#56: Leading From the 2nd Chair | An Executive Pastor’s Perspective feat. Starla Smith

How do you lead when you are ultimately not the one in charge? In this episode we sit down with Starla Smith, who serves as an Executive Pastor, to break down what leadership from the 2nd chair looks like. Starla shares stories from her ministry journey of unexpectedly finding herself in roles of authority, what she’s learned from seasons of transition and her intentionality to keep touch points with people just as important as the tasks of the role.

Get your thinking emoji loaded up for this one, because the 2nd chair matters!

Resources Highlighted in this Interview:

• Connect further with Starla here

Guest Bio:

Executive Pastor · Author · Overcomer, Starla Smith is a wife, mother of two, and proud grandma — or "Lala," as her four grandkids call her. But beyond the roles she treasures most, she's also a pastor with a story few would have predicted.

An unlikely minister by her own admission, Starla's journey in faith began simply — serving in youth groups at the very church where she now leads as executive pastor. She didn't chase a title; she was faithful to each open door, and those doors led her further than she ever imagined.

A writer, adventurer, teacher, and lover of deep conversation, Starla brings her whole self to every room she enters. Her heart beats for one thing above all: encouraging others to live fearlessly — no matter what they're facing.

"To live my life as an example of one who overcomes — sharing my story to encourage others to live fearlessly in the face of every struggle, that I might be faithful in all He asks, moving forward through trusting in His love."

Episode Credits:

Audio Engineer & Editing by AJ Williams

Produced by Chad Garrison

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