In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard sit down with Tony Hudson, a filmmaker and master storyteller.

Tony shares how learning to see people through the lens of love transforms not only how we tell stories, but how we do ministry. Tony reminds us that good storytelling isn’t about technique; it’s about paying attention, loving deeply, and letting God write the narrative.

This episode will encourage leaders, and creatives who feel stuck in the grind to rediscover the holy art of listening and to remember that stories are one of the most powerful ways to communicate the gospel.

Key Takeaways

• “You can’t tell someone’s story if you don’t like them.”
  Ministry begins with compassion. The best storytellers are the best listeners.
• “Every story can be boiled down to one sentence.”
  Simplify your message. Clarity leads to impact — whether you’re preaching, leading, or creating.
• “We’re not the storytellers — God is.”
  Our role is to hold the pen for a few pages, trusting the Author with the rest.
• “If your church really knew each other’s stories…”
  The result would be deeper worship, stronger community, and more empathy.

In This Conversation

• How storytelling builds empathy and connection in the church
• Why authenticity is more powerful than polish
• The difference between telling a story and telling your story
• Seeing pain through the lens of God’s goodness
• What happens when leaders start paying attention again

Quotes Worth Sharing

“Fall in love with the story you’re telling and the person you’re telling it about.”

“If everybody in the church knew each other’s stories, worship would blow the roof off the building.”

We’re back!

In the Season 2 opener, Phil and Richard kick things off with honesty, humor, and a fresh desire to grow. After an unplanned break (and a few ministry curveballs), the guys share five ways they’re aiming to do ministry better-ish — because improvement matters, but perfection isn’t the goal.

They unpack lessons learned from the past year, talk about the importance of prioritizing family and soul health, and share what’s ahead for Ministry Mix: more authentic conversations, deeper community, and even some new ideas like “micro-conferences” designed for ministry leaders who are tired of being overproduced and under-encouraged.

Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or creative trying to balance calling and chaos, this episode will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink how you’re defining “better.”

5 Highlights from the Conversation

1. “We love you listeners, but my family and our church come first.”
   Healthy leaders prioritize what matters most. Boundaries are biblical.
2. “We’re never going to be the most produced podcast — we’re just real conversations.”
   Authentic > impressive. Leaders crave honest spaces to think and process.
3. “We’re moving from a podcast about ministry to a ministry of a podcast.”
   The vision for Ministry Mix is expanding — from content to community.
4. “What if conferences were short, powerful, and real?”
   The idea of micro-conferences — bite-sized, intentional gatherings for real growth.

What You’ll Hear

• Why Season 2 took a pause (and why that’s okay)
• How to avoid burnout by focusing on what matters
• The danger of measuring ministry by production value
• What it means to build a ministry community, not just an audience
• A sneak peek at what’s coming this year

Quotes Worth Sharing

“You don’t need polish to have purpose.”

“Better doesn’t mean bigger — it means healthier.”

“When ministry feels dead, remember: resurrection is kind of God’s thing.”

Listen, Laugh, and Rethink “Better”

If you’re a ministry leader who’s tired of trying to keep up, this episode will remind you that growth happens in grace — and that sometimes better-ish is exactly where God wants you.

Connect with Ministry Mix

Leading While Hurting: Showing Up When You’re Struggling

What do you do when your soul is limping but the sermon still needs to be preached? In this vulnerable episode of Ministry Mix, Phil and Richard open up about what it’s like to keep leading when you’re tired, grieving, burned out, or just broken. They share honest stories of preaching through pain, shepherding with a heavy heart, and discovering how Jesus meets leaders not after the storm—but in it.

If you’ve ever had to lead while hurting, you’re not alone. And you’re not disqualified.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership doesn’t stop when life gets hard—but it should get more honest.
• You don’t have to pretend to be okay to be effective.
• Hurting doesn’t make you a bad leader—it makes you a human one.
• God often ministers through us while He’s ministering to us.
• Authenticity in pain opens doors that polish never could.

Practical Soul-First Leadership Tips:

• Admit when you’re hurting—to yourself and to someone else.
• You can bleed and still bless. Jesus did.
• Find small ways to rest even when retreat isn’t possible.
• Don’t lead from your wounds, but don’t hide them either.
• God can still use you—especially when you feel weak.