What does it look like to build something that lasts — not just structurally, but spiritually? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker sits down with Toni Clarke, Executive Director of Assure Women’s Center in Omaha, as the ministry celebrates 40 years of impact. From its humble beginnings of “$500 and a prayer” to a growing team of more than 40 staff members, Toni shares how prayer has anchored every major turning point in the organization’s story. She reflects on stepping reluctantly into leadership while walking through personal health challenges, and how God used her military and corporate background to prepare her for a calling she didn’t initially seek.

Toni offers honest insight into the tension between ministry and structure, the hard lessons of “blessing and releasing” team members, and the faith required to stop managing outcomes and trust God as Provider. She speaks candidly about seasons that stretched her leadership, the discipline of stewarding time and influence well, and why leading yourself first is essential to leading anyone else. At its core, this conversation is about surrender — building something significant not by personal ambition, but by obedience, integrity, and a deep trust that this is God’s ministry to grow.

In this encore conversation, Stan Parker sits down with Jeff Keiser, Executive Director of Camp Sonshine, for a thoughtful and deeply honest discussion about leadership, calling, and following Jesus in real time. Jeff reflects on his leadership journey—from early formative experiences to launching and leading a growing camp ministry—and invites listeners into the heart-level realities that shape how leaders think, decide, and serve. Stan and Jeff unpack a practical “leadership equation,” exploring how dissatisfaction can spark vision, how influence must be stewarded with integrity, and why sacrifice is an unavoidable part of faithful leadership.

Connect with Jeff as he shares candid stories about risk, criticism, spiritual opposition, and the moments of brokenness that taught him dependence on God rather than self-effort. Gain wisdom as a leader feeling the weight of responsibility, the loneliness of decision-making, or the tension between faith and fear—and be reminded that spiritual leadership is less about control and more about surrender.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, host Stan Parker sits down with Bryan Clark as he reflects on more than four decades of ministry and his upcoming retirement after 33 years as senior pastor of Lincoln Berean Church. Bryan shares the story of his calling—from seminary in California to a small, divided church in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and eventually to leading a large, multi-staff organization. Along the way, he unpacks how those early years shaped his understanding of humility, servant leadership, and the inseparable connection between preaching, pastoring, and leading. Bryan also explains why this season feels like the right time to step away—choosing to leave while he can still serve well, make space for the next generation, and allow new leaders to flourish without his shadow.

Bryan speaks candidly about the realities that have shaped his leadership, including serious health challenges, the weight of long-term ministry, and the lessons learned through risk-filled decisions around finances, staffing, and vision. He reflects on learning to lead through team-based decision-making, dependence on mentors, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to integrity and time in God’s Word. From leading a church through debt-free milestones to navigating regret, faith-driven risk, and the urgency of stewarding each day well, this conversation offers a thoughtful, grounded look at what it means to lead with humility, finish well, and trust God through every season of building.

What happens when a group of ordinary believers asks God to use them in extraordinary ways? Pastor Austin Edwards traces the journey of Citylight Church from a simple desire to make disciples to a multiplying network of congregations impacting the city and stretching to other states. With humility and transparency, he shares how their culture was shaped, what they’ve learned through both opportunities and obstacles, and why staying rooted in relationships has been essential.

Austin offers honest insight into the challenges of leadership, the necessity of prayerful surrender, and the joy of watching God move in ways no strategy could manufacture. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or simply passionate about disciple-making, this episode will encourage you to trust God with what He’s building — and to step faithfully into your part of the mission.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, we sit down with Pastor Rick Lorimer, lead pastor of Christ Place Church in Lincoln, for a candid and deeply personal conversation about leadership that lasts. From his early days as a bold high school believer to his decades of ministry experience, Rick shares how God has shaped his understanding of spiritual leadership—not through ambition or success, but through character, humility, and seasons of brokenness.

Rick opens up about painful turning points, burnout, and moments of recalibration that taught him to value presence with God over performance for God. Along the way, he offers hard-won wisdom on staying grounded, building accountability, and leading from a place of authenticity. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or someone who simply wants to grow in your walk with Christ, this conversation will remind you that God does His best building work—inside before outside.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker sits down with Keith Becker, founder and ministry director of the Todd Becker Foundation. Keith shares the life-changing story of losing his brother Todd in a tragic accident and the way God used a persistent pastor to lead him to faith in Christ. Out of that heartbreak came a calling—to spend his life pointing others to Jesus. Over the past 20 years, Keith and his team have shared Todd’s story and the hope of the gospel with more than 150,000 students in over 1,000 public schools nationwide.

Keith also reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way—from early failures and unhealthy ambition to discovering what it means to lead with humility, health, and eternal perspective. He unpacks why “less is more” has become a guiding principle in his ministry, how health matters more than size, and the qualities he looks for in young leaders who want to be discipled. Keith’s story is a powerful reminder that God builds His kingdom through surrendered lives, one conversation and one step of faith at a time.

In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker talks with Ellen Miller, founder and executive director of A Latere Academy—a unique hybrid school model that supports families choosing to educate at home. What began as a God-given dream in the middle of burnout has grown into a thriving ministry serving 300 families and 600 students across five campuses in Nebraska and Illinois, with a dedicated team of 85 staff members. Ellen shares how her personal struggles became the foundation for her calling, launching A Latere with 75 students and 14 staff in its first year, and how her “secret sauce” is simple but powerful—letting Jesus lead and surrounding herself with the right people.

Ellen opens up about the lessons she’s learned in leadership—from building a strong, well-rounded team to navigating criticism and leading from a place of health. She shares the FLO qualities she looks for in leaders (Flexible, Learner, Owner) and the importance of passion for Jesus and discipling the next generation. Along the way, Ellen offers encouragement for young leaders to seek counsel, know their vulnerabilities, and trust God’s timing.

What does it look like to grow as a leader when you didn’t set out to be one? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Pastor Jeff Baker of New Life Church (Kearney • North Platte • Ogallala • Holdrege, Nebraska) shares his journey from a life of brokenness into a life of leadership—one shaped by humility, failure, and an ongoing desire to learn. Jeff reflects on the painful moment of being fired early in ministry and how it became a turning point in understanding what leadership really requires. He opens up about learning to ask questions, embracing the “second seat,” and how confidence balanced with humility became a key leadership principle.

Jeff also shares insights on leadership transitions, accountability, and building a leadership culture that multiplies. From launching a “leadership pipeline” to making the tough calls needed to break through growth ceilings, Jeff shares what it means to lead with vision and faith while taking steps toward leaving a legacy that outlasts your own leadership.