EPISODE 257: What if the true measure of your leadership isn’t what you build… but what you leave behind? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with David Ashcraft, former Senior Pastor of LCBC Church and current President of the Global Leadership Network, for a powerful conversation about vision, succession, calling, and staying faithful in every season of leadership. David’s journey spans more than three decades of impact: from growing up in Texas determined not to become a pastor… to leading LCBC Church from 150 to over 25,000 across 19 campuses… to walking through conflict, culture shifts, and calling as the church scaled… to developing one of the most intentional, healthy leadership handoffs in modern ministry. What unfolds is a conversation rich with wisdom about longevity, systems thinking, spiritual identity, and the legacy every leader leaves—whether they plan for it or not. Together, Mike and David explore how to lead through adversity, how to create a culture that doesn’t depend on one person, why succession should start a decade in advance, and how staying curious and humble sets the tone for finishing well. Whether you’re a pastor wondering how to navigate succession, a business leader scaling a team, or a young leader trying to think long-term—this episode will expand your vision and sharpen your purpose. 🎯 Leadership Lessons from David: - Leaders don’t quit in storms, they stay until God says otherwise. - You don’t get what you expect, you get what you inspect. - Healthy succession starts long before the handoff. - Culture is shaped by what you celebrate and what you won’t tolerate. - Systems empower scale. Ego prevents it. - Legacy leadership is about preparing others to succeed without you. - Faithful leaders don’t chase platforms, they steward what’s in their hands. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=3be196d45ecc469c 📝 Show notes & more: www.mikelinch.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@linchwithaleader 🗓️ Join Mike on a Sunday at NorthStar: www.northstarchurch.org | www.youtube.com/@nsckennesaw 📱Follow Mike: Instagram: @MikeLinch X/Twitter: @Mike Linch Timestamps: What if the greatest impact you’ll ever make isn’t just about what you build, but how you hand it off? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with David Ashcraft, former Senior Pastor of LCBC Church and President of the Global Leadership Network, to unpack a story of vision, resilience, and the kind of leadership that outlasts a title. From refusing to become a pastor… to leading a church from 150 to over 25,000 across 19 locations… to one of the most intentional leadership transitions you’ll ever hear, David’s journey is a masterclass in longevity, humility, and raising up the leaders around you. Together, Mike and David explore what it really means to lead well over decades; not just at scale, but with integrity at home, in your heart, and through seasons of both conflict and calling. They talk about building culture that lasts, creating systems that empower others, and why the success of your leadership is ultimately measured when you’re no longer in the room. Whether you’re leading a team, planting a church, or wondering when (and how) to let go—this episode will challenge how you define success and inspire you to lead with the end in mind. Mike’s Leadership Lessons from David: • “You don’t get what you expect. You get what you inspect.” • Culture is built by what you celebrate—and what you refuse to allow. • Great leaders stay through storms. Weak ones walk away. • Succession planning isn’t a 6-month process—it’s a 10-year investment. • Systems allow growth. Ego prevents it. • If you’re the lid, the organization stops with you. • Your identity isn’t in your title—it’s in your obedience. Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826 Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.com Follow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction: Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?... JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church: www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw TIMESTAMPS 00:00 From Texas Roots to Pennsylvania Calling 05:52 Lessons from a Father's Leadership 08:41 Navigating Early Challenges in Ministry 11:01 The Growth Journey of LCBC 13:56 Leadership Evolution Amidst Growth 16:32 Building a Strong Staff Culture 18:44 The Importance of Communication and Accountability 21:39 Balancing Family and Ministry 24:20 Maintaining Disciplines and Focus 26:08 Establishing Boundaries in Leadership 28:05 Navigating Leadership Challenges 31:01 The Importance of Succession Planning 31:23 Recognizing the Right Time to Transition 38:23 Dealing with Identity After Transition 40:21 Finding New Purpose After Leadership 43:09 Staying Curious and Committed to Learning
