A podcast from Converge Coaching. Through their more than 50 years of ministry experience, Jim Wiegand and John Opalewski bring Pastors weekly tips and tools to help lead better, lead longer, and enjoy it more.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 28:10
Finding the right person isn’t just about filling a ministry role, it’s about finding the right fit. In this episode, we explore how to build stronger teams through chemistry,…
Sep 22, 2026 · 30:52
Leaders rarely set out to become exhausted, anxious, discouraged, or ready to walk away, but many eventually find themselves there. In this episode, we explore how a five-step…
Sep 15, 2026 · 30:21
Have you ever wondered why giving can be so difficult, even when you believe God is faithful? For many, the issue isn’t really money. It’s trust. This deep down, sneaky suspicion…
Sep 8, 2026 · 26:36
Every pastor and leader carries scars. Some are meant to be shared because God can use them to bring healing, hope, and freedom to others. Others are meant to remain private. Not…
Sep 1, 2026 · 38:09
The calling of every pastor is not only to feed the sheep but also to protect them. Today’s episode offers practical, biblical conversations on spiritual discernment, faithful…
Aug 25, 2026 · 35:33
Prayer is essential to ministry—but building a consistent prayer life isn't always easy. In this episode, Craig Owens shares insights from his new book, Developing a Consistent…
Aug 18, 2026 · 31:54
In the final episode of our Navigating Conflict series, we explore the third story every leader tells—not to themselves or to the person at the center of the conflict, but to…
Aug 11, 2026 · 36:28
Few pastors enjoy difficult conversations, but every pastor must learn how to navigate them well. The way you navigate conflict doesn't just impact the issue at hand—it shapes…
Aug 4, 2026 · 31:13
Ministry and conflict go hand in hand. Difficult conversations, challenging people, and tough decisions are simply part of leading God's people. The question isn't if you'll face…
Jul 28, 2026 · 36:06
The people you lead are constantly taking cues from your inner life. Your level of peace, joy, health, and emotional resilience has a profound impact on the culture around you.…
Jul 21, 2026 · 28:42
Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is let go. In this week's podcast, Dr. Ralph Neighbour joins us for a candid conversation about one of the hardest realities of life:…
Jul 14, 2026 · 49:05
Most leaders aren't afraid of starting new things. They're afraid of ending old ones. We keep unhealthy ministries alive. We tolerate programs that drain energy and resources. We…
Jun 30, 2026 · 24:38
In today’s episode we challenge a reflex most of us don’t even realize we have . . . the instinct to label discomfort as offense. Not everything that stings is harmful, and not…
Jun 23, 2026 · 35:48
In a world where offense is almost automatic, how do we tell the difference between real harm and a bruised ego? Today, we’re unpacking why so many people feel easily offended…
Jun 16, 2026 · 21:49
What if the reason you feel stretched thin isn’t your workload—but your isolation? Many of us quietly believe we don’t have time for friendships, but the truth is we make time…
Jun 9, 2026 · 35:10
In our newest podcast episode, we welcome Mike Kern to the mic for a conversation every leader needs to hear. With decades of experience spanning both the corporate world and…
Jun 2, 2026 · 20:07
In today's episode, we explore what it really looks like to protect the most important part of who you are. From what you consume, to where you focus your eyes, to the thoughts…
May 26, 2026 · 29:19
When everything feels fragmented, stability becomes magnetic. In a culture of constant updates, endless scrolling, and reflexive rebellion, it’s no surprise that more than a few…
May 19, 2026 · 28:45
The way we relate to ourselves—whether with truth, kindness, and grace or with harsh criticism—is more than a personal issue; it’s a defining factor for our entire life. It…
May 12, 2026 · 48:13
What does it really take for pastors to thrive in today’s ministry landscape? In this episode of Leading from Alignment, we sit down with Aaron Hlavin, Michigan Assemblies of God…
May 5, 2026 · 42:21
After a big Sunday, the noise doesn’t always fade when the room empties. Sometimes on the Monday after it gets louder. In this episode, we’ve invited our good friend Lewis…
Apr 28, 2026 · 25:27
When betrayal comes from someone close, it’s more than a surface wound. It is a deep gash. In this week’s episode, we step into one of the hardest realities leaders face . . .…
Apr 21, 2026 · 33:49
Many pastors were trained primarily to preach and teach. Some were also equipped to provide pastoral care. But in today’s ministry environment, faithful and effective pastoral…
Apr 14, 2026 · 38:04
Coming back from vacation should mean easing back into rhythm—but instead, I walked into six or seven different crises. Different churches, different situations, but the same…
Apr 7, 2026 · 26:19
Earlier this year, Laura and John were given the rare gift of three uninterrupted weeks away. They rented a condo on the ocean, where each morning began with coffee on the…
Mar 31, 2026 · 28:51
Many pastors struggle to share the ministry load—especially perfectionists who feel it’s easier to do everything themselves. In this episode, we explore why delegation is so hard…
Mar 24, 2026 · 30:15
Leading a church can be one of the most meaningful callings in the world—but it can also quietly cost you the very things God never intended you to lose. In this episode, we’re…
Mar 17, 2026 · 30:24
Pastors and church staff regularly call others into community, vulnerability, and asking for help—but many of us struggle to live that out ourselves. The expectations are high.…
Mar 10, 2026 · 33:56
In Paul’s letter to the Romans and his first letter to the Corinthian church, he spends a significant amount of time addressing what he calls disputable matters—those behaviors…
Mar 3, 2026 · 25:21
What do you do when the season you’re living in looks nothing like the one you prayed for? When your personal life, your ministry life—or both—feel swallowed by disappointment?…
Feb 24, 2026 · 45:59
Pastors, ever feel like your phone has a spiritual gift for ringing at the worst possible moment? In this episode, we dive into the holy art of becoming—brace yourself—radically…
Feb 17, 2026 · 31:23
Most of us carry at least one relationship that feels fractured. Maybe we’ve avoided the hard conversation. Maybe we’ve held our breath, hoping time will fix what’s unresolved.…
Feb 10, 2026 · 32:37
In ministry, every pastor wears two essential hats: the shepherd and the leader. Jesus modeled this perfectly—coming “full of grace and truth”—and Paul echoed it when he urged us…
Feb 3, 2026 · 41:12
Today we welcome Jenni Catron to the podcast. Jenni is recognized as a trusted leadership voice in both church and marketplace worlds. In today’s conversation, we explore the…
Jan 27, 2026 · 31:04
Many of the moral failures we hear about—and countless more that never make the news—can often be traced back to two forces: isolation and exhaustion. In today’s episode, we…
Jan 20, 2026 · 27:49
In our latest episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to “get younger” as a church. We unpack the common misunderstandings churches often have about younger members and…
Jan 13, 2026 · 23:05
Every January, John reflects on the biggest “aha moments” from the past year. Normally, he would share three or four major insights, but this past year, one stood out so strongly…
Jan 6, 2026 · 31:36
Today we kick off the new year with a challenge that could change everything: what if the biggest barrier to your growth isn’t your strategy, resources, or talent—but your…
Dec 16, 2025 · 40:17
In our latest episode, Hal Donaldson, president and founder of Convoy of Hope, joins the conversation to share how leaders and everyday people can stay spiritually grounded and…
Dec 9, 2025 · 31:39
Our words carry incredible power — not just the ones we speak to others, but the ones we whisper to ourselves about ourselves. Last week, Jim unpacked the first four of seven…
Dec 2, 2025 · 37:29
Every journey of faith begins with a question of identity — not who we think we are, but who God says we are. Over the next two weeks, we’re unpacking seven powerful declarations…
Nov 25, 2025 · 34:00
If you can’t remember the last time you felt “off duty,” this one’s for you. We’re talking about boundaries, burnout, and the courage to step out of compulsion and back into…
Nov 18, 2025 · 28:09
More than a few pastors and leaders are leading on empty—spiritually dry, but outwardly active. They’re still preaching, leading, praying, and showing up for their people, but…
Nov 11, 2025 · 25:57
Have you ever been in a season where everything looks good on paper—your ministry is thriving, your schedule is full, your people are happy . . . but you feel empty? You’re…
Nov 4, 2025 · 21:40
Have you ever noticed that the higher your influence rises, the smaller your circle seems to get? You’re surrounded by people, yet somehow… you feel unseen. Unheard. Unknown.…
Oct 28, 2025 · 30:10
For some leaders, ministry has become maintenance. Vision has turned into management. The work that once felt sacred now feels like a grind. In today's episode, we talk about…
Oct 21, 2025 · 38:56
In this powerful and practical episode, David Cooke shares the five essential relationships every pastor needs for long-term health, growth, and sustainability. Leadership can be…
Oct 14, 2025 · 30:14
It’s easy to blame our staff, our church, or our circumstances for ministry stress. But often the real issue lies deeper—in our own hearts. In this episode, we unpack how…
Oct 7, 2025 · 36:35
Pastors live in a world overflowing with smart-sounding ideas, leadership hacks, and cultural “truths.” But how do we discern what aligns with Christ—and help the people we lead…
Sep 30, 2025 · 28:52
Have you felt the tension between ministry and marketplace? Some pastors fear marketplace strategies strip away the heart of ministry; others fear without marketplace strategies…
Sep 23, 2025 · 28:27
There comes a point when paychecks, promotions, and possessions no longer define us. A deeper question takes over: What legacy will I leave behind? This week’s podcast explores…
Sep 16, 2025 · 29:35
Last week in Episode 302 we confronted a troubling trend: Christians throwing bombs at each other. It’s disheartening to watch, and it’s driven me to my knees in prayer. In Part…
Sep 9, 2025 · 29:49
Jesus is a builder. When He said, “I will build My Church,” He wasn’t talking about bricks and mortar—He was making a promise to create something lasting, life-giving, and…
Sep 2, 2025 · 29:02
Last week, we hit a major milestone—Episode 300! To celebrate, we kicked off a special two-part series highlighting the six biggest aha moments we've uncovered in six years of…
Aug 26, 2025 · 38:44
Can you believe it? Episode 300 drops today! We're celebrating six amazing years of podcasting together. As we reflected on how to mark this milestone, one question kept coming…
Aug 19, 2025 · 24:57
In Part 2 of his conversation with John and Jim, Mike Kern III emphasizes the importance of personal financial health for pastors—urging proactive salary discussions, use of…
Aug 12, 2025 · 27:59
In this insightful episode, John and Jim sit down with Mike Kern III—former President/CEO of two financial service companies and now a trusted advisor to pastors and churches…
Aug 5, 2025 · 40:42
Every pastor wants to see their church love Jesus . . . but what about their kids? Today we’re getting real about one of the most important — and personal — parts of ministry:…
Jul 29, 2025 · 45:03
Every pastor wants to see their church love Jesus . . . but what about their kids? Today we’re getting real about one of the most important — and personal — parts of ministry:…
Jul 22, 2025 · 41:42
Last week, we unpacked key ideas for building a church hiring playbook. This week, we turn to the less exciting — but equally critical — side of the people equation: a church…
Jul 15, 2025 · 38:59
In ministry, every hire is more than a role filled — it’s a person stewarding the mission of the Church. A great hire strengthens the team, brings unity, and fuels Kingdom…
Jul 8, 2025 · 32:01
Serving alongside your spouse can be one of the most meaningful experiences in leadership—but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Sharing a mission deepens your connection,…
Jun 24, 2025 · 36:48
It’s not the external obstacles that trip leaders up most—it’s the internal ones: self-doubt, fear of failure, ego, perfectionism, or an unwillingness to listen or adapt. But…
Jun 17, 2025 · 28:20
Today we welcome back our good friend, Josh Spurlock. Today is part two of our series: How to Heal Deep Pain. Whether you're carrying past wounds or supporting someone who is,…
Jun 10, 2025 · 39:13
Today we welcome our good friend Josh Spurlock, founder of My Counselor Online, which provides faith-based counseling worldwide. We're kicking off part one of a two-part series:…
Jun 3, 2025 · 25:28
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation on navigating organizational change. In today’s episode, we dive into three more essential behaviors that will help you confidently and…
May 27, 2025 · 30:08
Today’s episode kicks off a two-part conversation where we unpack six key behaviors that help leaders navigate organizational change with greater confidence and clarity. Whether…
May 20, 2025 · 36:09
Struggles often strip away the illusion of control. It's an unsettling process, but it can also be freeing. It reminds us to lean into trust rather than self-reliance. Today,…
May 13, 2025 · 35:05
How open should a pastor be when it comes to sharing their personal struggles? That is such a good question—and one a lot of pastors wrestle with. Today, John and Jim welcome…
Mar 25, 2025 · 25:03
In Episode 284, John and Jim covered the first three of six inspirational thoughts from John's February vacation. Today in Episode 285, they present three more insights from his…
Mar 25, 2025 · 31:22
It is amazing what God can reveal to us when we slow down and listen. In today’s episode we unpack the first three of six inspirational moments from John’s vacation earlier this…
Mar 25, 2025 · 35:32
In today’s episode John and Jim welcome Karl Vaters back to the mic to continue our conversation around his compelling book, De-Sizing the Church. Today Karl reveals what he is…
Mar 25, 2025 · 30:20
In today’s episode John and Jim welcome Karl Vaters to the mic to discuss his bestselling book, De-Sizing the Church. We dig into Karl’s research on the church growth movement…
Jan 20, 2025 · 25:32
It’s not easy to finish. It’s even less easy to finish well. With the attrition of well-known ministry leaders over the past several years, you can begin to wonder, does anyone…
Jan 20, 2025 · 32:14
The top contributor to pastoral burnout? The ongoing stress of the role. If you have answered the divine call to pastoral ministry, you have signed up for both a fulfilling and…
Jan 20, 2025 · 32:58
Are you in pain today? Even while the organization you lead is growing? Growth, while often desirable, is usually accompanied by pruning, both in our personal and pastoral lives.…
Jan 20, 2025 · 26:41
You do not exist to cater to every whim of those you lead. It’s not good for them . . . or for you . . . nor the organization you lead. In today’s episode John and Jim explore…
Jan 20, 2025 · 28:29
Hurrying seems to be our national pastime. And pastors are among the biggest hurry-ers. The question is—how do we deal with the tension between our God-given assignment and His…
Jan 20, 2025 · 27:11
Leadership is a journey fraught with peril. Numerous temptations lurk. In today’s episode John and Jim explore three less talked about, more subtle temptations that threaten to…
Jan 20, 2025 · 22:33
One of the hardest things to do for most lead pastors is to separate from work. Failure to pivot from work to our personal life leads to overscheduling, overcommitting, and…
Jan 20, 2025 · 25:09
How we forgive is a harbinger of leadership fruitfulness and longevity. In part two of their conversation about Leadership & Forgiveness, John and Jim focus on extending…
Dec 30, 2024 · 21:03
Last week John and Jim began a two-part conversation on the irreplaceable role core values play. Core values answer the question, how?. How do we behave on our way to the vision…
Dec 30, 2024 · 31:37
In the past two episodes John and Jim focused on vision development and vision-casting. Vision answers the question, where? Today they begin another two-part conversation on the…
Dec 30, 2024 · 27:26
Last week John and Jim started a two-part series about casting your 2025 vision. In today’s episode they continue their conversation on vision with extremely practical vision…
Dec 10, 2024 · 26:45
In 1900, the Ford Motor Company commissioned a series of tests to determine how long a workweek should be to optimize productivity. Ford discovered the “sweet spot” was 40 hours…
Dec 3, 2024 · 38:22
What is the top contributor to the ongoing burnout crisis for pastors? The ongoing and immense stress of the role. The solution is not the total elimination of stress. The truth…
Dec 2, 2024 · 23:44
Vision is a clear, compelling, mouthwatering picture of where God wants to take the organization you lead. In today’s episode contains part one of our conversation around this…
Nov 27, 2024 · 33:39
Episode 268:John’s Four Biggest Aha’s of 2024 by Converge Coaching
Nov 27, 2024 · 32:22
Human nature leans toward noticing problems with other people while being blind to our own. Jesus identifies this tendency when He asks: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust…
Nov 19, 2024 · 29:24
The second leading cause of pastor burnout is isolation. All of us need people in our life who energize us, refresh us, make us laugh, who we can have mask-off community with.…
Nov 8, 2024 · 28:09
What is it like to be on the other side of you? The answer can be a leading indicator of your emotional intelligence level. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand…
Nov 5, 2024 · 29:23
Ever feel like there is more work to do than hands to help? If so . . . you need a team. A team that feels free to help you. In today’s episode we explore three master keys to…
Nov 4, 2024 · 27:47
What is the most limiting behavior for a leader? The inability or unwillingness to have tough conversations with those you lead. In today’s episode John and Jim unpack six…
Oct 29, 2024 · 29:09
One of the most vulnerable times in an organization’s life is when it is transitioning from its current senior leader and passing the baton to the next one. In today’s episode…
Oct 22, 2024 · 30:48
Should I stay, or should I go? A question most pastors have asked multiple times. Churches can experience two extremes when it comes to lead pastors: pastors who leave…
Oct 15, 2024 · 25:45
In last week’s episode 257 we explored a leader’s most important assignment . . . building a strong inner life. In today’s episode we piggyback on that idea today by unpacking a…
Oct 3, 2024 · 31:35
In today’s episode John and Jim do a quick flyover of three quotes from Peter Scazzero’s book, The Emotionally Healthy Leader. Together they unpack the #1 assignment of every…
Oct 1, 2024 · 30:35
It’s national election season again. It’s safe to assume there’s going to be some tension leaking into the churches you lead. In today’s episode John & Jim unpack four…
Sep 24, 2024 · 37:49
Today John and Jim welcome to the mic Lewis Brandon, pastor of Jordantown Wesleyan Church in Vinton, Virginia. A vibrant, growing church led by a vibrant, growing pastor. His…
Sep 17, 2024 · 30:25
Finding character-filled, talented people to add to your team is challenging. In today’s episode Johne and Jim conclude their three-part series on Staffing Your Church from…
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