Church conflict is one of the most challenging realities pastors and church leaders face, yet it is often one of the least discussed topics in ministry. In this candid and heartfelt first installment of a two-part conversation, host Don Hicks welcomes Pastor Justin Pierce to explore the realities of church conflict, the personal toll it takes on pastors, and the hope of restoration found in Christ.

Together, Don and Justin discuss why conflict can be so destructive within the body of Christ, the hidden burdens many pastors carry, and the emotional and spiritual exhaustion that often accompanies seasons of ministry difficulty. They also address the importance of caring for wounded pastors, pursuing biblical peacemaking, and embracing God's process of restoration rather than seeking quick fixes.

This episode offers practical wisdom, pastoral insight, and encouragement for pastors, church leaders, and church members who desire healthier relationships and stronger churches. Whether you are navigating conflict personally or seeking to support those who are, this conversation provides hope, perspective, and biblical guidance.

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Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

Justin shares with Don the powerful story of his genuine gospel conversion and how God opened his eyes to his true spiritual condition. Although he knew all the right answers and could say the right things to convince others that he was a Christian, deep down he knew he had never truly been saved.

In this honest and compelling conversation, Justin explains how the Holy Spirit revealed his need for real repentance and faith in Christ. His testimony serves as a sobering reminder that it is possible to look like a Christian on the outside while remaining unchanged on the inside.

Listeners will be challenged to examine their own faith and consider an important question: Have I truly experienced the transforming grace of Jesus Christ, or am I simply playing the part? This episode highlights the difference between religious activity and genuine conversion, pointing to the life-changing power of the gospel.

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks welcomes David Lones for a rich conversation on John 4:27-38, where Jesus challenges His disciples to see life, ministry, and mission through God's eyes.

Together, they explore Jesus' remarkable statement, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34), discussing how spiritual fulfillment is found not in personal comfort or accomplishment, but in faithful obedience to God's calling.

Don and David also examine Jesus' challenge to "lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). What does it mean for church leaders to recognize the opportunities God has already prepared? How can pastors, ministry leaders, and believers move beyond assumptions and see the people around them as a present harvest field?

This conversation offers practical encouragement for those serving in ministry, reminding us that God's work often involves both sowing and reaping. Some plant seeds, others gather the harvest, but all share in the joy of participating in God's redemptive mission.

Join us as we consider how faithful leaders can find true nourishment in doing the Father's will and learn to recognize the harvest opportunities God has placed right before them.

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

On this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks sits down with Brandon Pickett, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications for the Southern Baptists of Virginia and an accomplished media professional. Brandon Pickett shares insights from a career that spans broadcast journalism, Christian media, strategic communications, and missions-focused storytelling. He also serves as vice president of Innovative Faith Resources and as an adjunct professor of digital media at Liberty University.

Drawing from his experience leading award-winning communications teams, including work that earned two Emmy Awards for the mission’s television program On Mission Xtra, Brandon discusses how church leaders can communicate effectively, tell compelling stories, engage their communities, and leverage media to advance the Great Commission.

Join Don Hicks and Brandon Pickett for a practical and inspiring conversation on leadership, communication, and ministry impact on today's rapidly changing media landscape.

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

In this episode Don explores the challenges of leading with humility, staying focused on God’s calling, and serving others faithfully. In this episode, Don discusses how pride can affect ministry, relationships, and decision-making—and how church leaders can recognize it, overcome it, and lead with grace, accountability, and purpose.

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Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

Why you should vote NO on two proposed constitutional amendments on marriage and abortion November 3 in Virginia.

On this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, host Don Hicks welcomes Brandon Pickett, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications for the Southern Baptists of Virginia, for an important conversation about the proposed Virginia constitutional amendments concerning marriage and abortion. Brandon Pickett brings his expertise in communications, public engagement, and ministry leadership to help church leaders understand the significance of these amendments and why many Christians view them through the lens of biblical conviction.

Together, Don and Brandon discuss the foundational issues at stake, the role of the church in addressing cultural challenges, and how believers can engage these topics with both truth and grace. The conversation explores themes such as the sanctity of human life, God's design for marriage and family, and the responsibility of Christians to be salt and light in their communities.

Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, or engaged church member, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on faithful civic engagement, biblical leadership, and communicating convictions with Christlike compassion

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

In an age when churches are increasingly adopting business models and leadership strategies, many pastors find themselves asking: Am I called to be a shepherd or a CEO? In this episode of Church Leadership in Focus, Dr. Don Hicks explores the critical differences between pastoral leadership and corporate leadership. While pastors and CEOs share responsibilities such as vision casting, team development, and organizational oversight, their missions, methods, and measures of success are fundamentally different. Whether you are a pastor, church staff member, elder, ministry leader, or seminary student, this episode will help you think biblically about leadership and avoid the temptation to measure ministry solely by business standards. Join Dr. Don Hicks as he challenges leaders to embrace the biblical calling of shepherding God's people while maintaining effective organizational leadership.

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If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com

A Special Replay of Episode 5 parts 1 and 2 As a tribute to Georg Shaffer.

It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope that we announce the passing of George Richard Shaffer, Sr., Director of Deacon and Leadership Training, who entered the presence of the Lord on August 19, 2026.

George faithfully dedicated his life to serving Christ, strengthening churches, mentoring leaders, and equipping deacons and pastors for effective biblical ministry. His wisdom, encouragement, and servant leadership impacted countless individuals and congregations across the nation.

We thank God for George's legacy of faith, integrity, and leadership. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.

As a tribute to his life and ministry, we invite you to listen to a special episode of Church Leadership in Focus Episode 100:

In episodes 101- 102, Parts 1 and 2, the host, Don Hicks, introduces George Shaffer, the director of Deacon and leadership at Church Health Solutions, as a special guest. George is also a friend, and Don met George at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, where Don served as the Senior Transitional Pastor for almost three years. George played a significant role as the Deacon's Chairman in changing the Deacon ministry's culture. George will share that the first step in a pastor and deacon working together is to form a biblical, healthy personal friendship and relationship that builds trust.

Don highlights their collaborative work in providing Deacon training, conflict resolution, Christian conciliation, and mediation to churches and church leaders by sharing The Gospel through Church Health Solutions.

Tell us how we're doing

Support the show

If you've been enjoying the weekly insights and engaging discussions from our channel, we have a heartfelt request for you. By becoming a subscriber, you can play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver quality content every week. Your subscription not only fuels our passion but also enables us to enhance our teaching and broaden our reach. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a significant difference. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant community dedicated to learning and growth. Join us on this journey; your support can help us make an even greater impact! Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us thrive.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. To learn more about Church Health Solutions visit our website:
https://www.churchhealthsolutions.com