[May 2026] The Pulpit is not a Playground

Starting strong is easy. Finishing strong is what separates dependable leaders from everyone else.In Episode 72 of In the Loop, Tom Durrance shares a simple leadership discipline learned through more than three decades in business and ministry: Close the loop. Completing the work is only part of the assignment—communicating that it’s finished is part of completing it.Whether you lead in ministry, business, your community, or your family, this episode will challenge you to become the kind of person others can depend on and God can trust.Bring your best—not just at the beginning, but all the way through.

In a world where opinions spread faster than facts, it's easy to get swept up in the crowd. **The Herd, The Heard Mentality** is a podcast that challenges listeners to slow down, think critically, and examine what they believe—and why they believe it. Hosted by Tom Durrance, each episode explores current events, culture, leadership, faith, and everyday life through the lens of biblical wisdom, sound reasoning, and practical insight. Rather than simply following the herd, you'll learn how to become one of the heard—someone whose voice is informed, thoughtful, and grounded in truth. Join the conversation and discover how to rise above the noise, think for yourself, and live with conviction.

Has the church become too entertaining?In this episode of In the Loop with Tom Durrance, I discuss the growing tension between ministry and performance, relevance and compromise, production and power.The world can always put on a bigger show. But no concert, production, or presentation can replace the transforming power of the Holy Ghost.Where is the line between church and entertainment? And how do we reach people without losing what makes the church different?Let's talk about it.

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.