In this inaugural episode of "The RISE Leadership Podcast", we set the stage for what this resource is all about: equipping and inspiring leaders at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. Host Jeremy Dixon (Young Adults Pastor) is joined by Phil McMichael (Pastor of Ministries), Davin Benavides (Vice-President of Student Development and Mentoring), and Ryan Blackwell (Executive Pastor) to discuss the heart behind the podcast. Together, they explore the importance of developing volunteers, seminary residents, and staff, highlighting what Cross Church is already doing to invest in its leaders and how this podcast will take those efforts to the next level. With practical insights, vision casting, and a glimpse behind the curtain of Cross Church leadership development, this episode is both an introduction and a call to action for every listener to rise in their calling and impact their ministry, workplace, and community.

Send us a text

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with our senior pastor, Dr. Nick Floyd to explore what it means to lead in the local church. From personal leadership habits to influencing your family, workplace, and church, Pastor Nick shares wisdom gained from years of ministry experience. Together, they discuss lessons from his journey as a leader, navigating challenges, and the importance of integrity, vision, and servant-hearted leadership. Whether you’re a Dream Teamer, a seminary resident, or part of the Cross Church staff, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you grow as a leader in every area of your life.

Send us a text

Join hosts Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael as they sit down with Dr. Ronnie Floyd, former Senior Pastor of Cross Church and a respected leader in ministry, to explore the supernatural power of prayer and fasting.  

In this episode, Dr. Floyd shares profound insights on how prayer and fasting can deepen your relationship with God, align your heart with His will, and empower you to lead with greater spiritual clarity and strength. Discover practical ways to incorporate fasting into your life and learn why this spiritual discipline is vital for influencing the world around you.  

Whether you’re a staff member, dreamteamer, resident, or simply seeking to grow in your faith, this episode will inspire you to pursue God’s presence with persistence, faith, and intimacy. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about a timeless practice that can transform your life and ministry.  

Send us a text

Jeremy and Phil welcome Jennifer, one of our Women’s Ministry Directors, for a conversation about Women’s Ministry at Cross Church. Discover how this ministry creates space for women to grow in their faith, form meaningful relationships, and navigate life’s seasons with grace and community. If you are curious about what happens in Women’s Ministry, this episode has something for you.

Send us a text

Join Jeremy and Phil as they sit down with Whitney, one of our Preschool Directors, to explore the heart of Preschool Ministry at Cross Church. From goldfish crackers to sharing the love of Jesus with the tiniest members of our church, this episode dives into how this ministry sets the foundation for a lifetime of faith, birth though kindergarten. Whether you’re a parent, a dream teamer, or simply curious about this ministry, this conversation will leave you inspired to get involved!

Send us a text

In this episode, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Bryant, one of our Student Pastors, to explore world of Student Ministry. From navigating high school heartbreaks to tackling life’s toughest questions, Bryant shares how this ministry creates a space where teenagers can encounter Jesus and find authentic community. Whether you're considering joining the team or simply curious about investing in the next generation, this episode offers an inside look at the joys and challenges of shaping young lives for Christ.

Send us a text

Jeremy and Phil are joined by Cam, one of our Kids Pastors, to talk all things Kids Ministry. From exciting events to the weekly hustle of teaching God’s Word in creative ways, this episode highlights the incredible impact of ministering to 1st through 6th grade kids. Tune in to hear how Kids Ministry equips the next generation for faith and how you can be a part of it!

Send us a text

In this episode, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Mollie, one of our First Impressions Leaders, to talk about the ministry that makes every guest at Cross Church feel like they belong. From friendly greeters from the street to the seats, First Impressions Ministry is all about creating a welcoming environment where people can encounter Jesus. Tune in to learn how you can be part of this impactful team!

Send us a text

In the next episode of the Rise Leadership Podcast, Cross Theological Seminary President Dr. Jeff Crawford discusses the factors to evaluate when considering a career move, and how to search for God’s will in that decision making process.

Send us a text

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with our 2025 Freedom Weekend Speaker, Mark Hutchinson. Mark — the Young Adult Pastor from Family Life Church in Tampa, Florida —will take us through his years as a football player at Florida International University, talk about the steps of obedience God led him to take, and how that led to almost 500 student athletes engaging in Bible studies across FIU and the University of Miami. In this episode we’ll look at overcoming fear, walking in obedience, and God’s perfect timing.

Send us a text

Brandon Thomas, Keystone Church

The fight to finish well — while every believer is aware of the priority that it should hold in our lives, we can easily lose sight of this fight as a motivational focus. In a recent chapel service with our Cross Church staff and CTS residents, Pastor Brandon Thomas dives into the life of Caleb and the characteristics that enabled him to fight the fight to finish well. 

Send us a text

In this episode, Jeremy and Phil will talk with Ryan Blackwell about navigating conflict as the leader. Join us as Dr. Blackwell discusses biblical and practical wisdom for handling conflict, and how to lead through conflict in a way that strengthens your team culture.

Send us a text

Author, Pastor and Comedian Ted Cunningham joins Pastor Nick Floyd and Jeremy Dixon to discuss finding joy in the crazy seasons and rhythms of family life.

Send us a text

In this episode Wichita State pitcher Caleb Anderson, former Razorback Brandon Moore and guest co-host Rick Schaeffer join Phil McMichael to discuss baseball, leadership, and how to maximize our position and passions for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Send us a text

Former Tyson & Foster Farms CEO Donnie Smith discusses the pitfalls of holding onto past successes and disappointments, how to stay focused on what's ahead, and how to run after God's best plans for your future in life and leadership. 

Send us a text

In this episode, Marco & Sonia Hernandez from our Cross Church ministry team share their journey as a married couple. From the beginning of their marriage when neither was a follower of Christ, to their saving encounter with Jesus, and how their relationship with Him and their community within the Church has transformed their lives, marriage and family. 

Send us a text

En este episodio, Marco y Sonia Hernández, del equipo ministerial de Cross Church, comparten su trayectoria desde el inicio de su matrimonio, cuando ninguno de los dos era seguidor de Cristo, hasta su experiencia de salvación con Jesús, y cómo su relación con Él y su comunidad dentro de la Iglesia ha transformado sus vidas, matrimonio y familia.

Send us a text

Host Jeremy Dixon is joined by leadership consultant, author, and former Catalyst leader Brad Lomenick. Together, they explore the weighty and essential leadership themes of identity, calling, and assignment—unpacking what it means to steward your influence well, whether you’re leading in the church or the marketplace.

Brad shares insights from decades of experience leading thousands of young leaders and working alongside voices like John Maxwell. You’ll hear practical wisdom on discovering your calling, owning your current assignment, and showing up with an “owner” mentality—no matter your title. 

If you’re seeking to lead with greater intentionality, this episode will help you take your next step with confidence.

Send us a text

How do you influence the leaders above you without overstepping—and empower those below you to speak into your leadership? In this episode, Champion Forest Baptist Church Lead Pastor Jarrett Stephens joins us to unpack the art of “leading up.” With wisdom shaped by decades of ministry, Jarrett shares how humility, longevity, and faithfulness create lasting influence, why trusting your leader is a choice, and how honoring authority ultimately expands your own. If you're eager to grow your leadership while strengthening your team and culture, this conversation is for you.

Send us a text

IMB missionaries Seth & Amanda join our podcast to discuss lessons they have learned from serving and leading large numbers of team members who are stationed in remote locations. 

Send us a text

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeff Crawford—President of Cross Theological Seminary—joins Jeremy and Phil for a special behind-the-scenes look at how CTS came to life. From a simple dream to a thriving seminary, Dr. Crawford unpacks the origin story, the moments of divine confirmation, and the unexpected miracles that marked its inaugural year.

More than just a seminary story, this episode is packed with leadership gold. You’ll hear lessons on leading with vision before there’s a blueprint, the power of innovation through organic growth, and what it looks like to step into uncharted territory, trusting that God will build as you move.

Whether you’re building something new or stewarding something established, this episode will encourage and equip you to lead boldly and faithfully.

Send us a text

In this episode, Phil & Jeremy sit down with Eli Laughlin, College Pastor at Cross Church, to discuss the vision, mission & opportunities of C3. If you are a college student interested in finding community and even looking for your own personal mission, or if you are an adult looking for a way to leave a legacy in the lives of college students, this podcast will introduce you to those possibilities with this behind the scenes look at the college ministry at Cross Church. 

Send us a text

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Brennan Washington—former Cross Church staff member and now a church planter in Kentucky—for a powerful conversation on spiritual leadership that lasts. Brennan shares wisdom on consistency through seasons, the prayer life that anchors a leader, and what it means to honor a legacy while stepping into your own calling.

Reflecting on the recent loss of an amazing father-in-law, Brennan opens up about the grief, gratitude, and growth that come with continuing a legacy. We also talk about the tension and humility required to lead people who are more gifted than you, and why spiritual leadership is less about charisma and more about character and commitment.

Whether you’re leading in the church, the marketplace, or your home, this conversation will encourage you to stay rooted, stay faithful, and play the long game.

Send us a text

Dave Kinney, our Cross Church Pastor of Operations, discusses layers of organizational, personal and regional crisis he has walked through, and leadership lessons that helped him to navigate those seasons. 

Send us a text

Josh Carson is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Rausch Companies. Josh joins Jeremy & Phil to discuss how he has been able to create avenues for spiritual conversations and encouragement for his team, and how his own walk with the Lord continues to impact his life as a leader.

Send us a text

How do you live out your faith when the cameras are always on? 5News anchor Tiffany Lee joins The RISE Leadership Podcast to share her journey of following Christ while working in the public eye. She opens up about the importance of Biblical community, the challenge of balancing faith with a demanding work schedule, and how she maintains and communicates hope in a profession that often highlights tragedy and darkness.

Send us a text

John Rausch, Chairman and CEO of Rausch Companies, joins the podcast to discuss expanding a business begun by his grandfather, leading toward and through a major transition, and maintaining team and organizational culture. 

Send us a text

Discover insights with Tim Stevens, Founder and CEO of Leading Smart, a leading consulting firm dedicated to empowering business and church leaders to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Tim shares proven strategies for developing your team from within, key indicators for when to seek external talent, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're scaling your organization or nurturing your current staff, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to lead more effectively and build a stronger, more resilient team.

Send us a text