Backstage Pastors Episode 1: Leading from the Second Chair w/ Mike Bonem
30th January 2026
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About This Podcast:
In this episode of the Backstage Pastors Podcast™️, hosts Phil and Tyler kick off the series by welcoming longtime executive pastor, author, and consultant Mike Bonem. The conversation centers on the origins and evolution of the executive pastor (XP) and second-chair leader role, drawing heavily from Mike’s seminal book Leading from the Second Chair and his more recent work Thriving in the Second Chair.
Mike shares the story behind writing one of the first books focused on second-chair leadership, reflects on how the XP role has changed over the past two decades, and offers practical wisdom for sustaining long-term effectiveness in backstage ministry. The discussion also explores challenges around change management in churches, delegation, metrics, and how second-chair leaders can find encouragement and visible impact even when their work often happens behind the scenes.
Resources Mentioned
Leading from the Second Chair by Mike Bonem
Thriving in the Second Chair by Mike Bonem
Leading Congregational Change by Mike Bonem
In Pursuit of Great and Godly Leadership by Mike Bonem
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
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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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