Fly on the Wall Podcast With Chris Sonksen
Be a “Fly on the Wall” as Chris Sonksen takes you behind the scenes on a coaching call with a ministry leader. In each episode, you’ll get to hear how a coaching call happens, practical tips on how to grow your ministry, and what it takes to be a healthy leader in today's culture. You'll get to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to a live coaching session between Chris and a church leader like yourself.
Fly on the Wall Podcast With Chris Sonksen
225 | Don't Let Critics Determine Your Direction
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Every leader will face criticism.
The question isn't if it will happen.
The question is whether you'll allow criticism to shape your leadership—or simply sharpen it.
In Episode 225 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Nick for an honest conversation about leading through criticism, building trust, creating healthy culture, and staying focused on what God has actually called your church to do.
Because one of the greatest temptations for any leader is trying to keep everyone happy.
And that's a battle you'll never win.
Here's some of what we unpack:
- Why church planters often lose momentum by trying to do too much too soon
- How to build critical mass by focusing on a few things and doing them exceptionally well
- Why clarity creates momentum while ambiguity creates tension
- How to lead without becoming addicted to approval
- Practical ways to build trust with people who have been hurt by previous church experiences
- Why leadership should be earned through intentional development—not handed out too quickly
- How leadership circles and apprenticeships help build a healthy leadership pipeline
- The importance of creating an invitation culture instead of relying on a few big Sundays
- How stories and celebration shape the culture of your church
One of the strongest reminders from our conversation was this:
"You can't lead with authority if you're addicted to approval."
Every pastor wants to care for people.
But caring for people isn't the same as allowing every opinion to determine the direction of your church.
Healthy leadership requires the courage to stay clear on the vision God has given you—even when not everyone agrees.
If you've ever wrestled with criticism, struggled to stay focused, or wondered how to build a healthier culture in your church, I think this conversation will encourage you and give you practical leadership tools you can use immediately.
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👋 About Us
Fly on the Wall Podcast, presented by Church Boom, takes pastors into a live coaching session with Chris Sonksen, CEO & Founder of Church Boom. Each episode features a pastor, just like you, as they share the challenges they face and get practical advice on how to overcome them.