Best Adam Mesa Podcasts (2025)

1
LILR 132 | Jay Kim and Steve Clifford on Wisdom and Leadership from Westgate Church 58:09

3d ago58:09

58:09

In this candid episode, Sean sits down with Steve Clifford and Jay Kim to unpack the multi-year leadership transition at Westgate Church. With honesty and humility, Steve and Jay share how they navigated timing, succession, and the evolving dynamics of leadership, both spiritually and practically. They talk about the emotional tension of letting go…

1
LILR 131 | Bert Crabbe on Leadership, Margin, and Preaching Growth 47:55

17d ago47:55

47:55

In this powerful episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean sits down with Bert Crabbe, lead pastor of True North Community Church on Long Island. Bert opens up about two decades of ministry, the challenges of pastoring through personal hardship, and the importance of leading with humility and authenticity. He shares his unique approach to preaching …

1
LILR 130 | Warren Bird on Pastor Health and How The Mighty Fall 50:48

1M ago50:48

50:48

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan welcomes back researcher and church leadership expert Warren Bird for a candid conversation on what makes ministry leaders resilient over the long haul. Drawing from decades of experience and groundbreaking research, Warren unpacks the transformative impact of intentional peer groups, the dang…

1
LILR 129 | Succession and Change with Johnson Bowie 1:12:33

2M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean welcomes Johnson Bowie, lead pastor of Victory Church, to share his leadership journey. From stepping into the lead role during the chaos of 2020 to navigating staff transitions and fostering a culture of humility, Johnson offers candid insights on leadership, church transitions, and the weight of wo…

1
LILR 128 | Jason Mitchell and Leadership Succession at LCBC 1:04:39

2M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

In this episode, Sean sits down with Jason Mitchell, lead pastor of LCBC Church, to discuss his leadership journey, the challenges of succession, and the evolving role of the church in today's culture. Jason shares his personal faith story, the intentional process behind his transition to lead pastor, and the importance of emotionally mature leader…

1
LILR 127 | Adam & Diego Mesa on the Patria Church Succession 1:15:08

2M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Church leadership transitions are complex and require intentionality, humility, and a clear vision. For Adam and Diego Mesa, their transition was shaped by a long preparation period, a willingness to embrace change, and a commitment to mission over methods. They address leadership shifts that must be handled with care, clarity in roles and expectat…

1
LILR 126 | Jim Sheppard on Why Church Attendance is Up But Giving is Not & Other Generosity Myth-Busting 1:02:57

3M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Jim Sheppard joins Sean to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing churches today: attendance is up, but giving is not. Jim shares insights from decades of experience helping churches develop a culture of generosity. They dive into why giving must be seen as a discipleship issue rather than a financi…

1
LILR 125 | Alpha and Holy Trinity Brompton Icon Sandy Millar on Burnout and Leading Change 58:55

3M ago58:55

58:55

Today, Sean welcomes Sandy Millar, a renowned figure in the Holy Trinity Brompton movement and the Alpha course. Sandy shares his remarkable journey from law to ministry, driven by transformative experiences with the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the foundation of the Alpha course, the rise of charismatic renewal within the Anglican Church, and the s…

1
LILR 124 | Glenn Packiam and the Rockharbor Transition 48:57

4M ago48:57

48:57

"The beauty of leadership is knowing when to embrace both change and continuity, molding the future while honoring the past." Meet Glenn Packiam, lead pastor at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa. In this episode, Glenn shares his journey as a lead pastor, his transition to Rockharbor, and his philosophy on leadership and vision casting. He reflects o…

1
LILR 123 | A Must-Listen: Jesse DeYoung on Navigating Organizational Doubt 45:36

4M ago45:36

45:36

"When you’re not clear on your vision, your culture, or your strategy, and things get out of alignment, bringing it back into alignment will come with a lot of pain. But once you get there, you’ll wonder how you ever existed without that alignment.” Meet Jesse DeYoung, Executive Lead Pastor of Flatirons Church. Today’s discussion is all about the c…

1
LILR 122 | Need a Sabbatical? You’re doing it wrong. 28:40

5M ago28:40

28:40

“The moment you allow your margin to be given away is the precise moment your church will ask more from you, and you won’t have anything left to give them.” If you’re just hanging on until your next sabbatical, you might be missing the point. True rest isn’t something you find on vacation—it’s something you build into your daily, weekly, and yearly…

1
LILR 121 | Filipe Santos’ Insights on the Echo Church Transition 48:59

5M ago48:59

48:59

“Sometimes we go way beyond what God wants us to do. And that's what leads to burnout…It's working beyond where God wants you to work, where now it's human effort, not His effort in you.” Meet Filipe Santos, Lead Pastor of Echo.Church. In today’s episode, Filipe opens up about the initial fear of taking on leadership, the spiritual and emotional ch…

1
LILR 120 | Changing Culture in Leadership Transitions with Tara Beth Leach 51:04

6M ago51:04

51:04

In this interview, Tara Beth Leach shares her journey as a senior pastor, her calling to ministry, and the unique challenges she encountered. After an 11-year tenure at other churches, she returned to Good Shepherd, where she implemented a significant cultural shift to address unhealthy staff dynamics. Leach emphasizes the importance of casting a h…

1
LILR 119 | Identity and Transitions Strategy with Bryan Wilkerson from Boston's Grace Chapel 48:27

6M ago48:27

48:27

"Do I love being a pastor, or do I need to be a pastor? Once I figured out what I wanted to do and what I could let go of, that helped free me up." Meet Bryan Wilkerson, Pastor Emeritus at Grace Chapel. Today, Bryan reflects on his 40-year ministry career, including his 24 years as lead pastor of Grace Chapel in the Boston area. He discusses the le…

1
LILR 118 | David Platt and Mike Kelsey on Pioneering Shared Leadership 51:08

7M ago51:08

51:08

In this episode, Sean engages with David and Mike, co-lead pastors at McLean Bible Church, as they share their experiences of transitioning into a unique shared leadership model. David reflects on how Mike’s leadership was essential to the church’s growth, prompting him to take a step back to focus more on global missions. Mike, in turn, reflects o…

1
LILR 117 | Lance Witt on the Essentials of Health AND High Performance 52:51

7M ago52:51

52:51

“High trust makes high performance possible. It’s a soft skill, but it's foundational to building healthy teams, especially in ministry where trust is an even higher currency.” Meet Lance Witt, founder of REPLENISH ministries. In today’s episode, Lance shares insights on balancing health and high performance within ministry leadership. He also expl…

1
LILR 116 | Zac Stephens on Tackling Self-Doubt and Leadership Transitions 52:17

8M ago52:17

52:17

“Vulnerability with those closest to you can provide clarity and healing in ways you don’t expect.” Meet Zac Stephens, lead pastor of Faith Promise Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. In today’s episode, Zac shares his unique journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to stepping into the role of lead pastor, highlighting the integrity of his parents an…

1
LILR 115 | Andy Wood and the Saddleback Transition: Leadership Insights 55:55

8M ago55:55

55:55

Andy Wood shares insights two years into his journey as the Lead Pastor at Saddleback Church, highlighting the challenges and progress made during this leadership transition. We’re hitting topics like organizational change, leadership dynamics, and the complexities of stepping into a long-established ministry. Welcome to Episode 115 of the Leaders …

1
LILR 114 | Ben Pilgreen on the Stages of Leadership and Board Development 45:52

9M ago45:52

45:52

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, host Sean Morgan sits down with Ben Pilgreen, the lead pastor of Epic Church in San Francisco, to explore the nuances of leadership in different church seasons. From the early days of church planting to the current challenges of leading an established congregation, Ben shares his journey, insights, and th…

1
Is AI an Existential Threat to Humanity? 1:13:51

9M ago1:13:51

1:13:51

In this episode of the New Printing Press , Mike and Drew Dickens discuss the intersection of AI and spirituality. They explore the historical relationship between technology and the church, from the printing press to radio and stained glass. Drew shares his background in ministry and his recent work on the effects of generative AI on spiritual dir…

1
LILR 113 | Kenton Beshore on What It Takes to Lead in Various Church Roles 40:16

9M ago40:16

40:16

ABOUT THE EPISODE Today, Kenton Beshore, former Senior Pastor of Mariners Church, pinpoints the challenges and essential skills required for effective ministry, especially during difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of character in "severe" moments and gives us a gauge on ministry skill sets from church planters, transitions leaders, to ex…

1
LILR 112 | Kenton and Laurie Beshore on What’s Really Important After Four Decades in Ministry 31:22

9M ago31:22

31:22

In this episode, Kenton and Laurie Beshore share their invaluable insights on maintaining a healthy balance between ministry and family life. Laurie highlights the "wear and tear" that ministry can have on marriages and families and offers practical tips during the differentiation stage of your kids’ lives. Discover what questions Laurie would ask …

1
LILR 111 | Brian Tome on YOUR Mandate to Develop Leaders 54:07

10M ago54:07

54:07

Today, we welcome Brian Tome, senior pastor of Crossroads Church, for an engaging discussion on the crucial topic of leadership development within the church. Don’t miss insights into the biblical basis for leadership development, practical steps for nurturing future leaders, and the long-term benefits of investing in the next generation. Brian Tom…

1
LILR 110 | Jenni Catron on "Healthy AND High Performing" 40:14

10M ago40:14

40:14

Clarity, trust, and connection. These are the building blocks of a healthy team culture. Meet Jenni Catron, a leadership coach, author, and speaker passionate about cultivating healthy leaders to lead thriving organizations. In today’s episode, you’ll learn about striking a balance between shouldering the responsibility, but not all the weight, of …

1
LILR 109 | Daniel Im on Avoiding Being a Leadership Chameleon 56:49

11M ago56:49

56:49

“Church growth isn’t what’s propelling us forward—it’s the Great Commission.” Meet Daniel Im, pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. In this episode, Sean and Daniel explore the delicate balance between pastoral care and visionary leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining both to avoid becom…

1
Pastoring in the Digital Age with Seth Troutt 42:07

11M ago42:07

42:07

Seth Trout and Michael Whittle explore the power of technology as a tool to extend our reach and impact as Christians. Just as podcasts and social media allow us to share spiritual truths beyond the walls of the church, artificial intelligence can be harnessed to accelerate and scale our ministry efforts. However, we must approach AI with wisdom an…

1
LILR 108 | Sean Morgan on One Thing You’re Getting Wrong When Making Decisions 30:14

11M ago30:14

30:14

Your systems of decision-making have the potential to bring greater clarity to who you are and how you do things. Today, Sean Morgan discusses how level-five leaders frame each decision with a silver-bullet technique, and how it can lead toward momentum every time. Welcome to Episode 108 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. EPIS…

1
Balancing Tradition & Innovation in Ministry w/ Daniel Fernandez 55:15

11M ago55:15

55:15

Join us in this episode of the New Printing Press, where we talk church, technology, discipleship, and preaching with Daniel Fernandez. A pastor's kid with a rich background in ministry, Daniel shares his journey from Los Angeles to Baton Rouge and back again, discussing his experiences in youth ministry, higher education, and his budding barbecue …

1
LILR 107 | John Ortberg on Detaching Identity from Performance 56:20

12M ago56:20

56:20

Today’s episode is all about the complexities of life after ministry, exploring how the roles we inhabit can become intertwined with our identities. John discusses the importance of separating one's identity from his or her role, the challenges faced in transitioning from local church ministry, and the significance of cultivating deep and meaningfu…

1
The Future of Pastoral Care in an AI-Driven World w/ Tyler Gorsline 38:44

12M ago38:44

38:44

In this episode of The New Printing Press Michael Whittle sits down with Pastor Tyler Gorsline from A Seattle Church to explore the unique spiritual landscape of Seattle and the innovative ways in which his church is reaching and discipling the city's transient and diverse population. The episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of integ…

1
LILR 106 | James Grogan on What Sparks Momentum 54:16

1y ago54:16

54:16

Navigating change in churches requires courage, vision, and a willingness to adapt. By fostering a culture of adaptability, celebrating wins, and grounding decisions in biblical principles, churches can embrace momentum for growth and impact. As leaders prioritize clarity, focus, and inclusivity, they pave the way for a thriving future rooted in fa…

1
How to Implement AI in Church w/ Pastor Adam Mesa 41:24

1y ago41:24

41:24

In this captivating episode, Mike sits down with Pastor Adam Mesa for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of church innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and discipleship. As they talk about Pastor Adam's journey and his church's bold transition to a new name, a clear vision emerges: harnessing the power of technology to become b…

1
LILR 105 | From Splant to 2x Growth with Jeremiah Ramer (Momentum Part 2) 58:31

1y ago58:31

58:31

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Pastor Jeremiah Ramer, the lead pastor of Crossroads Church located between Odessa and Midland, West Texas. From a cross-country move with unexpected transitions to the challenges of stepping into leadership that would soon endure a church split, Jeremiah shares his remarkable expe…

1
How to Innovate, Work Hard & Build Healthy Church Teams w/ Adam Smallcombe 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

In this conversation, Mike interviews Pastor Adam Smallcombe, the lead pastor of @ViveChurchtv about his journey from Australia to the US and the innovative work he is doing in the church. They discuss the importance of balancing innovation with pastoral care and discipleship, the challenges of starting a church in Silicon Valley, and the need for …

1
Ministry Cliches That Should End w/ Stephen "Swebb" Webb 34:09

1y ago34:09

34:09

This week we talk to Stephen “Swebb” Webb, ex-Elevation Church, current ministry consultant, who loves nothing more than bringing tough love to ministry people. Listen for: ⛪ Church culture, good and bad (why do we do it like this?) 👀 Some people get into ministry to stop working (broooooo) 🤬 Swebb slightly loses control and goes off on weird minis…

1
LILR 104 | Ray Johnston on The Surprising Secret to Building Momentum 39:34

1y ago39:34

39:34

“The smartest leaders get the most help.” Meet Ray Johnston, Senior Pastor of Bayside Church. In today’s episode, Johnston explains the surprising secret to building momentum－and it all begins with encouragement. When we understand the types of support needed, the gaps between our “challenge level” and our “support level,” and the most effective wa…

1
Why Ministry Leaders Should Be Early Tech Adopters w/ Chris Heaslip 37:40

1y ago37:40

37:40

Michael talks to Chris Heaslip, co-founder of Push Pay, which as far as we’re aware is one of the only faith-based business to make it to Unicorn status ($1 billion+ market cap). (04:57 - 06:24) Embracing Failure for Innovation (07:48 - 09:19) Embracing Risk for Growth (13:05 - 14:00) Explaining Success to Skeptical Audiences (17:47 - 18:36) Utiliz…

1
The Rise of Tech Forward Churches w/ Vance Roush 38:05

1y ago38:05

38:05

Overflow founder and CEO Vance Roush joins the pod to discuss: - "Faith in the Age of AI", Overflow's journey, and FlowCon. - How to build a culture of innovation in local churches - The rise of tech-savvy churches. - AI-driven change in worship practices and forecasting tech's role in faith's future. - Dispelling AI in church myths and examining h…

1
LILR 103 | Joel Muddamalle on Pride and Humility 45:08

1y ago45:08

45:08

ABOUT THE EPISODE Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins us on today’s episode of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast. Addressing the topics of pride and humility, Dr. Joel urges a theological shift in our view of success. He outlines three fundamental steps for cultivating the necessary humility as …

1
How AI is Shaping the Future of Ministry w/ Dean Sweetman 37:54

1y ago37:54

37:54

The episode 2, Michael Whittle (co-founder of Pulpit AI) talks with Dean Sweetman, founder of Tithe.ly, who shares the journey from traditional church skepticism to embracing technology to build the church. The conversation begins with a look back at the early days of online giving and the challenges faced in integrating technology into church prac…

1
LILR 102 | Les McKeown on Connecting the Leadership Dots 58:49

1y ago58:49

58:49

Today, we welcome Les McKeown, author of "Predictable Success," to the podcast! Listen in to hear his insights on pattern recognition, self-awareness, and honesty in effective leadership. He encourages leaders to confront the internal voice of imposter syndrome in order to conquer it. Welcome to episode 102 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast wi…

1
The Role of AI in Ministry, Discipleship & Preaching 31:30

1y ago31:30

31:30

Welcome to the New Printing Press Podcast presented by Pulpit AI. We’re going to be exploring the frontiers of ministry and technology, and interviewing pioneers and builders at the frontlines. We’d like to think of this podcast as a weekly coffee chat with your new ministry buddies, where we catch up, swap stories, push each other forward, and hav…

1
LILR 101 | Sam Chand on Leadership Fitness and the Fallacy of Balance 48:32

1y ago48:32

48:32

ABOUT THE EPISODE “You will grow only to the threshold of your pain.” Meet Sam Chand, author and leadership consultant who serves leaders worldwide as they seek personal and organizational growth. Sam expands on the topic of leadership pain in today’s episode. He asks pastors two key questions when discerning their leadership health. And while ther…

1
LILR 100 | Guest Host Josh Surratt Asks Sean Anything 40:53

1y ago40:53

40:53

“Trust comes from relationships.” Today, you’ll be hearing a familiar voice from the podcast. We’re flipping the script on episode 100, and Sean Morgan is interviewed today by Josh Surratt, Lead Pastor at Seacoast Church. How can we learn intentional leadership development from the military? What makes it easier to follow a lead pastor and make spa…

1
LILR 099 | Wayne Cordeiro on Resiliency and the Leadership Pivot 38:40

1+ y ago38:40

38:40

“Sometimes God says, ‘That was a nice idea, but it wasn’t a divine vision.’” Meet Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry. With inspiring insight into the nuances and necessities of pivoting as leaders, Pastor Wayne gives helpful cues to build resiliency in a way that healthily impacts your church. Welcome to Epis…

1
LILR 098 | Finding Your Team with Chris Fletcher of Manna Church 59:21

1+ y ago59:21

59:21

ABOUT THE EPISODE “Sometimes, you have the grace to receive a vision but not the grace to communicate it.” Meet Chris Fletcher, Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. Today, we get to hear Chris’ insights on leadership transition. We’ll learn about the wisdom of ambiguity in the beginning, what changes with money and leaders as yo…

1
LILR 097 | Sean Morgan on Church Trends and Why They Matter 20:34

1+ y ago20:34

20:34

“There are more people open to the Gospel than ever before.” Meet Sean Morgan, host of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast and Founder of The Ascent Leader. Today’s episode offers eight church trends all pastors should be aware of as we enter 2024. Sean’s insight not only points to these specific trends but also to what they mean for your church an…

1
LILR 096 | Boardroom Health and Succession with Flatirons Elders 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

“If you don’t have a healthy elder board in a church, you might as well not have an elder board.” Meet Darryl, Justin, and Jonathan, three of the four Flatirons Elders. In a special group interview, today’s episode gives insight into what honesty and integrity look like when played out on a healthy board. Find out why a healthy team does not mean “…

1
LILR 095 | Brady Boyd on the Importance of a Pastor’s Pace of Sabbath Rest 37:38

1+ y ago37:38

37:38

“Our enemy hates that we’re taking days of rest.” Meet Brady Boyd, Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Today’s episode is a reminder of the crucial ways Sabbath rest refuels a pastor’s soul. On a weekly basis, pastors carry an emotional and often traumatic weight as they shepherd their congregations. Today, Pastor Brady encourages all leaders to inco…

1
LILR 094 | Stephen Foster of St Aldates, Oxford on the Difference Between Stuck Church and Revival 41:44

1+ y ago41:44

41:44

“The church goes upward in age and inward in focus naturally…It’s only intentionally that the church goes downward in age and outward in focus.” Meet Stephen Foster, leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford and advisor to Alpha. Stephen brings a refreshing reminder of the need for churches to embrace a vision that moves the demographic downward in age…

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Adam Mesa Podcasts

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