Send us a text

In a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and hustle, what is all this hurry costing us? In this episode, we slow down and take a deep breath to explore the spiritual, emotional, and relational toll of our nonstop lives. Drawing inspiration from John Mark Comer's powerful book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, we unpack the rhythms of rest, presence, and purpose that Jesus modeled for us—and how adopting them can transform our everyday lives.

Send us a text

When was the last time you truly listened—not just to respond, but to understand?

In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell explore one of the most undervalued yet essential skills in ministry leadership: listening. Whether you're navigating staff dynamics, leading small groups, or caring for your congregation, your ability to listen well can make or break your effectiveness as a leader.

Ben and Lynley unpack the challenges of one-sided conversations, the power of emotional intelligence, and why self-awareness is key to becoming a better communicator. They also discuss the often-avoided topic of confrontation, encouraging leaders to embrace it in a constructive, grace-filled way. Finally, they offer practical advice on how to seek honest feedback to grow in communication and relational leadership.

This conversation is a must-listen for any ministry leader who wants to build healthier teams, deeper relationships, and a more effective leadership presence through the simple—but powerful—act of listening.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to rate, review, and share the podcast with another ministry leader in your circle. Listening well is a lifelong journey, and we’re in it together.

SHOW LINKS:

Why Don't We Listen Better

Send us a text

Before we can lead others effectively, we have to learn how to lead ourselves. Are you paying attention to the habits, rhythms, and decisions that shape your personal leadership?

We’re continuing our 10 & 10 Summer Series, where Ben dives into a leadership topic for 10 minutes and Lynley follows with 10 minutes of thoughtful, honest commentary from her perspective.

In this episode, Ben and Lynley explore the vital topic of self-leadership—the often-overlooked but foundational skill that impacts every area of our lives. They unpack four categories of activity that leaders typically engage in and challenge listeners to evaluate how they spend their time. The conversation encourages leaders to identify both strengths and weaknesses, making space for personal growth and greater alignment with their calling.

Together, they reflect on how to balance the demands of ministry with personal passions, and how leaning into your God-given wiring can lead to more joy and effectiveness in your work. Whether you're running on empty or ready for a refresh, this episode is packed with perspective to help you thrive—not just survive—in your leadership. If this conversation challenged or encouraged you, we’d love it if you’d rate, review, and share the podcast with your team or another ministry leader. And don’t miss the next episode in our 10 & 10 series—where leadership gets real, and so do we.

SHOW LINKS:

Four Thousand Weeks

Send us a text

In this episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the power of preparation—especially when it comes to shaping the environments we lead in. Whether you're welcoming a new staff member, greeting a church guest, or hosting a team event, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes.

Ben & Lynley unpack why first impressions matter and how intentional details—big or small—can leave a lasting impact. They discuss the tension between thoughtful experiences and branding strategies, pointing to the deeper calling of hospitality as a reflection of care and mission.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to:

• Cultivate welcoming spaces for both visitors and teams
• Align preparation with purpose, not just performance
• Make every interaction feel personal, memorable, and mission-driven

If you’re leading in ministry, business, or your own home, this conversation will encourage you to think more intentionally about how preparation sets the tone for transformation.

Send us a text

In 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:

Send us a text

Are 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 president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE

Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a text

How 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 president@lifeway.com or leave us a voice mail HERE

Send us a text

What 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:

4o