The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell

There is no typical work week for a pastor. Unforeseen life events, people in crisis, or administrative tasks will always be ever-changing week to week. While being flexible is necessary in ministry, so is establishing healthy boundaries and time management skills. On today's show, Ben Skipper, Senior Pastor of Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, Ms, and his wife Lindsay, share their insights on time management as a pastor and pastor's wife.  Ben and Lindsay discuss the challenges of having a typical week, the importance of self-management, and advice for young pastors. As you listen we hope you're encouraged to set healthy boundaries, while also remembering flexibility is key! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Couple's Nashville Giveaway ENTER HERE-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HERE

We cannot believe we are already at our 100th episode! It’s been quite a journey and we are so thankful for the guests who came and shared their life and story with us. This show wouldn’t be what it is without vulnerability and transparency, and we’re thankful to create a space where ministry leaders can experience both. To our listeners, we are so thankful you’ve chosen to join us in this journey. We hope by listening you've realized you’re not alone, or have been encouraged by the experiences, and sometimes mistakes, of others!Today Ben and Lynley go back to where it all began, the very first episode! Not only will you hear clips they’ll discuss, but you’ll also hear the ways the two of them have grown over the last few years and what they wish they could have done differently. Milestones are always a time for reflection and gratitude, and we believe this 100th episode is just that- a reflection of life in the glass house, and hearts filled with gratitude to be on this journey with you! This is just the beginning!SHOW LINKS: -Couple's Nashville Giveaway ENTER HERE-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HERE

Head to college, get married, land your dream job, have kids, go to church, and live the American Dream. It's the reality most American Christians are living in, and it's where the Ley Family found themselves when they experienced a calling from God asking them to leave it all behind. On today's episode, Michael and Naomi Ley share their experiences as missionaries and the challenges they faced from letting go of dreams and expectations, difficulties in learning a new language, and the complexities of raising children on the mission field.  The two share their journey of transitioning back to the US and the lessons they learned along the way. Despite the hardships, they express the joy and fulfillment of building relationships and the reward of surrendering their lives to God's mission.We're thankful for the Ley's transparency in this difficult conversation and we're certain it will be an encouragement to everyone! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

A recent study discovered that over 1/2 of pastors over the age of 50 had less than $50,000 in their retirement fund and no expectation they would ever retire. On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley dive into a topic that no pastor likes talking about: finances! Dr. Hance Dilbeck from GuideStone joins in this conversation and shares alarming research and statistics on pastoral compensation and the emotional impact it can have on a pastor and their family, yet encouraging advice on how churches of all sizes can navigate financial hurdles and also support their pastor! Dr. Hance has served as the executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists since 2018. Prior to that, he had served as a pastor in Oklahoma churches for 30 years, 15 of which were at the Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. During that time, the church tripled in size even as it took part in planting 32 churches. Dr. Dilbeck holds his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Julie have three married sons and eight grandchildren.In this episode we'll tackle the importance of pastors' financial security, retirement planning, and highlight the common mistakes churches make in compensation. To all the pastors listening, Dr. Hance has advice on how to advocate for yourself and work with the church to address your families need. We know this can be a challenging conversation, yet a necessary one to have! Thanks for listening and sharing this to a friend!  SHOW LINKS: -GuideStone-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

Too often pastors and their wife feel pressure to step into any role necessary and serve the church. However, we all have different personalities, gifts, strengths, and yes, even weaknesses. On today's show Ben and Lynley discuss Clifton Strengths Finder with Ed O'Neal. Ed O'Neal is an American Veteran, leadership developer, and executive coach for leaders of non-profits, banking, and small businesses.  Ed shares the importance of working in one's strength rather than obsessing over weaknesses. In this episode you'll hear about the importance of self-awareness, how to overcome limiting beliefs, and how you can apply your strengths to your ministry and your family! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! SHOW LINKS:-Clifton Strength FInders-Connect with Ed O'Neal-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com

Ministry leaders typically spend time caring and discipling their congregation, and often times forget the very people they're in the trenches with. Caring for your staff and team is crucial for the overall health and impact of a church's ministry. On today's show, Pastor Mark and Jenna Hallock share ways they've created a healthy culture and cared for their staff over the years. Mark and Jenna are from Englewood, Colorado. In 2009 God called the couple to revive  Calvary Church. They have two adult children and love Zingers and Doritos! Mark and Jenna are such a fun couple to be around and we know you'll leave this episode inspired by ways to care for your team!  SHOW LINKS: -Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

We all know that living in the glass house is hard, but growing up in it can be even harder. Today Ben and Lynley are concluding this 3 part series on what it's like to grow up in the glass house. Today's conversation is two Lifeway employees, Tyler Litton and Heather Burczynski. Tyler is the manager of Media Creative and Heather serves as the Executive Assistant to President Ben Mandrell. The two discuss the need to be adaptable, being wired to protect their father, ways of processing loss, and reveal what they would or wouldn't have changed.We hope you've enjoyed this season, and if you haven't listened to part 1 and 2, we encourage you to click the links below! Thanks for sharing this episode with a friend! Show Links:-Part 1 of Series-Part 2 of Series-Breaking Free by Beth Moore-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. And even though all of these people were pastor's kids, they all have unique stores!  On today's show, two Lifeway employees, Joel Polk and Shelly Richardson, share with us their experience growing up in the glass house. We discuss how being a pastor's kid effected their view of ministry, the pain of experiencing critical leadership, and the joys of the church body rallying around the family.   Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS: -Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. Today's we're kicking off this series with Kelly Minter. Kelly Minter is an author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Her most recent Bible study from Lifeway publishers is called Encountering God: Cultivating Habits of Faith Through the Spiritual Disciplines. Kelly speaks around the country and also works closely with Justice & Mercy International in the Amazon jungles of Brazil as well as the Eastern European country of Moldova. Kelly is deeply passionate about teaching the Bible and believes it permeates all of life. When she’s not writing, traveling, or speaking she enjoys time in her garden, cooking, and being with her friends and family. A Southern transplant, she delights in long walks, her local church, meaningful conversation, and coffee in her Justice & Mercy International diner mug.Kelly Minter grew up in the glass house and shares with us the complexities of that reality, how her parents put what was best for the kids over the opinions of others, and the blessings and struggles that come along with the calling. Thank you so much for listening and sharing this episode with your friends who are raising kids in the glass house! SHOW LINKS:-Connect with Kelly Minter -Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

The Glass House is starting a new series interviewing pastors' wives! We will hear from the different generations what it required of them to be a pastor's wife when they were younger. On today's show we have Veronica Geear, wife of JD Greear, Senior Pastor of The Summit Church in North Carolina. Veronica shares some incredible wisdom in having people speak into our blindspots, how we carefully speak into areas in our husband's life that only we can, and how little control we actually have in our life. We hope this episode encourages pastor's wives in whatever season you may be in. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend.SHOW LINKS:-Becoming Elisabeth Elliot-Being Elisabeth Elliot-How to Stay Married, The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told -Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

Have you ever asked your spouse a simple question, like, "whats for dinner?" and all of a sudden they're making a snarky comment back to you? Have you ever found yourself responding out of irritation and frustration when your spouse or kids simply ask you a question? On today's show Nicole Zasowski describes to us what happens when we are operating in our pain cycle, how we can regulate our emotions, and why the simplest of questions can push us over the edge. Nicole Zasowski is a marriage and family therapist outside of New York City. She is an author of Lost to Found and What If It's Wonderful, along with being a full time mom and wife. She also has a Bible Study resource coming soon through Lifeway!Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS:From Lost to FoundWhat If It's WonderfulThe 5 Temptations of a CEOConnect with the Glass House on Instagram HEREPlease email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

On August 23rd, 2005 people all over the country were glued to the television watching the largest hurricane in recent history move towards the Gulf Coast. As if a category 5 hurricane wasn’t enough of a threat, the levees that protect New Orleans, Louisiana from incoming water, collapsed. On today’s show Dr. Fred Luter shares his experience of losing everything to a natural disaster, the onset of depression he endured, and the joy of seeing the greater church body come together in a time of need.  Suffering in this life is inevitable. Dr. Fred challenges us to trust that our suffering allows us to be better ministry leaders as we serve and better understand those in our ministry.SHOW LINKS 2 Corinthians 12:8-9Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HEREPlease email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

What happens when we hide who we really are? What happens when we let God do a work in 90% of our life, while trying to hide the other 10% from Him? It's so incredibly powerful to come clean to people in your life and confess your sins to others. Typically, it's where the healing that needs to take place begins. In today's episode you'll hear a message that Ben preached at Long Hollow Church. This message is filled with conviction to confess, but also filled with so much hope of the healing God desperately wants to do in our life! We hope this episode gives you the encouragement you need to take the step to live authentically and come out of hiding. Show Links: Lifeway Bible - Legacy Note Taking Bible Lifeway Bible for kids - Explorer Bible Proverbs 4:232 Kings 13 Long Hollow ChurchProverbs 15:3Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

Today, on this special episode of the Glass House, we are dropping into your feed on a Friday to bring you an important re-air of an episode that means a great deal to us at the Glass House.  This episode on transitioning  church, with our guests, Adam Mason and Dr. Phil Jett, is especially dear to us because of Dr. Jett's recent passing. It was our desire to honor him by putting these wise words out for you to enjoy, once again.  We hope this will encourage you to think of ministry mentors in your life.  Reach out to them, and tell them how much they mean to you. It's always a good time to say thank you. You may watch Dr. Jett's memorial service HERE.Follow the Glass House on Instagram HERE.

In today’s episode, The Glass House shares a sermon Ben preached recently at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas. The message is from Luke 16, where Jesus tells of a shrewd manager who used worldly wealth to gain friendships. Ben shows how the most important thing a church can do – including both staff and members – is to invest in its relationships with one another. He concludes with five questions to consider as you navigate relationships with the people in your life. We hope you are both encouraged and challenged by the message!SHOW LINKS:“Strength to Strength” by Arthur Brooks“The Power of Moments” by Chip and Dan Heath

With only 20 days left in the year many of us are reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the new year. This season is often seen as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, renewal of commitments, and the setting of new goals. But what does a new start really bring us? Do we have more excitement in the anticipation of a new season, or in the actual season we’ve been waiting for? On today’s show Ben and Lynley tackle the topic of starting over with producer Angie Elkins. They get real about what holds them back from starting something new, achieving goals, and the patience God’s plans usually require of us. Whether you’ve bought your 2024 planner or you’re barely getting to the 2023 finish line, this episode has something for everyone! SHOW LINKS:Starting Over by Chris Stapleton Atomic Habits Luke 9:61-62 Proverbs 16:9 

Over the last several episodes we’ve talked about the unique challenges of ministry leaders living in the glass house of church leadership. We’ve recently received a letter challenging one of our episodes addressed to small churches, and the lack of relevancy to the "super small church", a category of churches we didn’t realize we weren’t speaking to. According to feedback, these super small churches are less than 100 people with 1-2 pastors on staff, typically with the second staff member being a part-time employee. These super small churches make up 73% of Southern Baptist Convention churches in America, so today’s episode is directed to those faithful leaders!  Ben and Torie from Alabama and Trey and Ashley from Texas share with us the challenges and opportunities of pastoring in a small church in a small town. We appreciate their transparency in the things they envy and struggle with, as well as the gifts and blessings that come from their community and church families. Ben and Torie share with us how deep loyalty and trust run in a small town, while Trey and Ashley challenge our worldly view of success as a pastor and debunk the myths of small church ministry. To all the pastors and their families who are wearing multiple hats and preparing a message while also cleaning the church, we see you and we are thankful for the work you’re doing in your corner of the world!SHOW LINKS: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

Picture yourself in a situation where telling a small lie could potentially save someone from a great deal of harm. Is it ever morally justifiable to deceive for the greater good? Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "The Glass House" with Ben and Lynley Mandrell. It’s a special episode this week as our producer, Angie Elkins, puts us “on the spot” with a series of ethical dilemmas and asks the question, “Is this right or wrong for a ministry leader?” Topics range from singing the national anthem in a church service to taking a sabbatical and more. This episode will challenge your thoughts, stir your conscience, and maybe even leave you questioning the very essence of right and wrong. Okay, maybe not that far! We hope you enjoy the challenging questions and honest, unscripted responses.Show Links:Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com 

Ministry is complex and making mistakes is inevitable. On today’s show Ben and Lynley sit down with three ministry couples who are transparent about their biggest mistakes they’ve made and learned from over the years. Jarrett and Debbie Stephens, Corey and Melody Caine, and Mark and Janet Dance share with us how they have navigated the challenges of ministries and what they have learned on the other side of some of their biggest mistakes! Learning from leaders who have gone before us is a gift! We will forever be grateful for the ministry couples who enter the glass house with us and share their stories!   Mentions: - The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath -  Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry by Mark

Church staffs are inundated with male leadership. On ministry nights or get togethers where spouses are included, husbands of women on staff can easily feel like the odd man out. On today’s show Ben and Lynley explore the complexities of this dynamic with Robert and Tasha Calvert.   Robert and Tasha Calvert have been married for over 20 years, together they share four daughters and two sons-in-law, and live in Texas. Robert has had an extensive career in the technology industry, currently working for Microsoft. Tasha is the women’s minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.   Robert and Tasha’s gift to this episode is their transparency. You will hear how they struggled for years to learn one another, how their balance of each another is their strength through church conflict, and how they navigate the challenges <