Fly on the Wall Podcast With Chris Sonksen

Church Boom
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

Be a “Fly on the Wall” as Chris Sonksen takes you behind the scenes on a coaching call with a ministry leader. In each episode, you’ll get to hear how a coaching call happens, practical tips on how to grow your ministry, and what it takes to be a healthy leader in today's culture. You'll get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to a live coaching session between Chris and a church leader like yourself. 

  1. 3d ago

    224 | What Has to Change Before Your Church Can Grow?

    Growth is exciting. But growth also asks something of us. The systems that supported yesterday's ministry often won't sustain tomorrow's. If we want to lead our churches to the next level, we have to be willing to grow before the church does. In Episode 224 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Justin for a practical conversation about preparing your church for growth before growth arrives. Because every pastor eventually faces this question: "What needs to change in me and my church before God can trust us with more?" This conversation is full of practical leadership principles for pastors who are ready to move from one season of growth to the next. Here's some of what we unpack: Why every new season of growth requires new structuresThe difference between the nature of your church and the structure that supports itHow to identify the leadership "lids" that can hold your church backWhy the speed of engagement is one of the strongest predictors of healthy church growthHow a simple 90-Day Run can help more people get connected and stay engagedPractical ways to create accountability with your staff around measurable goalsWhy focusing on activities—not just results—produces lasting growthHow to use the 12-Week Year framework to keep your team moving forwardThe importance of surrounding yourself with high-capacity leaders as your church growsOne of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was this reminder: "Focus on the activity, not just the result." Attendance is the outcome. The real work is creating healthy systems that connect people, develop leaders, and move them into the life of the church. When those activities become your focus, healthy growth follows. If your church is growing—or you're believing God for the next season of growth—I think this episode will give you practical tools to help you prepare now for what God wants to do next. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  2. Jul 22

    223 | Hire for Progress, Not Relief

    One of the biggest leadership mistakes churches make isn't hiring too late. It's hiring for the wrong reason. When ministry gets busy, it's natural to want more help. But adding people simply to relieve pressure isn't the same as building a team that moves the mission forward. In Episode 223 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Josh for a practical conversation about developing leaders, building healthy volunteer culture, and knowing when it's actually time to hire another staff member. Because every growing church eventually faces this question: "How do I know when it's time to add another leader?" The answer has less to do with workload and more to do with vision. Here's some of what we unpack: Why every hire should be made for progress—not just reliefHow to know if a new staff member will actually move the ministry forwardThe difference between a calculated risk and an acceptable loss when making hiring decisionsHealthy financial guardrails every growing church should consider before adding staffWhy volunteer appreciation events sometimes struggle with engagement—and how to change thatHow second- and third-level leaders shape the culture of your churchPractical ways to identify and develop future leaders through leadership circlesWhy task should come before team, and team before titleHow to build a leadership pipeline that creates long-term growthOne of the most practical moments in the conversation was this simple principle: "Don't hire for relief. Hire for progress." The real question isn't, "What will this person do for me?" It's, "What will our church be able to accomplish because they're here?" When you begin thinking that way, every staffing decision becomes far more strategic. If you're leading a growing church, developing volunteers, or trying to determine your next staffing move, I think this episode will give you practical tools you can apply immediately. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  3. Jul 15

    222 | Don't Let Your Calling Become a Career

    Most pastors don't wake up one day and decide to become complacent. It happens slowly. The passion that once fueled the calling begins to feel more like routine. The dreams get replaced with responsibilities. Before long, ministry can start feeling more like a career than the calling God originally placed on your life. In Episode 222 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Bill Savage for an honest conversation about coaching, leadership, volunteer teams, and one of the greatest dangers pastors face after years in ministry. Because every leader eventually has to wrestle with this question: "Am I still leading with the same hunger I had when God first called me?" It's a conversation every pastor needs to hear—whether you've been leading for two years or twenty. Here's some of what we unpack: Why every pastor—regardless of church size—needs coachingThe difference between a mentor and a leadership coachWhy coaching is an investment, not an expensePractical ways to lead and develop volunteer staff membersHow to maximize the limited time your volunteer leaders haveWhy priority management matters more than time managementCreative ways to stay connected with volunteer leaders without overwhelming themHow to avoid drifting into autopilot after years in ministryThe powerful contrast between the two Sauls in Scripture—and what every leader can learn from themOne of the most challenging moments in the conversation was this reminder: "Life and ministry start as a calling. If we're not careful, they slowly become a career." The difference between finishing well and simply surviving often comes down to what happens in the middle. Will we keep learning? Will we keep dreaming? Will we stay humble enough to receive coaching and hungry enough to keep growing? If you've been in ministry for any length of time, I believe this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and help you lead with fresh intentionality. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  4. Jul 8

    221 | The Leadership Systems That Actually Grow a Church

    Growing a church isn’t usually about finding the next big idea. More often, it’s about building the right systems, developing the right leaders, and creating a culture where people move from simply attending to fully engaging in the mission. In Episode 221 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Johnny for a practical coaching conversation on what it really takes to build a multiplying church—not just a well-attended one. Because every pastor eventually faces this question: "How do we move people from consuming church to owning the mission?" That question opens the door to one of the most practical leadership conversations we've had. Here are a few of the topics we unpack: Why culture is always created at the top, supported at the bottom, and lost in the middleHow to build a vision people are actually willing to give themselves toThe leadership question every pastor needs to ask: Am I worth following?A simple, scalable leadership pipeline that develops future ministry leadersThe difference between leadership circles and leadership apprenticeshipsHow to intentionally identify and develop high-capacity leadersWhy healthy church growth comes from strong processes—not just passionPractical ways to close the back door by getting more people involved in ministryWhy your volunteer teams should function more like tribes than task listsHow preparing leaders today positions your church for tomorrow's opportunitiesOne of my favorite moments from the conversation was this simple reminder: "When we dig the ditch, God gives the rain." Too many churches pray for growth without preparing for it. But when we intentionally develop leaders, strengthen our systems, and create room for people to step into ownership, we're positioning ourselves for the opportunities God wants to bring. If you're thinking about leadership development, volunteer engagement, multiplication, or the future of your church, I think this conversation will encourage you and give you several practical ideas you can implement right away. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  5. Jul 1

    220 | The Secret to Finding—and Keeping—Great Leaders

    Every pastor wants great leaders. The challenge is finding them. And even when you do find them, how do you keep them engaged, growing, and committed to the vision God has given your church? In Episode 220 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Josh for a practical conversation about identifying leadership potential, developing future leaders, building healthy teams, and creating a church culture that attracts high-capacity people. If you've ever wondered why some churches seem to have a steady pipeline of strong leaders while others constantly struggle to fill key roles, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: The most important leadership lesson I've learned after decades in ministryWhy great leaders surround themselves with great peopleHow to identify leadership potential inside your churchThe difference between being capable and being truly gravitationalWhy vision must be big enough for people to want to followHow leadership circles create a powerful pipeline for future leadersThe role coaching has played in my personal leadership growthMistakes leaders make when hiring and building teamsWhy you should "pay attention to the tension" before making key decisionsPractical strategies for helping guests become fully engaged church membersThe overlooked follow-up system that can dramatically increase church growth One of my favorite moments in this conversation is when we discuss the idea that people don't just follow vision—they follow leaders. The way you lead, communicate, care for people, and carry yourself often determines whether talented people want to join your team. If you're looking to strengthen your leadership pipeline, develop future staff members, and build a church culture that attracts high-level leaders, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  6. Jun 24

    219 | Why Some Leaders Stay Stuck While Others Keep Growing

    What separates good leaders from great leaders? Is it talent? Experience? Opportunity? Or is it something deeper? In Episode 219 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sit down with my friend Greg for a fascinating conversation about how high-level leaders think. We move beyond leadership strategies and systems and explore the mindset patterns that drive extraordinary growth, influence, and effectiveness. Along the way, we unpack lessons from billionaires, ministry leaders, and decades of leadership experience to discover why some leaders consistently stay ahead while others stay stuck. In this episode, we discuss: Why high-level leaders focus on activities, not just resultsThe difference between inspiration and motivation—and why it mattersHow investing in people creates long-term leadership influenceWhy value always gives you a voiceThe mindset shift needed to navigate major life and ministry transitionsThe five stages every leader experiences during transitionHow to build relationships with high-level leaders and mentorsWhy great leaders stay committed to learning, coaching, and personal growthOne of my favorite moments in this conversation is a lesson I learned from a self-made billionaire who told me: "Everyone asks me what I do. Nobody asks me how I think." That insight became the foundation for a powerful discussion about leadership, growth, influence, and developing the kind of mindset that creates lasting impact. If you're ready to think differently, lead more effectively, and continue growing as the leader God has called you to be, this episode is for you. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  7. Jun 17

    218 | Leadership Mistakes Every Pastor Makes (and How to Avoid Them)

    What if the biggest thing holding your church back... isn't your strategy, your budget, or your attendance? What if it's a leadership blind spot you don't even realize you have? In Episode 218 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Clinton for an honest conversation about some of the most common leadership mistakes I see pastors make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them before they become costly. We talk about everything from toxic team members and leadership development to personal health, coaching, and the tension between spiritual leadership and practical execution. Here's some of what we unpack: Why taking care of yourself isn't a balance issue—it's an obedience issueThe leadership mistake I see over and over again when it comes to building teamsHow to recognize toxicity early before it causes unnecessary damageWhy pastors often keep the wrong people in the wrong roles for too longThe danger of leading from fear instead of convictionWhy so many pastors wait until they're desperate before asking for helpHow apprenticing leaders creates long-term multiplication and healthy growthThe importance of training people so well they could leave—but treating them so well they don'tWhy Spirit and strategy aren't competing ideas—they belong togetherOne line from this conversation has stuck with me ever since we recorded it: "You can't lead with authority if you're addicted to approval." We also talk about coaching, lifelong learning, and why the Church should be setting the standard for leadership development instead of trying to catch up with everyone else. If you're leading a church, building a team, or simply trying to become a healthier leader, I think this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

  8. Jun 10

    217 | You Don’t Have to Be Type A to Build Something Great

    Not every great leader is loud. And not every thriving church is built by a hyper-competitive, type-A personality. In Episode 217 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, Chris sits down with Pastor Rob for an incredibly honest conversation about leadership, personality, AI, church finances, and what it really looks like to lead from who God actually made you to be. Because a lot of pastors quietly wrestle with this question: “Am I enough to lead something significant if I’m not the loudest, most driven person in the room?” Chris tackles that head-on—and the conversation that follows is one of the most refreshing episodes we’ve had in a while. Here’s some of what they unpack: Why personality type does not determine ministry impact How introverted or non-type-A leaders can still build thriving ministries The importance of surrounding yourself with extraordinary leaders Why big vision matters—even for quieter personalities Healthy ways pastors can stay connected to people without becoming the lid on the church A practical conversation around AI in ministry and where healthy boundaries should exist Church budgeting principles every pastor should understand How strong churches think about staffing, reserves, and long-term sustainability Creative ideas churches are using right now to improve follow-up and guest engagement One of the most powerful moments in the episode: “God made you the way you are, and you can excel in the way God made you.” Chris also shares a challenging insight he once heard from John Maxwell—that corporate leaders are often more hungry to grow and improve than pastors are. That part of the conversation alone is worth the listen. This episode is practical, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging for pastors who sometimes feel like they don’t fit the stereotypical leadership mold. 👍🏼 Follow us on social media  + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/church.boom + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychurchboom + Website: https://www.churchboom.org 👋 About Us Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.

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Be a “Fly on the Wall” as Chris Sonksen takes you behind the scenes on a coaching call with a ministry leader. In each episode, you’ll get to hear how a coaching call happens, practical tips on how to grow your ministry, and what it takes to be a healthy leader in today's culture. You'll get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to a live coaching session between Chris and a church leader like yourself. 

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