Kyle Nabors on Cultivating a Well-Watered Garden vs. Well-Oiled Machine

In this episode, Phil and Tyler sit down with Kyle Nabors, a seasoned executive leader who has served in both large churches and global nonprofits. Kyle shares insights from decades of experience, including time at Kensington Church (a 10,000+ attendee church) and Mercy Ships, and reflects on leadership, culture, trust, and the nuanced role of the executive pastor.One of the central themes is Kyle’s well-known metaphor: the church as a well-watered garden versus a well-oiled machine. While certain systems require precision and predictability (finances, child safety, compliance), much of ministry leadership requires organic flexibility, attentiveness, and faith. Structure must serve mission—not the other way around.Throughout the conversation, you’ll be reminded that effective executive leadership isn’t about control—it’s about calibration. It’s about knowing the “blood type” of the organization, understanding the personality of the lead pastor, and helping clarify direction while cultivating culture.Resources Mentioned🗣️ Follow Kyle⛪️ Ward ChurchUnstuck Event: Church Building Masterclass with Phil TaylorFrom Our Partners💻 ⁠The Church Hub⁠: The Church Hub serves pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses through equipping and training resources. Learn more at https://thechurchhub.org Connect with Phil Taylor✉️ ⁠Get Phil's Newsletter⁠✉️ ⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠🗣️ ⁠⁠@philtaylorxp⁠⁠ 📚 ⁠Books by Phil⁠💻 ⁠backstagepastors.org⁠™️💻⁠plainjoestudios.com⁠ Connect with Tyler Drewitz✉️ ⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠🗣️ ⁠⁠@tylerdrewitz⁠⁠💻 ⁠myxp.church⁠💻⁠ridgelineprinting.com⁠The best way to support this podcast is to like, subscribe and share it with a friend.LIKE & SUBSCRIBE📹 ⁠Youtube⁠🍏 ⁠Apple⁠🎤 ⁠SpotifyCHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction to Kyle Nabors04:00 – Kyle’s Leadership Journey: Military, Business, Nonprofit & Church09:00 – The Lunch That Sparked a Book11:53 – Structure Must Serve the Mission15:00 – Trust: The Currency of the Executive Pastor21:19 – Backstage Leadership at Kensington Church25:00 – Diagnosing Before Prescribing31:54 – Thriving, Authenticity & Spiritual Health36:00 – Navigating Church vs. Nonprofit Culture43:48 – Return on Investment, Direction & Stewardship– –Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co.