The Lead Ministry Podcast

Josh Denhart
  • 4.9 (51)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Lead Ministry is here for you, the dedicated people in ministry leadership. Our fast-paced, inspirational podcast offers practical steps in each episode to help you thrive. Our focus: *GET SKILLS - Implement systems to avoid burnout. *GET INSPIRED - Embrace leadership as a path to disciple-making. *GET MOVING - Apply episode ideas to enhance your ministry. Join us on a journey to navigate the challenges of ministry, from volunteer management to team building, and lead with purpose and passion in your service.

  1. 3d ago

    341. Conflict Happens — 10 Rules Every Ministry Leader Needs to Know

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk wrap the July Conflict series with ten practical rules every ministry leader needs when conflict shows up at the door. They explore the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, offering ministry leaders a working playbook for handling the hard conversations they'd rather avoid.  If you've ever felt unprepared for the relational fallout that comes with leadership, this episode will equip and inspire you with ten field-tested principles you can put into practice this week.  Key Topics Covered Act quickly and lead with the benefit of the doubt – the first two rules that change everything.Make it right, not being right – why winning the argument can cost you the relationship.Peacekeeper vs. peacemaker – the difference that defines the kind of leader you'll become. Key Quote "There's a difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Peacemakers take initiative, do the hard work, and choose humility."  Scripture References Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."Proverbs 15:1 – "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Takeaway Conflict is not the enemy — disunity is. Lead with humility, address tension early, talk to the person not about them, and trust that God is using every hard conversation to grow you into someone who looks more like Him.  Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.  Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    341. Conflict Happens — 10 Rules Every Ministry Leader Needs to Know

  2. Jul 20

    340. The 4 Types of Leaders: Are You an Influencer, Intimidator, Incompetent, or Infamous?

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin of Slingshot Group introduce the Ability vs. Likability framework — a simple chart that places every leader in one of four quadrants. They explore why the most effective leaders are both highly capable AND highly likable, offering ministry leaders a practical self-assessment for becoming the kind of influencer their team actually wants to follow.  If you've ever wondered why your hard work isn't translating into team buy-in, this episode will equip and inspire you with the framework and the action steps to shift your leadership posture this week.  Key Topics Covered The four quadrants of leadership – Influencer, Intimidator, Incompetent, Infamous.Why likability is a leadership superpower – the "benefit of the doubt" advantage.Invitation and challenge – the horse-whisperer model for leading people well. Key Quote "People are not a means to an end. They are the end. Focus on the people and you'll get more done than you ever thought possible."  Scripture References Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."Philippians 2:3-4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Takeaway Likability gets you loved. Ability gets you respected. You need both. Run the honest self-assessment, pick one axis to grow on this quarter, and watch your influence multiply.  Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.  Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    340. The 4 Types of Leaders: Are You an Influencer, Intimidator, Incompetent, or Infamous?

  3. Jul 13

    339. Just Deal With It: The 5 Ways Leaders Respond to Conflict (Only One Works)

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with Vance Martin of Slingshot Group to unpack the five ways leaders respond to conflict — and why only one of them actually produces healthy outcomes. They explore why conflict isn't a problem to solve but a tension to manage, offering a practical framework for ministry leaders to lean into hard conversations instead of dodging them. If you've ever avoided a conflict and watched it grow worse, this episode will equip and inspire you with the tools to address tension head-on without losing your soul or the relationship. Key Topics Covered Conflict is normal, natural, and neutral – why the discomfort isn't the enemy.The five responses to conflict – retaliate, escape, surrender, compromise, address.Build a fence, not a hospital – the proactive case for early intervention. Key Quote "Sometimes when you win, you lose. You were right. But man, you lost big time. It cost you a lot and you don't even know it." Scripture References Proverbs 27:6 – "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."Romans 12:18 – "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Takeaway Conflict will find you in ministry. The leaders who flourish aren't the ones who avoid it — they're the ones who address it. Get to the root, stay in the room, and remember that the goal isn't winning. The goal is the kingdom. Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    339. Just Deal With It: The 5 Ways Leaders Respond to Conflict (Only One Works)

  4. Jul 6

    338. Why Being a Jerk Is Killing Your Ministry (Honey vs. Vinegar)

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack the honey-versus-vinegar principle and how ministry leaders can win people over with kindness instead of force. They explore why a winsome approach builds deeper trust, longer-lasting influence, and a healthier team culture for ministry leaders. If you've ever felt the pull to "go nuclear" on a frustrating staff member, volunteer, or vendor, this episode will equip and inspire you with a kingdom-shaped alternative that actually works. Key Topics Covered Defining conflict and why it's normal in ministry – the "good case of the normals."The honey vs. vinegar principle – kindness wins influence; harshness burns bridges.Honoring the unseen members of the body – why elevating "less honorable" roles matters. Key Quote "You can avoid a ton of conflict if you're just not a jerk." Scripture References 1 Peter 2:23 – "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."1 Corinthians 12:22-23 – "On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor." Takeaway Vinegar may get results, but it leaves wreckage. Honey builds influence that lasts. Lead with kindness consistently and you'll find the hard conversations get easier — and people will go further with you than you ever thought possible. Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    338. Why Being a Jerk Is Killing Your Ministry (Honey vs. Vinegar)

  5. Jun 29

    337. Last-Minute Requests Are Burning Out Your Team

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk wrap up the June Lead Up series with a critical conversation: what to do when your senior leader hands you a last-minute request that might break your team. They share a brilliant third-option response from Lead Ministry coach Jody Quinn, unpack the difference between “doable hard” and “destructive hard,” and offer a framework for protecting your team while still honoring the leadership above you. If you’ve ever felt cornered between saying yes to your boss and protecting your team, this episode hands you the language to do both. Key Topics Covered The Tightrope – Balancing your supervisor’s voice and your team’s needs Jody Quinn’s Third Option – The script that buys you time and earns trust Doable Hard vs. Destructive Hard – Knowing the difference matters Horse Trading – Making your leader pay the cost of priority shifts Honoring Authority Without Worship – Leaders aren’t divine Key Quote “If you need an answer right now, the answer is no. However, if you give me time to talk to the team, we might be able to pull this off.” Scripture References Proverbs 15:22 – With many advisers, plans succeed Proverbs 11:14 – Where there is no guidance, a people falls Romans 13:1 – Submission to authority Ephesians 6:5-9 – Serving with sincere hearts Takeaway You’re a middle manager threading the needle between your supervisor’s voice and your team’s needs. Pause is power. Time creates clarity. And sometimes the most pastoral thing you can do is push back — not on the mission, but on the timeline. Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    337. Last-Minute Requests Are Burning Out Your Team

  6. Jun 22

    336. Why Your Great Ministry Idea Gets Shut Down

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk close out the June Lead Up series with the strategy that wins more yeses than any other: practicing your pitch. They walk through a four-step rehearsal method built on what Josh calls your “12, your 3, and your 1” — an insider team that lets you pressure-test, refine, and sharpen your proposal before it ever reaches your senior leader. If you’ve been winging your pitches and wondering why they keep getting tabled, this episode names the gap and gives you the system. Key Topics Covered Why Practice Matters – How rehearsal validates your character and work ethic The 12, the 3, and the 1 – Building your insider team Speculative Speaking – Creating safe space for processing out loud The 4-Step Pitch Refinement – Identifying agreement, confusion, and gold Plan for the No – What to do when the answer comes back wrong Key Quote “The distance between your brain and your mouth — there is all kinds of you. It’s so much clearer in your brain than it is out of your mouth.” Scripture References Proverbs 15:22 – Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans Luke 14:28 – Counting the cost before you build Takeaway Your senior leader isn’t shutting down your idea. They’re shutting down your delivery. Practice your pitch three times before you walk into that meeting and watch how often the answer becomes yes. Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    336. Why Your Great Ministry Idea Gets Shut Down

  7. Jun 15

    335. Why Your Senior Leader Keeps Saying No

    In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin from Slingshot Group introduce a powerful framework for leading up: the Four P’s. Every senior leader filters decisions through a primary lens — People, Progress, Pennies, or Process — and learning to speak that language is the difference between getting a yes and getting shut down. If you’ve ever made a great pitch and watched your leader’s eyes glaze over, this episode will give you the diagnostic tool you’ve been missing. Key Topics Covered The People Lens – Driven by stories, transformation, and life change The Progress Lens – Driven by vision, growth, and taking the hill The Pennies Lens – Driven by stewardship and return on investment The Process Lens – Driven by systems, fairness, and precedent Key Quote “You’re using the wrong key for the lock. You’re not going to unlock the door.” Scripture References Proverbs 16:21 – The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction 1 Corinthians 9:22 – Becoming all things to all people Colossians 4:6 – Let your conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt Takeaway Your leader isn’t blocking you. They’re filtering for what they value most. Identify their lens, reframe your pitch through their language, and you’ll start hearing yes more often than no. Call to Action We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Stay Connected for More Resources Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    335. Why Your Senior Leader Keeps Saying No

  8. Jun 8

    334. The Mistake That Breaks Trust With Your Leader

    Episode Description   In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with Vance Martin from Slingshot Group to unpack nine principles for leading up to your senior leader. They walk through the often-invisible work of building trust, bringing solutions, anticipating needs, and avoiding the trap of forming alliances against the very person God has placed above you.   If you’ve ever felt like your boss doesn’t see you, doesn’t get you, or doesn’t appreciate what you bring to the table, this episode will reframe how you show up for them — and how they will eventually show up for you.   No Surprises – Why blindsiding your leader breaks trust Bring Solutions, Not Problems – How to lift weight, not add it Don’t Try to Fix Your Leader – Pray, don’t correct Form Loyalty, Not Alliances – Why “venting” with teammates is gossip Anticipate Their Needs – Knowing rhythms, deadlines, and pressure points   “Gossip isn’t processing. If you’re venting about your leader with teammates, you’re tearing the team apart.”   Proverbs 25:13 – Faithful messengers refresh their leaders Matthew 7:3-5 – The plank in your own eye Romans 13:1 – Submission to authority Hebrews 13:17 – Honoring those who lead you   Leading up isn’t about getting your way. It’s about building trust, honoring alignment, and being a follower worth following. The invisible, faithful, intentional work you do behind the scenes is what creates the visible fruit everyone sees.   We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.   Visit our website: http://leadministry.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

    334. The Mistake That Breaks Trust With Your Leader
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4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

Lead Ministry is here for you, the dedicated people in ministry leadership. Our fast-paced, inspirational podcast offers practical steps in each episode to help you thrive. Our focus: *GET SKILLS - Implement systems to avoid burnout. *GET INSPIRED - Embrace leadership as a path to disciple-making. *GET MOVING - Apply episode ideas to enhance your ministry. Join us on a journey to navigate the challenges of ministry, from volunteer management to team building, and lead with purpose and passion in your service.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Denhart
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    341
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Josh Denhart
  • Show Website
    The Lead Ministry Podcast