Struggling to talk about money and generosity with your church? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we explore five essential principles that help pastors authentically lead their congregation in biblical giving. Learn why generosity is one of the most powerful discipleship tools available, how to shift from wanting something FROM people to FOR people, and practical ways to teach tithing and first fruits giving. Whether you're preparing for end-of-year giving campaigns or building a year-round culture of generosity, this conversation covers the heart issues, theological foundations, and leadership practices that make discussing money feel natural and transformational.

Many churches struggle with community ministry that feels disconnected from making disciples. In this episode, we break down how adoption and foster care ministry serves as a powerful evangelistic tool—not just a "feel good" initiative. From reaching biological parents to discipling children in Christian homes, Pastor Andrew and Pastor Landon share practical insights from helping 200+ families engage in foster care and adoption. Plus: why knowing your church's unique gifts matters more than copying another church's model. Perfect for pastors wanting mission-aligned community impact.

Chosen Book: andrewphopper.com/chosen

Most churches have solid theology about discipleship but still struggle to make disciples. Why? Because good theology ALONE doesn't lead to good discipleship, relentless execution on good theology does. In this episode, Pastor Bobby breaks down the critical difference between discipleship theory and discipleship practice, using Acts 2 as a framework. Alignment matters more than you think. Learn how to avoid "cashing out" your momentum, and why the "day by day" execution is where most churches fail. If your church has tried multiple discipleship models without seeing results, this conversation will challenge how you think about making disciples.

The anti-church growth movement is filled with myths that hold churches back from their mission. Can a church grow large and still disciple deeply? Are numeric goals unspiritual? Does multi-site ministry prevent real shepherding? We're debunking these common objections and showing why mission-focused church growth honors both the Great Commission and biblical discipleship. Join us for an honest conversation about what Scripture really teaches about growing and tending the flock.

Want to crush your end-of-year church giving campaign with proven strategies that grow both your church's mission and your congregation's hearts? In this episode, we walk pastors through a framework for year-end generosity initiatives, covering everything from pre-planning in September to execution through December. Learn why December giving naturally increases and how to strategically leverage this momentum. We discuss the critical "why" behind generosity campaigns—it's about discipleship first, budget second. Get practical insights on packaging your vision, telling compelling stories, setting up remembrance stones of God's faithfulness, and communicating effectively with different groups of people.

Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠

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****Spotify keeps removing episodes due to the music in the PreRoll Bumper (Even though we have the license to use it), so for now, we're uploading episodes without the Bumper until we can get it resolved.***

Should your church focus on individual discipleship plans or corporate pathways? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Pastor Bobby and Pastor Andrew tackle a listener's question about why Mercy Hill Church chose a church-wide discipleship pathway over individualized plans. Discover the 5 reasons behind their Acts 2 "flywheel" approach (Gather, Group, Give, Go), why simplicity beats complexity in discipleship, and how to align your church's front-stage and back-stage conversations. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and ministry teams wrestling with discipleship strategy, church growth, and creating sustainable pathways for spiritual formation.

Should your church focus on individual discipleship plans or corporate pathways? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Pastor Bobby and Pastor Andrew tackle a listener's question about why Mercy Hill Church chose a church-wide discipleship pathway over individualized plans. Discover the 5 reasons behind their Acts 2 "flywheel" approach (Gather, Group, Give, Go), why simplicity beats complexity in discipleship, and how to align your church's front-stage and back-stage conversations. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and ministry teams wrestling with discipleship strategy, church growth, and creating sustainable pathways for spiritual formation.

****Spotify keeps removing episodes due to the music in the PreRoll Bumper (Even though we have the license to use it), so for now, we're uploading episodes without the Bumper until we can get it resolved.***

PART 2: What does pastoral ministry really cost? Not just your time—but your emotions, your body, and your soul?

Former lead pastor Ben Tugwell planted and grew Integrity Church for over 15 years. He had coaches, healthy boundaries, took time off, and did "all the right things." Yet six months after transitioning out of vocational ministry, he's still discovering just how much the role affected him.

In this honest conversation, Ben breaks down the "relational tightrope" pastors walk every Sunday—navigating people in crisis, unrepentant sin, disgruntled members, and hundreds of heartbreaking situations that pile up over years. He shares why even healthy pastors carry an unavoidable weight, and how emotional intelligence and self-awareness are critical for long-term ministry effectiveness.

Ben's Coaching Program: ⁠⁠Citizenscoaching.com