What does it look like to grow as a leader when you didn’t set out to be one? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Pastor Jeff Baker of New Life Church (Kearney • North Platte • Ogallala • Holdrege, Nebraska) shares his journey from a life of brokenness into a life of leadership—one shaped by humility, failure, and an ongoing desire to learn. Jeff reflects on the painful moment of being fired early in ministry and how it became a turning point in understanding what leadership really requires. He opens up about learning to ask questions, embracing the “second seat,” and how confidence balanced with humility became a key leadership principle.

Jeff also shares insights on leadership transitions, accountability, and building a leadership culture that multiplies. From launching a “leadership pipeline” to making the tough calls needed to break through growth ceilings, Jeff shares what it means to lead with vision and faith while taking steps toward leaving a legacy that outlasts your own leadership.

From Kabul to Omaha, Erin Jensen’s journey as a leader didn’t begin with a five-year plan or a business strategy—it began with a simple yes to God. In this episode, Erin shares how her calling unfolded through a series of Spirit-led steps, starting with a dance studio she launched in Afghanistan to bring light to one of the darkest places in the world. What started as a small act of encouragement quickly became a form of ministry and healing, especially for young girls coming out of devastating circumstances. Erin opens up about the tension of stepping away from a nursing career, how she battled doubts from others—and herself—and how she saw God move in unexpected ways.

Now the founder of Bloom Dance Studio in Omaha, Erin leads a growing team that serves over 1,500 young dancers. But the transition from doing everything herself to delegating and empowering others hasn’t been easy. Erin reflects on what it looks like to lead through pressure, trust God through rapid growth, and continue to infuse ministry into her work, even when it might feel out of place in the business world. Her story is a compelling reminder that when we follow God’s lead—even through uncertain territory—He builds something bigger than we ever imagined.

Learn more about Erin’s studio here: https://danceatbloom.com/

When Ronnie Rothe moved back to his Nebraska roots in 2008 to plant Relevant Community Church in the Omaha area, he had a vision that went beyond just starting a church. Early on, Ronnie wrestled with his own ambitions, shifting from a desire for personal recognition to a deep commitment to being known by his church and helping his church be known for raising up the next generation for Jesus. From those humble beginnings – starting with a small launch team and uncertain outcomes – to becoming a church where thousands have placed their faith in Jesus, Ronnie's journey has been one of faith, growth, and hard lessons in leadership. He shares about the challenges of starting something from scratch, the moments that tested his calling, and the humble gratitude that comes from seeing lives transformed by the Gospel.

Ronnie also offers powerful insights into leadership, including the importance of continually growing as a leader, the transformative role of failure, and the challenges of letting go to allow others to lead. He talks about the critical shift from finding significance in people's opinions to rooting his identity in being a child of God – a lesson that reshaped his approach to both ministry and leadership. Whether you're a leader in ministry or simply someone looking to live a life of purpose and impact, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.