Behind the Seal

What happens when churches prioritize productivity over people?

Doug Sauder, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, has lived through the fallout of leader neglect—and the transformation that comes when soul care becomes a core value.

In this powerful conversation, Doug shares his journey from a culture of overwork and burnout to one of rest, accountability, and sustainability. He opens up about:

·       Sur...

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t burnout, bad strategy, or lack of vision — but neglecting your own body?

In this episode, Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), opens up a conversation many leaders avoid: the role of physical health in shaping how we lead. From sleep and diet to movement and screen time, Jedd shares how small choices in our daily lives fuel resilie...

What happens when truth itself feels up for grabs?

In this episode of Behind the Seal, host Michael Martin sits down with journalist and author Bonnie Kristian to unpack what she calls our epistemic crisis — a breakdown in how we discern truth in an age of misinformation, conspiracy, and cancel culture.

Together, they explore how fake news and social media shape our faith and politics, why Christians are especially v...

Finishing well is the exception—not the rule.
Far too many leaders start with conviction but end with compromise. It rarely happens overnight. Most drift quietly—through small compromises, unchecked ambition, and a subtle shift from purpose to performance.

In this powerful episode of Behind the Seal, Peter Greer (President & CEO of Hope International) joins us to unpack why leaders lose their way—and how to stay mis...

Is your leadership costing you connection?

In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, joins ECFA President Michael Martin to explore the emotional and relational challenges leaders face behind the scenes. From the illusion of transparency to the power of biblical vulnerability, this episode uncovers what it really takes to build meaningful friendship...

What happens when no one’s asking the hard questions?
ECFA President Michael Martin talks with David Ashcraft, CEO of the Global Leadership Network, about the urgent need for accountability, care, and clear guardrails in leadership.

From the isolation many pastors and nonprofit leaders face to how transparency can rebuild trust, this episode offers practical insights and a call to action for leaders, boards, and teams a...

What if your pastor is one conversation away from burnout—and no one knows it?

In ministry, the warning signs don’t always look like collapse. Sometimes, they look like silence, fatigue, or a slow drift from intimacy with God.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark of Standing Stone Ministry to talk about the emotional and spiritual toll leadership can take—and what it looks like to care for pastors b...

What if the key to leading others well starts with healing your own heart?

In this powerful conversation, Gabe Lyons—author, speaker, and founder of THINQ Media—joins us to talk about leadership, marriage, emotional health, and why being grounded in your identity as a child of God is more important than your title or metrics. From cultivating honest spaces for leaders to wrestle with hard questions, to sharing the d...

What does it take to build—and rebuild—trust in leadership? In this powerful episode, Dr. Henry Cloud, bestselling author of books like Boundaries and Trust, reveals why trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship, team, and organization—and what leaders can do when it’s been broken. From identifying the key elements of trust to recognizing barriers like defensiveness, fear, and narcissism, Dr. Cloud offers pract...

As leaders in a digitally driven world, how do we balance productivity with presence?
How do we create space for silence, reflection, and meaningful connection in an always-on world?
What role do faith communities play in shaping healthier digital habits?

Felicia Wu Song, cultural sociologist and author of Restless Devices, joins host Michael Martin to explore these pressing questions. 

Felicia unpacks the profound...

Leadership doesn’t have to come at the cost of your soul. In this compelling episode, ECFA President Michael Martin sits down with Mindy Caliguire, founder of Soul Care and author of Ignite Your Soul, for a candid conversation on the growing crisis of burnout—and what we can do about it.

Together, they unpack ECFA’s new Standard for Leader Care, explore the warning signs of soul neglect, and share practical rhythms for spi...

What if leadership wasn’t just about performance but about wholeness? This season, we’re having the real conversations every leader needs—about burnout, trust, soul care, relationships, and leading with integrity. Featuring insightful voices like Mindy Caliguire, Dr. Henry Cloud, Lysa TerKeurst, and more, we’re exploring the unseen challenges leaders face and the wisdom needed to overcome them. Whether you’re navigating di...

Harold Moore's story of hard work and striving is all too familiar. After a marketing and pastoring career, the Lord led him uniquely to ECFA as the Executive Administrator to the President. Harold exudes joyous serving while also exhorting ECFA staff towards healthy leadership. Michael and Harold talk candidly about their professional, personal, and spiritual dynamic as humility, honor, and legacy overlap.

Find out more ab...

Michael Martin, ECFA's President, takes us back to 2021 when ECFA's Board started digging into how a leader's health affects financial integrity and trust. In the past two years, ECFA has surveyed and researched this connection. The ECFA board has applied these findings to better support the health of its own leadership and staff. With each conversation, ECFA was encouraged by ministry and church leaders to continue this r...

We’re blessed to speak with Bishop Derek Grier of Grace Church. He’s the top leader at Grace and a Board Member here at ECFA.  He dives into why supporting pastors is so vital right now and how the board can prioritize relationship building with top leaders!  His leadership in the National Unity Weekend has spurred Christ-Centered conversations and action on race and diversity nationwide.  Finally, he's  been involved in E...

Rob Hoskins and David Branker of One Hope Ministries have developed a reputation as a ministry with excellence in board and leader relationships, staff culture, and Christ-centered vision. Intentionality underscores all parts of their culture as leadership seeks intergenerational accountability. To live for Christ in your personal life and your public life, if they all look the same, is the most authentic you can be!

One Ho...