Tuning In Regularly

Each week I do all that I can to grow personally. For anyone who follows my life and ministry practices, you know this about me:

*I exercise five or six days a week, frequently running for an hour or more.

*About three years ago I began listening to podcasts regularly, especially while running.

So, I am often asked, “Who do you listen to?”

Who I Listen To Regularly

It is a stretch for me to call anyone a “regular;” however, I do try to expose myself to various podcasts frequently. I will note three of them:

1. Dr. Albert Mohler’s “The Briefing”

I have “The Briefing” sent to my phone daily. As I am getting ready in the mornings, I listen to Dr. Mohler’s daily briefing. This is usually about a 10 to 15 minute analysis of the leading global news headlines and cultural conversations. Dr. Mohler helps me to stay on top of issues and have some understanding of them from a Christian perspective. Every pastor and Christian leader needs this resource, or one like it, in their repertoire of daily encouragement.

2. Dr. Thom Rainer’s “Rainer on Leadership”

This is a weekly podcast, geared toward talking about relevant matters for pastors and Christian leaders. This podcast is usually 20 to 30 minutes long. Often the podcast is Dr. Rainer being interviewed and periodically he interviews a guest. Admittedly, his audience is vast and at times his podcast may not help me personally at that moment, but I listen anyway because it helps me understand pastors and leaders from all sizes of churches and their needs. “Rainer on Leadership” always challenges me in some way.

3. Our Seminary Chapel Services

Of the Southern Baptist seminaries that make their resources available as a podcast, I listen to them regularly. For example, I love listening to the semester-opening sessions and hearing what is on the hearts of our seminary leaders. As well, listening to the chapel services of our seminaries helps me stay in tune to the academic world of which I love and am challenged by still to this day.

I have a heart for equipping leaders; therefore, I am thrilled by what I hear. For example, the other day, I listened to a podcast from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Dr. David Platt spoke about the four foundations we hold for speaking to cultural issues. This was very strong biblically and extremely engaging personally. Another one that blessed me was the chapel service of Southern Seminary’s Dr. Albert Mohler when he discussed his 20th year at Southern, retracing the years before and how God has worked in the life of Southern Seminary. Usually these podcasts last from 25 to 40 minutes. They are worth your time.

In this format, you will hear fabulous scholars, gifted pastors, and Christian leaders. All can be found within these chapel messages.

Others I Listen To Along The Way

This is dangerous in today’s world, but let me confess: I listen to a long list of Christian leaders from all kinds of theological perspectives. I find this highly engaging and helpful for my growth. Plus, I can learn from people I would not have any exposure to otherwise. After earning three degrees from Christian institutions, pastoring for 37 years, and reading through the Bible annually since 1990, I feel I can keep balanced regardless of what I hear. In fact, at times, listening to these helps me remain balanced.

Here is a list of various people I listen to along the way, supplementing those I mentioned above:

James MacDonald, Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicago

Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community, Chicago

Robert Morris, Gateway Church, Dallas

Jack Graham, Prestonwood Baptist, Dallas

Ted Traylor, Olive Baptist, Pensacola

Robert Jeffress, First Baptist, Dallas

Steve Gaines, Bellevue Baptist, Memphis

Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City

J. D. Greear, Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham

Vance Pitman, Hope Church, Las Vegas

Jud Wilhite, Central Christian, Las Vegas

Mark Batterson, National Community, Washington D.C.

Andy Stanley, North Point Church, Atlanta 

Craig Groeshel, Life Church, Oklahoma City

Steven Furtick, Elevation Church, Charlotte

Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Southern California

Ed Young, Fellowship Church, Dallas

Matt Chandler, Village Church, Dallas

Ed Young, Second Baptist, Houston

Greg Matte, First Baptist, Houston

Matt Carter, Austin Stone Church, Austin

Crawford Loritts, Fellowship Bible, Atlanta

Jonathan Falwell, Thomas Road Baptist, Lynchburg

Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle, New York City

John Piper, Desiring God Ministries, Minneapolis

Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist, Washington D. C.

David Platt, The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham

Mac Brunson, First Baptist, Jacksonville

John Maxwell, Christ Fellowship, Florida

Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Seattle

John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, Southern California

David Jeremiah, Shadow Mountain Community, San Diego

Perry Noble Leadership Podcast                 

The Catalyst Leadership Podcast

Gospel Coalition Conference

Send North America Conference

And MORE . . .

When I listen to a wide array of gifted men of God, I learn to appreciate people more and I pray for all of them as I listen. Of course, much is seasonable due to what they may be preaching or teaching or what I need at the time in my life.

I find there are many men who are highly gifted and I need them to pour into my life. It ministers to me personally. It challenges me theologically. It encourages me in leadership. I become better if I remain teachable to the Spirit of God in my life. I thank God for the way He uses people from all walks of life to teach me more about Him. He uses all kinds of people to relay His incredible Word.

Yours For The Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd