The Glass House
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.
Episodes
150 episodes
148. A New Chapter: Reflecting on 148 Episodes of The Glass House
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 episode...
147. What to Do When You Fear the Finish Line
Join us today for an inspiring sermon from Ben that he preached recently at Longhollow Church. The Grace Bible:
146. Understanding Generations: Crossover with Etch Next Gen Podcast
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 the...
145. Building a Healthy Staff Culture in Ministry
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...
144. Accountability, Grace, and Growth — Revisiting John Wesley’s Holy Club Questions
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 ...
143. Book Discussion- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
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...
142. The Ministry of Listening: Building Better Conversations and Stronger Teams
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. Whet...
141. Leading Yourself Well — 10 & 10 Summer Series with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
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 d...
140. The Power of a Prepared Room: 10 & 10 with Ben & Lynley
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 ho...
139. The Trajectory of The Heart with Ben Mandrell
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...
138. Healthy Habits for Ministry Leaders with Tim Wheat
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...
137. Navigating Anger in Ministry with Steve and Lisa Cuss
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 ...
136. Through the Decades with Kathy Litton
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, experienci...
135. How to Embrace Gladness in Everyday Moments with Pastor Fred Luter
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 he...
134. Overcoming Guilt and Leading with Confidence with Paige Green
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, the...
133. Breaking the Silence on Infertility: A Conversation with Doug Brown
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, cre...
132. Breaking Free from Shame: Living Authentically in Christ
"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 wei...
131. Healing from Betrayal: Cynthia’s Story of Faith, Resilience, and Community
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 ch...
130. Together: Building Authentic Biblical Community with Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton (Bonus Episode)
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 o...
129. Grief, Loss, and God’s Goodness with Rachel Lorance
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 hap...
128. No Longer the Lonely Leader - Finding Connection in Ministry with Kenny Sanderfer
Have you ever felt alone, even in a room full of people? Or wondered why ministry, with all its connections, can sometimes feel so isolating? It's important to us that you know you are not alone! In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell...
127. How Emotions Make Us Better at Ministry with Chip Dodd and Bryan Barley
What if your greatest strength as a leader lies in embracing your emotions? As a leader, is it possible that showing vulnerability and healthy shame can actually unlock deeper connections and growth in your ministry? Join us as we uncover the t...
126. The Most Important Tool in a Pastor's Toolbelt
What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—i...
125. Merry Christmas and Next Season Preview
Merry Christmas, everyone!In today’s episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share their heartfelt reflections on this Christmas season. From the joy of having all their kids home to the blessings of serving their community, ...
124. Adopting a Biblical World View with Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols
How does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world,...