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

#ToxicLoyalty

#ChurchManipulation

#SpiritualAbuse

#ChurchHurt

#HealthyLeadership

#BeyondTheNumbers

#MinistryLeadership

#FaithAndHealing

#ChurchCulture

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.

#ChurchLeadership

#MinistryTransitions

#HealthyMinistry

#YouthPastor

#PastoralLeadership

#ChurchCulture

#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

#BeyondTheNumbers #VoicesFromTheField #YouthMinistry

#ChurchLeadership #MinistryTransitions #NextGenMinistry

#HealthyChurch #YouthPastor #ChurchHealth #PastorLife

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year — the lights, the nostalgia, the warmth.

But there was one Christmas where I completely missed Jesus.

Not because I didn’t love Him…

But because I was too busy doing things for Him to actually be with Him.

If you’re a pastor, leader, or volunteer who’s exhausted by Christmas services, productions, or ministry demands — this episode is for you.

We’ll explore:

✨ Why so many ministry leaders “miss” Jesus during Christmas

✨ What Bethlehem teaches us about spiritual busyness

✨ How to refocus your heart and rediscover peace this season

✨ What healthy, restful ministry looks like at Christmas

Don’t rush through this season. Don’t miss Jesus.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Beyond the Numbers — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

#ChristmasMessage #ChristianPodcast #MinistryLeaders #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #Jesus #Faith #ChristmasDevotional #ChurchLeaders #Burnout #Peace #Hope #NextGenMinistry #ChristianEncouragement #Advent #Bethlehem #PastorLife #ChurchLife #ChristianLeadership #FaithOverFear #MinistryBurnout #RestInJesus #Christmas2025 #MinistryHealth #ChristmasInMinistry #DontMissJesus

In this special wrap-up episode of Beyond the Numbers, I bring together three experienced ministry leaders — Katelyn, Ed, and Taylor — to answer the big question: What does a healthy church look like when you’re not just measuring attendance or revenue?

With several decades of combined service we unpack:

- How to spot signs of health that don’t show up on a spreadsheet

- What to do when the church culture chases numbers instead of people

- What leadership development looks in different ministry environments

- Building a strong christian community inside and outside of the the building

- The role of genuine relationships, spiritual depth, and volunteer care in real ministry

- Mistakes we’ve seen and how you can avoid them

If you’re a pastor, Next-Gen leader, or ministry team wanting to lead healthier, more sustainable church culture — this is for you.

🎙️ Listen, learn, and let’s together move Beyond the Numbers. 🔗 Subscribe & find full episodes here: https://linktr.ee/beyondthenumberpc

Katelyn Miner: https://www.berkshiredreamcenter.org/

Ed Pichetter: https://www.newenglandrevivalcovenant.org/

Taylor Williams: https://www.mosaicchurchevans.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-holiness/id1513040080

#BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #HealthyMinistry #ChurchLeadership #VolunteerCare #NextGenMinistry #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndChurchCulture #BuildingChurchHealth #MinistryWithoutNumbers

Beyond The Numbers Ep. 10

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, we dive into one of the most important questions every church and ministry leader must face: Is God’s Word truly our foundation—or has it become optional?

After spending months interviewing with churches, I was surprised to discover how often the authority and sufficiency of Scripture were treated as negotiable. But a healthy church cannot be built on shifting opinions or trends—it must be built on the infallible, inerrant Word of God.

We’ll explore:

• Why churches are drifting from the Bible as their foundation
• The dangers of treating Scripture as optional
• What a healthy, Word-centered ministry looks like
• Practical steps leaders can take to keep God’s Word at the center

If you’ve ever wrestled with where your church stands—or wondered how to lead with conviction in a shifting culture—this episode will equip and encourage you.

What would you tell your younger self in ministry? In this Voices from the Field episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh talks with Justin Lucas, Student Pastor at Mercy Hill Church in North Carolina, about the lessons they’ve learned from years of ministry — the good, the hard, and the humbling.

We open up about comparison, burnout, boundaries, and the danger of letting ministry become your identity. But most importantly, Justin shares how God brings healing and redemption through the process.

If you’ve ever questioned your calling, felt worn out, or wondered if health and growth can coexist — this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and take a deep breath. You’re not alone.

#HealthyMinistry #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast #YouthPastorLife #NextGenLeaders #MinistryHealth #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithBasedLeadership

Beyond the Numbers | Episode 9

What if you could hop in a DeLorean and give advice to your younger self in ministry? 🚗⚡️

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, I reflect on the biggest lessons I wish I knew earlier. Ministry isn’t about chasing numbers — it’s about pursuing health:

in our souls, our families, our teams, and our churches.In this episode you’ll hear:

• The advice I’d give my younger self in ministry

• How performance-driven leadership sacrifices presence

• Why comparison robs us of shepherding well

• What it looks like to take Spirit-led risks instead of playing it safe

This conversation is for leaders who are tired, worn out, or ready to build healthier rhythms in ministry.

Question for you: If you could go back, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self in ministry or leadership? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear.⸻

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healthy ministry:https://linktr.ee/beyondthenumberpc⸻#MinistryLeadership #YouthPastor #HealthyChurch #NextGenMinistry #BeyondTheNumbersPodcast