Podcast
The Rob Skinner Podcast: Helping You Make This Life Count
Hosted by Rob Skinner · EN
The Rob Skinner Podcast will inspire you to:
• Live a no-regrets life
• Make this life count
• Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches
58episodes
Episodes
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419. Why Most Small Churches Get Stuck (And How to Bring Them Back to Life)
May 800:04:13Tap to summarize📝 Why Most Small Churches Get Stuck (And How to Bring Them Back to Life) Boston Interviews #4 In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with Joel Nagel, a leader with a deep passion for helping small churches grow, thrive, and become vibrant again. Joel shares insights from his work with the Small Church Initiative, an experimental cohort designed to strengthen churches with fewer resources and limited training opportunities. With most churches being under 100 members, this conversation addresses a critical question: 👉 Why do so many small churches get stuck—and how can they grow again? 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why small churches often experience an "existential crisis" when growth stalls The importance of community and connection for isolated leaders How weekly cohorts and training are transforming struggling churches Why church culture ("the soil") matters more than quick results The difference between a church that's growing—and one that just looks active How to build a vibrant, alive church environment that leads to growth 💡 Key Insight Growth doesn't start with numbers. 👉 It starts with culture. When a church becomes spiritually alive—when people are engaged, connected, and excited—growth follows naturally. 🌱 Why This Matters Many small churches don't fail because of a lack of faith. They struggle because of: Isolation Lack of training Limited support systems The solution? 👉 Connection, coaching, and culture. 📣 Get Involved If you're a small church leader and want to be part of a future cohort, Joel shares how to get connected and take the next step toward building a thriving church. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for more leadership insights from around the world Share this episode with a church leader who needs encouragement Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com 🔁 Series Note This episode is part of a special series of short interviews from the Boston Church Builders Conference, featuring leaders focused on growing healthy, thriving churches around the world.
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418. From Electrician to Ministry: How This Young Couple Is Building a Thriving Teen Ministry (Boston Interviews #3)
May 600:07:17Tap to summarize📝 From Electrician to Ministry: How This Young Couple Is Building a Thriving Teen Ministry (Boston Interviews #3) In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with Tim and Susie Tang Creel, who lead a thriving youth and family ministry in Auckland. Their ministry is growing fast—with over 35 teens and climbing—and what's even more inspiring is that they've only been in full-time ministry for about a year. So what's working? Tim and Susie share the simple but powerful principles behind their impact—along with the personal sacrifices, faith decisions, and daily habits that are helping them build something meaningful for the next generation. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode The #1 factor driving growth in their teen ministry Why strong parent + teen leader relationships are critical How to stay spiritually strong in a ministry that constantly gives The role of humility and learning ("be a sponge") in leadership How they protect their marriage and joy in a demanding ministry Why Tim walked away from a stable career as an electrician The difference between a job you enjoy and a calling you can't ignore 💡 Key Takeaway Sometimes the clearest sign of your calling is this: 👉 What fulfills you the most isn't what pays the most—it's what aligns with your purpose. For Tim and Susie, a few hours of ministry each day became more meaningful than long workdays in a successful trade. That clarity changed everything. ❤️ A Challenge for You Where do you feel most alive? What are you doing when: You lose track of time You feel closest to God You know you're making an impact 👉 That may be pointing you toward your calling. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for more leadership and faith-building interviews Share this episode with someone in ministry or leadership Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com This is part of a special series of short interviews from the Boston Church Builders Conference, featuring leaders from around the world. Subscribe to listen to more leaders from around the world.
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417. How AI Could Fund the Future of Ministry (Boston Interviews #2)
May 400:06:51Tap to summarize📝 How AI Could Fund the Future of Ministry (Boston Interviews #2) What if ministry funding didn't have to be the biggest limitation for growing churches? In this second episode from the Boston conference interview series, Rob sits down with Nate Bigby, a church leader and innovator who is helping reshape how ministry can be funded in today's world. Nate and his wife lead a church in Corpus Christi, Texas—but beyond that, Nate has been developing practical solutions for bivocational ministers, helping them generate income through AI-based businesses. In this conversation, Nate shares how he built an AI agency with low startup cost, minimal hours, and scalable potential—and how this model could help churches: Support ministers financially Train interns in real-world skills Multiply leadership without financial strain If you've ever wondered how to fund ministry, support staff, or create sustainable growth in a church, this episode offers a fresh and forward-thinking perspective. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why small churches often struggle financially How AI is lowering the barrier to starting a business A real example of building income quickly with AI How bivocational ministry can become more sustainable Practical ways to train interns to support themselves Simple tools to get started with AI today 💡 Key Insight The future of ministry may not depend on more funding… 👉 It may depend on more creativity. 🚀 Practical Takeaways You don't need large capital to start an AI-based side business Ministers can work fewer hours outside ministry while earning income Churches can redirect funds toward growth and staffing Interns can be trained to become self-supporting leaders 🧠 Tools Mentioned Google Gemini (AI assistant for daily use) NotebookLM (learning + research tool) Website builders and app tools powered by AI 🌍 About This Series This episode is part of the Boston Conference Interview Series, where Rob captures real conversations with leaders and innovators from around the country. Each interview highlights ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the future of the church. 🙌 Reflection Questions How could creativity unlock new opportunities in my ministry? Am I thinking traditionally about funding—or innovatively? What's one step I could take to learn a new skill that supports my calling? 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode helped you: Share it with a ministry leader Leave a review Subscribe for more faith + leadership content 🙏 Contact Nate Nate@kravesolutions.org Call or text Nate at 210-883-7506. Email Nate for his agency: nate@kratesolutions.com
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416. What Leaders Are Hoping for Before a Major Conference (Boston Interviews #1)
May 100:04:03Tap to summarize📝 What Leaders Are Hoping for Before a Major Conference (Boston Interviews #1) What are church leaders really hoping for when they come to a major conference? In this special episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down for a quick, candid conversation with leaders gathered in Boston just before the Church Builders Conference begins. Featuring: Chris Schwarzenberger (Spokane, Washington) Brock and Anne Roby (SF Bay Fellowship, San Francisco Bay Area) Pam Skinner Together, they share their expectations, hopes, and what they're really looking for going into the weekend—from deeper connection and meaningful fellowship to renewed vision and a sense of where God is moving. Whether you attend conferences or not, this conversation taps into something deeper: 👉 The desire to be encouraged, connected, and reminded that God is working beyond your local context. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why fellowship is often the most powerful part of any conference The unique challenges of feeling isolated in ministry What leaders hope to gain beyond just teaching and sessions The importance of clarity, vision, and direction Why seeing what God is doing globally strengthens personal faith 💥 Key Takeaway Sometimes the most powerful thing you can experience… is simply being around people who remind you: 👉 You're not alone—and God is moving everywhere. 🌍 About This Series This episode is the first in a short series of on-the-ground interviews from the Church Builders Conference in Boston. Throughout the series, you'll hear real conversations with leaders, disciples, and friends—capturing the heart, vision, and impact of the conference as it unfolds. 🙌 Reflection Questions What am I hoping for when I seek spiritual growth? Do I prioritize connection and fellowship in my faith? Where do I need renewed vision or encouragement? 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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415. Stop Waiting: Why "Not Ready Yet" Is Holding You Back
Apr 2900:07:42Tap to summarize📝 Stop Waiting: Why "Not Ready Yet" Is Holding You Back What if the biggest thing holding you back… isn't lack of ability—but your habit of waiting? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles one of the most common—and dangerous—mindsets that keeps people stuck: 👉 Waiting for the "right time." Whether it's starting something new, stepping out in faith, or pursuing what God has put on your heart, many people delay action while trying to feel "ready." But as Scripture reminds us: "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." (Ecclesiastes 11:4) Through powerful examples—from a young woman who started before she was ready and eventually won a Grammy, to the apostle Paul who began preaching immediately after his conversion—this episode challenges you to stop preparing to start… and just start. If you've been feeling stuck, delayed, or unsure of your next step, this message will push you to move forward in faith. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why waiting feels productive—but actually keeps you stuck The danger of constantly "getting ready" instead of taking action What Ecclesiastes teaches about perfect conditions How fear and overthinking delay your calling Why God works through movement—not hesitation The power of taking one imperfect step forward 📖 Key Scripture Ecclesiastes 11:4 "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." Acts 9:20 "At once he began to preach…" 💥 Key Takeaway You're not stuck because you can't… 👉 You're stuck because you haven't started. God doesn't meet you in your planning— He meets you in your action. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: What have I been putting off? Where am I waiting instead of acting? What is one step I can take today? Then take one concrete step—right now. 🔥 Practical Application Stop preparing endlessly—start imperfectly Take one step instead of building a perfect plan Trust God to guide you after you move Replace "someday" with "today" 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode challenged you: Share it with someone who's been stuck Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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414. Feeling Anxious About the Future? Build This Foundation Instead
Apr 2700:11:31Tap to summarize📝 Feeling Anxious About the Future? Build This Foundation Instead Feeling pressure, uncertainty, or anxiety about your future? You're not alone. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles one of the biggest challenges facing disciples today—how to stay grounded when everything around you feels unstable. From shifting job markets to rapid technological change, from global conflict to personal uncertainty, it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. But here's the truth: 👉 You don't need a perfect plan… you need a solid foundation. Drawing from powerful scriptures like Psalm 32, Hebrews 8:12, Ephesians 1:13, and Philippians 4:11–13, Rob walks through a simple but life-changing framework: Your past is redeemed Your future is secure Your present can be peaceful While the world teaches you to control everything, Jesus offers something better—true peace, confidence, and stability rooted in Him. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about what's next, this episode will help you reset your mindset and refocus your faith. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why anxiety often comes from focusing on things you can't control How to let go of regret and stop replaying your past What it means that your future is already secured in Christ Why trying to "figure everything out" creates more stress How to experience real peace—even in uncertain circumstances The difference between external stability and internal peace 📖 Key Scriptures Psalm 32:1–2 – Your past is forgiven Hebrews 8:12 – God remembers your sins no more Ephesians 1:13 – Your future is sealed by the Holy Spirit Philippians 4:11–13 – Contentment in all circumstances 💥 Key Takeaway You don't need to control your future to have peace… 👉 You need to trust the One who already has. When your past is redeemed and your future is secure, your present can finally be peaceful. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Am I still living in my past—even though God has forgiven it? Am I trying to control a future that belongs to God? Am I tying my peace to circumstances instead of Christ? Then make a decision this week to rebuild your foundation—on Christ alone. 🔥 Practical Application Stop replaying what God has already erased Focus on daily obedience—not long-term control Choose contentment in your current situation Anchor your identity in Christ—not outcomes 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with someone feeling overwhelmed Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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413. Breakthrough Is Right There… So Why Are You Still Stuck?
Apr 2400:12:45Tap to summarize📝 Breakthrough Is Right There… So Why Are You Still Stuck? Why do so many people stay stuck… even when breakthrough is right in front of them? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob dives into one of the most powerful stories in the Bible—when the Israelites stood on the edge of the Promised Land… and didn't go in. Not because they couldn't. 👉 But because they wouldn't. Drawing from Numbers 13–14, Rob unpacks the moment everything changed—not because the facts changed, but because their faith did. Twelve leaders saw the same land. They saw the same opportunities. They faced the same giants. But only two believed. Same land. Same facts. Different faith. This episode reveals how fear distorts reality, how crowds can amplify doubt, and why you can be forgiven by God… and still remain stuck in your life. If you've been avoiding something, delaying a decision, or feeling stuck spiritually, this message will challenge you to move forward with faith. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why fear makes your problems bigger and your God smaller How one negative voice can turn into widespread doubt The difference between forgiveness and breakthrough Why your biggest obstacles often appear right before your breakthrough How to identify the "giants" in your life Practical steps to move forward instead of staying stuck 📖 Key Scripture Numbers 13–14 The Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land 💥 Key Takeaway Breakthrough isn't blocked by your circumstances… 👉 It's blocked by your perspective. You can either: Face your giants with faith or Wander your life in frustration 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: What is my "giant" right now? Where am I letting fear control my decisions? Am I focusing more on the problem… or on God? Then take one step forward this week—even if it's uncomfortable. 🔥 Practical Steps Identify your giant – Be honest about what you're avoiding Speak faith, not fear – Replace doubt with truth Take action – Stop waiting, start moving 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with someone who feels stuck Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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412. The 3 Mindsets That Will Transform Your Faith (Most Christians Ignore This)
Apr 2200:09:34Tap to summarize📝 The 3 Mindsets That Will Transform Your Faith (Most Christians Ignore This) What if your spiritual growth isn't about trying harder… but thinking differently? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob breaks down three powerful identities every serious disciple must embrace: 👉 Soldier. Athlete. Farmer. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:3–7, Rob explains how these aren't just metaphors—they're expectations for anyone who wants to live a no-regrets life and truly make an impact. Each identity reveals a critical mindset: The soldier teaches focused obedience The athlete teaches disciplined integrity The farmer teaches patient endurance Through personal stories—including his early days planting a church while working in real estate—Rob shares what it really takes to stay focused, disciplined, and faithful when results don't come quickly. If you've ever felt distracted, inconsistent, or impatient in your faith, this episode will challenge you to reset your mindset and refocus your life. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why distraction is one of the biggest threats to your faith How to develop real spiritual discipline (even when no one is watching) The importance of consistency over motivation Why results in your faith often take time to appear How to stay committed when life feels uncertain The mindset required to become a multiplying, impactful Christian 📖 Key Scripture 2 Timothy 2:3–7 "Join with me in suffering… like a good soldier of Christ Jesus…" 💥 Key Takeaway You don't drift into spiritual growth… 👉 You train, focus, and endure for it. When you think like a soldier, live like an athlete, and work like a farmer—your faith begins to transform. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Where am I distracted like a civilian? Where am I undisciplined like an untrained athlete? Where am I impatient like a farmer ready to quit? Then take one step this week to refocus, train, and trust the process. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with someone who needs focus and direction Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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411. What If You Get to Heaven… and Can't Get In?
Apr 2000:06:34Tap to summarize📝 What If You Get to Heaven… and Can't Get In? What if you showed up at Heaven's gate… and were turned away? It's a sobering question—but one that every person needs to consider. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful personal story from his time living in Japan—when he was denied boarding on a flight because he didn't have the right visa. No matter how much he reasoned, explained, or hoped… 👉 Without the right documentation, he wasn't getting on that plane. And that moment became a lasting spiritual lesson. Because when it comes to eternity, there are no workarounds. Drawing from Acts 4:12 and the words of Jesus in John 14:6, this episode explores the reality that salvation is not flexible—and why a genuine relationship with Jesus is essential. In a world that increasingly believes "all paths lead to God," this message brings clarity, conviction, and urgency. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why salvation isn't based on good intentions The danger of slowly "widening the road" in your faith What the Bible actually teaches about Jesus being the only way How culture subtly reshapes our convictions over time Why people don't just need spirituality—they need Christ How to make sure you and those you love are truly ready 📖 Key Scriptures Acts 4:12 "There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life…" 💥 Key Takeaway Heaven has no shortcuts. 👉 You either have a relationship with Jesus… or you don't. And this truth should both deepen your conviction and increase your urgency to help others. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Is my life truly built on Jesus? Have I softened or compromised what I believe? Who in my life needs to hear the truth about salvation? Then take one step this week to strengthen your conviction—and share your faith with someone who needs it. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode challenged or encouraged you: Share it with someone you care about Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content
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410. This One Leadership Skill Changes Everything (Most People Miss It)
Apr 1700:06:32Tap to summarizeThis One Leadership Skill Changes Everything (Most People Miss It) What if your future success came down to one simple—but overlooked—skill? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful leadership principle that impacts everything: 👉 Your ability to recognize and recruit the right people. Through a personal story that starts with an unexpected phone call during COVID, Rob unpacks how one decision—to invest in the right person—led to far more than he ever imagined. That young man didn't just become a leader… He became family. Drawing from 1 Samuel 14:52, this episode explores how great leaders don't just rely on their own talent—they surround themselves with strong, faithful, and courageous people. If you want to grow your leadership, your ministry, your family, or your impact, this message will challenge how you think about people. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your future depends on who you bring into your life The key traits of "mighty men" and "mighty women" How to recognize people with real potential Why chasing the wrong people holds you back The difference between passive people and proactive leaders How one bold decision can change everything 💥 Key Takeaway Great leaders don't just build themselves… 👉 They build with the right people. When you learn to recognize, recruit, and develop strong people, everything in your life begins to change. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Who are the "mighty people" already around me? Am I investing in the right people—or chasing the wrong ones? Then take one bold step this week to call someone higher and bring them closer into your life. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode helped you: Share it with someone building a team or leading others Leave a review Subscribe for more leadership and faith-based content
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