Dale Sellers and Joseph Bennett talk with airline pilot, pastor, and leadership strategist Michael McFadden about “flying in front of the plane”—leading proactively instead of reactively. Michael shares the cockpit disciplines behind preparation, checklists, margins, turbulence, accountability, and Spirit-led decision-making for pastors and church leaders.

Key Points In Brief

• Michael McFadden’s unique lane: combining aviation disciplines with biblical leadership principles to help leaders think ahead and make wise decisions.
• A pivotal student-pilot moment: Michael got temporarily disoriented and “lost,” which sparked his leadership framework and checklist approach.
• Core principle: We don’t rise to our level of expectations; we fall to our level of preparation.
• Pilot in command: leaders must “take command” of the moment—calmly stabilize the situation before trying to solve it.
• Reactive vs. proactive leadership: reactive leaders operate in crisis mode; proactive leaders anticipate scenarios and prepare contingencies.
• Fuel exhaustion and tight margins: don’t lead (or live) with no reserve—plan rest, breaks, and boundaries so you can “refuel.”
• Turbulence is normal: leaders shouldn’t be surprised; adjust “speed” and strategy to navigate change without breaking the organization.
• Checklists prevent avoidable failure: systems and rhythms reduce mistakes, especially under pressure.
• The Holy Spirit as guide and “training whisper”: Spirit-led leadership requires disciplined attentiveness amid distractions.
• Oversight + community: a “control tower” matters—accountability and trusted leaders help you notice when you’re off course.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation beats panic. Healthy leaders build a plan before the crisis—then execute calmly when disruption hits.
• Stabilize first, solve second. When you’re disoriented, stop compounding the problem—recenter, assess, and regain bearings.
• Never lead with no margin. Fuel reserves (time, energy, emotional bandwidth, spiritual health) are non-negotiable for long-term ministry.
• Turbulence doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re moving through conditions that require skill, humility, and adjusted pace.
• Accountability is protection, not pressure. Control towers, co-pilots, and trusted people help leaders detect drift early.
• Spirit-led leadership requires attention. God may be “calling your tail number,” but distraction can keep you from hearing.

Notable Quotes

• “We don’t rise to our level of expectations. We fall to our level of preparation.”
• “Now is not the time to freak out. Now is the time to be the captain.”
• “Everybody knows what to do when everything goes right. Leadership appears when things go wrong.”
• “You’re never going to make your best decisions in a reactive state.”
• “We don’t want to fly with tight margins.”
• “The calling is 24/7, but we’re not on call 24/7.”
• “My sheep know me by my voice.”
• “There’s no ego in here.”

Next Steps (Practical for Pastors)

1. Build a “leadership reserve” plan. Decide what your minimum weekly margin is (sleep, Sabbath, family time, prayer time) and protect it like fuel.
2. Create a simple pre-flight checklist for your week. Include: spiritual health, emotional health, calendar load, key conversations, and top risks.
3. Identify your “turbulence triggers.” List the top 3–5 situations that usually knock your church/team off course (staff transitions, criticism, giving dips, conflict, sudden needs).
4. Write one contingency plan. For one trigger, outline: what you’ll do, who you’ll consult, and what you’ll pause/slow down.
5. Choose a control tower. Schedule a recurring check-in with a trusted leader/mentor who can ask hard questions and notice drift early.
6. Set clear availability boundaries. Define office hours and a true weekly off day so you can refuel and lead long-term.

Link To Podcast Audio: 95Podcast 308

 

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Q & A Transcript (Condensed)

Q: Who is Michael McFadden and what does he do?

A: Michael is a pilot, pastor, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist who helps leaders think ahead by applying cockpit disciplines and biblical principles.

Q: What sparked the “cockpit to leadership” connection for Michael?

A: A training flight where Michael became disoriented and couldn’t find the airport. The experience revealed how preparation and procedures translate to real-life leadership.

Q: What’s the main leadership lesson from that moment?

A: Leaders don’t rise to expectations—they fall to preparation. Training and systems become the “reflexes” that show up under pressure.

Q: What does “pilot in command” mean for ministry leaders?

A: Take ownership of the moment—settle down, stop reacting emotionally, and lead with clarity even when circumstances are not ideal.

Q: What’s the danger of reactive leadership?

A: Reactivity pushes leaders into crisis mode (fight-or-flight), reducing wise judgment and creativity. Proactive leaders plan contingencies and stay calm.

Q: What is “fuel exhaustion,” and how does it apply to pastors?

A: In aviation it’s running out of fuel; in leadership it’s running out of emotional, spiritual, mental, or physical reserves. Pastors must plan rest, breaks, and boundaries to avoid leading on empty.

Q: How should leaders handle turbulence in a church?

A: Expect it, respect it, and adjust speed/strategy. Turbulent seasons may require slowing down initiatives and focusing on stability.

Q: How does the Holy Spirit connect to this cockpit framework?

A: The Holy Spirit guides and brings remembrance—like training that “whispers” the next right step. Leaders must stay attentive and disciplined to hear.

Q: What does “control tower” oversight look like for pastors?

A: Healthy accountability—trusted leaders and relationships who can speak up, provide feedback, and help you course-correct before a crisis.