Backstage Pastors Episode 2: Why Lead Pastors and Executive Pastors Need Each Other w/ Ed Marcelle
4th February 2026
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About This Podcast:
In this episode of The Backstage Pastors Podcast™️, Phil and Tyler sit down with longtime friend and ministry partner Ed Marcelle to explore the dynamics of the Lead Pastor (LP) and Executive Pastor (XP) relationship. Drawing from their shared history planting Terra Nova Church in upstate New York, the conversation traces Ed’s journey from solo church planter to national church planting leader. Along the way, they unpack lessons on burnout, vision, organizational leadership, team-based ministry, and the importance of mutual submission between LPs and XPs. The episode also highlights Ed’s transition into his current role serving church planters across the country and reflects on what it means to steward God’s investment in leaders for long-term, generational impact.
Note: This interview was recorded a few years ago, but we decided we liked it so much, we just had to keep it.
Resources Mentioned
🗣️ Follow Ed: / emarcelle
💻 Harbor Church Planting Network: harbornetwork.com
From Our Partners
💻 The Church Hub serves pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses through equipping and training resources. Learn more at thechurchhub.org
Connect with Phil Taylor
✉️ phil@backstagepastors.org
🗣️ @philtaylorxp
Connect with Tyler Drewitz
✉️ tyler@myxp.church
🗣️ @tylerdrewitz
💻 myxp.church
LIKE & SUBSCRIBE
📹 Youtube @backstagepastors7152
🍏 Apple
🎤 Spotify
Chapters
01:40 – Series Overview and Defining the Executive Pastor Role
03:17 – Announcement: Church Building Projects Masterclass
06:24 – Introducing Mike Bonem
08:38 – The Story Behind Leading from the Second Chair
12:38 – Why Thriving in the Second Chair Was Written
14:04 – Extending Your Shelf Life in Ministry
17:00 – Finding Encouragement in Backstage Ministry
24:50 – Why Change Is So Hard in Churches
33:09 – Preparing for the Executive Pastor Role
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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co.
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