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 wisdom—even when it’s hard.
We are officially on Season 3! This season is about staying sharp in today’s rapidly changing environment. We’ll dive into the practical issues leaders are facing right now—from running effective executive team meetings to navigating crucial conversations to leading in moments when the playbook doesn’t exist yet.
Holly and Tim are moving out of the studio into our offices, and they will be recording and posting in real time, responding to current events as they happen, sharing fresh insights from our work with leaders across North America.
Be sure to email us at tim@leadingsmart.com if there are specific topics you want us to cover!
Enjoy!
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The LeadingSmart Podcast
[S2EP11] Lessons from Granger: The Cost of Growth │ 40 Lessons In 40 Years
Welcome back to Episode 11. This episode isn’t just another ministry story — it’s an honest, emotional reflection on leadership, growth, burnout, community, and soul health after decades in ministry.
The Lead Team during the high-growth years at Granger Community Church reflect on the exhilaration of that season — and the parts that were sometimes soul-crushing. Together, they share candid lessons about what it meant to lead through rapid growth, the loneliness of leadership, the cost of success, and the importance of relationships and self-awareness.
The major themes running through the conversation include:
🔹 The cost of unchecked growth and success
🔹 The danger of isolation in leadership
🔹 Why soul care and self-awareness matter more than performance
🔹 Learning from failure and decline after years of winning
🔹 The importance of not leading alone
Whether you’re a pastor, a ministry leader, or someone passionate about leading with integrity, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to slow down, reflect, and care for your soul as much as your calling.
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