In today's episode, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for any thriving organization: building a diverse leadership team. For many churches, a lack of thriving may correspond to a lack of diverse voices in the leadership room. Having differing backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences isn’t just about representation. It’s about unlocking creativity, innovation, and resilience at every level of the organization. But this requires strategy, humility, and commitment. In this conversation with author and pastor Sean Palmer, we’ll explore how leaders can open up pathways for underrepresented voices and why diverse leadership is a game-changer for a church's impact. Whether you’re a paid or lay church leader, or simply passionate about inclusion, this discussion will give you fresh insights and practical steps to strengthen your leadership journey. You can read more about this in his article Leading a More Faithful Church: Why Diversity in Leadership Matters found on the Hope Network Ministries blog.

Sean Palmer is the author of Speaking by the Numbers: Enneagram Wisdom for Teachers, Pastors, and Communicators (IVP 2022), 40 Days on Being a Three (Enneagram Daily Reflections), and Unarmed Empire (Cascade 2017). With 24-years of ministry experience, Sean is a sought-after national keynote speaker, teacher, writer, and workshop facilitator. He is also the Teaching Pastor at Ecclesia Houston, one of America’s most innovative and vibrant multi-site churches, serving a predominance of Millennials and young adults. Sean studied Youth and Family Ministry at Abilene Christian University and Homiletics at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary, The Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, and Fuller Seminary. Sean and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for over 25-years and are parents to two adult daughters. You can connect with and learn more about Sean by checking out The Twists w/ Sean Palmer and www.seanisaacpalmer.com.

In today’s episode, we explore how churches can become communities that genuinely value and include all ages, especially children. Instead of building a child-centric church, Professor Shannon Rains argues for building awareness that pays attention to all voices: young and old, male and female, outgoing and introverted. The body of Christ is a place where every member ought to play an essential role, yet it requires hard work to shape a culture where every member actually means EVERY member. Shannon offers us practical wisdom on how ministers can patiently advocate for change and how congregations can move beyond token diversity toward true inclusion. Together, we’ll discuss practical ways leaders can nurture belonging, foster unity across generations, and reflect the richness of God’s kingdom in their communities of faith and practice.

Shannon joined the faculty at Lubbock Christian University in 2016 after fifteen years in church ministry, specializing in children and family ministry. She has an MS and DMin from Abilene Christian University in Spiritual Formation. Shannon is the Graduate Certificate in Children’s Ministry Coordinator at LCU. Shannon regularly mentors ministers and church leaders. She consults with churches, assists them in developing a cohesive vision of children’s ministry, and provides support with the search process. In addition, Shannon is a resource for churches seeking more inclusive practices for women and children and frequently writes on the public inclusion of women’s leadership and intergenerational worship. Shannon regularly writes a newsletter, “The Children’s Wing,” on all the topics discussed by church volunteers in the resource room of the children’s wing – which is never limited to only the children’s ministry.

Jim Martin is an encourager to the core and an extraordinary mentor. In this episode we get a peak at what makes Jim the kind of person you just want to be with. He starts by sharing the important role three mentors played in his life as he moved from being a spiritually disconnected business student to becoming a minister. Jim understands the symbiotic nature of intergenerational connections between older and younger ministers. It is a relationship in which older ministers can offer hope and perspective while younger ones bring fresh energy and insights. Listen in as Jim talks about maintaining pure intentions, keeping a focus on mission, and remembering the lasting impact paying attention can have in the life of a church leader.

Jim served as Vice-President of Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee from January 2014 – August 2024. Before that, he served as a preaching minister for 36 years, including the Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas from 1993 – 2013. He has also served churches in Missouri and Alabama. He was reared in Dallas and received his M. Div from Abilene Christian University and the D. Min from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee. Jim has led a number of mentoring groups for church leaders. Jim writes a newsletter, “Jim Martin’s Encouragement Note.” Jim is a certified coach (ACC) and is invested in coaching ministers and other church leaders. Jim is husband to Charlotte, father to Christine and Jamie, father-in-law to Calvin, and grandfather to Brody, Lincoln, Sully and Elsie.