The Five Gifts Podcast

The Five Gifts Podcast exists for Christian Leaders and Christ-followers to rediscover Christ's presence and activity in their lives and their churches.

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Charles Russell has served in Pastoral Ministry for 26 years. He is also a certified John Maxwell speaker, coach, and trainer for staff, leadership teams, and volunteers. He has a Masters in Organizational Leadership. Find out more at charlesrusselltraining.com.

Bruce Ritter Bruce Ritter has been a lead Pastor for 28 years and a Spiritual Life and Leadership Coach since 2005. He is also a consultant with Church Life Resources. He has a Masters in Pastoral Ministry and a Doctorate in Evangelism and Discipleship. Check out more at his website Coaching Cardia.

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Climbing with Character: The Law of the Ladder and the Fivefold Call

2025-07-28

Featuring insights from Jack Hayford, A.W. Tozer, and Dallas Willard, this episode challenges leaders to prioritize spiritual formation over public function and to allow the Holy Spirit to form depth, endurance, and humility in their leadership journey.

In this episode, we explore John Maxwell’s Law of the Ladder through the lens of Fivefold ministry, asking: How far can your calling go without the strength of character to sustain it? We unpack how each Fivefold gift—Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher—requires a unique expression of Christlike character formed by the fruit of the Spirit, which are the visible attributes of Jesus in the life of the believer. Featuring insights from Jack Hayford, A.W. Tozer, and Dallas Willard, this episode challenges leaders to prioritize spiritual formation over public function and to allow the Holy Spirit to form depth, endurance, and humility in their leadership journey. You’ll learn: • Why gifting without character is dangerous • How the fruit of the Spirit sustains your Fivefold function • What it means to grow deeper, not just bigger • Practical ways to cultivate Spirit-shaped character Reflection Prompt: Which fruit of the Spirit is the Spirit growing in you right now—and how is it shaping your leadership?

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Filetype: M4A - Size: 42 MB - Duration: 47:49m (117 kbps 48000 Hz)