How do Christian leaders navigate deep church conflict, avoid the trap of self-deception, and sustain genuine joy over a lifetime of ministry?

In this episode, host Mark sits down with retired Baptist pastor, author, and former national Ministry Advisor Andrew Rollinson. Drawing from over 40 years of pastoral leadership—from early mission work in Uganda to pastoring in Newcastle, Morningside, and St Andrews—Andrew shares battle-tested wisdom on what it takes to do Christ's work in Christ's ways.

Together, they explore the core themes of Andrew’s book, Conversations by the Sea, focusing on the vital importance of emotional self-awareness, non-anxious leadership, and establishing robust accountability in ministry.

Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:

• Navigating Church Conflict: Why conflict isn't always morally negative, how to build trust, and the creation of "Peaceful Transformation Teams" using Anabaptist Bridgebuilders principles.
• Leading as a Non-Anxious Presence: The power of doing the basics well, listening before leading, and avoiding power-driven decision-making.
• Finding Power in Weakness: How tragic and dark moments in ministry reveal God’s grace and shape pastoral collegiality.
• Theology as Worship: Why reading deep, challenging theology enriches daily pastoral care and guards against "hurry sickness."
• Self-Awareness vs. Self-Deception: Why self-awareness and security in God are the two most critical traits for leaders, and how to spot our own blind spots.
• Authentic Accountability: Moving beyond surface-level accountability to intentional annual reviews, counseling, and invites for candid feedback.

Books & Resources Mentioned:

• Conversations by the Sea by Andrew Rollinson
• The Undefended Leader trilogy by Simon Walker
• When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat
• I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life by Gregg A. Ten Elshof

About Oak Hill College & Jesus Work in Jesus Ways

Jesus Work in Jesus Ways is a podcast by Oak Hill College, created to equip pastors, church leaders, and believers to serve Christ with his heart, wisdom, and character.

• Learn more about Oak Hill College
• Explore our MA Leadership Course
• Subscribe & Review: If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a ministry leader or friend!

Are you leading out of genuine joy, or have you quietly fallen into a performance-driven routine? In this first episode of Jesus Work in Jesus Ways, host Mark Stirling (Director of Oak Hill's MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership) sits down with author and leadership mentor Marcus Honeysett for a candid conversation on why sustainable ministry must flow from God's unmerited grace rather than legalistic hustle.

Marcus shares his dramatic wake-up call from guilt-driven evangelism programs to grace-filled soul care, unmasking how technical competence and "bigger is better" metrics can easily mask spiritual exhaustion. Together, they explore the quiet tactics of the enemy—including comparison, jealousy, and isolation around age 40—and offer a refreshing vision of leadership rooted in deep spiritual health, Sabbath rest, and biblical gladness.

Key Takeaways

• Cognition vs. Transformation: Teaching skills and information without grounding leaders in grace creates fear-driven, performative cultures.
• The Metric Trap: Size, growth, and technical preaching ability can mask serious spiritual decay and shaky foundations.
• The Enemy’s Schemes: Satan rarely uses sudden frontal attacks; he uses long-term isolation, entitlement, and comparison to pick off exhausted leaders.
• Gladness as a Barometer: True Christian gladness isn't fake positivity—it is the natural downstream overflow of resting in God's love.
• Scripture as Worship: Shift your quiet times from sermon preparation or informational study to personal worship over the Word.

Links & Resources

• Oak Hill College: Learn more about the MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership
• Living Leadership: Explore soul-care resources for church workers at Living Leadership
• Connect with Oak Hill: Follow us on X or Instagram
• Rate & Review: If this conversation encouraged you, please leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Mentions

• Colossians 1:6
• Acts 2
• Psalm 16
• The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - Christianity Today Podcast
• Deep Water Horizon Movie

Good leadership helps people flourish. Bad leadership does the exact opposite. But what actually makes a leader good in today's world?

Whether you’re leading a company, a church, a classroom, or your own family at the dinner table, the pressure to produce fast, famous results is everywhere. But here is the surprising truth: modern secular research is increasingly proving what Jesus showed us all along—leading through service, character, and love isn't just morally right, it actually yields the healthiest results in every arena of life.

Welcome to Jesus' Work in Jesus' Ways, hosted by Mark Stirling. In this short preview, discover the heart behind unscripted, honest conversations with frontline practitioners, medical leaders, scholars, and pastors who are leading in Jesus Ways

In this podcast, you will discover:

• Character Over Control: Why real influence comes from who you are, not how much power you exert.
• Overlooked Graces: How small, steady acts of faithfulness outperform fast, flashy growth hacks.
• Cross-Sector Wisdom: Practical insights bridging the gap between sacred ministry, marketplace leadership, and daily home life.

Take the next step: Hit Subscribe or Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Let’s learn to lead like Jesus as we follow Him together.