Leadership in the Church is both a calling and a responsibility. It’s not simply about filling a position; it’s about stewarding God’s people with wisdom, love, and skill. In Psalm 78:72, we see a striking example of leadership through King David: “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” This verse shows us that God’s leaders need both heart and skill. Leadership is a spiritual gift that God bestows upon His Church, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:28, where leadership is listed among the ministries that edify the body of Christ.
One of the most effective ways to grow as a leader is by learning from those who have walked the road ahead of us. Leadership podcasts by seasoned pastors and ministry leaders are a treasure trove of wisdom. By listening to these anointed leaders, you can glean insights, be empowered by their experiences, and receive impartation to walk in your own leadership calling.
Here are five of the most impactful church leadership podcasts that every aspiring or seasoned leader should tune into. These podcasts offer profound lessons drawn from decades of ministry experience, covering everything from practical leadership tips to navigating spiritual challenges in ministry.
Learn Practical Leadership with Dag Heward-Mills
Dag Heward-Mills is a pastor, teacher, evangelist, and prolific author whose life is dedicated to training leaders for the Kingdom of God. His podcast is an invaluable resource for those seeking to grow in leadership within the Church. Heward-Mills has a wealth of experience, having planted thousands of churches worldwide under the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches. His leadership style is rooted in Scripture, and his teachings emphasize the need for loyalty, hard work, and integrity in ministry.
On the Dag Heward-Mills podcast, you’ll find teachings drawn from his celebrated book series The Art of Leadership and Loyalty and Disloyalty. These messages are practical, relevant, and filled with spiritual insight. Heward-Mills delves into topics like identifying and raising leaders, building sustainable ministries, and overcoming disloyalty in leadership. His teachings are designed to equip pastors, church workers, and ministry leaders with the tools they need to be successful stewards of their calling.
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and his official Dag Heward-Mills app, making it easily accessible for anyone, anywhere. Many listeners testify to how his teachings have revolutionized their approach to ministry, helping them build strong, lasting foundations for their churches and teams.
Listening to Dag Heward-Mills is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about catching a vision for leadership that transforms lives. His teachings remind us that leadership in the Church is a divine calling, and those who step into it must do so with both skill and a heart after God.
Discover Leadership with Eric Geiger’s Clear Insights
Eric Geiger is a pastor, author, and church strategist who is passionate about equipping leaders to serve with excellence. As the former Senior Vice President at Lifeway Christian Resources and the co-author of books like Simple Church, Geiger has extensive experience in helping churches thrive. His podcast is an excellent resource for leaders who want practical guidance on leading teams, fostering healthy church cultures, and maintaining their spiritual vitality.
The Eric Geiger Leadership Podcast provides listeners with teachings rooted in biblical principles, delivered in a straightforward and accessible way. His episodes cover a wide range of leadership topics, such as personal character, effective communication, and building teams that operate with unity and purpose. One standout feature of Geiger’s teaching is his emphasis on leading with humility and intentionality. He believes that healthy leadership begins with a leader’s personal walk with Christ, and his podcast often circles back to this foundational truth.
You can find Eric Geiger’s podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It’s a resource that has deeply impacted many pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff members who are striving to create flourishing environments in their ministries.
Eric Geiger’s teachings remind us that leadership is about stewardship. By listening to his podcast, you’ll learn how to be a steward of God’s people, God’s vision, and even your own spiritual health. He has a gift for breaking down complex leadership principles into practical steps that any leader can apply.
Inspiration for Forward-Thinking Leaders with Catalyst
The Catalyst Leaders Podcast is an essential resource for ministry leaders looking to stay informed, inspired, and innovative in their approach to leadership. Catalyst has been a trusted voice in church leadership for years, hosting conferences and producing resources that help leaders grow both spiritually and professionally. The podcast continues this mission, offering powerful conversations with some of the most respected names in ministry.
What makes the Catalyst Leaders Podcast unique is its blend of practical leadership advice and encouragement for personal growth. Episodes often feature interviews with top leaders in the Christian world, including voices like Craig Groeschel, Christine Caine, and many more. Topics range from leadership resilience and innovation to team-building and creating a vision for the future. The podcast provides actionable insights that leaders can implement immediately in their churches and ministries.
You can listen to the Catalyst Leaders Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Many leaders find this podcast to be a refreshing source of inspiration, especially when navigating the challenges of leadership in today’s fast-changing world.
One of the most significant impacts of the Catalyst Leaders Podcast is its ability to connect leaders to a larger network of like-minded individuals. It reminds us that God is raising up leaders everywhere and that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. For leaders seeking to innovate and grow, this podcast is a must-listen.
Lead with Vision and Faith with Brian Houston
Brian Houston, the founding pastor of Hillsong Church, has decades of leadership experience that he shares on his Brian Houston Leadership Podcast. Known for building one of the most influential churches in the world, Houston’s teachings are filled with wisdom, faith, and practical insights that leaders can apply to their own ministries.
In his podcast, Brian Houston discusses topics such as creating a healthy church culture, leading through challenges, and cultivating a leadership style that inspires others. One of the hallmarks of his teaching is his transparency—he shares not just his successes but also the lessons he has learned from failures and struggles. His humility and authenticity make his teachings relatable and impactful for leaders at any stage.
The Brian Houston Leadership Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Leaders who tune in consistently describe it as a source of encouragement and a reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture of God’s Kingdom.
Brian Houston’s podcast emphasizes that leadership is not about striving for perfection—it’s about staying faithful to God’s call. By listening to his teachings, you’ll be encouraged to dream big, lead with confidence, and trust in God’s power to work through you. His podcast is a gift to leaders who want to grow in both character and competence.
Master Leadership Principles with Andy Stanley
Andy Stanley, founder of North Point Ministries, is one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world today. His Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast is a top-rated resource for those who want to grow in their leadership capacity. Known for his ability to communicate complex ideas simply and practically, Stanley’s teachings are incredibly relatable and actionable.
On his podcast, Andy dives into topics such as effective decision-making, building trust within teams, and creating a healthy organizational culture. What makes his teaching stand out is his focus on the human side of leadership—building relationships, fostering collaboration, and leading with emotional intelligence. His principles are deeply rooted in biblical truths, but they are also applicable in a variety of leadership contexts, from churches to businesses.
The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Leaders often praise the podcast for its clarity and practicality, with many sharing how his teachings have helped them lead more effectively in their ministries and beyond.
Andy Stanley’s leadership philosophy reminds us that leadership is not about a title or position—it’s about influence. By listening to his podcast, you’ll gain tools and strategies to maximize your influence for God’s glory, whether you’re leading a congregation, a small group, or a ministry team.
Step Into Your Leadership Calling
Leadership in the Church is a divine calling that requires both skill and heart. God is looking for leaders who will shepherd His people with integrity, as David did (Psalm 78:72). These five podcasts are more than just resources; they are platforms of impartation that can equip you to walk in the fullness of your leadership calling.
As you listen to these anointed leaders, may you be inspired to grow, empowered to lead, and reminded that God has placed you in this role for a purpose. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned leader, these podcasts will help you serve God’s people with excellence and skill. By seeking wisdom and impartation from these trusted voices, you can become the leader God has called you to be, serving His flock with integrity and the skillfulness of your hands.