Advertise on podcast: The Culturalist, Conversations with Pam Ross

What if some of the greatest revelations of God are found in the stories of the people walking beside us? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Ching Chuang-Chow, author of Walking Parallel, along with two of her friends, Fred Cosme and Luke Crowley, for a beautiful conversation about faith, friendship, community, and why God never intended for us to walk through life alone. Ching shares how her journey from her first book, Bridge: God’s Vanishing Point, led her to Walking Parallel and the realization that one life cannot fully display the goodness of God. Together, we explore what it means to recognize the people God has placed in our lives, walk in the same direction while honoring our different stories, and allow the faith, resilience, suffering, and triumph of others to deepen our own understanding of God. In This Episode: • What it really means to “walk parallel” with someone • Why God did not design us to walk alone • How friendship and spiritual community strengthen our faith • What other people’s stories can teach us about God • Finding purpose and connection even through suffering • Why surrender and listening are essential to meaningful relationships • How Ching’s journey inspired Walking Parallel Go Deeper on Patreon + Join LeadWell The conversation continues on Patreon! In our exclusive bonus conversation, Luke offers encouragement for anyone who has a God story they have been afraid or hesitant to share, while Fred challenges us to become better listeners—to truly hear and understand the stories of the people around us. And if you’re a church leader, staff member, volunteer, ministry builder, or emerging leader, go deeper with LeadWell Premium—a community designed to help you sharpen your skills, lead with greater confidence, and connect with people who understand ministry life. Get access to my training library, live Q&A sessions, special guest interviews, book discussions, and more. Subscribe on Patreon and join LeadWell Premium today ___________________ Choose Joy Every Day with the Joyful Living App! Joy is more than a feeling, it’s something you can practice each day! My Joyful Living App is your personalized companion for building lasting joy through daily practices, guided reflections, meditations, and an AI-powered coach trained by me. Start creating habits that help you live with greater intention, gratitude, and joy every day. Start your Joyful Living journey today ___________________ Here's where you can find Ching & Luke: Walking Parallel Book Ching Chuang Chow Luke Crowley Website ___________________ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

What does it really mean to be called to teach, and is teaching in the Church about more than standing behind a microphone? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Virgie Lacey, author of Lord, Awaken the Teacher, for a powerful conversation about the role of the teacher, both professionally and within the fivefold ministry. We unpack the unique responsibility of the fivefold teacher, including the difference between simply communicating a message and making sure people actually understand and can apply what they have been taught. We also explore why sound doctrine matters, how teachers work alongside the other fivefold gifts, the importance of remaining teachable, and why prayer is essential for anyone called to teach.  In This Episode: • The role and responsibility of the fivefold teacher • The difference between the gift and office of a teacher • Why great communication does not necessarily make someone a teacher • Why teachers must “check for understanding” • The importance of sound doctrine beyond spiritual experiences • How teachers work alongside the other fivefold gifts • Why teachers must remain teachable themselves • The connection between prayer, preparation, and teaching Go Deeper on Patreon + Join LeadWell The conversation continues on Patreon! Get access to exclusive extended episodes and bonus content, including our bonus conversation with Dr. Lacey about how to discern whether you may carry the gift or office of a teacher. And if you’re a church leader, staff member, volunteer, ministry builder, or emerging leader, go deeper with LeadWell Premium—a community designed to help you sharpen your skills, lead with greater confidence, and connect with people who understand ministry life. Get access to my training library, live Q&A sessions, special guest interviews, book discussions, and more. Subscribe on Patreon and join LeadWell Premium today ___________________ Choose Joy Every Day with the Joyful Living App! Joy is more than a feeling, it’s something you can practice each day! My Joyful Living App is your personalized companion for building lasting joy through daily practices, guided reflections, meditations, and an AI-powered coach trained by me. Start creating habits that help you live with greater intention, gratitude, and joy every day. Start your Joyful Living journey today ___________________ Here's where you can find Dr. Lacey: Lord Awaken The Teacher Book Website Instagram Facebook YouTube ___________________ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

What if some of what we have accepted as “church” is not actually what Jesus intended? In this episode, I sit down with Apostle Isaac Watson, author of The Church Jesus Envisioned, for a thought-provoking conversation about God’s design for the Church and what may be missing from the way we do ministry today. We unpack apostolic ministry and the fivefold, including why apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers were designed to function together rather than compete for position. We also challenge personality-driven church models, discuss the importance of building healthy systems and empowering people, and explore why the Church should be developing believers who influence the world outside of its walls.  In This Episode: • What Jesus actually envisioned for His Church • Apostolic ministry and the purpose of the fivefold • Why fivefold ministry is about function, not hierarchy • The danger of personality-driven church culture • Women in ministry and the biblical context behind common objections • Building healthy systems that empower people • Why fruit should speak louder than titles Go Deeper on Patreon + Join LeadWell The conversation continues on Patreon! Get access to exclusive extended episodes and bonus content, including our bonus conversation with Apostle Watson about recognizing what may be missing in your church without becoming critical or divisive. And if you’re a church leader, staff member, volunteer, ministry builder, or emerging leader, go deeper with LeadWell Premium—a community designed to help you sharpen your skills, lead with greater confidence, and connect with people who understand ministry life. Get access to my training library, live Q&A sessions, special guest interviews, book discussions, and more. Subscribe on Patreon and join LeadWell Premium today ___________________ Choose Joy Every Day with the Joyful Living App! Joy is more than a feeling, it’s something you can practice each day! My Joyful Living App is your personalized companion for building lasting joy through daily practices, guided reflections, meditations, and an AI-powered coach trained by me. Start creating habits that help you live with greater intention, gratitude, and joy every day. Start your Joyful Living journey today ___________________ Here's where you can find Apostle Watson: The Church Jesus Envisioned Book Website Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Have you ever wondered why God seems to spend so much time preparing us before releasing us into our next assignment? In this powerful SOAR Session, I dive into one of the most overlooked keys to spiritual growth, leadership, and purpose: the power of preparation. We often celebrate execution, achievement, and visible success, but God places tremendous value on what happens behind the scenes. Before Esther became queen, before David faced Goliath, and even before Jesus began His public ministry, there was a season of preparation. In this teaching, I explore how God uses preparation to shape our character, renew our minds, strengthen our identity, and position us for the assignments He has already planned for us. If you've been feeling like you're in a waiting season, this message will help you see that God isn't delaying your purpose… He's preparing you for it. The truth is this: You are not waiting. You are being prepared. And preparation is never wasted. __________________ Ready for your next level?  Join my Get Ready to Fly Mastermind and gain the clarity, confidence, strategy, and support you need to move forward with purpose. Registration is now open for the cohort beginning June 11, 2026. Learn more at www.pamross.com/mastermind.  ___________________ The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more!  If you're a church leader, staff member, volunteer, ministry builder, or emerging leader, LeadWell was created for you. LeadWell Premium gives you access to my training library, live Q&A sessions, special guest interviews, book discussions, and a community of leaders who understand the unique challenges of serving and leading well. Join the LeadWell community through Patreon and continue your growth journey with us.  Join Patreon Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

In Part 2, we continue unpacking the lives of the four women who sparked this entire discussion, but this time, we focus on two powerful examples of courage and wisdom: The Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah & Puah)The Wise Woman of AbelThese women shifted outcomes. The Hebrew midwives made a bold decision to choose obedience to God over compliance with a corrupt system. And the Wise Woman used wisdom and discernment to bring peace and protect her city. Their stories raise a powerful question for us today: Can you lead with integrity even in environments that challenge your values? In this conversation, Dr. Andrea Little Mason and I unpack what it looks like to: Stand firm without becoming rigidLead with wisdom instead of fearNavigate systems without losing yourselfSeparate identity from performance and pressureThis is for anyone who has ever felt the tension between where you are and what you know is right. _________ The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! This conversation became a full Bible study experience. Subscribe to Patreon to access the companion guide. Women’s Bible Study Guide Inside you’ll find: Scripture breakdownsReflection questionsLeadership insightsGroup discussion prompts If you’re navigating pressure, leadership, or personal growth in this season, I created LeadWell to help you gain clarity, build strategy, and stay anchored while you grow. Join LeadWell __________ Here's where you can find Dr. Mason: Website Instagram TikTok Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

This conversation started with a simple social media post… and turned into something much deeper. Back in March 2026, my media director shared a series highlighting four women in Scripture: HuldahPriscillaThe Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah & Puah)The Wise Woman of AbelLater, in a conversation with Dr. Andrea Little Mason, we revisited those same women, and what was supposed to be a casual discussion turned into a powerful, eye-opening dialogue we knew needed to be shared. So… we turned it into a podcast. In Part 1, we focus on Huldah and Priscilla, two women whose lives challenge common assumptions and reveal a powerful truth: Authority doesn’t have to strive; it’s recognized. Together, we begin unpacking how: Culture can influence how we interpret ScriptureIdentity shapes how we show up in leadershipMany believers have unknowingly normalized what isn’t Kingdom_________ The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! This conversation became a full Bible study experience. Subscribe to Patreon to access the companion guide. Women’s Bible Study Guide Inside you’ll find: Scripture breakdownsReflection questionsLeadership insightsGroup discussion prompts If you’re navigating pressure, leadership, or personal growth in this season, I created LeadWell to help you gain clarity, build strategy, and stay anchored while you grow. Join LeadWell __________ Here's where you can find Dr. Mason: Website Instagram TikTok Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

What if the very thing you’ve been struggling with is actually trying to teach you strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Mitchell, financial advisor and founder of Wealth Labs LLC, to have a real and powerful conversation about what it looks like to move from struggle to strategy, not just surviving hard seasons, but learning how to extract wisdom, direction, and purpose from them. We talk honestly about the tension so many of us face: feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain… yet knowing there’s something greater on the other side. Jimmy shares insight on how to shift your mindset, recognize what God is developing in you, and begin to move with intention instead of reacting to pressure. If you’ve been in a season that feels heavy, unclear, or stretching, you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not without direction. Your struggle isn’t random; it’s instructional. When you slow down enough to listen, process, and align with God, what once felt like pressure can become the very strategy that propels you forward. The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more!  If you’re navigating pressure, leadership, or personal growth in this season, I created LeadWell to help you gain clarity, build strategy, and stay anchored while you grow. Join LeadWell Here's where you can find Jimmy: Website Wealth Labs Instagram Instagram Facebook TikTok Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

What does it really take to lead across generations in today’s world? In this episode, I sit down with Will L. Lewis IV, a creative strategist, researcher, and bridge-builder, to talk about something every leader is navigating, whether they realize it or not: bridging generational gaps in leadership, ministry, and culture. If you’ve ever felt the tension between tradition and innovation, between seasoned leaders and emerging voices, or between vision and execution across different age groups, this conversation is for you. Will brings a unique perspective from working at the intersection of ministry, marketplace, and media, helping leaders turn ideas into systems that actually work. Together, we unpack what it looks like to move beyond generational frustration and step into intentional, effective collaboration. The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more!  If you’re a leader navigating team dynamics, culture, and growth, I created LeadWell to help you sharpen your leadership, build healthy systems, and connect with others who understand the weight of leading. Join LeadWell Join me LIVE for a Delegation Mistakes Webinar April 23, 2026; 6:00 PM CST/7:00 PM EST Register here Here's where you can find Will: Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Delegation isn’t your problem… how you’re delegating might be. In this powerful SOAR Session, I break down the 5 biggest mistakes leaders make when delegating, and why these missteps are quietly creating frustration, bottlenecks, and burnout inside your team. If you’ve ever felt like: “Why do people keep coming back to me?”“Why isn’t this getting done right?”“Why am I still doing everything myself?”This conversation will give you clarity, language, and strategy to lead differently and lead better. This episode is part of the LeadWell leadership series from Inspire Training & Consulting, designed to help you lead effectively without losing yourself in the process. Ready to Go Deeper? If this SOAR Session hit home, you don’t want to miss the next step. Join me LIVE for a Delegation Mistakes Webinar April 23, 2026; 6:00 PM CST/7:00 PM EST Register here The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and other exclusive extras, including LeadWell, my premier Patreon community for church staffers and volunteers who want to sharpen their leadership skills, connect with people who truly get ministry life, and lead with greater confidence. Join Patreon Download the Delegation Discussion Guide (available for Patreon supporters) and walk through these principles with your team to strengthen communication and execution. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Grief changes everything, but it doesn’t have to steal your purpose.  Listen in as I sit down with author and ministry leader Shaheda Wilson to talk about the healing journey behind her book “Good Mourning: From Grief to Purpose 31-Day Devotional”. After experiencing profound personal loss, Shaheda discovered that many people carry grief longer than they realize, sometimes burying it under busyness, faith language, or the pressure to “move on.” In this episode, she shares how learning to truly process grief with God can open the door to healing, freedom, and renewed purpose. Together, we explore the hidden ways grief shows up in our lives, why many leaders and believers suppress their pain, and how inviting God into our honest emotions can transform loss into spiritual growth. We also discuss why it’s never too late to revisit unresolved grief and begin the healing journey, even years later. The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and other exclusive extras, including LeadWell, my premier Patreon community for church staffers and volunteers who want to sharpen their leadership skills, connect with people who truly get ministry life, and lead with greater confidence. Join Patreon Here's where you can find Shaheda: Good Mourning: From Grief to Purpose 31-Day Devotional Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with publisher, author, ministry leader, and founder of Redemption Press, Athena Dean Holtz, to talk about what it truly means to walk in your calling without burning out. With nearly four decades in Christian leadership, Athena shares hard-won wisdom on sustaining faith, integrity, and emotional health over the long haul, especially after experiencing betrayal, spiritual abuse, and high-pressure ministry environments. Together, we unpack how leaders, creatives, and believers can remain anchored in truth while navigating demanding callings and complex systems.  Burnout is not a badge of honor, and it is not the price of obedience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why burnout is often a spiritual warning sign, not a failure How to protect your spirit without abandoning your calling The difference between endurance and self-betrayal How truth, boundaries, and rest keep you anchored for longevity Why healing is essential for sustainable impact The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and other exclusive extras, including LeadWell, my premier Patreon community for church staffers and volunteers who want to sharpen their leadership skills, connect with people who truly get ministry life, and lead with greater confidence. Join Patreon Here's where you can find Athena: Website Redemption Press God Who Fights For You Devotional Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Dating in the church can feel confusing and full of unspoken rules. But what if some of the advice we’ve inherited needs to be reexamined? In this honest and timely conversation, I sit down with some members of my team to unpack Counterintuitive Dating, healthy, biblically aligned dating wisdom that challenges religious culture while honoring God’s design. Together, we explore how faith, grief, desire, boundaries, and emotional readiness intersect in dating, and why rushing the process often leads to unnecessary heartbreak. In this episode, we discuss: Why church dating advice doesn’t always prepare us for real relationships Dating as a process of self-discovery, not husband-hunting Emotional readiness, healing, and grief in dating The difference between biblical wisdom and religious pressure Letting go of unrealistic standards shaped by culture and social media The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and other exclusive extras, including LeadWell, my premier Patreon community for church staffers and volunteers who want to sharpen their leadership skills, connect with people who truly get ministry life, and lead with greater confidence. Join Patreon Use code: LEADWELL to get 25% off your first month! Here's where you can find My Team: Jasmine Bell Andrea St. Louis LaToya Wider Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Prayer isn’t outdated; it’s divine technology. In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Pastor C. Terrell Wheat, Executive Director of Ministry at New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, and author of “The Innovative Prayer Leader,” to explore how believers can reignite their prayer lives with creativity, intentionality, and faith. Pastor Wheat breaks down what it means to lead prayer innovatively, not by altering Scripture, but by using every tool and opportunity available to engage people in authentic connection with God. This conversation reveals that prayer still works! It just needs leaders willing to meet people where they are. In this episode, we explore: Why prayer is “ancient technology” that never stops working How to make prayer accessible and exciting for all generations The difference between great intercessors and effective prayer leaders The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and other exclusive extras! Patreon Here's where you can find Pastor Wheat: Website The Innovative Prayer Leader Book Instagram Facebook YouTube Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

What happens when the place you work starts to drain the very soul you bring to it? In this powerful and deeply practical episode, I sit down with Danielle Ayodele, leadership development strategist, executive coach, author, and international speaker, to talk about how to thrive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally in toxic work environments. Drawing from her faith and experience, Danielle offers real-world wisdom for anyone trying to stay grounded in purpose while navigating corporate chaos. We unpack what it means to bring your whole, spirit-led self to work, and how to fight back, not with frustration or fear, but with spiritual weapons that protect your peace, sharpen your discernment, and keep you anchored in truth. In this episode, you’ll hear: The signs of a spiritually toxic workplace (and how to recognize them early) Why prayer, praise, and peace are your greatest leadership tools How to respond to office politics, manipulation, or microaggressions with grace and strategy The power of discernment in decision-making and career transitions Practical steps to thrive without losing your integrity or your joy The conversation doesn’t stop here; there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode and get other exclusive extras! Patreon Here's where you can find Danielle: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music

Hey family! In a world that’s more connected than ever, your mindset determines your impact. In this transformative episode, I sit down with global strategist and empowerment architect Todd Powers to explore why cultivating a global perspective is essential for leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and change-makers in today’s world. From the classroom to the boardroom, Todd breaks down how global awareness, cultural humility, and international collaboration elevate your purpose and expand your reach. Whether you're launching a business, leading a ministry, or educating the next generation, this conversation will stretch your thinking and ignite a bigger vision for what's possible. In this episode: Why a local-only mindset limits your leadership capacity What it means to be a “Global Citizen of the Kingdom” The power of international collaboration and cross-cultural learning Why your influence was never meant to stay small The conversation doesn’t stop here, there’s more! Join my Patreon to watch the full extended episode! Patreon Here's where you can find Todd: Website Education Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Send us Fan Mail Support the show Let's stay connected! Here's where you can find me: Joyful Living App LeadWell Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Executive Coaching Track Produced by Purpose Productions/Freddie Banks Music