration within leadership teams.

Leadership consultant Sam Chand discusses the importance of embracing leadership pain for personal growth. He challenges the idea of 'balance' in ministry and offers wisdom on navigating health amid 'ministry spurts'. Chand shares insights on successful pastor qualities and the impact of prioritizing marriage and finances for long-term leadership stability. The podcast also explores the correlation between handling pain and leadership development.

“Trust comes from relationships.” Today, you’ll be hearing a familiar voice from the podcast. We’re flipping the script on episode 100, and Sean Morgan is interviewed today by Josh Surratt, Lead Pastor at Seacoast Church. How can we learn intentional leadership development from the military? What makes it easier to follow a lead pastor and make space for high-level leaders on your team? Listen in for Sean’s perspective and wisdom for these questions.Welcome to Episode 100 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKSEpisode 046 with Josh SurrattEpisode 047 with Josh SurrattLeadership Pain by Samuel ChandThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencionisean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS SEAN MORGAN?Sean started out in ministry serving in a San Francisco area church plant as their Executive Pastor. He went on to help coach and consult with church leaders across the country and eventually founded The Ascent Leader, a first of its kind organization focusing on relational leadership development for local church pastors.He also hosts the Leaders In Living Rooms podcast.Sean recently retired from a 26-year career as a KC-10 pilot in the US Air Force Reserve.His favorite titles are “Stacy’s husband” and “Kaylee and Ayden’s dad.”WHO IS JOSH SURRATT?As Lead Pastor, Josh Surratt is helping Seacoast Church realize God’s vision for what comes next. He is passionate about helping people find God, grow their faith, discover their purpose, and make a difference. Josh was raised in Charleston, South Carolina and attended the College of Charleston. He joined the Seacoast staff in 2001 and has served in several roles, including four years as the Mount Pleasant Campus Pastor. Josh is one of Seacoast’s Teaching Pastors and currently serves on the Executive Team as the Seacoast Lead Pastor. He and his wife Lisa have three children – Miles, Greta Kate, and Ellie. In his off-hours, Josh loves to cheer for all Chicago sports teams and the Clemson Tigers.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

“Sometimes God says, ‘That was a nice idea, but it wasn’t a divine vision.’” Meet Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry. With inspiring insight into the nuances and necessities of pivoting as leaders, Pastor Wayne gives helpful cues to build resiliency in a way that healthily impacts your church. Welcome to Episode 099 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKSResilient, by John EldredgeA Self-Aware Leader, by John C. MaxwellLeaders Eat Last, by Simon SinekNewhopewest.comResilient Leadership 2.0, by Bob Duggensean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS DR. WAYNE CORDEIRO?Dr. Wayne Cordeiro is the founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry beginning in 1984 in Hilo, Hawaii. In 1995, he relocated to Honolulu and pioneered New Hope Oahu. Within 10 years, NHO was listed among the ten most innovative churches in America. Outreach Magazine listed them as one of the “top five churches to learn from.” New Hope has seen over 120,000 first-time decisions in Hawaii since its inception and has planted 153 churches on the West Coast and in Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar, and Australia. Wayne is an author of over 14 books and speaks globally on ministry and leadership. He also designed the Life Journal and the SOAP method for daily devotions used by thousands of churches. He is also the general editor of the LifeConnect Study Bible. In 2017, he passed the leadership baton in Hawaii and relocated to Eugene, Oregon to be president of New Hope Christian College (formerly Eugene Bible College, his alma mater). New Hope Christian College highlights the development of both the message and the messenger. (For more information, go to Newhope.edu). In 2020, he pioneered New Hope West which partners with New Hope Christian College. It has become a “lab church” for ministry and leadership development. Wayne’s life themes are emphasizing the Word of God, a daily devotion to Jesus, evangelism, church planting, leadership development, communication, and redeeming the arts and technology for Christ. Wayne and his wife, Anna are approaching 50 years of marriage. They have three married children (Amy Hisaoka, Aaron Cordeiro, and Abigail Rivest) and nine grandchildren. His hobbies include music, reading, golf, pickleball, and riding his horse.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

ABOUT THE EPISODE“Sometimes, you have the grace to receive a vision but not the grace to communicate it.” Meet Chris Fletcher, Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. Today, we get to hear Chris’ insights on leadership transition. We’ll learn about the wisdom of ambiguity in the beginning, what changes with money and leaders as you transition, and the necessity of peer mentorship.Welcome to Episode 098 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKSsean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS CHRIS FLETCHER?Chris Fletcher is the Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. He is married to Rachel and the couple has four children. Chris has a B.A. in Music Performance from Campbell University and an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Grace College of Divinity (now Manna University). He is the Vice President of the Fayetteville Soccer Club and a staff coach at the Villareal Force Soccer Academy.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

“There are more people open to the Gospel than ever before.” Meet Sean Morgan, host of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast and Founder of The Ascent Leader. Today’s episode offers eight church trends all pastors should be aware of as we enter 2024. Sean’s insight not only points to these specific trends but also to what they mean for your church and your leadership. How do we lead with courage as we see fertile soil trend upward?Welcome to Episode 097 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPISODE LINKSsean@theascentleader.orgIf you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ WHO IS SEAN MORGAN?Sean Morgan joined CDF Capital in 2014 to launch the Leadership Capital Team – focused on elevating local church leaders and their kingdom impact. A nationally known coach and speaker, Sean finds great joy in navigating ministries from obstacles to opportunities. He has developed a national reputation for connecting ministry leaders and being a catalyst of fresh vision; he founded and curates theascentleader.org. Sean served as Executive Pastor and CFO at New Life Church in Northern California. He’s husband to his amazing bride Stacy and a father to Kaylee and Ayden.SPONSORS & PARTNERSThanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.