118. A Week in the Life of a Church Planter with Chris and Nikki Ogden

Send us a textMerry Christmas, everyone!In today’s episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share their heartfelt reflections on this Christmas season. From the joy of having all their kids home to the blessings of serving their community, Lynley opens up about how the meaning of this season deepens as life brings new changes.Ben reflects on a year filled with significant milestones, embracing both the joy and the bittersweet moments that come with Christmas. They acknowledge that while this season is a time of celebration, it can also be a time of sorrow for many. Together, they point us back to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus—the Savior whose birth we celebrate and whose return we eagerly await.Stay tuned for some exciting plans we have in store for the next season of The Glass House!SHOW LINKS: 96. Loving Your Church Staff Well with Mark and Jenna Hallock101. A Week In The Life of A Pastor with Lindsay & Ben Skipper114. Through the Decades with the Pastor's Wife with Anne Wright121. Through the Decades with Donna GainesVoice of the HeartBounce Curl-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 HERE

Send us a textHow does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway KidsConnect with Lifeway Students-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 HERE

Send us a textWe hope you had a great Thanksgiving! On today's episode we explore the subtle yet serious risks pastors face when they lean too heavily on their natural talents and abilities. While God-given skills are valuable, an over-reliance on them can lead to spiritual dryness, pride, and a lack of dependence on the Holy Spirit.This conversation serves as a heartfelt reminder that pastors are called to rely on Christ as their source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration. Enjoy this episode and share it with a friend!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 HERE

Send us a textWhat if joy wasn’t something to fear but an act of courage and faith? How do seasons of change and loss shape the way we lead and the way we see ourselves? And what if the key to making better decisions wasn’t buried in the past or hidden in the future, but found right here in the present moment?In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and leadership triggers that impact pastors and Christian leaders.  Inspired by the question and book by Nicole Zasowski, “What if it’s wonderful?”, this conversation explores how pain and safety inform our identity, why unresolved emotions affect our behaviors, and how celebrating God’s goodness shifts the focus away from ourselves and back to Him.This episode offers a compelling call for leaders to process their emotions through the lens of faith, embrace joy even when it feels risky, and lead from a place of authenticity and hope. Perfect for pastors and leaders seeking to navigate emotional challenges while remaining steadfast in their calling. Tune in and discover how to celebrate God’s goodness amidst the complexities of leadership!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Nicole ZasowskiWhat If It's Wonderful?-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 HERE

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode, we welcome Donna Gaines, a devoted pastor’s wife and seasoned ministry leader, who opens up about her transformative journey in ministry. Donna shares the trials and triumphs she’s encountered along the way, shedding light on the often unseen challenges pastors' wives face. From the power of prayer, to the value of authentic community, she reveals how these pillars have been foundational in her life and ministry.Donna’s transparent conversation covers her personal evolution—navigating changing relationships, meeting societal expectations, and embracing the inevitable challenges of aging. With wisdom and humility, she urges us to embrace "self-forgetfulness" and refocus on Christ, steering clear of distractions that may cloud our view of Him.Join us as we dive into an episode that promises to inspire, comfort, and challenge pastors’ wives to stay true to themselves while faithfully walking the path God has set before them.SHOW LINKS:Bellevue Baptist ChurchThe Anxious GenerationConnect with Donna Gaines-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 HERE

Send us a textWhat happens when a health crisis leads you to re-evaluate everything—especially your ministry?In this inspiring episode, Josh and Mallory Allen open up about the impact of a personal health crisis on their church planting journey, highlighting how it prompted them to take a hard look at their calling and ministry priorities. They also share their journey of raising kids in ministry and the lessons learned from involving their children in service and outreach. Josh and Mallory discuss the invaluable role of teaching kids to serve both in the church and in the community, a practice that’s helped their children grow resilient in the face of ministry challenges. Through it all, they stress the importance of finding support and encouragement within the church community, making this episode a powerful listen for anyone navigating family life and ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! 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 HERE

Send us a textWhat happens when a pastor and his wife feel called to step back from leadership—but not from their passion for ministry?In today's episode, Danny and Rhonda Sinquefield open up about their journey through decades of ministry, sharing how they navigated the unique challenges and transitions as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They recount their experiences at Faith Baptist Church, the call to Memphis, and the unexpected identity crisis that arose when they stepped back from formal leadership. With heartfelt reflections, the Sinquefields explore the value of family, the importance of open communication, and the power of building lasting relationships within the church community. Their story is not only a testament to faith but also a source of wisdom and encouragement for future generations in ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! 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 HERE

Send us a textManaging time well is one of the greatest challenges for anyone in ministry. Between sermon prep, meetings, family commitments, and personal spiritual growth, finding balance can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Chris and Nikki Ogden open up about the realities of time management as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They walk us through their weekly routines, the unique challenges of sermon preparation, and how their time management styles differ. Along the way, they offer practical advice for young couples in ministry and share wisdom on staying faithful both in marriage and in the calling God has placed on their lives. It’s an encouraging conversation and whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will encourage you to prioritize what matters most while effectively managing your time.Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! 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 HERE

Send us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of The Glass House—where Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive deep into the real-life highs and lows of ministry with pastors and their spouses, all while living in a glass house! This episode is extra special because we’re bringing you highlights straight from the Southern Baptist Convention! Ben and Lynley had some surprise guests swing by the booth this summer, and here’s the fun part: each guest blindly picked a card with a question they had to answer on the spot! Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend!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 HERE

Send us a textPeople can be mean! No matter what position you serve in, none of us are exempt from receiving criticism. On today's show we're featuring a crossover episode from Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They share stories of thier own experience with criticism and offer practical strategies to process feedback without losing your cool. This episode also underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile. Youth Ministry Booster is a podcast that has the most hilarious and honest conversations between Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. They are big fans of youth ministry and desire to engage, entertain, and equip youth leaders.So get ready for a laugh and some heartfelt stoires that reflect the resilience needed to handle candid feedback while still forging meaningful connections. SHOW LINKS:Listen to more of Youth Ministry BoosterJoin the Community -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 HERE