Church Unfiltered with Dr. Anthony Cobbs

Anthony Cobbs
  • 5.0 (32)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Monthly

Church leaders need answers that are open, honest, and direct. This podcast seeks to answers questions ministry leaders are really asking. A must for pastors, church staff and church consultants.

  1. Jun 20

    E86: Getting Past Gatekeepers

    Every organization has them. Every church has them. And whether you realize it or not, gatekeepers can either help move the mission forward or become obstacles to progress. In this episode of Church Unfiltered, Dr. Anthony Cobbs explores the role of gatekeepers in church leadership and ministry. From administrative assistants and executive pastors to long-time volunteers, board members, and influential church members, gatekeepers often control access, information, relationships, and opportunities. But are gatekeepers always a bad thing? Dr. Cobbs discusses why gatekeepers exist, the value they can bring to an organization, and what leaders, staff members, and aspiring ministry leaders need to understand about building trust and credibility with those who hold influence. He also addresses unhealthy gatekeeping behaviors, how to navigate difficult situations, and practical ways to gain access without creating conflict or damaging relationships. Whether you’re trying to get a meeting with a senior pastor, advance a ministry initiative, or better understand the informal power structures within your church, this episode provides practical insights for navigating church culture with wisdom and integrity. In This Episode: What gatekeepers are and why they existHealthy vs. unhealthy gatekeepingThe hidden influence of unofficial church leadersWhy some people protect access and informationHow trust impacts influenceCommon mistakes people make when approaching gatekeepersStrategies for building relationships and credibilityHow leaders can prevent gatekeeping from becoming a barrier to ministryThe goal isn’t to go around gatekeepers—it’s to understand them, work with them, and build the kind of trust that opens doors for effective ministry. Keywords: #Churchleadership #churchculture, #gatekeepers #churchvolunteers Subscribe to Church Unfiltered with Dr. Anthony Cobbs for honest conversations about leadership, ministry, church culture, and the realities of serving in today’s church.

    33 min

  2. Jun 12

    E85: Who’s Really the Number Two? Understanding the Most Misunderstood Role in Church Leadership

    What exactly is the difference between an Executive Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Associate Pastor, and Chief of Staff? And more importantly—which role does your church actually need? In this episode of Church Unfiltered, Dr. Anthony Cobbs tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in church leadership: the role of the second-chair leader. As churches grow and become more complex, many pastors find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of leadership, operations, staff management, and ministry execution. The solution is often hiring a “number two” leader—but churches frequently confuse titles with responsibilities. Dr. Cobbs breaks down the key differences between today’s most common church leadership roles, explains how each position supports the Senior Pastor differently, and offers practical guidance for churches evaluating their leadership structure. Whether you’re a Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, church board member, ministry leader, or someone considering a leadership role in ministry, this episode will help you understand how healthy churches build leadership teams that support growth, clarity, and mission effectiveness. In This Episode: The rise of the Executive Pastor roleExecutive Pastor vs. Assistant PastorWhat a Church COO actually doesThe role of the Chief of Staff in ministryWhy many churches have leadership confusionHow to determine which second-chair leader your church needsCommon mistakes churches make when hiring key leadersWhy structure should follow mission, not traditionIf your church is growing, restructuring, or trying to build a healthier leadership culture, this conversation is a must-listen. Keywords: Executive Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Church Leadership, Church Staff, Church Administration, Church Growth, Senior Pastor, Ministry Leadership, Church Governance, Church Structure, COO, Chief of Staff, Leadership Development, Church Consulting, Nonprofit Leadership, Church Operations, Leadership Teams, Ministry Strategy. Subscribe to Church Unfiltered with Dr. Anthony Cobbs for practical conversations on church leadership, ministry effectiveness, staff culture, and the future of the church.

    26 min

  3. May 11

    E84: 5 Trends Reshaping the Church Right Now

    EPISODE 84: Is your church prepared for these trends? A major leadership shift is happening in the church world and many congregations are unprepared for what’s coming next. In Episode 84 of Church Unfiltered, Dr. Anthony Cobbs unpacks the growing reality known as the “Silver Tsunami,” the wave of aging pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff approaching retirement. But this conversation goes beyond retirement statistics. It explores the deeper trends reshaping church culture, leadership development, staffing, succession planning, and the future of ministry in America. Drawing from current research from Pew Research, Barna, and Lifeway, this episode examines why younger generations are engaging faith differently, how churches are adapting to digital ministry, and why many organizations are struggling to develop healthy leadership pipelines. Whether you are a pastor, church staff member, ministry leader, or simply passionate about the future of the church, this episode offers honest insight, practical perspective, and necessary conversations churches can no longer avoid. In this episode: • What the “Silver Tsunami” means for churches • Why pastoral succession is becoming urgent • The changing relationship younger generations have with church • How digital engagement is reshaping ministry • Why churches must redefine success and sustainability • Practical leadership insights for navigating the next decade Purchase Dr. Cobbs books, "The Supporting Cast: A Guide for Church Staff" and "You Have Everything You Need" by visiting: www.anthonycobbs.com #Church leadership #pastoral succession #silver tsunami #church trends 2026 #ministry leadership #church staffing pastor retirement, future of the church, church culture, Gen Z church trends, Millennial church engagement, church growth, digital ministry, church strategy, leadership development, church health, ministry burnout, church podcast, Anthony Cobbs, Church Unfiltered

    41 min

  4. Apr 30

    E83: Redefining Excellence in Ministry

    Excellence is a value but what if it’s quietly damaging your church culture?  In this episode of Church Unfiltered, Dr. Anthony Cobbs unpacks how excellence can drift into pressure, performance, and burnout if it’s not properly defined and supported. Learn how to build a culture that honors God without exhausting people. To order Dr. Cobbs' new book "You Have Everything You Need" go to:  anthonycobbs.com For church staffing, training, onboarding, and coaching, consider bringing Dr. Cobbs in for a workshop or personalized services.

    29 min

  5. 04/02/2025

    E82: When Your Pastor is Also Your Boss

    How do you navigate the dual relationship of your pastor also serving as your supervisor? In chapter 10 of Dr. Cobbs new book, "The Supporting Cast: A Guide for Church Staff" he looks into this often overlooked aspect of working on staff at the local church.  In this episode, Dr. Cobbs explores: * The person you see on Sunday might seem different on Monday. * The boundaries a staff member should establish with their pastor/boss. * How staff members can help the pastor serve in the appropriate role. Order "The Supporting Cast" by Dr. Anthony Cobbs www.anthonycobbs.com

    32 min

  6. 02/28/2025

    E81: Church Staff: Worshipping Where You Work

    When you work at your place of worship sometimes you can find yourself struggling to have a meaningful devotional life. In this episode Dr. Cobbs brings up a few ways to ensure you do not lose your spiritual fervor when you become part of a church's staff. Pre-order Dr. Cobbs' new book, "The Supporting Cast: A Guide for Church Staff" Visit www.anthonycobbs.com

    27 min

  7. 02/17/2025

    E80: "Are You Built for Church Staff?"

    Working on church staff might seem like wonderful, fulfilling work. Ideally it is, but there are times when it is challenging and even difficult. In this episode Dr. Cobbs relays a few ways to determine if working on church staff is the way to go. Taken from his new book, "The Supporting Cast: A Guide for Church Staff" listeners will hear: What questions to ask when considering a staff position What has been Dr. Cobbs' most challenging part of being a church Exec? Website anthonycobbs.com

    23 min

  8. 04/22/2024

    E79: What Church Staff Want Their Pastor to Know

    The relationship between Pastor and church staff is one that is rarely mentioned and often overlooked. As a result, many leaders are unaware of what their staff experiences in the work space. Dr. Cobbs and Breakthrough Ministry Consulting is conducting research on church staff members to identify areas of strength and areas of growth to ensure high morale. This episode is a glimpse into the initial findings.

    21 min
See All (88)

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Church leaders need answers that are open, honest, and direct. This podcast seeks to answers questions ministry leaders are really asking. A must for pastors, church staff and church consultants.

Information