“Be Real.” The Most Important Advice for Pastors | Preach it Better Ep. 18

“Be Real.” The Most Important Advice for Pastors | Preach it Better Ep. 18

In this episode of the Preach It Better Podcast, Micah Stephens sits down with Pastor Zack Cardin for a conversation about preaching, pastoral maturity, authenticity, and why being real matters more than being impressive.Pastor Zack shares why he didn’t become a lead pastor until age 50, how years of serving in different ministry roles shaped him, and what younger pastors often misunderstand about leadership, criticism, and ego. The conversation dives into sermon prep, manuscript preaching, discernment, church culture, and why pastors need to actually know their people if they want their preaching to connect.One of the strongest moments of the episode comes when Zack challenges pastors to stop hiding behind polished performances and trust the power of honesty, vulnerability, and the Holy Spirit.This episode is full of wisdom for pastors, communicators, church leaders, and anyone trying to preach with both conviction and humility.

Preaching Truth Without Losing People | Preach it Better Ep. 17

In this episode of the Preach It Better Podcast, Micah Stephens sits down with Pastor Mitch Kuhn from Redeemer Church in Tampa, Florida for one of the most honest conversations yet.They dive into growing up in strict church culture, purity culture, parenting, difficult Bible passages, preaching with conviction, and why pastors often struggle to talk about hard topics. Mitch shares his process for sermon prep, why he still writes full manuscripts, and how pastors can preach truth without making themselves the center of the message.This episode is raw, thoughtful, funny, and deeply practical for pastors, communicators, and anyone trying to follow Jesus faithfully in today’s culture. Topics include: -Growing up as a pastor’s kid -Legalism and purity culture -Parenting and honest conversations -Preaching difficult truths -Manuscript preaching vs spontaneity -Faithfulness over platform -Why the Gospel doesn’t need defending

Stop Chasing Ministry Success | Preach it Better Ep. 16

On this episode of the Preach It Better Podcast, Micah Stephens sits down with Pastor Eric Posteluk from Chicago for a powerful conversation on preaching, spiritual discipline, urban ministry, and staying close to Jesus.Eric shares his incredible testimony of getting radically saved at 13 through street evangelism, growing up in Chicago, overcoming a difficult past, and how God taught him to love Scripture after struggling to even read as a young man.Micah and Eric talk about:-Preaching with authenticity-Ministry in urban environments-Avoiding the idol of ministry success-Prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline-Balancing church leadership and family life-How pastors can stay spiritually healthy-Why pastors must live the message they preachThis episode is honest, challenging, and deeply encouraging for pastors, church leaders, and anyone serious about following Jesus faithfully.

Why So Many Pastors Are Secretly Dying Inside | Preach it Better Ep. 15

On this episode of the Preach It Better Podcast, Micah Stephens sits down with Phil Eubank, lead pastor of Menlo Church in Silicon Valley, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet.Phil shares his powerful story of growing up in an abusive home, losing his brother to addiction, navigating trauma, and how God used all of it to shape the way he pastors, leads, and raises his family today. Micah and Phil talk about:-Emotional health in ministry-Why pastors need counseling and accountability-Leadership and developing healthy teams-Raising resilient kids without recreating trauma-Politics and the church-Burnout, pressure, and staying faithful in ministryThis episode is deeply practical, deeply personal, and full of wisdom for pastors, leaders, and anyone trying to faithfully follow Jesus in difficult seasons.

The Brutal Truth About Pastors and Ego | Preach it Better Ep. 14

What if the biggest limitation in your ministry… is you?In this episode, Micah sits down with Pastor Josh Husmann to talk about calling, church planting, and the hard truths most leaders avoid.From a radical conversion at 19 to planting a thriving church movement, Josh shares:How a single moment with God changed his entire life trajectoryWhy storytelling is a lost (but critical) skill in preachingThe danger of pastors building platforms instead of multiplying leadersHow insecurity quietly limits kingdom impactAnd why your family might be your most important ministryIf you’re not multiplying leaders and prioritizing what matters most… you’re missing the point.