What happens when loyalty in the church becomes toxic?

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, we unpack how manipulation and control often hide behind spiritual language and expectations of “faithfulness.” We talk about the warning signs of toxic loyalty, why people stay in unhealthy systems, and what healthy leadership should actually look like.

This episode is for pastors, ministry leaders, staff, and anyone navigating church hurt or leadership pressure — and wondering if what they experienced was really biblical.

I would love to talk with you and hear your story. Check out the podcast website at: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers

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Ministry transitions don’t have to hurt people — but too often, they do.

In the Season 2 opener of Beyond the Numbers, Josh unpacks what happens when church leadership transitions go wrong — and what healthy, Gospel-centered handoffs actually look like.

From erased leaders to unhealthy comparisons, we explore why many transitions feel more like corporate rebrands than spiritual shepherding. Rooted in Scripture and real experience, this episode offers practical wisdom for incoming leaders, outgoing leaders, and churches navigating change with integrity.

If you’ve been wounded by a ministry transition — or want to lead one well — this conversation is for you.

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#HealthyMinistry

#YouthPastor

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#BeyondTheNumbers

What makes a ministry transition healthy—and why do so many go wrong?

In this Voices from the Field episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh Williams sits down with returning guest Matt Holcomb, Student Director at Colonial Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, to talk about one of the smoothest and healthiest youth ministry transitions either of them has ever experienced.

Too often, church transitions feel rushed, unclear, or even divisive—leaving students, parents, and leaders confused or hurt. But Matt’s story offers a different way forward: intentional planning, clear communication, humility, and shared leadership.

In this conversation, we unpack:

• What a healthy youth pastor transition actually looks like

• Why transition plans matter (and why “winging it” usually fails)

• How overlap, communication, and trust build long-term stability

• The role of the outgoing pastor in setting the next leader up for success

• Why students need consistency, not competition

• Practical wisdom for churches, boards, and incoming leaders navigating change

Whether you’re a youth pastor stepping into a new role, a leader preparing to transition out, or a church trying to avoid unnecessary damage, this episode offers real-world insight and biblical leadership principles that prioritize people over platforms.

🎙️ Voices from the Field brings pastors and leaders together to share what’s actually happening on the ground—so we can grow healthier churches together.

👉 Watch / Listen now

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on church health, leadership, and ministry beyond metrics.

💬 Share this episode with a leader or church navigating transition right now.

Matt's Links:

Ministry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colonialchurchstudents/

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthewholcomb/

Connect with us: https://jawilliams693.wixsite.com/beyond-the-numbers

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