The Christian Leader Made Simple Show

Hosted by Ryan Franklin | Christian Leader Made Simple

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Episodes

273

Latest episode

Aug 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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60 recent

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

August 27, 2026Episode 27010 min

Short Clip: How the Wisest Man in the Bible Slowly Lost His Way

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/dGY675fJKOM?si=CN-uySERVmitIAae 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: Ryan Franklin examines King Solomon's life as a powerful example of how spiritual drift develops through small, gradual compromises rather than a single act of rebellion. He explains how success, influence, and self-reliance can slowly replace dependence on God, leading even the wisest leaders off course. Ryan encourages leaders to recognize that lasting wisdom comes from daily communion with God and emphasizes that consistent spiritual practices are essential for maintaining discernment and preventing drift. 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 24, 2026Episode 26910 min

Short Clip: Why Preaching Isn't the Only Job of a Pastor | Chad Parker

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/Vm5CkstyloU?si=7mzWuzi-qtGWSE8e 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: Chad Parker explains that caring for vulnerable people is not outside a pastor’s calling but is rooted in biblical mandates rather than modern social work. He argues that social work provides language and structure for principles already found in Scripture, emphasizing that pastors are called to lead beyond preaching by addressing systemic needs. Using biblical examples such as Nehemiah, Joseph, Daniel, and Jesus, Parker demonstrates how spiritual burdens should lead to prayer, planning, leadership, and action that strengthens communities and advances God’s kingdom. 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 20, 2026Episode 2689 min

Short Clip: Why Fixing Other People Is Easier Than Fixing Yourself | 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 reflects on a pivotal 2019 season of hidden frustration in ministry, explaining how a conversation over lunch while studying 2 Kings became a turning point. He realized his greatest obstacle was not his circumstances, roles, or other people, but his own leadership capacity. Rather than seeking external validation or opportunities, Shaw accepted personal responsibility for his growth, describing the experience as a catalyst that shifted his focus from blaming external limitations to intentionally developing himself so he could steward greater responsibility. 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 17, 2026Episode 2671 hr 3 min

These Compulsive Mental Habits Fuel Burnout in Pastors | Devin Akers

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 Most leaders don't lose their peace in one dramatic moment. They lose it one habit at a time, the way they scroll, the way they say yes when they mean no, the way they treat hard emotions like the enemy instead of a signal. Devin Akers has a rare seat to speak into this. He's a pastor and licensed counselor, currently serving as Senior Pastor of Covenant Life and Stello Church in the Raleigh-Durham area, and after over a decade in ministry he went back to school to get his clinical counseling license. In this episode, Devin and Ryan talk about the subtle habits robbing leaders of their peace, what it took to pursue counseling training while still leading a church full time, and what he's learned sitting on both sides of the room, the pulpit and the counseling chair. If you've felt exhausted and can't quite name why, this conversation will help. 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 13, 2026Episode 2667 min

Short Clip: Why Your Prayer Life Feels Like a To-Do List

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/dGY675fJKOM?si=CN-uySERVmitIAae 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: Ryan Franklin explains the often-overlooked concept of spiritual risk—the danger of a leader's relationship with God quietly weakening while their leadership continues to succeed outwardly. He describes how spiritual drift develops gradually, identifies three early warning signs, and emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God's wisdom. Ryan concludes by pointing to King Solomon's life as a biblical example of what unchecked spiritual drift can ultimately become. 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 10, 2026Episode 26510 min

Short Clip: The Leadership Lesson Pastors Miss in the Nehemiah Story | Chad Parker

Link to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/Vm5CkstyloU?si=7mzWuzi-qtGWSE8e 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: Chad Parker uses the examples of Nehemiah, Joseph, Daniel, and Jesus to illustrate that effective leadership moves beyond recognizing needs to taking organized, intentional action. He emphasizes that spiritual burdens should lead to planning, collaboration, and sustainable solutions. While acknowledging concerns that community involvement can distract churches from their spiritual mission, Parker argues that churches should remain firmly rooted in the gospel while also caring for people's physical and social needs. He concludes that true ministry addresses the whole person, combining biblical truth with compassionate action. 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 6, 2026Episode 2647 min

Short Clip: Why Growth Would Break Most Churches | 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 explains that increasing leadership capacity begins with honest self-assessment and identifying the "jars" (skills, character traits, and competencies) missing from one's life. He encourages seeking feedback from trusted people, learning from mentors, and intentionally developing areas such as discipline, technical ability, theology, relationships, and time management. Shaw emphasizes that every new level of responsibility requires greater personal capacity, and he illustrates this by describing how his church proactively prepared its leaders and systems to sustainably handle future growth rather than being overwhelmed by 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