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Fresh off the Church Leaders Summit at Church of Eleven22, Kevin shares 10 observations that challenged, encouraged, and sharpened his thinking about ministry. This isn’t about copying a megachurch model. It’s about asking a better question: What can pastors serving churches of every size learn from what God is doing somewhere else? In this episode, Kevin unpacks lessons around asking for help, pursuing clarity, putting prayer first, strengthening belief, building a culture of celebration, embracing AI as a ministry tool, generosity, communication, leadership environments, and intentional church culture. One lesson stood above many of the others: pastors don’t have to make ministry harder by trying to carry everything alone. Kevin also shares why he walked into the summit tired and worn down—and walked away with renewed belief about what God can still do. In this episode: Why asking for help is a strength, not a weaknessWhy clarity matters more than we often realizeWhat happens when prayer becomes foundational againThe importance of strengthening your own beliefBuilding a culture that celebrates what God is doingHow AI can enhance ministry rather than threaten itMaking generosity part of discipleshipWhy most churches need a stronger communication strategyCreating environments where leaders feel valuedWhy church culture must be developed intentionallyThis episode is also the beginning of several conversations Kevin will unpack more deeply in upcoming episodes of Pastors Thriving.

What if the people you're praying for are already sitting in your church? Pastors spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for someone to volunteer. Waiting for someone to step into leadership. Waiting for someone to join a group. Waiting for someone to respond to Sunday's invitation. But what if we've got part of this backward? What if some of the people sitting in our churches aren't unwilling to engage—they're simply waiting for someone to personally see them, ask them, and invite them into what God is already doing? In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin Elworth steps away from the formal teaching outline and shares an idea that has increasingly become central to his work with churches: The Church Was Never Meant to Wait. Jesus didn't simply broadcast an invitation and wait for disciples to identify themselves. He walked up to Peter and Andrew and said, "Follow me." There was a personal invitation. And that raises an important question for today's pastor: Could greater engagement in your church begin with fewer announcements and more intentional conversations? In this episode: Why churches may be waiting for responses they need to initiateThe limitation of the "stage-down" invitationWhy a personal invitation produces a different responseWhat Jesus' calling of the first disciples teaches us about engagementWhy the people you're praying for may already be in your congregationThe difference between announcing an opportunity and personally asking someoneWhy every church needs a clear pathway when someone actually says yesA simple four-week experiment you can begin this SundayThe Four-Week Challenge For the next four Sundays, personally approach 3–5 people. Instead of simply asking, "How was your week?", try asking: "What's God doing in your life right now?" "What's your next step in your walk with the Lord?" "How can I help you get there?" Then listen. You may discover that the person you've been praying for has been sitting in front of you all along. Resources Healthy Church Blueprint Assess the health of your church, identify potential blind spots, and begin building clearer pathways toward greater engagement. https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/2ywgbUC7fk1xinaqSU0D Sunday Prayer for Pastors Kevin prays specifically for pastors every Sunday morning. Add your name and receive the weekly prayer in your inbox. https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/Be1dRBkWzCgetiG8yn70 Keywords church engagement, church leadership, pastor leadership, church volunteers, discipleship, making disciples, church growth, healthy church, Healthy Church Blueprint, Fully Engaged Church, pastoral ministry, volunteer engagement, church systems, church discipleship, spiritual gifts, Ephesians 4, Matthew 4, Christian leadership, ministry leadership, church participation, pastoral coaching, Kevin Elworth, Pastors Thriving

What Happens When God Calls You Outside the Walls? | Ron Armstrong What happens when God calls you into a place you never expected to go? In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin Elworth sits down with entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, community leader, and Jacksonville mayoral candidate Ron Armstrong for a conversation that goes far beyond politics. Ron shares why he believes his decision to run for mayor began with a simple act of obedience—and what he is learning about leadership, criticism, community, conviction, and trusting God with an outcome he cannot control. The conversation raises an important question for every pastor: What responsibility does the local church have for what happens outside its walls? Kevin and Ron discuss: Obedience when you can't control the outcomeDiscovering what your community actually needsWhy consistency builds credibilityLeading people who don't share your convictionsChoosing the right people for your inner circleNavigating criticism without letting it define youWhy leaders have to go firstLeadership and accountability in JacksonvilleThe church's responsibility to its communityTHE FIVE-BLOCK QUESTION Ron introduces a simple challenge: What if every church took responsibility for knowing and serving the five blocks surrounding its campus? Before looking across the country—or across the world—what needs, families, businesses, schools, and opportunities are sitting immediately outside our doors? Ministry doesn't only happen inside the walls on Sunday. READY TO BUILD A MORE FULLY ENGAGED CHURCH? If your church is active but you're wrestling with moving people from simply attending to becoming engaged disciples, Fully Engaged Church was built for that challenge. FEC helps pastors create a clear pathway from first contact to meaningful engagement and discipleship. Fall Fully Engaged Church cohorts are coming soon. https://www.pastorsthriving.com/ ABOUT RON ARMSTRONG Ron Armstrong is an entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, community leader, husband, and father who has spent much of the last 15 years serving and leading in Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently running as an independent candidate for Mayor of Jacksonville in the 2027 election. Learn more: TheRonArmstrong.com ABOUT PASTORS THRIVING Pastors Thriving helps pastors lead with greater clarity, health, and intentionality—personally, organizationally, and in the communities God has called them to serve. Subscribe for conversations and practical leadership resources for pastors who want to lead healthy churches without losing themselves in the process. CONNECT WITH KEVIN Healthy Church Blueprint: https://bit.ly/4cNU9cf Fully Engaged Church: https://www.pastorsthriving.com/ Sunday Prayer for Pastors: https://bit.ly/45wQiMQ #PastorsThriving #ChurchLeadership #PastoralLeadership #RonArmstrong #Jacksonville #Leadership #Discipleship #FullyEngagedChurch

Why do two churches with similar preaching, worship, and ministries produce completely different results? The answer is culture. In this episode of The Healthy Church Blueprint, Kevin Elworth explores why culture is one of the most overlooked—and most influential—forces in every local church. Whether it's intentional or accidental, your church's culture is already shaping how people think, lead, serve, and grow. You'll discover why culture is more than a mission statement or core values on a wall. It's the invisible environment that determines what gets celebrated, tolerated, and ultimately reproduced. If you're a pastor or ministry leader who wants to build a healthier church from the inside out, this episode will help you evaluate the culture you're creating and give you practical questions to begin strengthening it. In This Episode Why every church has a culture—even if no one intentionally created itThe difference between stated values and lived valuesHow leadership behaviors shape the culture of an entire churchWhy systems either reinforce or undermine your cultureFive diagnostic questions every pastor should askWhy culture is caught long before it's taughtHow healthy culture creates momentum throughout the churchKey Takeaways ✅ Culture is the invisible force behind every ministry outcome. ✅ What leaders celebrate, people repeat. ✅ What leaders tolerate becomes acceptable. ✅ Healthy systems reinforce healthy culture. ✅ Lasting church health begins long before Sunday morning. Resources Mentioned 📖 Download the Healthy Church Blueprint A practical assessment designed to help pastors identify strengths, uncover blind spots, and build a healthier church. Download Here: https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/2ywgbUC7fk1xinaqSU0D 🙏 Join the Weekly Sunday Prayer for Pastors Every Sunday morning, receive a Scripture-based prayer written specifically for pastors and ministry leaders to encourage, strengthen, and prepare you for the week ahead. Sign Up Here: https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/Be1dRBkWzCgetiG8yn70 Connect with Kevin If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: Subscribe to the Pastors Thriving PodcastShare this episode with another pastor or ministry leaderLeave a review to help more church leaders discover the showTo learn more about coaching, speaking, and ministry resources, connect with Kevin online.

Churches rarely drift because someone intended for them to. Drift happens gradually. One unclear decision. One postponed conversation. One ministry added without asking why. Over time, a church that once had incredible clarity simply becomes busy. In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin explores why vision is the second pillar of the Healthy Church Blueprint and why healthy churches intentionally protect clarity before confusion begins to take over. In This Episode Why vision naturally leaks over timeHow good churches unintentionally driftThe difference between activity and alignmentWhy pastors must continually reinforce the missionPractical questions to evaluate the clarity of your churchLeadership Challenge Ask yourself these three questions this week: • Could every leader in my church clearly explain our mission? • Does every ministry actively support that mission? • If a first-time guest attended this Sunday, would they understand where we're going and how to take their next step? Healthy churches don't drift into greater clarity—they intentionally create it. Healthy Church Blueprint Series This episode is part of the Healthy Church Blueprint series, where we're exploring the foundational pillars that help churches grow healthier from the inside out. Sunday Prayer for Pastors Every Sunday morning, Kevin sends a short Scripture-based prayer to encourage pastors before they step into another week of ministry. Join pastors from around the country receiving this weekly encouragement: https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/Be1dRBkWzCgetiG8yn70 If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another pastor or ministry leader. Healthy vision creates healthy alignment. Healthy alignment builds healthy churches.

What is really limiting your church? Many pastors point to attendance, volunteers, finances, or facilities. While those challenges are real, they're often symptoms—not the root issue. In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin explores why every church eventually reaches the ceiling of its leadership and why developing healthy leaders is the foundation for a healthy church. In This Episode Why leadership is the first pillar of a healthy churchHow every ministry reflects the health of its leaderThe difference between positional leadership and influenceWhy Jesus developed leaders instead of simply recruiting followersThree questions every pastor should ask this weekLeadership Challenge Take a few minutes this week and ask yourself: • Who has leadership potential that I've overlooked? • What responsibility am I carrying that someone else could begin learning? • Who am I intentionally investing in as a future leader? Healthy churches don't wait until they're desperate for leaders—they develop them before the need arises. Healthy Church Blueprint Series This episode is part of an ongoing series exploring the foundational pillars of a healthy church. Each episode builds practical leadership principles you can immediately apply to your ministry. Sunday Prayer for Pastors Every Sunday morning, Kevin sends a short Scripture-based prayer to encourage pastors before they step into ministry. Join hundreds of pastors receiving this weekly encouragement: https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/form/Be1dRBkWzCgetiG8yn70 If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pastor who could use some encouragement. Healthy leaders build healthy churches.

The 30-Minute Church Health Reset What if thirty minutes could change the trajectory of your church? When ministry feels overwhelming, our instinct is often to do more. More meetings. More planning. More programs. But healthy churches aren't built by constant activity—they're built through intentional leadership. In this episode of Pastors Thriving, Kevin shares a simple framework any pastor can use to identify what's healthy, uncover what's creating unnecessary friction, and determine the one leadership conversation that could unlock momentum. Whether you're leading a church of 30 or 3,000, these three questions will help you move from feeling overwhelmed to leading with clarity. In This Episode You'll discover: Why healthy leaders begin by protecting what is already workingHow unnoticed friction quietly slows the momentum of your churchThe leadership conversations most pastors delay—and why they matterA practical 30-minute exercise you can use with your staff, elders, or leadership teamHow clarity creates momentum without adding more to your calendarThe Three Questions: 1. What is working that we need to protect? Celebrate what God is already blessing before rushing to fix what isn't. 2. What is creating friction that we have learned to tolerate? Every church has friction. Healthy churches identify it before it becomes culture. 3. What is the one conversation we need to have this week? Momentum often begins with one courageous conversation. This Week's Leadership Challenge Set aside thirty uninterrupted minutes. Spend ten minutes on each question. Before you finish, commit to three actions: ✅ Protect one healthy area. ✅ Remove one point of friction. ✅ Schedule one important conversation. Small acts of intentional leadership often produce the greatest long-term impact. Free Resource Download: The 30-Minute Church Health Reset A printable leadership guide designed to help pastors and ministry teams work through these three questions together. Perfect for: Staff meetingsElder meetingsLeadership retreatsPersonal ministry planningQuarterly church reviews***Download your free copy here*** Sunday Prayer for Pastors Every Sunday morning I send a short Scripture-based prayer to pastors around the country. No marketing. No fundraising. Just encouragement. If you'd like to begin your week with a few moments of biblical encouragement and prayer, I'd be honored to include you. Join Sunday Prayer for Pastors --> Join Here I'd love to hear from you. Which of the three questions challenged you the most? Send me an email or connect through social media and let me know what you're working on inside your church. If This Episode Helped... Would you consider doing three simple things? Follow the podcast.Leave a review.Share this episode with another pastor who could use a leadership reset.Your recommendation helps more pastors find practical encouragement and leadership tools for healthier churches.

Episode 106: Why Summer Might Be the Most Important Season for Your Church Most pastors view summer as a season to survive. Attendance fluctuates. Families travel. Volunteer schedules become unpredictable. Ministry rhythms feel disrupted. It's easy to put growth, leadership development, and strategic planning on hold until everyone returns in the fall. But what if summer isn't a setback? What if summer is actually one of the most important seasons in the life of your church? In this episode, Kevin challenges the common assumption that summer is a ministry "off-season" and explores why healthy churches use slower seasons to build stronger leaders, strengthen systems, and prepare for future growth. If you've ever found yourself scrambling in September to recruit volunteers, launch ministries, or solve problems that seem to appear overnight, this conversation will help you see summer through a different lens. In This Episode: Why summer creates a unique opportunity for church growthHow healthy churches use slower seasons strategicallyThe connection between summer preparation and fall momentumWhy leadership development should never be seasonalHow to move people from attenders to contributorsThe hidden danger of waiting until fall to address ministry challengesPractical ways to strengthen your church before the busy season returnsKey Takeaway Fall rarely creates problems—it reveals them. The churches that experience the greatest momentum in the fall are often the ones that spent the summer investing in leaders, strengthening systems, and building a culture of engagement. Don't waste the season God has given you. Resources Mentioned Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp The Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp is an 8-week coaching experience designed specifically for pastors who want to strengthen their church before the fall ministry season begins. Together we'll focus on: Volunteer engagementLeadership developmentMinistry systemsChurch cultureBuilding a more fully engaged churchIf you're ready to stop surviving summer and start using it strategically, this bootcamp was created for you. For information about the Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp, email Kevin directly - [email protected] If this episode encouraged you, Kevin would love to hear from you. Question of the Week: What is one thing you want to strengthen in your church before fall arrives? Send a message, share your thoughts, and let Kevin know what you're building this summer. Enjoying the Podcast? If Pastors Thriving has been helpful to you: Follow the podcastLeave a reviewShare this episode with another pastorSend it to a ministry leader who is preparing for the fall seasonYour recommendation helps more pastors find the encouragement, clarity, and practical leadership tools they need to thrive in ministry. Remember: Summer isn't something to survive. It may be the very season God uses to prepare your church for what's next. Pastorsthrving.com Fully Engaged Summer Bootcamp

Episode 105: When Ministry Doesn't Go According to Plan Leadership is filled with moments we never expected. Plans fall apart. People let us down. Opportunities disappear. Prayers seem delayed. Recently, I had to make one of the toughest decisions I've faced in ministry. Just ten days before departure, our Sparrow Village Initiatives team had to postpone a long-awaited trip to serve 115 orphaned children in Uganda. Months of preparation. Thousands of dollars raised. Excited volunteers. Children waiting for our arrival. Then everything changed. In this episode, I share that story along with five practical and biblical ways to navigate disappointment without losing your purpose. You'll discover: • Why disappointment isn't a sign of weak faith. • How to look for God's goodness in difficult moments. • Why setbacks should adjust your strategy, not your calling. • How to keep moving forward after a painful season. • Why God's faithfulness is greater than your circumstances. If you've ever wondered whether your work still matters or if God is still at work in your situation, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Feel it. Don't deny your disappointment. Bring it to God.Find the good. Look for what remains instead of focusing only on what was lost.Follow through. Don't allow temporary setbacks to create permanent decisions.Stay forward focused. Delayed doesn't mean defeated.Choose faith over feelings. God's character hasn't changed, even when circumstances have.If this episode encouraged you, share it with another pastor or ministry leader who could use the reminder. Need prayer or encouragement? I'd love to hear from you. Until next time... Stay faithful. Keep leading. And keep thriving.

I woke up around 2:30 in the morning with the thought that maybe I should get up and pray. Then another voice entered the conversation. "Don't bother." "You again?" "What do you want now?" "All you've done lately is make a mess." The next morning, I couldn't stop thinking about that moment—not because I believed it, but because I wondered how many pastors hear similar lies and quietly believe them. In this episode, we talk honestly about spiritual warfare, shame, isolation, and one of the enemy's oldest strategies: Disconnection. In This Episode Why shame often sounds spiritualThe enemy's strategy of secrets, isolation, and fearWhy pastors often withdraw when they most need connectionThe restoration of Peter after his denialHow Jesus restores relationship before responsibilityPractical steps to push back against isolationA Biblical Reflection After denying Jesus three times, Peter had every reason to believe he had ruined everything. Yet when Jesus met him again, the conversation wasn't about condemnation. It was about restoration. "Do you love me?" "Feed my sheep." The voice of Christ restores. The voice of shame isolates. Key Takeaway Not every voice you hear is God's voice. If you've been hearing: You're a failure.You've made too much of a mess.God is tired of you.Pastor... That's not His voice. Practical Homework This week: Talk to God. Talk to someone. Tell the truth. Don't keep secrets. Don't isolate. Don't believe fear. Key Quote "The enemy doesn't have to destroy a pastor. He simply has to disconnect one."

Why does everything in your church still seem to depend on the same few faithful people? The same volunteers. The same leaders. The same families. The same exhausted core. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Kevin unpacks one of the most common frustrations pastors face: carrying too much because engagement is concentrated in too few people. The hard truth? This usually isn’t a people problem. It’s a systems problem. Inside this episode: Why disengagement is often confusion, not rebellionThe hidden pathway problem keeping people passiveWhy pastors end up carrying more than they shouldHow ownership culture is intentionally builtThe leadership shift that changes everythingIf you’re tired of the same few doing all the work… this conversation will help.

Have you ever found yourself asking: “God… where are You?” You’ve been faithful. You’ve kept showing up. You’ve prayed. You’ve obeyed. And yet the breakthrough you’ve been pleading for still hasn’t come. In this deeply personal episode, Kevin opens up about walking through financial pressure, family medical strain, emotional exhaustion, and the uncomfortable reality of continuing to lead while quietly carrying heavy burdens. If you’ve ever felt like Paul—shipwrecked, holding onto broken pieces, simply trying to stay afloat—this conversation is for you. Inside this episode: Why delayed rescue does not mean abandonmentThe dangerous emotional drift pastors face in survival modeWhy “just staying afloat” may still be faithfulnessThe forgotten prayer hidden in Luke 1 that may reshape your perspectiveA reminder that even when you can’t see the shore… it still existsIf you’re tired, discouraged, or simply trying to hold on… This one is for you. Connect with Kevin If this episode resonated with you and you need someone to process with, Kevin would be honored to connect. 📩 [email protected]

After recognizing the pull toward isolation in leadership, the next question becomes simple—but important: What do you actually do about it? In this episode, Kevin walks pastors through a clear and grounded response to isolation—not by adding pressure, but by helping them take intentional steps toward connection. This is not about overhauling your leadership overnight. It’s about choosing a different direction. Because growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why isolation is a common response to pressure in pastoral leadershipHow to recognize when you’ve been carrying too much aloneThe difference between awareness and actionSimple, practical steps to begin reconnectingWhy one honest conversation can shift everythingHow connection creates clarity—for both you and your church A Biblical Reflection In Exodus 18, Moses is leading alone—carrying the weight of the people from morning until evening. When Jethro observes this, he responds plainly: “What you are doing is not good.” Not because Moses lacked calling— but because he was trying to carry what was never meant to be carried alone. The solution wasn’t more effort. It was shared responsibility. Key Takeaways Isolation Is a Response—Not a Strategy It often feels safe in the moment, but it limits growth over time. You Don’t Need Everything—You Need Someone Growth doesn’t require a network. It starts with one honest connection. Clarity Comes Through Conversation Many of the answers you’re looking for won’t come in isolation—but in dialogue. Stay Longer Than Feels Comfortable Most leaders disconnect right before growth begins. Practical Steps to Reconnect If you’re recognizing isolation in your leadership, start here: Identify one person you can connect withBe honest quickly—don’t ease into itCreate a rhythm of ongoing conversationInvite perspective, not just encouragementStay engaged, even when it feels uncomfortableResource Mentioned Church Engagement Assessment A simple tool designed to help you identify where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church. Find it here! Key Quote “The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.” Final Encouragement You’re not behind. You’re at a moment of clarity. And clarity—when acted on—leads to growth. Im with you bro. Kevin

Episode 100 didn’t start the way Kevin expected. After recording a polished version, something didn’t sit right—so he scrapped it. What follows is a real, unfiltered conversation about something many pastors are experiencing but rarely name: Isolation. When pressure builds, many pastors don’t reach out—they pull back. But what feels safe in the moment often becomes the very thing that limits growth. In this episode, Kevin shares personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a clear truth: Growth doesn’t come from carrying more. It comes from getting connected. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why pastors tend to isolate under pressureThe hidden cost of trying to carry leadership aloneA personal reflection on missed growth opportunitiesWhy authenticity is not enough without intentional developmentHow God often answers prayers through people—not just momentsThe connection between humility and growth Key Takeaways: Isolation Feels Safe—but It Stalls Growth When things get heavy, the instinct is to pull back. But that’s when connection matters most. Authenticity Isn’t the Same as Growth Being real is powerful—but without intentional development, growth stalls. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know And growth begins when you invite someone in who can help you see what you can’t. God Often Answers Through People The very thing you’ve been praying for may already be in front of you—if you’re willing to receive it. Key Quote: “The single greatest element of growth you will ever receive will come through your ability to get connected to people.” A Message of Hope: What you’re looking for in this next season of ministry… …it’s findable. It may already be unfolding in front of you. But it will require the courage to step toward it. Resource Mentioned: Church Engagement Assessment A simple tool to help you evaluate where people may be getting stuck or overlooked in your church. Access it here !

Does Your Church Have These Markers of Being Fully Engaged? Podcast: Pastors Thriving Host: Kevin Elworth Episode Summary What does a healthy, engaged church actually look like? After recognizing how easy it is for people to be present but not truly connected, the next question becomes clear: How do we know if our church is actually engaging people well? In this episode, Kevin outlines the core markers of a fully engaged church—not as an ideal to strive for, but as a framework to help leaders bring clarity, alignment, and movement to their ministry. This isn’t about adding more programs. It’s about ensuring people don’t get stuck. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between attendance, participation, and engagementWhy many churches unintentionally stall people’s growthThe key markers that define a fully engaged churchHow clarity creates momentum without adding pressureWhy engagement is about movement, not activityThe Core Idea “A fully engaged church isn’t one where everyone serves. It’s one where everyone is moving.” Moving toward: connectiongrowthpurposediscipleshipThe Markers of a Fully Engaged Church 1. Clear Next Steps Every person knows what their next step is. 2. Shared Responsibility Leadership is not centralized—the weight is distributed. 3. Intentional Follow-Through People are noticed, contacted, and guided quickly. 4. A Culture of Movement People progress from: guest → connected → serving → leading → discipling others Why This Matters When these markers are present: Pastors experience less pressureTeams operate with clarityPeople grow fasterThe church becomes alive—not just activeA Leadership Reframe This is not about doing more. “It’s about aligning what already exists.” Who This Episode Is For Pastors who sense people are stallingChurches with strong attendance but low engagementLeaders seeking clarity without complexityTeams feeling stretched but not seeing growthWhat’s Next In Episode 100, Kevin steps back to explore a bigger question: What does the future of the Church require from leaders right now?