Advertise on podcast: How He's Building This

Shaunti Feldhahn joins Stan Parker for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, relationships, and the hidden realities that shape how we lead. Drawing from her background in research and years of studying human behavior, Shaunti shares how God used an unexpected path—from Harvard and Wall Street to writing and speaking—to equip her to help people better understand one another. Along the way, she unpacks how great leadership often isn’t about having the perfect plan, but about paying attention to where God is already at work and having the courage to follow. Together, they explore the weight of influence, the difference between niceness and true kindness, and why many leaders unknowingly undermine trust through subtle behaviors. Shaunti also reflects on one of her hardest seasons—being misrepresented publicly—and how it reshaped her identity and approach to leadership. This conversation offers practical insight and honest encouragement for leaders who want to build with wisdom, lead with humility, and stay anchored in what matters most.

What if leadership doesn’t start with influence—but with a deep, holy discontent you can’t ignore? Stan Parker sits down with Jessica, Executive Director of Activate Global, for a conversation that traces the deeper journey of leadership—where it begins, how it grows, and what it costs. Jessica shares how leadership isn’t just about influence, but about responding to that discontent—seeing a gap between what is and what could be—and stepping in with faith. From a backyard “Jesus Club” to mobilizing a movement against human trafficking in college, her story reveals how God often shapes leaders through obedience long before they ever claim the title. As the conversation unfolds, Jessica walks through the realities that mark lasting leadership: vision formed up close to the problem, influence that grows through invitation, and the very real cost of sacrifice, criticism, and fatigue. But at the center of it all is something deeper—brokenness. She shares how God has used seasons of pruning and dependence to strip away self-reliance and build a leadership rooted fully in His presence. This episode is both grounding and inspiring for anyone who senses God calling them to step into something more—and is learning what it truly means to follow Him there.

What does it look like to build something that lasts — not just structurally, but spiritually? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker sits down with Toni Clarke, Executive Director of a Local pregnancy center, as the ministry celebrates 40 years of impact. From its humble beginnings of “$500 and a prayer” to a growing team of more than 40 staff members, Toni shares how prayer has anchored every major turning point in the organization’s story. She reflects on stepping reluctantly into leadership while walking through personal health challenges, and how God used her military and corporate background to prepare her for a calling she didn’t initially seek. Toni offers honest insight into the tension between ministry and structure, the hard lessons of “blessing and releasing” team members, and the faith required to stop managing outcomes and trust God as Provider. She speaks candidly about seasons that stretched her leadership, the discipline of stewarding time and influence well, and why leading yourself first is essential to leading anyone else. At its core, this conversation is about surrender — building something significant not by personal ambition, but by obedience, integrity, and a deep trust that this is God’s ministry to grow.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, host Stan Parker sits down with Bryan Clark as he reflects on more than four decades of ministry and his upcoming retirement after 33 years as senior pastor of Lincoln Berean Church. Bryan shares the story of his calling—from seminary in California to a small, divided church in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and eventually to leading a large, multi-staff organization. Along the way, he unpacks how those early years shaped his understanding of humility, servant leadership, and the inseparable connection between preaching, pastoring, and leading. Bryan also explains why this season feels like the right time to step away—choosing to leave while he can still serve well, make space for the next generation, and allow new leaders to flourish without his shadow. Bryan speaks candidly about the realities that have shaped his leadership, including serious health challenges, the weight of long-term ministry, and the lessons learned through risk-filled decisions around finances, staffing, and vision. He reflects on learning to lead through team-based decision-making, dependence on mentors, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to integrity and time in God’s Word. From leading a church through debt-free milestones to navigating regret, faith-driven risk, and the urgency of stewarding each day well, this conversation offers a thoughtful, grounded look at what it means to lead with humility, finish well, and trust God through every season of building.

What happens when a group of ordinary believers asks God to use them in extraordinary ways? Pastor Austin Edwards traces the journey of Citylight Church from a simple desire to make disciples to a multiplying network of congregations impacting the city and stretching to other states. With humility and transparency, he shares how their culture was shaped, what they’ve learned through both opportunities and obstacles, and why staying rooted in relationships has been essential. Austin offers honest insight into the challenges of leadership, the necessity of prayerful surrender, and the joy of watching God move in ways no strategy could manufacture. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or simply passionate about disciple-making, this episode will encourage you to trust God with what He’s building — and to step faithfully into your part of the mission.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, we sit down with Pastor Rick Lorimer, lead pastor of Christ Place Church in Lincoln, for a candid and deeply personal conversation about leadership that lasts. From his early days as a bold high school believer to his decades of ministry experience, Rick shares how God has shaped his understanding of spiritual leadership—not through ambition or success, but through character, humility, and seasons of brokenness. Rick opens up about painful turning points, burnout, and moments of recalibration that taught him to value presence with God over performance for God. Along the way, he offers hard-won wisdom on staying grounded, building accountability, and leading from a place of authenticity. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or someone who simply wants to grow in your walk with Christ, this conversation will remind you that God does His best building work—inside before outside.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker sits down with Keith Becker, founder and ministry director of the Todd Becker Foundation. Keith shares the life-changing story of losing his brother Todd in a tragic accident and the way God used a persistent pastor to lead him to faith in Christ. Out of that heartbreak came a calling—to spend his life pointing others to Jesus. Over the past 20 years, Keith and his team have shared Todd’s story and the hope of the gospel with more than 150,000 students in over 1,000 public schools nationwide. Keith also reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way—from early failures and unhealthy ambition to discovering what it means to lead with humility, health, and eternal perspective. He unpacks why “less is more” has become a guiding principle in his ministry, how health matters more than size, and the qualities he looks for in young leaders who want to be discipled. Keith’s story is a powerful reminder that God builds His kingdom through surrendered lives, one conversation and one step of faith at a time.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker talks with Ellen Miller, founder and executive director of A Latere Academy—a unique hybrid school model that supports families choosing to educate at home. What began as a God-given dream in the middle of burnout has grown into a thriving ministry serving 300 families and 600 students across five campuses in Nebraska and Illinois, with a dedicated team of 85 staff members. Ellen shares how her personal struggles became the foundation for her calling, launching A Latere with 75 students and 14 staff in its first year, and how her “secret sauce” is simple but powerful—letting Jesus lead and surrounding herself with the right people. Ellen opens up about the lessons she’s learned in leadership—from building a strong, well-rounded team to navigating criticism and leading from a place of health. She shares the FLO qualities she looks for in leaders (Flexible, Learner, Owner) and the importance of passion for Jesus and discipling the next generation. Along the way, Ellen offers encouragement for young leaders to seek counsel, know their vulnerabilities, and trust God’s timing.

What does it look like to grow as a leader when you didn’t set out to be one? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Pastor Jeff Baker of New Life Church (Kearney • North Platte • Ogallala • Holdrege, Nebraska) shares his journey from a life of brokenness into a life of leadership—one shaped by humility, failure, and an ongoing desire to learn. Jeff reflects on the painful moment of being fired early in ministry and how it became a turning point in understanding what leadership really requires. He opens up about learning to ask questions, embracing the “second seat,” and how confidence balanced with humility became a key leadership principle. Jeff also shares insights on leadership transitions, accountability, and building a leadership culture that multiplies. From launching a “leadership pipeline” to making the tough calls needed to break through growth ceilings, Jeff shares what it means to lead with vision and faith while taking steps toward leaving a legacy that outlasts your own leadership.

From Kabul to Omaha, Erin Jensen’s journey as a leader didn’t begin with a five-year plan or a business strategy—it began with a simple yes to God. In this episode, Erin shares how her calling unfolded through a series of Spirit-led steps, starting with a dance studio she launched in Afghanistan to bring light to one of the darkest places in the world. What started as a small act of encouragement quickly became a form of ministry and healing, especially for young girls coming out of devastating circumstances. Erin opens up about the tension of stepping away from a nursing career, how she battled doubts from others—and herself—and how she saw God move in unexpected ways. Now the founder of Bloom Dance Studio in Omaha, Erin leads a growing team that serves over 1,500 young dancers. But the transition from doing everything herself to delegating and empowering others hasn’t been easy. Erin reflects on what it looks like to lead through pressure, trust God through rapid growth, and continue to infuse ministry into her work, even when it might feel out of place in the business world. Her story is a compelling reminder that when we follow God’s lead—even through uncertain territory—He builds something bigger than we ever imagined. Learn more about Erin’s studio here: https://danceatbloom.com/

When Ronnie Rothe moved back to his Nebraska roots in 2008 to plant Relevant Community Church in the Omaha area, he had a vision that went beyond just starting a church. Early on, Ronnie wrestled with his own ambitions, shifting from a desire for personal recognition to a deep commitment to being known by his church and helping his church be known for raising up the next generation for Jesus. From those humble beginnings – starting with a small launch team and uncertain outcomes – to becoming a church where thousands have placed their faith in Jesus, Ronnie's journey has been one of faith, growth, and hard lessons in leadership. He shares about the challenges of starting something from scratch, the moments that tested his calling, and the humble gratitude that comes from seeing lives transformed by the Gospel. Ronnie also offers powerful insights into leadership, including the importance of continually growing as a leader, the transformative role of failure, and the challenges of letting go to allow others to lead. He talks about the critical shift from finding significance in people's opinions to rooting his identity in being a child of God – a lesson that reshaped his approach to both ministry and leadership. Whether you're a leader in ministry or simply someone looking to live a life of purpose and impact, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, Dr. Zach Kassebaum joins Stan Parker to share the leadership journey that has shaped his past nine years as Superintendent of Lincoln Christian School—and what’s next as he steps into a new calling. Zach reflects on the spiritual battles facing today’s educational spaces and his passion to lead with unwavering commitment to God’s truth. He talks candidly about the sacrifices leadership demands, how God prepared him for a healthy transition, and the power of developing new leaders who will carry the mission forward. Throughout their conversation, Zach offers hard-won wisdom on building a sustainable leadership culture, the importance of absolute clarity around mission and values, and the emotional cost—and reward—of standing firm in Christ-centered leadership. Whether you’re leading a school, a ministry, or a family, you’ll find real encouragement in Zach’s story about building something lasting, letting God define success, and trusting Him through every decision, transition, and challenge.

Dissatisfaction + Vision + Belief + Influence + Sacrifice  + Brokenness = spirit led leadership

Discontent + vision + influence + sacrifice + brokenness = spirit led leadership