Church Leadership in Focus

Dr. Don Hicks
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Coaching, equipping and strengthening church leaders.   I Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one other and build each other up as you are already doing (CSB).” 

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 106 - Lift Your Eyes: Finding True Nourishment in God's Mission

    In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks welcomes David Lones for a rich conversation on John 4:27-38, where Jesus challenges His disciples to see life, ministry, and mission through God's eyes. Together, they explore Jesus' remarkable statement, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34), discussing how spiritual fulfillment is found not in personal comfort or accomplishment, but in faithful obedience to God's calling. Don and David also examine Jesus' challenge to "lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). What does it mean for church leaders to recognize the opportunities God has already prepared? How can pastors, ministry leaders, and believers move beyond assumptions and see the people around them as a present harvest field? This conversation offers practical encouragement for those serving in ministry, reminding us that God's work often involves both sowing and reaping. Some plant seeds, others gather the harvest, but all share in the joy of participating in God's redemptive mission. Join us as we consider how faithful leaders can find true nourishment in doing the Father's will and learn to recognize the harvest opportunities God has placed right before them. Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLCProud sponsor of the Church Leadership in Focus Podcast.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 105 - From the Newsroom to the Church: Lessons in Leadership and Communication

    On this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks sits down with Brandon Pickett, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications for the Southern Baptists of Virginia and an accomplished media professional. Brandon Pickett shares insights from a career that spans broadcast journalism, Christian media, strategic communications, and missions-focused storytelling. He also serves as vice president of Innovative Faith Resources and as an adjunct professor of digital media at Liberty University. Drawing from his experience leading award-winning communications teams, including work that earned two Emmy Awards for the mission’s television program On Mission Xtra, Brandon discusses how church leaders can communicate effectively, tell compelling stories, engage their communities, and leverage media to advance the Great Commission. Join Don Hicks and Brandon Pickett for a practical and inspiring conversation on leadership, communication, and ministry impact on today's rapidly changing media landscape. Tell us how we're doing Strength for the Journey PodcastA weekly short inspirational message from TrishDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  3. Oct 13

    Episode 104 - How pride can affect ministry, relationships, and decision-making.

    In this episode  Don explores the challenges of leading with humility, staying focused on God’s calling, and serving others faithfully. In this episode, Don discusses how pride can affect ministry, relationships, and decision-making—and how church leaders can recognize it, overcome it, and lead with grace, accountability, and purpose. Tell us how we're doing Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  4. Oct 9

    Special Episode - Beyond Politics: Biblical Convictions and Constitutional Amendments

    Why you should vote NO on two proposed constitutional amendments on marriage and abortion November 3 in Virginia. On this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks welcomes Brandon Pickett, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications for the Southern Baptists of Virginia, for an important conversation about the proposed Virginia constitutional amendments concerning marriage and abortion. Brandon Pickett brings his expertise in communications, public engagement, and ministry leadership to help church leaders understand the significance of these amendments and why many Christians view them through the lens of biblical conviction. Together, Don and Brandon discuss the foundational issues at stake, the role of the church in addressing cultural challenges, and how believers can engage these topics with both truth and grace. The conversation explores themes such as the sanctity of human life, God's design for marriage and family, and the responsibility of Christians to be salt and light in their communities. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, or engaged church member, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on faithful civic engagement, biblical leadership, and communicating convictions with Christlike compassion Tell us how we're doing Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  5. Oct 6

    Episode 103 - "Pastor or CEO? Understanding the Difference in Church Leadership."

    In an age when churches are increasingly adopting business models and leadership strategies, many pastors find themselves asking: Am I called to be a shepherd or a CEO? In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks explores the critical differences between pastoral leadership and corporate leadership. While pastors and CEOs share responsibilities such as vision casting, team development, and organizational oversight, their missions, methods, and measures of success are fundamentally different. Whether you are a pastor, church staff member, elder, ministry leader, or seminary student, this episode will help you think biblically about leadership and avoid the temptation to measure ministry solely by business standards. Join Dr. Don Hicks as he challenges leaders to embrace the biblical calling of shepherding God's people while maintaining effective organizational leadership. Tell us how we're doing Strength for the Journey PodcastA weekly short inspirational message from TrishDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  6. Sep 29

    Episode 102 - A conversation of the Biblical Deacon and Ministry - Part 2

    A Special Replay of Episode 5 parts 1 and 2 As a tribute to Georg Shaffer. It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope that we announce the passing of George Richard Shaffer, Sr., Director of Deacon and Leadership Training, who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026. George faithfully dedicated his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and equipping deacons and pastors for effective biblical ministry. His wisdom, encouragement, and servant leadership impacted countless individuals and congregations across the nation. We thank God for George's legacy of faith, integrity, and leadership. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. As a tribute to his life and ministry, we invite you to listen to a special episode of Church Leadership in Focus Episode 100:  In episodes 101- 102, Parts 1 and 2, the host, Don Hicks, introduces George Shaffer, the director of Deacon and leadership at Church Health Solutions, as a special guest. George is also a friend, and Don met George at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Don served as the Senior Transitional Pastor for almost three years. George played a significant role as the Deacon's Chairman in changing the Deacon ministry's culture.  George will share that the first step in a pastor and deacon working together is to form a biblical, healthy personal friendship and relationship that builds trust.  Don highlights their collaborative work in providing Deacon training, conflict resolution, Christian conciliation, and mediation to churches and church leaders by sharing The Gospel through Church Health Solutions.  Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLCProud sponsor of the Church Leadership in Focus Podcast.Strength for the Journey PodcastA weekly short inspirational message from TrishDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  7. Sep 22

    Episode 101 - A conversation of the Biblical Deacon and Ministry - Part 1

    A Special Replay of Episode 5 parts 1 and 2 As a tribute to Georg Shaffer. It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope that we announce the passing of George Richard Shaffer, Sr., Director of Deacon and Leadership Training, who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026. George faithfully dedicated his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and equipping deacons and pastors for effective biblical ministry. His wisdom, encouragement, and servant leadership impacted countless individuals and congregations across the nation. We thank God for George's legacy of faith, integrity, and leadership. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. As a tribute to his life and ministry, we invite you to listen to a special episode of Church Leadership in Focus Episode 100:  In episodes 101- 102, Parts 1 and 2, the host, Don Hicks, introduces George Shaffer, the director of Deacon and leadership at Church Health Solutions, as a special guest. George is also a friend, and Don met George at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Don served as the Senior Transitional Pastor for almost three years. George played a significant role as the Deacon's Chairman in changing the Deacon ministry's culture.  George will share that the first step in a pastor and deacon working together is to form a biblical, healthy personal friendship and relationship that builds trust.  Don highlights their collaborative work in providing Deacon training, conflict resolution, Christian conciliation, and mediation to churches and church leaders by sharing The Gospel through Church Health Solutions.  Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLCProud sponsor of the Church Leadership in Focus Podcast.Strength for the Journey PodcastA weekly short inspirational message from TrishDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

  8. Sep 15

    Episode 100 - "A Tribute to George Shaffer: Mentor, Leader, and Friend."

    In this special episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks pays tribute to his dear friend and ministry partner, George Richard Shaffer, Sr., who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026. George devoted his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and developing healthy biblical leadership Listeners will hear personal stories of George's impact on church leadership, deacon ministry, conflict resolution, and pastoral encouragement. Don reflects on their years serving together, the lessons George taught him about leadership, and the influence George had on pastors and churches throughout the country.  George's remarkable career included executive leadership at AT&T and service as Senior Director of Executive Education at the Darden School of Business, where he helped develop leadership programs for major corporations. Yet his greatest passion was serving Christ and investing in people. He faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Join us as we celebrate a life marked by faith, integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to helping others lead well for the glory of God.  Tell us how we're doing Techknow Computer Center, LLCProud sponsor of the Church Leadership in Focus Podcast.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.   Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website: https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

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Coaching, equipping and strengthening church leaders.   I Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one other and build each other up as you are already doing (CSB).” 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Don Hicks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Church Leadership in Focus
  • Show Website
    Church Leadership in Focus