Rusty George Podcast

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to standing out as a top candidate in an executive search? Join us as we sit down with William Vanderbloemen, who brings fascinating insights from his analysis of 30,000 interviews, unveiling the 12 essential habits that differentiate the standouts from the rest. Surprisingly, these weren't about a high IQ or an Ivy League education – but teachable habits like responsiveness that can make a world of difference.Then, we shift our focus to why human-to-human skills, liberal arts degrees, and a track record of performance are crucial indicators of future success. The conversation takes an interesting turn as we debate the significance of allowing candidates to ask questions during interviews, the misunderstood dynamics of job transitions, and balancing leadership with testimony in a church setting. Plus, we talk about William's new book, 'Be a Unicorn,' a game-changer in how we perceive careers and personal growth.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptVanderbloemen WebsiteConnect With Wi

How do you know when it's time to go? After 20 years at Real Life Church my family and I made the decision to make a move. In this episode I cover why and the lessons I learned along the way.  Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help people discover, know, and follow Jesus.For decades, GNPI has been dedicated to spreading the Good News globally, and now they're launching an ambitious initiative: Mission15. The goal? To share the gospel over one billion times in the next few years. You can be a part of this bold mission by visiting mission15.global or gnpi.org.By pledging just $15 a month—less than the cost of a couple of lattes—you can help bring the message of Jesus to those who have never heard it. Tune in to our podcast episode with Mike Schragge to learn more about the incredible work GNPI is doi

Listen in as we journey with Jaime Puerta through a story of profound loss, recovery, and hope. Jaime recounts the tragic loss of her son, Daniel Puerta Johnson, a precocious and intelligent young man, who fell victim to fentanyl poisoning in 2020. Through his pain, Jaime offers a poignant insight into Daniel's life, his struggles with mental health, and his tragic encounter with fentanyl. As he takes us through his personal tragedy, Jaime also shares how he founded VOID: Victims of Illicit Drugs, a beacon of hope aiming to spread awareness and prevent similar tragedies in other families. Join us as we explore Jaime's tireless efforts to fight against fentanyl poisoning.Special thanks to our sponsor, Subsplash! You can find our more about one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church at http://subsplash.com/simpleResourcesEpisode TranscriptStop the Void WebsiteDead on Arrival Documentary Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have ne

Join in as I sit down with Dave Stone, a veteran in the world of church ministry. Growing up as a pastor's kid led him to Cincinnati Bible College, where he majored in preaching and practical ministry. After that, he worked under the leadership of Wayne Smith and Brewster McLeod at Southland Christian Church where he would later become the lead pastor. Dave doesn't shy away from reflecting on his faith and examining how his father's consistency in his faith played a significant role in his life.We also had the chance to talk about the ups and downs of church leadership, from Dave sharing his insights on crafting a sermon and presenting it with a little sleight of hand to handling criticism with grace. Dave's tenure as the lead pastor brought him face-to-face with this reality of leadership. His advice on how to handle negativity and how he transformed a potentially destructive experience into a positive one is food for thought. Dave's humor and honesty make this episode a must-listen for any believer or leade

Ever dreamt a dream only to be told, "that dream isn't for you"? My guest today, Wade Joye, knows this feeling all too well. Co-founder of Elevation Worship and author of the book 'This Dream Is Not For You', Wade shares his journey of dreams shattered, only to discover new hopes in God. His book, birthed from the pain of dreams deferred, offers an enlightening perspective on how setbacks can pivot our hearts towards God. Drawing from David's story, Wade unfolds how we can refocus our dreams as parts of God's grand narrative. We also touch on the practice of pivoting our hearts daily to ensure Christ remains the core of our dreams. Wade's wisdom is not just a testimony to his journey but a guidepost for us all to navigate God leading us to a different season in our lives.No conversation with Wade is complete without discussing Elevation Worship. Wade sheds light on the influence Pastor Steven Furtick had on his journey and the creative process behind some of the most loved Elevation Worship songs. Join me in

We've got a great conversation ahead with the dynamic and visionary Ashley Wooldridge, senior pastor of Christ Church of the Valley in Phoenix. Ashley’s story takes us from his humble beginnings in small-town Arizona to becoming the shepherd of a thriving church family of 40,000 souls. His leadership philosophy, which hinges on simplicity, is driven by a passion to transform the church into the world's best-led organization.Maybe you're listening and you feel like you're in the middle of a waiting season. Ashley lends some insight into that experience from the lives of biblical figures such as David, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jesus, and Paul. We look at how those waiting seasons can shape us into the people God wants us to be. We'll also have a chance to talk through what it's like leading from the second chair, the potency of teamwork in leadership, and share some simple ways to apply these principles. Listen in to gain insights on leadership, spiritual growth, and how to maximize impact in your church and beyond.Sp

 If you've been tracking with us over the last couple of weeks, we have been prepping to launch our journey through The Story. We're doing this at several different campuses and churches all across the United States. So, I wanted to take this episode and guide you through a chapter of the book. We'll take a closer look at the stories of Cain and Abel, and Noah. More than that, we'll talk through how to bring The Story into your day to day life by habit stacking your morning reading and prayer routine with preparation for small group discussions.Don't miss out on this enriching journey to usher God into every facet of your life. If you want to join all of us going through The Story together, you can get the book directly from Randy Frazee's website, on Amazon, and anywhere else you purchase books. And leave a comment below to let me know how going through The Story has been for you.Special thanks to our sponsor, Subsplash! You can find our more about one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church at ht

I got to have an enlightening conversation with Randy Frazee, a seasoned pastor, author, and leader with a 34-year-long career. Randy, together with Max Lucado wrote The Story, a novel-like presentation of the Bible to help people engage with the Bible in an accessible way. We also shared the process of building a community around a Bible study and looked at the importance of accountability.The conversation doesn't stop at community-building. We also uncover the power of the Hebrew day planner as a tool for holistic health and well-being. And for the golf lovers, prepare for some great conversations about the spiritual lessons we've drawn from the sport, and a new podcast on the way. I hope for everyone listening that you will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to foster deeper connections within your community and extend your church activities beyond Sunday service.Special thanks to our sponsor, Subsplash! You can find more about one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church at http://subspla

What's your favorite story of all time? It could be a Tom Clancy or Stephen King novel, or maybe your favorite book from childhood. It amazes me the way that stories, from Batman to Star Wars, captivate people so profoundly. What if it's not just a matter of entertainment, but ties into a grander narrative - one that encompasses even the seemingly boring aspects of our lives? Well, today on Simple Faith, we'll take a look at some of my favorite stories and dig into this concept, exploring the fundamental elements of storytelling - the hero, the villain, the guide, and the goal - and how they relate to the ultimate story being told throughout human history, starting from the Garden of Eden. Special thanks to our sponsor, Subsplash! You can find our more about one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church at http://subsplash.com/simple.Resources:Episode Transcript Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. G

Ever wonder what it takes to foster growth in a modern church, especially in a post-pandemic world? Then you'll want to join me for a real engaging conversation with Rich Birch, a church growth expert. Rich and I delve into the nitty gritty, discussing everything from the importance of communication within church ministries, to adapting the methods of the Attractional Church Movement in an evolving spiritual landscape. We examine the unique balance of roles within the church, and how to optimize the length of a message during services. The conversation gets extra interesting when we talk about fostering an 'invite culture,' a practice that has taken on a new level of importance since the onset of the pandemic. And of course, we couldn't leave out the significant connection between a robust volunteer culture and church growth.Rich also shares some of his favorite resources for spiritual growth. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and be inspired by this candid conversation. And be sure to share it with a

I got to sit down with Pastor Matt Piland, a leader, family man, and Executive Pastor of the fast-growing Bethlehem Church. Drawing on his unique journey from Louisiana to the pulpit, Matt unravels the power of leadership coaching and how it has fostered his growth as a church leader. It was great to hear his insights on his responsibilities as an Executive Pastor, his camaraderie with the Lead Pastor, and the qualities he prioritizes in his Campus Pastors.The conversation takes an interesting turn as we look at the dynamics of leadership within the church and the importance of communication, mutual respect, and avoiding bitterness on your team. We also get a chance to explore church growth post-pandemic and how we can measure growth in an era where more people are attending church online. If you're curious about how to help your church grow or about leadership coaching can help you grow, then this is the episode for you.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Rea

I had a chance to meet Kevin Lloyd, a pastor from North Carolina, and I knew I wanted him to join me on the podcast. Kevin shares his journey to becoming an executive pastor and provides insights on navigating leadership challenges while developing faith. He also opens up about the spiritual disciplines he adopted to help him stay grounded and connected to God during his transition. Kevin stresses the importance of godly relationships and finding rest. He also opens up about his experiences of loneliness while moving into his new role.We shift gears to dig into how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can impact leadership. We explore the challenges of helping someone with low EQ, figuring out how to tread the fine line between brutal honesty and empathy. I share my strategy of using performance evaluations to initiate the conversation and encourage growth, and touch on valuable resources like Aaron Burke's podcast series on EQ and the significance of tapping into someone's teachability.Special thanks to our sponsor f

Brian Dodd is back with some powerful insights from his new book, Mighty: Seven Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress, based on his popular blog posts from 2021. Listen in as he discusses how churches and small groups can leverage production, protection, perception, and passion for discipleship and leadership growth.We also we take a look at church growth in a post-COVID world and the common threads that show up in successful churches. Hear how authenticity and genuine faith are driving church attendance and how pastors can connect with their congregations in this new landscape. Of course, it's not a Brian Dodd episode without some valuable lessons from sports, so we share lessons on leadership from the KC Chiefs' journey to the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl win, as well as valuable travel tips and the importance of kindness. Listen in, leave a comment, and let us know how you're finding success post-COVID.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Re

This week, we welcome back bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson. It was great having him on the podcast to talk about his new book, which captures life's essence in three simple words. And we like simplicity here. As the conversation unfolds, we learn more about Mark's battle with cancer and the profound impact it had on his life. He also delves into his journey as a blogger and author, his approach to building a community, and his latest book that captures life's essence in three simple words. You'll be inspired by how he's managed to maintain a positive attitude and keep his faith strong through life's challenges. So, tune in to be part of this enlightening and thought-provoking discussion with Mark Batterson.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptMark Batterson's WebsitePlease, Sorry, Thanks by Mark BattersonConnect with MarkFacebookInstagramTwitter Did y

It's been an honor serving Real Life Church for the past 20 years. Join me and my lifelong friend Michael Hinton as we reflect on two decades of ministry at Real Life Church. Michael and I share our journey, discussing the highs, the lows, and the faithfulness of God throughout it all. Michael and I also explore the wisdom we've gathered from mentors and how it has shaped our ministry work. We discuss the importance of asking questions, taking risks, and being wise stewards. We share insights on navigating the risks and wisdom involved in making major decisions. We also discuss how balancing roles as a pastor, husband, and father have taught us the importance of prioritizing quality time at home. This episode is packed with valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way, from leadership challenges to the power of prayer. So, join us as we reminisce, reflect, and share wisdom from 20 years of ministry at Real Life Church.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real L

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be? Join us for this episode of Simple Faith with our guest, former pastor and current executive coach, Joseph King Barkley. It's great to have him back on the podcast as we talk about how to make transformation simple. In my chat with Joseph, we take a closer look at the power of mindset and commitment.Joseph brings his expertise to the table, sharing his insights on phenomenology and introducing new ways of seeing our circumstances. He also introduces an interesting concept that challenges us to go past our limits and accomplish more. Finally, we talk about the unique role pastoral leadership plays in shaping the spiritual growth of a congregation. Listen in to this week's episode and share in the comments how you might be inspired to go on your own path of transformation and growth.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month and one of our favorite ministry tools at Real Life Church, Subsplash, the first engagement platform

I'm thrilled to be joined by Darren Whitehead, an extraordinary mind in the church world and founding pastor of Church of the City in Nashville. Darren shares his unique journey into ministry sparked by an unexpected visa error. We also dive into how Darren started Church of the City, how he uses humor to connect with people from the stage, and we reflect on his book Holy Roar, written with Chris Tomlin. In this technology-driven world, Chris and Darren write about the power of worship – and the profound impact of seven Hebrew words used to express our adoration for God inside and outside the weekend service. From the role of millennials in the church to the importance of 'digital fasting', this episode is packed with some great insights. Listen in and share with a friend, because you won't want to miss this one!ResourcesEpisode TranscriptChurch of the City in Nashville, TNHoly Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship by Chris Tomlin and Darren WhiteheadConnect with DarrenInstagramFacebookTwitter Di

This season has seen a lot of job transitions. With tech layoffs and the great resignation, people have been seeking the perfect fit for them professionally. So what happens once you find that job and transition over? Adam Bishop knows a little about that and is on the podcast to talk about his experience with a job transition. I ask him about stepping into his new role at NewHope Church, and about how to manage change through transitions. We also talk about our experience with Courageous Pastors, a great leadership coaching organization.If you’ve got a job transition you’re navigating or you’re just considering what that could look like for you, listen in to our conversation here.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Subsplash, the first engagement platform for churches.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptCourageous PastorsNewHope Church Connect with AdamFacebookTwitterInstagram Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His

Two of my favorite people are on the podcast today: Pastors Mike Breaux and Gene Appel. If you’ve ever looked at your teaching calendar and been overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, then this is the episode for you. We dug into what building out a teaching calendar is like for a pastor, what to consider when building it out, and how use your teaching calendar as a tool to better care for your congregation.Between Mike and Gene, they have so many years of pastoral knowledge to share, so you won’t want to miss this episode. Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesEpisode TranscriptConnect with Gene AppelFacebookTwitterConnect with Mike BreauxYouTube Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help people discover, know, and follow Jesus.For decades,

All of us wanna pray and be better at prayer. We just don't always know what to say. We panic when someone calls on us to pray in our small groups or at family gatherings. Maybe we even pull out one of the early prayers we memorized in Sunday School.But what if we could ask for something so much more? What if prayer could be so much more than praying for a good day or safe travels, but a real, open conversation with God?In today's episode, I share the five prayers you can pray to change your day. Listen in and let me know which one resonated with you in the comments.Special thanks to our sponsor for the month, Saga Mental Health and Relationship Centers.ResourcesAfter Amen by Rusty George (Book, Audiobook, and Pastor Resources)1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Did you know that over 6 billion people around the world don't know Jesus? Even more staggering, 3 billion have never even heard His name. Good News Productions International (GNPI) is on a mission to change that by harnessing the power of media to help people di