The Advantage Podcast

David Ashcraft
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to The Advantage Podcast, a monthly unscripted conversation with host David Ashcraft and top leaders impacting our world. Created by pastors for pastors to expand our knowledge and influence. The Advantage is a ministry of LCBC Church - one church in multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania.

  1. FEB 11

    A Conversation with Kent Jacobs

    We’re excited to welcome Kent Jacobs, founder and lead pastor of Epic Church in Philadelphia. Kent’s journey—from meeting Jesus at age 12 to launching Epic with just a handful of people—has been marked by courage, faith, and a deep desire to help every person in the city know God. In the early days of Epic, Kent reached out to LCBC simply looking to learn. That small step sparked a meaningful connection that has grown into years of friendship, encouragement, and collaboration through The Advantage. Kent and his team have been key contributors to this network as together we work to strengthen churches across Pennsylvania.  In this episode, Kent shares the ups and downs of church planting in the city, the challenges of leading through COVID without a permanent facility, the surprising gift of a historic building, and the renewed hope and momentum Epic is experiencing today. You’ll hear his heart for Philadelphia, his passion for long‑term ministry, and the role collaboration has played in shaping his journey.

    45 min

  2. JAN 14

    A Conversation with Chris Hodges

    In this episode David Ashcraft is joined by Chris Hodges, a leader known for his passion for equipping pastors and building thriving churches. Chris opens up about his personal story, the pivotal moment that led him into ministry, and how Church of the Highlands grew from a small launch team to a multi-campus church impacting thousands.  You’ll hear insights on creating effective systems, raising up leaders, and keeping ministry life-giving. Plus, Chris shares wisdom on navigating leadership transitions and staying committed to the mission Jesus gave us. This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for every church leader.

    39 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    A Conversation with Bobby Gruenewald

    This month, host David Ashcraft sits down with Bobby Gruenewald, the visionary leader behind the global phenomenon, the YouVersion Bible App, and a key figure at Life.Church. In this insightful conversation, Bobby shares his unique journey, offering a wealth of wisdom for leaders and innovators alike: - From Early Entrepreneur to Ministry Leader: Explore Bobby's unexpected path from growing up in central Illinois and launching his own businesses to finding his calling and transitioning into a pivotal role at LifeChurch. - Lessons in Leadership & Team Building: Gain valuable insights from his experiences in rapidly growing organizations, including how he navigates team dynamics and fosters continuous learning. - The Impact of YouVersion: Hear about the incredible milestones and global reach of the YouVersion Bible App and its upcoming initiatives. - Connecting Faith & Innovation: Understand his philosophy on leveraging technology to serve a higher purpose and inspire spiritual growth worldwide.

    52 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    A Conversation with Les McKeown

    In this episode of The Advantage Podcast, David Ashcraft interviews Les McKeown, author of "Predictable Success," about the stages of growth that organizations go through, and how these principles apply to churches and faith-based organizations.  Les shares insights on:  • The "Early Struggle" phase and why the term "startup" can be misleading.  • How a visionary leader's role evolves as an organization grows.  • The "Whitewater" stage and the importance of high-quality team-based decision-making.  • Moving from a founder mindset to a CEO mindset.  • Practical steps for navigating complexity and achieving predictable success.  Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or involved in any growing organization, this episode offers valuable frameworks for understanding and navigating the challenges of growth.

    48 min

  5. 10/08/2025

    A Conversation with Ned Pelger

    In this episode of the Advantage podcast, David Ashcraft talks with Ned Pelger, a construction expert, about his experience with church building projects and more. Ned shares his unique perspective on the importance of prioritizing value, simplifying design, and understanding the specific needs of the community the building is intended to serve.  Tune in to hear:  • Why churches aren't always the best customers  • What challenges commonly arise in construction  • How to keep building projects efficient and cost-effective  Whether you're a pastor, a church leader, or even on the construction side, this conversation offers valuable insights.

    48 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    A Conversation with Bart Rendel & Doug Parks of Intentional Churches

    Today, we're incredibly excited to welcome Bart Rendel and Doug Parks, the creative minds behind Intentional Churches. Bart and Doug are passionate about helping churches clarify their vision, implement strategic planning, and cultivate healthy leadership, all while staying deeply rooted in biblical truth.  Get ready for a dynamic and insightful conversation about revitalizing your church and making a greater impact in your community!  https://www.intentionalchurches.com/  Intentional Churches Book: https://a.co/d/4mDSwAh  Intentional Churches Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5B2cLTTMQLzxjGLYDj84Pc?si=bf2878341978410e

    50 min

  7. 08/13/2025

    A Conversation with Kevin Eshleman

    In this episode, Kevin shares his unique journey into ministry, his perspective on supporting ministry spouses, and practical ways to identify and develop emerging leaders within your congregation. He also emphasizes the critical importance of NOT doing ministry alone – a message that deeply resonates with the core values of The Advantage.  Here are a few key takeaways:  • How to identify potential leaders in unexpected places.  • Strategies for supporting ministry spouses and helping them thrive.  • Practical ways to engage with your community while remaining focused on the Gospel.  • The power of steadfastness in a changing cultural landscape.

    45 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    A Conversation with Steve Cuss

    We're excited to share our latest podcast episode—a conversation with Steve Cuss about how leadership anxiety and reactive habits can hold us back, and what it looks like to lead from a place of grace and freedom.  Steve, the author of Managing Leadership Anxiety, offers practical insights on recognizing false needs like control, approval, and perfection that often drive burnout. He shares key tools like noticing, naming, and diffusing anxious patterns, as well as how resting in God's grace can transform the way we lead.  Whether you're leading a team, volunteering, or managing everyday pressures, this episode is full of helpful wisdom to help you lead with peace and authenticity. Listen now—and check out the discussion guide to get the most from our conversation!

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Advantage Podcast, a monthly unscripted conversation with host David Ashcraft and top leaders impacting our world. Created by pastors for pastors to expand our knowledge and influence. The Advantage is a ministry of LCBC Church - one church in multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania.

Information

  • Creator
    David Ashcraft
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Advantage
  • Show Website
    The Advantage Podcast