Episode 16

EP16: Unlocking Your Influence

March 30th, 2026

31 mins 43 secs

Season 1

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About this Episode

About This Episode
In this episode of the YDisciple Podcast, Pete and Annie explore what it looks like to unlock your influence in ministry. Drawing from Pete’s recent workshop at the NFCYM Exchange, this conversation is a thoughtful and practical look at leadership, especially for ministry leaders who feel the tension between wanting change and not always having the authority to make it happen.

They discuss the common ministry shift from maintenance to mission, and why healthy ministry cannot stop at simply managing buildings, budgets, policies, or attendance. Instead, real mission calls leaders to become more relational, more intentional, and more responsive to the work God is already stirring in their communities.

Pete also unpacks Stephen Covey’s idea of the circle of concern and the circle of influence, encouraging listeners to stop fixating on everything they cannot control and instead ask a better question: What does this make possible? The episode offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to build trust, cast vision, cultivate community, invest intentionally, and model the kind of mission they hope to see in others.

Mentioned in This Episode

  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins
  • Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon

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Reflection for This Week

Take a few minutes this week to reflect on the difference between your circle of concern and your circle of influence.

  • Where is God inviting you to lead more intentionally right now?
  • What is one area of ministry, one relationship, or one next step where you may be tempted to stay passive instead of responding with courage?