Advertise on podcast: Behind the Scenes With Ben and Lynley

Everybody wants to be in charge—until the responsibility is theirs. In Episode 21, Ben and Lynley talk honestly about the pressure of leadership, the cost of serving, and why being good at something doesn't automatically mean you're called to do it. Reflecting on Abimelech and the request for seats beside Jesus, they explore a lesson that's easy to miss: competency is not calling. Ben remembers wanting to be the one in charge, while Lynley shares why some things she's good at aren't things she wants to keep doing. Together, they walk through four combinations of skill and passion—and what it looks like to serve where your gifts and enthusiasm meet. Before the deeper conversation, “Come to Your Senses” returns with hot dogs, garden-hose water, touch-related pet peeves, and Ben's unusual theory about email hoarders. Plus, Episode 21 gets a Dominique Wilkins tribute and another nod to Play-Doh. They also share Life Group leaders' encouragement about young people returning to church, discuss the challenges of an increasingly secular culture, and consider a “mission minute” in Sunday services. The episode wraps up with Gertie the goldfinch and an encouraging dinner with new deacons and their wives. Visit: https://www.bellevue.org

What do Play-Doh, a He-Man alarm clock, a giant living-room fan, and disappointing leaders have in common? Somehow, they all make it into Episode 20. Ben and Lynley kick things off with a new game called “Come to Your Senses,” sharing childhood memories connected to sights, sounds, and smells—including one confession about Ben’s unusual love for the smell (and apparently the texture) of Play-Doh. Then the conversation turns a little deeper. They talk about what happens when leaders let us down, why someone’s failure doesn’t necessarily erase everything good that came before it, and the danger of both putting people on pedestals and becoming cynical when they fall. They also share some of what Bellevue’s Life Group leaders are saying about the church right now—from an encouraging culture of transparency to the need for greater commitment, serving, and opportunities for people to genuinely connect. Plus, Ben and Lynley recap a recent staff retreat, talk about making space for people to linger, and reflect on what they learned about emotions, anger, and healthy responses. And somehow, through all of that, this will probably still be remembered as the Play-Doh episode. #BehindTheScenes #BellevueBaptistChurch #ChristianPodcast #ChurchLeadership #FaithAndLife #ChristianLiving #ChurchCommunity #ServingOthers #Leadership #playdoh Visit: http://bellevue.org

What’s the difference between gossip, flattery, and genuine encouragement? Ben and Lynley talk about saying what we mean, offering an apology, and making sure our words are both kind and true. In Episode 19 of Behind the Scenes, they also reflect on Ehud and the book of Judges, the gift of growing older, and the discipline of growing in godliness. This week’s high notes include a thoughtful surprise, a proud parenting moment, and Lynley’s plans to listen and learn as she helps develop Bellevue’s widows ministry. Join Ben and Lynley for an honest conversation about faith, family, and life at Bellevue.

Ben turns 50 and tells a few stories he’s still embarrassed about—including why he wore glasses he didn’t need. Then he and Lynley talk about loving kids who’ve walked away from faith, knowing when to offer grace or say something hard, and being honest about what’s going on in your family. They also settle whether they’re really polar opposites, with some evidence involving missing socks and leftover tacos. #BehindTheScenesPodcast #BenAndLynley #Bellevue #MarriageAndParenting #Faith

After taking a week off, Ben and Lynley are back and talking about a lot of what’s been going on lately. They look back at Sunday’s message on thankfulness and a small moment in a Chick-fil-A parking lot that came at just the right time. Lynley also talks about why she feels drawn to widows ministry and what she hopes that could look like at Bellevue.Ben answers a question he’s been getting a lot lately about why the 9:30 and 11:00 services are now the same, and they talk about music preferences, church unity, and learning to disagree without letting it divide us. They also share a couple of high notes from the week—including a trip back to Lifeway that reminded them how good it feels to know they’re where they’re supposed to be. #BehindTheScenesPodcast #BellevueBaptistChurch #BenMandrell #ChurchLife #Thankfulness #ChurchUnity #WidowsMinistry

Ben and Lynley address a rumor head-on: Bellevue is not killing the Singing Christmas Tree. They explain why the beloved tradition is being refreshed for a new season—and why preserving what matters sometimes means making thoughtful changes. They also look back on their college years—the fun, the friendships, and the hard moments that shaped them—and talk about sharing the gospel through real relationships. Plus, meet Bellevue’s Golden Coyote and hear this week’s high notes from choir and the Mandrell family.

One year into life at Bellevue, Ben and Lynley look back at the moments they’ve “dog-eared”—building relationships, walking through loss, and navigating changes on staff. They also talk about why Ben usually remains on the platform during the invitation, seasons of depression and transition, and what 25 years of marriage has taught them about growth and change.

This one starts with a few funny money questions—Honey Nut Cheerios, Heinz ketchup, hair clippers, and how Finn unexpectedly became part of the family. From there, Ben and Lynley talk about why money can feel like such a touchy subject, why Ben didn’t want to skip over a hard passage in James, and the acts of generosity they still remember years later. They also explain more about bringing first through third graders into the worship service and share some of the ways they taught their own kids to sit, listen, and be part of worship. Then they talk about what their morning prayer walks actually look like. Nothing fancy—just walking, talking, and making sure they stop talking long enough to pray. #BehindTheScenesPodcast #BellevueBaptistChurch #Generosity #FamilyLife #Parenting #Prayer #Worship

Episode 13 covers a little bit of everything: unanswered prayer, the quiet ways sin can sneak into our lives, and the tension between isolating ourselves from the world and becoming too much like it.Ben and Lynley also settle a family debate over a lost Barnes & Noble gift card, talk about what makes them happy and sad, and look back at a couple of ordinary family moments they wish they could freeze forever. They end on a high note with what we’re looking forward to at Bellevue and how people are using their gifts to serve the church.

Ben and Lynley are back after a week off with no real plan—which turns into a little bit of everything. They talk honestly about a rough couple of days in their marriage, what the sermon on wisdom brought up for both of them, and the difference between keeping the peace and actually making peace. They also look back on one year at Bellevue, talk about preaching and their devotional habits, and let the crew ask whatever they want—from summer camp memories and praying together to pineapple on pizza and who should play them in a movie. #BehindTheScenesPodcast #BenAndLynley #ChristianMarriage #FaithAndFamily #BellevueBaptistChurch

This week, Ben and Lynley talk through James, temptation, pride, money, and what it looks like to trust God when things don’t go the way you thought they would. They also get into Larry Crabb’s Shattered Dreams, moments when God closed doors in Ben’s life, and how those hard things ended up mattering later. And then it takes a turn into birthday paintings, a hummingbird mask, tiny heads, nursery volunteers, and peanut butter balls. So… a little bit of everything. #BehindTheScenes #BenAndLynley #BellevueBaptist #James #ShatteredDreams #TrustingGod #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife

It’s episode 10, it’s Father’s Day, and it’s Lynley’s birthday week, so this one naturally turns into a family episode. Ben and Lynley talk about parenting moments they’d probably like a do-over on, including a Disney World line-cutting incident, some questionable makeup advice, and the general humbling reality of raising kids. They also get into what they learned from their own dads, what they appreciate in each other as parents, and why it’s good to remember that your kids aren’t finished becoming who they’re going to be. And as always, they end with their high notes — bathroom tile, church ideas, and cutting a few things so something new can grow. Learn more about Bellevue: bellevue.org #BehindTheScenes #BenAndLynley #BellevueBaptist #Parenting #Family #FathersDay #MarriageAndFamily #FaithAndFamily #BellevueMemphis #ChristianPodcast

Ben and Lynley start this one with the important stuff: fake-stepping at the foot of the bed, panic over hotel alarm clocks, syrup boundaries, and why dogs deserve their own voice. But it doesn’t stay there for long. Lynley talks about a parking lot moment where tired turned into short-tempered real fast, and Ben gets honest about Father’s Day, parenting, and the weight a lot of dads carry. They also talk about how easy it is to fixate on the one negative voice, what responsibility really looks like in leadership, and why Camp Outrageous was such a good reminder that so much of ministry happens quietly, behind the scenes. #BehindTheScenes #BenAndLynley #BellevueBaptist #CampOutrageous #GraceAndMercy #ChurchLife #ChristianPodcast #Leadership #MarriageAndMinistry #BehindTheScenesPodcast

This one starts with a kayak that barely gets used and a Jeep purchase Ben still regrets. From there, Ben and Lynley talk about the ways ego shows up — wanting control, wanting credit, and realizing how hard it can be to stay humble even after years of walking with God. They also get into addiction, small habits that can start to control us, what they’re trying to teach their kids, and a couple of simple reminders about listening, giving, and remembering who you are. #BehindTheScenesPodcast#BenAndLynley#RealConversation#FaithAndFamily#EgoAndHumility#Parenting#ChristianLife#Bellevue#PodcastEpisode#RememberWhoYouAre

This week, Ben and Lynley talk about Sacred Pathways — basically, the different ways people feel close to God. For Lynley, that usually means being outside. For Ben, it usually means a book and a cup of coffee. They also talk about parenting adult kids, why Ben doesn’t usually get into politics from the pulpit, and a few random things they’d miss about each other… including deer calls and socks in pockets. #BehindTheScenes #BellevueBaptist #BenAndLynley #SacredPathways #CampOutrageous #ParentingAdultKids New to Bellevue? You can learn more about the church here: https://www.bellevue.org