In this unfiltered and unscripted episode, Phil and Richard have a real conversation about why summer is one of the most strategic seasons for church outreach—and how your church or ministry can make the most of it.

Rather than settling for the “summer slump,” they share how their churches are leaning in with clear goals, creative outreach ideas, and intentional mobilization. From micro-events to digital reach, and personal invitations to park pop-ups, they explain how summer can be a season of growth, not just survival.

You’ll hear real strategies, some goofy banter, and a healthy reminder: good intentions don’t become faithful action without clear goals. Whether you’re dreaming big or just trying to do something with purpose this summer, this episode will help you get there.

In This Episode:

• Why most churches waste the summer—and how yours doesn’t have to
• Outreach goals that go beyond attendance (and actually excite your people)
• Why digital impressions do count as gospel outreach in 2025
• How to leverage summer events to build fall momentum
• Encouragement for ministry leaders to stay engaged and not grow discouraged

Memorable Quotes:

“Summer is for lead, not lag.”
“A good goal turns good intentions into faithful action.”
“Stop using Sunday attendance as your only metric for summer success.”

In this raw and encouraging conversation, Phil sits down with Jim Collins to talk about something we don't hear enough in ministry circles: failure. Jim shares his personal story of planting a church in Tennessee that didn’t go as planned—from launch dreams to a painful unraveling. But more than that, Jim reflects on the deeper lessons God taught him about leadership, calling, submission, and identity through that hard season.

Whether you’re a young leader eager to launch or a seasoned pastor navigating burnout or regret, this episode is a grace-filled reminder that failure isn’t fatal—and God is never done shaping us.

Key Topics Covered:

• The danger of launching without spiritual counsel
• How pride and ambition can masquerade as calling
• The difference between modeling and copying a ministry
• Why slowing down is not the same as disobedience
• What it looks like to find your identity after ministry “failure”
• Leadership lessons from real-world pain
• The importance of submitting to authority before leading others

Key Quotes:

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard ready up to bring you a Fortnite-themedguide to real ministry leadership. Whether you’ve built your share of ramps or have no idea what a "Loot Llama" is, this episode is for you.

What can Fortnite teach us about ministry? Turns out—a lot.

From failed solo pushes to sweaty wins and unexpected healing stations, we share 5 (plus a few bonus) leadership lessons that apply just as well to church planting and ministry teams as they do to Battle Royale:

• Don't lead alone – Ministry is better in squads.
• Winning teams talk – Clear communication changes everything.
• Adapt or lose – The game (and culture) is always changing.
• Have fun – Joy is a ministry essential, not a luxury.
• Better with friends – Celebrate wins and survive losses together.

Yes, we talk lightsabers. Yes, Richard got yelled at for playing until 3am. But we also hit on real, practical ministry advice.

Key Quote:
"If you're doing ministry alone, no one's there to revive you when you go down—and no one's there to celebrate you when you win."

If this episode made you laugh, challenged how you lead, or made you want to jump in a squad, leave us a review and share it.