The LeadingSmart Podcast
Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.
Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdomâeven when itâs hard.
In Season One, weâre diving into a topic most churches avoid until itâs too late: pastoral succession. Over 10 episodes, weâll pull back the curtain on one of the most critical and complex leadership conversations in the Church today.
Whether youâre a senior pastor beginning to ask âwhatâs next?â, a board member trying to plan for the future, or a staff leader walking through change, this season will give you the tools, language, and courage to navigate succession well.
Hereâs what you can expect each week:
Insight from decades of experience helping churches through transition
Honest stories from the frontlines
Tangible takeaways you can apply with your team, board, or congregation
And of courseâŠour weekly Rants & Raves on everything from leadership to soft pants đ
Because the truth is: Succession isnât a moment. Itâs a mindset. And it starts long before you think youâre ready.
#LeadingSmartPodcast, #ChurchLeadership, #SuccessionPlanning, #LeadershipDevelopment, #ExecutivePastor, #LeadershipTools, #MinistryCoaching, #LeadershipPodcast
The LeadingSmart Podcast
How To Lead Through Messy Situations
Join Tim Stevens, founder of LeadingSmart, and Holly Tate in this powerful episode about navigating the toughest seasons of leadership. If you've ever felt stuck in middle management, wondered how to gain influence without authority, or questioned whether your leadership efforts are making a difference - this episode is for you. Tim's raw honesty about leadership failures and the long journey of rebuilding will encourage any leader in a difficult season.
What You'll Learn:
- How to lead authentically during organizational crises
- Why influence grows by what you do, not what you're called
- The importance of "leading where you are" before you have a seat at the table
- Practical strategies for young leaders to build influence
- How to find the genius in the room and empower your team
Key Highlights:
Tim shares vulnerable stories from his 40+ years in ministry leadership, including:
- Handling moral failures on senior teams
- Leading through Willow Creek's difficult rebuilding season
- The power of serving at any level to build influence
- Why great leaders ask questions instead of having all the answers
đŻ 2026 LeadingSmart Gatherings Now Open!
NEW: Senior Pastor Gathering - Palm Springs (Limited to 40 pastors) Featuring Dave Dummitt (former Willow Creek) and David Whiting
Executive Pastor Gatherings:
- Palm Springs, California
- Clearwater Beach, Florida (NEW location with sunset yacht dinner!)
These intimate gatherings sell out quickly - secure your spot today!
Coming Next Week:
Tim interviews all four of his adult children about growing up as pastor's kids - a rare, honest conversation about ministry family life.
#Leadership #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #ExecutivePastor #SeniorPastor
đ± Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens
2026 LeadingSmart Gatherings Are Now OPEN! https://www.leadingsmart.com/gatherings
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đ§ Listen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast
Download 40 Lessons in 40 Years E-Book https://www.leadingsmart.com/lessons
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https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk
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