Claim OwnershipThe Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
Subscribed: 92Played: 2,658
Subscribe
© 2025 The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
Description
Ministry Leaders and their families live in a “glass house”—an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses. Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. Listeners who work in the trenches of church life will feel seen and gain tools to navigate ministry and life. Those who live outside this "glass house" will better understand what it's like to dwell there. Join Ben and Lynley Mandrell for these shockingly confessional—yet redemptive—conversations.
150 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text How do you know when it’s time to step into something new, and trust God with the unknown? In this special episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell take a heartfelt look back on their journey through 148 episodes as they prepare to step into a new season of ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church. With honesty and gratitude, they share the story behind their transition, from pivotal conversations to a deeply personal moment at a funeral that reignited their calling to th...
Send us a text Join us today for an inspiring sermon from Ben that he preached recently at Longhollow Church. The Grace Bible: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/csb-grace-bible-for-kids-hardcover-dyslexia-friendly-M00101447/005849714
Send us a text Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps. Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the...
Send us a text What’s it really like to work on your team - and what kind of culture are you creating as a leader? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the heartbeat of every organization: staff culture. Whether you're leading a small team or serving on a large church staff, the environment you create - or tolerate - impacts everything. Ben and Lynley walk through several guiding principles that shape healthy, high-functioning teams. They discuss the importance of direct communi...
Send us a text Are you inviting the kind of accountability into your life that leads to real spiritual growth - or are you simply going through the motions? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore the timeless wisdom of John Wesley’s Holy Club questions and how they can still shape the spiritual lives of modern ministry leaders. Originally crafted for deep self-reflection and community accountability, these questions spark a conversation about the delicate balance between discipline ...
Send us a text In a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and hustle, what is all this hurry costing us? In this episode, we slow down and take a deep breath to explore the spiritual, emotional, and relational toll of our nonstop lives. Drawing inspiration from John Mark Comer's powerful book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, we unpack the rhythms of rest, presence, and purpose that Jesus modeled for us—and how adopting them can transform our everyday lives.
Send us a text When was the last time you truly listened—not just to respond, but to understand? In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore one of the most undervalued yet essential skills in ministry leadership: listening. Whether you're navigating staff dynamics, leading small groups, or caring for your congregation, your ability to listen well can make or break your effectiveness as a leader. Ben and Lynley unpack the challenges of one-sided conversations, the powe...
Send us a text Before we can lead others effectively, we have to learn how to lead ourselves. Are you paying attention to the habits, rhythms, and decisions that shape your personal leadership? We’re continuing our 10 & 10 Summer Series, where Ben dives into a leadership topic for 10 minutes and Lynley follows with 10 minutes of thoughtful, honest commentary from her perspective. In this episode, Ben and Lynley explore the vital topic of self-leadership—the often-overlooked but foun...
Send us a text In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the power of preparation—especially when it comes to shaping the environments we lead in. Whether you're welcoming a new staff member, greeting a church guest, or hosting a team event, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes. Ben & Lynley unpack why first impressions matter and how intentional details—big or small—can leave a lasting impact. They discuss the tension between thoughtful experiences and bra...
Send us a text In a season of constant change, is your heart moving closer to God—or drifting further away? In this special episode, we’re sharing a powerful message from Ben Mandrell, delivered at our annual One Lifeway gathering. With honesty and depth, Ben invites ministry leaders to reflect on something we often overlook: the subtle shifts of the heart. As everything around us changes, so do we—but are we paying attention to the direction of that change? Drawing from the story of Cain and...
Send us a text Are you caring for your soul and body with the same intention you give to your ministry? As leaders, we often push through exhaustion and neglect our own well-being for the sake of serving others. But what if taking care of yourself is actually one of the most spiritual things you can do? In this episode, Ben Mandrell sit down with Tim Wheat to talk about the critical importance of health and self-care for pastors and ministry leaders. Tim shares his wisdom on how spiritual, em...
Send us a text How do we handle anger as ministry leaders without letting it harm our relationships or leadership? Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can become a significant challenge—especially in the context of ministry. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Steve and Lisa Cuss to explore the complexities of anger and how it affects leaders. Steve and Lisa openly share their personal experiences with anger—how it shows up in their lives, how they...
Send us a text What does it look like to serve faithfully in ministry through the decades? In this special episode of our "Through the Decades" series, Lynley Mandrell sits down with Kathy Litton—a pastor’s wife who has dedicated years to ministry, experiencing the highs and lows that come with a lifetime of service. Kathy’s journey is a testament to the resilience and grace required to navigate ministry through various seasons of life. From the early years of enthusiasm to the challenges of ...
Send us a text When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice a small moment of joy? As ministry leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the weight of responsibilities, constantly pouring into others while neglecting our own emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to pause and reflect on the difference between happiness and gladness—and why recognizing micro moments of joy in everyday life matters. They explore the tension ministry lea...
Send us a text As ministry leaders, how often do we carry guilt that God never intended for us to bear? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with guilt and forgiveness. Joined by Paige Greene, they dive into the complex emotions surrounding guilt—unpacking the difference between appropriate and inappropriate guilt—and how it impacts relationships at home, in ministry, and in leadership. Together, they explore the necessity of setting he...
Send us a text Infertility is a silent struggle that affects more people in our churches than we may realize. For many couples, the journey is filled with grief, unanswered questions, and a longing that can feel isolating. How can we, as ministry leaders, create spaces where these struggles are acknowledged, where both men and women feel seen, and where the church becomes a place of comfort rather than silence? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Doug Brown as he shares his...
Send us a text "Shame is the emotion that touches all the other emotions." - Dr. Curt Thompson What if shame is holding you back from living the full and abundant life God desires for you? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the weight of shame—its biblical roots, how it affects our relationships, and the ways it can keep us from experiencing true freedom. They also explore the regrets of the dying, shedding light on the importance of living authentically, maintaining a h...
Send us a text Have you ever faced a season of deep hurt or betrayal and wondered how you would ever heal? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Cynthia Wooldridge, a ministry leader who has walked through immense trials, including medical challenges and the heartbreaking betrayal of her husband. Through her journey of pain and restoration, Cynthia shares how faith, community, and vulnerability played a crucial role in her healing. Her story is a powerful testament to resilie...
Send us a text What does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a culture that often leans toward isolation. Drawing from Ben’s Together Bible Study, they explore the challenges pastors face in getting co...
Send us a text Have you ever found yourself wrestling with sadness, wondering how to process the pain while still believing that God is good? As ministry leaders, we often walk alongside others in their suffering, offering comfort and hope. But what happens when we are the ones grieving? When the loss is personal, when the words of others don’t quite bring the comfort we need—how do we navigate those moments? Today, Ben and Lynley Mandrell are joined by Rachel Lorance, who shares her journey ...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States