Podcasts make a big difference for pastors.
If you’re a pastor, you know that finding content for your sermons can be challenging. You also understand that keeping up with the latest trends is essential to inspire and engage your congregation. We’ve put together this list of podcasts that pastors should add to their queue! These podcasts will help you brainstorm sermon series ideas, develop your leadership skills, and tackle biblical issues in modern times.
When it comes to social, cultural, political, and theological issues in our world today, it’s essential to apply biblical truth. As a pastor, you have the unique opportunity to help others understand how God’s Word applies to the current events around us.
However, there is a constant challenge to elegantly communicate the truth of the Gospel in a way that takes into consideration the various opinions and experiences of the people under your care. Jesus never backed down from communicating truth and He always seemed to do so in a way that called out error, folly, or sin without shaming or condemning those who were willing to seek Him out.
Podcasts for pastors serve as a tool to deliver fresh methods for communicating timeless truth. But more than that, each podcast is an invitation to join the conversation other pastors are having in their ministries, challenging your plans for building your ministry out in the future.
Many resources are available to help you study and prepare for the sermons you deliver. No matter which part of ministry life is your focus, having a good pastor podcast playlist can help you navigate challenges. What’s more, just about every pastor podcast winds up turning into some form of a church leadership podcast, moving the conversation into more areas of ministry outside of the pulpit.
No matter if it’s a preaching podcast or a church leadership podcast, building out a strong library of shows you can listen to regularly and resonate with is a huge boon to your own personal development and growth… and when the pastor gets better, everyone gets better.
Stay up to date with trends, round out your preaching, develop your leaders, thread the needle of complex topics, and keep informed with what topics are emerging in culture that will surely make their way to your community… podcasts are a learning tool that pastors in your position twenty years ago wish they would have had!
What kind of podcasts for pastors are available?
Our list is full of well-respected theologians and authorities in the ministry field. The podcasts for pastors on our list come from well-known pastors who have led global movements (Louie Giglio, creator of the Passion movement, for example) and denominational leaders like Alan and Trent from Enduring Churches. We’ve also included some that focus on productivity and workflow, which is vital in ministry.
You’ll find a balance of leadership development, speaking skills and tools, and ideas about how to be intentionally present in each of these podcasts for pastors. We hope they help you have more confidence, be more intentional, and have ease in your calling!
What are you waiting for? Get listening to these church leadership podcasts right now!
Top Pastor Podcast Recommendations
This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it meant to be. There may be plenty of podcasts that could or should belong on this list and if you think we’ve missed something, send us an email at [email protected] to let us know!
Without further delay, let’s get into the list!
Just Thinking Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
Darrell Harrison currently serves as Dean of Social Media at Grace To You ministries. Harrison is a biblical counselor-in-training with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and a Fellow of the Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) of Princeton Theological Seminary. Harrison is the first African-American ordained as a Deacon in the 200-year history of First Baptist Church of Covington.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Applying biblical truth to social, cultural, political, and theological issues in our world.
WHY LISTEN TO JUST THINKING PODCAST
It can be challenging to draw biblical parallels in today’s modern world. However, by looking at the world through the lens of Scripture, we can better understand our place in it. Doing so teaches us to love and serve God more fully. Podcasts include varying topics and deep conversations on biblical theory. When we take the time to read and study Scripture, we can learn so much about God and His character. We also gain a better understanding of His will for our lives. As we grow in our knowledge of the Bible, we can better face life’s challenges.
Listen to Just Thinking Podcast
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
With a Master’s degree in Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary and churches in 10 U.S states under his leadership, Craig Groeschel is not only an inspirational speaker but also the senior pastor of Life Church located in Oklahoma.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Leadership, becoming a GOOD and GREAT leader.
WHY LISTEN?
To become a better leader, it is crucial to identify and dispel any false attributes or assumptions you may hold about what it means to be a leader. Craig’s podcast helps you get more done in less time, providing motivation, thinking outside the box, and increasing productivity & creativity.
Listen to Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
Carey Nieuwhof is a global spiritual leader who has found success in both church and legal circles. He served as an attorney for over ten years before becoming the founding pastor of Connexus Church in Ontario, Canada. Carey delivers conferences all around North America and is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and podcaster.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Interviews with top leaders provides insight on becoming a better leader with great advice from leaders of all kinds.
WHY LISTEN?
Listen to pastors of different flavors who have served as leaders over long periods. They offer wise insights on how a pastor may lead their congregation successfully, including helpful tools and exercises. Casey’s leadership strategies bring unity and success into any ministry style!
Listen to Carey Niewhouf Leadership Podcast
Making Disciples with Robby Gallaty
ABOUT THE HOST
Robby Gallaty is the senior pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN. He rose from life-long drug addiction on November 12, 2002, and in 2008, he began Replicate Ministries to equip men and women with discipleship training!
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Practical training to help you make disciples.
WHY LISTEN?
Robby understands ministry is more than just a Sunday morning service. It’s about being present in the lives of your congregation and ensuring that they know their truths and beliefs. It’s about being intentional with your time and presence and creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their faith journey. This pastor podcast features interviews with leading ministry figures.
Listen to Making Disciples with Robby Gallaty
This American Life
ABOUT THE HOST
Ira Jeffrey Glass is a well-known American public radio personality. He has appeared in other programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Talk of The Nation. Ira’s career began by working for NPR soon after graduating in 1982 from Brown University with a degree in Semiotics.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Stories about American Life, exciting tales. Surprising plot twists & true stories. Mainly focused on journalism.
WHY LISTEN?
The show often reflects on current events and aspects of human nature. It’s a powerful resource for illustrations in your sermons, series, and lessons. When you listen to Ira, you receive a deep dive into a complex topic that is relevant in today’s world. It’s also a great way to keep up with current events and pop culture to be relatable to your congregation.
Holy Post Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Skye Jethani is an award-winning author and speaker who has written ten books and served for over a decade in various roles at Christianity Today magazine. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He studied history with an emphasis on comparative religion, focusing on Islam. He also studied Buddhism, Judaism, and Early Christianity. He served as a local church pastor for eight years.
Phil Vischer is the creator of the VeggieTales cartoon. Today, there are more than 65 million purchases of VeggieTales videos! His current pursuit involves developing new ways to integrate faith and storytelling. Author of the book “Me, Myself & Bob.”
Christian Taylor is an award-winning director, producer, and podcast host. Her 45-year career in entertainment and decades of professional voiceover work is extensive. “The Girl Who Wore Freedom,” an award-winning breakout documentary, and “Grueling Glory” are her directorial debuts. Christian has co-hosted The Holy Post since it premiered. She shares her heart, humor, and great faith in every episode.
Kaitlyn Schiess is the author of “The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor.” She has appeared in Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, and Sojourner. She has a Master of Theology (ThM) in Systematic Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently a doctoral student in Political Theology at Duke Divinity School.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
A current events podcast reflecting faith-based conversation and debates. The Holy Post is a conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.
WHY LISTEN?
In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in the negative news and forget about the good happening around us. The Holy Post focuses on how to stay relevant in current times and on the love Jesus embodied.
The Remnant Radio Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Joshua Lewis has a decade of experience in ministry doing Evangelism, Youth Ministry, Web & Graphic, and a stint as an associate pastor. With a background in classical Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God), Josh wanted to break the traditional mold of anti-intellectualism that he found so prominent in the charismatic church. Though Josh no longer sees himself in the classical pentecostal traditions, his desire to help charismatics bridge the gap between the world and Spirit remains one of his driving motivators as a charismatic evangelical.
Michael Rowntree has been a pastor at Wellspring since 2005. He became the lead pastor there in 2012 after being mentored for seven years. Since 2012, Michael has led Wellspring deeply into the experience of the Holy Spirit. Michael is passionate about also challenging the church to extend Jesus’ friendship—and ours—to the world around us.
Michael Miller ran the healing ministry at Wellspring and traveled with his mentor, Jack, to minister to varying churches. Michael taught mathematics in Ft. Worth, Texas, before returning to full-time ministry. He regularly speaks, trains, and ministers locally and abroad in churches. Most recently, Michael and his family work at a church called Reclamation Church, where he serves full-time as an elder and teaching pastor.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Remnant Radio exists to produce entertaining, relevant, and inspiring content that educates believers in biblical theology and a Christian worldview. Our Mission is to challenge orthodoxy, embrace diverse denominational leaders, and empower people for practical ministry.
WHY LISTEN?
The Remnant Radio empowers our knowledge and helps us grow in faith. Engaging in thoughtful conversations about our beliefs is vital. The hosts and guests can help deepen our understanding of what we believe and why. These discussions challenge us to examine what we believe in new ways, leading to a stronger faith.
Ships On Fire Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Keola and Jess are a married couple who share in the Ships on Fire podcast about how a walk with Jesus can change our lives. Jess and Keola bring a refreshing take on building and sustaining healthy relationships and maintaining an unshakable faith.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Life is busy and our schedules are full, making taking root in God’s Word and prayer seem impossible. Start your week with the Ships on Fire podcast as you strengthen your relationships while moving on the journey God has for you.
WHY LISTEN?
The busyness of life can make it difficult to root ourselves in God. But if we take the time to strengthen our relationships with Him, we will be better able to withstand the challenges that come our way.
Listen to Ships On Fire Podcast
Preachers Talk Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jeremy Meeks is the director of the Chicago Course on Preaching, a residential training program of the Charles Simeon Trust.
Dave Helm is one of the pastors of Christ Church Chicago in Chicago and chairman of the Charles Simeon Trust.
K. Edward Copeland is the senior pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois, and a council member of The Gospel Coalition.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
At 9Marks, we help pastors, future pastors, and church members see what a biblical church looks like and take practical steps toward becoming one. Our goal is to see churches characterized by nine biblical marks of a healthy church. Why these nine? Because sadly, they’re too often assumed or ignored in evangelical churches.
WHY LISTEN?
These brief episodes can provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and joys of ministry and remind us that we are not alone in our journey. Whatever challenges we face, God is with us, walking alongside us every step of the way.
Listen to Preachers Talk Podcast
Hello Church! Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Justin Trapp is a ministry-minded entrepreneur who founded Ministry Pass and Sermonary. Justin’s goal is to help pastors create their sermons easily and lead their churches well. After working in ministry and as an entrepreneur, feeling stretched thin and unable to lead his church well, he created a library of resources for ministry leaders to help them lead more easily and simply. Justin lives in Texas with his family.
Wade Bearden is an author, entrepreneur, and minister. As a contributor to publications like Christ and Pop Culture, Christianity Today, Think Christian, RELEVANT, and the weekly podcast HelloChurch!, Wade shares his experience, guidance, and journey through ministry and entrepreneurship in daily life. He lives in Texas with his family.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Every episode of the Hello Church! podcast is a valuable resource for pastors who want to plan, prepare, and preach compelling sermons that have a lasting impact. The Hello Church! podcast is an essential tool for any ministry leader who wants to improve their sermon-preaching skills.
WHY LISTEN?
Justin and Wade broadcast every week to share precisely how, after years of experience, they create sermon outlines, develop message ideas, and deliver sermons that keep people coming back for more, week after week. Pastors, you know that being a part of ministry can take a toll on your creative bandwidth, so let Justin and Wade help you put the pieces together. Covering topics like the art of storytelling, how to add memorable illustrations, and even drafting your outline, they dive deep into all the facets of sermon preparation and delivery you’d need to know to keep your messages faithful and relevant.
Listen to Hello Church! Podcast
Ask NT Wright Anything
ABOUT THE HOST
N. T. Wright (or Tom Wright) is an English New Testament scholar. He is a well-respected Pauline theologian and Anglican bishop. As a leading Bible scholar, his show allows developing pastors to ask him direct questions.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Ask NT Wright Anything covers many essential topics for ministry leaders. Episodes often include areas like hermeneutics, missiology, and church history.
WHY LISTEN?
This podcast opens the door to Christians, atheists, and everyone in between to engage in faith and investigate the claims of Christianity. His willingness to answer direct questions makes Tom accessible. A pastor can get the specific guidance they need for their ministry context. His vast knowledge and experience make him a valuable resource. Listen to this show for pastors and knowledge seekers who want to learn from one of the best in the field!
Listen to Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast
Church Leadership Podcast
ABOUT THE HOSTS
John McGee is the Senior Director of Watermark Resources. These days, John looks for ways to equip and encourage other churches through Watermark Resources. He enjoys sharing the ministries developed at Watermark and the lessons we are learning through our conferences, content, and Church Leaders Podcast.
Adam Tarnow is a keynote speaker and executive coach. After graduating from Clemson University with an accounting degree, he spent ten years as a high-level CPA. Adam spent the next ten years of his career working at Watermark Community Church. Adam has a unique gift for making the complex simple and spends his time disarming audiences with his wit, humility, and self-deprecating humor as a speaker and coach.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
A conversation with church leaders – for church leaders.
WHY LISTEN?
Each episode lasers in on issues and topics relevant to church leaders! Do you need guidance on ministry life? John and Adam cover topics like leadership, empathy, and anxiety. They also discuss parenting, church discipline, and longevity in ministry. The Church Leadership podcast is a terrific podcast to add to your list if you’re seeking two thought leaders with experience sharing knowledge, strategies, and tools.
Listen to the Church Leadership Podcast
Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast with Pete Scazzero
ABOUT THE HOST
Pete Scazzero led New Life Fellowship Church for 26 years. He co-founded Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, a groundbreaking ministry-transforming church culture that multiplies profoundly changed leaders and disciples for Jesus’ mission in the world. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, and Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Emotionally Healthy Leader podcast explores leaders’ paradigms and practices to transform their church culture and multiply profoundly changed disciples.
WHY LISTEN?
Rather than offering a quick fix, The Emotionally Healthy Leader takes a deep dive into the inner life of being a leader. Church leaders need emotional intelligence because they are responsible for creating and cultivating a church culture where people can grow in their relationship with Christ. A church leader with high emotional intelligence can read the emotions of those around them, understand what they are feeling, and respond in a way that creates connection and builds up the community. Pete helps reveal resources for dealing with the stresses of leadership, issues of leadership like team-building and culture, and the leader’s personal growth.
Listen to Emotionally Healthy Leadership Podcast
Lead Culture with Jenni Catron
ABOUT THE HOST
Jenni Catron is a writer, speaker, and leadership expert committed to helping others lead from their extraordinary best. Jenni’s passion is to lead well and inspire, equip and encourage others to do the same.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Lead Culture is a leadership-focused podcast! With episodes covering topics like empowerment, generosity, and workplace culture, this podcast nurtures the leader within and helps develop skills and tools for those that want to learn to lead well.
WHY LISTEN?
Jenni Catron created The 4Sight Group. They bring the often esoteric cultural conversation to a practical level. With Jenni and her guests as your guides, your leadership journey can be more fulfilling. Release the overwork and overwhelm that can come from leadership, and learn calming and easing principles in every episode!
Listen to the Lead Culture Podcast
Passion + Purpose Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
Louie Giglio is an American Christian pastor. He is the leader of Passion City Church, in Atlanta, Georgia. The founder of the Passion Movement, he is an author and public speaker. The Passion movement exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus. Louie is an author, releasing many books, including a national bestseller, “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table.”
ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Passion + Purpose podcast invites you to discover how you can use your passion for the ultimate purpose—to bring God glory.
WHY LISTEN?
These conversations will encourage you to discover your mission and how you can use your passion for the ultimate purpose, which is to bring God glory. He invites his friends from diverse spheres of life—scientists, business leaders, pastors, artists, and more to spark a vision of how listeners can leverage their life for what matters most.
Listen to Passion + Purpose Podcast
The Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard travels, speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace. He also enjoys speaking on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard ministers to Christian CEOs, church, and family leaders.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
A weekly podcast on the various aspects of leadership and how you can improve your leadership no matter your role.
WHY LISTEN?
Richard Blackaby offers insightful counsel into how God develops, guides, and empowers spiritual leaders. Clear guidance from Richard shows how leaders can positively impact the people and organizations they lead.
Listen to the Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast
Enduring Churches Podcast
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr. Alan Small is the executive director for Dogwood Trails Baptist Association. He bridges the gap between pastors new to the stage and those with more experience! Alan has degrees from Wayland Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds certifications in church consultation and church revitalization as well.
Trent Young is the pastor of Patterson Avenue Baptist Church in Comanche, Oklahoma, where he’s been serving for over a decade. He is the director of the Gasconade Valley Baptist Association. He and Alan shared a few years on campus at Wayland Baptist! He’s been on staff for over a decade there. Before Oklahoma became home, Trent served for seven years in Yuma, CO. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary in 1994. He then served as a BSU director for 15 years at several institutions.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Alan and Trent have a desire to help those who serve in ministry to be able to accomplish and enjoy their calling! Episodes aim to assist pastors of churches in making a difference by helping churches last longer. Fighting things like burnout and frustration, these ministry veterans walk you through reliable, relatable strategies to help your church endure.
WHY LISTEN?
Alan and Trent have served as pastors and now as directors of missions (AMS) for networks of churches. They are pastors with 30+ years of ministry under their belt, and they use their experiences to encourage and uplift pastors working hard to endure the race set before them.
Listen to Enduring Churches Podcast
Focus On This
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Courtney Baker is the chief marketing officer at Michael Hyatt & Company. As an Enneagram 3, Courtney is a high achiever. Her hobbies include interior design, reading, and traveling with her husband, Chase. She always wants to be doing something with her daughter, Kit.
Mike Boyer, aka Verbs, is the creative production specialist at Michael Hyatt & Company. He is a nationally recognized recording artist as well! Verbs brings energy and expertise to every Focus On This episode. When he’s off the air, Verbs enjoys reading and sliding across the kitchen floor in his socks. He enjoys dancing with his three amazing kids and date nights with his bride, Verna.
Blake Stratton is a business consultant at Michael Hyatt & Company. Blake experienced success in business because of the Full Focus System. It was enough success that he joined Michael Hyatt & Company to help spread the word. Blake enjoys exploring Nashville coffee shops and talking about Chicago’s sports teams. He spends time away from work with his wife, Alaina, and their new baby daughter, Felicity.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
If you want to achieve your big goals and return to your most important priorities, focus is the key. Building off of the successful framework of the Full Focus Planner, hosts Courtney Baker and Blake Stratton will provide practical solutions to guide you back to focus.
WHY LISTEN?
You’re highly ambitious, but you breathe, work, eat, and live in a den of distractions. How can you progress on your biggest priorities when there’s a distraction at every turn?
Listen to the Focus on This Podcast
Pastor Writer with Chase Replogle
ABOUT THE HOST
Chase Replogle is the pastor of Bent Oak Church in Springfield, Missouri. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in New Testament from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is currently a D.Min. student in The Sacred Art of Writing at Western Theological Seminary. Chase is the author of The 5 Masculine Instincts. His work draws from history, psychology, and literature. Using a narrative approach to Scripture, Chase encourages thoughts about faith and life.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Join Chase as he interviews pastors, authors, and writing experts in his journey to understand better the calling and the craft of writing, reading, and living the Christian life.
WHY LISTEN?
Diverse conversations for Christians with new pastors joining the host on each episode.
Listen to the Pastor Writer Podcast
Which pastor podcast did we miss? Which podcast episode are you most excited to hear? What do YOU think should be on this list? Podcasts are a great supplement to your sermon preparation. They can help you keep up with the latest trends in ministry. We hope that you find this list of church leadership podcasts helpful!
Go engage your congregation in new and exciting ways!
