In this powerful and transparent episode of the P4P Podcast, DJ Garces is joined by Inspire Church’s Lead Pastors, Mike and Lisa Kai, the church’s new CFO, Sebastian Buffa, and long-time leader Ju Frigilana. Together, they explore what it takes to lead with conviction, fail forward with grace, and steward a thriving ministry culture. From hilarious honesty about borrowing your spouse’s leadership lessons to sobering insights on conflict, criticism, and calling, this episode dives deep into the heart of leadership in the church. You’ll hear untold stories behind the Arise Women’s Conference, the behind-the-scenes growth of Inspire Church, and how leadership pain becomes a platform for greater capacity. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating seasons of burnout, or figuring out how to be a “thermostat” and not just a thermometer, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humility, and vision.

In this episode of Pound for Pound Leadership, special guests Ju and Clint join Pastor Mike to ask insightful questions about leadership, faith, and personal growth. They explore the journey of discovering one’s calling, overcoming challenges, and the importance of wisely stewarding time, relationships, and resources.

Key Takeaways:

(00:15) Get organized with the Great Life Planner at mikekai.tv.

(01:50) Ju shares her journey from managing a music store to leading ministries at Inspire Church.

(04:55) Clint’s story—from working at Pac Rim and Local Motion to serving in youth ministry.

(07:25) The power of work ethic and perseverance in ministry.

(09:39) Pastor Mike on where his drive comes from—humble beginnings, hard work, and God’s calling.

(13:55) The impact of building a strong team and the importance of maximizing time.

(17:18) Trusting God’s economy—stepping out in faith and building financial stewardship.

(22:10) Prioritizing marriage while managing the demands of ministry. (25:40) The story behind Arise.

(33:07) How young people can discover their God-given purpose.

(37:33) The value of strong communication and resilience in leadership.

(40:11) Staying on track with your calling—navigating disappointment and expectations.

(43:33) Church leadership and the balance between repentance and reconciliation.

(45:40) The future of the church in Hawaii and navigating faith in today’s world.

(51:26) Overcoming insecurity in the age of social media—focus on gratitude and purpose.

(56:43) Closing thoughts and a reminder to grab the Great Life Planner! Tune in for a powerful conversation on faith, leadership, and the journey of fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.

🎙 Listen now and share with someone who needs this encouragement!

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In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Pastor Shane Baxter reflects on his 26-year journey as a pastor at Enjoy Church in Australia. He shares the challenges and milestones of taking over a 12-year-old church that had seen six different pastors and only 40 members at the time, now transformed into a thriving church with multiple locations.

Pastor Shane discusses the challenges of inheriting a church, navigating the pressures of leadership, and finding hope amidst personal struggles. From the spiritual battles of lockdowns to lessons learned from his most challenging year yet, this episode is a candid exploration of faith, resilience, and growth.

4:00 – Pastor Shane shares the phases of his church’s growth over the past 26 years. 5:09 – Navigating pressure: Pastor Shane opens up about last year being the most challenging year of his life, yet a season of profound self-discovery.

7:15 – The impact of COVID-19: Pastor Mike and Pastor Shane discuss Hawaii and Australia’s lockdowns.

18:07 – Spiritual vulnerability: Pastor Shane reflects on how the enemy targets us in our weakest moments and shares his personal struggles during this time, including spiritual warfare, vertigo, and the emotional toll.

27:44 – Pastor Mike shares wisdom on spiritual warfare and the significance of protecting the mind with the helmet of salvation because the enemy is relentless and it will try to attack your mind. 33:45 – Finding joy: Pastor Shane talks about his hobbies, including golf, riding his motorcycle, and just having.

34:55 – Looking forward: Pastor Shane expresses his commitment to living a more balanced life. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration in their own journeys of faith and resilience.

Find leadership books, master classes, and more resources at: https://www.MikeKai.Tv

Inspire Collective: Learn more about how you can be an influencer in your own communities and businesses, visit: https://www.inspirecollective.com

To partner with me in bringing the word of God around the world, click here: https://raisedonors.com/poundforpoundministries/partner

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In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leader Podcast, Pastor Mike welcomes back the influential Pastor Steve Kelly, who last visited the island in August of last year. Join them as they delve into the latest growth and spiritual awakenings at Wave Church, leadership lessons learned during and after the pandemic, and the importance of intentional rest. Discover Pastor Steve’s unique routines that sustain his energy, the role of spiritual discipline in community building, and how to continue leading with conviction.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – Pastor Mike introduces special guest Pastor Steve Kelly and reflects on the growth and transformations happening at Wave Church.

• 03:19 – Insights into how churches adapted post-COVID and the importance of a discipleship-focused community.

• 06:08 – A thought-provoking idea shared by Pastor Steve on measuring guest experience at church. “How long does it take someone to get to their seat from the parking lot?

• 07:13 – Faith and resilience in building churches during the COVID era; Wave Church rewriting their mission statement for greater clarity.

• 13:32 – Pastor Steve shares his strategic routine involving key appointments and Holy Leisure days. He highlights hobbies like hunting, fishing, and motorcycling that keep him balanced.

• 20:11 – Reflections on the recent presidential election and the need for grounded, prayerful leaders. Pastor Steve discusses why voting is essential and how important it is to discuss politics in the church. “A wise man wins souls.”

• 26:34 – Pastor Mike shares his visit to the Museum of the Bible and the powerful story of the Magna Carta.

• 31:00 – What it means to walk in the flesh and the importance of aligning beliefs with God’s word.

• 35:19 – The role of fasting and prayer, with references to Jesus’ time in the desert and overcoming spiritual warfare.

• 39:30 – An inspiring moment in a Sydney prayer meeting involving an angelic encounter.

• 44:29—Pastor Steve advises staying youthful in your 50s by being around young people, having a counselor, and investing in the next generation.

• 48:54 – Living life to the fullest and preaching until the end—Pastor Steve’s commitment to his calling.

• 53:06 – Pastor Mike introduces his new Great Life Planner, available now at mikekai.tv.

Tune in for a candid conversation packed with insights on leadership, spiritual growth, and living with purpose.

Find leadership books, master classes, and more resources at: https://www.MikeKai.Tv

Inspire Collective: Learn more about how you can be an influencer in your own communities and businesses, visit: https://www.inspirecollective.com

To partner with me in bringing the word of God around the world, click here: https://raisedonors.com/poundforpoundministries/partner

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The latest episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast brings together an incredible lineup of guests, including Pastor Shaun Withy-Allen, Pastor Norman Nakanishi, and Pastor Chris Hodges, as they join host Mike Kai for an insightful discussion on leadership, church planting, and growth. Pastor Chris Hodges, a mentor to Mike Kai, shares profound wisdom on what’s coming “next” in the church and the crucial role of the next generation of leaders and pastors. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of raising up leaders who can navigate the changing landscape of ministry with faith and vision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership and the future of the church.

Find leadership books, master classes, and more resources at: https://www.MikeKai.Tv

Inspire Collective: Learn more about how you can be an influencer in your own communities and businesses, visit: https://www.inspirecollective.com

To partner with me in bringing the word of God around the world, click here: https://raisedonors.com/poundforpoundministries/partner

———— Stay Connected! ————

Website: http://www.MikeKai.tv

https://www.instagram.com/mikekai

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kai

In this Pound for Pound Podcast episode, Mike Kai welcomes special guest Rex Crain, a former professional baseball player turned inspirational speaker, author, and prophet. Rex shares his remarkable journey from being drafted by the Boston Red Sox at just 18 years old to finding his true calling in ministry. He opens up about the transformative moment when a chance encounter on a plane led him to give his life to Christ and leave his baseball career behind.

Rex discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from sports to faith, working initially as a janitor at a church and eventually becoming a sought-after speaker. He reflects on the power of prophecy, the miracles he has witnessed, and the influential figures who shaped his path, including his father, grandfather, and the renowned minister T.L. Osborn.

Throughout the conversation, Rex emphasizes the importance of discernment when encountering people, the value of disruption during challenging times, and the importance of finding opportunities in adversity. He also shares powerful stories of his ministry, including a profound moment of prayer with a woman in Canada.

Tune in to hear how Rex’s experiences have shaped his mission to help others discover their potential and live with purpose.

Find the new Great Life Planner, leadership books, master classes, and more resources at: https://www.MikeKai.Tv

Inspire Collective: Learn more about how you can be an influencer in your own communities and businesses, visit: https://www.inspirecollective.com

To partner with me in bringing the word of God around the world, click here: https://raisedonors.com/poundforpoundministries/partner

———— Stay Connected! ————

Website: http://www.MikeKai.tv

https://www.instagram.com/mikekai

https://youtube.com/@MikeKai

In this compelling episode of the Pound for Pound Podcast, Pastor Mike Kai sits down with John Cameron, former pastor of Arise Church in New Zealand, now based in Brisbane, Australia, as a consultant and coach. John shares his perspective on the current state of the global church, addressing leadership challenges, the spiritual battle within apostolic ministries, and the impact of cultural algorithms driving division. With wisdom drawn from years of ministry and recent travels across the U.S., John offers essential advice on the importance of prayer, transparency, and resilience in leadership.

Tune in as they discuss how to lead through difficult seasons, the dangers of tearing down longstanding spiritual foundations, and how the church can thrive amidst today’s cultural shifts. It’s a must-listen for anyone committed to strengthening their faith and leadership

Catch it now and be inspired to lead with boldness and grit in today’s changing world!

Find leadership books, master classes, and more resources at: https://www.MikeKai.Tv

Inspire Collective: Learn more about how you can be an influencer in your own communities and businesses, visit: https://www.inspirecollective.com

To partner with me in bringing the word of God around the world, click here: https://raisedonors.com/poundforpoundministries/partner

———— Stay Connected! ————

Website: http://www.MikeKai.tv

https://www.instagram.com/mikekai

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kai

https://www.youtube.com/@MikeKai