Podcast Summary: “Thinking Pt. 2” | Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast

Podcast: City Light Church Las Vegas | Jabin Chavez
Host: Jabin Chavez
Date: January 21, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast, Pastor Jabin continues his exploration of "thinking about our thinking," specifically tailored for leaders and ministry members starting the new year. Building on last week's focus, he introduces additional mindset shifts designed to help listeners break out of limiting beliefs and lead more effectively. The five main thought patterns addressed are: lack vs. abundance, isolation vs. community, and fear vs. faith. Each is grounded in biblical wisdom, practical leadership examples, and Pastor Jabin’s candid, relatable style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Don’t Think Lack, Do Think Abundance

(00:45–06:40)

• Principle: Shift from a mentality of scarcity toward one of God-enabled abundance. Don’t approach ministry decisions from “we don’t have enough”—instead, trust in God’s supply and prompting.
• Insights:
  • Faith Over Finances: You may never have all the resources or perfect conditions on paper—real ministry and bold leadership require stepping out in faith.
    • “Ecclesiastes said, if you’re waiting for perfect weather, you’re never going to sow. You’re never going to do anything.” (03:12)
  • Spirit-led Decisions: Don’t let abundance of resources or their absence be what guides your choices; let God’s direction lead, as exemplified by New Creation Church in Singapore (05:50).
  • Example from Numbers 13: Don’t follow the “we are grasshoppers” lack mentality—choose to trust God’s word and believe for provision.

Notable Quote:

• “Don’t approach ministry with the mentality of cost and lack… Let’s start creating a plan around the word of the Lord, not what does it cost.” —Jabin Chavez (04:00)

2. Don’t Think Isolation, Do Think Community

(06:40–13:55)

• Principle: Ministry and leadership aren’t solo journeys. Make it a habit to include others so that teamwork, empowerment, and growth can flourish.
• Insights:
  • Include Others in Tasks: Whether it’s making phone calls, cleaning toys, or setting schedules, bring others alongside you:
    • “Whatever you can do with someone else, you should be doing with someone else.” (07:17)
  • Leadership by Example: Paul’s discipleship of Timothy as a model—spiritually inviting someone along.
  • Multiply Impact: The staff’s mission is to equip and empower the serve team, so the ministry’s work is multiplied through volunteers, not just executed by paid staff.
    • “The staff isn’t just doing the work. The staff is doing the work with the teams.” (12:55)

Notable Quote:

• “Don’t think isolation. Don’t think, ‘It’s all on me.’ Do think community.” —Jabin Chavez (13:12)

3. Don’t Think Fear, Do Think Faith

(13:55–22:50)

• Principle: Make leadership decisions from a place of faith, not out of fear of people’s opinions or pressure to please everyone.
• Insights:
  • Vision Over Popularity: Sticking to God-given vision may disappoint some, but the priority is faithfulness, not universal approval.
    • “I can’t change my vision because one person doesn’t feel connected. Now, again, make moves and make changes … but always do it from a spirit of faith, not from a spirit of fear.” (16:58)
  • Handling Complaints: When true needs arise (e.g., Acts 6 and the distribution of food), address them, but don’t lose sight of your core calling—delegate but don’t get distracted.
  • Beware Distraction: Don't let the loudest or most vocal opinions derail the course of ministry or vision.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you want to make everyone happy? Serve ice cream. Don’t be a leader." —Jabin Chavez (18:32)
• “I have to be the leader who’s led by the Spirit and not by the conversations of the people.” (20:05)
• “There can be real complaints… But you don’t get sidetracked from the Word and prayer, because that’s what God’s called you to do.” (22:00)

Memorable Moments & Highlights

• On Taking Risks: The analogy of walking on water and trusting God to provide—sometimes “you have to obey God and walk out on the water.” (03:49)
• Real-Life Application: The Singapore church example—choosing vision and Spirit over mere available resources (05:50).
• Challenging Church Norms: How City Light shapes its small group system versus classic men’s/women’s ministries, and sticking to what’s missionally best, not just what’s familiar (15:40).
• Humor in Leadership: The “serve ice cream” quip (18:32) marks a lighthearted but poignant takeaway about the impossibility of universal approval in leadership.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:45 — Start of mindset shifts recap: Don’t think lack, do think abundance
• 03:12 — “If you’re waiting for perfect weather…” (stepping out in faith)
• 05:50 — Spirit-led vs. resource-led decision-making, Singapore example
• 07:00 — Transition to community: Don’t think isolation, do think community
• 10:45 — City Light serve team philosophy
• 13:55 — Don’t think fear, do think faith
• 16:58 — How to handle pressures for program changes
• 18:32 — “Serve ice cream” quote on people-pleasing
• 20:05 — Leading by the Spirit amid criticism
• 22:00 — Prioritizing word and prayer over urgent distractions

Conclusion

This episode challenges listeners to intentionally shift their thinking—toward abundance, community, and faith—anchored in scripture and practical, Spirit-led leadership. Pastor Jabin’s transparent reflections, memorable analogies, and encouragement to guard vision make this episode a must for leaders desiring growth in 2026 and beyond.