Claim OwnershipLeaders in Living Rooms
Subscribed: 97Played: 1,723
Subscribe
© Copyright 2026 Leaders in Living Rooms
Description
Sean Morgan invites you into intimate, “living room” conversations with high-caliber leaders that few others have access to. When you gather in a living room, you have the opportunity to hear deeper glimpses into someone’s life. Join Sean and leaders such as Carey Nieuwhof, Andy Stanley, Pat Gelsinger, Dharius Daniels, Derwin Gray, Ken Costa, and Glenn Packiam as they discuss how to aim for health during the various transitions leadership inevitably brings.
151 Episodes
Reverse
As the church enters a new season of ministry in 2026, this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms invites leaders to re-examine what they think they know about multisite ministry. Sean Morgan is joined by Warren Bird and Jim Tomberlin to explore how the multisite movement has quietly shifted from simple replication into a multiplying, movement-driven model focused on discipleship, innovation, and the Great Commission. Together, they unpack common critiques of multisite churches, highlight emerging “pacesetter” churches shaping the future, and preview an ambitious national research project designed to equip churches navigating growth, complexity, and mission at scale.
Welcome to Episode 150 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan sits down with Jonathan Moynihan, Lead Pastor of Mosaic Christian Church in Baltimore, to explore a leadership journey shaped more by formation than ambition. Jonathan shares how what he once assumed was a call to church planting unexpectedly became a rapid succession into the lead pastor role—after years of hidden preparation, inner work, and confronting unhealthy ambition. Together, Sean and Jonathan unpack themes of calling versus opportunity, the dangers of tying worth to performance, and how silence, solitude, and failure became essential tools God used to form Jonathan into a healthier, more grounded leader. This honest conversation offers a rare look at the interior life of leadership, reminding pastors that God’s primary work is often deeper than visible success.
Welcome to Episode 149 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan sits down with longtime pastor and Oikos Movement founder Tom Mercer to unpack nearly four decades of ministry leadership at High Desert Church and the relational principles that shaped a church of 8,000 in rural Southern California. Tom shares candid stories about longevity, accountability, team chemistry, leadership development, and how the Oikos principle, reaching the world through the natural relationships God has already placed around us, became the backbone of High Desert Church’s growth. From navigating criticism and facility challenges to building a healthy staff culture grounded in prayer and friendship, Tom offers practical, grounded wisdom for leaders pursuing disciple-making and sustainable ministry.
Welcome to Episode 148 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean sits down with Justin Kendrick, planter and pastor of Vox Church in New England, to explore the heart behind multi-site ministry, leadership development, and the surprising move of God happening across one of the least-churched regions in the U.S. Justin shares his journey from musician to church planter, the early chaos of scaling locations without systems, and the intentional shift toward forming leaders through habits of the heart rather than skills alone. He unpacks Vox’s leader-development process, the power of life-on-life discipleship, and the humbling lessons learned along the way. Their conversation offers a rare and honest look at building a movement while staying grounded in accountability, character, and focus.
Welcome to Episode 147 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean sits down with veteran executive pastor Dan Reiland, who served alongside John Maxwell and Kevin Myers for over four decades. Dan shares stories from his journey, from breaking John Maxwell’s internship to helping lead one of the largest churches in the U.S., and offers wisdom for both lead and executive pastors navigating partnership, trust, and longevity in ministry. Sean and Dan unpack the key traits of great executive pastors, the difference between equipping and developing, and the vital role prayer plays in church leadership.
Welcome to Episode 146 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
When Jimmy Scroggins stepped into leadership at a struggling legacy church in West Palm Beach, the odds were stacked against him. Financial collapse, reputational damage, and years without a pastor created a make-or-break moment for both him and the congregation. In this episode, Jimmy unpacks the hard lessons learned from rebuilding Family Church—from selling property and cutting programs to developing leaders and launching 20 neighborhood campuses across South Florida. He and Sean discuss urgent leadership decisions, engaging high-capacity givers, staying teachable, and building multisite systems that actually work.
Welcome to Episode 145 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean Morgan sits down with pastor and author Glenn Packiam to talk about what may be the beginnings of revival, especially among younger generations, and how church leaders can steward this moment well. Glenn unpacks new Barna data showing a rise in commitment to Jesus, explores the cultural shifts from militant atheism to curious skepticism, and shares how pastors can respond with humility, connection, and prayer. From hybrid discipleship models to the growing priority of authentic connection over polished content, Glenn gives practical insight into how leaders can meet people where they are, create spaces of encounter, and invite Jesus to “take over” in their churches.
Welcome to Episode 144 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In today’s episode, Sean welcomes Danny Anderson, lead pastor and author of How to Grow Your Church Without Losing Your Soul. Danny shares the heart behind his new book, shaped by his own leadership journey and a desire to help pastors avoid burnout, moral failure, and misplaced identity. Together, Sean and Danny unpack the importance of soul care, Sabbath, healthy friendships, and leadership practices that sustain both personal integrity and church growth. This conversation is a candid and practical guide for leaders who want to build thriving churches while staying deeply rooted in Christ.
Welcome to Episode 143 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean Morgan sits down with Josh Rhodes and Tim Haring to discuss the succession journey at Chestnut Ridge Church. After 40 years of ministry, founding pastor Tim reflects on preparing the church for life beyond his leadership, while Josh shares how their long-term relationship and shared heartbeat for reaching people made the transition possible. Together, they explore humility, outside counsel, and the intentional communication strategies that helped their church navigate succession with unity and hope for the future.
Welcome to Episode 142 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan sits down with Joel Thomas, Lead Pastor at Buckhead Church and senior leader at North Point Ministries. Joel shares his unique journey into ministry, lessons from his time at North Point and Mission Community Church, and the leadership insights he’s gained along the way. From the power of investing in young leaders, to discerning between turnaround and realignment, to navigating succession in a large church context, Joel offers wisdom for leaders at every stage.
Welcome to Episode 141 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan sits down with author, counselor, and leadership mentor Chip Dodd to unpack the “Five Pitfalls of Leadership.” Drawing on decades of experience leading leaders and running the Center for Professional Excellence, Chip explores how work can become confused with worth, why performance often overshadows presence, and how leaders slip into isolation and secrecy. He unpacks the role of humility, healthy dependency, and vulnerability in sustaining authentic leadership—reminding us that leaders must remain learners to stay effective.
Welcome to Episode 140 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean Morgan welcomes back Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor of Traders Point Christian Church, for a transparent and wisdom-packed conversation on leadership growth through seasons of ministry. Aaron shares candid reflections on lessons learned from church planting, staff alignment, team culture, and navigating organizational challenges. From culture as "the oil in the engine" to handling conflict with clarity and grace, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders in any season. Whether you're transitioning, scaling, or seeking alignment, Aaron’s journey offers clarity and encouragement.
Welcome to Episode 139 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In today’s episode, Sean sits down with Ted Coniaris and Dave Ferguson of COMMUNITY to explore healthy succession plans in church leadership. Ted, a former church planter turned lead pastor apprentice, shares his journey from Greek Orthodox roots to executive leadership. Dave, the founding pastor and now CEO of Exponential, reflects on stepping back, championing Ted, and why a leadership handoff rooted in humility, clarity, and trust works. Together, they reveal the intentional 18-month apprenticeship model they followed—complete with timelines, vision handoffs, and mutual respect. If you're navigating leadership transitions in your church, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.
Welcome to Episode 138 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean welcomes back Rev. Eugene Cho, President and CEO of Bread for the World. Together, they unpack the complex reality of leading during the worst global hunger crisis in over 50 years. Eugene reflects on his unexpected entry into this season of leadership, the global challenges impacting food security, and the Church’s vital role in advocacy and compassionate engagement. He also shares personal rhythms for staying healthy, strategic, and spiritually grounded in high-capacity leadership.
Welcome to Episode 137 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In Part 2 of the team momentum series, Sean Morgan talks through the essential topic of alignment—what it looks like, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it within their teams. Drawing from real-life leadership challenges, Sean outlines three core causes of misalignment and offers practical strategies to bring clarity, prioritize what matters most, and install or improve systems that support team momentum. Plus, he shares a bonus insight on dealing with people who are misaligned and how to address it with both courage and care.
Welcome to Episode 136 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this solo episode, Sean Morgan explores the foundational steps of building and maintaining a high-horsepower team that drives momentum instead of losing it. Drawing from personal leadership reflections and ministry insights, Sean unpacks five key practices that separate stagnant teams from thriving ones. Whether you're leading a church staff, a volunteer crew, or an executive board, these principles will challenge and equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. This is part one of a two-part series on building momentum.
Welcome to Episode 135 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean Morgan talks with Randy Frazee, a seasoned pastor with over 36 years of ministry experience. They explore the challenges and opportunities of pastoral transitions, from overcoming the fear of identity loss to finding purpose beyond the pulpit. Randy shares insights on building a healthy church culture, maintaining a strong marriage in ministry, and setting up a successful succession plan. If you're navigating a leadership transition or preparing for a new season in ministry, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and personal stories to guide you.
Welcome to Episode 134 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
In this episode, Sean sits down with Danny from Three Crosses Church to explore how God births fresh vision in the heart of a leader—and what happens when that vision begins to take root. Danny reflects on the evolution of his leadership after seven years as lead pastor, the sabbatical that created space for new direction, and the spiritual and strategic clarity that followed. Together, they discuss the tension between patience and boldness, the challenge of stewarding legacy churches with missional urgency, and the dream of seeing 35 new gospel expressions across the Bay Area by 2035. Whether you're wrestling with vision, longing for renewal, or wondering if it's time for something new, this conversation will stir your soul.
Welcome to Episode 133 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
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 and stepping up, the importance of relationship and trust, and what it really takes to support the incoming leader. Plus, they reflect on how embracing discomfort and obscurity is essential for a healthy baton pass. Whether you're a pastor planning a transition or a church leader walking alongside one, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and hope.
Welcome to Episode 132 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
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 preparation, the power of coaching, and why pace, presence, and perseverance matter more than polish. Whether you’re navigating a hard season or looking to sharpen your preaching, this episode offers encouragement and practical insights to help you stay faithful and focused in ministry.
Welcome to Episode 131 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States