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Church scandals don’t begin the day they are exposed. They begin years earlier—in quiet compromises, ignored red flags, and leaders whose gifting has grown faster than their maturity.
In this episode of The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I go beneath the headlines to name the real issue: church scandals are not first a PR problem. They are a formation problem.
Jesus told us pressure would come. He told us not to be surprised. And He made clear that what will matter in the end is not image management, but whether we have become the kind of leaders who can stand firm under pressure without collapsing.
I unpack four essential pillars every pastor and church leader needs if they hope to lead with integrity over the long haul: facing your shadow, leading out of your marriage or singleness, slowing down for loving union with Jesus, and practicing Sabbath delight.
This is not about quick fixes. It’s about deep transformation.
If you care about the name of Jesus, the witness of the church, and finishing well, this episode is for you.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
For most pastors and leaders Christmas activities dominate the month of December and then we only get a week's break before launching into a new year!
In January, pastors face the difficult task of vision-casting, goal-setting, and steering the direction of the church for the next 12 months.
Too often, our planning is driven by:
- Expectations from others (i.e. board, supervisors, people we serve)
- Internal pressure to be a great leader or to create momentum.
- The "shoulds" of everything that feels important. (i.e. "We should be doing more of this...")
But planning doesn't have to feel this way.
In today's episode, I want to show you a radical new approach to planning. I'll show you how I plan for the season ahead in a way that produces joy, not anxiety.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
In part one of this podcast series, I shared the first 5 marks of a highly-differentiated leader.
On today's podcast, I continue by sharing 5 more attributes that deserve careful consideration.
Why? Because the cost of lowly-differentiated leadership is enormous:
- We diminish the long-term impact of our ministries.
- We allow the wrong people exercise power and leadership.
- We perpetuate immaturity.
- We grow resentful and live in dis-ease.
- We waste the time, energy, and money of God's people.
- We increase anxiety in everyone around us.
- We, and our community, become less playful (and more "intense/heavy.")
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
The apostle Paul seemed to believe so as well. He writes to his spiritual son Timothy that "whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." (1 Tim. 3:1)
In today's episode, I share five marks of a highly-differentiated leader and how to start becoming one today. Truth be told - it's hard work. But MUCH harder should you avoid the work.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Every day, people all around us live in a chronic state of dread, anxious about what tomorrow will bring.
Nations and economies are crumbling. News media agitates our deepest fears. It often feels like the ground is shaking beneath our feet.
In a time like this, it is critical that we continue to LIVE and LEAD out of deep rest in Christ.
But how do we break free from the gravitational pull of bad news and despair?
I believe we must recalibrate a biblical vision of HOPE. (Hint: it's more than optimism)
Let's be clear – this doesn't happen easily. We must contend for God's vision of reality and vigilantly pursue deep rest in Christ.
In today's podcast episode, I share keys to cultivating hope and deep rest.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Hiring new staff (paid or volunteer) is one of the most difficult responsibilities of church leadership. The difference between the right hire and the wrong hire will have long-term consequences in your church.
Two weeks ago on the podcast, I brought the first part of "Emotionally Healthy Hiring (Paid or Volunteer)", in which we covered the first 7 principles that leaders must consider before making a hire.
Today, I bring the second part, offering the next 6 out of 13 principles for emotionally healthy hiring. (It's shocking to hear how often principle #11 is overlooked when hiring staff!)
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Churches around the world are rebuilding in a post-pandemic world. Leaders are assembling new teams and desperately trying to fill vacant positions.
The temptation to cut corners in your hiring process (paid or volunteer) is ENORMOUS. When you feel the pressure to onboard a new worship leader or children's pastor in order to keep "the wheels on the bus", it's easy to make poor hiring decisions.
In today's podcast, I share 7 out of 13 principles that MUST be considered before your next hire. On the following podcast, I'll release part two of this series with the remaining principles.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today, very few church leaders feel like they are winning.
We look at our churches compared to what they used to be or what we'd like them to be, and it's hard to feel like we're making a real difference.
So we're faced with a difficult temptation...
Do we use our best energy to chase the perception of momentum? Or do we pursue heaven's perspective and seek to live with integrity from the inside out?
In today's podcast, I want to encourage you as a pastor or church leader. Jesus is King and He is ruling over the whole world – including your church!
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Great news! I'm officially back from my summer sabbatical and I'm excited to share with you insights from my time away.
In the 3rd - 5th centuries, early Christian men and women fled to the desert to escape the moral compromise in the church and the idols of the world. They did this, not out of self-righteousness, but in order to send a life raft to the church and be a gift to the world.
The truth is – we must find a new way to live as desert fathers and mothers if we are going to live with deep peace and a powerful witness.
In today's podcast, I share 8 ways you can create for yourself a desert from which you can better love God and love others.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
One of the most destructive temptations leaders face is living and leading from the veneer of a "false self". In other words, we project an image of how we'd like to be perceived, rather than living from truth.
In today's podcast, I share a sermon from Colossians 3 that explores how we can overcome our false self and live out of our true self in Christ.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Many leaders today believe that if we're going to get things done and be successful, we must "take the bull by the horns". We are told that strength and power win in the economy of leadership.
So when Jesus boldly announces "Blessed are the Meek", it's no wonder that many of us shrug our shoulders and keep plowing ahead.
In today's podcast, I share a sermon that explores the depth underneath Jesus' words as he invited us into a life marked by meekness.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today on the podcast, I share a part of an interview I did earlier this year with the Canadian Church Leaders Network.
I expanded upon what I see as one of God's purposes for pouring out His Spirit - giving us the power to die.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
For too many years, I thought being a peacemaker was simply being a nice person.
Because of this illusion, I spiritualized my conflict avoidance and created a culture in my church where everyone pretended things were ok. This is the definition of false peace.
In the second part of this series, we explore how Jesus disrupted false peace by cleansing the temple. If you're a people-pleaser, this is a critical message for our day!
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
I spent my early years avoiding conflict. True peacemaking, when understood correctly, actually comes through disrupting false peace.
In today's podcast, I share a sermon that goes deeper into this new understanding. I assure you...it changes everything.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Many pastors have been professionally educated and extensively trained.
The problem is – we are facing a massive discipleship crisis. I've found that much of our training doesn't help get at the root of this problem.
Deep change requires a new kind of training.
In today's episode, I cast a biblical vision for why training is not a "once and done" experience but a lifestyle we are called to.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Have you ever stopped to consider what season you are in?
Spring, summer, fall, or winter?
When we ignore the reality of our season, not only do we constantly feel like we're missing it, but we are unable to receive the unique gifts of God.
On today's podcast, together we'll explore how to discern and navigate our unique leadership seasons.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
For many leaders, the pain and failure that come with leadership are often too much to bear.
But the truth is – pain and failure are some of God's greatest gifts to us.
Why? Because it is the only way we will mature into the unique leaders He has destined us to become. In today's podcast episode, I'll show you how to perceive the challenges of leadership as gifts from the Father.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Have you ever returned from vacation tired and empty?
As we enter into the summer months in North America, we have an opportunity to completely re-think the way we take our vacations from a biblical perspective.
On today's podcast, I explore what you must do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your vacation in order for you to get the rest and restoration you need.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Is your life and leadership the same on the INSIDE as it is on the OUTSIDE?
You might respond "Of course it is!". But reality is - sometimes it's hard to know. That's why God often sends others to help us see our own blindspots.
In today's podcast, I share this full sermon and 3 invitations that I believe are critical for the day in which we live.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
It has been almost 40 years since I graduated from seminary. I had no idea there would also be a few HARD lessons waiting for me. Each of them would completely transform my life and ministry.
In today's podcast, I share just 5 of these important lessons hoping they can be a gift to you as well.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Most leaders are consumed with solving problems, putting out fires, and managing people.
Most leaders are taught that THIS is good leadership! But the truth is, if you want to be a transformational leader, you must learn to lead from the inside out.
In today's episode, I share about the three temptations that must be resisted in order to lead from within.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Last week on the podcast we covered a thorny topic – Church Scandals.
In today's episode, I tackle several questions that listeners sent me last week, and then we dive into part two of the key to addressing our church scandal crisis.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Church scandals.
They seem to be more and more frequent in headline news. Each one has a dramatic effect on all of us. They are to be grieved but also carefully examined.
Please listen to today's episode, and if appropriate, share with others leaders who could benefit from this conversation.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
We must recover the ancient practice Sabbath. It's how we slow down our lives to delight in Jesus, and in doing so, anchor ourselves into eternity.
On today's podcast, I share a message which is the second part of our podcast series on the Sabbath.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
This is the theme we explore in today's podcast episode. Working from our rest allows our lives to become a sign and wonder pointing to the reality of Jesus.
Want to see how? Listen to the episode now.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Becoming an emotionally healthy disciple is not just about self-discovery and self-improvement.
Ultimately, our discipleship MUST lead us to become spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith - helping those around us discover their God-given power and purpose.
In today's podcast, I share a message that invites us to become spiritual mothers and fathers in the faith.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
On today's podcast, I share a sermon that will help you grow as an emotionally healthy leader – prudent with your time, wealth, energy, and resources. Only with prudence are we able to become the kind of leaders who create and shape the future!
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Recently, I made a large, consequential decision over the period of 3 - 6 months. This discernment process required me to personally apply the principles of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in a deep way.
In today's podcast episode, I will walk you through the specifics of this real-life decision, why it was complex, and five questions that guided me in this decision-making process.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
For the last 9 weeks, we've been exploring the core theology and practices of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
But now it's time to address your questions and challenges as you put it into practice.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
In today's podcast episode I bring the last of a multi-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen.
If you missed the first episode on The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality, you can listen to it here.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
We were made by God to live within rhythms and limits.
Today's episode is a continuation of an 8-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Many Christians are familiar with the practice of a daily "quiet time".
But with the speed and volume of our often overscheduled lives, one short moment a day isn't enough to sustain an abiding life with Jesus.
Today's episode is a continuation of an 8-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Grief and loss are a central part of our humanity.
It comes without our permission and against our will. But this is why suffering is how God uniquely opens our hearts and transforms us.
Today's episode is a continuation of an 8-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
In today's podcast, I talk more extensively about the 6 stages of the wall and it can lead to complete life transformation.
This episode is a continuation of an 8-week podcast series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to start the journey toward emotional and spiritual health, this series is a must-listen.
If you missed the first episode on the problem of emotionally unhealthy spirituality, you can listen to it here.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today, on the podcast, we continue an 8-week series in which we explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to grow in emotional health, this series is a must-listen.
If you missed the first episode on the problem of emotionally unhealthy spirituality, you can listen to it here.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today, on the podcast, Pete continues an 8-week series in which he explores the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to grow in emotional health, this series is a must-listen.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today, on the podcast, Pete launches an 8-week series in which he'll explore the seminal work from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
In this first episode, Pete shines a light on the Top 10 Symptoms of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. If you are a pastor, leader, or listener and you want to know if you are actually emotionally healthy, this episode is a must listen.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
Today, on the podcast, Pete shares two biblical invitations that will anchor you when the earth is shifting underneath your feet.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
In today's podcast, Pete shares a sermon with an appropriate invitation for 2022 so that you will be encouraged as you lead into a new year.
2- day conference for pastors and leaders seeking to build emotionally healthy church cultures.
September 30 – October 1, 2026
14th St. Salvation Army, NYC
