The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast

Most of us were trained to read the Bible the way we were trained to lead — move fast, cover ground, extract what's useful, and get back to work. But what if that approach, by itself, is keeping you from the very transformation you're trying to produce in others?In this episode, I want to share a practice that has shaped my life for almost thirty years. A practice I cannot live without. It's called Lectio Divina — holy reading — and I believe it may be the single most important shift a Christian leader can make in their relationship with Scripture and with God.I'll take you through the history of this practice, the ancient monastic stream of reading that treated the Bible not as a text to be mastered but as a sacrament — a place of encounter with the living God. I'll share the four movements that structure it, and exactly what it looked like in my own devotional life this past week.This isn't theory. I'll be honest with you about the years I spent reading the Bible the way I approached leadership: achieve, produce, get it done. What that approach cost me — in my prayer life, my preaching, my soul — is something I wish someone had told me at 30.Lectio Divina interrupts the cycle of leading from information rather than formation. It doesn't just inform your sermons — it transforms the person preaching them. And it begins with something shockingly simple: slowing down long enough to let the Word read you.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Most of us were trained to look for God in the big moments — the breakthrough, the open door, the dramatic call. But what if God is most consistently present in the ordinary moments we rush past every day?In this episode, I want to share a 500-year-old practice that has quietly transformed my leadership, my marriage, and my relationship with God. It's called the Examen — and I believe it may be the single most underused tool in the modern pastor's spiritual formation toolkit.I'll take you through the history of this practice, born out of the life of Ignatius of Loyola — a soldier brought low by a cannonball who discovered that God speaks through our interior movements. I'll share the 2-question version you can start today, and the fuller 4-movement practice the Jesuits have done twice a day for five centuries.This isn't theory. I'll be honest with you about the years I spent pushing past the heaviness in my chest — misreading desolation as something to overcome rather than something to hear. What I missed cost me. You don't have to miss it too.The Examen interrupts the cycle of leading from wounds and repeating old patterns. It teaches discernment, not just decision-making. And it begins with just two questions.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Free Resource: Download the Day Alone with God Guide at emotionallyhealthy.org/sabbathMost leaders I know have a daily time with God. Very few ever stop long enough to actually hear Him.There's a difference between a longer quiet time and a day alone with God. One sustains you. The other re-orders you. And if you're honest, you know the difference—because you've felt what happens when your life gets disordered and nothing seems to bring it back into focus.In this episode, I'm walking you through how to spend a half day—or full day—alone with God, and why this practice may be the most important thing missing from your leadership right now. We'll look at how Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and Anna all built extended withdrawal into their lives with God—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.I'll also share a simple six-movement structure you can use right away, along with the fears and resistances that keep most leaders from ever doing this.Your leadership will only go as deep as your life with God. You cannot give what you don't have.This episode could change everything.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📥 Free Resource: Download our free guide to get started with the Daily Office emotionallyhealthy.org/dailyofficeOne of the questions I get asked more than almost any other is: How do you spend time with God each day? What do you do? For how long? Is there a right way?Here's the truth I've learned over decades of pastoral ministry: there is no one-size-fits-all daily time with God. The goal was never a method—it was always a life of loving union with Him.In this episode, I take you on a personal journey through five distinct phases of my own prayer life—from intense Scripture study to intercessory prayer, from emotional health integration to contemplative rhythms rooted in monastic wisdom. Each phase taught me something essential. None of them, on their own, was the whole picture.Then I lay out six practical pillars you can use to design a daily rhythm with God that actually fits you—your season, your temperament, your calling.Whether you're a ministry leader under immense pressure or someone just trying to show up faithfully, this episode will help you stop copying someone else's spirituality and start building something sustainable and life-giving.The best daily time with God isn't the longest one. It's the one you'll actually keep.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Take your team through the Emotionally Healthy Leader Book. Download the FREE discussion guide: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leaderLet’s get honest.Power makes most of us uncomfortable.So we avoid it, minimize it, or misuse it.In this episode, Pete Scazzero shares a defining leadership failure—one that cost him deeply: relationships, trust, and a 20-year community.At the center of it?Unclear boundaries and dual relationships.You’ll discover:Why every leader must name and steward their powerThe danger of trying to be both a friend and a supervisorHow blurred roles quietly damage teams and cultureWhy the burden of boundaries always falls on the leaderWhat it means to do the inner work required for healthy leadershipThis is not about leadership theory.It’s about formation.Because if you don’t deal with power and boundaries, they will deal with you.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Take your team through the Emotionally Healthy Leader Book. Download the FREE discussion guide: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leader Church scandals don't begin the day they are exposed. They begin years earlier—in quiet compromises, ignored red flags, and leaders whose gifting has grown faster than their maturity. In this episode of The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I go beneath the headlines to name the real issue: church scandals are not first a PR problem. They are a formation problem. Jesus told us pressure would come. He told us not to be surprised. And He made clear that what will matter in the end is not image management, but whether we have become the kind of leaders who can stand firm under pressure without collapsing. I unpack four essential pillars every pastor and church leader needs if they hope to lead with integrity over the long haul: facing your shadow, leading out of your marriage or singleness, slowing down for loving union with Jesus, and practicing Sabbath delight. This is not about quick fixes. It's about deep transformation. If you care about the name of Jesus, the witness of the church, and finishing well, this episode is for you.

Take your team through the Emotionally Healthy Leader Book. Download the FREE discussion guide: http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leaderChurch scandals don’t begin the day they are exposed. They begin years earlier—in quiet compromises, ignored red flags, and leaders whose gifting has grown faster than their maturity.In this episode of The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I go beneath the headlines to name the real issue: church scandals are not first a PR problem. They are a formation problem.Jesus told us pressure would come. He told us not to be surprised. And He made clear that what will matter in the end is not image management, but whether we have become the kind of leaders who can stand firm under pressure without collapsing.I unpack four essential pillars every pastor and church leader needs if they hope to lead with integrity over the long haul: facing your shadow, leading out of your marriage or singleness, slowing down for loving union with Jesus, and practicing Sabbath delight.This is not about quick fixes. It’s about deep transformation.If you care about the name of Jesus, the witness of the church, and finishing well, this episode is for you.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Free Resource: The Benefits of Doing Family of Origin Work (Download Here): 👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/school Churches don't just have problems. They are emotional systems. In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I introduce one of the most powerful frameworks I've ever learned for understanding leadership, conflict, and why anxiety spreads so quickly in churches: Family Systems Theory. Much of this work comes from psychiatrist Murray Bowen and was later brought into church leadership by Edwin Friedman in Generation to Generation. But don't worry — we'll keep this practical, spiritual, and grounded in real ministry life. If you've ever: Walked into a meeting calm and left reactive Worked harder at someone's growth than they are Watched conflict spread like electricity through your churc You're not crazy. You're leading inside an emotional system. The greatest gift you will ever give your church is not better strategy. It's your own inner transformation. Emotional health isn't a side issue. It's leadership. Listen in. Learn more about our School of Emotionally Healthy Leadership: 👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/school Download the "8 Traps That Kill Your Spaciousness" ebook: 👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/spaciousness Emotional health isn't optional. It's essential.

Free Resource: Download the “8 Traps That Kill Your Spaciousness” ebook:👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/spaciousnessChurches don’t just have problems.They are emotional systems.In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I introduce one of the most powerful frameworks I’ve ever learned for understanding leadership, conflict, and why anxiety spreads so quickly in churches: Family Systems Theory.Much of this work comes from psychiatrist Murray Bowen and was later brought into church leadership by Edwin Friedman in Generation to Generation. But don’t worry — we’ll keep this practical, spiritual, and grounded in real ministry life.If you’ve ever:Walked into a meeting calm and left reactiveWorked harder at someone’s growth than they areWatched conflict spread like electricity through your churchYou’re not crazy. You’re leading inside an emotional system.The greatest gift you will ever give your church is not better strategy.It’s your own inner transformation.Emotional health isn’t a side issue.It’s leadership.Listen in.Learn more about our School of Emotionally Healthy Leadership:👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/schoolDownload the “8 Traps That Kill Your Spaciousness” ebook:👉 https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/spaciousnessEmotional health isn’t optional. It’s essential.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Why do churches with sincere faith, gifted leaders, and strong theology still split? In this powerful episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero exposes a hard truth many leaders have experienced but rarely name: church fractures are rarely about doctrine or vision—they are about formation. Drawing from decades of pastoral leadership and personal failure, Pete explains why spiritual maturity without emotional maturity is unsustainable. Churches don't split because people don't love Jesus. They split because leaders and communities lack the emotionally healthy skills needed to love one another well under pressure, conflict, disappointment, and power dynamics. This episode explores why skills like incarnational listening, clarifying expectations, understanding how family history shapes leadership, and engaging in clean conflict are essential for healthy culture. Pete shares stories from his own leadership journey, including a painful church split that could have been prevented if these skills had been in place. If you're a pastor or leader longing to build a church culture that thrives—not just for a season, but for generations—this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a clear next step forward. 👇 Explore more at emotionallyhealthy.org📅 Join our next webinar: emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar

Why do churches with sincere faith, gifted leaders, and strong theology still split?In this powerful episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero exposes a hard truth many leaders have experienced but rarely name: church fractures are rarely about doctrine or vision—they are about formation.Drawing from decades of pastoral leadership and personal failure, Pete explains why spiritual maturity without emotional maturity is unsustainable. Churches don’t split because people don’t love Jesus. They split because leaders and communities lack the emotionally healthy skills needed to love one another well under pressure, conflict, disappointment, and power dynamics.This episode explores why skills like incarnational listening, clarifying expectations, understanding how family history shapes leadership, and engaging in clean conflict are essential for healthy culture. Pete shares stories from his own leadership journey, including a painful church split that could have been prevented if these skills had been in place.If you’re a pastor or leader longing to build a church culture that thrives—not just for a season, but for generations—this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a clear next step forward.👇 Explore more at emotionallyhealthy.org📅 Join our next webinar: emotionallyhealthy.org/webinarReserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Around the world, churches are working hard to make disciples, lead faithfully, and impact their communities. Yet many leaders are exhausted, relationships are strained, and spiritual growth feels shallow or stalled. Why?In this episode, Pete Scazzero addresses a core truth that often goes unnamed: emotional health is the missing link in the global church. Drawing from his own painful leadership crisis and decades of ministry experience, Pete explains why it’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. He explores how unaddressed emotional issues limit discipleship, distort leadership, and quietly undermine the church’s witness—no matter how strong our theology or vision may be.In this conversation, Pete unpacks:Why emotional health is foundational—not optional—to spiritual maturityHow cultural, theological, and leadership blind spots keep the church stuckThe biblical and theological roots of emotionally healthy spiritualityWhat emotionally healthy leadership looks like in real-life ministryHow redefining success can transform churches and communitiesPete challenges leaders to slow down, go beneath the surface, and embrace emotional health as God’s pathway to deeper transformation—personally, relationally, and globally.If you long to see a healthier, more Christlike church—and know it must start with you—this episode will reframe how you think about discipleship, leadership, and success.Listen now and take your next step toward building emotionally healthy leaders and churches around the world.▶️ Learn more about Emotionally Healthy Discipleship and spiritual maturity http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/matureReserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Around the world, churches are working hard to make disciples, lead faithfully, and impact their communities. Yet many leaders are exhausted, relationships are strained, and spiritual growth feels shallow or stalled. Why? In this episode, Pete Scazzero addresses a core truth that often goes unnamed: emotional health is the missing link in the global church. Drawing from his own painful leadership crisis and decades of ministry experience, Pete explains why it's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. He explores how unaddressed emotional issues limit discipleship, distort leadership, and quietly undermine the church's witness—no matter how strong our theology or vision may be. In this conversation, Pete unpacks: Why emotional health is foundational—not optional—to spiritual maturity How cultural, theological, and leadership blind spots keep the church stuck The biblical and theological roots of emotionally healthy spirituality What emotionally healthy leadership looks like in real-life ministry How redefining success can transform churches and communities Pete challenges leaders to slow down, go beneath the surface, and embrace emotional health as God's pathway to deeper transformation—personally, relationally, and globally. If you long to see a healthier, more Christlike church—and know it must start with you—this episode will reframe how you think about discipleship, leadership, and success. Listen now and take your next step toward building emotionally healthy leaders and churches around the world. ▶️ Learn more about Emotionally Healthy Discipleship and spiritual maturity http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/mature

As leaders, we want to make wise, Spirit-led decisions that move our ministries forward. But without realizing it, we often fall into patterns of planning that keep us stuck—repeating the same mistakes year after year. In this episode, Pete Scazzero gets painfully honest about the five planning mistakes that hindered him for years—and how these missteps continue to trap leaders today: Insufficiently preparing Flippantly defining success Ignoring the most important work—listening to Jesus together Skimming on development Failing to anchor vision in calendars, limits, and next steps   Pete shares the lessons he's learned the hard way through decades of leadership in the local church and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. With clarity, candor, and practical wisdom, he offers a better way forward—one that's rooted in prayerful discernment, emotional maturity, and thoughtful preparation. If you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready to do the deeper work of strategic planning in God's way, this episode is for you. Listen now and take your next step toward leading with greater clarity, peace, and purpose. ▶️ Download the Free Emotionally Healthy Leader Discussion Guide - https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leader

As leaders, we want to make wise, Spirit-led decisions that move our ministries forward. But without realizing it, we often fall into patterns of planning that keep us stuck—repeating the same mistakes year after year.In this episode, Pete Scazzero gets painfully honest about the five planning mistakes that hindered him for years—and how these missteps continue to trap leaders today:Insufficiently preparingFlippantly defining successIgnoring the most important work—listening to Jesus togetherSkimming on developmentFailing to anchor vision in calendars, limits, and next stepsPete shares the lessons he’s learned the hard way through decades of leadership in the local church and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. With clarity, candor, and practical wisdom, he offers a better way forward—one that’s rooted in prayerful discernment, emotional maturity, and thoughtful preparation.If you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready to do the deeper work of strategic planning in God's way, this episode is for you.Listen now and take your next step toward leading with greater clarity, peace, and purpose.Resources & Links Mentioned:Free EH Leader Planning & Decision-Making Guide: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leaderEH School of Leadership: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/schoolNext EH Webinar: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/webinarReserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Most pastors today are trained in strategies, systems, and leadership models that promise church growth—but often leave the soul malnourished. In this episode, I share a deeply personal and urgent message from a live talk I gave to pastors around the world who are moving beyond using the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course as a tool—and toward building a deep culture of emotional health and spiritual formation in their churches. What if the future of church leadership doesn't look like the latest model, but like something ancient? What if the way forward requires going back? I unpack how, for over 1,100 years, the church's most influential leaders were not trained in classrooms—but in monastic communities of prayer, silence, and deep formation. And I lay out the implications for us today as we discern the next faithful steps in shaping a new kind of leadership pipeline rooted in being before doing. This is more than theory—it's shaping the future direction of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. 👇 Explore more at emotionallyhealthy.org📅 Join our next webinar: emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar

👉FREE DOWNLOAD: Craft a Rule of Life for You and Your Team - emotionallyhealthy.org/ruleMost pastors today are trained in strategies, systems, and leadership models that promise church growth—but often leave the soul malnourished.In this episode, I share a deeply personal and urgent message from a live talk I gave to pastors around the world who are moving beyond using the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course as a tool—and toward building a deep culture of emotional health and spiritual formation in their churches.What if the future of church leadership doesn’t look like the latest model, but like something ancient? What if the way forward requires going back?I unpack how, for over 1,100 years, the church’s most influential leaders were not trained in classrooms—but in monastic communities of prayer, silence, and deep formation. And I lay out the implications for us today as we discern the next faithful steps in shaping a new kind of leadership pipeline rooted in being before doing.This is more than theory—it’s shaping the future direction of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Interruptions. We hate them. They mess with our schedules, our comfort, our control. But what if the interruptions in your life are actually invitations from God?In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero unpacks how the Christmas story is filled with divine disruptions—from Mary and Joseph, to Herod, to the Magi, and even the religious leaders of the day. Each response to interruption reveals something profound about our own leadership, our spiritual formation, and the God we serve.Pete invites you to consider:What interruptions are coming your way right now?Are you resisting, ignoring, or receiving them?And what practices can help you stop, listen, and respond like Mary did: “May it be to me as you have said.”This episode is a vital listen as we enter the holidays and close out the year. God is still interrupting lives—and He may be trying to get your attention.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Interruptions. We hate them. They mess with our schedules, our comfort, our control. But what if the interruptions in your life are actually invitations from God? In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero unpacks how the Christmas story is filled with divine disruptions—from Mary and Joseph, to Herod, to the Magi, and even the religious leaders of the day. Each response to interruption reveals something profound about our own leadership, our spiritual formation, and the God we serve. Pete invites you to consider: What interruptions are coming your way right now? Are you resisting, ignoring, or receiving them? And what practices can help you stop, listen, and respond like Mary did: "May it be to me as you have said." This episode is a vital listen as we enter the holidays and close out the year. God is still interrupting lives—and He may be trying to get your attention.

In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero challenges pastors and leaders with a simple yet radical invitation: "Do the work before the work." This is more than a productivity principle. It's a call to integrity—where your outer leadership flows from your inner life with God. Through a compelling reflection on Jesus' own rhythms of solitude, limits, and Spirit-led decisions, Pete explores how the greatest threat to your leadership may not be your church, your staff, or your context—but your own unexamined inner life. You'll hear the ancient tale of The Woodcarver, brought to life through Thomas Merton's lens, and discover how it mirrors the kind of inner work Jesus modeled in the wilderness. If you've ever felt the pressure to perform, the pull of others' expectations, or the pace of a life without margin, this episode offers a pathway back to wholeness—and a leadership that's both fruitful and free.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

In today's episode of The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I'm joined by my longtime friend and the new President of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Drew Hyun, for a conversation unlike any we've ever released. This is a new season for EHD—one marked by fresh leadership, expanding vision, and a renewed commitment to forming leaders around the world in a deep, beneath-the-surface discipleship. Drew and I look back on our 24-year history, the shaping influence of New Life Fellowship, and the surprising road that led him to carry this movement forward. You'll also hear how church planting, crisis, and personal formation prepared him for this moment. In part two, we go deeper into succession—what it demanded of both of us, the internal work required, and the lessons every pastor or leader needs when stepping into (or stepping out of) significant responsibility. Whether you're navigating leadership transition, rebuilding your soul, or discerning your next step with EHD, this episode offers a hopeful and honest invitation to join what God is doing in this new season.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Leadership succession is one of the most sacred — and most difficult — tasks for any pastor or ministry leader. In this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes story of my second major succession — passing the baton of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship to Drew Hyun as our new President. I've rarely seen a succession done well. And that's exactly why I knew I had to do it differently — with prayer, intentionality, and surrender. I walk through both the joy and the deep pain of letting go. I reflect on the lessons learned from my first succession at New Life Fellowship, the emotional disorientation that followed, and the profound spiritual formation that only comes through grief and relinquishment. This is not a leadership technique. It's a spiritual crucible. A death and resurrection. Whether you're years away from stepping down or you're mentoring the next generation now, this episode will help you face your limits, resist control, and steward your calling with integrity — for the sake of Jesus' mission in the world. Every leader will face succession. The question is not if, but when. Let's do it well.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Too many pastors live with a low-grade ache that their ministry—and they themselves—simply don't measure up. Quietly, comparison creeps in. We look at the growth of others' churches, their charisma, their staff, their buildings… and wonder, What's wrong with me? In today's episode, I share deeply from my own journey of wrestling with these very questions. I was driven, angry, and often frustrated with my people and context—trying to build something God never asked of me. But freedom came. Slowly. Through emotional honesty, interior silence, and deep formation. We'll explore: The deadly cost of living from your false self How to spot comparison in your soul (and how to resist it) Why embracing your unique call is a spiritual breakthrough The ancient desert wisdom that reshapes your ministry success metrics If you're a pastor, leader, or ministry worker who's tired of chasing an illusion of "success," this episode will give you permission to stop striving—and instead, lead from a place of joy, contentment, and union with Jesus.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡FREE E-BOOK: Spaciousness: Avoiding the 8 Traps That Steal Your Margin - Download at emotionallyhealthy.org/spaciousness In this powerful replay of one of our most listened-to episodes, Pete Scazzero invites pastors and leaders into a radical, countercultural way of leading: unhurried, unrushed, and deeply rooted in Jesus. Are you constantly running at a pace you can't sustain? Exhausted, overextended, and wondering how much longer you can keep going? This episode is for you. Pete explores the cultural and spiritual forces that keep us trapped in busyness and offers practical, time-tested rhythms that create space for rest, reflection, and deep communion with God. Drawing from his own journey and decades of leadership, Pete names the lies we believe about productivity and success and points us back to a slower, more spacious life anchored in emotional and spiritual health. This episode will: Help you identify what's driving your pace Offer 15 practical practices to embrace a slower rhythm Encourage you to lead out of your being, not just your doing This is more than a podcast. It's an invitation to freedom.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡FREE E-BOOK: Spaciousness: Avoiding the 8 Traps That Steal Your Margin - Download at emotionallyhealthy.org/spaciousness In this powerful replay of one of our most listened-to episodes, Pete Scazzero invites pastors and leaders into a radical, countercultural way of leading: unhurried, unrushed, and deeply rooted in Jesus. Are you constantly running at a pace you can't sustain? Exhausted, overextended, and wondering how much longer you can keep going? This episode is for you. Pete explores the cultural and spiritual forces that keep us trapped in busyness and offers practical, time-tested rhythms that create space for rest, reflection, and deep communion with God. Drawing from his own journey and decades of leadership, Pete names the lies we believe about productivity and success and points us back to a slower, more spacious life anchored in emotional and spiritual health. This episode will: Help you identify what's driving your pace Offer 15 practical practices to embrace a slower rhythm Encourage you to lead out of your being, not just your doing This is more than a podcast. It's an invitation to freedom.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡DOWNLOAD FREE E-BOOK: 8 Marks of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching - https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preaching/ In this episode, I invite you to rediscover an ancient path of powerful preaching and teaching — one that's been largely lost in the modern church. We're not talking about TED-style talks, clever soundbites, or performance-driven content. We're talking about preaching birthed out of deep, slow formation in Jesus. The kind of teaching that carries weight because it has been lived. This episode explores the story behind the phrase "monks in the pulpit" — how early church leaders, shaped by the deserts of Egypt and the rhythms of monastic life, became the world's most transformative preachers. We'll trace their journey, unpack 8 core practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching, and reflect on what it means to teach from being, not just knowledge. If you're a pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader of any kind, I want to challenge you: the most urgent work you can do is not just preparing sermons — it's preparing your soul. Slow down. Be with God. Then preach.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡DOWNLOAD FREE E-BOOK: 8 Marks of Emotionally Healthy Preaching & Teaching - https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preaching/ In this episode, I invite you to rediscover an ancient path of powerful preaching and teaching — one that's been largely lost in the modern church. We're not talking about TED-style talks, clever soundbites, or performance-driven content. We're talking about preaching birthed out of deep, slow formation in Jesus. The kind of teaching that carries weight because it has been lived. This episode explores the story behind the phrase "monks in the pulpit" — how early church leaders, shaped by the deserts of Egypt and the rhythms of monastic life, became the world's most transformative preachers. We'll trace their journey, unpack 8 core practices of Emotionally Healthy Preaching, and reflect on what it means to teach from being, not just knowledge. If you're a pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader of any kind, I want to challenge you: the most urgent work you can do is not just preparing sermons — it's preparing your soul. Slow down. Be with God. Then preach.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, Pete Scazzero shares a powerful word every church leader needs to hear: Focus on the Few. In an age of growing platforms, endless tools, and ever-increasing pressure to cater to the crowds, Pete brings us back to the model of Jesus — who chose to give his best energy to the few. Whether you're leading 25 or 2,500, the temptation is the same: spend your strength on the many and ignore the long-term fruit that only grows through deep discipleship of a few. Pete explores why real transformation requires more than programs and volunteers — it demands formation from the inside out. This episode is part of a series on the 8 Marks of a Church Culture that Deeply Changes Lives. If you're longing to lead differently, with intention, depth, and courage — this conversation is for you.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

So much of modern church culture encourages us to hide. Hide our struggles. Hide our doubts. Hide the messy, complicated truth of being human. But Jesus never invited us into a sanitized faith. He called us into something real. In today's episode, I explore the next mark of an Emotionally Healthy Culture: Creating a Church Where It's Safe to Be Human. We'll unpack five countercultural practices that dismantle toxic judgment, challenge our compulsion to fix others, and build a community that mirrors the love of Jesus. You'll hear stories, examples, and frameworks that will help you… Build emotional safety into your leadership core. Develop a high level of differentiation as a spiritual leader. Create a church culture that invites people to come out of hiding and into the light. This isn't a side issue. It's central to deep discipleship. Let's stop pretending—and start building churches where people experience the grace of God, not just hear about it.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

Too often, we lead others while unaware of the emotional baggage we carry. In this episode, I share why genuine discipleship must go beneath the surface—into the depths of our emotional world and the generational patterns shaping us. Using the haunting story of Nathan Price from The Poisonwood Bible, I reflect on my own early years of Christian leadership—driven, sincere, but stuck. Like many pastors, I loved Scripture and ministry, yet avoided the inner work required for lasting transformation. In this second mark of an Emotionally Healthy Culture, I unpack how we follow Jesus into beneath-the-surface discipleship—marked by emotional honesty and breaking generational patterns that bind us. You'll hear: How unprocessed pain sabotages leadership Why your family of origin disciples you more than you think Practical questions to begin your own journey inward This isn't just another leadership podcast. It's a call to reclaim the radical discipleship of Jesus—starting from within.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

In today's fast-paced world, Christian leaders are often caught on the "ministry hamster wheel"—spinning endlessly with meetings, sermons, crises, and expectations. But what if the most radical, missional act we could take isn't to do more, but to slow down? In this episode, Pete Scazzero calls us to break free from the cycle of overload and distraction by embracing a countercultural rhythm of life rooted in Jesus. Drawing from personal experience and church history, Pete shows how slowing down is not self-care—it's spiritual resistance. It's leadership. It's mission. This is the first episode in a new series on the 8 Marks of an Emotionally Healthy Culture, beginning with the most foundational mark: Slowing down to be with God before doing for Him. If you're longing for a church culture marked by peace instead of anxiety, depth instead of shallowness, and prayerful leadership instead of constant reaction—this episode is for you.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

What if your family of origin is still running your leadership — and you don't even know it? In Part 2 of this vital conversation, Pete Scazzero continues unpacking how the emotional and relational patterns we inherited growing up deeply shape how we lead today — often more than we realize. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen first. In this episode, Pete explores: Why so many leaders struggle to build healthy, emotionally mature community How unspoken family scripts muddle our priorities and calendars A powerful diagnostic checklist to help you reflect on your leadership You'll discover why your ability to lead from your true self, set wise boundaries, and create healthy spiritual culture is often determined by the invisible hand of your upbringing — unless Jesus breaks in. This episode is both a mirror and a map — calling us to deeper freedom and alignment with the new family of Jesus. 📍 Start your journey toward emotional and spiritual maturity today at emotionallyhealthy.org/course  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

If you've ever found yourself stuck in patterns you can't explain or hitting a wall in your leadership that won't budge—there's a reason. In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I explore one of the most overlooked but powerful forces shaping your life and leadership: your family of origin. The truth is, we all carry a family story. And unless we allow Jesus to meet us there—deep in those places—our leadership, relationships, and even our ability to hear God will be compromised. I'll walk you through how your family of origin influences your emotional maturity, your capacity to lead from your true self, and your ability to discern God's voice. I'll also share stories from my own journey and those of other leaders to help you recognize where you might be stuck—and how to move forward. This is part one of a two-part series you don't want to miss. The work of transformation begins with you.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

After 30 years of wrestling with the tension between vision and limitation, I've come to see that how we handle limits can make—or break—our leadership. In this episode, I explore the subtle but powerful difference between good and bad limits. Bad limits are driven by fear, faulty thinking, and self-protection. But good limits? They're gifts from God—meant to ground us, guide us, and grow us. You'll hear how ignoring God's limits nearly cost me everything: my marriage, my leadership, my soul. But when we stop trying to be God and instead embrace the limits He gives us, we begin to see Him in ways we never could have imagined. I'll share practical ways you can discern the difference and walk in the freedom of wise, Spirit-led boundaries. This episode is both personal and pastoral—meant to help you lead from a deeper place. Listen now—and rediscover the God who meets you right in the middle of your limits.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

👉 Download the FREE Emotionally Healthy Leader Discussion Guide at emotionallyhealthy.org/leader —--------------------------------------------------- In today's episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and undervalued aspects of Christian leadership—leading out of your singleness. Whether you're 25 or 75, single by calling or circumstance, you are not a problem to be fixed or a "not-yet-married" Christian waiting in the wings. You are a sign and wonder—a prophetic witness to the kingdom of God. Drawing from Scripture, early church history, personal stories, and modern discipleship tools, I'll challenge the prevailing theology that sidelines singleness and offer a fresh, liberating vision rooted in Jesus' own life. You'll learn why emotionally healthy singleness is not only a gift to the church, but essential for her transformation. If you've ever felt unseen or unsure how to lead from your current season of life, this episode will expand your vision, affirm your worth, and equip you to live—and lead—out of your God-given identity. Plus, get access to a free study guide at emotionallyhealthy.org/leader to help you and your team take the next steps.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

👉 Download the FREE Emotionally Healthy Leader Discussion Guide at emotionallyhealthy.org/leader —--------------------------------------------------- Most Christian leaders are taught to prioritize ministry first—leaving marriage, singleness, and sexuality in the shadows. But what if the loudest gospel we preach isn't from our pulpits, but from how we live out our deepest relationships? In this powerful episode, Pete Scazzero uncovers a profound, often overlooked truth: your marriage (or singleness) is not a private matter—it's a sign and wonder, a living revelation of God's love to the world. Drawing from decades of ministry, his own marriage journey with Geri, and Scripture's radical vision for union, Pete challenges leaders to flip the script. This isn't about managing your relationships. It's about transforming your leadership from the inside out. If you're married, make your spouse your first ambition. If you're single, live out your calling with the same intentionality. The church will never be whole until we lead out of healthy, loving, God-centered relationships. Listen now—and join the revolution.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📝 How Emotionally Healthy Are You? Take this Free Assessment to find out. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/mature —--------------------------------------------------- There's no other way to lead with integrity—none—than by confronting the elephants in the room. In Part 2 of this series, I unpack the spiritual and emotional cost of avoiding the hard conversations that must happen in every church, team, and family system. I begin with a powerful parable—"The Bridge"—a vivid picture of what happens when we carry burdens that don't belong to us. Many leaders are doing just that—overfunctioning, sidetracked, and drained—because we've accepted ropes we were never meant to hold. We'll explore why ignoring dysfunctional behaviors is not compassion, it's compromise—and how, over time, it kills mission, culture, and credibility. You'll learn why every unresolved conflict or unhealthy pattern is not just a leadership issue, but a discipleship issue. This episode is an invitation to courage. To maturity. And to the deep peace that only comes on the other side of truth and integrity. Your leadership matters. Let's do the hard, holy work together. Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📝 Free Church Culture Assessment: How is your church doing in these 6 core areas? https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/churchhealth —--------------------------------------------------- Leadership is hard. And confronting the elephants in the room—the inappropriate behaviors, unhealthy patterns, and unresolved tensions we all want to ignore—is even harder. In today's episode, I'll share why true leaders must resist the temptation to avoid these challenges, and why doing so is essential for real discipleship and healthy leadership development. You'll hear stories from my own failures, lessons from decades of ministry, and biblical wisdom that calls us to courageous, loving leadership. We'll talk about why confronting elephants is messy, time-consuming, and uncomfortable—but why it's also the only way to build a spiritually vibrant, emotionally healthy community. You'll walk away with hope, a greater sense of purpose, and practical first steps you can take right now. If you want your church culture to reflect Jesus instead of toxic patterns, this episode is for you. Don't miss Part 2, where we'll go even deeper into why this work is critical for your joy, peace, and lasting fruit.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📝 Free Church Culture Assessment: How is your church doing in these 6 core areas? https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/churchhealth —--------------------------------------------------- After decades of leadership, I've walked through two major successions—first as Lead Pastor of New Life Fellowship Church, and now, as President of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on what I've learned about leadership transitions—not from a textbook, but from the trenches. Healthy transitions are rare. And they don't happen by accident. They require deep inner work, Spirit-led discernment, and a long view that stretches beyond your lifetime. Whether you're handing over a pulpit, a nonprofit, or a small group, the principles are the same. In this conversation, I share seven lessons that make—or break—a leadership transition, why emotional maturity is non-negotiable, and how Jesus models the kind of surrender we're all invited into. This isn't just theory. This is about stewarding your life, your leadership, and your legacy—God's way. If you care about the future of your ministry, you need this episode. Dig deeper by going through the book Emotionally Healthy Leader. Get the book and discussion guide here. This book was written to help you lead from a deep, inner life with God.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

👉 Take the free EHD Maturity Assessment: emotionallyhealthy.org/mature —------------------------------- Most pastors and leaders are trained to preach, strategize, and serve—but few are ever taught how to lead from a deeply anchored, differentiated self. And yet, this is the foundation for every healthy team and ministry. In today's episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked killers of team health and mission: low differentiation. Drawing from Family Systems Theory, the leadership of David and Jesus, and my own hard-earned lessons over decades, I'll share four critical reasons why low differentiation sabotages your team—and what you can do about it. When leaders overfunction, avoid hard conversations, or build their identity on others' approval, it fractures their soul and destabilizes the team. But when you lead from a solid self—rooted in God, not the demands around you—you raise the maturity level of everyone around you. This is the crucible of spiritual leadership: becoming yourself in Christ, for the sake of others. Listen in. It may change how you lead forever.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📝 Free Church Culture Assessment: How is your church doing in these 6 core areas? https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/churchhealth —--------------------------------------------------- Are you leading out of true power—or false power? Far too often, we mistake activity for effectiveness, urgency for wisdom, and influence for true authority. When we operate out of false power—power rooted in our own ambition, hurry, or need for approval—we're actually moving backward, not forward. We might look like we're leading well, but deep inside, something is off. Anxiety rises, peace disappears, and we start measuring success by numbers instead of names, by comparison instead of calling. In this episode, I unpack five countercultural ways to guard your heart and leadership against the trap of false power. We look at Paul's struggle with the "super-apostles" and how weakness—not strength—is the pathway to true kingdom power. We explore why embracing slowness, humility, and deep discernment is the only way to keep your leadership aligned with Jesus. If you've ever felt exhausted, driven, or subtly addicted to success—this episode is for you. True power is found in surrender. Let's learn to lead from a different kind of strength.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡FREE WEBINAR: Join us for our next webinar – How to Build an Emotionally Healthy Church from the Ground Up – https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/webinar/ —--------------------------------------------------- Too many pastors and leaders get caught in a subtle but deadly trap—chasing a form of power that looks impressive on the outside but leaves us spiritually hollow. It's a trap Paul confronted head-on when facing the so-called "super-apostles" of his day. They flaunted their visions, eloquence, and achievements, yet Paul boldly declared that true power is found in weakness. In this episode of The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, we begin a two-part conversation on five ways to avoid the trap of false power. You'll discover why weakness isn't a liability in leadership—it's a requirement. If you've ever felt like you're doing more than God asked of you—this episode is for you. The way forward isn't about working harder or proving yourself. It's about letting God's power be made perfect in your weakness. Listen now. And don't forget to register for our upcoming webinar: How to Build an Emotionally Healthy Church from the Ground Up on March 12 at 4 PM ET.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📍 DOWNLOAD FREE E-BOOK: "LeaderShift" - Discover the 8 Pivotal Breakthroughs of Emotionally Healthy Leaders  https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/leadershift —--------------------------------------------------- In leadership, weakness is often seen as a liability. A roadblock. Something to overcome. But what if weakness is actually the platform for God's power in your life? In this episode, we continue exploring one of the most misunderstood and countercultural truths of the gospel—God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). The world—and even much of the church—chases after strength, size, eloquence, and success. But Paul's life and leadership tell a different story. The super-apostles of Corinth flaunted their credentials, spiritual gifts, and influence. Paul? He boasted in his suffering, his limits, his thorn in the flesh—because that was where the power of Christ rested on him. As leaders, we often think, If only I were stronger, more gifted, more influential… But what if God's way isn't about making us stronger but about making us weaker, so His power can be revealed? Join me as we dive deep into this paradox that could transform your leadership—and your life.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📍 GET FREE E-BOOK: "Ancient Disciplemaking" - Your quick start guide to reclaiming the last 2,000 years of church history.  https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ancient   Most pastors and church leaders wrestle with this question: How do we measure success if not by numbers? For the next two episodes, we're diving into one of the most radical truths of the gospel—that God's power is made perfect not in our strengths, but in our weaknesses. Paul lived this. He was battered, abandoned, mocked, even questioned as a true apostle. Yet, it was precisely in his weakness that God's power was most fully displayed. This isn't just theological. It's deeply personal. I've spent my whole life trying to overcome my weaknesses. But what if they were never obstacles to success—what if they were the very platform for God's power? Join me as we unpack this paradigm-shifting truth, straight from 2 Corinthians 10-13.Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📖 FREE E-BOOK: "Ancient Disciplemaking" - Your quick start guide to understanding the last 2,000 years of church history.  https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ancient --------------------------- In today's episode, we're stepping into the rich, untapped wisdom of church history. As modern Christian leaders, many of us unknowingly skip over a critical part of our spiritual heritage—believing God's work jumped straight from the Book of Acts to the Reformation or Azusa Street. This way of thinking has left us with shallow discipleship and an anemic church. It's time to reclaim the "genogram" of the church. Together, we'll explore the first 1,000 years of Christian history, learn from the four major branches of the global church, and discover how ancient practices like silence, stillness, and grief can transform the way we lead and disciple others. We'll also address blind spots in our evangelical tradition and the immense lessons we can glean from brothers and sisters across time and culture. The past isn't just history—it's alive, shaping us even today. Ready to strengthen your leadership and rediscover an ancient path to disciple-making? Download our free eBook at emotionallyhealthy.org/ancient and take your next step toward a deeper, transformative faith.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡Design a RULE OF LIFE in 60 Minutes - Join us for a free 2025 kickoff webinar with Pete Scazzero and Drew Hyun on January 15th. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ruleoflife/ --------------------------- As we step into 2025, the world around us is in upheaval—artificial intelligence is reshaping how we live and lead, cultural norms are rapidly shifting, and the pressures on the church have never been greater. Economic instability, political polarization, and spiritual apathy are not just challenges; they're wake-up calls. In this episode, Pete Scazzero shares why adopting a Radical Rule of Life is the essential foundation for leadership in such turbulent times. Drawing on 23 years of experience with this transformative tool, Pete explains how a Rule of Life functions as a trellis, lifting your spiritual life off the ground to help you bear much fruit—personally and in ministry. Discover practical steps to design your own Rule of Life and why it's the most important gift you can give to those you lead. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or parent, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, realign with God's presence, and embrace rhythms of prayer, rest, relationships, and work. Don't miss this critical start to the year. Your leadership—and your soul—depend on it.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

⚡Design a RULE OF LIFE in 60 Minutes - Join us for a free 2025 kickoff webinar with Pete Scazzero and Drew Hyun on January 15th. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ruleoflife/ --------------------------- In this special Christmas reflection, Pete Scazzero unpacks the powerful words of John the Baptist: "Among you stands one you do not know" (John 1:26). As we rush through the demands of the season, it's easy to overlook the quiet, hidden ways God reveals Himself—in the ordinary, the painful, and even the mundane. Pete invites us to slow down and embrace the mystery of God's presence in unexpected places. From a scandalous birth in a dirty manger to a hidden life in a carpenter's shop, Jesus' arrival defies human expectations. What if the very moments we overlook are the places where God stands closest? Through poignant stories and timeless truths, Pete challenges us to stop, be silent, and listen. You'll learn practical ways to cultivate attentiveness in your life and leadership, discover God in life's interruptions, and open your heart to His transforming presence—even when it doesn't come as you expect. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect deeply and encounter Jesus in new, surprising ways this Christmas. Listen now.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

📣 Transform your church culture with the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Course. Curious? Download and preview TWO full sessions from the course for FREE. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/preview/ --------------------------- In today's episode, we're tackling a powerful yet countercultural truth: God's way is slow, small, and often weak—and that's exactly why it's unstoppable. So many of us are addicted to speed. We rush decisions, launch initiatives prematurely, and burn ourselves out in the name of productivity. But this impatience not only sabotages our leadership—it blinds us to the quiet, steady work of God. Drawing from the profound parable of the mustard seed, we'll explore how the Kingdom of God begins small and seemingly insignificant but grows into something world-changing. Together, we'll unpack three key lessons: the value of slowness, the power of small beginnings, and the surprising strength found in weakness. This episode is a wake-up call to embrace patience and resist the cultural obsession with instant results. Whether you're leading a church, raising a family, or shaping your community, God invites you to align your pace with His—and trust that His plan is advancing in ways we may not see. Slow down. Listen in. Discover the mustard-seed way of leadership.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

🎄Christmas Sermon Prep Webinar -   Join me for a FREE webinar on Dec. 5th at 2 pm ET to learn about preaching a Christmas message that deeply changes lives. https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/sermonprep/ --------------------------- The truth is, you can't shepherd numbers. You can only shepherd names. And yet, in a culture obsessed with metrics, many leaders feel trapped, measuring success by attendance, budgets, and fast growth rather than the flourishing of the people God has entrusted to them. In this episode, Pete unpacks the heart of biblical shepherding—leading with Jesus' love, slowing down to be present, and praying over the specific names God has placed under your care. He explains how this dramatic shift, though countercultural and painfully slow, leads to a deeply transformative and spacious life for both shepherds and sheep. If you're longing to move beyond hurried leadership into a ministry marked by patience, prayer, and personal connection, this episode is for you. Pete shares four practical ways to shepherd like Jesus and invites you to reflect: Who is on your list?  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference

🕯️Christmas Sermon Prep Webinar -  Join me for a FREE webinar on Dec. 5th at 2 pm ET to learn how to craft a powerful Christmas message that deeply changes lives. (without losing your soul) https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/sermonprep/ --------------------------- In today's episode, we're diving into a theme that should resonate with pastors and leaders all around the world. Reflecting on the life and ministry of John the Baptist, we'll explore how to speak with conviction and clarity amidst a world overwhelmed by fear, information overload, and shifting power structures. John's world was much like ours—fraught with political unrest, corrupt leaders, and widespread anxiety. And yet, it was to him, a voice in the wilderness, that God's Word came. He shows us that real leadership doesn't come from platforms or applause but from a place of inner surrender, courage, and freedom from people's approval. This episode will challenge you to lead with authenticity and to center your life on a slower, deeper spirituality. If you're feeling called to renew your heart and strengthen your church's culture in the midst of today's chaos, join us as we learn from John the Baptist's powerful, countercultural example. Listen in to reorient, refocus, and be inspired to become an instrument in God's hands.  Reserve your spot at our upcoming Global Leaders Conference.September 30 – October 1, 202614th St. Salvation Army, NYC(Live Spanish Translation available)Register Now: https://ehd.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3421612Learn more about the EH Global Leader Conference 2026: emotionallyhealthy.org/conference