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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Leading from Your True Self: The Emotions of a Leader

2025-12-08

Bruce and Charles examine how God created us to feel, why emotions are essential for spiritual growth, and how suppressing them leads to burnout, false identity, and spiritual stagnation.

This episode explores one of the most neglected areas of Christian leadership: the emotional life of the leader. Bruce and Charles examine how God created us to feel, why emotions are essential for spiritual growth, and how suppressing them leads to burnout, false identity, and spiritual stagnation. Drawing from Scripture, the life of Jesus, and insights from emotionally healthy spirituality, they walk through: • The theology of emotions • How the false self forms • The identity temptations in Jesus’ wilderness experience • The concept of differentiation and why leaders need it • Four practices that help leaders live from their true self in Christ Listeners will walk away with clarity, hope, and practical tools for integrating emotional maturity with spiritual leadership. Key Scriptures: • Genesis 1 • Matthew 3–4 • Luke 4 • John 17 Resources Mentioned: • Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Scazzero) • The Cry of the Soul (Allender & Longman) Reflective Question: Where is God inviting you to move from your false self into your true self? Coaching & Next Steps: If you'd like support in your leadership journey, Bruce and Charles offer leadership training, spiritual life coaching, and organizational consulting: • coachingcardia.com • charlesrusselltraining.com • charlesrussellministries.com

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Filetype: M4A - Size: 34 MB - Duration: 38:19m (119 kbps 48000 Hz)