John Houston is the Founder and CEO of the GJ Family of Companies, including John Houston Homes and Trinity Oaks Mortgage. He is also the author of Finding My Way Home: A Journey to Discover Hope and a Life of Purpose. He and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of their now-grown children Austin and Ashtyn!

Episode 42: Ears Of Faith: A Conversation With John Houston

Today, we’re sitting down with Lisa Potter, executive director of Women Who Lead. We’ll discuss men and women in leadership, as well as the importance of having diverse leadership teams and crucial conversations to bring about change. We’ll also learn about Lisa’s new book, The Collective Journey: An Invitation to Flourish in Life and Leadership! You won’t want to miss this one!

Episode 85: Lisa Potter on Why Diverse Leadership Teams are So Essential

In this episode, we sit down with Rock Spring Church Senior Pastor Benny Tate! Together, we'll discuss Benny Tate's book, "Defy the Odds," and glean from Pastor Tate's 30+ years of pastoral and leadership wisdom.

Episode 138: Benny Tate on Defying the Odds

Christ-centered ministry is not built by one good leader,  but a village of leaders! On today’s AVAIL podcast, we have the pleasure of sitting down with David Branker. David defines the role of a ministry second-chair as the supporting megaphone for the first-chair and a voice to edify and execute his mission with faithfulness and loyalty.

Episode 151: The First Privilege of the Second Chair with David Branker

When the Church wakes up, the world wakes up—and prayer is the alarm clock! On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Donald Gibson shares the message of his new book, Culture, Prayer, and Revival, that church leaders bear the responsibility of distilling a culture of prayer in their congregations, and how neglecting this responsibility will cost the Church its life—and the lives of lost souls.

Episode 154: A Prayer Culture is Not Optional with Donald Gibson

God is clear about where His greatest joy is found—in all creation’s worship of Him! On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, international worship leader Dr. Ron Kenoly admonishes worship as a command, not a suggestion, and profiles the worship leader as a bridge between musical praise and the very Word of God. Through years of experience, Dr. Kenoly leaves us with this message: leading worship isn’t about talent, but a posture of the heart!

Episode 172: Harmonizing the Word and Worship with Dr. Ron Kenoly

Our initial ascent to success may be smooth, but if we fuel our planes with dangerous attitudes, we’re bound for a rough landing. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Ricky Brown offers leaders of all shapes and sizes a lesson in piloting the aircraft of their lives with a fair warning of the greatest threat to leadership—hazardous attitudes. Ricky unpacks these attitudes from his new book, The Five Hazardous Attitudes, reminding leaders of the necessity of depending on God’s grace in the cockpit.

Episode 184: Steering Clear of Hazardous Attitudes with Ricky Brown

Personal growth doesn’t just fall into your lap. . . . it must be pursued. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Abram Gomez joins us in a candid conversation about the nature of personal growth; for leaders and non-leaders alike, it is not optional. He encourages everyone to courageously explore the depths of who they are created to be because we will never find what we aren’t searching for!

Episode 185: It’s Already in You with Abram Gomez

Fundraising is most taxing when the focus is on the funds. Today’s AVAIL podcast guest and fundraising expert Jerod Smith enlightens us on why fundraising is so often unsuccessful and draining: because relationships are taking a backseat when they need to be the driver! This episode will have you rethinking the classically flawed funds-to-friends strategy and compel you to adopt a superior one—friends-to-funds!

Episode 186: The Fundamentals of Fundraising with Jerod Smith

Could your church be the answer to some of the biggest challenges facing your community? On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, economic theologian and author Jamé Bolds joins host Virgil Sierra to unpack “churchenomics”—a bold and innovative framework for churches to thrive spiritually and economically. Learn how to move beyond relying solely on tithes and offerings by exploring new economic models that enable churches to solve real problems, create jobs, and integrate seamlessly into their communities. With insights that blend theology, economics, and practical leadership, this episode will inspire you to embrace a new way of thinking about church leadership.

Episode 230: Churchenomics with Jamé Bolds

Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about making every moment count. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Hubert, principal at Korsgaden International and author of Living With Purpose. Michelle shares her journey of transforming careers into callings by shifting from a sales mindset to a mission of service. With insights on leading through adversity, building vibrant cultures, and staying energized, this episode will inspire you to embrace leadership as a mission, no matter your role.

Episode 234: Mission-Led Leadership with Michelle Hubert

What does it really take to live a healthy, sustainable life in ministry—and not burn out along the way? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL Podcast, counselor, pastor, and author Chip Judd joins host Virgil Sierra for a candid conversation about The Endurance Factor, the book he co-wrote with Greg Surratt. Drawing from decades of experience and a life-altering lung transplant, Chip shares what it means to build rhythms of health, guard your most important relationships, and redefine success through the lens of spiritual and emotional wholeness. Leaders, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, confront what’s driving you, and embrace a way of leading that’s both powerful and sustainable.

Episode 248: The Leader Who Lasts with Chip Judd (Part 1)

What turns a strong leader into a stagnant one? In this Part 2 episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman returns with wisdom forged over nearly five decades of ministry. From the danger of becoming a “zoo lion” to the subtle slide into ego-driven leadership, Charles reveals the costly mistakes pastors make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just starting or decades in, this conversation will challenge you to fight complacency, stay under authority, and lead with both grit and grace.

Episode 252: Mistakes That Ministry Leaders Make with Charles Nieman (Part 2)

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t failure—but comfort? On this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Charles Nieman, founding pastor of Abundant Church, unpacks a lifetime of lessons from over 48 years of ministry. With wisdom forged through real-world experience, Charles shares the most common (and costly) mistakes leaders make—from entitlement to ego to neglecting personal growth. If you're ready to lead with humility, resilience, and long-term faithfulness, this conversation is your roadmap.

Episode 251: Mistakes That Ministry Leaders Make with Charles Nieman (Part 1)

What does it mean to be a person God can trust? In this  episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Justin Graham, author of Trust Issues, shares the personal moment that sparked his book—a divine question that shook him to the core: “Can I trust you?” Justin dives deep into what it takes to build a life of integrity, how trust shapes every level of leadership, and why private character must match public calling. If you’ve ever wrestled with failure, trust wounds, or doubts about your calling, this episode offers wisdom and hope for the journey.

Episode 253: Can I Trust You? with Justin Graham

What does it take to build a team that thrives without burning out? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, leadership coach Sean Lovejoy—founder of Courage to Lead and author of Building a Killer Team—shares the hard-won lessons behind creating an organization that lasts. From systems to soul care, Sean reveals the three components of an unstoppable team: synergy, scalability, and sustainability. If you’ve ever struggled with control, burnout, or the pressure to grow, this conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders who want to build healthy teams that stand the test of time.

Episode 254: Building a Killer Team with Shawn Lovejoy

What does it mean to live a life of wisdom in a world of noise? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Brandon Anderton unpacks the heart behind his new book The Way of the Wise—a 365-day journey through Proverbs. Brandon shares how his personal experiences, leadership challenges, and pursuit of godly wisdom have shaped his mission to help others live with intention. If you’ve ever wrestled with decision-making, spiritual maturity, or legacy-building, this conversation will stir your hunger for the kind of understanding that leads to lasting impact.

Episode 255: The Way of the Wise with Brandon Anderton

What if the key to transforming your city wasn’t fixing what’s broken—but uncovering what’s already good? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL podcast, Meghan Killingsworth—co-pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sanford—introduces us to the power of asset-based community development (ABCD). Rooted in the belief that God declared creation “very good,” Meghan unpacks why real ministry doesn’t start with people’s deficits—it starts with their dignity. Discover how ABCD reshapes outreach, discipleship, and justice by partnering with people, not working for them. This episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your vision of what Kingdom work can truly look like.

Episode 256: Asset-Based Community Development with Meghan Killingsworth

What if your greatest struggle became the key to someone else’s freedom? In this raw and redemptive conversation, pastor and author Dr. David Espinoza, Jr. opens up about his decades-long battle with pornography addiction—and how the grace of God, the 12-step model, and the courage of his wife changed everything. From early exposure at age seven to helping other leaders find healing, David’s story is a wake-up call and a lifeline. His workbook Life After Porn offers a biblically grounded pathway to restoration, freedom, and lasting transformation. If you're tired of hiding, this episode is a call to step into the light.

Episode 257: Life After Porn with David Espinoza

What does it take to lead well through one of the most delicate seasons in a church’s life—pastoral succession? In this candid conversation, Pastor Josh Surratt of Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC, shares his unlikely journey from reluctant leader to embracing the role his father once held. Josh unpacks the principles that made their father-to-son transition healthy, the cultural shifts that sustain growth, and why detaching your identity from your role is vital for longevity in ministry. Whether you’re an outgoing or incoming leader—or somewhere in between—this episode offers a roadmap of honor, health, and hope for the future of the church.

Episode 261: Succession Done Right with Josh Surratt

From the NFL to prison to pastoring one of Atlanta’s most dynamic churches, Mayo Sowell’s story is pure redemption and grit. In this inspiring conversation, the founder of LIIV Atlanta and Blank Canvas Creative Co. shares how God transformed his life, called him back to the city he once left, and why reaching “the least of these” drives his mission. He also reveals what he learned from spending seven days living unhoused for a documentary project. Packed with lessons on contextualizing ministry, casting vision, and leading authentically, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to make real impact.

Episode 260: Lessons from the Streets with Mayo Sowell

What happens when you fully surrender to God’s calling—no matter the cost? In this inspiring conversation, Pastor Chris Binion, lead pastor of Encounter Church in Rockwall, TX, and first-time author of YES!!!, shares his journey of embracing Kingdom assignments with unwavering faith. From navigating leadership transitions to discerning between good opportunities and God-given missions, Chris reveals the lessons, surprises, and growth that come with saying yes to God. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between comfort and calling, this episode will challenge you to trust God’s process and step boldly into your purpose.

Episode 259: Say YES!!! with Chris Binion

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Reina Olmeda—CEO of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, or NHCLC, and a leading mental health advocate—shares why mental wellness must be a priority for pastors and leaders. Drawing from her experience as a pastor and mental health expert, Reina unpacks the hidden struggles leaders face, the dangers of burnout, and the cultural stigmas that keep many from seeking help. She offers practical ways churches can create safe spaces for honest conversations, emphasizes that self-care is necessary, and points to bilingual resources through the NHCLC that equip leaders to thrive in every area of life.

Episode 262: Caring for Mind in Ministry with Reina Olmeda

Stories have the power to shape hearts, stir emotions, and lead people to encounter Jesus in new ways. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, Brennan McPherson, President of The Salvation Poem Project and director of Light of the World, shares how his team is bringing the story of Christ to life through 2D animation. Discover why they chose to tell the gospel through the eyes of John, how creative storytelling can serve as an act of worship, and how art can open doors for people around the world to fall in love with Jesus.

Episode 258: Light of the World with Brennan McPherson

What if the Church became the heartbeat of its community again? In this inspiring episode, Pastor Kevin Foster of LifeBridge Community Church in Fresno, CA, shares the vision behind Run to the Brokenness—a call for churches to move from attractional to missional living. Kevin reveals how his congregation turned crisis into opportunity, feeding thousands, creating jobs, and partnering with their city to bring hope. He challenges pastors to redefine success and run toward the pain rather than away from it, reminding us that the local church can—and should—be the center of its community once again.

Episode 263:  Run to the Brokenness with Kevin Foster

What if slowing down was the most radical thing you could do? In this powerful episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Kevin Taylor of Journey Church shares the heart behind his new book, Daily Rebellion. From soul-care retreats to his battle with cancer, Kevin opens up about how rest, silence, and gratitude are acts of holy defiance in a world obsessed with hustle. This conversation will help you rediscover the sacred rhythm of abiding in God—without guilt, hurry, or burnout.

Episode 264: Daily Rebellion with Kevin Taylor

What happens when leadership stops chasing numbers and starts pursuing love? In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, CEO and author Ernie Tai shares the heart behind Christian Impossible: The Jesus Way to Lead. Drawing from decades in business, Ernie reveals how success in God’s Kingdom looks nothing like the world’s scorecard. From redefining metrics to re-centering on relationship, his insights will challenge and inspire every leader to ask the deeper question—what would Jesus do if He were in my shoes?

Episode 265: The Jesus Way to Lead with Ernie Tai

What if your burnout was really an invitation to begin again? In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, Keller Williams Operating Partner and author Dana Gentry shares how a moment of exhaustion on a South Carolina beach became the birthplace of her book Restore.  With refreshing honesty, Dana opens up about hearing God’s whisper to “restore,” and how that word reshaped her approach to time, talent, and treasure. From billion-dollar brokerages to personal loss, Dana reveals what it means to lead with purpose, steward well, and live with intentionality that overflows into every area of life.

Episode 266: Restore with Intention with Dana Gentry

In this episode, we’ll talk with Pastor John Jenkins of First Baptist Church of Glenarden. We’ll discuss the effects that this year has had on leaders, insights and stories from Pastor Jenkins’s own journey, and practical application points for leaders both young and experienced. You won’t want to miss the leadership insights Pastor Jenkins has to share!

Combating Leadership Fatigue in 2020: A Conversation with John Jenkins

Sam Chand's singular vision for his life is to help others succeed. A prolific author and renowned international leadership consultant, he speaks regularly at leadership conferences, corporations, business roundtables, seminars, and other leadership development opportunities. He has mentored leaders in churches and ministries as well as international corporations and business startups. Sam has authored more than a dozen books and has started multiple leadership brands, as well.

Harnessing The Power Of Tension: A Conversation With Sam Chand

The AVAIL Podcast exists to connect innovators in ministry and business with the top leadership voices in our world. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and encouraged as you prepare to reach the next level of your leadership journey. www.theartofleadership.com

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