415. Pathfinding for the Next Generation

Welcome to the Influence Podcast ! I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. In this episode, I talk to Melissa Alfaro about her new book, The Heart of a Pathfinder: Charting Paths for the Next Generation . "A pathfinder's greatest motivation is not the sustainability of their legacy but their ability to launch members of the next generation into their call," Alfaro writes. "Obstacles don't discourage pathfinders. They see obstacles as opportunities to clear a path so the next generation can step into their purpose. Pathfinders take risks. They path the price because they realize that their greatest legacy is not what they have built with their hands, but the paths that they have opened for others with their feet." Alfaro is senior pastor of Tab Church in Houston, Texas, along with her husband Jay. She is an executive presbyter of the Assemblies of God, as well as chair of the Network of Women Ministers. SPONSOR AD This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of A Disciple's Growth . Get a clear and practical roadmap for following Jesus with depth and purpose. Drawing from Scripture, the power of the Holy Spirit, and real-life examples, discover seven key dimensions of spiritual formation—Bible, Holy Spirit, missions, prayer, worship, service, and generosity—that shape believers into fully devoted disciples. For more information about A Disciple's Growth visit GospelPublishingHouse.com . SHOW NOTES 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad 01:58 — W hat was the impetus for writing this book? 04:25 — What is a pathfinder, and how is a pathfinder different from other ways of describing leadership? 09:43 — You write, "There are three areas that the enemy uses to cause us to camp out in the shadows and stop the flow of God's presence in the life of a leader: comfort, fear, and offense." Expand on that insight. 15:02 — Talk about the kinds of things leaders need to think and do when bad stuff interrupts life. 20:15 — Are ministers embarrassed to admit they have personal things that interrupt their lives? 23:01 — What lessons should we take from Nehemiah during the seasons of ministry when we face obstacles in ministry? 28:50 — How do we use our unique voice for Kingdom purposes, and who are the "five people every leader needs in their life" that you mention? 37:08 — What types of resources does the Network of Women Ministers provide? 41:35 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging? 42:44 — Conclusion

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415. Pathfinding for the Next Generation is an episode from Influence Podcast by George P. Wood.

This episode is 43:33 long.

This episode was published on Feb 5, 2026.

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