In this episode of Leading in the Way of Jesus, Paul Walker talks with Becca Syme — author, coach, and Gallup-Certified Strengths expert — about how true leadership begins with who we are, not what we do.

Drawing on years of coaching thousands of creatives, Becca shares insights on self-leadership, spiritual formation, and the inner life that shapes healthy, effective leaders. Together they explore how leaders can stay grounded in identity, lead from their strengths, and remain resilient and humble in a results-driven world.

A practical and inspiring conversation on being formed by Jesus so we can lead like Jesus.

Leading in the Way of Jesus: An Introduction

In this kickoff episode, Paul Walker sets the stage for our new Jesus Collective podcast series on leadership. Drawing from Dr. Paul Magnus’ model of holistic leadership, Paul unpacks a framework built around four key quadrants: the Person of the Leader, the People they lead, the Processes they ensure, and the Purpose they advance.

For many, the word “leadership” carries baggage—but Paul shares why he’s convinced that Jesus still calls us into leadership, reshaping it with his vision, his purpose, and his way. This episode offers both a challenge and an invitation: to reimagine leadership not as power over, but as life with, in the way of Jesus.

What if the way you relate to God is shaped by the same attachment patterns that shape your relationships with others?

In this episode, Shawna and Paul talk with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw—pastors, authors, and co-founders of the Center for Embodied Faith—about their new book Landscapes of the Soul. Blending theology, neuroscience, and real-life stories, they reveal how attachment theory can transform our discipleship and spiritual formation.

Together they explore:

•The “landscapes” of the jungle of anxiety, desert of avoidance, war zone of chaos, and the pasture of joy and peace

•Why joy is the key to secure connection with God and others

•Practices that help us heal attachment wounds and grow resilient faith

Whether you find yourself in a jungle of anxiety, a desert of disconnection, or the pasture of peace, this conversation shows how Jesus meets us right where we are—and invites us into deeper courage, connection, and joy.

Summer Burnout Camp Part 3 with Jon Hand

Burnout is hitting church leaders hard—nearly half of pastors have thought about walking away. This episode for that board member, elder, or congregant who is curious about navigating burnout with a pastor in their church, In this episode, Paul and leadership coach Jon Hand tackle the reality of burnout head-on, exploring the systemic causes, from overwork and unclear roles to unhealthy church dynamics.

Jon shares hard-earned wisdom from coaching leaders, offering practical next steps: how to respond compassionately, why professional assessments matter, and what congregations can do when their pastor needs time away. Rather than despair, they point to the surprising redemptive power of burnout—the growth, wisdom, and deeper leadership it can unlock.

If you care about healthy churches and sustainable leadership, this conversation will leave you both challenged and hopeful.

[BURNOUT MAP]

Welcome to part two of our summer summer series, Paul Walker hosts an open panel conversation with Jon Hand, Cherish Hamilton, and Keith Miller. Together, they dive deeper into the realities of pastoral burnout—bringing diverse perspectives, hard-won wisdom, and honest questions to the table.

This interactive discussion moves beyond personal stories into collective insight. The panel tackles audience questions, explores practical pathways for resilience, and wrestles with how churches can shift from burnout-prone cultures to communities of restoration and sustainable leadership.

Part 2 is both real and refreshing—a dialogue full of candor, grace, and hope for leaders who feel weary, and for communities ready to walk with them toward renewal.

Part 1 of Summer Burnout Camp with Jon Hand

In this special two-part summer series, we pitch our tent at the intersection of leadership, faith, and exhaustion. Paul Walker sits down with Jon Hand, cofounder of Lead from Transformation, to explore the deep realities of pastoral burnout—what causes it, how to recognize it, and why naming it can be the first step toward healing.

Jon shares his own powerful story of a life changing experience with burnout and the surprising grace that met him in his most vulnerable moments. Together, Paul and Jon unpack the psychological, spiritual, and systemic dimensions of burnout—along with practical tools like the Spire Assessment Model and the Burnout Map.

This honest, hopeful conversation is for any leader running on empty, and a vital listen for churches ready to build cultures that resist burnout instead of ignoring it.

Part 2 continues live on August 13 at 1 PM CST with a panel of ministry leaders.

- Access burnout tools and resources: lft-leadership.com

- Connect with Jon Hand via Facebook, LinkedIn, or the LFT website.

In this episode, Paul speaks with Pastor and Professor Steve Bezner about his book, \"Your Jesus Is Too American,\" exploring how the Christian faith can become entangled with national identity. They discuss the need for a kingdom-centred imagination in the church, the influence of media and politics on theology, and the importance of love, service, and nuanced thinking in discipleship. From refugee care to sexuality and suffering, Steve shares stories and insights that challenge cultural assumptions and invite listeners to follow a Jesus who transcends borders—one whose kingdom vision is bigger than any nation.

In this episode, Shawna and Paul sit down with Keith Miller, founding pastor of Lifepath Church in Newark, Delaware, to explore the unexpected power of rest. Keith shares honestly about his ministry journey—from the early days of church planting to navigating leadership challenges and rediscovering renewal through a recent sabbatical.

Together, they reflect on the personal and communal dynamics of pastoral burnout, what it means to lead with vulnerability, and how sabbatical rhythms can become catalysts for transformation, not just for the leader but for the entire church.

If you\'re discerning how to lead your community toward deeper spiritual health while also tending to your own soul, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Thanks for listening!