In this episode of The Leader’s Journey Podcast, Jim Harrington sits down with pastor and coach Mac McCarthy to explore how emotional intelligence shapes the life of a leader and the health of a congregation. Together, they discuss what emotional intelligence truly means, why it’s essential for spiritual formation, and how leaders can embody and cultivate it within their teams and churches. Through real stories and practical insight, they invite listeners to see emotional maturity as a lifelong journey of formation and courage.

Mac McCarthy is a coach with The Leader’s Journey and the lead pastor of Crosspoint Community Church in the Milwaukee area. He has served in ministry since 2008 and is known for his thoughtful integration of emotional maturity, discipleship, and leadership development. Mac also hosts the Praxis podcast, where he explores faith and practice in everyday life.

Conversation Overview

• Defining Emotional Intelligence and Why It Matters
• Jesus as the Model of Emotional Maturity
• Practicing What You Teach
• From Learning to Practicing to Reflecting
• Building Emotionally Intelligent Cultures
• Creating Shared Language and Playful Learning
• Leadership Practices for Growth
• Navigating Conflict with Maturity
• The Long Work of Formation
• Encouragement for the Journey

Resources Mentioned

• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
• A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman
• The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation by Jim Herrington, Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert Creech
• Praxis Podcast by Crosspoint Community Church
• Emotional Intelligence Dialogue – November 11, 11:30 –12:30 PM CST