The Advantage Podcast

A Conversation with Dan Reiland

Episode 29 features Dan Reiland—one of the most seasoned executive pastors and leadership coaches in the church world. Dan served alongside John Maxwell for years at Skyline Church and spent 24 years as the Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church with Kevin Myers. He now coaches senior pastors and executive teams full time, and his wisdom in this conversation is the kind you don't find in a book. In this episode, David Ashcraft and Dan talk through: • When the right time is to hire an executive pastor (and what size church makes it financially feasible) • The two types of executive pastors—and why most people naturally gravitate toward one side • How to build an executive team structure that works for your church's personality • What it means to be a bottleneck—and how to know when your structure needs to change • The critical difference between equipping and developing leaders (and why legacy churches know how to do both) • A 10-minute conversation John Maxwell had with Dan in 1982 that changed the course of his ministry Whether you have an executive pastor, are thinking about hiring one, or are trying to build a healthier culture on your team—this conversation will give you language, perspective, and practical handles to take home.

A Conversation with Mark Grunden

What if the entrepreneurs in your church could become your greatest ministry partners? In the newest episode of The Advantage Podcast, David Ashcraft talks with Mike Grunden from Faith Driven Entrepreneur about the ways pastors can engage high-capacity leaders for Kingdom impact.   In their conversation, you'll discover: - Why revival often starts in "pockets of awakening" - How to overcome intimidation when connecting with business leaders - Practical tools to move entrepreneurs from the sidelines to the front lines of ministry.

A Conversation with Adam Hann & Christian Nelson

In our newest episode of The Advantage podcast, David sits down with two leaders who are helping churches all over the country navigate one of the most confusing and rapidly changing areas of ministry today—technology. Adam Hann (LCBC) and Christian Nelson (The Christian Consulting Group) join him for a practical and eye-opening conversation about how churches can leverage technology without losing their minds or their budgets. Whether you're a digital early adopter or someone who still sees tech as a "black hole," this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a better strategy for the road ahead. We talk about: - Why so many churches are stuck with disconnected systems that don't talk to each other - How your website and online experience have become your new front door - The real ministry impact of knowing your people through data - How to uncover untapped tech expertise that's already sitting in your church - What a healthy technology budget actually looks like - And how to thoughtfully prepare your church for the rise of AI—without panic or hype

A Conversation with Kent Jacobs

We’re excited to welcome Kent Jacobs, founder and lead pastor of Epic Church in Philadelphia. Kent’s journey—from meeting Jesus at age 12 to launching Epic with just a handful of people—has been marked by courage, faith, and a deep desire to help every person in the city know God. In the early days of Epic, Kent reached out to LCBC simply looking to learn. That small step sparked a meaningful connection that has grown into years of friendship, encouragement, and collaboration through The Advantage. Kent and his team have been key contributors to this network as together we work to strengthen churches across Pennsylvania.  In this episode, Kent shares the ups and downs of church planting in the city, the challenges of leading through COVID without a permanent facility, the surprising gift of a historic building, and the renewed hope and momentum Epic is experiencing today. You’ll hear his heart for Philadelphia, his passion for long‑term ministry, and the role collaboration has played in shaping his journey.

A Conversation with Chris Hodges

In this episode David Ashcraft is joined by Chris Hodges, a leader known for his passion for equipping pastors and building thriving churches. Chris opens up about his personal story, the pivotal moment that led him into ministry, and how Church of the Highlands grew from a small launch team to a multi-campus church impacting thousands.  You’ll hear insights on creating effective systems, raising up leaders, and keeping ministry life-giving. Plus, Chris shares wisdom on navigating leadership transitions and staying committed to the mission Jesus gave us. This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for every church leader.