The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell

Send us a textWhat if your greatest strength as a leader lies in embracing your emotions? As a leader, is it possible that showing vulnerability and healthy shame can actually unlock deeper connections and growth in your ministry? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of leading with heart.Ben and Lynley Mandrell, along with Chip Dodd and Bryan Barley, explore the often-overlooked role of emotions in leadership, particularly for pastors navigating the complexities of ministry. Discover how vulnerability and emotional connection can transform your relationships and leadership effectiveness. The discussion dives into the challenges leaders face in acknowledging their emotions, overcoming fear, and navigating the fine line between toxic and healthy shame. Learn how embracing your emotional needs fosters genuine connections, personal growth, and healing—for you and those you lead. If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of ministry, this episode will equip and inspire you to lead with courage and authenticity. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! SHOW LINKS: Living with Heart PodcastVoice of the Heart CenterThe Voice of the Heart: A call to full living Connect with Dr. Chip DoddConnect with Bryan Barley-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWhat if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact!In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing outreach and evangelism opportunity for your church. You'll discover how VBS builds meaningful relationships, engages entire families, and serves as a powerful multi-generational ministry strategy. Ben Mandrell, along with Chuck Peters and Melita Thomas, tackle common challenges churches face in implementing VBS, from budget constraints to volunteer recruitment, and explore solutions that make it achievable for every church. Be inspired by stories of lives transformed through VBS and learn why trustworthy, culturally relevant content is key to its lasting impact. If you’re looking for a proven way to energize your congregation and extend your ministry’s reach into the community, this conversation will leave you convinced that VBS is the best investment you can make this year! Check out the show links below to take your best next step in reaching the community God has entrusted to you!SHOW LINKS:VBS Digital KitVBS Director's ClubVBS Free SampleVBS Preview Digital PassPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textMerry Christmas, everyone!In today’s episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share their heartfelt reflections on this Christmas season. From the joy of having all their kids home to the blessings of serving their community, Lynley opens up about how the meaning of this season deepens as life brings new changes.Ben reflects on a year filled with significant milestones, embracing both the joy and the bittersweet moments that come with Christmas. They acknowledge that while this season is a time of celebration, it can also be a time of sorrow for many. Together, they point us back to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus—the Savior whose birth we celebrate and whose return we eagerly await.Stay tuned for some exciting plans we have in store for the next season of The Glass House!SHOW LINKS: 96. Loving Your Church Staff Well with Mark and Jenna Hallock101. A Week In The Life of A Pastor with Lindsay & Ben Skipper114. Through the Decades with the Pastor's Wife with Anne Wright121. Through the Decades with Donna GainesVoice of the HeartBounce Curl-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textHow does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Lifeway KidsConnect with Lifeway Students-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWe hope you had a great Thanksgiving! On today's episode we explore the subtle yet serious risks pastors face when they lean too heavily on their natural talents and abilities. While God-given skills are valuable, an over-reliance on them can lead to spiritual dryness, pride, and a lack of dependence on the Holy Spirit.This conversation serves as a heartfelt reminder that pastors are called to rely on Christ as their source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration. Enjoy this episode and share it with a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWhat if joy wasn’t something to fear but an act of courage and faith? How do seasons of change and loss shape the way we lead and the way we see ourselves? And what if the key to making better decisions wasn’t buried in the past or hidden in the future, but found right here in the present moment?In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and leadership triggers that impact pastors and Christian leaders.  Inspired by the question and book by Nicole Zasowski, “What if it’s wonderful?”, this conversation explores how pain and safety inform our identity, why unresolved emotions affect our behaviors, and how celebrating God’s goodness shifts the focus away from ourselves and back to Him.This episode offers a compelling call for leaders to process their emotions through the lens of faith, embrace joy even when it feels risky, and lead from a place of authenticity and hope. Perfect for pastors and leaders seeking to navigate emotional challenges while remaining steadfast in their calling. Tune in and discover how to celebrate God’s goodness amidst the complexities of leadership!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Nicole ZasowskiWhat If It's Wonderful?-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode, we welcome Donna Gaines, a devoted pastor’s wife and seasoned ministry leader, who opens up about her transformative journey in ministry. Donna shares the trials and triumphs she’s encountered along the way, shedding light on the often unseen challenges pastors' wives face. From the power of prayer, to the value of authentic community, she reveals how these pillars have been foundational in her life and ministry.Donna’s transparent conversation covers her personal evolution—navigating changing relationships, meeting societal expectations, and embracing the inevitable challenges of aging. With wisdom and humility, she urges us to embrace "self-forgetfulness" and refocus on Christ, steering clear of distractions that may cloud our view of Him.Join us as we dive into an episode that promises to inspire, comfort, and challenge pastors’ wives to stay true to themselves while faithfully walking the path God has set before them.SHOW LINKS:Bellevue Baptist ChurchThe Anxious GenerationConnect with Donna Gaines-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWhat happens when a health crisis leads you to re-evaluate everything—especially your ministry?In this inspiring episode, Josh and Mallory Allen open up about the impact of a personal health crisis on their church planting journey, highlighting how it prompted them to take a hard look at their calling and ministry priorities. They also share their journey of raising kids in ministry and the lessons learned from involving their children in service and outreach. Josh and Mallory discuss the invaluable role of teaching kids to serve both in the church and in the community, a practice that’s helped their children grow resilient in the face of ministry challenges. Through it all, they stress the importance of finding support and encouragement within the church community, making this episode a powerful listen for anyone navigating family life and ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWhat happens when a pastor and his wife feel called to step back from leadership—but not from their passion for ministry?In today's episode, Danny and Rhonda Sinquefield open up about their journey through decades of ministry, sharing how they navigated the unique challenges and transitions as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They recount their experiences at Faith Baptist Church, the call to Memphis, and the unexpected identity crisis that arose when they stepped back from formal leadership. With heartfelt reflections, the Sinquefields explore the value of family, the importance of open communication, and the power of building lasting relationships within the church community. Their story is not only a testament to faith but also a source of wisdom and encouragement for future generations in ministry. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! SHOW LINKS: -Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textManaging time well is one of the greatest challenges for anyone in ministry. Between sermon prep, meetings, family commitments, and personal spiritual growth, finding balance can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Chris and Nikki Ogden open up about the realities of time management as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They walk us through their weekly routines, the unique challenges of sermon preparation, and how their time management styles differ. Along the way, they offer practical advice for young couples in ministry and share wisdom on staying faithful both in marriage and in the calling God has placed on their lives. It’s an encouraging conversation and whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will encourage you to prioritize what matters most while effectively managing your time.Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of The Glass House—where Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive deep into the real-life highs and lows of ministry with pastors and their spouses, all while living in a glass house! This episode is extra special because we’re bringing you highlights straight from the Southern Baptist Convention! Ben and Lynley had some surprise guests swing by the booth this summer, and here’s the fun part: each guest blindly picked a card with a question they had to answer on the spot! Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to share this episode with a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textPeople can be mean! No matter what position you serve in, none of us are exempt from receiving criticism. On today's show we're featuring a crossover episode from Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They share stories of thier own experience with criticism and offer practical strategies to process feedback without losing your cool. This episode also underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile. Youth Ministry Booster is a podcast that has the most hilarious and honest conversations between Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. They are big fans of youth ministry and desire to engage, entertain, and equip youth leaders.So get ready for a laugh and some heartfelt stoires that reflect the resilience needed to handle candid feedback while still forging meaningful connections. SHOW LINKS:Listen to more of Youth Ministry BoosterJoin the Community -Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HERE Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textAs a ministry leader, do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions while your heart isn't really in it anymore? Checking off the tasks, doing your job, while all the while our hearts are drifting and the Holy Spirit is quietly leaving the building. This message is for you! When looking at Samson's life, you see a man who drifted far from God without realizing it until it was a little too late. Thankfully, we can learn from Sampson and it doesn't have to be too late for you! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textThe church building was built in the 40's, and it's really starting to look like it! The new pastor has a vision for making it more visually appeasing, first time guest friendly, and updating the security for the sake of children. But there's a big problem, how can he get the congregation on board with a project that has a minimal budget?Today's episode is a conversation Ben and Lynley had at the Southern Baptist Convention with Dave Milam and John Parker from Visioneering Studios discuss the importance of intentional and thoughtful church building design. They highlight the challenges that many pastors face with their church buildings, including functionality and limited budgets. They emphasize the need for a master plan that looks ahead to the future and allows for phased renovations or additions. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating welcoming and well-designed spaces for guests, the value of outdoor spaces, the return to on-campus adult education spaces, and the opportunity to right-size large sanctuaries. Dave and John share inspiring stories of church building projects that have had a positive impact on communities and individuals.Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textHappy Monday Friends! Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have an incredible discussion with Ben and Lynley about their latest movie, The Forge. This film focuses on discipleship and following Jesus, and Alex and Stephen share their hearts behind making this film. They emphasize the importance of having a strong foundation in Christ and prioritizing Him above all else.  Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS,  FLYWHEEL, COURAGEOUS Legacy Edition, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Alex co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. Alex and his wife, Christina, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen Kendrick now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF,  FACING THE GIANTS, COURAGEOUS, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Stephen co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Film Foundation. Stephen and his wife, Jill, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are also active members at Sherwood Church. As God moves you through a path of discipleship through surrender, our prayer is that you encourage others to join you in this path! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!SHOW LINKS: -theforgebooks.com-To find out more about the movie, buy tickets, or rent theaters go to: theforgemovie.com-To watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szH5_y-0aqg-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textIn every pastor's ministry, there comes a time when they must walk through a transition and hand over leadership to the next generation. Is it possible for pastors and congregations to navigate these waters smoothly? On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley discuss succession planning with Bryant Wright and Clay Smith during the Southern Baptist Convention last summer. These two pastors share from their personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the transition from an outgoing pastor to a new leader. They emphasize the importance of starting the succession process early, having a clear plan, and considering the cultural fit of the new pastor. They also discuss the need for honoring the predecessor and maintaining a positive transition for the congregation. The conversation concludes with advice for pastors and church leaders who are considering a similar transition.Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.Show Links:-Succession-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textLast summer at the Southern Baptist Convention, Ben and Lynley got to sit down with pastors and wives from all over the country and have them choose one of four different questions to answer. On today's episode, we asked two couples "what is one thing you would change about your brain?" In this conversation, ministry leaders Brandon and Amy Peterson, and Matt and Julianne Longworth, discuss their experiences in ministry and the challenges they have faced. They talk about the importance of not getting defensive in ministry and learning to understand that people's responses are often influenced by their own filters and history. They also discuss the struggles that come from overanalyzing and people-pleasing when attempting to make decisions. We're sure that leaders all over the country have dealt with these issues before, and we hope you find encouragement in knowing you're not alone! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! SHOW LINKS:-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textHave you ever been listening to someone spew out their feelings and you immediately want to "fix" it? Have you felt the need to tell them everything is going to be okay and to look at the positives? Now imagine what it would feel like to simply sit with them in their feelings. To simply let them experience the depth of their emotions. On today's show Ben and Lynley are joined with Jennie Allen as they discuss how to untangle the tension of sitting with others in their emotions, and also the tension in experiencing your own emotions. Jennie Allen, Bible teacher, author, and the visionary behind IF:Gathering, leads a new chapter as the Founder & Visionary of Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer gathering. Driven by a deep love for God and an unyielding belief in the potential of this generation, Jennie's mission is to disciple a generation of Jesus followers to live what they believe. Jennie is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. Jennie is the New York Times' best-selling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Find Your People and Get Out of Your Head. Jennie has a masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac, and their four children.Today, Jennie discusses her new book, 'Untangle Your Emotions,' and shares her personal journey of learning to embrace her emotions and the impact it has had on her relationships. Jennie emphasizes the value of being present with others in their pain and the healing power of connection. She also explores the concept of numbness as both a gift and a hindrance, and encourages listeners to give themselves grace in navigating their emotions. Listen now to the five steps Jennie gives to identifying and dealing with emotions! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS: -Connect with Jennie Allen-Untangle Your Emotions-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textIn a field where you are constantly pouring out and meeting the needs of others, it can be easy to neglect yourself. However, caring for yourself as you lead a ministry shouldn't just be a well-intention, it is critical to make it a way of life. Today's show is for all of you that have had the well-intentions, but have struggled with caring for yourself.Mark and Christine Satterfield join Ben and Lynley to discuss the importance of self-care and taking care of one's health, especially for pastors and ministry leaders. They share their own experiences of working out together and adapting their routines with young kids. They emphasize the need for intentionality and finding pockets of time for self-care, even in busy ministry schedules. Ministry leaders must prioritize their health and model healthy habits for their staff and congregation. Throughout this conversation you'll hear how small changes can make big differences and practical tips for incorporating new habits. Check out the show links below for the great resources mentioned. Thanks for sharing and listening to a friend!SHOW LINKS:-Body for Life -Emotionally Healthy Spirituality-Atomic Habits-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.