The Christian Leader Made Simple Show

Hosted by Ryan Franklin | Christian Leader Made Simple

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283

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Many leaders are searching for clarity in a very confusing world. Their lives are chaotic and they struggle with their effectiveness, and as a result, they don’t enjoy leadership as much as they could. I provide a framework called The Christian Leader Blueprint that helps leaders learn and master the biblical skills needed to improve their leadership health and effectiveness. It helps a person gain a better rhythm of life, see themselves more clearly, leverage their strengths, and produce more productive relationships. You can download The Christian Leader Blueprint - Short Guide for free today at www.ryanfranklin.org. #leadershipdevelopment #personalgrowth #leadership #ministry #pastors #churches #leadershiptraining #christianleader #leader #influence #executivecoach #leadershipcoaching #productivity

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October 1, 2026Episode 28010 min

Short Clip: The Experiment With Birds That Explains Your Phone Addiction | Devin Akers

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/tO0RCi5QMl0?si=PiJpmQ-hGXqrUATx You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Devin Akers discusses how his phone use has affected his peace, sleep, focus, and ability to maintain healthy boundaries. He explains how social media and unpredictable rewards can create addictive behavioral patterns, making it difficult to disconnect. Akers shares how he has intentionally created distance from his phone by limiting access to certain apps, using Do Not Disturb, and protecting his sleep. He also explains how increased self-awareness has strengthened his marriage by improving communication, emotional expression, empathy, and conflict resolution. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 28, 2026Episode 27951 min

What Neuroscience and Scripture Both Say about Healing Your Brain

What's subtly wearing you out? Free self-assessment for ministry leaders: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Join Christian Leader® Community Coaching: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching Your brain doesn't forget trauma just because time passes. It rewires around it. Dr. Carl Wilson, clinical counselor, behavioral health CEO, and pastor, breaks down what trauma actually does to a leader's brain and how Scripture becomes the counter-force that rewires it back. This one gets personal fast. If you've ever wondered why your reactions don't match the moment, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Carl Wilson: covenanteducationalcenter.org Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 24, 2026Episode 2789 min

Short Clip: When Walking in the Spirit Becomes a Performance... | Cortt Chavis

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/xeQzGLdVM0A?si=cmKHyx1RIa8Rtf9s You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Cortt Chavis discusses the difference between genuinely walking in the Spirit and simply performing ministry. He explains how pastors and ministers can become focused on meeting expectations while privately struggling, making ministry feel more like a performance than a relationship with God. Chavis emphasizes the importance of grace, rest, vulnerability, and being honest with God about seasons of weakness and weariness. Using Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane as an example, he reminds listeners that God may not always remove the difficult season, but He will provide the strength needed to walk through it. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 21, 2026Episode 27710 min

Short Clip: Why the Best Leaders Lead From Their Weakness Not Their Strength | Darin Sargent

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/2RjJBfKCZ_s?si=ufBtRntllwf9qdrV You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: In this conversation, Darrin Sargent discusses how God often uses our greatest weaknesses as our greatest strengths. Drawing from his own life and ministry, he encourages leaders to embrace their imperfections instead of hiding them, trusting that God works through brokenness. He also shares insights from his book Parenting with Purpose, emphasizing intentional parenting built on love, learning, living, leading, and leaving a legacy. Darrin concludes by reminding listeners that past mistakes and perceived limitations do not disqualify them—they can become powerful tools for God's purpose and grace. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 17, 2026Episode 27610 min

Short Clip: The Study That Finally Explains Why Your Fears Won't Leave | Devin Akers

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/tO0RCi5QMl0?si=PiJpmQ-hGXqrUATx You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Devin Akers discusses the importance of modeling resilience, perseverance, and healthy behaviors. He explains how observing others overcome fear and challenges can inspire personal growth and change. Akers also emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, seeking counseling, and having trusted people to talk to, especially for pastors experiencing exhaustion or burnout. He shares how counseling taught him the difference between prevention and intervention, highlighting the value of developing healthy habits and support systems before reaching emotional exhaustion. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 14, 2026Episode 27549 min

How to Take Criticism Without Your Heart Going Cold | Dr. Barry Corey

What's subtly wearing you out? Free self-assessment for ministry leaders: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Join Christian Leader® Community Coaching: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching Leadership looks impressive from the outside. From the inside, it can feel isolating and heavy in ways most people never see. In this episode, Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University and co-author of Necessary Burdens , joins Ryan to talk about what he calls the "splendid agony" of leadership, the weight every leader carries that isn't a sign of failure, but part of the calling itself. Barry shares how to identify the burdens before they blindside you, how understanding them can actually make them lighter, and what it looks like to carry them in a way that builds you up instead of wearing you down. Purchase Necessary Burdens (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4zso0kf Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 10, 2026Episode 2749 min

Short Clip: What Every Burned-Out Pastor Needs to Hear | Cortt Chavis

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/xeQzGLdVM0A?si=cmKHyx1RIa8Rtf9s You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Cortt Chavis offers an honest and encouraging message to pastors who feel spiritually dry, disconnected, or stuck in their ministry. He reminds them that feeling weary doesn’t mean they are finished or have failed—it may simply mean they need to rest. Chavis encourages pastors to step away, allow trusted people to support and pray for them, and be vulnerable with their church community. He also emphasizes the healing power of family and making time to reconnect with loved ones. His message is simple: rest, receive support, and remember that you don’t have to carry ministry alone. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 7, 2026Episode 2739 min

Short Clip: How One Teacher Changed This Boy's Entire Life | Darin Sargent

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/2RjJBfKCZ_s?si=ufBtRntllwf9qdrV You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Darrin Sargent shares a powerful childhood story about how a compassionate fourth-grade teacher transformed his life. After being bullied because he was born without one hand, his teacher publicly affirmed his worth and uniqueness, leading his classmates to accept him. Darrin reflects on how that moment reshaped his confidence and highlights the lasting impact that teachers, leaders, and mentors can have by choosing acceptance, encouragement, and inclusion over shame or judgment. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

September 3, 2026Episode 27210 min

Short Clip: Why "Lead From Your Strengths" Is Bad Advice | Adam Shaw

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/S7dYjsbb9o4?si=vLPS2JUevBGWyrih You’re still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what’s really working... and what’s quietly wearing you out. It’s free! https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Description: Adam Shaw discusses how leaders can unintentionally limit what God can do through them by relying solely on their strengths while neglecting character, emotional maturity, discipline, and other areas of personal growth. He argues that effective leadership is holistic, requiring development of the whole person rather than just technical skills or spiritual gifts. Shaw encourages honest self-assessment, seeking feedback from trusted people, and intentionally building missing "jars"—such as discipline, relationship skills, theological understanding, and productivity—to increase personal capacity and prepare for greater responsibility and influence. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail

August 31, 2026Episode 2711 hr 18 min

From Wall Street to the Pulpit: The Calling Lincoln Graham, Jr. Couldn't Outrun

What's subtly wearing you out? Free self-assessment for ministry leaders: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Join Christian Leader® Community Coaching: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching Lincoln Graham, Jr had a career on Wall Street that was actually working. Asset backed securities. Derivatives. A future in wholesale banking that made sense on paper. Then he walked away from it. In this episode, Pastor Lincoln Graham, Jr of Oneness Pentecostal Tabernacle in Queens, NY talks about choosing law school over Bible school, getting sick and losing his academic eligibility, and eventually finding his way back to ministry after 9/11, leading a mature congregation as a total newcomer. But the real story here is what came after. Pastor Graham describes his drive as ADHD like, the kind of energy that doesn't know when to stop. It cost him his health more than once. And as a pastor's kid himself, he'd already seen what that same drive does to a family from the inside. This one is for any leader who's confusing burnout with faithfulness. Pastor Graham walks through what it actually took to find real boundaries between himself, his family, and the church he leads. Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan’s productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUr Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbook Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com #leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentals Send us Fan Mail