Influence Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
The Influence Magazine Podcast is a chance for you to hear from the premiere voices in church leadership…voices who are redefining what church leadership looks like. It's the audio companion to Influence Magazine, a resource full of practical tools, informative news and powerful biblical principals aimed at empowering all leaders. Visit us online at InfluenceMagazine.com
Episodes
- 425. Would Anyone Notice if Your Church Disappeared?
George P. Wood interviews Kevin Foster about his book, Run to the Brokenness. They discuss how churches can become influential by engaging with community brokenness, redefining success metrics, and operationalizing compassion.
- 424. A Biblical Case for Women Leading Churches
Host George P. Wood and guest Waldemar Kowalski examine biblical passages, specifically 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:8–15, to discuss the role of women in church leadership. Kowalski, an author and pastor, shares his perspective…
- 423. The Church Friendliness Crisis
Professor Matthew D. Kim discusses the crisis of unfriendliness in churches and offers insights on how congregations can become more genuinely welcoming, drawing from his book "Becoming a Friendlier Church." The conversation, hosted by Geo…
- 422. What Churches Should Know About Autism
Host George P. Wood interviews Julie Pratt about autism and the church. Pratt, Director of Kidmin Discipleship for the Assemblies of God, shares insights on including individuals with autism, emphasizing their value and necessity within th…
- 421. The Problem of Hell
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood talks with Allen Tennison about the "problem of hell." Tennison, theological counsel for the Assemblies of God, explores biblical terms for hell, why it is a theological challen…
- 420. The Importance of Ethical Ministry
Host George P. Wood talks with Brad Kesler, author of Trusted with Treasure: A Handbook of Ethics in Ministry, about the critical importance of ethical conduct for ministers. They discuss ethical decision-making processes, specific challen…
- 419. Using Good Judgment in Worship
Steven Félix-Jäger joins host George P. Wood to discuss navigating worship debates. They explore the definition of worship, the use of contemporary versus traditional styles, and the application of biblical, aesthetic, and pastoral judgmen…
- 418. Taking Kidmin to the Next Level
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood talks with David Reneau about children's ministry. Reneau, author of Next-Level Kidmin, shares insights on keeping the gospel central, fundamental elements of children's ministr…
- 417. Spirit-Empowered Multiplication
Gerad Strong discusses the concept of Spirit-empowered multiplication in ministry with host George P. Wood. Strong, director of Leadership and Training for the Church Multiplication Network, emphasizes imagination and the Holy Spirit
- 416. Seven Dimensions of Discipleship
Eloy Marroquin discusses seven dimensions of discipleship, addressing the shift in some churches from discipleship to numerical expansion and its consequences. The conversation, hosted by George P. Wood on the Influence Podcast, explores M…
- 415. Pathfinding for the Next Generation
George P. Wood hosts Melissa Alfaro to discuss her book, "The Heart of a Pathfinder: Charting Paths for the Next Generation." Alfaro defines pathfinders as leaders motivated by launching the next generation, viewing obstacles as opportunit…
- 414. A New AG History
George P. Wood interviews Daniel Isgrigg, author of The Assemblies of God: Our Story, discussing the historical context, theological development, and growth of the Assemblies of God movement. The episode explores the integration of various…
- 413. Becoming Whole in Ministry
George P. Wood interviews Mark Hausfeld on the Influence Podcast about the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for ministers. Hausfeld, director of the Institute for Ministerial Wholeness, discusses how ministry…
- 412. AG State of the Union 2026
Host George P. Wood talks with Doug Clay, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, about the denomination's status. They discuss AG growth, comparing it to trends in other denominations, and explore new ministry initiatives, global…
- 411. What To Read in 2026
Host George P. Wood speaks with Allen Tennison about essential reading for Pentecostal ministers in 2026. They discuss the importance of reading for spiritual formation and preaching, how to balance reading with pastoral duties, and provid…
- 410. Suffering Pentecostally
Host George P. Wood discusses with Craig Keener how Pentecostal Christians should understand and face suffering. Keener, a professor and author, notes that while God's gift of Jesus is free, the Christian life involves hardships due to wor…
- 409. How to Retire Well
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood speaks with Donna Barrett, the first woman to hold national executive office in the Assemblies of God, as she approaches her retirement. They discuss women's leadership, the dem…
- 408. Is the Church Ready for Men?
This episode of the Influence Podcast discusses the trend of young men returning to church, a shift from the historical gender gap in Christianity. Host George P. Wood talks with Rick Allen about the church's readiness to minister to these…
- 407. Advent and Eschatology
This episode of the Influence Podcast features a discussion between host George P. Wood and Allen Tennison on the theological significance of Advent and its connection to eschatology. They explore Advent as a holiday season that commemorat…
- 406. Introducing the AG's New General Secretary
In Episode 406 of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood interviews Brad Kesler, the incoming General Secretary of the Assemblies of God. They discuss Kesler's background, ministry, and upcoming book on ministerial ethics.
- 405. Moving Toward Church Health
Gerad Strong, director of Church Health Partners, talks with George P. Wood about the goals of fostering healthy churches, the reasons churches decline, and methods for revitalization. The discussion also touches on leadership principles f…
- 404. When Ministry Hurts
This episode features George P. Wood discussing clergy trauma with author Dale Sanger. They explore how a "theology of glory" in Pentecostal circles complicates the response to personal trauma among ministers.
- 403. How to Succeed in Ministry
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood speaks with Mark Batterson about succeeding in ministry, drawing from Batterson's book "Gradually Then Suddenly." Batterson explains that significant achievements happen both gr…
- 402. Young Adults' Religious Future
This episode of the Influence Podcast discusses the religious future of young adults in America. Host George P. Wood talks with Josh Wellborn about ministry to this demographic, referencing data from Pew Research Center and Barna Group on…
- 401. Preaching the Statement of Fundamental Truths
Host George P. Wood discusses Mike Ivaska's book, "A Basis of Fellowship," featuring sermons on the Assemblies of God's "Statement of Fundamental Truths." Ivaska explains his motivations and methods for preaching these doctrines and encour…
- 400. Christian Citizenship in Pentecostal Perspective
The Influence Podcast discusses the Assemblies of God
- 399. Cultivating Healthy Spiritual Leadership
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood speaks with Allen Tennison about a new Assemblies of God position paper on cultivating healthy spiritual leadership. The paper emphasizes resisting positional superiority and af…
- 398. Is Love the Heart of Paul's Theology?
Nijay K. Gupta proposes that love is the central theme of Paul's theology, appearing over one hundred times in his writings and in every letter. Host George P. Wood discusses this idea with Gupta, exploring the definition of love and its s…
- 397. The Attitude of a Bivocational Minister
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood speaks with Richard D. Oliver about his book "A Covocational Attitude." They explore the Apostle Paul's attitude towards financial support and how it can inform contemporary Chr…
- 396. Slow Burn Revival for Small Churches
Joseph Lear discusses the future of small churches in North America, noting that many face attendance and financial challenges. He suggests that renewal will come from returning to the basics of worship in Spirit and truth, not from market…
- 395. Learning from Those Who Came Before Us
Doug Clay, 13th general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, shares leadership principles and stories from his predecessors in his book, "13: Leadership Is More than Luck." He emphasizes learning from history and trusting the Lord to g…
- 394. Understanding Romans
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood discusses the interpretation of Paul's letter to the Romans with Glen Menzies. They cover introductory matters concerning the letter and its recipients, as well as specific poin…
- 393. Training Students to Evangelize Their Peers
Host George P. Wood speaks with Lee Rogers about training students to evangelize their peers, noting that a majority of U.S. teenagers do not regularly attend church or read the Bible, and that a significant number of schools lack a gospel…
- 392. Developing Healthy Habits for Ministry
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood talks with Steve Svoboda about developing healthy disciplines in five key areas of life for ministry. Svoboda emphasizes choosing the pain of discipline over regret to become th…
- 391. Thinking Christianly About AI
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood discusses with Todd Korpi the theological and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence from a Christian viewpoint. They explore the potential opportunities and challenges o…
- 390. Using Our Voices for Good
Beth Grant, an ordained Assemblies of God minister and missionary, shares her insights on using one's voice for good in ministry and missions during this episode of the Influence Podcast. She discusses her work with Project Rescue and her…
- 389. Becoming the Spiritual Mentors Youth Need
Host George P. Wood talks with Ashton Peters about the need for spiritual mentors in youth culture, addressing issues like self-harm, gender identity, depression, and anxiety. Peters emphasizes filling the void with Christ-honoring love an…
- 388. The Good News of Ascension and Pentecost
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood speaks with Allen Tennison about the significance of Christ's Ascension and Pentecost as part of the Gospel message. The discussion highlights verses from Acts 2, emphasizing bo…
- 387. Pentecostals and the Nicene Creed
George P. Wood interviews Frank Macchia about the significance of the Nicene Creed for Pentecostalism, marking the creed's 1700th anniversary.
- 386. Healing After Abuse
Host George P. Wood interviews Samantha Rose Jones about her experience overcoming severe child abuse, detailing her path from trauma to a life of love and joy, attributed to her faith.
- 385. Prayer and Successful Spiritual Leadership
Host George P. Wood interviews Warren D. Bullock on the Influence Podcast, discussing lessons for spiritual leaders from King Uzziah's life, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 26:5. The episode explores how seeking the Lord brought success, while…
- 384. Ministry To and By People with Autism
In this episode of the Influence Podcast, host George P. Wood discusses ministry with and by individuals with autism with guest Ron Sandison, author and speaker specializing in autism issues. The conversation addresses how Christian church…
- 383. The Good News of Christ's Death and Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15:1–2, the apostle Paul wrote: "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly…
- 382. The Biblical Case for Jesus' Deity
Jesus asked His disciples an important question in Matthew 16:15: "Who do you say I am?" Ligonier Ministries surveyed Americans in 2022 about how they perceived Jesus. Responses to three statements in particular are worth highlighting. Fir…
- 381. Talking Leadership with Your Younger Self
If you could travel back in time and share life lessons with your younger self, what would they be? That's the premise of Doug Clay's new book, Conversations with My Younger Self . "If I could go back in time," he asks, "what mistakes woul…
- 380. Pastoring in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
"The future is coming, and you're not in it." That's what Rear Admiral Chester Cain (played by Ed Harris) says to Captain Pete Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise) in Top Gun: Maverick . Cain's reasoning? Mitchell will be replaced by AI. "These…
- 379. Five Principles of Church Growth
Some time ago, a pastor called Chris Sonksen and confessed, "Our church is stuck, and I feel empty. I don't know what to do. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this." A lot of pastors feel this way. One Lifeway Research study fo…
- 378. Leading Your Church Through Change
"The best days of the church are ahead," write Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang. "Don't get us wrong. We are under no illusion that churches have it easy in this season. These days the church can feel … So fractured, So distract…
- 377. How God Changes Us
"God could have spoken the heavens and earth into existence with a single word on a single day," writes Rick DuBose. "He did not need seven days in which to do His work." "But that is not how Genesis records it. God, for all His creative p…
- 376. Myths of the Azusa Street Revival
"Pentecostal historians have always acknowledged the miraculous stories accompanying the Azusa Street revival as an integral part of the Pentecostal experience," writes Ruthie Edgerly Oberg. "However, the pressing question is whether the d…