Claim OwnershipAVAIL Podcast
Subscribed: 38Played: 593
Subscribe
© All rights reserved
Description
The AVAIL Podcast exists to connect innovators in ministry and business with the top leadership voices in our world. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and encouraged as you prepare to reach the next level of your leadership journey. www.theartofleadership.com
269 Episodes
Reverse
In this powerful conversation, Pastor Reina Olmeda—CEO of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, or NHCLC, and a leading mental health advocate—shares why mental wellness must be a priority for pastors and leaders. Drawing from her experience as a pastor and mental health expert, Reina unpacks the hidden struggles leaders face, the dangers of burnout, and the cultural stigmas that keep many from seeking help. She offers practical ways churches can create safe spaces for honest conversations, emphasizes that self-care is necessary, and points to bilingual resources through the NHCLC that equip leaders to thrive in every area of life.
What does it take to lead well through one of the most delicate seasons in a church’s life—pastoral succession? In this candid conversation, Pastor Josh Surratt of Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC, shares his unlikely journey from reluctant leader to embracing the role his father once held. Josh unpacks the principles that made their father-to-son transition healthy, the cultural shifts that sustain growth, and why detaching your identity from your role is vital for longevity in ministry. Whether you’re an outgoing or incoming leader—or somewhere in between—this episode offers a roadmap of honor, health, and hope for the future of the church.
From the NFL to prison to pastoring one of Atlanta’s most dynamic churches, Mayo Sowell’s story is pure redemption and grit. In this inspiring conversation, the founder of LIIV Atlanta and Blank Canvas Creative Co. shares how God transformed his life, called him back to the city he once left, and why reaching “the least of these” drives his mission. He also reveals what he learned from spending seven days living unhoused for a documentary project. Packed with lessons on contextualizing ministry, casting vision, and leading authentically, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to make real impact.
What happens when you fully surrender to God’s calling—no matter the cost? In this inspiring conversation, Pastor Chris Binion, lead pastor of Encounter Church in Rockwall, TX, and first-time author of YES!!!, shares his journey of embracing Kingdom assignments with unwavering faith. From navigating leadership transitions to discerning between good opportunities and God-given missions, Chris reveals the lessons, surprises, and growth that come with saying yes to God. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between comfort and calling, this episode will challenge you to trust God’s process and step boldly into your purpose.
Stories have the power to shape hearts, stir emotions, and lead people to encounter Jesus in new ways. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, Brennan McPherson, President of The Salvation Poem Project and director of Light of the World, shares how his team is bringing the story of Christ to life through 2D animation. Discover why they chose to tell the gospel through the eyes of John, how creative storytelling can serve as an act of worship, and how art can open doors for people around the world to fall in love with Jesus.
What if your greatest struggle became the key to someone else’s freedom? In this raw and redemptive conversation, pastor and author Dr. David Espinoza, Jr. opens up about his decades-long battle with pornography addiction—and how the grace of God, the 12-step model, and the courage of his wife changed everything. From early exposure at age seven to helping other leaders find healing, David’s story is a wake-up call and a lifeline. His workbook Life After Porn offers a biblically grounded pathway to restoration, freedom, and lasting transformation. If you're tired of hiding, this episode is a call to step into the light.
What if the key to transforming your city wasn’t fixing what’s broken—but uncovering what’s already good? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL podcast, Meghan Killingsworth—co-pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sanford—introduces us to the power of asset-based community development (ABCD). Rooted in the belief that God declared creation “very good,” Meghan unpacks why real ministry doesn’t start with people’s deficits—it starts with their dignity. Discover how ABCD reshapes outreach, discipleship, and justice by partnering with people, not working for them. This episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your vision of what Kingdom work can truly look like.
What does it mean to live a life of wisdom in a world of noise? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Brandon Anderton unpacks the heart behind his new book The Way of the Wise—a 365-day journey through Proverbs. Brandon shares how his personal experiences, leadership challenges, and pursuit of godly wisdom have shaped his mission to help others live with intention. If you’ve ever wrestled with decision-making, spiritual maturity, or legacy-building, this conversation will stir your hunger for the kind of understanding that leads to lasting impact.
What does it take to build a team that thrives without burning out? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, leadership coach Sean Lovejoy—founder of Courage to Lead and author of Building a Killer Team—shares the hard-won lessons behind creating an organization that lasts. From systems to soul care, Sean reveals the three components of an unstoppable team: synergy, scalability, and sustainability. If you’ve ever struggled with control, burnout, or the pressure to grow, this conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders who want to build healthy teams that stand the test of time.
What does it mean to be a person God can trust? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Justin Graham, author of Trust Issues, shares the personal moment that sparked his book—a divine question that shook him to the core: “Can I trust you?” Justin dives deep into what it takes to build a life of integrity, how trust shapes every level of leadership, and why private character must match public calling. If you’ve ever wrestled with failure, trust wounds, or doubts about your calling, this episode offers wisdom and hope for the journey.
What turns a strong leader into a stagnant one? In this Part 2 episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman returns with wisdom forged over nearly five decades of ministry. From the danger of becoming a “zoo lion” to the subtle slide into ego-driven leadership, Charles reveals the costly mistakes pastors make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just starting or decades in, this conversation will challenge you to fight complacency, stay under authority, and lead with both grit and grace.
What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t failure—but comfort? On this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman, founding pastor of Abundant Church, unpacks a lifetime of lessons from over 48 years of ministry. With wisdom forged through real-world experience, Charles shares the most common (and costly) mistakes leaders make—from entitlement to ego to neglecting personal growth. If you're ready to lead with humility, resilience, and long-term faithfulness, this conversation is your roadmap.
What happens when a backslidden believer encounters the raw presence of God—on a beach, with no lights, no music, and no church in sight? In this captivating episode of the AVAIL podcast, pastor, author, and life coach Benny Perez shares the supernatural story that reshaped his life, ministry, and message. From physical suffering and disappointment with God to a Spirit-led encounter that changed everything, Benny invites leaders to rediscover the Kingdom of God—not as a future promise, but a present reality. If you’ve ever felt stuck between what you believe and what you experience, this conversation is your invitation to believe again.
What’s beneath the surface of your leadership—and is it helping you last or leading you to burnout? In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with pastor, counselor, and author Chip Judd, we explore what it takes to lead from a place of deep emotional and spiritual health. With honesty and insight, Chip unpacks the roots of chronic stress, how our childhood patterns shape our adult ministries, and why most leaders are running on fumes without realizing it. If you're tired of pretending and ready to be free, this episode offers a better way—one rooted in the Father’s love, personal wholeness, and sustainable leadership.
What does it really take to live a healthy, sustainable life in ministry—and not burn out along the way? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL Podcast, counselor, pastor, and author Chip Judd joins host Virgil Sierra for a candid conversation about The Endurance Factor, the book he co-wrote with Greg Surratt. Drawing from decades of experience and a life-altering lung transplant, Chip shares what it means to build rhythms of health, guard your most important relationships, and redefine success through the lens of spiritual and emotional wholeness. Leaders, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, confront what’s driving you, and embrace a way of leading that’s both powerful and sustainable.
What if your business partner was the Builder of All Things? In this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, entrepreneur and author Richie Breaux joins Virgil Sierra to share how a near-death experience shaped his faith and leadership, and how partnering with God transformed his business journey. Richie unpacks key insights from his book Builder of All Things, including the power of stewarding rather than owning, recognizing divine timing in seasons of abundance and drought, and leading with a surrendered heart. Together, they explore how diligence and obedience unlock the 153 Season—a moment when God’s provision aligns with our preparation. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation will remind you of the One guiding your GPS.
What happens when your faith collides with the unknown? In this insightful episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re joined by Stephan Tchividjian—CEO and Founder of the National Christian Foundation of South Florida. Together with host Virgil Sierra, Stephan unpacks what it means to lead from the “messy middle,” where growth, humility, and surrender shape lasting impact. You’ll hear how authenticity with Christ, not performance, creates true influence; why pride is a subtle but dangerous threat in leadership; and how white space—not busyness—fosters deeper connection. This is a heartfelt call to slow down, listen well, and lead with intimacy.
When your image of God is shaped more by fear than by love, something has to change.
In this thought-provoking episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Young—author of The Shack and Lies We Believe About God, and founder of the William Paul Young Initiative. Paul opens up about his deeply personal journey through addiction, infidelity, and pain—and how it all led him to discover the transformative power of God’s unconditional love. Together with host Virgil Sierra, Paul explores the lies we carry about God, the importance of questioning without losing faith, and how living in the present moment helps us truly experience the Divine. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving a more honest, grace-filled faith.
God’s love isn’t just something He has—it’s who He is. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Jason Clark challenges us to rethink our understanding of God’s nature and love. Drawing from his upcoming book, Rethinking God with Tacos, Jason shares how deconstructing false ideas about God leads to a deeper, more authentic faith. If you’ve ever struggled with rigid or limiting views of God, this episode will inspire you to embrace His love in a new way!
You don’t have to carry the weight of leadership alone—there’s a better way forward.
On today’s episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we’re sitting down with Pastor John Cameron, founder of Empower Leader, a coaching ministry designed specifically to serve lead pastors. John shares powerful insights from decades of ministry—from launching a multi-site church in New Zealand to now coaching leaders across the globe. He unpacks how vision clarity, resource alignment, and leadership development are essential for sustainable growth. If you're a lead pastor feeling stretched, stuck, or simply seeking wisdom for the next phase, this conversation will speak directly to your season.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States