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Breaking Barriers

Latest episodes

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Jul 14, 2025 • 26min

E72 - The 10 Commandments of Kids Week (VBS) | Part 1

In this episode, we cover the ethos and the first 3 Commandments of Kids Week. This is one of our "Big Days" [read: Weeks] in our calendar year. Kids Week is all hands on deck: staff, volunteers, security, pastors, everyone! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with families and volunteers during the summer!Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers
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Jul 7, 2025 • 32min

E71 - Part 2: Growth Flywheel | Building s System that Grows Individuals and Churches

Part 2, continuing the conversation about a Church Growth Flywheel.What if your church could build the same kind of unstoppable momentum that Amazon used to become a global giant? In this episode, we take a look at the Biblical strategy that has built the church over the last 2,000 years. Based on Acts 2, we share the simple flywheel system that aligns your entire church, from staff structure to budget decisions. This long-term strategy shows how individual discipleship and organizational growth work together seamlessly. While we love our language and flywheel, this is descriptive, not prescriptive. So take this concept and apply it to YOUR church and see what God does over time. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers⁠
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Jun 30, 2025 • 31min

E70 - Growth Flywheel | Building a System that Grows Individuals and Churches

What if your church could build the same kind of unstoppable momentum that Amazon used to become a global giant? In this episode, we take a look at the Biblical strategy that has built the church over the last 2,000 years. Based on Acts 2, we share the simple flywheel system that aligns your entire church, from staff structure to budget decisions. This long-term strategy shows how individual discipleship and organizational growth work together seamlessly. While we love our language and flywheel, this is descriptive, not prescriptive. So take this concept and apply it to YOUR church and see what God does over time. Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers
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Jun 23, 2025 • 46min

E69 - The Heart Behind Church Mergers | Live From the Church Merger 1-Day Event

In this in-depth episode of Breaking Barriers, learn the key to church merger success. Pastor Andrew shares the "two hearts, one vision" strategy that produced four successful mergers and explains why the majority of church mergers fail. Both churches require the same gospel-centered heart posture; how to recognize senior church members, and the discipleship opportunities presented by mergers. There are also some true stories, helpful advice, and practical actions for church leaders thinking about merging from a Kingdom mindset. This episode is straight from our Merger 1-Day event where we did a deep-dive on the entire process. Keep an eye out for new 1Day events happening every quarter!
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Jun 16, 2025 • 43min

E68 - Pastor Health: Why Lead Pastors Face Burnout and 5 Strategies to Fight Back

Lead pastors often struggle with hidden health challenges, leading to burnout and stress. The podcast explores how the demands of preaching can take a physical and emotional toll, likening it to the work of coal miners. It highlights five essential strategies for maintaining wellness and longevity in ministry. Emphasis is placed on seeking support from church staff and finding a balance between work and personal health. This discussion is crucial for understanding the unique burdens carried by those in spiritual leadership.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 39min

E67 - Directional & Shepherding Elders: A Biblical Framework That Scales

In this episode, we break down the critical difference between directional and shepherding elders, revealing how this biblical framework allows churches to grow while maintaining organizational health. Learn the six key responsibilities of directional elders and how to create clear role expectations that prevent ministry paralysis. Whether you're planting a church or looking to scale your current leadership structure, this practical guide to elder organization will help your ministry thrive.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers- How to structure an elder team- What is a directional elder- What is a shepherding elder- How should I structure my elder team
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Jun 2, 2025 • 33min

E66 - The Discipline of Focus: How to Build a True Flywheel in Your Church or Organization

What if your church could generate unstoppable momentum? In this episode, we break down the flywheel concept from Jim Collins' "Good to Great" and apply it to church growth. Learn why some churches struggle with isolated wins while others create compound growth through the flywheel model. Discover practical strategies to identify your church's key momentum drivers, maintain disciplined focus, and reinvest energy where it matters most. Perfect for pastors and church leaders who want to move from sporadic growth to sustainable momentum.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers
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May 26, 2025 • 36min

E65 - Balancing Brutal Facts and Unwavering Faith: The Stockdale Paradox for Leadership

Church leaders often struggle between being the "hype person" and the bearer of bad news. The Stockdale Paradox offers a better way forward. Join us as we explore how Admiral Stockdale's experience as a POW provides a framework for effective leadership: confronting the brutal facts of reality while maintaining unwavering faith. Learn why this approach builds trust, leads to better decisions, and creates truly inspiring leadership that your team will follow. Perfect for pastors and ministry leaders looking to grow their leadership impact.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers
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May 19, 2025 • 35min

E64 - 5 Big Day Takeaways | Why Big Days Matter for Church Growth (Easter 2025)

Many churches doubt the value of investing heavily in "Big Days" (think: Easter Services) when attendance drops the following week. In this episode, we debunk this myth with five data-backed takeaways that prove big days are crucial for long-term church growth. From creating adequate space and mobilizing volunteers to leveraging baptism moments and implementing effective follow-up systems, discover how to transform Easter momentum into sustained church growth. Learn why the 'big day strategy' works and how to measure success beyond week-to-week attendance fluctuations.Church Merger 1-Day - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#Events⁠Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers
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May 12, 2025 • 36min

E63 - 3 Key Reasons Your Church Should Do Sabbaticals | 30 Years, Not 3

"We're going for 30 years, not 3." In this episode, we unpack a powerful staff retention strategy that will help your leadership team stay for the long haul: the sabbatical. We address the common objections, break down the implementation details, and share three compelling reasons this practice transforms ministry sustainability. If you're tired of constant staff turnover and want to build a team that can go the distance, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for creating a healthier church culture that benefits leaders and their families.Church Merger 1-Day Event - The Church Merger Playbook: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com/#EventsWebsite: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers- What is a sabbatical?- Should churches do sabbaticals?- Should a pastor take a sabbatical?- Church sabbatical

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