The Field Leaders Podcast

Resiliency is not just about keeping individual workers healthy, it is about building ministries that can withstand attrition, visa issues, transitions, and seasons of hardship while the work keeps moving forward. Scott Lundy interviews Dr. Bob McNabb on “resiliency re-examined,” including mindset shifts for leaders, how to cultivate national ownership early, why teams need a deep bench, how sub-teams create critical redundancy, and what support structures every field leader should have (coaching, peers, and gospel community). Join the discussion and share what you have seen help the work endure.https://missionexus.org/podcast-listing/the-field-leaders-podcast/

Missionary leadership is demanding—and many leaders feel overloaded, isolated, and under-supported. In this episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, we share what 76 missionary field leaders told us are their greatest challenges—ranked. You’ll hear the Top 15 missionary leadership challenges, grouped into three buckets: overwhelming demands, team issues, and the leader’s internal landscape + inadequate support systems—plus the practical supports that help: mentorship/coaching, peer support, gospel community, and shared leadership.Contact us: https://missionexus.org/podcast-listing/the-field-leaders-podcast/Webinars: https://missionexus.org/events/list/Research Finding Paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PNj47upU-J1wbqK7uNJGDFAP5nhAoXMV/view?usp=sharingKeywords: missionary leadership, field leadership, missions leadership, cross-cultural leadership, team leadership, burnout, isolation, mentoring, coaching, team conflict, resilience, training.

Why do so many well intended ministry efforts stall, even when teams are healthy and committed?In this episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, Bob McNabb is joined by Scott Lundy and veteran missionary Greg Nicholson to explore why strategy matters in cross cultural ministry. Drawing on decades of experience in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, they reflect honestly on lessons learned, mistakes made, and why coming alongside national leaders, rather than trying to do the work ourselves, often leads to greater fruit.This conversation dives into humility, posture, trust, team leadership, and the realities of partnering with local believers in complex contexts. If you are a field leader, team leader, or cross cultural worker wrestling with strategy and effectiveness, this episode offers hard won insight and practical wisdom.

Conflict on the mission field is unavoidable—but it doesn’t have to be devastating. In this episode, Dr. Bob McNabb and co-host Scott Lundy sit down with John Shindeldecker, President of Peace Pursuit International, to explore how conflict can become a tool for transformation instead of a source of burnout, broken teams, and lost joy.With 46 years of cross-cultural ministry experience, John unpacks why conflict is so common among global workers, what really lies beneath our frustrations, and how the Peace Pursuit model gives leaders a clear, biblical process to restore relationships, rebuild trust, and strengthen teams.You’ll hear real examples of reconciliation, practical first steps leaders can take this week, and the simple habits that build a culture of peace on your team.If you lead in a multicultural, high-pressure environment, this episode is a must-listen.Peace Pursuit Tools: https://peacepursuit.org

Why do 360° evaluations make so many leaders nervous—and why might they actually be one of the best tools for your growth?In this episode, Dr. Bob McNabb, Scott Lundy, and special guest Bryan Brown explore how 360° feedback can reveal hidden strengths, increase self-awareness, strengthen cross-cultural leadership, and help you grow with courage rooted in Christ. You’ll also learn practical tools for implementing 360s on your team—whether you have a big budget, small budget, or no budget at all.A practical, encouraging conversation for leaders who want to grow and help others flourish.Trusted Leader 360° Tool: https://trustedleader360.com

Guest: Henry ClayHosts: Dr. Bob McNabb & Scott LundyWhen it comes to leadership development, there’s no shortage of concepts—but practical, reproducible tools can be hard to find. In this episode, veteran ministry leader Henry Clay joins hosts Bob McNabb and Scott Lundy to introduce a simple yet powerful tool called “Dress Codes.”Henry unpacks how this tool helps leaders have developmental dialogues that turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities. Together they explore:Why many leaders struggle to think developmentallyHow to use the “Dress Codes” acrostic (Describe, Role, Expectations, Success, Surprise, Change, Observation, Development, Execution, Share)Ways to create a culture of safety and growth on your teamHow to use developmental dialogues with individuals or groupsCommon mistakes to avoid and how to build trustIf you lead others—especially in ministry or cross-cultural settings—this episode will equip you with a memorable, field-tested process for helping people grow.Dress Codes Tool

The Secret to Real Leadership Growth | If you could multiply a leader’s growth tenfold, where would you start? In this episode, Dr. Bob McNabb explores the most overlooked yet transformational practice in leadership development. Discover how vulnerability, identity in Christ, and leading from the heart can transform not only what you do, but who you are. Learn practical habits—like confession, solitude, reflection, and community—that help leaders grow from the inside out. Stay tuned to the end for details about upcoming Field Leaders Tables, Missio Nexus’ cross-agency peer groups for leadership development, soul care, and community.

Most leadership models tell you what leaders should do. This one flips the script and asks: “What do they need most right now to thrive and succeed?” In this teaching episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, Dr. Bob McNabb introduces the Champion Leadership Model—a simple, biblical, one-page framework to help you serve the people you lead with relevance and timeliness. You’ll see how “championing” others shows up throughout Scripture (John the Baptist, Barnabas with Paul, Paul with Phoebe) and how to translate that posture into practical weekly leadership.The Champion Leadership Model Tool: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNXTEe2_bb-bWVH7mFuMozYJ_ZD26nuS/view?usp=drive_link

Too many leaders stay busy doing the work and under-invest in leading the work. In this episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, Dr. Bob McNabb talks with long-time field leaders Scott Lundy (Middle East) and Jen (Southeast Asia) about the crucial shift from frontline ministry to shepherding the people who shepherd others. They unpack how to balance care and direction, avoid “ministry mistresses,” and build healthy rhythms that keep a team aligned, developing, and fruitful.Resources mentioned:The Champion Leadership Model: https://youtu.be/ZPBt5OzgtfcLead • Develop • Care (LDC) frameworks & trainings: https://www.leaddevelopcare.com/Trusted Leader 360 (for feedback & growth planning). (https://trustedleader360.com/)Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership — Ruth Haley Barton.Peace Pursuit / peacemaking tools for team health. (https://peacepursuit.org/)Peer Coaching / Field Leaders Network opportunities via Missio Nexus. (https://missionexus.org/table/)

Season 2, Episode 1: The Gospel Moves Best in TeamsThe Field Leaders Podcast returns with a brand-new season! Join Dr. Bob McNabb, Scott Lundy, and Jim Doggett as they explore why the gospel advances most powerfully through teams. Together they unpack biblical models, share personal stories, and address common critiques of teamwork in ministry.📌 Key themes in this episode:What a true team is (and isn’t)Why interdependence and synergy matterBiblical foundations for teamwork in missionThe joy, resilience, and fruit that come from leading togetherWhether you’re a team leader, supervisor, or aspiring leader, this conversation will encourage you to embrace the power of team for greater Kingdom impact.👉 Subscribe for more episodes on thriving teams and effective field leadership.

In this bonus episode of the Field Leaders Podcast, Dr. Bob McNabb sits down with Dr. Richard Trca and Jay Eastman to explore how psychological safety shapes thriving gospel-centered teams. Drawing from academic research and lived experience, they unpack what psychological safety really means, why it’s vital for innovation and trust, and how leaders can foster a culture where vulnerability, learning, and growth are rewarded.Resources:Richard Trca: Executive Summary on Psychological Saftey - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zhKaUqTk1SdfVrdqK8iM6HzOelp9qCGF/view?usp=sharingAmy Edmondson: https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/Timothy Clark: https://www.leaderfactor.com/team/timothy-r-clarkJim Herrington: https://theleadersjourney.us/team/jim-herrington/Managing Leadership Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/38ssxfedThe Six Realities That Impact Every Conversation: https://tinyurl.com/5n6m37pk

In this episode, Dr. Bob McNabb and Scott Lundy wrap up their series on gospel community by identifying six essential elements that create the kind of Christ-centered relationships every field leader needs: safety, frequent contact, focus, skill, support, and humility & courage. Drawing from real-life experiences and insights from previous guests, they offer practical reflection questions, leadership applications, and a free downloadable worksheet to help listeners evaluate and strengthen their own gospel communities. Whether you're leading a team or seeking deeper connection, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you grow.📥 Download the worksheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GYddrP5QE14jt-UFOmNwFDv96g6rHL5V/view?usp=sharingContact us at: https://missionexus.org/podcast/the-field-leaders-podcast/

In this episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Bob McNabb explores the real-world challenges that prevent missionary leaders from experiencing deep, authentic gospel community. Through honest reflections and stories from seven field leaders, we examine barriers like geographic isolation, overwhelming busyness, unsafe environments, power dynamics, and the personal resistance to vulnerability. You’ll hear how some leaders have overcome these hurdles—and how others are still wrestling with them. This conversation will inspire you to reflect on your own journey and take intentional steps toward meaningful, soul-refreshing connection with others.

In this episode of the Field Leaders Podcast, Dr. Bob McNabb is joined by a diverse panel of field leaders from across the globe to explore how we can lead others into authentic gospel community. From modeling vulnerability and building trust, to crossing cultural and personality boundaries, our guests share powerful stories and practical insights that reveal what it takes to foster deep, transformative relationships on ministry teams. Whether you're a team leader, coach, or mentor, this conversation will encourage and equip you to cultivate gospel-centered community wherever you serve.Contact us at: https://missionexus.org/podcast/the-field-leaders-podcast/

In this deeply personal episode, field leaders share vulnerable and inspiring stories of how gospel community has transformed their lives, families, and ministries. From walking through seasons of darkness to finding healing, authenticity, and renewed vision, these stories reveal the ripple effects of gospel-centered relationships. Whether you're leading on the field or seeking deeper connection, this episode will encourage you to pursue the kind of community that brings lasting change.Contact us at: https://missionexus.org/podcast/the-field-leaders-podcast/

In this episode, we go deeper into the foundational role gospel community plays in shaping healthy leaders, resilient teams, and lasting ministry impact. Far from being a “nice-to-have,” gospel-centered relationships are essential for the kind of transformation the gospel promises. We explore the unseen costs of isolation in leadership, the spiritual and emotional benefits of true community, and why many leaders underestimate its importance. Whether you're leading a team, coaching others, or serving in a challenging field, this episode will challenge you to reconsider your priorities—and inspire you to cultivate the kind of community that sustains you for the long haul.Visit our podcast webpage: https://missionexus.org/podcast/the-field-leaders-podcast/

In this inaugural episode of The Field Leaders Podcast, host Bob McNabb and his co-host Scott Lundy, explore why gospel community is not just a helpful support system—but the very foundation of authentic leadership. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and practical wisdom, Bob and Scott invite field leaders to consider how deep, transformative community shapes their ability to lead with humility, courage, and integrity. Whether you’re new to leadership or decades into your journey, this episode will stir your soul and strengthen your steps.Visit our podcast webpage and ⁠contact us here.⁠

The episode will give you a sneak peek into the future seasons and episodes of The Field Leaders Podcast. Visit our podcast webpage and contact us here.