The Attentive Church Leadership Podcast

How Do We Lead Through Change? (ft. Mark Toone)

Pastoral leadership is deeply personal work. It asks leaders to hold conviction and compassion, vision and presence, courage and humility all at the same time. In this episode of the LFM ACL Podcast, we sit down with Mark Toone, longtime pastor, author, and teacher, to reflect on the inner life of leadership and the practices that help pastors remain grounded over time. Mark shares from decades of ministry experience about calling, faithfulness, and the quiet formation that sustains leaders through change, pressure, and seasons of uncertainty. This conversation invites pastors and Christian leaders to slow down, pay attention, and lead from a deeper place of trust in God. This episode is especially for leaders who want to serve well without losing their soul. In this episode, you will hear about: The interior life of pastoral leadership How calling is shaped over time Staying grounded amid responsibility and expectation Why attentiveness matters for long-term faithfulness The LFM ACL Podcast exists to encourage and equip Christian leaders to live into their calling with wisdom, humility, and hope. Learn more about Leighton Ford Ministries at lfmconnect.org.

How Do We Facilitate Real Transformation? (ft. Tod Bolsinger)

Change is no longer the exception for church leaders. It is the environment we lead in. In this episode of the Attentive Church Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Tod Bolsinger, pastor, leadership strategist, and author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience. Tod brings decades of experience walking alongside pastors and ministry leaders who are navigating uncertainty, loss, and transformation. Together, we explore what faithful leadership looks like when old maps no longer work, why resilience is formed through spiritual maturity rather than sheer effort, and how leaders can grow steadier, wiser, and more hopeful in seasons of deep change. This conversation is especially for pastors, Christian leaders, and ministry teams who feel stretched, tired, or unsure how to lead forward without losing their soul. In this episode, you will hear about: - Why adaptive leadership matters in today’s church - The difference between technical fixes and deeper formation - How resilience is shaped through practice, community, and trust in God - What it means to lead with courage and clarity when outcomes are uncertain Leighton Ford Ministries exists to encourage and equip leaders to live into their calling with faithfulness, humility, and hope. Learn more about Leighton Ford Ministries at lfmconnect.org.

How Do We Build a Great Culture? (ft. John E. Walker)

In this episode of the Attentive Church Leadership Podcast, we sit down with John E. Walker, for a conversation that cuts to the core of what every thriving ministry—and organization—depends on: culture. Together, they unpack the practical and spiritual principles behind building a healthy, high-trust environment where people love to serve, leaders grow, and vision flourishes. John shares real-world wisdom on how to confront dysfunction, model values from the top down, and protect the heart of your team without losing momentum. If you’ve ever wondered why some teams thrive while others just survive, this conversation will give you the tools to start shaping a culture worth being part of.

Are We Entitled or Engaged? (ft. Alan Platt of City Changers)

In this episode of the Attentive Church Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Alan Platt, founder of City Changers, for an honest and challenging conversation about the posture of today’s Church. Are we showing up to consume—or to contribute? Alan unpacks what it means for leaders to cultivate a culture of engagement rather than entitlement—both in their congregations and in their own hearts. From redefining success in ministry to mobilizing believers for impact in every sphere of society, this conversation will equip and inspire you to lead with humility, clarity, and conviction. Whether you’re a pastor, team leader, or passionate church member, this episode will stir you to evaluate your leadership through the lens of participation, not privilege.

How to Build Real Community in a Narcissistic World (ft. Dr. Jim Singleton)

In a culture obsessed with self, is true community even possible? In this episode, Dr. Jim Singleton joins us to unpack what it looks like to build authentic, life-giving relationships in a world dominated by individualism and self-promotion. We discuss why loneliness is on the rise, the spiritual roots of our disconnection, and practical steps we can take to cultivate communities that reflect the heart of Christ. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or simply someone longing for deeper connection, this conversation will challenge the way you think about friendship, church, and your role in fostering community.