Are you a lead pastor struggling with burnout, depression, or physical health issues? You’re not alone. In this Breaking Barriers episode, Pastor Andrew Hopper explains why preaching pastors face unique health and physical challenges that most people don’t understand. Let’s not ignore the hidden physical demands of preaching and the fact that your sympathetic nervous system is constantly triggered. In this podcast, you’ll find 5 strategies to fight for your ministry longevity. Essential listening for preaching pastors, church staff, and elder boards who want to understand what their lead pastor is really carrying.

In this episode, we break down the critical difference between directional and shepherding elders, revealing how this biblical framework allows churches to grow while maintaining organizational health. Learn the six key responsibilities of directional elders and how to create clear role expectations that prevent ministry paralysis. Whether you’re planting a church or looking to scale your current leadership structure, this practical guide to elder organization will help your ministry thrive.

What if your church could generate unstoppable momentum? In this episode, we break down the flywheel concept from Jim Collins’ “Good to Great” and apply it to church growth. Learn why some churches struggle with isolated wins while others create compound growth through the flywheel model. Discover practical strategies to identify your church’s key momentum drivers, maintain disciplined focus, and reinvest energy where it matters most. Perfect for pastors and church leaders who want to move from sporadic growth to sustainable momentum.

Church leaders often struggle between being the “hype person” and the bearer of bad news. The Stockdale Paradox offers a better way forward. Join us as we explore how Admiral Stockdale’s experience as a POW provides a framework for effective leadership: confronting the brutal facts of reality while maintaining unwavering faith. Learn why this approach builds trust, leads to better decisions, and creates truly inspiring leadership that your team will follow. Perfect for pastors and ministry leaders looking to grow their leadership impact.

Many churches doubt the value of investing heavily in “Big Days” (think: Easter Services) when attendance drops the following week. In this episode, we debunk this myth with five data-backed takeaways that prove big days are crucial for long-term church growth. From creating adequate space and mobilizing volunteers to leveraging baptism moments and implementing effective follow-up systems, discover how to transform Easter momentum into sustained church growth. Learn why the “big day strategy” works and how to measure success beyond week-to-week attendance fluctuations.

“We’re going for 30 years, not 3.” In this episode, we unpack a powerful staff retention strategy that will help your leadership team stay for the long haul: the sabbatical. We address the common objections, break down the implementation details, and share three compelling reasons this practice transforms ministry sustainability. If you’re tired of constant staff turnover and want to build a team that can go the distance, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for creating a healthier church culture that benefits leaders and their families.

Pastor Andrew breaks down his complete process of sermon series planning using the “Big Idea Document” approach. Learn how he creates compelling series concepts, and develops a 12-week planning rhythm that helps you and your entire team prepare for a sermon series. Includes practical tips for crafting series titles, scripture selection, big ideas, and creative elements that will engage both believers and newcomers to your church. Don’t miss this one—this is as practical as it gets!

Discover when and why your church should consider hiring an executive pastor. In this episode, we break down the crucial relationship between lead pastors and executive pastors, exploring how this partnership creates “rocket fuel” for church growth. Learn the ideal qualities to look for in a second chair leader, when to make this strategic hire, and how to clearly define roles that maximize your church’s ministry impact and operational effectiveness.

“Generosity initiatives are discipleship initiatives.” Over the past two practical episodes, we explore 5 axioms for effectively leading your church through a giving campaign. Learn why church funding isn’t just about raising money but raising maturity, how to strategically allocate resources between ongoing ministry, special projects, and future vision, and why every dollar is a “kingdom dollar” in the mission of the church. Whether you’re a church planter or an established pastor, these principles will help you develop both generosity and spiritual growth in your congregation.

“Generosity initiatives are discipleship initiatives.” In the next two practical episodes, we explore 5 axioms for effectively leading your church through a giving campaign. Learn why church funding isn’t just about raising money but raising maturity, how to strategically allocate resources between ongoing ministry, special projects, and future vision, and why every dollar is a “kingdom dollar” in the mission of the church. Whether you’re a church planter or an established pastor, these principles will help you develop both generosity and spiritual growth in your congregation.

Every growing church faces critical leadership pain points that determine its future. In this episode, we explore six essential leadership challenges—from reorganization to narrowing focus—that pastors must navigate to scale their ministry effectively. Discover why comfort and growth can never coexist and how embracing necessary pain (and the right pain) is the gateway to church multiplication.

In this episode, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Bobby continue their conversation on how church leaders can organize their lives to support both personal health and church growth. They explore the critical areas of fitness, family, flock, and finances, explaining why a pastor’s vision for these personal areas should be as detailed and vivid as their vision for their church. Discover practical strategies to create sustainable rhythms in each area while adapting to different life stages, ensuring your church’s health doesn’t outpace your own.