Understanding someone else’s story often informs and gives perspective to your own. And this is one story you’ll want to hear! Today Trent talks with Steve Gatena, CEO of pray.com, the one-stop shop for faith audio content. Steve unpacks his eventful journey to creating what he calls the ‘digital destination to faith’, leadership lessons he learned along the way, the challenges of launching something from nothing, and the key to healthy innovation.

No matter how big or small your sphere of influence, this leadership insight from Jay Strack, founder of the Student Leadership University, will strengthen and inspire you. Jay is passionate about starting early when it comes to leadership training and reminds us that what we do today determines our tomorrow. He and Trent discuss the importance of servant leadership, remaining steadfast through various seasons, surrounding yourself with the right people, and the impact of what Jay calls ‘relational leadership.’ (Hint: Be a giver not a taker!)

Trent takes the mic and challenges us to pause as we consider the whirlwind of 2020 for churches and ministries across the globe. He looks at how donors responded to the pandemic, why so many churches and nonprofits saw an increase in giving, and most importantly, where we go from here. The current state of things in 2021 will no doubt provide opportunities like never before to be a place of refuge for people, resetting their perspective, and bringing them back to the basics. We’re still in this – together.

As leaders launch into 2021 after an exhausting 2020, how do we equip ourselves to lead most effectively? Trent and Chuck talk about practical ways you can transform your leadership in the midst of high demands and constant pressure.

Brad Davies, VP of Salem Web Network, is in the studio offering best practices for ministries in the digital space, no matter the size. Brad is a leader in innovation and helps ministries maximize engagement and potential donors, leveraging that audience for the growth of the organization. He offers keys to digitally capturing, cultivating and converting high lifetime value donors, and challenges us to identify that one area to focus on optimizing in 2021.

The Giving Company is a technology company in the Christian space with the goal of distributing revenue and income to those who need it. They are 100% faith and family friendly with a mission to leverage the platforms already developed for the purpose of maximum Kingdom impact. President and CEO David Henriksen joins Trent to unpack their unique process of innovation and creativity, the biggest mistakes technology leaders often make, and how to prioritize the values of your organization.

Dealing with stress, difficult people, and marriage hardships are just a few real life issues facing so many today. Berni Dymet, CEO and Bible teacher of Christianityworks is bringing these topics back to the Bible and taking new ground for the Kingdom everyday. Berni shares insights on his powerful conversion, the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a global ministry, facing spiritual opposition, and the value of personal holiness.

Brian Mountjoy, our Chief Encouragement Officer, is back to talk with Trent about creating a healthy culture in your organization through the means of accountability, humility, ‘leading up’ and giving honor to whom honor is due. Don’t miss these simple tips for improving the culture of your organization in 2021 – and beyond.

Kent Woodyard, a business development leader at Amazon, discusses where he has seen innovation take place in a healthy way when it comes to technology and the church. He challenges leaders to use innovative tools to build relationships and to continually assess what’s working, reinventing as you go. Here in 2020, people are feeling fractured, hopeless, and alone. So the question becomes, how can we insert the church into that? The possibilities are endless!

The latest giving research is in, and D+C CEO and Founder Rick Dunham joins Trent on today’s episode to unpack everything you need to know as you head into the final month of Quarter 4. Not only do they offer insight into how donors are currently feeling in the midst of this ongoing pandemic, they also give us practical tips on communication strategies for year-end efforts and leadership insight that will make ALL the difference.

If you want to reach more people and see greater ministry take place, it almost always requires innovation. Nils Smith, Chief Strategist for Innovation and Social Media at D+C is back to highlight for us the importance of ‘getting better.’ He offers insight into enhancing innovation through resisting the fear of failure, strengthening internal relationships, creating an innovative physical space, and maybe even putting something to death that no longer works. 2021 is around the corner and the truth is, innovation is no longer an option. It’s a necessity.

GOD IS HERE. That’s the message of Mike Novotny, lead pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin and lead speaker for the broadcast ministry Time of Grace. With a passionate emphasis on humility and grace, Mike gives deep insight into healthy organizational transition and shares his enthusiasm for talking about things the church often avoids. He has a heart for the next generation and most importantly, he challenges us not to miss the satisfying presence of God that is better than life.

Nona Jones says leveraging Facebook is the biggest opportunity for churches that want to maximize ministry opportunities today. Nona leads faith partnerships for Facebook, helping various organizations in the areas of marketing and overall ministry. She talks with Trent about her role at Facebook, her social ministry consultancy organization, and leadership academy. Lastly, they discuss her latest passion, an organization she founded called Faith and Prejudice. This is a powerful conversation about impact, leadership, and racial reconciliation within the heart of the church.

Jeff Schreve has been the pastor of First Baptist Church Texarkana for 18 years and he joins Trent to talk about all things ministry and the growth of his church. They unpack the importance of effective media, a healthy marriage, and how getting to the root of your emotions can be the pathway to healing.

What began as a simple concert and surf contest on the beaches of San Diego sixteen years ago has grown to over 17,000 in attendance, raising millions for local charities. No doubt, Chad Butler, lead drummer for the band Switchfoot, and his wife Tina are taking new ground for the Kingdom every day. Chad and Tina talk with Trent about band life on the road with a young family, how their event BRO-AM is impacting their community (and beyond), and Tina’s recent leap of faith in the midst of a new and exciting season.