Welcome to Season 2 of LeadingSmart! In this special premiere episode, we're switching gears from pastoral succession to something deeply personal - Tim Stevens shares his 40-year ministry journey and the lessons he wishes he'd known starting out.

What this episiode will cover:
✅ Tim's unconventional path from 18-year-old gap year to ministry leader
✅ 9 years with Life Action Ministries (including how he met his wife!)
✅ 20 transformative years at Granger Community Church
✅ Building teams at Vanderbloemen Search Group
✅ The unexpected call to Willow Creek during COVID
✅ Launching Leading Smart full-time

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Everything builds toward the next (even when you can't see it)
2. Knowing when it's the right time to move
3. Understanding "push vs. pull" in career transitions
4. Recognizing the difference between a "calling" and the "next right move"
5. Never burn bridges when you leave

🔥 Tim's Passionate Reminder: "You don't have to say everything in order to be telling the truth."

This season features 10-12 episodes condensing 40 lessons, plus special interviews with Tim's wife Faith, his adult children, and the "Granger OGs."

Next Episode: "The Long Game" - Why longevity matters in ministry leadership

#theleadingsmartpodcast #leadershipodcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #leadership #40years #lifelessons #lessonslearned #lessonslearnedinlife

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens

2026 LeadingSmart Gatherings Are OPEN! https://www.leadingsmart.com/gatherings

💻Visit LeadingSmart.com

🎧 Listen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

Download The Simply Strategic Show

https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc