Top 10 Christian Leadership Podcasts Every Pastor Should Be Listening To
Source: ChristianLeader Update
In a world where leadership is evolving and the needs of your congregation are constantly shifting, staying sharp as a ministry leader is essential. Fortunately, some of the best leadership coaching and ministry encouragement is just a podcast away. Whether you’re driving between hospital visits, prepping a sermon, or enjoying your morning coffee, these podcasts offer encouragement, strategy, and spiritual insight for the journey of church leadership.
Here are 10 Christian leadership podcasts every pastor and ministry leader should check out—and why they’re worth your time.
1. 5LQ – 5 Leadership Questions Podcast (by Lifeway)
What to Expect: Lifeway’s team interviews leaders across different ministries, asking five key questions that reveal the heart and habits behind their leadership.
Why Listen: It’s a mix of fun, practical, and personal—perfect for ministry-minded leaders.
Benefit: Discover leadership gold through honest conversation.
Where to Listen: https://leadership.lifeway.com/podcast-5lq/
2. ChurchPulse Weekly by Barna Group
What to Expect: Data-driven insights into how pastors, churches, and communities are navigating cultural change.
Why Listen: Co-hosts Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman (President of Barna) use real-time research to help leaders make informed decisions.
Benefit: See what’s happening across the broader church landscape.
Where to Listen: https://www.barna.com/podcast/church-pulse-weekly/
3. The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
What to Expect: Interviews with top-tier leaders in ministry, business, and culture. Carey dives into topics like leadership burnout, innovation in church growth, and how to stay relevant.
Why Listen: Carey’s ability to draw out practical insights makes this a go-to for leaders wanting to stay sharp and spiritually grounded.
Benefit: Fresh ideas for leading well without burning out.
Where to Listen: https://careynieuwhof.com/mypodcast/
4. The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast with Pete Scazzero
What to Expect: A slower, deeper take on what it means to lead from a place of wholeness. Topics include Sabbath, soul care, and emotionally healthy teams.
Why Listen: Pete challenges the driven, do-more mindset that can damage leaders.
Benefit: Sustainable leadership rooted in spiritual health.
Where to Listen: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/podcast/
5. The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast
What to Expect: Ed Stetzer tackles current cultural trends, theology, and leadership challenges. It’s both thoughtful and timely.
Why Listen: It helps ministry leaders engage the culture without compromising the gospel.
Benefit: Stay informed and biblically anchored in a changing world.
Where to Listen: https://churchleaders.com/podcast
6. UnSeminary with Rich Birch
What to Expect: Real-world tactics for pastors navigating the practical side of church growth, systems, and Sunday service excellence.
Why Listen: Rich brings on pastors from growing churches and focuses on what’s actually working.
Benefit: Practical takeaways you can use this week.
Where to Listen: https://unseminary.com/podcast/
7. Lead Culture with Jenni Catron
What to Expect: Jenni focuses on how to build strong organizational culture and empower your team. She brings decades of leadership experience in both the church and nonprofit world.
Why Listen: It’s perfect for leaders wanting to cultivate healthy team dynamics in ministry settings.
Benefit: Learn to lead yourself—and your people—more effectively.
Where to Listen: https://podcast.get4sight.com/
8. The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
What to Expect: Quick-hit leadership principles from the senior pastor of Life.Church. Craig mixes biblical values with business acumen in 20–30 minute episodes.
Why Listen: His structured, action-oriented advice helps leaders make real changes, fast.
Benefit: High-impact insights in a short amount of time.
Where to Listen: https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/
9. Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
What to Expect: One of the most respected voices in church leadership, Andy delivers polished, insightful talks on leading with clarity, trust, and vision.
Why Listen: His legacy of healthy church leadership makes this podcast a masterclass in communication and strategic thinking.
Benefit: Learn how to lead with purpose and communicate with impact.
Where to Listen: https://andystanley.com/podcast/
10. Leadership Lean In with Chad Veach
What to Expect: Chad brings energy, humor, and high-level leadership wisdom, often interviewing voices from inside and outside the church.
Why Listen: It’s a younger-skewing podcast that helps leaders think creatively and lead with confidence.
Benefit: Sharpens your thinking with a modern ministry lens.
Where to Listen: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqlfQgIBW12SiMzK22Zy-AQ
Whether you’re leading a multi-campus church or shepherding a small rural congregation, your leadership matters. Podcasts offer a convenient, on-the-go way to keep growing. And best of all, they’re free.
Each of these shows brings a unique voice to the table—from deeply spiritual soul care to data-driven trends and hands-on strategy. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, there’s something here to help you lead better, love deeper, and serve more effectively.
So go ahead—subscribe to a few, hit play, and let these voices pour into your ministry. Your team, your church, and your soul will thank you.