ABOUT THE EPISODE

In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Pastor Jeremiah Ramer, the lead pastor of Crossroads Church located between Odessa and Midland, West Texas. From a cross-country move with unexpected transitions to the challenges of stepping into leadership that would soon endure a church split, Jeremiah shares his remarkable experiences and the incredible growth his church has seen in recent years.

Welcome to episode 105 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan.   

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS JEREMIAH RAMER?

Jeremiah Ramer has been the Lead Pastor of CROSSROADS Church in Odessa, Texas since July of 2020. Jeremiah is passionate about introducing those far from God to the transforming power of Jesus. It is his goal to mobilize and encourage believers at every stage to maximize their lives to impact the community and the world with God’s love.     

He was born and raised in Texas. After graduating High School in Celina, Texas, Jeremiah attended Rice University where he pursued his business degree and played football. While at Rice, God called him into ministry and he transferred to Taylor University where he studied Bible Exposition. He has nearly completed a Masters of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Jeremiah has been in ministry since 2003 as a Student Pastor and has a heart for reaching this generation with the gospel as well as inspiring and encouraging the church to reach students and families. 

He has served and led in different pastoral roles such as High School & College Pastor, Student Ministry Pastor, Family & Teaching Pastor and most recently as an Outreach & Teaching Pastor at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California.

Jeremiah is a family man and he and his wife, Tessa, have been married for 18 years this November. They have four beautiful daughters. Kenna is 12, Kollins is 10, Charleston is 7, and Chayse is 3.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“The smartest leaders get the most help.” Meet Ray Johnston, Senior Pastor of Bayside Church. In today’s episode, Johnston explains the surprising secret to building momentum－and it all begins with encouragement. When we understand the types of support needed, the gaps between our “challenge level” and our “support level,” and the most effective way to share vision, we’re on our way to momentum in the church. 

Welcome to episode 104 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast, with Sean Morgan.  

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

Bayside Church Core Values

Thrive Conference

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS RAY JOHNSTON?

Ray Johnston is the Senior Pastor of Bayside Church in Granite Bay, California—the very church he founded—which has grown to over 18,000 people. A 30-year veteran of both youth and adult ministry, Ray believes that the Church is called to outreach, spiritual growth, and equipping leaders. In addition, Ray serves as president of Thrive Communications Inc. and has authored several books.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, joins us on today’s episode of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast. Addressing the topics of pride and humility, Dr. Joel urges a theological shift in our view of success. He outlines three fundamental steps for cultivating the necessary humility as a leader: recognition, reflection, and community. Listen to today’s episode for practical advice on honest accountability and transparency in your leadership.

EPISODE LINKS

The Hidden Peace, by Joel Muddamalle

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS JOEL MUDDAMALLE?

Muddamalle serves as Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, co-host of the popular podcast Therapy and Theology alongside Lysa TerKeurst and Jim Cress, and theologian in residence for Haven Place Ministries. His work studying theology and its practical application has led him to conclude that living a humble life is not a sign of defeat but a mark of Jesus’s victory in our lives.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

Today, we welcome Les McKeown, author of "Predictable Success," to the podcast! Listen in to hear his insights on pattern recognition, self-awareness, and honesty in effective leadership. He encourages leaders to confront the internal voice of imposter syndrome in order to conquer it.

Welcome to episode 102 of the Leaders in Living Rooms podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

PredictableSuccess.com

Predictable Success, by Les McKeown

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS LES MCKEOWN?

Les McKeown is a renowned speaker and author. He has started over 40 companies in his own right, and guided hundreds more worldwide. His company, Predictable Success, advises senior leaders of organizations on how to achieve scalable, sustainable growth. Les is the author of the WSJ and USA Today Best-seller, "Predictable Success: Getting Your OrganizationOn the Growth Track - and Keeping It There", "The Synergist: Leading Your Team to PredictableSuccess", "Do Lead: Share your vision. Inspire others. Achieve the impossible” and “Do Scale: ARoadmap to Building a Remarkable Company”

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

ABOUT THE EPISODE

“You will grow only to the threshold of your pain.” Meet Sam Chand, author and leadership consultant who serves leaders worldwide as they seek personal and organizational growth. Sam expands on the topic of leadership pain in today’s episode. He asks pastors two key questions when discerning their leadership health. And while there is no such thing as “balance” in ministry, listen to Sam’s wisdom in navigating health amid “ministry spurts.”

Welcome to Episode 101 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Leadership Pain, by Sam Chand

https://samchand.com

Avail Journal 

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS SAM CHAND?

Who would have thought, when in 1973 “student” Sam Chand was serving his college as janitor, cook and dishwasher that he would return in 1989 as “President” of the same college! Now as a leadership consultant he serves leaders all over the world as they seek personal and organizational growth and change. Thus far, he has written over 25 books on the subject of leadership, is the publisher of the AVAIL Journal, and has been named to the top 30 Global Leadership Gurus list. He has been married to his wife, Brenda, since 1979 and together, their vision is to help others succeed.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

“Trust comes from relationships.” Today, you’ll be hearing a familiar voice from the podcast. We’re flipping the script on episode 100, and Sean Morgan is interviewed today by Josh Surratt, Lead Pastor at Seacoast Church. How can we learn intentional leadership development from the military? What makes it easier to follow a lead pastor and make space for high-level leaders on your team? Listen in for Sean’s perspective and wisdom for these questions.

Welcome to Episode 100 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. 

EPISODE LINKS

Episode 046 with Josh Surratt

Episode 047 with Josh Surratt

Leadership Pain by Samuel Chand

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS SEAN MORGAN?

Sean started out in ministry serving in a San Francisco area church plant as their Executive Pastor. He went on to help coach and consult with church leaders across the country and eventually founded The Ascent Leader, a first of its kind organization focusing on relational leadership development for local church pastors.

He also hosts the Leaders In Living Rooms podcast.

Sean recently retired from a 26-year career as a KC-10 pilot in the US Air Force Reserve.

His favorite titles are “Stacy’s husband” and “Kaylee and Ayden’s dad.”

WHO IS JOSH SURRATT?

As Lead Pastor, Josh Surratt is helping Seacoast Church realize God’s vision for what comes next. He is passionate about helping people find God, grow their faith, discover their purpose, and make a difference. Josh was raised in Charleston, South Carolina and attended the College of Charleston. He joined the Seacoast staff in 2001 and has served in several roles, including four years as the Mount Pleasant Campus Pastor. Josh is one of Seacoast’s Teaching Pastors and currently serves on the Executive Team as the Seacoast Lead Pastor. He and his wife Lisa have three children – Miles, Greta Kate, and Ellie. In his off-hours, Josh loves to cheer for all Chicago sports teams and the Clemson Tigers.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

“Sometimes God says, ‘That was a nice idea, but it wasn’t a divine vision.’” Meet Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry. With inspiring insight into the nuances and necessities of pivoting as leaders, Pastor Wayne gives helpful cues to build resiliency in a way that healthily impacts your church. 

Welcome to Episode 099 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

Resilient, by John Eldredge

A Self-Aware Leader, by John C. Maxwell

Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek

Newhopewest.com

Resilient Leadership 2.0, by Bob Duggen

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS DR. WAYNE CORDEIRO?

Dr. Wayne Cordeiro is the founding pastor of the New Hope International Ministry beginning in 1984 in Hilo, Hawaii. In 1995, he relocated to Honolulu and pioneered New Hope Oahu. Within 10 years, NHO was listed among the ten most innovative churches in America. Outreach Magazine listed them as one of the “top five churches to learn from.” New Hope has seen over 120,000 first-time decisions in Hawaii since its inception and has planted 153 churches on the West Coast and in Okinawa, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar, and Australia. Wayne is an author of over 14 books and speaks globally on ministry and leadership. He also designed the Life Journal and the SOAP method for daily devotions used by thousands of churches. He is also the general editor of the LifeConnect Study Bible. In 2017, he passed the leadership baton in Hawaii and relocated to Eugene, Oregon to be president of New Hope Christian College (formerly Eugene Bible College, his alma mater). New Hope Christian College highlights the development of both the message and the messenger. (For more information, go to Newhope.edu). In 2020, he pioneered New Hope West which partners with New Hope Christian College. It has become a “lab church” for ministry and leadership development. Wayne’s life themes are emphasizing the Word of God, a daily devotion to Jesus, evangelism, church planting, leadership development, communication, and redeeming the arts and technology for Christ. Wayne and his wife, Anna are approaching 50 years of marriage. They have three married children (Amy Hisaoka, Aaron Cordeiro, and Abigail Rivest) and nine grandchildren. His hobbies include music, reading, golf, pickleball, and riding his horse.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

ABOUT THE EPISODE

“Sometimes, you have the grace to receive a vision but not the grace to communicate it.” Meet Chris Fletcher, Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. Today, we get to hear Chris’ insights on leadership transition. We’ll learn about the wisdom of ambiguity in the beginning, what changes with money and leaders as you transition, and the necessity of peer mentorship.

Welcome to Episode 098 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS CHRIS FLETCHER?

Chris Fletcher is the Lead Pastor of Manna Church in Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty. He is married to Rachel and the couple has four children. Chris has a B.A. in Music Performance from Campbell University and an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Grace College of Divinity (now Manna University). He is the Vice President of the Fayetteville Soccer Club and a staff coach at the Villareal Force Soccer Academy.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches. 

“There are more people open to the Gospel than ever before.” Meet Sean Morgan, host of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast and Founder of The Ascent Leader. Today’s episode offers eight church trends all pastors should be aware of as we enter 2024. Sean’s insight not only points to these specific trends but also to what they mean for your church and your leadership. How do we lead with courage as we see fertile soil trend upward?

Welcome to Episode 097 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS SEAN MORGAN?

Sean Morgan joined CDF Capital in 2014 to launch the Leadership Capital Team – focused on elevating local church leaders and their kingdom impact. A nationally known coach and speaker, Sean finds great joy in navigating ministries from obstacles to opportunities. He has developed a national reputation for connecting ministry leaders and being a catalyst of fresh vision; he founded and curates theascentleader.org. Sean served as Executive Pastor and CFO at New Life Church in Northern California. He’s husband to his amazing bride Stacy and a father to Kaylee and Ayden.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“If you don’t have a healthy elder board in a church, you might as well not have an elder board.”

Meet Darryl, Justin, and Jonathan, three of the four Flatirons Elders. In a special group interview, today’s episode gives insight into what honesty and integrity look like when played out on a healthy board. Find out why a healthy team does not mean “smooth sailing.” 

Welcome to Episode 096 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

https://www.flatironschurch.com/

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO ARE THE FLATIRONS ELDERS?

Darryl Kelly

Darryl is here to help. Not in the weird swoop-in-from-nowhere kind of way, but in the I’ve-always-been-here kind of way. He volunteers with high school students - encouraging their leadership and challenging their way of thinking. He uses his creative gifts to capture an engaging video shot during service. He’s present with his church and the people who also call it home. He sits in several other seats - the c-suite at work, board seats for several companies, but most importantly at home with his wife, Lauren, and kids, Olivia and Noah. They are the best part of any day and he fully enjoys watching and playing with them as they ebb and flow together.

Justin Searle

Justin Searle leads the Local Government division at Wellpath. He is responsible for the administrative and operational elements of all local government teams and contracts in the United States. A former Naval officer, Justin transitioned to the private sector, has been in various healthcare environments since 2010, and joined Wellpath in 2019, moved by the mission to bring hope and healing to underserved populations. Justin received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. In terms of ministry, Justin began following Jesus at a young age which had some peaks, valleys, and everything in between. Faith truly deepened through his attendance at Flatirons where he took on more leadership roles, resulting most recently in his appointment to the Elder Board in early 2023.

Jonathan Aal

Jonathan Aal is a portfolio manager and leader of the investment research team at Smith Capital Investors, a Colorado based global fixed income asset manager. Prior to working in finance, Jonathan served in the United States Military. He is passionate for his family, outdoor adventure, and seeing men flourish as sons, fathers, husbands, and leaders.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.  

“Our enemy hates that we’re taking days of rest.” Meet Brady Boyd, Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Today’s episode is a reminder of the crucial ways Sabbath rest refuels a pastor’s soul. On a weekly basis, pastors carry an emotional and often traumatic weight as they shepherd their congregations. Today, Pastor Brady encourages all leaders to incorporate healthy rhythms that will make space for pastors to be able to sustain a ministry for the long haul.

Welcome to Episode 095 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

@Pastorbradyboyd on Instagram

Pastor Brady on Twitter

The Essential Church Podcast

New Life Church

[email protected]

If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition. Or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my brand new course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof. 

Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our 2023 cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/ 

WHO IS BRADY BOYD?

Brady Boyd has served as the Senior Pastor of New Life Church for nearly fifteen years. Under Brady’s leadership, New Life Church has grown to eight congregations, and its unique team-teaching method has become a model for churches around the world. Brady is the cohost of The Essential Church Podcast and hosts conferences including the Essential Church Learning Community, Desperation, and Gathering. His commitment to tangibly care for the people of Colorado Springs has birthed Dream Centers and Mary’s Home. He has written eight books: Oceans of Grace, Extravagant, Remarkable, Speak Life, Addicted to Busy, Fear No Evil, Sons & Daughters, and Let Her Lead. (All are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.) Brady earned his degree in Journalism from Louisiana Tech where he also was the Sports Editor for his college newspaper. His love for sports led to his announcing career for professional baseball and basketball teams prior to serving at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas for nearly seven years. Brady lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Pam, and their two adult children.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: Food For The Hungry. Combine your church's heart for the poor and Food for the Hungry’s global experience at fh.org/churches.