Beyond The Numbers

Joshua Williams
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Redefining healthy ministry—one raw, honest conversation at a time. Hosted by a veteran pastor with 14+ years in churches big and small. We talk burnout, boundaries, betrayal, sabbath, and building teams that last. Real stories. Real healing. Real leadership. New episodes weekly. Website: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers

  1. Choosing Integrity Over Position | A Church Crisis

    1D AGO

    Choosing Integrity Over Position | A Church Crisis

    In a season where church scandals, spiritual abuse, and leadership failures are making headlines, how should Christian leaders respond? This episode of Beyond the Numbers tackles ethical and moral dilemmas inside the church — from subtle favoritism and blurred boundaries to serious misconduct and leadership cover-ups. This isn’t about outrage. It’s about integrity. We talk about: • Why accountability is biblical • How leaders drift into compromise • The danger of protecting platforms over people • The difference between exposure and restoration • Mandatory reporting and moral responsibility • Why victims must be protected — not silenced If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, youth pastor, church staff member, or committed church member, this conversation matters. Integrity should matter more than position. Character should matter more than brand. Truth should matter more than influence. Healthy churches don’t happen by accident. They happen when leaders choose humility, transparency, and accountability — even when it costs them. 🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership, church culture, and ministry integrity. Connect with me: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers #MoralFailure #EthicalLeadership #ChristianLeadership #IntegrityMatters #ChurchLeadership #MinistryAccountability #LeadershipIntegrity #FaithAndCharacter

    24 min

  2. 6D AGO · BONUS

    "Forgiving The Nightmare", A Conversation With Mark Sowersby

    ::Warning This Episode Does Talks About Navigating Abuse Including SA and More:: In this Voices From the Field episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Josh Williams sits down with Pastor Mark Sowersby, the author of "Forgiving The Nightmare", to talk about healing from deep trauma, forgiveness, and leading well after pain. Mark shares his powerful story of surviving childhood abuse from ages seven to fourteen, and how that trauma shaped his faith, leadership, and understanding of forgiveness. Rather than minimizing the pain, Mark speaks honestly about the long journey of healing, the role of community, and why forgiveness is a process, not a moment. This conversation is especially important for pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff who are carrying unprocessed wounds while still serving others. Mark also shares insights from his book, Forgiving the Nightmare, and offers practical wisdom for pursuing healing without letting pain become your identity. In this episode, we discuss: Healing from childhood trauma and abuseForgiveness as a process, not a quick fixLeading in ministry while woundedHealthy boundaries and emotional healingWhy sharing your story matters for recovery and growth If you’re a church leader, pastor, or ministry worker navigating pain, burnout, or unresolved trauma, this episode will meet you with honesty, hope, and grace. 👉 Subscribe/Follow for more conversations redefining healthy ministry 👉 Share this episode with a leader who needs encouragement 👉 Comment with what stood out to you from Mark’s story Mark's Links: Website and Info: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare #BeyondTheNumbers #VoicesFromTheField #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #ministryleadership #Forgiveness #HealingFromTrauma #TraumaRecovery #ForgivingTheNightmare #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingJourney

    28 min

  3. FEB 11

    Leading While Wounded, Hidden Wounds Bleed Out

    In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh shares a deeply personal story that reveals how untreated wounds don’t stay private — they leak into leadership, culture, and relationships. From a childhood hospital stay to years of ministry experience, this episode explores: Why churches are good at treating symptoms but afraid to address woundsHow unhealed pain shows up as control, isolation, overwork, or spiritual languageThe difference between leading from scars versus leading from open woundsWhy God can use you while wounded, but never intends for you to stay there This isn’t an episode about shame. It’s about responsibility, healing, and protecting the people we’re called to shepherd. If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or volunteer carrying pain beneath the surface — this conversation is for you. 🎧 Beyond the Numbers exists to help leaders pursue healthy, sustainable ministry — not just growth, hype, or metrics.

    21 min
  4. When Your Spiritual Guide Becomes Your Greatest Crisis, How Leaders Became Idols

    FEB 4

    When Your Spiritual Guide Becomes Your Greatest Crisis, How Leaders Became Idols

    What happens when a leader replaces Jesus at the center of someone’s faith? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh explores the hidden danger of leader centered faith— and why faith built on people eventually cracks. Through personal stories and honest reflection, we unpack how misplaced devotion forms, why it feels like discipleship, and what happens when leaders fall or disappoint. You’ll hear about: Faith deconstruction that begins with devotion, not doubtHow pastors unintentionally become idolsThe difference between discipleship and dependencyWhy healthy leadership always points past itselfHow to rebuild faith after church hurt or leadership failure This episode is for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone wrestling with faith after disappointment in the church. Connect with me by visiting: jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers

    24 min
  5. Toxic Loyalty & Manipulation - When Faithfulness Becomes Control

    JAN 28

    Toxic Loyalty & Manipulation - When Faithfulness Becomes Control

    What happens when loyalty in the church becomes toxic? In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, we unpack how manipulation and control often hide behind spiritual language and expectations of “faithfulness.” We talk about the warning signs of toxic loyalty, why people stay in unhealthy systems, and what healthy leadership should actually look like. This episode is for pastors, ministry leaders, staff, and anyone navigating church hurt or leadership pressure — and wondering if what they experienced was really biblical. I would love to talk with you and hear your story. Check out the podcast website at: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers #ToxicLoyalty #ChurchManipulation #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #HealthyLeadership #BeyondTheNumbers #MinistryLeadership #FaithAndHealing #ChurchCulture

    19 min
  6. What a Healthy Ministry Transition Actually Looks Like [A conversation with Matt Holcomb]

    JAN 23 · BONUS

    What a Healthy Ministry Transition Actually Looks Like [A conversation with Matt Holcomb]

    What makes a ministry transition healthy—and why do so many go wrong? In this Voices from the Field episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh Williams sits down with returning guest Matt Holcomb, Student Director at Colonial Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, to talk about one of the smoothest and healthiest youth ministry transitions either of them has ever experienced. Too often, church transitions feel rushed, unclear, or even divisive—leaving students, parents, and leaders confused or hurt. But Matt’s story offers a different way forward: intentional planning, clear communication, humility, and shared leadership. In this conversation, we unpack: • What a healthy youth pastor transition actually looks like • Why transition plans matter (and why “winging it” usually fails) • How overlap, communication, and trust build long-term stability • The role of the outgoing pastor in setting the next leader up for success • Why students need consistency, not competition • Practical wisdom for churches, boards, and incoming leaders navigating change Whether you’re a youth pastor stepping into a new role, a leader preparing to transition out, or a church trying to avoid unnecessary damage, this episode offers real-world insight and biblical leadership principles that prioritize people over platforms. 🎙️ Voices from the Field brings pastors and leaders together to share what’s actually happening on the ground—so we can grow healthier churches together. 👉 Watch / Listen now 📌 Subscribe for more conversations on church health, leadership, and ministry beyond metrics. 💬 Share this episode with a leader or church navigating transition right now. Matt's Links: Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colonialchurchstudents/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthewholcomb/ Connect with us: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers #BeyondTheNumbers #VoicesFromTheField #YouthMinistry #ChurchLeadership #MinistryTransitions #NextGenMinistry #HealthyChurch #YouthPastor #ChurchHealth #PastorLife

    32 min
  7. When Transitions Go Wrong - And What Healthy Ones Look Like

    JAN 21

    When Transitions Go Wrong - And What Healthy Ones Look Like

    Ministry transitions don’t have to hurt people — but too often, they do. In the Season 2 opener of Beyond the Numbers, Josh unpacks what happens when church leadership transitions go wrong — and what healthy, Gospel-centered handoffs actually look like. From erased leaders to unhealthy comparisons, we explore why many transitions feel more like corporate rebrands than spiritual shepherding. Rooted in Scripture and real experience, this episode offers practical wisdom for incoming leaders, outgoing leaders, and churches navigating change with integrity. If you’ve been wounded by a ministry transition — or want to lead one well — this conversation is for you. #ChurchLeadership #MinistryTransitions #HealthyMinistry #YouthPastor #PastoralLeadership #ChurchCulture #BeyondTheNumbers

    28 min
  8. What Really Happened That First Christmas Night? (NLT Dramatic Retelling)

    12/19/2025 · BONUS

    What Really Happened That First Christmas Night? (NLT Dramatic Retelling)

    Experience the Christmas story like never before — a peaceful, cinematic, Scripture-centered retelling of the birth of Jesus, read directly from the NLT with music, sound design, and visuals to help you slow down and reflect on the wonder of Christ’s arrival. Whether you’re watching on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, with your family, or during a quiet moment alone — my prayer is that this reading centers your heart on Jesus, the hope of the world. This dramatic Scripture reading includes: ✨ Gabriel’s announcement to Mary ✨ Joseph’s encounter with the angel ✨ The journey to Bethlehem ✨ The birth of Christ in the manger ✨ Angels appearing to the shepherds ✨ The heavenly host proclaiming good news If this blesses you, consider sharing it with someone who needs hope today. Merry Christmas! 🎄✨ —Josh Chapters 00:00 — Intro & Atmosphere 00:30 — Gabriel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38) 02:18 — The Angel Appears to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25) 03:41 — The Journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–5) 04:21 — The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6–7) 04:50 — Angels Appear to Shepherds (Luke 2:8–14) 06:17 — Shepherds Visit the Manger (Luke 2:15–20) 07:17 — Closing Reflection Credits: Music: • Heavenly Hurts — Abstract Aprils Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/abstract-aprils/heavenly-hurts License code: OFMICJBWLKREGAVH • River Of No Return — Kevin Graham Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-graham/river-of-no-return License code: JYW3FJWM6F03Y52F • Joy To The World — Brock Hewitt (Stories in Sound) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/joy-to-the-world License code: V8CVXXI0YCRESQSR • Hark the Herald Angels Sing — Brock Hewitt (Stories in Sound) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/hark-the-herald-angels-sing License code: FW8SJD8MUYGEIH5T • Snowbound Serenade — Giulio Fazio Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/snowbound-serenade License code: OKRJVINXRA80XSD0 • Silent Night & Noel Music provided by Pixabay — free for use. ⸻ Sound Effects: Mixkit — free for use. https://mixkit.co ⸻ Video Footage: • Canva Pro (licensed assets) • Pixabay — free-use video content ⸻ Scripture: NLT — New Living Translation #ChristmasStory #ScriptureReading #DramaticReading #Luke2 #NLT #ChristianPodcast #BibleReading #ChristmasEveService #JesusBirth #FaithContent #ChristianYouTube #PeaceOnEarth

    8 min
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About

Redefining healthy ministry—one raw, honest conversation at a time. Hosted by a veteran pastor with 14+ years in churches big and small. We talk burnout, boundaries, betrayal, sabbath, and building teams that last. Real stories. Real healing. Real leadership. New episodes weekly. Website: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joshua Williams
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Numbers