Margin for Mission: The CRI CapinCrouse Podcast

Multisite is no longer a passing trend in church ministry; it has become one of the most common ways congregations grow and expand their impact. On this episode of Margin for Mission, church researcher and author Warren Bird joins the show to unpack his latest findings on how multisite churches are launching, staffing, funding, and governing their campuses today.Together, they discuss the evolution from early video venues to modern campus models, how church mergers and adoptions factor into expansion, and key governance and structural accountability considerations for nonprofit and church leaders before adding a new location.Visit https://www.criadv.com for more.

Great leadership comes down to what you do, not just what you say. In part one of this two-part book club series, hosts Chris Purnell and Ken Tan dive into Andy Stanley's book, What Great Leaders Do: 7 Essentials for Enduring Impact.Together, they walk through Stanley's seven core leadership practices, discussing how they directly apply to managing non-profits, ministries, and mission-driven organizations. Chris and Ken share personal experiences, practical adaptations, and actionable advice for evaluating your own leadership approach. Whether you lead a team, serve on a board, or guide a congregation, this conversation provides valuable insights on what practices to reinforce and what changes to make to drive lasting organizational impact.Learn more at criadv.com.

What kind of mark will your financial journey leave on future generations? In this episode, Ken Tan sits down with Nathan Russell from the Georgia Baptist Foundation for a deep dive into estate planning, stewardship, and intentional generosity. Nathan reflects on his personal path to the foundation and breaks down how churches, ministry leaders, and Christian families can align their wealth with their deepest values. From structured planned giving to practical estate strategies, discover how thoughtful financial stewardship today can build a culture of generosity that powers ministry long into the future!Learn more: criadv.comgbfoundation.org

Behind every headline, public figure, and high-profile career, there is a human story driven by faith, leadership, and personal relationships. In this episode, we sit down with Maina Mwaura to explore the power of authentic storytelling and what happens when you share a table with some of the most recognizable voices in politics, ministry, sports, entertainment, and culture. We unpack key leadership lessons learned from interviewing influential figures, the role faith plays in high-impact environments, and how building genuine relationships can transform how we lead. Whether you are leading a team, navigating complex cultural conversations, or seeking to deepen your impact, tune in for a compelling look at leadership behind the headlines!Connect with Ken TanConnect with Chris PurnellLearn more at criadv.com

Leading a church is rewarding, but let us be honest: it also comes with its fair share of messy, difficult moments. In this episode Ken Tan and Chris Purnell sit down with Denise Craig from The Church Network to talk about how church leaders, boards, and admin teams can handle the hard seasons without losing sight of their core mission. Denise also opens up about her own journey into church leadership and what she has learned along the way.Grab a cup of coffee and tune in for an honest, practical conversation about navigating real-world ministry challenges!Visit criadv.com for more.

Burnout, isolation, and integrity failures present massive risks to ministry leaders and the trust of their donors. In this episode, we sit down with Jake Lapp from ECFA to unpack the organization's Leader Care standard. Together, they explore the core requirements of the standard, why ECFA created it, and common pitfalls nonprofit boards encounter during implementation. Whether you serve on a board or lead a ministry, this conversation delivers practical, biblically grounded strategies to protect and support the leaders carrying your mission forward.Connect with Chris PurnellConnect with Ken TanLearn more about CapinCrouse at criadv.com

Leadership comes with unique pressures that don't punch out at 5:00pm.In this episode, we recap our live interviews from the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, where we asked pastors what challenges keep them up at night. We break down their honest feedback regarding church operations, community growth, and leadership demands, offering our own insights on how to address these hidden vulnerabilities. Listen now for a practical guide to strengthening your church infrastructure.Visit CapinCrouse.com for more.

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn't your competition, but your calendar? This week, we are diving into the core principles of John Mark Comer’s "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" and looking at how chronic busyness is quietly draining our energy, our relationships, and our vision.Unchecked hurry often leads straight to burnout, reactive decisions, and a shallow organizational culture. Tune in as we explore the transformative power of slowing down. We discuss how practicing silence, solitude, and simplicity can help you move away from the trap of constant productivity and toward a sustainable, deeply intentional style of leadership.Visit CapinCrouse.com for more.

The right CFO can unlock clarity, confidence, and capacity for your church’s mission-but finding someone who blends financial expertise with spiritual alignment is a unique challenge. In this episode, Ken Tan introduces a special collaborative session featuring Jen Neal and William Vanderbloemen. Together, they break down strategic approaches to recruiting a church CFO who understands both the numbers and the vision. Tune in to learn how to align values, assess leadership potential, and build a financial foundation that empowers ministry growth.Visit CapinCrouse.com for more.

What can a baseball diamond or a football field teach us about the limits of leadership control? Ken Tan and Chris Purnell explore the intersection of athletics and organizational health, revealing how the "Big Three"-ministry, operations, and finance-thrive when leaders stop trying to do it all. Visit capincrouse.com for more.