What does it look like to make disciples in the boardroom, not just the sanctuary? In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge, Zach Towery, and Josh McCaslin sit down with Jack Springer, a seasoned CEO, board member, and bold disciple-maker in the marketplace.
From his West Texas roots to leading companies like Monarch’s Department Stores and Malibu Boats, Jack has learned how to live on mission, invest in people, and lead with the heart of Jesus – right where God has placed him.
You’ll hear practical stories of faith in action, from high-stakes leadership decisions to everyday disciple-making opportunities in the workplace. Whether you’re a pastor equipping marketplace leaders or a business professional seeking purpose beyond the paycheck, this episode will challenge you to lead with intentionality and multiply your life into others.
Disciple-making doesn’t stop on Sunday – it’s a way of life.
Overview:
- 00:00 “Highlighting Disciple-Making Leaders”
- 03:24 Business Leadership and Faith
- 07:22 Journey: Faith, Marriage, and Teaching
- 10:07 Spiritual Guidance and Career Shift
- 14:30 Malibu’s Rebound and Growth Journey
- 16:50 Near Affair, Marriage Trouble, Confession
- 21:55 “Actions Over Words”
- 25:44 Unexpected Support and Spiritual Dialogue
- 29:40 “Balancing Beliefs in Business Settings”
- 31:53 Divine Interruptions: Guided by Faith
- 36:15 Two CEO Mindsets
- 37:31 Prioritizing Values Over Business
- 41:02 “Connect for Disciple Leadership”
Discussion Questions:
- How do you seek wisdom in your daily life and leadership?
- What are some practical ways you can model Christ-like leadership where you work?
- What phrases or actions have helped you signal your faith to others without being overbearing?
- Have you ever had to make a difficult ethical decision at work, like Jack refusing the San Francisco contract due to values? How did you handle it and what was the outcome?
- How do you view interruptions in your day, and how could you reframe them as opportunities for disciple-making?
- How can leaders cultivate a culture of grace and restoration rather than one of judgment or dismissal?
- There’s a recurring theme of not compartmentalizing faith – how can we better integrate our spiritual life with our work, home, and community roles?
- What are some challenges you face (or anticipate facing) when attempting to be a disciple-making leader in secular or diverse settings?
- What does shepherding look like in your role, and what are some steps you could take to better shepherd your team or community?
- The episode closes with a challenge: start each day asking God to make you aware of divine opportunities. What might change in your attitude, actions, or leadership if you intentionally began each day this way?
