The Thread, from Alpha
Alpha International 57 episodes Nov 10, 2026
The Thread is a podcast that offers fresh perspectives on Christian leadership, global culture, and evangelism in a changing world. Produced by Alpha, it features timely talks, relevant insights, and open conversations with diverse leaders from around the globe. The show is hosted by Stephen Foster.
Episodes
Secure Leaders: Breaking Through the Limits of Insecurity to Lead with Greater Capacity
In this practical episode, Andrés Spyker explores five key differences between insecure and secure leaders, highlighting patterns that shape how we lead. Drawing on themes of intentional healing and spiritual identity, he offers practical steps towards more grounded, confident leadership rooted in a secure foundation.
Deep Change: Moving Beyond ‘Impact’ to Three-Generation Thinking
Impact is only the starting point for genuinely consequential change. This episode explores transformation that starts smaller, unfolds across generations, and requires more imagination and spiritual power. It will help you rethink life and leadership beyond short-term measures of success, embracing models of change that characterise the redemptive mission of God.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Workplace Resilience: Standing Firm in a Brittle, Anxious World
Brittle. Anxious. Non-linear. Incomprehensible. If that describes your workplace, you are not alone. Leading at work is more demanding than ever, testing the faith and character of many Christians. This episode with John Cai, former regional CEO of Prudential, explores how to lead with conviction and resilience in uncertainty, offering a biblical perspective on standing firm in a shifting world.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Renaissance: A Conversation on Spirit-Led Creativity
Content note: Due to technical issues on site, this episode does not include video content. We're sorry! Al Gordon and Farida Matthews interview creatives who are leaving a mark and making space for the Creator Spirit in their work: Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion Week; DC3, the Northampton-raised artist fusing hip-hop, gospel, and jazz with an unashamed faith; and Steve Chao, Emmy-n
LC26 Bonus Episode: The Redemptive Frame: A Model for Social Transformation
Frequently our imagination for cultural change is limited by narrow views of calling and influence. In this episode, Andy Crouch introduces Praxis’s ‘redemptive frame’, helping Christian leaders identify and pursue redemptive opportunities in their spheres. He shares on how to apply a redemptive design to the goods and services we offer, to operations and systems, and to our personal scripts for s
LC26 Bonus Episode: Alive in the Trinity: Nurturing the Prayer Life of the Christian Leader
Theologian and pastor Darrell Johnson reflects on communion with God as the only foundation strong enough to sustain transformative leadership. As we live in Jesus’ relationship with His Father, we are more and more drawn into and caught up in His praying and we find ourselves liberated from "prayer-as-work" to "prayer-as-breathing", thereby experiencing fresh joy and freedom a
LC26 Bonus Episode: Knowing the Times: How Should We Respond to This Cultural Moment?
To lead people through the complexities and opportunities of this cultural moment, we desperately need to understand them. In this episode, Stephen Foster, Louise Perry, author of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, and Jon Tyson, Pastor of Church of the City New York, discuss how we can lead with wisdom, discernment, vision, and boldness in this fascinating time.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Knowing Who We Are: Has Gen Z Caused an Identity Crisis for the Church?
This episode explores whether Gen Z has exposed an identity crisis for the Church and its relationship to culture. Drawing on theologians who have wrestled with the question of what the Church is during times of social and political upheaval, Jack Driver-Szekely, Fr Peter Wojcik, and Rachel Wooldridge consider how the Church can offer a hopeful witness without starting from anxiety about cultural
LC26 Bonus Episode: The Drama of Leadership: Authority, Vulnerability, and Power
Healthy leadership combines authority and vulnerability. This episode considers the complex dynamics of living and leading with both, including the particular challenges when leaders experience vulnerabilities that others do not see. Andy Crouch will help you recognise redemptive opportunities in your current sphere of influence, providing a practical tool for charting a healthy course through lea
LC26 Bonus Episode: Leading Churches: Building Healthy, Growing Local Churches
Leading in a church environment requires particular skills and expression. In this episode, HTB's Archie Coates, Mexico's Andrés and Kelly Spyker, leaders of MásVida, and Canada's Father Simon Lobo, General Superior of the Companions of the Cross, discuss how to navigate the different seasons of church life, how to build a diverse team and draw out the best in others, and how to set an
LC26 Bonus Episode: Breaking Strongholds: Spiritual Warfare in the Life of a Leader
This seminar from the Leadership Conference explores how spiritual warfare uniquely affects those in positions of influence. Jon Tyson considers how unseen strongholds can surface in life and ministry, and how the way of Jesus leads us to seek genuine freedom and power from God. You will be encouraged to pursue God afresh and lead with dependence, courage, and spiritual resilience.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with the Koleoso Family
Nicky Gumbel interviews the leaders of Jubilee Church London, Tope and Kemi Koleoso, alongside their musician sons Femi and TJ from Ezra Collective. They discuss parenting well while leading in ministry, representing Christ in secular spaces, and growing up on mission together as a family.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Archie Coates, Treasure in Jars of Clay
Vicar of HTB, Archie Coates, turns to 2 Corinthians 4:7 in this message from LC26: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Reminding us that God's power is made perfect in weakness, he shares that though the containers of our lives are ordinary, the treasure we carry is extraordinary and that the way you walk in
LC26 Bonus Episode: Digital Reset - Developing a Digital Rule of Life and Making AI Work for You
We all live by a rule of life – including with digital devices which come with default settings that are poorly designed for genuine spiritual, mental, and emotional health. As AI expands, intentional personal and communal practices become more urgent. This episode will help you redesign life rhythms to use technology fruitfully while growing in wholeness, freedom, and deeper humanity.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Unusual Suspects: Lessons in Leadership from Strange Corners of the Bible
When thinking about biblical examples of leadership, we often turn to the usual suspects for wisdom and inspiration. But what might we discover if we mine the scriptures for leadership examples that are less commonly spotlighted? Join Tim Mackie from The Bible Project and The Orchard's Rachel and Amy Hughes, as they highlight a handful of unlikely leaders in the Bible.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Stephen Foster, Shaken Yet Stirred
From the main stage at LC26, Stephen Foster teaches on being a joyful leader in an anxious age. Looking to Paul's letter to the Philippians, he shares an exhortation to let the disruption and shaking around you stir a passion within you, to let gratitude fill your heart, and to stay in the fight – because He is worth it.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Johannes Hartl, Are We Working Too Hard or Not Hard Enough?
In his main stage talk from LC26, Johannes Hartl poses the question, "Are we working too hard or are we not working hard enough anymore?" Referencing Nietzsche's model of the camel, lion, and child, he explains why this is a spiritual question that demands the spiritual solution of being rooted and grounded in the love of God in order to no longer operate as orphans.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Louise Perry
Through working as a journalist and a support worker at a rape crisis centre, Louise Perry began analysing the impact of the sexual revolution and went on to write The Case Against the Sexual Revolution. In this interview with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel at Leadership Conference 2026, she discusses her findings on the cost of removing Christian sexual ethics from society and how this led her to faith i
LC26 Bonus Episode: Tope Koleoso, Cultivating a Prayer Culture
Exhorting the leaders at LC26 to "ask for rain in the time of rain" (Zechariah 10), Jubilee Church London pastor Tope Koleoso shares a powerful message on prayer. He calls believers back to a place of intercession, declaration, confession, and adoration, offering practical teaching on hindrances to prayer and cultivating a prayer culture in our churches and communities.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Tsitsi Masiyiwa
Nicky speaks to award-winning philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa, who has leapfrogged her way to incredible impact alongside her husband, Strive. The interview highlights stories from their inspirational journey, some of the challenges along the way, and the power of prayer.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel in Conversation with Cardinal Tagle
Speaking to Nicky Gumbel in Rome, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – one of just 12 Cardinal-Bishops in the Catholic Church – shares his wisdom on humility, being a good listener, remaining anchored in Jesus, and being light of heart. He also gives a one-line response to each of the Alpha episode topics.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An interview with Evika Siliņa
"Fear is the worst advisor." In a captivating interview with Nicky Gumbel, Latvia's former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa shares her wisdom on leadership. She discusses everything from running Alphas and encountering the Holy Spirit, to being called into politics and her friendship with President Zelenskyy.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel, The Unshakeable Kingdom
In his LC26 address, Nicky Gumbel reminds us that in a world marked by instability, anxiety, and uncertainty, the Kingdom of God remains unshakable. Drawing on Hebrews 12:28 and the biblical image of Jesus as the Rock, he shares a message of resilience and hope – encouraging the church to unite around Jesus, the unshakable rock, and challenging us to play our part in the evangelisation of the nati
The Open Generation, Going Viral, and Returning to First Love with Xenia James & Jesse Fellingham
Stephen Foster is joined by Xenia James and Jesse Fellingham, two hosts of the Alpha Youth Series and The Way UK. They share their personal journeys to faith, the story behind their street interviews with thousands of young people, and what they’re discovering about Gen Z’s openness to spirituality and Christianity. They also reflect on the pressures of online momentum, the importance of slowing d
Faith Across Borders with Miles Toulmin, Shaila Visser & Patricia Lau: Stories of Growth, Renewal, & the Next Generation
Stephen Foster speaks with Miles Toulmin, CEO of Alpha International; Shaila Visser, Global Vice President and National Director of Alpha Canada; and Patricia Lau, Executive Director of Alpha Hong Kong about Alpha’s impact around the world. From church planting in Malaysia to student-led Alpha in schools, they explore a global surge in faith, innovative outreach, and how even children as young as
The Science of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: Leadership, Meaning, and the Cost of Success
Join Stephen Foster and Arthur Brooks, Professor at Harvard University and New York Times bestselling author, live from Leadership Conference 2025 as they discuss the science of happiness for leaders and the importance of reckoning with idols. Arthur shares fascinating findings on neurochemistry, covering the concepts of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning; the emotional cost of leadership; and i
Against the Current with Louise Perry: Sex, Truth, and the Return to Faith
Author and journalist, Louise Perry, joins Stephen Foster to examine why the sexual revolution has failed many women and families. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her own journey from atheism to faith, she reflects on marriage, dating, power, and why ancient wisdom may speak more clearly to modern confusion than today’s promises of liberation.
Extraordinary Days with Archie Coates, Al Gordon & Pete Hughes: Spiritual Hunger, Openness, and the Call to Be Ready
Stephen Foster is joined by church leaders Archie Coates, Al Gordon, and Pete Hughes. Together they reflect on a growing spiritual openness across society and a renewed hunger for God within the church. They discuss the surge of people exploring faith, stories of healing and encounter, and what this moment calls for in terms of prayer, invitation, and relational leadership – especially in raising
Faith in a Shaking World with Nicky Gumbel
In this episode, Stephen Foster talks with Nicky Gumbel about faith and leadership in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty. Nicky reflects on a growing spiritual hunger and openness he’s seeing, including in his own Alpha group. They discuss leading like Jesus, the challenges of leadership today, and the importance of unity and learning from the global church.
LC25 Bonus Series: A Conversation with Bear Grylls
In this Bonus episode of The Thread from Leadership Conference 2025, we hear from multiple Emmy and BAFTA Award winner Bear Grylls. Bear joins Nicky Gumbel live from the Royal Albert Hall and shares about his new book "The Greatest Story Ever Told", the process of writing it, and how deeply it has impacted his life.
Going to God for Creativity with Steve Chao
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen sits down with Director of the Chinese Alpha Film Series, the Alpha Youth Series and the upcoming new Alpha Series, and the CEO of SignalFlare Productions, Steve Chao. Steve shares incredible insights into leading with faith in creative spaces and how his background in journalism at the heart of war zones across the globe shaped his passion for storytelling.
LC25 Bonus Episode: Ordinary Jobs, Extraordinary Calling - Making a Kingdom Impact in the Workplace
In this Bonus episode from Leadership Conference 2025, Patricia Lau, Executive Director of Alpha Hong Kong, is joined by global business leaders to look at how we can transform everyday work into patterns of Kingdom impact in the workplace.
Spiritual Inheritance with Jacintha Tagal
Jacintha Tagal leads HTBB Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with her husband, Abel Cheah. In this episode, she shares with Stephen how her father’s headhunting Lun Bawang tribe in East Malaysia received the gospel and experienced the miraculous. She and Stephen discuss revival, spiritual inheritance, ministry, grief, and doing succession well.
LC25 Bonus Epsiode: Changemakers Rising - Conversations With Young Leaders Shaping Social Justice
In this Leadership Conference 2025 bonus episode, Rachel Gardner, Youth Innovation Lead at St Luke's church in Blackburn, is joined by emerging young leaders for a conversation on how we can reshape our thinking on social transformation, justice and God's kingdom, looking at how we can partner with God's work in bold new ways.
LC25 Bonus Episode: Leader and Parent - Navigating the Dual Callings of Parenting and Leadership
In this episode from Leadership Conference 2025, Amy and Rachel Hughes are joined their husbands Tim and Jonny Hughes alongside Priscilla Shirer for a conversation on how we wear the dual hats of both parenting and leadership and how we navigate the challenges and the joys of wearing those two hats together.
Being a Disciple-Making Disciple with Abel Cheah
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen sits down with Abel Cheah, Vicar of HTBB Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to explore topics like the hunger, not for more leadership content, but for authentic examples of leadership, the raising up of new leaders, and what it takes to be a disciple-making disciple.
LC25 Bonus Episode: Renaissance - Igniting your Imagination
In this bonus episode from Leadership Conference 2025, Al Gordon and Farida Matthews explore the biblical and psychological aspects of the imagination and look at how you can unlock the creative potential of your mind.
LC25 Bonus Series: Rachel Gardner and The Hunger of the Next Generation
This episode brings you Rachel Gardner's mainstage talk from the Leadership Conference 2025. Rachel looks at what God is doing amongst younger generations today, and how we as the Church must respond in this particular cultural moment.
Building on the Prayers of Generations with Dan Blythe
In this episode, Stephen is joined by Alpha’s Global Youth Director, Dan Blythe. Dan works alongside young people and youth leaders globally to inspire, innovate and support the mission of Alpha to bring the gospel to young people around the world. In this conversation, Dan shares his own journey into faith at a young age, the values and priorities of the ‘now’ generation and his own tips for figh
LC25 Bonus Series: Awakening in the Rising Generation - Seizing a Moment of Spiritual Openness
In this next bonus episode from Leadership Conference 2025, we feature a seminar presented by those currently stewarding moves of God among young leaders in various global contexts. With a surprising and significant openness to faith among the rising generations in many places around the world, how can we – as emerging and established leaders – seize the moment, prepare for awakening, and respond
LC25 Bonus Series: Doing Battle - Spiritual Warfare in the Life of a Leader with Pete Hughes, Tammy Comer and Jon Thompson
This bonus episode brings you a seminar from the Leadership Conference 2025 in which Jon Thompson and Tammy Comer join Pete Hughes to examine the influence that the demonic can have within our lives as Christians. Nothing of the kingdom goes uncontested. As we lead people into God’s purposes, we should expect spiritual resistance and opposition. What does this look like? How do we navigate and ove
Authentic Disciple Making with Rachel Gardner
In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from a theology dissertation on the Spice Girls to grassroots youth ministry in Blackburn. She explores the spiritual hunger of today’s teens, the most irreligious generation in history, yet simultaneously marked by a powerful spiritual hunger, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, hope, and the transformative presence of Jesus.
LC25 Bonus Series: Dr Johannes Hartl and Fighting for Focus - Finding Clarity and Rest in an Age of Distraction
This episode brings you Dr. Johannes Hartl's seminar from the Leadership Conference 2025, exploring how we can find clarity and rest in an age of distraction. To work creatively and to rest deeply, both need something our world seems to lack more and more: the willingness and capacity to focus on one thing. In this seminar, you will learn why focus is the crucial skill for our time, how to underst
LC25 Bonus Series: Dr Arthur Brooks and Finding Happiness at Every Stage of Life
In this mainstage talk from the Leadership Conference 2025, Harvard professor, PhD social scientist, #1 bestselling author and columnist of The Atlantic's popular "How to Build a Life" column, Dr Arthur Brooks studies and teaches on the art of happiness. He shares data-backed methods for finding deep purpose and happiness at every stage of life.
Protecting the Hope in your Spirit, with Keithen Schwahn
In this episode, Stephen is joined by Keithen Schwahn, who is Pastor of Young People at Church of the City New York. In this conversation, Stephen and Keithen dive into what is rising in young people today – from boldness to a spiritual openness and a hunger for truth. Keithen shares from his own journey about the importance of protecting the hope in your own spirit, building on truth and how to b
LC25 Bonus Series: Priscilla Shirer and How to Remain Steadfast in the Works of the Lord
This episode brings you Priscilla Shirer's mainstage talk from the Leadership Conference 2025. Priscilla speaks on how to remain steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord through the course of time and different seasons of life.
LC25 Bonus Series: Pastor Andrés Spyker and The Insecure Leader
This episode brings you Pastor Andrés Spyker's mainstage talk from the Leadership Conference 2025. Andrés Spyker is the senior pastor of Masvida Church in Mexico City. In this talk he addresses the insecurities of a leader, the threat they pose to the church today and how we can overcome them.
Living as New Creation People with N.T. Wright
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen Foster speaks with New Testament Scholar, thinker and theologian, N.T. Wright. This conversation centres on the resurrection of Jesus, looking at both the historical evidence supporting its truth and the significance it marks for God’s new creation on earth. Talking about being identified in Christ, the role of the Church today and the importance of imaginati
LC25 Bonus Series: Nicky Gumbel, The Healing of the Nations
Opening the Leadership Conference 2025, Nicky Gumbel makes a rallying call to the Church, to resist the spirit of the age and to embrace the Spirit of Jesus. Drawing from Revelation 22:1-2, Nicky speaks about God’s plan to use His Church for the healing of the nations and he encourages us all to lead with integrity, courage and a Kingdom mentality as we share the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ.
Clearing the Way for the Rising Generation with Shaila Visser
In episode 4 of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada and Global Senior Vice-President of Alpha International. Shaila shares learnings from her own remarkable journey in leadership. In this conversation, Shaila and Stephen discuss what it looks like to live a truly surrendered life, why breadth of leadership requires spiritual depth, and how to clear the
Secularism is Having a Faith Crisis with Mark Sayers
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen talks with Mark Sayers on how the Church is uniquely placed to navigate today's 'grey zone' of transition and uncertainty with a steadfast hope and the presence of the Holy Spirit.In this conversation, Stephen and Mark look at the opportunities that are awakening as secularism faces a moment of doubt, discussing the historic pattern of crisis preceding renewa
On the Ground with the Rising Generation with Jodie Lintern
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Jodie Lintern, student outreach pastor at St Aldates Church in Oxford. Driven by her own radical coming to faith, Jodie shares wisdom from the front row of working with the rising generation in the church today.From the importance of authenticity, to creating a culture of feedback and the value of proximity over perfection, this conversation offe
Setting your Spiritual Sails with Jon Tyson
Welcome to The Thread! In our first episode, Stephen Foster talks with Jon Tyson, who shares his own leadership journey - from dropping out of school at 14 to leading a community of people at Church of the City New York and seeking renewal and revival in the Western church today. In this conversation, Stephen and Jon discuss a God-centred approach to leadership, how our hunger attracts the presenc
Tom Holland: The centrality of Christianity in shaping the modern world. (Live from the Royal Albert Hall)
In this interview with Nicky Gumbel, historian, author and co-presenter of the world-famous The Rest is History podcast, Tom Holland describes his renewed interest in Christianity in the past decade. He reflects on the impact Christianity has made on history, right up to shaping the modern world and guiding how we all think – whether we call ourselves Christians, or not.
Jennie Allen: Mental wellbeing, thriving in hardship, and playing our part together in God's unfolding story.
In this episode, Jennie Allen shares her personal experiences of journeying through tough times. She also outlines the hope she has for a reawakening and how we can all play our part, together.
Jennie will be speaking at Leadership Conference on 6–7 May 2024, live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Book your place now: leadershipconference.org.uk/lc24
_________________________
About Jennie All
Maanda and Bev Tshifularo: Growing up in South Africa, lessons from business, and the challenges of political leadership.
In this episode, Maanda and Bev Tshifularo talk with Nicky Gumbel about their experiences growing up through hardship to find success at the top of the business world. Now, Maanda is an author, strategist, and founding CEO of SuperLead, and Bev works as a Digital Consultant in the banking sector.
https://www.maandatshifularo.com/
Shelbi and Jordy Shutt: Navigating life with a disability, staying authentic, and embracing vulnerability.
Shelbi and Jordy will be speaking live at Leadership Conference 2024 over 6–7 May at the Royal Albert Hall.
This episode:
Shelbi and Jordy Shutt share their story of navigating life and faith through disability. At the age of 16, Shelbi received a shock diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy. In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, Shelbi and Jordy give an open and honest account of their experiences
Johannes Hartl: Theocentricity, being rooted in reality, and reaching young people.
Dr Johannes Hartl is a philosopher, Catholic theologian and an influential mediator between Christian spirituality, philosophy and psychology. He reaches hundreds of thousands of people through his books, lectures, and YouTube videos. In 2005, he founded the House of Prayer in Augsburg, Germany.
In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, they discuss theocentricity, the importance of being rooted in
Arthur Brooks: The science of happiness, servant leadership, and embracing the second half of life.
In the build up to Leadership Conference 2024 (6–7 May) we'll be sharing conversations with experts from various fields.
This episode:
In this conversation with Nicky Gumbel, Arthur shares his expertise and insights on the science and philosophy of happiness. He outlines the role faith plays in his understanding of purpose and fulfilment, and how Jesus' model of servant leadership gives u
Scott and Viktoria Harrison on How They Reinvented Charity for This Generation and Helped 15 Million People Gain Access to Clean Water
Scott and Viktoria Harrison have been on a journey – from working as colleagues at Scott’s kitchen table, to becoming a husband-and-wife team who would revolutionise the way the non-profit sector thinks about branding, fundraising, and marketing. As co-founders of charity: water, Scott and Viktoria have helped over 15 million people gain access to clean water through over 111,000 water projects in
Nicky Gumbel’s Call to the Church in This Unique Season
Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and Vicar of HTB in London, one of the largest Church of England churches in the UK. He is the author of many books and is married to Pippa.
https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-nicky-gumbels-call-to-the-church-in-this-unique-season
Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh on How They Found Jesus, Being Imprisoned for Sharing Their Faith & Surviving Iran's Most Notorious Prison
In 2009 in Iran, Maryam and Marziyeh were imprisoned and sentenced to death because of their Christian faith. Maryam and Marziyeh were born into Muslim families but converted to Christianity and began to share the Gospel with those around them. They were arrested in March 2009 after being accused of evangelism and apostasy. After 259 days in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison they were released. This
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba on His Dream for South Africa, Forgiveness in the Midst of Injustice and Building a Relationship With Nelson Mandela
The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town was born in 1960 and grew up in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. He holds a BSc, a BA(Honours) in Applied Psychology, and a MEd in Educational Psychology, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. He lectured at Wits University and was Dean of Knockando Residence at Wits College of Education (formerly Johannesburg College of Edu
Rick & Kay Warren on Navigating the Pain of Loss, Building Resiliency & Rebuilding in the Post-Pandemic World
Rick and Kay Warren are pastors, authors and global influencers. They founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California in 1980. Since then Saddleback has become one of the most influential churches in the United States and Rick and Kay continue to be at the forefront of the evangelical movement, encouraging churches everywhere to be a sanctuary for hope and healing.
https://www.alpha.org/blog/
Heidy Quah on Becoming an Advocate for Refugees at Age 18, Where Her Courage Comes From & Her Advice for Aspiring Young Difference Makers
Heidy Quah is a 26-year-old human rights activist who founded Refuge For The Refugees [RFTR], a one-stop centre that looks into advocating for the rights of refugees in Malaysia. Almost a decade into working with underserved populations, Heidy specializes in taking on highly complex human trafficking cases, as well as advising corporations on their anti-slavery and human trafficking policies. Heid
Dr. Francis Collins on Leading in the Fight Against COVID, Reconciling Faith With Science & Why He's Hopeful For Our Future
Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. was appointed the 16th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2009. In this role, Dr. Collins oversees the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, spanning the spectrum from basic to clinical research. Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist noted for his landmark discover
Rebecca Stewart on How to Effectively Interview Someone, the Right Way to Let A Team Member Go & the Obligation to Dissent
Rebecca served on the staff at the HTB Group for 14 years, as Head of Alpha UK, COO and Group CEO, prior to which she worked in banking, consulting and head-hunting. Rebecca now works with charitable foundations and is the Vice-Chair of Alpha International. She is married to Alex and they have two children.
https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-r
Cardinal Luis Tagle on Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously, the Power of Storytelling & What Helps Him Hold Leadership Lightly
Jump into the Leadership Conference archives to hear this conversation between Cardinal Luis Tagle and Nicky Gumbel from 2017.
Cardinal Tagle is currently living in Rome working as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. He was the 32nd Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2020. Today he also serves as the president of Caritas International, a federation of Catholic r
Isaac Borquaye (Guvna B) on the Power of Words, What the Younger Generation Really Wants & the Best Response to Issues of Inequality
Isaac Borquaye (Guvna B) is an author and multi award-winning, record-breaking urban rap artist from London. He has carved out a unique place for himself in the music world, and his other artistic endeavours draw on his personal experiences of life in London, bringing together themes of faith, masculinity and identity.
Since winning his first MOBO Music Award at just 20 years old, Guvna’s journey
Christine Caine on Wanting to Give up at Age 50, the Value of Seasons in Obscurity & Her Tried Wisdom for Living an Integrated Life
Together with her husband, Nick, Christine founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign – a recipient of the Mother Theresa Memorial Award for their work combating human trafficking among refugees. They also founded Propel Women, an organization designed to celebrate every woman’s passion, purpose, and potential. Christine and Nick make their home in Southern California with t
Nicky & Pippa Interview Jackie Pullinger on Over 55 Years of Missionary Work in Hong Kong
Jackie Pullinger is a missionary in Hong Kong and founder of the St Stephen's Society. She has been serving in Hong Kong since 1966. The early years of her Hong Kong ministry are chronicled in her book Chasing the Dragon.
https://www.alpha.org/blog/leadership-conversations-with-nicky-gumbel-podcast-jackie-pullinger
Jon Tyson Interviews Nicky Gumbel on the Urgency of This Moment
Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the United States twenty years ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Beautiful Resistance, Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority, and The Burden is Light.
Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and Vicar of HTB in London, one of the largest Ch
Anthony Tan on Leading a Multi-Billion Dollar Company With Christ-Like Integrity & Sacrificing Profits for Kingdom Values
Anthony Tan is Group CEO and Co-Founder of Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading mobile technology company focused on bringing transport freedom and financial inclusion to the region. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into eight countries across Southeast Asia. Grab's core product platform includes commuting solutions for drivers and passengers with an emphasis on convenience, safety, and re
Craig Groeschel on Navigating Anxiety as a Pastor, the Bible in One Year & How He Wants to Spend His Remaining Years
Craig and Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. Since then, Life.Church has grown to include dozens of locations all over the United States but its mission statement remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Life.Church has become known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully
Michael Todd on Leveraging Technology for the Gospel, What it Means to Live H.O.T. & Knowing When to Say No
Pastors Michael and Natalie Todd are the Lead Pastors of Transformation Church based in Tulsa, OK since February 2015. They were entrusted with Transformation Church from the founding pastor, Bishop Gary McIntosh, after 15 years of operation. Michael’s personal philosophy and driving passion is representing God to the lost and found for transformation in Christ. He aspires to reach his community,
Tim Keller: Steps for Effective Evangelism & How Cancer Has Impacted His View of Life, Death and God
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000. He is also the Chairman & Co-Founder of Redeemer City to City (CTC), which starts new churches in New York and other global
Danielle Strickland on Encountering Jesus in Prison, Fighting for Equality & the Myth of Balance
Danielle is a spiritual leader, justice advocate, communicator and peace maker. Her aggressive compassion has served people firsthand in countries all over the world. From establishing justice departments and church plants, to launching global anti-trafficking initiatives, to creating new initiatives to mobilize people towards transformational spiritual life. Danielle trains, advocates, and inspir
Bishop Sandy Millar (Nicky’s Mentor) on Leading Change in the Church & Ministry in the Power of the Spirit
Sandy Millar is married to Annette and they have 4 grown up children. He practised as a barrister for ten years before being ordained and served as a Curate at Holy Trinity Brompton in London under 2 vicars before changing places with the latter one. He was Vicar there for 20 years and worked closely with Nicky Gumbel on Alpha before moving to three parishes in North London. Duri
Get to Know Nicky Gumbel: His Journey to Church Leadership & Pioneering Alpha, With a Special Appearance From Pippa
Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in London, one of the largest Church of England churches in the UK. He is the author of many books and is married to Pippa.https://www.alpha.org/nickygumbelpodcast
