The most-downloaded episode in the history of this podcast. Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, two of the most influential voices in missional church thinking, discuss what it means to recalibrate everything around Jesus in a post-Christendom world. A powerful conversation about reimagining church, mission, and what it means to follow Jesus in contemporary culture.

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One of our earliest conversations, recorded in 2018 with Tod Bolsinger about his groundbreaking book Canoeing the Mountains. Tod explores what it means to lead in uncharted territory, the difference between technical and adaptive challenges, and how leaders can navigate change when the old maps no longer work. This conversation helped shape the direction of this podcast and remains essential listening for anyone leading through uncertainty.

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In this special episode of Spiritual Life and Leadership, Markus Watson reflects on the incredible six-and-a-half-year journey of the podcast, shares the story of its beginnings, and reveals exciting news about its next chapter. With a partnership ending and fresh possibilities ahead, Markus opens up about his plans for a creative sabbatical, new formats, and future topics that matter to church leaders today. Plus, he invites listeners to help shape the show's direction by joining a Zoom call and taking a quick survey.

THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Markus Watson celebrates the rewarding journey of hosting the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast for six and a half years.
• The podcast exists to help leaders cultivate a healthy inner life that informs fruitful leadership.
• Markus Watson announces a solo episode—no guests, no music—focused on what's next for the show.
• The podcast will continue after the end of its partnership with Fuller Seminary’s Church Leadership Institute.
• Markus Watson highlights how the partnership boosted credibility and helped secure high-profile guests.
• Adaptive leadership has been a key theme valued by church leaders.
• Markus Watson anticipates experimenting with new topics and formats, including panel discussions.
• The podcast will expand to address leadership challenges such as polarization, church hurt, and financial anxiety.
• Markus Watson reiterates the ongoing mission of supporting leaders through spiritual formation.
• Sabbath, rest, and healthy practices remain central themes to the content.
• The podcast will feature a creative sabbatical, with new episodes returning in April.
• Encore episodes will keep the feed active during the sabbatical.
• Listeners are invited to fill out a short survey to influence future direction.
• Markus Watson encourages participation in an upcoming Zoom call for listener feedback and stories.
• The podcast will remain practical, addressing real challenges facing ministry leaders.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• 5-Question Survey
  • www.markuswatson.com/survey
• Join the Zoom call on January 29, 2026
  • markus@markuswatson.com
• Books mentioned:
  • Podcasting For Dummies

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!

Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.