Backstage Pastors Episode 3: Cultivating a Well-Watered Garden vs. Well-Oiled Machine w/ Kyle Nabors

In this episode, Phil and Tyler sit down with Kyle Nabors, a seasoned executive leader who has served in both large churches and global nonprofits. Kyle shares insights from decades of experience, including time at Kensington Church (a 10,000+ attendee church) and Mercy Ships, and reflects on leadership, culture, trust, and the nuanced role of the executive pastor.

One of the central themes is Kyle’s well-known metaphor: the church as a well-watered garden versus a well-oiled machine. While certain systems require precision and predictability (finances, child safety, compliance), much of ministry leadership requires organic flexibility, attentiveness, and faith. Structure must serve mission—not the other way around.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll be reminded that effective executive leadership isn’t about control—it’s about calibration. It’s about knowing the “blood type” of the organization, understanding the personality of the lead pastor, and helping clarify direction while cultivating culture.

Resources Mentioned

🗣️ ⁠Follow Kyle⁠ – / kyle-nabors-signature
⛪️ ⁠Ward Church – ward.church

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

✉️ ⁠Get Phil’s Newsletter⁠

✉️ ⁠⁠phil@backstagepastors.org⁠⁠

🗣️ ⁠⁠@philtaylorxp⁠⁠

💻 ⁠backstagepastors.org⁠

💻 plainjoestudios.com

Connect with Tyler Drewitz

✉️ ⁠⁠tyler@myxp.church⁠⁠

🗣️ ⁠⁠@tylerdrewitz⁠⁠

💻 ⁠myxp.church⁠

💻⁠ ridgelineprinting.com⁠

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE

📹⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ @backstagepastors7152

🍏⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

🎤⁠ ⁠Spotify

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Kyle Nabors
04:00 – Kyle’s Leadership Journey: Military, Business, Nonprofit & Church
09:00 – The Lunch That Sparked a Book
11:53 – Structure Must Serve the Mission
15:00 – Trust: The Currency of the Executive Pastor
21:19 – Backstage Leadership at Kensington Church
25:00 – Diagnosing Before Prescribing
31:54 – Thriving, Authenticity & Spiritual Health
36:00 – Navigating Church vs. Nonprofit Culture
43:48 – Return on Investment, Direction & Stewardship

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co.