Things You Should Know Right Now

Something You Should Read

Times are changing, and cultural is shifting. When institutions like The New Yorker are publishing op-ed’s like this… we should be paying attention. Check out the byline… “In “Believe,” the Times columnist Ross Douthat argues that science has strengthened, rather than weakened, the case for faith.” I haven’t read the book the article is based on yet… but this is about trend spotting, identifying the moving needle in culture, and this is a big one. I’ve posted some thoughts below and the link to article!

BELIEF ISN’T DEAD—BUT IT NEEDS A WAKE-UP CALL

Ross Douthat’s new book Believe throws down a challenge: faith isn’t just a nice tradition—it’s the most logical response to life’s mysteries. He’s talking to the “spiritual but not religious” crowd, the ones drawn to meaning but hesitant to commit. His argument? Science hasn’t killed God, and real supernatural experiences still happen.

But here’s the tension: culture says faith is outdated, and skeptics demand proof. The Church? We’re caught in the middle. Our job isn’t just to defend belief—it’s to facilitate real encounters with God.

5 TAKEAWAYS FOR PASTORS & LEADERS

🔥 People Are Hungry for More – They feel the void. They just don’t know where to turn.

🔬 Science & Faith Can Coexist – The unknown isn’t proof of God, but it points to something bigger.

🙌 Experiences Matter – Healing, miracles, divine encounters—stories change hearts.

🛑 Culture Marginalizes Faith – The world sees belief as naive. We need bold, intelligent, Spirit-filled responses.

💬 Engagement > Dismissal – Don’t argue. Invite. Lead. Create space for seekers to meet Jesus.

CULTURAL SHIFTS TO WATCH

➡️ Spiritual, Not Religious – People want meaning but resist structure. How do we disciple in that space?

➡️ Secularism Isn’t Satisfying – The “just be a good person” gospel is empty. People need real hope.

➡️ Testimonies > Theories – People can debate theology, but they can’t deny transformation. Stories move hearts.

Faith isn’t dying—it’s waiting. Let’s wake it up. 💥

Something You Should Watch

When a couple of your friends are on Rich’s podcast at the same time… you gotta give it a shoutout… but on top of that… THIS IS GOLD.

Confessions of Church Planters: Key Takeaways for Pastors & Leaders

A Punchy, No-Fluff Summary in the Style of Brett Esslinger

Church planting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s gritty, messy, and will test every fiber of your being. But if you’re called, you’re called—and the weight of the call is worth it. Rich Wilkerson Jr., Jabin Chavez, and Russell Johnson laid it all out: the struggles, the lessons, and the wins. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Church Planting Feels Like a Holy Rollercoaster.

🚀 One day you’re seeing salvations, the next you’re wondering if you actually heard from God.

• You will doubt.

• You will struggle.

• You will be tested.

“Until I’m enough, nothing else will be.” - Russell Johnson

👉 Lesson: God cares more about what He’s doing in you than through you. Don’t despise the hard seasons—they’re where your leadership is forged.

2. Post-Christian Culture = Hunger for the Real Thing.

👀 People are done with watered-down faith. They’re looking for something authentic, bold, and spiritually alive.

“We do have this opportunity as preachers, pastors, church planters to give people hope right now.” - Jabin Chavez

• Gen Z is more spiritually open than you think.

• People aren’t stumbling into church because it’s “what you do.”

• They’re showing up because they’re at the end of themselves and they need Jesus.

👉 Lesson: If you preach it bold, they will come. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just gospel.

3. If You’re Gonna Lead, Get Ready to Get Hit.

🔥 Ministry isn’t a safe job. Culture will push back, and leadership comes with a target on your back.

“If you don’t want to quit at least once a month, you ain’t trying hard enough.” - Russell Johnson

• You will take heat for standing on truth.

• Your team will let you down.

• The weight of leadership never fully leaves you.

👉 Lesson: Spiritual stamina is key. Learn to endure, or you won’t last.

4. Presence > Programs.

⚡ The days of “seeker-sensitive” are over. The future of the church is presence-driven.

“The church doesn’t serve me. I serve it.” - Russell Johnson

• People don’t need a polished service, they need an encounter with God.

• The Holy Spirit breaks yokes. Production value doesn’t.

• The church is called to push back darkness, not just give light.

👉 Lesson: Make room for God to move. Don’t just run a show—usher in transformation.

5. God’s Trust Is Built in the Testing.

🛠️ If you want more, be faithful with what’s in your hands right now.

“The level of responsibility God hands to you is based on trust.” - Rich Wilkerson Jr.

• You can’t be trusted if you haven’t been tested.

• Your next season is tied to how you handle this season.

• Capacity is built through trials, not comfort.

👉 Lesson: Stop asking for more until you steward now.

Final Word: We’re in a Kairos Moment.

⏳ The next 10 years could be the biggest revival North America has ever seen. You in?

If you’re planting, pastoring, or leading—it’s game time. Preach it bold. Stand firm. Lean into the Spirit.

💡 Question: What will history say about your faithfulness in this moment?

🔥 “The church is still the hope of the world.” - Russell Johnson

Stay faithful. Stay hungry. Let’s build.

Something You Should Listen To

You can find this wherever you listen to music… here’s the lyrics to the chorus…

Jesus, Jesus
You're so beautiful
I fall down before You, Jesus, Jesus
You can have it all
All of my heart is Yours

I can’t think of anything more appropriate in this moment.

🚀 Unlock the Full Potential of Your Calling! 🚀

You’ve got the vision. You’ve got the passion. Now it’s time to take action. Don’t let uncertainty, burnout, or lack of strategy hold you back from building the ministry God has placed on your heart. Whether you’re planting a church, leading a team, or navigating a challenging season, you don’t have to do it alone.

🚀 Book a FREE 30-Minute Coaching Call Today! 🚀

Let’s clarify your vision, tackle obstacles, and create a game plan for growth and impact. Click the link below and take the next step in leading with confidence and clarity. Your ministry is worth it. Your calling is worth it. Let’s go!

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Take Care of Your Calling AND Your Well-Being! 

Ministry is a calling—but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health and peace of mind. The Churchelp Health Benefits Plan is designed for pastors, by pastors, ensuring affordable, comprehensive health coverage that supports you and your family while you serve others.

💙 Protect your health. Strengthen your future. Focus on your calling.

📢 Don’t wait—learn more today! Click below to explore how Churchelp can support you and your ministry.

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Keep Leading Strong. Keep Moving Forward.

Leadership isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about practical tools, real strategies, and actionable insights that actually work. Every week, Leadership Essentials is here to equip you with the wisdom, clarity, and confidence you need to lead well, build strong teams, and carry out the vision God has placed on your heart. Because ministry is tough—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

🔥 Stay focused. Stay faithful. And most importantly—keep leading with hope.

Until next time,

P.S. I’m here to help! What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in leading your church in today’s cultural climate? Reply and let me know—I’d love to connect and support you on your journey. 🚀

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