“Submission” is one of the fastest ways to make people tense up, but Pastors Aaron and Lauren argue it’s one of the most life-changing Kingdom principles you can live. In this episode, they break down mutual submission as a path to unity, harmony, trust, and protection, not hierarchy or manipulation. Using Ephesians 5:15–33, they explain why many teachings start at the wrong verse, how Paul frames marriage with a call to submit to one another first, and why Christ is the head of the church, not man. They also open the hood on how mutual submission works in their unique context as co–senior pastors, how they stay submitted to spiritual authority, and what happens when they hit a real impasse. You’ll hear two key real-life examples: • A high-pressure 2020 COVID-era leadership decision where Pastors Aaron and Lauren could not reach unity and recused themselves, submitting the final call to their elders. • A parenting situation with their oldest where they submitted to trusted marriage counselors, changed roles, and rebuilt unity at home. They also bring this into team culture: why “Who has the final say?” is the wrong question, how collaboration creates both necessary and unnecessary tension, and why slowing down can expose dysfunction and help the best idea win. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Why “submission” is for everyone, not just wives • How Ephesians 5 is often taught backwards • Why unity is entered through the Holy Spirit, not forced • The role of elders, oversight, and spiritual covering in healthy leadership • A practical “release valve” when a couple cannot agree • Parenting without good cop/bad cop, fear-based control, or abdication • Collaboration at work: harmony over hierarchy • A key mindset shift: “better to be in relationship than to be right” • What “headship” means to them: initiation, not domination Scripture Teferenced • Ephesians 5:15–33 Chapters 00:00 Intro and why this topic matters02:30 Why “submission” triggers people05:00 Reading Ephesians 5 in context10:30 Mutual submission as the foundation for marriage14:00 Submission in church leadership: elders and covering18:30 2020 example: the mask decision and submitting to elders27:30 Submission at home: parenting conflict and counselor wisdom35:30 Why unity creates blessing even when decisions are imperfect39:00 Workplace culture: “who has the final say?” is the wrong question46:00 Collaboration, tension, and hearing God together52:00 Relationship over being right56:00 Headship as initiation and love If you’re stuck in a repeating conflict, stop trying to win and start trying to get into unity. Decide who you trust for outside wisdom, invite covering into the conversation, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into harmony.If this episode hit home, share it with a friend or couple who’s navigating conflict, leadership, or parenting pressure.
