The RISE Leadership Podcast
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.
Episodes
21 episodes
BTS of CTS: The Story Behind Cross Theological Seminary
In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeff Crawford—President of Cross Theological Seminary—joins Jeremy and Phil for a special behind-the-scenes look at how CTS came to life. From a simple dream to a thriving seminary, D...
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Episode 20
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39:25
Leading Remotely (And Crazy God Stuff)
IMB missionaries Seth & Amanda join our podcast to discuss lessons they have learned from serving and leading large numbers of team members who are stationed in remote locations.
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Episode 19
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28:22
Leading Up!
How do you influence the leaders above you without overstepping—and empower those below you to speak into your leadership? In this episode, Champion Forest Baptist Church Lead Pastor Jarrett Stephens joins us to unpack the art of “leading up.” ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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28:43
The Catalyst Leader, with Brad Lomenick
Host Jeremy Dixon is joined by leadership consultant, author, and former Catalyst leader Brad Lomenick. Together, they explore the weighty and essential leadership themes of identity, calling, and assignment—unpacking what it means to steward y...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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34:13
The Constant Fight for a Healthy Marriage (en Espanol)
En este episodio, Marco y Sonia Hernández, del equipo ministerial de Cross Church, comparten su trayectoria desde el inicio de su matrimonio, cuando ninguno de los dos era seguidor de Cristo, hasta su experiencia de salvación con Jesús, y cómo ...
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Season 1
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25:41
The Constant Fight for a Healthy Marriage
In this episode, Marco & Sonia Hernandez from our Cross Church ministry team share their journey as a married couple. From the beginning of their marriage when neither was a follower of Christ, to their saving encounter with Jesus, and how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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34:12
Don't Look Back, with Donnie Smith
Former Tyson & Foster Farms CEO Donnie Smith discusses the pitfalls of holding onto past successes and disappointments, how to stay focused on what's ahead, and how to run after God's best plans for your future in life and leadership. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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32:58
Rediscovering Joy in your Family, with Ted Cunningham
Author, Pastor and Comedian Ted Cunningham joins Pastor Nick Floyd and Jeremy Dixon to discuss finding joy in the crazy seasons and rhythms of family life.
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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27:04
Where Passions Intersect with Priorities
In this episode Wichita State pitcher Caleb Anderson, former Razorback Brandon Moore and guest co-host Rick Schaeffer join Phil McMichael to discuss baseball, leadership, and how to maximize our position and passions for the advancement of God’...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:02
Leading Through Conflict
In this episode, Jeremy and Phil will talk with Ryan Blackwell about navigating conflict as the leader. Join us as Dr. Blackwell discusses biblical and practical wisdom for handling conflict, and how to lead through conflict in a way that stren...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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31:38
The Fight to Finish Well
Brandon Thomas, Keystone ChurchThe fight to finish well — while every believer is aware of the priority that it should hold in our lives, we can easily lose sight of this fight as a motivational focus. In a recent chapel service...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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35:23
Walking in Obedience and Seeing God Move, with Mark Hutchinson
In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with our 2025 Freedom Weekend Speaker, Mark Hutchinson. Mark — the Young Adult Pastor from Family Life Church in Tampa, Florida —will take us thro...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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26:09
When to Make a Change and How to Do It
In the next episode of the Rise Leadership Podcast, Cross Theological Seminary President Dr. Jeff Crawford discusses the factors to evaluate when considering a career move, and how to search for God’s will in that decision making process.
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:59
Intro to First Impressions Ministry
In this episode, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Mollie, one of our First Impressions Leaders, to talk about the ministry that makes every guest at Cross Church feel like they belong. From friendly greeters from the street to the seats, First Imp...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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21:12
Intro to Student Ministry
In this episode, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Bryant, one of our Student Pastors, to explore world of Student Ministry. From navigating high school heartbreaks to tackling life’s toughest questions, Bryant shares how this ministry creates a sp...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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20:27
Intro to Kids Ministry
Jeremy and Phil are joined by Cam, one of our Kids Pastors, to talk all things Kids Ministry. From exciting events to the weekly hustle of teaching God’s Word in creative ways, this episode highlights the incredible impact of ministering to 1st...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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19:19
Intro to Women’s Ministry
Jeremy and Phil welcome Jennifer, one of our Women’s Ministry Directors, for a conversation about Women’s Ministry at Cross Church. Discover how this ministry creates space for women to grow in their faith, form meaningful relationships, and na...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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20:51
Intro to Preschool Ministry
Join Jeremy and Phil as they sit down with Whitney, one of our Preschool Directors, to explore the heart of Preschool Ministry at Cross Church. From goldfish crackers to sharing the love of Jesus with the tiniest members of our church, this epi...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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21:06
The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting with Dr. Ronnie Floyd
Join hosts Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael as they sit down with Dr. Ronnie Floyd, former Senior Pastor of Cross Church and a respected leader in ministry, to explore the supernatural power of prayer and fasting. In th...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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32:17
Leadership and The Church with Dr. Nick Floyd
In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with our senior pastor, Dr. Nick Floyd to explore what it means to lead in the local church. From personal leadership habits to influencing your family, wo...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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33:19
Introducing The RISE Leadership Podcast
In this inaugural episode of "The RISE Leadership Podcast", we set the stage for what this resource is all about: equipping and inspiring leaders at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. Host Jeremy Dixon (Young Adults Pastor) is joined by Phil M...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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21:10