⚡Design a RULE OF LIFE in 60 Minutes - Join us for a free 2025 kickoff webinar with Pete Scazzero and Drew Hyun on January 15th. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ruleoflife/

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In this special Christmas reflection, Pete Scazzero unpacks the powerful words of John the Baptist: "Among you stands one you do not know" (John 1:26). As we rush through the demands of the season, it's easy to overlook the quiet, hidden ways God reveals Himself—in the ordinary, the painful, and even the mundane.

Pete invites us to slow down and embrace the mystery of God's presence in unexpected places. From a scandalous birth in a dirty manger to a hidden life in a carpenter's shop, Jesus' arrival defies human expectations. What if the very moments we overlook are the places where God stands closest?

Through poignant stories and timeless truths, Pete challenges us to stop, be silent, and listen. You'll learn practical ways to cultivate attentiveness in your life and leadership, discover God in life's interruptions, and open your heart to His transforming presence—even when it doesn't come as you expect.

Don't miss this opportunity to reflect deeply and encounter Jesus in new, surprising ways this Christmas. Listen now.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

📣 Transform your church culture with the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Course. Curious? Download and preview TWO full sessions from the course for FREE. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preview/

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In today's episode, we're tackling a powerful yet countercultural truth: God's way is slow, small, and often weak—and that's exactly why it's unstoppable.

So many of us are addicted to speed. We rush decisions, launch initiatives prematurely, and burn ourselves out in the name of productivity. But this impatience not only sabotages our leadership—it blinds us to the quiet, steady work of God.

Drawing from the profound parable of the mustard seed, we'll explore how the Kingdom of God begins small and seemingly insignificant but grows into something world-changing. Together, we'll unpack three key lessons: the value of slowness, the power of small beginnings, and the surprising strength found in weakness.

This episode is a wake-up call to embrace patience and resist the cultural obsession with instant results. Whether you're leading a church, raising a family, or shaping your community, God invites you to align your pace with His—and trust that His plan is advancing in ways we may not see.

Slow down. Listen in. Discover the mustard-seed way of leadership.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

🎄Christmas Sermon Prep Webinar -   Join me for a FREE webinar on Dec. 5th at 2 pm ET to learn about preaching a Christmas message that deeply changes lives. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/sermonprep/

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The truth is, you can't shepherd numbers. You can only shepherd names. And yet, in a culture obsessed with metrics, many leaders feel trapped, measuring success by attendance, budgets, and fast growth rather than the flourishing of the people God has entrusted to them.

In this episode, Pete unpacks the heart of biblical shepherding—leading with Jesus' love, slowing down to be present, and praying over the specific names God has placed under your care. He explains how this dramatic shift, though countercultural and painfully slow, leads to a deeply transformative and spacious life for both shepherds and sheep.

If you're longing to move beyond hurried leadership into a ministry marked by patience, prayer, and personal connection, this episode is for you. Pete shares four practical ways to shepherd like Jesus and invites you to reflect: Who is on your list?

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

🕯️Christmas Sermon Prep Webinar -  Join me for a FREE webinar on Dec. 5th at 2 pm ET to learn how to craft a powerful Christmas message that deeply changes lives. (without losing your soul) https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/sermonprep/

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In today's episode, we're diving into a theme that should resonate with pastors and leaders all around the world. Reflecting on the life and ministry of John the Baptist, we'll explore how to speak with conviction and clarity amidst a world overwhelmed by fear, information overload, and shifting power structures.

John's world was much like ours—fraught with political unrest, corrupt leaders, and widespread anxiety. And yet, it was to him, a voice in the wilderness, that God's Word came. He shows us that real leadership doesn't come from platforms or applause but from a place of inner surrender, courage, and freedom from people's approval.

This episode will challenge you to lead with authenticity and to center your life on a slower, deeper spirituality. If you're feeling called to renew your heart and strengthen your church's culture in the midst of today's chaos, join us as we learn from John the Baptist's powerful, countercultural example.

Listen in to reorient, refocus, and be inspired to become an instrument in God's hands.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

🗓️ Discover the Sabbath -  Download a free e-book to learn the 4 countercultural practices of a biblical Sabbath day. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/sabbath/

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Today, pastors and leaders are grappling with burnout, shallowness in discipleship, and a waning passion for God's mission.

On today's episode, I share some insights that have transformed the way I view mission and ministry—insights rooted in Celtic Christian spirituality.

Geri and I just returned from a two-week journey through Ireland, where we had the privilege of meeting with pastors and church leaders in both Belfast and Dublin. This trip refreshed us in so many ways, especially in reconnecting with the powerful legacy of St. Patrick. 

I believe that St. Patrick's life and leadership are a map to rekindle the fire of mission that flows from a deep, inner life with God—an "overflowing cup" that sustains outward action. Through Patrick's leadership, the Celtic church rooted themselves in prayer, community, and a mission-focused monastic life. In doing so, they transformed an entire nation.

This is one of the missing keys that I believe will unlock passionate, world-changing mission in every member of our churches.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

⏰ DAILY OFFICE STARTER GUIDE -  The Daily Office is an ancient practice to help you stop 2 - 3 times a day to quiet yourself and be with Jesus. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/dailyoffice

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For most leaders, success is based on numbers, influence, and impact. But the life of Elijah teaches us something different.

On today's podcast, we continue our journey in Part 2 of The Power of a Hidden Life: Leadership Lessons from Elijah.

We'll explore a profound truth often overlooked in leadership: before we stand on large platforms or lead others, our inner life with God must be well-rooted and established. Elijah's story in 1 Kings 17-19 reveals that God shapes leaders in the quiet, hidden places—like the cave—long before the public victories.

We'll dive into Elijah's time of hiddenness, fed by ravens and a widow, as God worked in his soul. These hidden seasons are critical because they teach us to lead from a place of deep connection with God, not simply from activity or impact. Elijah teaches us that success is about discerning the voice of God, not the pressures of Western values.

Take a deep breath, let God care for you, and allow His abundance to overflow into every part of your life!

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ DAILY OFFICE STARTER GUIDE -  The Daily Office is an ancient practice to help you stop 2 - 3 times a day to quiet yourself and be with Jesus. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/dailyoffice

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In today's chaotic and disorienting world, where leaders face intense challenges, Elijah's life offers us profound wisdom. 

Whether you lead a ministry, organization, or family, Elijah's hidden life with God speaks to the core of how we navigate leadership in tumultuous times.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah faced overwhelming exhaustion, fear, and disillusionment after pouring out his heart in service to God. As a fugitive, fleeing from Jezebel's threats, he reached his breaking point—ready to give up entirely. It's here, in the wilderness, that God met him in a way that transformed his leadership and life.

God didn't fix Elijah's problems immediately or offer a grand inspirational speech. Instead, He invited Elijah into the stillness and silence in the cave at Mount Horeb. 

In today's podcast episode, we'll reflect on how entering our own "caves" of silence can transform not only our leadership but also our relationship with God. 

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ PREVIEW THE COURSE -  Ready to introduce your church to Emotionally Healthy Discipleship? Preview our game-changing discipleship course for FREE and find the right time to run it in your church. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preview

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As leaders, we have an internal drive to see our ministries flourish. 

We have a vision for our churches, families, marriages, and cities to experience the resurrection life of Jesus. That's why we do what we do!

Also, many of us know how easy it is for our God-given ambition to be hijacked by our shadows, fears, and insecurities. 

The truth is - it's possible to build a large ministry, but in the process, lose your soul.

On today's podcast, I hit this topic head-on and share with you 5 MUSTS for growing a flourishing ministry without losing your soul.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ [FREE VIDEO] Learn a 5-part framework for communicating with others https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/community

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Staff meetings, like it or not, are a critical building block for an emotionally healthy church culture.

Over the years, I have learned that staff meetings are a powerful opportunity to bring encouragement, clarify roles, and learn how to be with Jesus together. There are books written about how to have a productive or efficient staff meeting, but in today's podcast, I take a different approach. I've identified 5 ways to cultivate emotional health in your regular meetings.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ [FREE E-BOOK] LeaderSHIFT: 8 Pivotal Breakthroughs of Emotionally Healthy Leaders https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershift

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All around the world, there is an electrical charge surging through the minds and hearts of the people we lead. Our political climate has made this another difficult, yet important time to pastor and lead well.

So how do we navigate politics personally AND from the pulpit without falling prey to the common traps of both sides of the aisle?

In this podcast episode (Part 2 of 2), I share what I believe are 4 invitations from God to the Church in this moment.

Within these invitations are keys for us to lead with grace, steadiness, and wisdom, as we pastor our churches through this storm.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ [FREE E-BOOK] LeaderSHIFT: 8 Pivotal Breakthroughs of Emotionally Healthy Leaders https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershift

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All around the world, there is an electrical charge surging through the minds and hearts of the people we lead. Our political climate has made this another difficult, yet important time to pastor and lead well.

So how do we navigate politics personally AND from the pulpit without falling prey to the common traps of both sides of the aisles?

In this podcast episode (Part 1 of 2), I share what I believe are 4 invitations from God to the Church in this moment.

Within these invitations are keys for us to lead with grace, steadiness, and wisdom, as we pastor our churches through this storm.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ [FREE E-BOOK] LeaderSHIFT: 8 Pivotal Breakthroughs of Emotionally Healthy Leaders https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershift

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As a young leader, I wanted so badly to succeed.
I wanted to pastor a growing church, and preach the best sermons in town.
I wanted to grow our ministries – bigger, better, and more influentual.

To this end, I was told by leadership experts to develop my skills and competencies. I learned to preach and vision cast, to exegete the scriptures, do effective evangelism, lead staff meetings, and launch small groups.

But over time these outward facing competencies became a WEIGHT that squeezed the life out of me.

To make a long story short, this is what catalyzed a complete revolution in me. I knew that I (and we) needed a massive shift in our leadership paradigm.

On today's podcast, we explore the GREAT SHIFT we need.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

✅ [FREE E-BOOK] LeaderSHIFT: 8 Pivotal Breakthroughs of Emotionally Healthy Leaders https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershift

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Loss, change, and transition are all around us.

Yet, one of the lesser-known practices of emotionally healthy leadership is learning how to let go and transition from one season to the next. Throughout our lives there are countless endings and new beginnings that invite us to pay attention:

Closing a chapter of life, Leaving one church and joining a new one, Starting a new job or role, Moving away or into a new home, Changing relationships, Succession and release of leadership

In every transition, there are gifts waiting to be discovered if we are able to slow down and reflect in gratitude. When we rush through transitions, giving little thought to what is happening, we actually miss out on the hidden ways God is trying to come to us.

In this podcast, I explore this theme further and share insights on how we can navigate transitions well. 

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

• Why YOU are your child's biggest problem (and what to do about that)
• How to create a SAFE environment in your home
• Why CONNECTION is more important than rules
• The importance of knowing your POWER with your children

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

🎯 FREE TEAM TRAINING: Grow a healthy team culture with our team transformation videos
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/team

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One of the most difficult and nuanced callings is serving as a board member of a church or ministry. This role is both legal and spiritual, affecting the entire church culture. Very few are trained to do it well.

Sadly, often it is only after a crisis or scandal that people realize the "Board" was not really functioning, trained, or doing what they were entrusted to do.

But the truth is – that healthy, thriving, flourishing churches have healthy, thriving, flourishing boards.

In today's podcast episode, I outline the 7 must-have qualities for building an emotionally healthy board. When your board gets these 7 things right, everyone in your church wins for the long haul.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

📺 FREE WEBINAR: Develop High-Impact Leaders in Your Church
Get a roadmap to disciple the next generation of leaders. Register for the next webinar:
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/highimpact/

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Pastors and leaders want to make an exponential impact for Jesus.

We often spend our energy on what will affect the most amount of people. So we prepare cutting-edge weekend services, craft sermons for large groups, publish social posts that we hope will have a viral reach, all while squeezing in time for people when we can.

But when we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he focused his time on a few. In fact, he turned the world upside-down by concentrating his ministry on 12 men!

In today's podcast, I answer common questions like "How do I choose just 3 or 12 disciples?", "Who should I be looking for? (and, who should I avoid?), and "What do I actually do with them?"

This is not easy and fast work, but when we get this right, the church will be transformed.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

📣 FREE E-BOOK: 8 Practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching 🌟
Learn the essential practices to deliver sermons with depth and power.
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preaching

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Leadership is a crucible through which God is changing YOU into a new kind of person. Throughout your leadership journey you will be taken through a series of fires or tests from God that exists to purify you from the inside out.
 
In today's podcast, I share about the many tests you WILL encounter if you haven't already. If you are not prepared for these tests, you will stumble and drown in discouragement. If you are prepared for these tests, you will be transformed into the image of Christ.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

A course won't change your church.
Neither will a book, a podcast, or a sermon series.

So the question is, how do people truly change?

This is a question every pastor and leader needs to answer. Over the years of my pastoral ministry, and even today, one thing I've noticed is how often we UNDERESTIMATE the personal time, presence, and intentionality it takes to disciple people into transformation in Jesus.

True change is slow because it is relational. Change does not happen on an assembly line.

Over the past several weeks on the podcast, I've shared with you the importance of reclaiming a spacious life - one that is not rushed, crammed, or overscheduled. Many leaders are coming to understand this as it relates to their PERSONAL life and walk with God.

But today I want to share with you about creating spaciousness for OTHERS. I believe it's the secret ingredient our churches need to experience deep communal fruitfulness.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

As leaders, we know that PRAYER is the heartbeat of life in Christ. But often, our vision of prayer can become lop-sided, leading to a heavy weight on our shoulders.

For my first 17 years as a Christian, I had a one-dimensional view of prayer. I thought prayer was a tool I was supposed to use to make God's kingdom come. So I would devote 6-8 hours a week in prayer meetings, interceding for revival and believing that unless I prayed, God wouldn't come. I thought that was what Jesus called us to.

But over time I learned to see something different in the prayer life of Jesus. The gospel of Luke highlights a way of being with God that is less about striving and more about attunement.  It is true that prayer DOES require perseverance and devotion, but for reasons different than we think.

In today's podcast we explore the prayer life of Jesus and what that means for us today.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

• Is all self-promotion really sinful? 
• Aren't we called to reach people?
• How do we live and lead publicly without being robbed of joy and contentment?

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

In 2024, church leaders will be sifted left and right.

Mature from immature.
Wise from foolish.
Substantial from surface level.

This I know – the most effective leaders (and the ones worth following) will draw a line in the sand and put a full stop to accepting a rushed, cluttered, and constricted life.

They will reject speed, crowds, and noise in favor of a graceful, unrushed way of life. I call this lifestyle "spaciousness". It's one of the secret weapons of true spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith.

On today's podcast, I explore the theme of spaciousness, making applications for how leaders can resist the way of the world, and decisively shift into a new way of life with Jesus.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.

Leaders in 2024 are facing pressures and challenges greater than any other in my lifetime.

Elections, wars, rumors of wars, economic pressure, global instability, scandals, artificial intelligence, etc.

This may seem overwhelming, but there is a unique opportunity before us. As leaders, this will require the decision to radically re-align ourselves to God's purposes and plans in the world today.

On today's podcast, I share some personal reflections on what I believe "radical realignment" looks like and then offer 3 specific invitations from God in this season.

Join Us for a Free Webinar 

Are You Measuring What Matters Most to Jesus: A New Scorecard for Success in Life and Leadership, Nov. 10th, 2 PM ET.  Learn more at emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar.