What happens when the “youth guy” suddenly finds himself stepping into the lead pastor role? On this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Henderson from Church That Matters.
Kyle shares the unexpected journey that’s leading him from youth ministry (and whatever else needed doing) to becoming the Lead Pastor this September. We dig into what that shift looks like, the excitement and chall...
What happens when the “youth guy” suddenly finds himself stepping into the lead pastor role? On this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Henderson from Church That Matters.
Kyle shares the unexpected journey that’s leading him from youth ministry (and whatever else needed doing) to becoming the Lead Pastor this September. We dig into what that shift looks like, the excitement and challenges ahead, and how God sometimes calls you into roles you didn’t even apply for.
This episode is packed with leadership insights, fun stories, and a sneak peek at what’s coming for Church That Matters. Whether you’re in ministry, thinking about leadership transitions, or just here for the Bros banter, this convo with Kyle is one you don’t want to miss.
When You’re the Last to Know You’re the Pastor
Some people feel called to be a Lead Pastor. Others get called into the office and find out they already are one.
That was basically Kyle Henderson’s story on this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast. A longtime youth pastor, volunteer wrangler, and guy-who-fixes-everything, Kyle didn’t so much apply to be the new Lead Pastor at Church That Matters — he kind of tripped into it.
No Resume, No Tryout, Just… “Hey, You’re Next”
It started like most things in church leadership: casually. A conversation at a staff retreat. Someone asked, “Who do you think would be a good Lead Pastor if something ever happened?”
Kyle threw out a name or two.
Then the Lead Pastor looked him in the eye and said, “What if it’s you?”
Cue awkward laughter. Cue silence. Cue every youth pastor's worst nightmare: responsibility.
Kyle wasn’t gunning for it. He wasn’t dropping hints. But apparently everyone else around him had already seen it. The only person not in the loop… was Kyle.
“I’m Just the Youth Guy”
There’s something beautifully ironic about youth pastors. They’re often treated like they’re in the minors, like their job is some kind of ministry spring training.
But they’re also the ones cleaning up messes, managing chaos, mentoring students, fixing tech, and running services when the real adults are out of town.
Kyle was that guy. He did all the things. The late nights. The camps. The sermons. The leadership development. The emergency plumbing issues.
He wasn’t climbing a ladder. He was just doing what needed to be done.
And then suddenly, someone handed him the ladder and said, "You’re at the top now."
The Calling Nobody Wants (But Everybody Sees)
There’s something kind of biblical about this. Moses didn’t want the job. Neither did Jonah. Or Paul. Or honestly, most people God used.
The ones who aren’t chasing the spotlight are usually the ones most ready for it. Not because they have the best ideas, but because they’ve learned how to serve without needing credit.
Kyle didn’t say yes right away. He wrestled with it. Felt the weight of it. Wondered if he could do it.
That’s how you know someone’s probably ready: they’re scared.
Spiritual PTSD from Youth Ministry
Kyle’s years in youth ministry were preparation. Not on purpose. More like spiritual bootcamp with dodgeballs.
He learned to improvise. To build teams. To pray through crises. To disciple students. To host events with zero budget and leftover pizza.
That kind of ministry doesn’t give you a stage. It gives you scars.
But it also gives you a deep sense of how people actually grow — not in the hype, but in the hard stuff.
And when the Lead Pastor seat opened up, Kyle wasn’t the obvious choice because of charisma. He was the right choice because of consistency.
Leadership Without the Ego Trip
What makes Kyle different is he’s not trying to be a CEO pastor.
He’s not coming in with a 42-page vision plan or rebranding the church overnight. He’s not here to be famous. He’s here to be faithful.
His biggest fear? Not preaching. Not meetings. Not the pressure.
His fear is letting people down. Missing what God is saying. Getting caught up in noise and forgetting why he’s even up there.
Which — let’s be honest — is the most honest thing a pastor can say.
What Makes This Episode Matter
If you’re in ministry, or ever sat under a leader who didn’t want the job but still showed up — this episode hits different.
It’s a reminder that God still promotes people through faithfulness, not self-promotion.
That churches still grow when the guy up front isn’t trying to go viral.
That maybe, just maybe, the best kind of leader is the one who never wanted to be one in the first place.
Ministry Promotion Doesn’t Need a Mic Drop
If you’re out here stacking chairs, running youth lock-ins, and wondering if anyone notices — they do. More importantly, God does.
And when the time’s right, don’t be surprised if He hands you a mic you didn’t ask for.
Just ask Kyle.
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