Leadership Conversations with Nicky Gumbel Podcast: Michael Todd

In this episode Nicky interviews Michael Todd. Todd is a man of many talents — an author, a speaker, a leader, and an R&B artist with a top-ten hit on the R&B Billboard charts. Never a dull moment, their conversation traces the rapid turn-around and growth evidenced in both Michael’s story and the life of Transformation Church — the church he leads. Todd’s personal narrative reminds the listener that on the best day of our lives and the worst day of our lives God doesn’t change His opinion about us — His grace is generous enough to cover the highs and lows.

At Nicky’s invitation Michael also unpacks the meaning of his frequently used phrase, “the pace of grace.” More than a catch phrase, it describes a spiritual walk that chooses divine assignment over human opportunity; a life that refuses to get caught up in what is “next” in order to be present for what is “now” — a pace that doesn’t chase anything outside of the path God calls one to pursue.

With a vision to see Christ at the center of the culture, and a faith crazy enough to believe God for the impossible, Todd is intent on leveraging technology to influence every sphere of society with the Gospel. Rather than sidelining his strategy, COVID has catapulted it to center stage. Nowhere is this more clear than when he glowingly describes his future plans for a church studio capable of producing digital content to reach as many people as possible. For the listener, hIs breadth of vision is both inspiring and contagious.

All in all, unflagging optimism, audacious faith, God-sized vision, and a rooted family life familiar with adversity collide together in this conversation to create a must-hear interview.

Show Notes

Transformation Church – https://transformchurch.us

Book: Relationship Goals – https://www.iammiketodd.com/relationship-goals

Music: Relationship Goals Revelation – https://music.apple.com/us/album/relationship-goals-revelation-feat-caleb-sean-parris/1536141963

Love Christmas – https://www.htb.org/lovechristmas

Michael Todd’s Biography

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, city and world with the gospel presented in a relevant and progressive way. Michael and Natalie have been married since 2010 and live in Tulsa with three beautiful children.

Coming Up Next: Craig Groeschel

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 digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded mobile Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.

Craig is a New York Times bestselling author of books on a wide variety of topics, including dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. His latest book, Dangerous Prayers, shows you how to pray the prayers that search your soul, break your habits, and send you to pursue the calling God has for you.

As one of the most respected leaders in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. In addition to writing and speaking extensively on leadership principles and strategies, he serves as champion for the Global Leadership Summit, and hosts the top-ranking Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. Glassdoor has also named him in the top 10 CEOs in the U.S. (small and midsize companies) and named Life.Church the #1 Place to Work under his leadership.

Craig and Amy Groeschel married in 1991 and have six children and three sons-in-law: Catie and her husband Andrew, Mandy and her husband James, Anna and her husband Luke, Sam, Stephen, and Joy. Craig and Amy are also proud grandparents of Cole and McKenna.