In this raw and encouraging conversation, Phil sits down with Jim Collins to talk about something we don't hear enough in ministry circles: failure. Jim shares his personal story of planting a church in Tennessee that didn’t go as planned—from launch dreams to a painful unraveling. But more than that, Jim reflects on the deeper lessons God taught him about leadership, calling, submission, and identity through that hard season.

Whether you’re a young leader eager to launch or a seasoned pastor navigating burnout or regret, this episode is a grace-filled reminder that failure isn’t fatal—and God is never done shaping us.

Key Topics Covered:

• The danger of launching without spiritual counsel
• How pride and ambition can masquerade as calling
• The difference between modeling and copying a ministry
• Why slowing down is not the same as disobedience
• What it looks like to find your identity after ministry “failure”
• Leadership lessons from real-world pain
• The importance of submitting to authority before leading others

Key Quotes:

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard ready up to bring you a Fortnite-themedguide to real ministry leadership. Whether you’ve built your share of ramps or have no idea what a "Loot Llama" is, this episode is for you.

What can Fortnite teach us about ministry? Turns out—a lot.

From failed solo pushes to sweaty wins and unexpected healing stations, we share 5 (plus a few bonus) leadership lessons that apply just as well to church planting and ministry teams as they do to Battle Royale:

• Don't lead alone – Ministry is better in squads.
• Winning teams talk – Clear communication changes everything.
• Adapt or lose – The game (and culture) is always changing.
• Have fun – Joy is a ministry essential, not a luxury.
• Better with friends – Celebrate wins and survive losses together.

Yes, we talk lightsabers. Yes, Richard got yelled at for playing until 3am. But we also hit on real, practical ministry advice.

Key Quote:
"If you're doing ministry alone, no one's there to revive you when you go down—and no one's there to celebrate you when you win."

If this episode made you laugh, challenged how you lead, or made you want to jump in a squad, leave us a review and share it.

In this episode of the Ministry Mix Podcast, Phil and Richard dive into a practical conversation for anyone sensing a call to ministry. Whether you’re a high school student, a mid-career professional, or already serving in a church, this episode outlines six clear and biblical steps you can take right now to discern and develop your calling—before you ever get a position or a platform.

You’ll hear about:

• Why character must come before competency
• How lingering and showing up consistently can shape your future ministry
• The importance of being teachable and asking the right questions
• Why reading your Bible and submitting to discipleship is non-negotiable
• How your local church plays a central role in affirming your call
• And why “don't wait for a stage—start with a broom” might be your next best step

This episode is packed with personal stories, pastoral wisdom, and helpful pushback for those navigating early ministry aspirations. Whether you're mentoring someone or starting to explore a call yourself, this is a must-listen guide to spiritual formation and practical readiness.

Key Quote:
"A call to ministry isn’t a call to perform—it’s a call to be faithful. And faithfulness starts long before a microphone."

If this episode was helpful, share it with someone considering ministry leadership. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us in our Facebook group for pastors and ministry leaders!

In this episode of the Ministry Mix Podcast, Phil and Richard explore what happens when the people who helped shape you in ministry are no longer there—whether through death, burnout, moral failure, or natural transition. They open up about their own experiences of losing key influences in their life and the disorienting, yet defining impact it can have on a leader's soul and direction.

The conversation covers:

• Why losing a mentor hits harder than expected
• How feelings of grief, betrayal, and disillusionment can affect your leadership
• The dangers of dependency and idolizing mentors
• How to grow into your own leadership voice when the voices you relied on are gone
• Why it's worth the risk to keep pursuing deep, formative relationships in ministry

Packed with personal stories, biblical reflections, and raw insight, this episode is a reminder that while mentors may come and go, the call of God remains—and so does the opportunity to become the kind of leader others can lean on.

Key Quote:
"Our ministry can’t be built on the mountains of men—it has to rest on the faithfulness of God."

Let us know what this conversation stirred up for you. Connect with us on socials or drop a review to help other ministry leaders find the show.

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard explore one of the most vital tasks of ministry leadership—helping people move toward the mission of God. Drawing from real-life stories and pastoral experience, they walk through eight practical ways to encourage everyday believers to live on mission.

From telling everyday stories of obedience, to normalizing small steps of faith, to making prayer and missional rhythms part of church culture, this conversation is full of accessible ideas any ministry leader can implement. Whether you lead a small church or a large team, this episode challenges the idea that mission is just for the professionals—and reminds us it’s the calling of every Christian.

You’ll hear quotes from Spurgeon, examples from churches, and honest thoughts on why not every sermon—or season—feels like a “home run.” But more than that, you’ll get tools to help your people take real, faithful steps forward in living out the Great Commission—starting now.

Not every church leader dreams of running events—but nearly all of us do. In this episode, Chris Ford returns to Ministry Mix to share what he’s learned as a full-time event planner and volunteer church leader. From hosting massive music festivals to pulling off a church Christmas party, Chris has seen it all—and made a few mistakes so you don’t have to.

We dive into the 6 keys to planning events that actually work: defining your purpose, budgeting realistically, building the right team, promoting beyond Instagram, preparing for the unexpected, and evaluating for next time. Along the way, we share fails (a flipped porta potty... yikes), unexpected wins, and the spiritual importance of planning church events that make space for people to meet Jesus.

If your church does any kind of event—big or small—this episode will make you sharper.

Topics Covered:

• Common mistakes in church event planning
• How to manage logistics and flow
• Why follow-up is just as important as set-up
• Tips for recruiting the right kind of volunteers
• Real-world promotion timelines
• How to stay calm when chaos hits

Quote of the Day:
“Every Sunday is an event—it should be a party celebrating Jesus.”

Ministry is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. In this episode of Ministry Mix, Richard Pope and Phil Gifford talk candidly about those moments when quitting ministry sounds way too appealing. Whether you're facing burnout, conflict, disappointment, or just a tough season, this episode offers real talk and six practical actions to take before you walk away.

From looking back at God's faithfulness to examining your rhythms and asking for help, Phil and Richard walk through honest stories, biblical encouragement, and wisdom gained through experience (and, of course, a few Fortnite analogies). We hope you walk away with hope, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone—and that quitting isn’t your only option.

Reflection Questions:

What’s causing me to feel like quitting right now—frustration, fatigue, failure, or something deeper?

When I look back at my calling and God's faithfulness, how does that perspective impact how I feel today?

What might God still be doing around the corner that I can’t yet see? Am I willing to wait?

Have I talked to a trusted, safe person about what I’m feeling—or am I carrying it alone?

What rhythms (rest, prayer, Scripture, community) have I let slip in this season? How can I get back to them?

If I do leave or make a change, will it be from a place of health and calling—or reaction and burnout?