Discipleship Over Distraction: Episode One Recap of At The Table with Tony and Cedrick

 

We kicked off the first full episode of At The Table with Tony and Cedrick with good laughs and a deep dive into what really matters for leaders today. If you haven’t hit play yet, here’s a taste of what you missed—and why this conversation might be exactly what your soul (and leadership) needs.

The Discipleship Crisis vs. The Culture War

Our hot take this week? “There’s a discipleship crisis, not a culture war crisis.”

We live in a world that’s loud, reactionary, and emotionally charged. It’s easy—even for pastors and ministry leaders—to get swept up in the culture wars. But as Tony pointed out, “In the absence of true discipleship and a right understanding of God’s Word, we’re left vulnerable to the loudest voices around us.” That’s not just a leadership issue. It’s a church-wide issue.

Cedrick anchored the conversation in Acts 1:7–8, reminding us that the early church also faced cultural crises. But Jesus didn’t tell them to obsess over the times and the noise. He told them to go—to be witnesses, to make disciples.

It’s not about escaping the culture. It’s about staying grounded in mission and calling.

Why Staff Culture Matters More Than You Think

We tackled another frequently asked question: “How do you build a healthy staff culture?”

The answers weren’t about strategy decks or quarterly metrics. They were about love, intentionality, transparency, and vulnerability.

Tony shared a powerful metaphor: building a healthy team is like carving a bear out of a tree trunk—you chip away everything that doesn’t look like a bear. In ministry, that means being honest, consistent, and committed to deep relationships, not just roles.

Cedrick echoed that truth with a reminder that if you don’t truly love the people you lead, it’ll show. Love allows for flexibility, honesty, and the kind of feedback that leads to growth. “If I’m not willing to lay down my life for the people,” he said, “I’m just showing up to work.”

Big News: The District Is Moving Back to Clause A

One of the biggest updates from this episode? EFCA East is in the process of transitioning back to Clause A governance. What does that mean?

It means more local leadership, more ownership, and more opportunities for pastors across our district to shape the future of this movement. We’re forming a district board, and we’ll be presenting it at this year’s conference at West Shore Free Church, October 21–22.

More info (and space for questions) is coming. For now, block out the dates. You’ll want to be in the room.

Live Well, Lead Well: Final Encouragement

To wrap things up, Tony and Cedrick offered a powerful pastoral challenge: Don’t let yourself become a hireling.

Drawing from John 10, they reminded us that Jesus described the difference between the Good Shepherd and a hired hand. The hired hand runs when things get tough. The shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Ministry isn’t just a job. It’s a calling to love people—even when it’s messy, exhausting, or hard. If we’re going to lead well, we need to live well. And that means staying close to the Chief Shepherd, leading with love, and refusing to settle for transactional ministry.

Want More?
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Thanks for pulling up a seat at the table.