Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we dig into the difference between trending right (short-term hype, emotional highs, quick wins) and right trending —the slow, often unsexy work of real growth that actually changes your life.

We even talk football.
Yes, the Carolina Panthers lost—but somehow the future feels brighter. Why? Because improvement changes perspective. And the same is true for us.

When we’re getting stronger—physically, emotionally, spiritually—it reshapes how we see setbacks, disappointments, and even losses. Progress breeds hope.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why progress matters more than perfection
• How getting physically stronger can shift your mental and emotional outlook
• The danger of confusing emotional spikes with true spiritual formation
• Why fragmentation keeps us stuck—and integration sets us free
• How spiritual and emotional health grow best when they grow together
• What Scripture has to say about endurance, growth, and becoming whole

This episode is for leaders, pastors, and everyday followers of Jesus who want more than a quick fix. It’s for those who are willing to play the long game—the Jesus way.

Because the best lives aren’t lived when everything goes right…
They’re lived when we’re right trending.

Key Scripture:

• Romans 5:3–5
• 1 Timothy 4:8
• Philippians 1:6

Listen & Subscribe

If this episode encouraged you:

• 👍 Like the episode
• 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast
• 📤 Share it with someone who needs hope rooted in progress

And as always—
Keep giving God your best, and He’ll do the rest.

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.

Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

Emmanuel: The God Who Chose Us

Christmas reminds us that God is not just with us—
He wanted to be with us.

In this special Christmas-week episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, we reflect on the meaning of Emmanuel and the often-overlooked truth behind it: God didn’t come reluctantly. He came willingly.

Drawing from Philippians 2, this episode explores the humility of Jesus, the intentionality of the incarnation, and the deep comfort found in knowing that God chose proximity—not distance.

Because there’s a big difference between someone being present…
and someone wanting to be present.

In This Episode:

• Why Emmanuel means more than “God is with us”
• The difference between presence and desire in relationships
• How Philippians 2 reveals the heart behind the incarnation
• Why Jesus’ humility points to God’s longing for closeness
• What it means to be wanted by God—especially when you feel overlooked

Key Scripture:

• Matthew 1:23 – “They will call him Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”
• Philippians 2:5–11 – The humility, obedience, and love of Christ

Big Idea:

God didn’t come because He had to.
He came because He wanted to.

Take a Moment:

As you move through the busyness of Christmas, pause and sit with this truth:
You are not an obligation to God.
You are loved.
You are wanted.

Next Steps:

• Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they matter
• Subscribe to The Reluctant Leader Podcast
• Leave a review—it helps others find the show

Merry Christmas from TRLP.
Keep giving God your best—and He’ll do the rest.

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.

Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul unpacks a powerhouse Greek word hidden in Philippians — συναθλέω (soon-ath-LEH-oh), a term ripped straight from the ancient athletic arena. It doesn’t just mean “work hard for Jesus.” It means strive together — shoulder-to-shoulder, like teammates fighting for the same goal.

Then we take that truth straight into Christmas. When Jesus was born, He wasn’t called “God with me.” He was named Immanuel — God with us. Plural. Team language. Community hope. The incarnation is God yelling into our isolation:

This one’s for every leader feeling the grind, carrying too much weight, and wondering if they’re supposed to fight these battles by themselves. You’re not.

In this episode:

• Why Christianity isn’t a solo sport
• The gritty team-language of συναθλέω
• How Christmas pulls us into community courage
• What “Immanuel” means for worn-out leaders
• A practical reminder: joy grows when faith goes side-by-side

Key Scriptures:
Philippians 1:27 • Isaiah 7:14

Takeaways:

• Faith is shared sweat
• God came close and brought others with Him
• We fight better when we fight together

If this hits home, share it with someone on your team — encouragement multiplies when it’s passed around.

Connect:
Follow, like, and subscribe to keep the conversation going each week. And if this episode helped you today, consider sharing it with the teammate God’s placed in your life.

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.