Why Every Leader Needs a Tribe | The Sunday's Coming Podcast | Jeff Vandergiessen

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast!  Caleb and Kaleb are all alone for this Christmas special, reflecting on the craziness of the season in church production. They dive into overloaded schedules, last-minute changes, and how to create meaningful moments for their teams. This episode explores leadership lessons learned through the chaos, ways to foster intentionality, and how to carve out space for connection and rest during the busiest time of the year. Whether you’re deep in Christmas prep or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation is full of relatable stories and practical insights to help you keep moving forward. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to The Sunday's Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb and Caleb are joined by Sara Emmerson, a seasoned ministry leader with stories you won’t believe—including the craziest worship audition ever. Imagine a rap performance that ends with shoes flying and a shirt coming off... yes, it actually happened. Sara shares her journey from answering phones as a pastor’s kid to leading creative teams and coaching leaders in ministry and beyond. Along the way, she reflects on how to build trust, embrace risk, and invest in people who might surprise you. Whether you’re here for the laughs or the leadership wisdom, Sara’s got both in spades. Join us for wild stories, practical advice, and a reminder that the best leaders don’t just manage the chaos—they thrive in it. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

In this episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast, Caleb and Kaleb are joined by Jeff Vandergiessen, a leader whose journey spans from the chaos of Mars Hill to creating Stillwater Reserve, a sanctuary for ministry leaders. Jeff shares his story of planting 24 churches, the burnout that left him sitting in a pile of rubble, and the call to help others find rest and renewal. Jeff discusses the pivotal role of community—your tribe—in sustaining leadership. He dives into why leaders often feel isolated, the cultural pressures driving burnout, and how creating space for rest can lead to deeper connection with God and others. From smash burgers and ATVs at Stillwater Reserve to lessons learned during his Mars Hill days, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice for anyone in leadership. Whether you're a seasoned ministry leader or just navigating the challenges of leading well, this episode will inspire you to find your tribe, prioritize rest, and embrace the rhythms that keep you thriving. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb and Kaleb sit down with Mike Goldsworthy, who shares the unlikely story of becoming a senior pastor at just 29 years old. Together, they dive into the whirlwind of stepping into church leadership with big responsibilities, the “fake it till you make it” moments, and the lessons learned along the way. Mike opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, building trust with an experienced congregation, and the unexpected joys (and challenges) of leading while still figuring things out. Join us for an honest, funny, and inspiring look at what happens when life throws you into the deep end of ministry, and you have to swim! From memorable missteps to surprising breakthroughs, Mike’s journey will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they were “too young” for the job. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb & Kaleb are joined by Justin Schaap from Engedi Church’s worship team, Engedi Worship—a community dedicated to creating music that draws people into God’s presence. Justin shares the surreal experience of hearing Engedi Worship’s song on the radio for the very first time. Together, they talk through the journey from the church stage to the radio station, unpacking all the unexpected, funny, and humbling moments along the way. Justin’s story gives a real look behind the scenes of worship going public—touching on the challenges, the surprises, and everything that happens when church music hits the airwaves. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to The Sunday’s Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb & Kaleb are joined by Stephen Sheppard—“Shep” to his friends and team members. In this episode, we’re diving into Shep’s unique journey into church production and leadership. From his first late-night Waffle House stop to becoming a respected leader in the field, Shep shares insights into the moments that shaped his career and his deep commitment to building a community centered around service and worship. Shep walks us through his early days of trial and error, finding his footing in ministry, and the transformative moments that taught him what true leadership looks like. Through stories of unexpected challenges, last-minute changes, and the ever-present demand of Sunday, Shep reveals how he’s learned to balance the technical with the relational, always keeping his team and their growth at the forefront. Get ready for an inspiring look at leadership, resilience, and the heart behind what makes every Sunday possible. Whether you’re in ministry or just love a good story of purpose and perseverance, this episode will have you seeing church production—and the role of a leader—in a new light. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb & Kaleb are joined by the creative guru and church communications expert, Phil Bowdle. If you’ve ever felt like your church’s media isn’t connecting, or worse—falling flat—then this episode is for you. Phil breaks down the critical elements that can make or break your church’s media strategy. Whether it’s building a high-impact team, crafting clear and compelling messages, or leveraging creativity to engage your audience, Phil has seen it all. He shares the common mistakes churches make with their media and offers practical solutions to help you transform your approach overnight. We dive into why simplicity is the key to getting your message across and how you can use media to genuinely connect with your community, rather than just add noise to the already overwhelming digital space. Phil’s advice is perfect whether you’re leading a mega-church or just getting started. You won’t want to miss the insights and actionable steps in this conversation—it could be the game-changer your church has been looking for! Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb & Kaleb are joined by Toby from Church Gear, a company that started with one simple idea: helping churches solve the universal problem of unused gear. Toby’s journey from worship pastor to business founder is packed with lessons on creativity, leadership, and the passion to serve churches in a whole new way. In this episode, we dive into Toby’s story—how a tight budget and outdated equipment led him to a discovery that’s now helping churches across the country clear out their storage rooms and increase their ministry budgets. Toby shares his unique insights on building a business rooted in serving the church, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and problem-solving. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges and turning them into something that benefits the entire church community. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday's Coming Podcast! This week, Caleb and Kaleb are joined by the ever-inspiring Aubrey Wentz, a veteran of both the touring world and church production. Aubrey opens up about navigating relationships in a church setting, sharing some hilarious behind-the-scenes moments (including sneaking kisses behind the video rack!), while also diving into the challenges of balancing personal life and ministry. Aubrey doesn't shy away from discussing the hard seasons in ministry, offering valuable insight into what it takes to survive and thrive when things get tough. From her unexpected journey from theater kid to a key player in church production to her and her husband Matt's reflections on their shared experiences, this episode is packed with laughter, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a church leader, part of a production team, or just someone walking through a challenging season, this conversation is full of encouragement and humor. Because Sunday's always coming, and we're all in this together.

Welcome back to another episode of The Sunday’s Coming Podcast!  This week, Caleb & Kaleb are joined by Bryce Vaughn, an influencer and accomplished musician whose signature bass sound has made waves in both the music and social media world. In this episode, Bryce takes us through his creative journey, from his early days as a passionate musician to becoming a sought-after influencer with a unique approach to sound. Bryce shares candid stories about the challenges he faced along the way, what it takes to stand out in a crowded industry, and how he’s constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity. He also offers some valuable, behind-the-scenes insights into his process, revealing how he crafted a sound that’s both distinct and widely admired. Whether you’re a musician, a sound enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of music and social influence, Bryce’s tips and stories will leave you inspired. Join us for a conversation full of laughs, surprises, and practical advice from someone who’s truly mastered his craft and built a following while doing it. Because Sunday’s always coming, and we’re all in this together.