The Red Letter Leadership Podcast

Jordan Ames, Ben Hunter, and Eric Albright
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The Red Letter Leadership Podcast highlights leadership lessons directly from the four Gospels to encourage and equip our listeners to grow as Christ-centered leaders.

  1. 2 days ago

    The Greatest Form of Self-Love

    Most people think self-respect and dying to self are opposites. Jordan Ames argues they are actually the same thing—and that understanding this changes how you pursue faith, confidence, discipline, and purpose. He unpacks why Jesus’ command to deny yourself is not about self-hatred or passivity, but about stepping into the fullest version of who God created you to be. If you have ever wrestled with ambition, discipline, relationships, or the feeling that surrender means losing something valuable, this conversation reframes the entire question. You’ll discover:• Why “dying to self” and self-respect coexist• How Matthew 16:24, Romans 8:17, and John 10:10 reshape the meaning of surrender• Dave Ramsey’s momentum theorem and how Jordan uses it to illustrate finite vs. infinite momentum• Practical ways to practice self-denial in marriage, parenting, communication, ambition, and time management• Why love is an action that takes daily effort, not a feeling that happens automatically Jordan also shares a personal example of how pursuing profit can quietly crowd out serving others, plus a hard look at how isolation, overwork, and self-gratification can shrink your life instead of expand it. He challenges listeners to audit their ambitions, rethink how they spend time, and choose one concrete way to die to self today. This episode is for anyone who wants deeper discipline, healthier relationships, and a faith that actually changes how you live. If you’ve been told surrender is weakness, this will show you why the opposite may be true. #dyingtoself #self-love #Jesus The Red Letter Leadership Book https://www.redletterleadership.com/book Diagnose your church’s Kingdom impact: https://www.redletterleadership.com/ckid

  2. 20 Oct

    When You're the Opposition

    What do you do when your own good intentions become the problem? Jordan Ames shares a brutally honest story of a recent public mistake in church, then lays out a clear path to humble yourself, repair trust, and stop becoming your own opposition. This episode is for anyone who has ever failed while trying to do the right thing—leaders, pastors, spouses, team members, and anyone carrying the weight of regret. Jordan walks through the fallout from his misstep, the conversations that followed, and the lessons he had to learn fast about leadership, accountability, and spiritual warfare. You'll discover:• Why a good heart and good intentions can still lead to bad strategy and poor execution• The difference between defending self and denying self• How a direct apology starts rebuilding trust after you have hurt people• Why isolation makes failure worse, and why staying engaged matters• The four-part “Let's Go” framework: Learn, Enlist support, Take action, Seize the ground Jordan also connects his military background to a practical process for preparing for resistance before it hits, showing how to anticipate friction, communicate clearly, and seek confirmation from the right people before stepping forward. Along the way, he explains why failure is not final and why your identity is not defined by one bad moment. If you need an honest reset after a setback, this conversation is a timely reminder that repentance, reconciliation, and growth are still possible. Essential listening if you are trying to lead well, recover with integrity, or get back in the game after a mistake. #Christianleadership #Accountability #Overcomefailure #Repentance #Reconciliation Key Takeaways1. Good intentions don’t guarantee sound strategy or execution.2. Choosing humility over self-defense can open the way to repair.3. A direct apology is an important first step toward rebuilding trust.4. Leadership is a daily effort, not a one-time achievement.5. Failure is not final; it is an opportunity to grow.6. Isolation can deepen a setback; staying engaged helps you move forward.7. The “Let's Go” framework—Learn, Enlist support, Take action, Seize the ground—offers a practical path through resistance. Chapters 00:00 Facing opposition when moving in God's direction00:27 Jordan shares a personal experience of opposition in church00:54 The importance of good intentions and poor execution01:23 Learning from mistakes and seeking reconciliation02:04 Common mistakes that lead to failure04:21 The difference between good heart and good strategy05:43 Denying self and accepting consequences10:08 The importance of direct apology and rebuilding trust11:55 Staying engaged and avoiding isolation13:44 Recognizing victory in failure and spiritual warfare15:21 Preparing for contact with the enemy using the 'Let's Go' framework18:35 Military RIGS process adapted for life and leadership21:13 The 'Let's Go' steps: Learn, Enlist, Take Action, Seize24:31 Leadership as a daily effort and ongoing growth26:20 Encouragement to humble yourself and lead through failure27:00 Acknowledging guilt and seeking reconciliation Grab a copy of over 370 leadership lessons from the life of Christ: https://www.redletterleadership.com/book   Download our FREE resource that accompanies the book and categorizes all lessons into at least one of the four areas of leadership: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment   For Church leaders seeking to give their church an audit of how it is having a Kingdom impact, gather a team of leaders in your church and go through our “Church Kingdom Impact Diagnostic Tool.” https://www.redletterleadership.com/ckid

  3. 13 Oct

    Execute Your Church Strategy

    How to implement a strategy to see 500 baptisms in 5 years   What does it actually take to turn a church vision into measurable kingdom impact?   Jordan Ames breaks down a practical leadership framework for implementing a strategy aimed at seeing 500 baptisms in five years—and shows why the real work happens in four areas most churches overlook.   If your church has a vision but struggles to turn it into action, this episode gives you the leadership lens you need. Jordan connects outreach, life groups, intercessory prayer, and training to the four dimensions of leadership Jesus modeled: leading yourself, gaining influence, leading a team, and developing leaders.   You'll discover how self-awareness and humility shape outreach, why the BLESS framework can help you build influence with nonbelievers, and how life groups can become more than fellowship by intentionally growing disciples and future leaders. Jordan also explains how prayer teams, training environments, and leadership development opportunities can be structured to support a larger church mission instead of drifting into maintenance mode.   He also challenges the assumption that leadership is only about a person at the top. Instead, he shows how churches can identify the right people, build the right teams, and create systems that keep vision aligned from the pulpit to the volunteer level. Along the way, he shares insights from his leadership work across the four Gospels and the resources he created to help churches evaluate their own kingdom impact.   If you're a pastor, ministry leader, or church member who wants more than internal maintenance, this conversation is essential listening. It will help you think clearly about how to implement vision, develop people, and move your church toward lasting impact.   Download the Church Kingdom Impact Diagnostic Tool here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/ckid   Attend the next Phase 0 Masterclass by registering here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/phase-0-masterclass   #churchleadership #strategy #implementation #leadership #influence   Key Topics: Four areas of leadership modeled by Jesus: leading yourself, influence, organizational leadership, developing leaders The importance of self-awareness and humility in outreach and ministry Strategies for gaining influence through service, prayer, and relationship-building Organizational leadership: building effective teams and guiding them towards church goals Training and developing future leaders within the church community   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Leadership Principles from Jesus 00:28 Overview of the Four Lines of Effort in Church Strategy 01:27 The Four Areas of Leadership Modeled by Jesus 02:15 Leading Yourself: Self-awareness and Denying Self 03:03 Applying Leadership Principles to Outreach and Life Groups 04:10 Leading Yourself in Outreach: Self-awareness and Communication 05:19 The Role of Humility and Denial of Self in Outreach 05:53 Leading Yourself in Life Groups: Vulnerability and Accountability 06:43 Leading Yourself in Intercessory Prayer 07:21 Training Yourself: Humility and Seeking Growth 08:29 Gaining Influence: Approaching Others with Humility 09:24 The BLES Framework for Influence: Begin, Listen, Eat, Serve, Share 11:12 Building Influence in Life Groups and Community 12:43 Training for Influence: Connection, Communication, and Sharing Faith 13:38 Organizational Leadership: Building and Guiding Teams 16:05 Developing Future Leaders: Training and Mentorship 21:05 The Importance of Prayer and Spiritual Development 22:43 Leadership Resources and Continuous Growth 24:55 Kingdom Impact vs. Internal Church Growth 25:45 Conclusion and Resources for Church Leaders

  4. 6 Oct

    500 Baptisms in 5 Years

    500 baptisms in five years sounds impossible—until you see the framework that makes it measurable.   Download the “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” and begin seeking God with your church leadership team for the next strategic destination He wants to lead you to.   Most church vision is built from what already happened. Jordan Ames argues that Kingdom impact starts when leaders stop planning from past certainty and start casting faith-fueled destinations that stretch every part of the congregation.   In this video, Jordan shares a strategic framework for church leaders to cast a faith-driven vision of 500 baptisms in five years, emphasizing the importance of spiritual alignment, community partnership, and intentional planning.   He uses a real example from a church that had only 17 baptisms in three years, then walks through why settling for a “reasonable” goal like 50 baptisms can quietly shrink faith before it ever turns into strategy. From there, Jordan lays out a practical pathway for moving from vision to action without drifting into vague inspiration or burnout.   You’ll discover: Why “know your destination” has to be a concrete target, not just a nice mission statement How to assess your current location, environment, and opposition before building a plan The four lines of effort Jordan recommends for church growth: outreach, life groups, intercession, and training the congregation How partner churches can multiply impact instead of competing for it Why the real goal is not attendance, but seeing new souls come to Christ and be baptized   Jordan also breaks down the “rule of 50” in reverse to show how many people may need to be reached, served, and discipled before you ever see baptisms at scale.   If you lead a church, serve on staff, or are part of a ministry team trying to move beyond maintenance mode, this episode gives you a way to turn a bold spiritual vision into a real strategic plan.   He also shares how faith changed his own leadership in an anti-trafficking mission in East Africa, where acting on God-given vision opened doors, partnerships, and momentum he could not have manufactured on his own.   Essential listening if you’re ready to stop measuring church by routine and start building for true Kingdom impact.   #churchleadership #visioncasting #baptisms #strategicplanning #churchstrategy     Key Topics: Vision casting in the spiritual realm Setting a specific, faith-based destination Analyzing church resources and environment Overcoming opposition through prayer and unity Developing lines of effort The rule of 50 as a metric for growth Partnership with other churches for greater impact The importance of prayer and intercession in vision Leadership development and team building   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the vision of 500 baptisms in five years 02:30 The importance of seeking God's vision over past success 04:50 Understanding the spiritual realm as the foundation for vision 06:37 Personal story of faith and vision for a counter trafficking mission 08:52 Framework for strategic planning: Know your destination 10:09 Assessing your church's resources and environment 11:26 Identifying opposition and spiritual warfare 12:26 Executing the plan and maintaining faith in the process 13:12 Breaking down the journey of a non-believer to baptism 19:43 Lines of effort: Outreach, life groups, intercession, training 22:09 Developing outreach strategies and building teams 24:39 The role of small groups and community connection 26:45 Using the rule of 50 to set realistic goals 32:53 The power of intercession and prayer teams 35:17 Training the congregation for effective outreach and communication 37:33 Leadership and team building for strategic efforts 38:12 Overcoming opposition and staying committed to the vision 39:17 The true measure of success: Souls saved and lives changed 40:50 Focusing on kingdom impact over church attendance 42:12 Encouragement to pursue God's vision with faith and boldness

  5. 7 Jul

    The Leadership Lesson Most People Miss

    Many leaders are working hard to arrive at a place they can relax. But that's not at all what Christ calls us to. He calls us to work hard but within the context of His blessings and then He expects us to multiply those blessings.   In this episode, Jordan Ames and Ben Hunter dive deep into the parable of the talents and Luke 12, revealing how Christ-centered leaders view blessings as opportunities rather than burdens.   Discover why God entrusts us with more only when we're faithful with what we've already received—and learn how this mindset can transform your purpose, whether you're transitioning out of military service, stepping into new leadership roles, or seeking a renewed sense of calling.   You'll explore: The shocking truth behind Luke 12:48—what much is really asked of us How vibrant spiritual leadership can outshine institutional traditions Practical ways veterans and military leaders can redefine purpose post-service The importance of stewarding God's blessings in your personal and professional life Why the American church needs to move beyond comfort and focus on kingdom growth   This episode is a powerful call for Christ followers, especially those feeling stalled or unsure about their next move, to embrace multiplication over maintenance. If you're craving clarity on your purpose and want to understand how to leverage your blessings for eternal impact, this conversation is essential listening.   Join us as we challenge the notion of retirement from God's mission—because every season of life is an opportunity to do much more with what we've been given.   #Stewardship # Purpose #KingdomFocus #Christcenteredleadership #DoMore     Key Topics: Parable of talents and stewardship Transition from military to civilian life and purpose Living a life of multiplication for God's kingdom The role of the church in growing the kingdom The importance of faith and obedience in leadership     Takeaways: God entrusts us with talents and blessings to serve His kingdom. Living a purpose-driven life involves stewardship and faithfulness. The church should focus on kingdom growth rather than organizational comfort. Transitioning from military to civilian life requires redefining identity in Christ. Every believer is called to do much more with what they've been given.     Chapters   00:00 Multiplying Our Talents 02:29 Stewardship and Responsibility 07:54 Transitioning Identities 11:27 Finding Purpose After Service 17:26 Navigating Career and Calling 23:23 Embracing Responsibility and Direction 27:22 Navigating Career Transitions and Divine Guidance 28:09 Multiplication and Kingdom Growth 34:39 The American Church: Comfort vs. Kingdom Focus 39:38 Cultural Shifts in Worship and Community Engagement   Resources to help you in your leadership growth: “Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book   Download this valuable resource that lays out all 370+ leadership lessons from our book categorized in four areas of leadership: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment   Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

  6. 30 Jun

    When Fear Stands in the Way of Calling

    Fear often feels like a barrier that keeps us from stepping into our true potential—especially in leadership and faith. But what if fear exists precisely to challenge us to trust God more deeply? In this powerful episode, we unpack how spiritual fears and life's storms aren’t signs of failure—they’re opportunities to grow in faith, courage, and resilience.   Drawing on the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s daring step outside the boat, we explore how fear manifests when we focus on our problems rather than the Creator who's bigger than them all. You’ll discover why stepping out in faith isn’t about having no fears—it's about trusting amid them. We break down the practical applications of Jesus’ command to “come,” revealing how faith is less about flawless confidence and more about surrendering control to God.   We also highlight how leaders—whether in church, business, or family—face storms that threaten to sink them. The key isn’t avoiding fear but learning to anchor yourself in Christ amid the chaos. You’ll learn how to recognize the storm’s influence on your focus, and how keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus transforms your doubts into opportunities for supernatural breakthrough.   This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by fear or doubt, whether in a personal challenge or leadership decision. It’s a call to recognize that your greatest strength comes from trusting in God's power, not your own. When you understand that the only thing standing between you and walking on water is your own hesitation, a new wave of courage and clarity emerges.   Tune in to get inspired, challenged, and equipped to face your fears head-on—knowing that through faith, you’re capable of doing the impossible. How will you respond when Jesus calls? The answer might just change everything.   Key Topics:   Fear as a leadership obstacle The significance of focus and trust in difficult times Biblical story of Peter walking on water as a metaphor for faith Practical applications of faith and leadership in personal life The importance of accountability and community in stepping outside comfort zones   #FacingFear #Courage #Calling #Action #Faith   “Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book   Download this valuable resource that lays out all 370+ leadership lessons from our book categorized in four areas of leadership: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment   Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal

  7. 16 Jun

    Is Comfort Keeping You From Your Calling?

    "Are churches too comfortable just going through the motions? Are you?” Do you agree that the church needs to raise the bar on disciple-making.   In today’s culture, many churches are content with size and entertainment, losing sight of Jesus' call to radical discipleship. Jesus didn’t shy away from hard truths or confrontation—He raised the bar, challenged His followers, and understood that true leadership involves making others uncomfortable for their growth.   If we want to see authentic change, it starts with leaders being willing to confront the status quo, hold each other accountable, and embrace discomfort as part of spiritual growth. It’s time to ask ourselves: are we leading like Jesus or trying to stay comfortable?   Worth reflecting on. What’s one area in your leadership where you need to raise the bar? #LeadershipDevelopment #ChurchGrowth #RedLetterLeadership #DiscipleshipMatters #Accountability   Key Topics Biblical leadership and the theology of work Handling conflict and opposition in leadership The role of business as a platform for ministry Church growth strategies and disciple-making Leadership accountability and integrity   Applications: Reflect on your church or organization culture and its openness to accountability. Implement or review accountability structures with trusted leaders. Embrace conflict as a growth opportunity and handle it biblically. Reevaluate your leadership approach to ensure it aligns with biblical principles. Seek continuous learning and humility in leadership.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Journey 02:52 Overcoming Adversity: Robert's Early Life and Military Experience 05:48 The Intersection of Business and Ministry 08:25 The Theology of Work and Its Implications 11:28 Foster Care and Leadership Development 14:10 The Role of Business Leaders in Church Growth 16:57 Comfort in the American Church: A Critical Analysis 19:46 Leadership Lessons from Jesus and the Early Church 22:38 Raising the Bar: Discipleship and Church Growth 25:31 Conclusion: The Future of Leadership in the Church 31:47 The Dangers of Self-Reliance in Leadership 32:52 Misunderstanding Church Leadership 34:05 The Cost of Discipleship 35:51 Urgency in Advancing the Kingdom 37:16 Handling Conflict in Leadership 42:26 The Importance of Accountability in Leadership 01:02:24 Introduction to Leadership Lessons from Jesus 01:03:33 Exploring the Book: Red Letter Leadership 01:04:36 Vision Casting and Prayer Journal Resources   “Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book   If you have a copy of the book, don’t forget to download our resource that will help guide your study of leadership lessons from the life of Christ. This resource categories all 370+ lessons into one or more of these four areas of leadership: 1) Leading Yourself, 2) Gaining Influence, 3) Leading a Team, and 4) Developing Leaders. Through our study of Jesus’ leadership, we learned that He shaped His environment to accomplish His mission in these four areas of leadership. We believe that when we seek mastery in these areas, we will be able to shape our operating environment to accomplish the assignment God has given us. Download this valuable resource here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment   Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal   Do you have a God-sized vision for your life or business? Do you understand why it is so important that trust God for a seemingly impossible vision? If this is a new concept for you, I invite you to watch the training I gave on this titled: “Aim Small, Miss Small: The Art and Science of Achieving a God-Size Vision.” https://www.redletterleadership.com/asms   If you are ready to step out in faith and cast a big, God-size vision for your life or business but you are unsure where to start, I invite you to join my next 4-day challenge called, The MAKE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE Challenge. This is a 4-day event that will take you from dreaming again to establishing a clear, seemingly impossible vision with defined strategic objectives and a pathway to achieving it. Go to this link to learn more: https://www.redletterleadership.com/mipc

  8. 9 Jun

    How to Lead an Unwilling or Unprepared Team

    Leadership when your team isn't ready or willing—what's the move? Drop a comment if you've ever faced this challenge. Sometimes, as leaders, we must step up even when the team can't follow. In both the military and the story of Jesus at the Last Supper, we see that setting the example is key. Jesus knew His team was unprepared to follow Him into the full mission, but He still took the bold step, trusting growth and trust would follow.   When your team hesitates or isn't ready, your actions speak louder than words—stand up, move forward, and love intentionally. It’s not about having all the answers but about leading with grace, patience, and authenticity. Remember: your influence isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence and relationship.   The next step? Get to know your team beyond tasks. Take them to lunch, listen without agendas, build trust. That’s how real leadership happens—when we put others before ourselves, even in the toughest moments.   What's one way you'll invest in your team this week? #LeadWithLove #ChristCenteredLeadership #BuildTrust #LeadershipTips #TeamGrowth   Key Topics   Leadership in unprepared teams The fighter-leader concept in practice Building trust and love in leadership Jesus' leadership example at the Last Supper Preparation and intentionality in leadership   Chapters   00:00 Leadership Responsibilities: Mission vs. Team Care 06:03 Understanding Team Readiness: The Fighter-Leader Concept 11:45 Knowing Your Team: The Importance of Understanding 17:22 Grace and Love in Leadership: Simplifying Expectations 23:11 Influence and Connection: The Essence of Leadership 31:25 Practical Takeaways: Building Relationships Through Lunch   “Red Letter Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Christ” https://www.redletterleadership.com/book   If you have a copy of the book, don’t forget to download our resource that will help guide your study of leadership lessons from the life of Christ. This resource categories all 370+ lessons into one or more of these four areas of leadership: 1) Leading Yourself, 2) Gaining Influence, 3) Leading a Team, and 4) Developing Leaders. Through our study of Jesus’ leadership, we learned that He shaped His environment to accomplish His mission in these four areas of leadership. We believe that when we seek mastery in these areas, we will be able to shape our operating environment to accomplish the assignment God has given us. Download this valuable resource here: https://www.redletterleadership.com/shapeyourenvironment   Are you seeking God for a big vision for your business or ministry? Be intentional with our “7-Day Vision Casting Prayer Journal” built for leaders who desire to wholeheartedly seek God through studying His word, prayer, fasting, and reflecting on what God is speaking to them. https://www.redletterleadership.com/prayer-journal   Do you have a God-sized vision for your life or business? Do you understand why it is so important that trust God for a seemingly impossible vision? If this is a new concept for you, I invite you to watch the training I gave on this titled: “Aim Small, Miss Small: The Art and Science of Achieving a God-Size Vision.” https://www.redletterleadership.com/asms   If you are ready to step out in faith and cast a big, God-size vision for your life or business but you are unsure where to start, I invite you to join my next 4-day challenge called, The MAKE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE Challenge. This is a 4-day event that will take you from dreaming again to establishing a clear, seemingly impossible vision with defined strategic objectives and a pathway to achieving it. Go to this link to learn more: https://www.redletterleadership.com/mipc

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About

The Red Letter Leadership Podcast highlights leadership lessons directly from the four Gospels to encourage and equip our listeners to grow as Christ-centered leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    Jordan Ames, Ben Hunter, and Eric Albright
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Red Letter Leadership
  • Show Website
    The Red Letter Leadership Podcast

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