Discerning God’s Invitations In Our Rule Of Life

The Best Time To Craft A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 06

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman

“And that’s the ripple effect that happens when men of God like you take this seriously and put real teeth into noticing what’s necessary for this season.” – Steve Macchia

In this concluding episode of Season 38, Steve Macchia welcomes James Hopman to share how he crafted his personal rule of life in the midst of an exceptionally full season. As a pastor, seminary student, husband, and father of four, James reflects on how intentional rhythms of prayer, Sabbath, family connection, and mission keep his life from becoming chaotic — even when it is undeniably busy.

Together, they explore why any season is the right season to begin a rule of life, why belovedness must be the foundation, and how a rule of life remains a living, revisable document. James offers a practical and deeply personal glimpse into the daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly rhythms that anchor his life in union with God.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice God’s initiatives, and courageously craft your own rule of life.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

James Hauptman (Season 38 Guest)
James handles many of the day-to-day administrative duties and as a hub of communication for LTI. James has served the local church for two decades, currently as an ordained Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups at Impact Church (one of Outreach Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America).  He graduated from Northpoint Bible College (Haverhill, MA) with a degree in Biblical Studies and is currently enrolled in the M.Div. program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. James, his wife Abbie, and their four children live in South Hamilton, MA, and love to play, swim, and paddleboard in the ocean! James is grateful for LTI and to be a part of this ministry that helps people practice a preference for God.

The Best Time To Craft A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 06 Read More »

From Burnout and Brokenness to Beloved | Season 38, Episode 05

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rev. Jen Keifer

“You and I, we find our passion somewhere between a fist in the air of injustice and the tear in our eye of compassion and mercy.” – Steve Macchia

In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, host Steve Macchia is joined by Rev. Jen Kiefer, who shares her deeply personal journey of crafting and living a rule of life rooted in belovedness rather than burnout. Jen reflects on a transformative season of brokenness that led her into contemplative rhythms, restorative justice, and a renewed understanding of God as the lover of her soul. Through vivid storytelling—including the creation of a quilt inspired by Micah 6:8—she explores how fury, mercy, and hope shape both her spiritual formation and pastoral ministry. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Jen Keifer (Season 38 Guest)
The Rev. Jen Keifer completed seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 2024. Her ministry has taken shape at the intersection of pastoral care, ecological stewardship, and community repair. Drawing on her family’s lived experience with trauma and mental health, as well as her experience as a transracially adoptive parent, Mother Jen is committed to helping the church engage healing work that is relational, grounded, and attentive to power, dignity, and belonging. She brings this commitment into preaching, formation, and hands-on community engagement, trusting that God’s reconciling work is often slow, embodied, and rooted in place.

From Burnout and Brokenness to Beloved | Season 38, Episode 05 Read More »

Safeguarding Love In Our Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 04

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman

“I want to call people back to commitment. Make a commitment. And take your commitments seriously…make a deeper prayerful commitment to support and encourage and to reach out and to be available and to come alongside in times of need.” – Steve Macchia

In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Machia and James Hauptman explore how a personal rule of life is ultimately lived out in community. Drawing from ancient Christian wisdom and the monastic tradition, they reflect on the purpose of a rule of life as a way of safeguarding love—honoring one another, nurturing unity, and choosing commitment over convenience. With biblical insight and practical examples, this conversation invites leaders and churches to imagine what could happen if we truly preferred one another and allowed our shared life together to become a living witness of God’s transforming presence.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

James Hauptman (Season 38 Guest)
James handles many of the day-to-day administrative duties and as a hub of communication for LTI. James has served the local church for two decades, currently as an ordained Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups at Impact Church (one of Outreach Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America).  He graduated from Northpoint Bible College (Haverhill, MA) with a degree in Biblical Studies and is currently enrolled in the M.Div. program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. James, his wife Abbie, and their four children live in South Hamilton, MA, and love to play, swim, and paddleboard in the ocean! James is grateful for LTI and to be a part of this ministry that helps people practice a preference for God.

Safeguarding Love In Our Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 04 Read More »

Weaving Together Your Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 03

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman

“If God’s going to be in the center of our lives, we have to be willing to let him come in and take over every single aspect of our lives.” – Steve Macchia

What do we do with the raw materials of our lives? Episode 3 of Season 38 invites you into a reflective and practical conversation about crafting a personal Rule of Life. Host Steve Macchia welcomes James Hauptman to explore how intentional rhythms can help us across five essential areas of life: spiritual, physical, relational, financial, and missional. Filled with wisdom and grounded practices, this episode offers guidance for weaving together a personal Rule that is fruitfully and faithfully lived out. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

James Hauptman (Season 38 Guest)
James handles many of the day-to-day administrative duties and as a hub of communication for LTI. James has served the local church for two decades, currently as an ordained Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups at Impact Church (one of Outreach Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America).  He graduated from Northpoint Bible College (Haverhill, MA) with a degree in Biblical Studies and is currently enrolled in the M.Div. program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. James, his wife Abbie, and their four children live in South Hamilton, MA, and love to play, swim, and paddleboard in the ocean! James is grateful for LTI and to be a part of this ministry that helps people practice a preference for God.

Weaving Together Your Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 03 Read More »

How To Begin Crafting A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 02

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman

“A rule of life allows us to live with intention and purpose in the present moment.” – Steve Macchia

How do you actually begin crafting a Rule of Life? What steps can you take, and what tools can help you along the way? In this week’s episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia and James Hauptman share practical insights and concrete guidance for getting started. They walk through five key areas of life that benefit from intentional and prayerful attention as you assess your current rhythms, relationships, and daily practices.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

James Hauptman (Season 38 Guest)
James handles many of the day-to-day administrative duties and as a hub of communication for LTI. James has served the local church for two decades, currently as an ordained Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups at Impact Church (one of Outreach Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America).  He graduated from Northpoint Bible College (Haverhill, MA) with a degree in Biblical Studies and is currently enrolled in the M.Div. program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. James, his wife Abbie, and their four children live in South Hamilton, MA, and love to play, swim, and paddleboard in the ocean! James is grateful for LTI and to be a part of this ministry that helps people practice a preference for God.

How To Begin Crafting A Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 02 Read More »

A Way of Life for Well-Ordered Living | Season 38, Episode 01

Discerning God's Invitations In Our Rule Of Life, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman

“Without a humble, attentive heart our self centeredness will not lead to the abundance of a God-empowered life.”  – Steve Macchia

2026 begins with a brand new season of The Discerning Leader Podcast. Featuring James Hauptman, Steve Macchia hosts a rich conversation around well-ordered living that comes from crafting a personal rule of life. Whether you’ve been operating from a rule of life for years or are hearing about it for the first time, this ancient spiritual practice will help you live into Spirit-empowered rhythms and relationships that create, redeem, sustain, and transform the life God invites you to live.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

James Hauptman (Season 38 Guest)
James handles many of the day-to-day administrative duties and as a hub of communication for LTI. James has served the local church for two decades, currently as an ordained Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups at Impact Church (one of Outreach Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America).  He graduated from Northpoint Bible College (Haverhill, MA) with a degree in Biblical Studies and is currently enrolled in the M.Div. program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. James, his wife Abbie, and their four children live in South Hamilton, MA, and love to play, swim, and paddleboard in the ocean! James is grateful for LTI and to be a part of this ministry that helps people practice a preference for God.

 

 

A Way of Life for Well-Ordered Living | Season 38, Episode 01 Read More »

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Mitzi Mak

Selah-West Faculty & Emmaus Faculty

Mitzi started her professional life as a high school social studies teacher. She and her husband Jerry then served cross-culturally for ten+ years, living abroad first in India and then Kurdistan, N. Iraq. In addition to being a Spiritual Director, she now serves as a Formation and Care pastor in her local church in Houston, TX. She has graduated from LTI’s Selah Spiritual Direction training as well as LTI’s Emmaus Formational Leadership Program.

Mitzi enjoys engaging conversation, reading fiction, doing jigsaw/crossword puzzles, ocean gazing and exploring the world with Jerry through food and travel.

God has two main callings in Mitzi’s life: to care for those who care for others and to be a guide in helping others have a healthy relationship with the Trinity – recognizing God’s loving presence and activity in their lives and how to faithfully respond.

“Selah was a transformative experience for me – allowing the contemplative within to emerge and to beautifully co-exist with my extraverted personality.“