The RISE Leadership Podcast is a resource for leadership development within Cross Church, specifically created to equip and inspire our dream team volunteers, seminary residents, and staff members, though other churches may find value as well. In each episode, we offer insights and actionable takeaways to help you grow spiritually, lead with confidence, and make a Christ-centered impact in your ministry and life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, or navigate challenges with grace, The RISE Leadership Podcast provides the tools you need to lead yourself and empower those around you.
Jeremy is the Young Adults Pastor at Cross Church, leading The Social (Tuesday Night Young Adult Service) and the Young Marrieds ministry at the Pinnacle Hills Campus. He joined the Cross Church staff in 2015 as a resident, transitioned to full-time in 2016 in student ministry. He married his wife, Carly, in 2017 and they have two boys. Jeremy is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Ministry Leadership at Liberty University.
Phil began working in student ministry while attending Louisiana Tech University, and continued serving with students until joining the Cross Church staff in 2014. In 2023 Phil moved into his current role as the Pastor of Ministries at Cross Church. Phil is married to his wife Rachel, who is a business strategist and marketing coach.
Donnie Smith is the former CEO of both Tyson Foods and Foster Farms. He has served on the Board of Trustees at his Alma Matter, The University of Tennessee, where he was also voted as one of the Universities top 100 alumnus. Donnie partnered with Rwandan Minister of Agriculture and like-minded investors to begin the Africa Sustainable Agriculture Project Foundation to support agricultural development in Africa. He has also served on the Pastor's Council at Cross Church. He and his wife Terry have three children and one grandchild.
Dr. Jeff Crawford has served for over thirty years in churches across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, and Tennessee and enjoys traveling the globe on missionary journeys and interacting with the peoples of the world. He is the author of six books, including the Phineas Crook thriller series and non-fiction works on the Christian life. His depth of experience in education previously includes Dean of Shiloh Christian School, assistant professor of education at Liberty University, adjunct professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, and co-founder and president of the Cross Church School of Ministry. In 2024 he was named President of the Cross Theological Seminary, in Rogers, Arkansas.
Dr. Nick Floyd serves as Senior Pastor of Cross Church Northwest Arkansas. Prior to becoming Senior Pastor, Nick had served at Cross Church for 10 years, and was Lead Teaching Pastor & Staff Leader, teaching weekly @ the Fayetteville campus. Nick received his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University and his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He obtained his Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. Nick has served as a board member of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention since 2014, a Trustee of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary since 2012, and team chaplain for the Arkansas Razorback football team since 2014.
For 32 years Dr. Floyd served as Senior Pastor of Cross Church, a multi-campus church in Northwest Arkansas. His experience, wisdom, and passion for God make him a powerful proclaimer of God's Word and inspiring leader. Floyd has authored over 20 books including Forward: 7 Distinguishing Marks for Future Leaders, Living Fit: Make Your Life Count By Pursuing A Healthy You, and The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting.
Dr. Ryan Blackwell is the Executive Pastor and serves on the Teaching Team at Cross Church. He is the former Lead Pastor at 1st Baptist Church of San Fransisco, and is a huge fan of the San Fransisco Giants & Warriors. He holds a DMIN from Gateway Seminary.
Mark Hutchinson is the Young Adults pastor and serves on the Teaching Team at Grace Family Church in Tampa, Florida. Mark previously served as the Student Ministries Director at Christ Fellowship in Miami. Additionally, Mark was the Director of Campus Ministry for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from December 2015 to July 2018, focusing on building a leadership team to engage college students in South Florida.
Rick Schaeffer is one of the hosts of Drivetime Sports, one of the most successful sports talk radio show in Arkansas’ history. Rick was a sports information director for the Razorbacks from 1976-2000, and formerly served as a color analyst on Arkansas' football, basketball and baseball radio broadcasts. He also served as a communications director for Springdale Public Schools.
Ted is is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri. He and his wife, Amy, have been married for 27 years and have two children, Corynn and Carson. He is the author of Fun Loving You, Trophy Child, Young and In Love and coauthor of four books with Dr. Gary Smalley including The Language of Sex and From Anger to Intimacy. His most recent release is Greater Joy Twogether. He is a comedian on the Date Night Comedy Tour and a frequent conference speaker at churches and events across the country. Ted is a graduate of Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary.