No Regrets Leadership Podcast

Nate Gruber sits down with No Regrets Regional Champion Brennen Sullivan for a conversation about the No Regrets Leadership Pathway and the work of releasing men into ministry and reproducing leaders who make disciples. Brennen is a pastor, disciple multiplier, and men's ministry leader living in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. In this episode, he shares practical wisdom from his own discipleship journey and from years of helping churches build a culture of multiplication. This conversation explores why many men get rooted in faith but never move into mission, how fear and lack of equipping can keep men from leading, and why churches need an intentional pathway to help men become disciple-makers. This episode is for pastors, men's ministry leaders, small group leaders, and anyone who wants to help men grow as followers of Christ and leaders who reproduce other leaders. Watch or listen on YouTube: [Insert YouTube Link] Learn more about No Regrets Men's Ministry: https://noregretsmen.org

Nate Gruber sits down with No Regrets Regional Champion Glenn Herschberger for a conversation about the No Regrets Leadership Pathway and the early work of discipling men by reaching them and rooting them in Christ. Glenn is a second-career pastor and church planter who currently pastors City's Cop Church in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. As a longtime follower of Christ and leader of men, Glenn shares practical wisdom and strategy for helping churches begin the process of discipling men in the ways of Jesus. This episode is for pastors, men's ministry leaders, small group leaders, and anyone who wants to help men grow as followers of Christ. Watch or listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pd9iEPSd2_4 Learn more about No Regrets Men's Ministry: https://noregretsmen.org

In this episode of the No Regrets Leadership Podcast, Jim Braniff shares encouragement and insight for men, pastors, and church leaders who want to grow in discipleship, leadership, and faithfulness to Christ. At No Regrets, our mission is to equip leaders in the local church to develop an intentional plan for discipling the men in their church and community. This conversation is designed to help men think more deeply about what it means to follow Jesus, lead with purpose, and invest in others through intentional discipleship. Whether you are a men's ministry leader, pastor, small-group leader, or a man who wants to grow in your walk with Christ, this episode offers practical encouragement to live out your faith and help others do the same. Learn more about No Regrets Men's Ministry: https://noregretsmen.org Subscribe for more conversations on men's discipleship, Christian leadership, church ministry, spiritual growth, and following Christ.

Pastor Mike, Missions Pastor at Elmbrook Church, joins Albo to talk about what it really looks like to reach men who are close to us—but far from God. This conversation gets practical. Pastor Mike shares stories, but more importantly, he challenges leaders to rethink how they live on mission. It's not about programs—it's about proximity, authenticity, and obedience. They also tackle the hard side of leadership: making difficult decisions when people don't align with your values, and why short-term discomfort often leads to long-term health. If you're leading a ministry, building relationships, or trying to live your faith out in the real world—this episode will push you to take action.

Matt Erickson, pastor at Eastbrook Church with over three decades of ministry experience, joins Nate Gruber to explore what it really means to lead faithfully in a complex and changing world. Drawing from his new book The Pastor as Gardener, Matt unpacks how the metaphors we live by shape the way we lead, pastor, and follow Jesus. In a culture that often pushes for results and performance, he offers a different vision—one rooted in presence, trust, and long-term growth. Matt reminds us that fruitful ministry doesn't come from striving—it flows from a deep, ongoing relationship with God. Like a gardener planting seeds, we are called to be faithful with what we've been given, trusting God to bring growth in His timing. If you're feeling the weight of expectations in leadership, this episode offers a grounded and hope-filled perspective: stay rooted, stay faithful, and let God do what only He can do. Get Matt's book: The Pastor as Gardener → https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/ Learn more: https://mwerickson.com

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Dr. Gary Gregg to continue the series on mental health and leadership, focusing on how to understand and manage leadership anxiety. Dr. Gregg explains that anxiety isn't something we can—or should—eliminate. At a healthy level, it shows we care and are invested. But when it grows too strong, it can rob us of joy and impact our leadership. Rather than ignoring it, anxiety can be a signal pointing to something that needs our attention. They discuss how many leaders carry hidden fears of not being enough, and how trying to suppress anxiety often makes it worse. Instead, leaders need to reflect, be honest, and invite trusted people into their lives. We are responsible to others, not for them—and we don't have to lead alone. Dr. Gregg also shares practical habits for staying healthy: do your own work, avoid shortcuts in growth, and build strong relationships that help you stay grounded. Resource Mentioned: Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Dr. Dan Green, Clinical Director of New Life Resources and a long-time partner of No Regrets, for an important conversation on the mental health of the men we lead—and the men we are becoming. Dr. Green brings practical insight for leaders who feel stuck or are facing roadblocks in their own lives or on their teams. As mental health becomes more widely discussed, many men are still unsure what to do with what they're feeling. Labels can sometimes increase isolation rather than bring clarity, especially when men struggle to express their needs. Nate and Dan explore the reality that men today are often more psychologically drained than physically exhausted—and more disconnected than ever. In a world filled with constant information, they emphasize the importance of real, face-to-face connection and intentional relationships. Every man carries a unique story and set of pressures, and understanding those demands is key to leading well. They also discuss how leaders must first care for their own health before they can care for others. As Dr. Green shares, every man needs a few trusted relationships—men who aren't impressed by him, but who will challenge, support, and walk with him honestly. When leaders model vulnerability and authenticity, they create space for others to do the same. This episode offers practical tools for understanding your own needs, recognizing what's being blocked when frustration arises, and learning how to lead with greater awareness, care, and connection. Ultimately, as we grow in knowing God, we begin to understand ourselves more fully—and lead others more effectively. Resource Mentioned: Overcoming Guilt and Shame by Daniel Green and Mel Lawrenz

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by David Delk for a thoughtful conversation about navigating leadership transitions and finding success through inevitable change. David spent 22 years leading Man in the Mirror and now coaches faith and business leaders through seasons of transition through Delk Consulting. In this conversation, David shares his own journey—from serving in ministry leadership to stepping into a new calling at age 56 when God began opening doors for him to launch Delk Consulting. David explains that relationships are the glue that holds ministries together, especially during seasons of change. Healthy transitions require humility, honesty about what isn't working, and a willingness to surrender outcomes to the Lord. Leaders must focus on building authentic, Spirit-filled relationships where people feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow. Albo and David also discuss the importance of raising up new leaders—even when they may not feel fully ready. Passing responsibility to others, discipling them, and inviting them to step into leadership is part of how ministries grow. Ultimately, leadership is about obedience to God rather than controlling the results. David also offers wisdom for caring for your soul during times of transition—reminding leaders to slow down, listen to God, and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty. Learn more about David and Delk Consulting at https://www.delkconsulting.com Find more resources at https://www.noregretsmen.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined again by Steve Sonderman for Part Two of the series: 10 Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience leading men's ministry, Steve shares practical wisdom that will encourage and strengthen anyone investing in men. In this episode, Steve continues unpacking five more lessons that have shaped his ministry: Follow me as I follow Christ. Men need more than words—they need an example. Demonstrate what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life. Let God break your heart. Ask God to give you a vision for what breaks His heart. Often our own brokenness becomes the fuel for our purpose. Use the Word. Jesus is our model for ministry, and Scripture is our guide. Keeping the Word of God central helps men grow deeper in their faith. Catch and release. Get men into the field serving. Everyone has a role to play, and ministry grows when men step into action. Meet with a purpose. Take time to understand where a man is in his journey and encourage him to take the next step in following Christ. This conversation is filled with encouragement and practical insight for anyone leading men or looking to help others grow in their walk with Jesus.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by No Regrets Founder, Steve Sonderman for Part One of a powerful two-part series: Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from 37 years of ministry experience, Steve shares wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone leading or investing in men. The conversation begins by celebrating the incredible momentum from this year's No Regrets Conference—159 host sites, a sold-out gathering of 3,000 men at Elmbrook Church, and countless stories of surrender, prayer, and life change. The movement continues, and you can still access conference sessions and sign up for the follow-up study. In this first episode, Steve unpacks five foundational lessons he's learned over nearly four decades: What we are doing matters. Ministering to men is challenging, but when a man's life changes, it impacts his family, workplace, church, and community. Become friends and change the world. Men are lonely. Relationships are transformative. Ministry was never meant to be done alone—Jesus had a team, and we need one too. Have a big enough vision to think small. Bigger isn't always better. Real movements begin with a few men committed to discipling others. Prayer is the front lines. The walls around men's hearts are high, and only prayer can soften them. Lead with humility. True leadership begins with listening and serving, following the example of Jesus. This episode is filled with perspective, encouragement, and practical direction for anyone serious about helping men grow. You can still watch the conference sessions and join the follow-up study at: https://noregrets.pathwright.com/library/surrender-follow-up-study-242034/749353/about/