[May 2026] The Pulpit is not a Playground

What if everything you've been told about success and ministry is wrong?For years, I believed I had to choose between building a successful business and answering God's call. Then I discovered something life-changing: God never asked me to choose. In this special episode, I'm announcing the release of my new book, Blessed on Both Sides, and sharing the powerful journey that took me from entrepreneur to pastor. If you've ever wondered whether you can pursue success, fulfill your calling, and still put God first, this episode is for you. This isn't just a book launch—it's proof that surrendering everything to God doesn't diminish your future; it multiplies it.

The pulpit was never meant to be casual. Somewhere along the way, we started confusing “relatable” with “careless”—and it’s costing us impact. If you speak, lead, or carry any kind of platform, this conversation will challenge how you prepare, how you present, and how seriously you treat the moment. Because what feels light to you may be weighty to God.

We’ve just wrapped up SimplyLead 2026—and the next SimplyLead will be in 2028. In this podcast, we recap the presenters and highlight key sessions from the event. We’re also offering special “In the Loop” pricing on all video sessions. Tune in to learn how you can purchase access and save.

Battalion Chief Chad Durrance has spent more than 30 years in the fire service, In this episode, “Lessons I Learned at the Firehouse,” we unpack what leadership really costs—because stepping into authority means surrendering certain rights. The question is simple: What are you willing to give up to lead well?

In this episode of In the Loop, we'll challenge one of the most common prayers leaders and believers pray—“God, give me more.” Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, this conversation reframes increase, influence, and blessing through the lens of stewardship and trust. The Gateway to More confronts the idea that growth comes from ambition or visibility and reveals a deeper kingdom principle: God releases more only after He sees what we do with little. This episode will challenge you to rethink faithfulness, confront the temptation to despise small assignments, and recognize that consistency—not talent—is heaven’s currency.

Leadership today often rewards exhaustion, packed calendars, and nonstop motion—but that’s not the leadership God designed. Somewhere along the way, we started believing that being busy meant being effective, and being tired meant being faithful. Live Well., we’re laying the foundation for a healthier way forward. Because the truth is, leadership doesn’t begin with strategy or vision—it begins with how you live. Your habits, your health, your pace, your peace. If you want to lead well for the long haul, you have to learn how to live well right now. We’re talking about self-leadership, sustainable rhythms, and why your leadership will only go as far as your life allows.

Today on In the Loop with Tom Durrance, we’re diving into a simple phrase that has the power to transform your life, your calling, and your walk with God: “My answer is yes.” Two small words—yes, Lord—can shift the entire trajectory of your ministry. This episode is all about living in that posture of yes—before you have the details, before you see the path, and even before you know the question. Let’s talk about what happens when your answer to God is already yes.

Ever stared at your schedule and thought, “Ugh… I really don’t want to go”? We’ve all been there—whether it’s a meeting, a ministry event, or even a Sunday service. But here’s the truth: leadership isn’t about convenience. In Episode 62, I’ll talk about why showing up matters, how your presence sets culture, and why your influence is bigger than you realize. This is your reminder: leadership is lived in the moments you choose to be present.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. The truth is, churches don’t grow by accident, lives aren’t changed by chance, and leaders don’t stay passionate without purpose. Today, I want to invite you to step back from the busyness of ministry and lean into some core questions that can reshape the way you lead. These aren’t once-a-year, strategic-plan questions; they’re the kind you carry in prayer, revisit often, and let guide your decisions.

When we picture a leader, most of us imagine someone loud, bold, extroverted—someone who walks into a room and immediately takes charge. But leadership doesn’t always look that way. Some of the most powerful and effective leaders are the quiet ones. They don’t lead with volume, but with presence. They don’t demand the spotlight, but they make space for others to shine. Quiet leaders are listeners, thoughtful decision-makers, and steady examples. Today, we’re going to talk about the strengths, the challenges, and the calling of what I call “The Silent CEO”—the power of a quiet leader.