In this inspiring episode of Ministry Pivot, Rev. Russ sits down with the Reverend Dr. Nicole Massie Martin—author, executive leader, preacher, and teacher—to talk about her new book Nailing It and the heart of redemptive leadership.
Dr. Martin shares how her journey in executive ministry leadership helped shape her understanding that you are not your role. She reminds leaders that true leadership begins with discipleship—leading from who God called you to be, not just what your position requires.
The conversation dives deep into themes of authenticity, rest, suffering, and the sacred balance between serving and scaling. Together, they explore what it means to “nail” worldly measures of success to the cross and rediscover that God alone defines enough.
Resources
Connect with the guest, Dr. Nicole Massie Martin
Websites:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolemmartin/
Purchase the Book: Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender
Upcoming Events: 2025 TKN Leadership Summit
5 Minute Pivot and Other Podcast by Rev. Russell St.Bernard https://ministrypivot.com/conversations/
Articles from Rev. Russell St. Bernard: https://ministrypivot.com/articles/
Purchase your Tickets for the TKN Leadership Summit: https://tknleadership.com/tkn-leadership-summit-2024/
In this third and final installment of the Leadership Pivots: Navigating Tensions series, Rev. Russ unpacks the leadership tension of flexibility. Just like in martial arts, flexibility in leadership increases range, reach, and precision. Leaders who remain rigid risk missing opportunities and wasting resources, but those who practice flexibility are able to adapt, grow, and lead with greater impact.
Rev. Russ challenges leaders in ministry, business, and life to develop flexibility in their leadership style so they can expand their influence, maximize their resources, and serve with greater precision.
In Part 2 of the Leadership Pivots: Navigating Tensions series, Rev. Russ explores the challenge of a tight leadership lid—when leaders unintentionally limit vision, growth, and recruitment by not providing enough exposure or empowerment.
This episode challenges leaders in ministry and business to examine whether their leadership style is keeping their teams from thriving. With practical insight, Rev. Russ explains how loosening the lid through exposure, empowerment, and duplication creates space for leaders and teams to grow stronger together.
In this first installment of the Leadership Pivots series, Rev. Russ dives into the reality that leadership always carries tension—but that tension, when healthy, can create traction that moves us forward.
This episode explores the tension of false starts: when leaders or teams initiate a project without clear direction, focus, or adequate resources. Rev. Russ emphasizes that without a clearly defined aim, even the most gifted leaders and teams can end up spinning their wheels.
Through practical examples and biblical insight, he challenges leaders in ministry, business, and life to clarify the “win,” align team strengths, and give direction that empowers people to thrive in their gifts.
In Part 3 of the Culture Shifts series, Rev. Russ explores how even the best cultures can suffer from leaks and cracks—especially during seasons of growth or transition. This episode teaches leaders how to recognize these issues early and offers practical steps to pivot and repair their culture before small issues become major setbacks.
Whether you're leading a church, business, nonprofit, or team, this episode gives you the tools to evaluate and fortify your culture with clarity, communication, and trust.
In Part 2 of the Culture Shift Series, Rev. Russ breaks down the essential components of building a strong, effective culture within your church, business, nonprofit, or family. This episode focuses on the leader’s responsibility in creating, sustaining, and championing culture—and how it all begins with having a clear aim. Through his signature 3-part framework (Aim, Act, Acknowledge), Rev. Russ shows how intentional leadership shapes organizational success.
In this episode of Ministry Pivot, Rev. Russ kicks off a multi-part series focused on organizational culture. He explores the foundational truth that every organization, church, business, or family has a culture—whether it's intentionally created or not. Rev. Russ challenges leaders to reflect on the culture they’ve cultivated, how it affects their teams, and why understanding your culture is critical for growth, health, and impact.
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In this episode, Rev. Russ continues his "Trending Thoughts for 2025" series, focusing on the importance of having a "sticky strategy" for your ministry, business, or organization. Following previous episodes on leadership and reach strategies, this installment explores how to retain the people you've attracted by creating meaningful communities.
In this episode of Ministry Pivot, Rev. Russ continues his "Trending Thoughts of 2025" series by focusing on developing an effective reach strategy. Following the previous episode on leadership, this installment explores how organizations can thoughtfully approach reaching new people.
In this first episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ discusses the importance of effective leadership as a trending thought for 2025. He emphasizes how organizations are only as strong as the leaders who support their mission. He shares three key strategies for investing in leadership development: understanding your leaders' strengths, celebrating achievements, and helping leaders see how their individual contributions connect to the bigger picture.
In this final episode of 2024, the Ministry Pivot Podcast revisits two impactful conversations with Pastor Brian Bullock of Union Church Charlotte and Rev. Lisa Fields, founder of the Jude 3 Project. These leaders share profound insights on leadership development, faith in the face of challenges, and discovering purpose in pain.
From Pastor Bullock’s thoughts on building systems and empowering leaders to Rev. Fields’ work addressing faith and skepticism within the Black community, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and tools for leaders and believers alike.
In this special compilation episode of the Ministry Pivot Podcast, Rev. Russ revisits impactful conversations on pastoral succession and leadership transitions with Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church, and Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock, Senior Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church.
Dr. Dates shares insights on leading with humility, navigating pastoral succession, and balancing innovation with honoring legacy. Pastor Pitts-Murdock provides a fresh perspective on being the first woman pastor at her church, the challenges of mentoring across genders, and the importance of healing during leadership transitions.
This episode is filled with actionable wisdom for current and aspiring leaders, emphasizing themes of adaptability, collaboration, and clarity in ministry.
In this eye-opening episode of the Ministry Pivot Podcast, Rev. Russ explores the theme of "Background Counts"—a lesson inspired by a recent visit to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Through this experience, he highlights the critical role of behind-the-scenes efforts in driving success, whether in ministry, business, or personal life.
In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ discusses the empowering concept of 'owning the building.' Whether you're in church leadership, a business leader, or starting your own venture, Rev. Russ encourages you to break free from tradition, embrace new opportunities, and challenge your assumptions.
He shares insights from his leadership at Kingdom Fellowship and emphasizes the significance of seeing opportunities rather than restrictions. Don't miss out on leadership encouragement and details about the upcoming TKN Leadership Summit 2024.
This episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast explores the complexities and opportunities in church leadership transitions. Featuring past episodes from Pastor Rodney Carter, Jr., Dr. Anika Wilson Brown, and Dr. Walter S. Thomas Jr., they cover critical topics such as pastoral succession, leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, new leadership styles, and the importance of mental health in ministry. Additionally, they dive into the journey of transitioning from associate pastor to senior leadership, focusing on serving the congregation, implementing effective transition plans, and honoring predecessors' legacy.
In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates shares his journey of transitioning into senior pastoral roles at two historic churches in Chicago: Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church. Dr. Dates talks about pastoral succession's challenges, surprises, and joys, his relationship with his predecessor, and the dynamics of leading two congregations. He also delves into the importance of legacy, leadership, and involving family in ministry.
In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ dives deep into how his team at Kingdom Fellowship creates a successful Sunday worship experience. From praying for uniqueness to having clear goals and consistent preparation, Rev. Russ outlines the keys to thriving worship services. Whether you’re a church leader or part of the congregation, this episode will inspire you to refine your approach to worship and leadership.
In this episode of Ministry Pivot, host Rev. Russ sits down with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock, Senior Pastor at Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, for an insightful conversation about pastoral succession, leadership and her journey as the first woman to lead her historic congregation. Pastor Pitts-Murdock shares her experience transitioning from an interim to a senior pastor role, discusses the challenges of succeeding a legacy pastor, and reflects on leading through uncharted territory during the pandemic.
In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ shares invaluable insights on how to lead your staff effectively by focusing on their strengths, fostering development, and expecting excellence. Drawing from his experience in church leadership, Rev. Russ offers practical advice that can be applied across various leadership contexts, whether in ministry, business, or any organization.
In this insightful episode of Ministry Pivot, host Rev. Russ sits down with Dr. Reggie Blount and Dr. Sidney Williams to discuss their innovative approach to ministry called "Fishing Differently." They explore how churches can maximize their impact beyond Sunday services by leveraging intellectual, social, human, and faith capital.
