Leading Second Podcast

What if grace doesn’t always feel good, but it’s exactly where you’re meant to be? In this episode, Brandon Stewart and Dillon Ritchie (CoastLife Church, Venice, FL) sit down with Pastor Julian Lowe (Oasis Church, Los Angeles, CA) for a powerful conversation about the difference between your grace zone and your personal preferences in leadership. Together, they unpack how grace and passion aren’t the same thing, why burying your wants is the path to true fulfillment, and how submission to authority can lead to freedom in ministry. If you’ve ever wrestled with calling, contentment, or comparison in your role, this conversation will bring clarity and conviction for the road ahead.

This month on the Leading Second Podcast, we are honored to welcome back Pastor Kevin Gerald to the conversation. In this new episode, Pastor Kevin and Brandon Stewart explore how teaming is not just a human strategy but a reflection of God’s design. This episode is packed with practical and spiritual insights for every leader. You will learn why teaming is sacred, why every team member matters, and why leaders who try to go it alone risk burnout and disconnected teams. Whether you lead a church team or serve in any capacity. This conversation will inspire you to embrace the blessing and responsibility of leading in unity and shared purpose.

To start Pastor Appreciation Month, Brandon is joined by Joseph Kelley (Discovery Church, Oklahoma, OK), Jennifer Martin (NorthRock Church, San Antonio, TX), and Alan Cooper (Soul Church, Norwich, UK), to challenge us to examine our hearts and attitudes towards leadership in the church. The conversation pushes us to consider: How might our churches and ministries thrive if we cultivated a culture of genuine honor?

In this episode, Pastor Charlotte Gambill unpacks the privilege and responsibility of holding up your pastor’s arms, embracing unseen moments, and carrying vision with humility and maturity. If you serve in the second chair, this conversation will strengthen your perspective and remind you: second chair is not second class.

Brandon and Leading Second bring some exciting announcements to the podcast. Join us for some behind-the-scenes fun. To be a part of the pre-sale for the book, visit: https://books.manuscripts.com/product/lead-it-like-you-own-it/ We've created an Episode Guide for you to follow along with the conversation, find discussion questions to use with your team, and discover additional resources to help you take your second-chair leadership to the next-level. Download this free resource at leadingsecond.com/podcast