135. How to Embrace Gladness in Everyday Moments with Pastor Fred Luter

Send us a textIn a season of constant change, is your heart moving closer to God—or drifting further away?In this special episode, we’re sharing a powerful message from Ben Mandrell, delivered at our annual One Lifeway gathering. With honesty and depth, Ben invites ministry leaders to reflect on something we often overlook: the subtle shifts of the heart. As everything around us changes, so do we—but are we paying attention to the direction of that change?Drawing from the story of Cain and Abel, Ben explores how mistrust in God can quietly take root, leading us down a dangerous path if left unchecked. He asks soul-searching questions like, “Is it truly well with my soul?” and challenges listeners to consider whether their hearts are being shaped more by the pressures of ministry or the presence of God.This message is both a caution and an invitation—to be still, to evaluate, and to redirect if needed. It’s a timely reminder for leaders at every level that our effectiveness in ministry begins with the health of our own souls.If this episode encouraged or challenged you, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another leader in your life. Your support helps us continue creating meaningful conversations for ministry-minded people just like you.SHOW LINKS:Do you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textAre you caring for your soul and body with the same intention you give to your ministry? As leaders, we often push through exhaustion and neglect our own well-being for the sake of serving others. But what if taking care of yourself is actually one of the most spiritual things you can do?In this episode, Ben Mandrell sit down with Tim Wheat to talk about the critical importance of health and self-care for pastors and ministry leaders. Tim shares his wisdom on how spiritual, emotional, and physical health are deeply connected—and how neglecting one can impact them all.This episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re at the beginning of your wellness journey or just need a reminder that your health matters, you’ll find encouragement and practical tips for leading from a place of strength and sustainability.What small habit can you start this week that would move you toward greater spiritual, emotional, or physical health? Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation that reminds ministry leaders: taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your calling—it’s part of it.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Tim Wheat-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to [email protected]  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell. Do you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textHow do we handle anger as ministry leaders without letting it harm our relationships or leadership? Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can become a significant challenge—especially in the context of ministry. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Steve and Lisa Cuss to explore the complexities of anger and how it affects leaders.Steve and Lisa openly share their personal experiences with anger—how it shows up in their lives, how they’ve learned to recognize its protective nature, and the ways it challenges their leadership. They discuss how upbringing and past experiences shape our emotional responses, offering insights into how ministry leaders can better understand and manage their own reactions.The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing healthy communication strategies when addressing conflicts and fostering supportive relationships to navigate emotional challenges. Steve and Lisa remind listeners that anger doesn’t have to be destructive; when understood and processed well, it can lead to growth and deeper connections.Join us for this candid and insightful conversation as we learn practical strategies for navigating anger with grace and wisdom in ministry.SHOW LINKS: -Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to [email protected]  or leave us a voice mail HEREDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textWhat does it look like to serve faithfully in ministry through the decades? In this special episode of our "Through the Decades" series, Lynley Mandrell sits down with Kathy Litton—a pastor’s wife who has dedicated years to ministry, experiencing the highs and lows that come with a lifetime of service.Kathy’s journey is a testament to the resilience and grace required to navigate ministry through various seasons of life. From the early years of enthusiasm to the challenges of grief and loss, Kathy shares her story of personal growth, emotional health, and the importance of community support. She reflects on how faith has anchored her through the struggles and how she’s learned to find purpose at every stage.Kathy also tackles the pressures that come with aging and beauty in a world that often values the external, reminding us that true beauty comes from spiritual growth and inner strength. Her insights are both encouraging and practical, especially for those walking a similar path of long-term ministry.Join us for this insightful conversation as Kathy shares her heart and hard-earned wisdom from decades of serving in ministry.SHOW LINKS:4oDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textWhen was the last time you slowed down enough to notice a small moment of joy? As ministry leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the weight of responsibilities, constantly pouring into others while neglecting our own emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to pause and reflect on the difference between happiness and gladness—and why recognizing micro moments of joy in everyday life matters.They explore the tension ministry leaders often face between serving faithfully and maintaining personal joy, emphasizing the necessity of self-care and how small moments of gladness can restore our perspective. The conversation highlights the power of serving others with a joyful heart, despite life's challenges and responsibilities, and how personal experiences shape our emotional health.Listeners will also hear from Pastor Fred Luter, as he shares a powerful message he gave to the Lifeway team on enduring suffering and trials while holding firmly to our joy in the Lord. His words offer encouragement and remind us that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but is rooted in Christ.How can you intentionally notice and embrace micro moments of joy in your daily life and ministry?SHOW LINKS: Together Bible StudyConnect with Pastor Fred LuterPastor Fred Luter on The Glass HouseDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textAs ministry leaders, how often do we carry guilt that God never intended for us to bear? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with guilt and forgiveness.Joined by Paige Greene, they dive into the complex emotions surrounding guilt—unpacking the difference between appropriate and inappropriate guilt—and how it impacts relationships at home, in ministry, and in leadership. Together, they explore the necessity of setting healthy boundaries, embracing self-awareness, and rejecting guilt that isn’t warranted. Paige offers practical insights on having hard conversations, navigating communication with difficult personalities (including narcissism in leadership), and the power of a sincere apology. She also encourages ministry leaders to recognize the difference between guilt and fear, and to seek help when needed to maintain emotional and spiritual health.This conversation will empower you to lead from a place of freedom and grace rather than guilt and fear.Join us as we explore how to navigate guilt and forgiveness in a way that fosters healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and deeper personal growth.SHOW LINKS:Do you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textInfertility is a silent struggle that affects more people in our churches than we may realize. For many couples, the journey is filled with grief, unanswered questions, and a longing that can feel isolating. How can we, as ministry leaders, create spaces where these struggles are acknowledged, where both men and women feel seen, and where the church becomes a place of comfort rather than silence?In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Doug Brown as he shares his deeply personal journey through infertility—the emotional and spiritual challenges, the impact on relationships, and the often-overlooked grief that comes with it.Doug emphasizes the importance of community support, vulnerability in ministry, and open conversations about loss. He also explores the complexities of adoption, the need to acknowledge both mothers and fathers in these struggles, and how churches can cultivate spaces of empathy and encouragement. Through his organization, Uniquely Knitted, Doug is dedicated to providing resources and support for those navigating the difficult road of infertility.Reflection Question: How can you foster a culture of openness and support in your ministry for those experiencing infertility and loss?Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we learn how to walk alongside those facing infertility with compassion, grace, and hope.SHOW LINKS:Uniquely KnittedThe Infertility Feelings Podcast Connect with Dr. TownsendDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a text"Shame is the emotion that touches all the other emotions." - Dr. Curt Thompson What if shame is holding you back from living the full and abundant life God desires for you? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the weight of shame—its biblical roots, how it affects our relationships, and the ways it can keep us from experiencing true freedom.They also explore the regrets of the dying, shedding light on the importance of living authentically, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, expressing emotions, and investing in meaningful friendships. Through honest conversation, they emphasize the power of vulnerability and the pursuit of a life that reflects God’s grace and joy.In what areas of your life do you struggle with shame, and how can you take steps toward living more authentically in faith?Join us as we uncover how to break free from shame, embrace vulnerability, and build a life rooted in God’s love and truth.SHOW LINKS:Dr. Curt Thompson The Soul of Shame The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying The BodyDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textHave you ever faced a season of deep hurt or betrayal and wondered how you would ever heal? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Cynthia Wooldridge, a ministry leader who has walked through immense trials, including medical challenges and the heartbreaking betrayal of her husband. Through her journey of pain and restoration, Cynthia shares how faith, community, and vulnerability played a crucial role in her healing.Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, the necessity of honest relationships, and the strength that comes from walking through hardship with others. This conversation highlights the importance of a supportive community in times of crisis, the process of rebuilding trust, and how God meets us in our brokenness to bring restoration.Join us as we explore Cynthia’s story and the hope that comes from embracing faith and fellowship, even in the midst of life’s hardest moments.SHOW LINKS:Together Bible Study-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to [email protected]  or leave us a voice mail HEREDo you lead a group in your local church?  Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clicking THIS LINK. 

Send us a textWhat does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a culture that often leans toward isolation.Drawing from Ben’s Together Bible Study, they explore the challenges pastors face in getting congregants plugged into groups, the growing trend of isolation, and the impact of avoiding true community. Looking at the early church, they highlight how believers spent time together both formally and informally and why genuine connection takes time and intentionality. Ben challenges listeners to lean into the natural ebbs and flows of group life, the struggles and rewards of building relationships, and examine the balance between individual responsibility and collective engagement.As you reflect on your role in building and nurturing biblical community, we encourage you to take the next step with Ben Mandrell’s Together Bible Study. This resource dives deeper into the biblical foundation of authentic relationships and provides practical steps for fostering meaningful connection in your church. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone longing for deeper community, Together will equip and inspire you to take intentional steps toward living in biblical fellowship. Grab your copy today and start building the kind of community God designed us for—one that thrives on breaking bread, learning together, fellowshipping, and prayer.SHOW LINKS: Together Bible StudyBowling Alone -Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to [email protected]  or leave us a voice mail HERE