Learning from the Flop

Learning from the Flop

From On the Road to No Place Left by Pheaney

February 25, 2026 · 26 min · Season 9 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode discusses how to analyze failures in ministry and learn from them.

Chuck Wood II and I talk about how to conduct an autopsy when something in ministry isn’t going as you thought, or is an outright flop. This conversation is based on this post: https://pheaney.substack.com/p/how-to-fail-forward Quotes: The original intent is the idea that we failed. But we're moving forward because we learned something from that failure. I think we can misuse it if we just say it flippantly without actually thinking about it, then that's what's going to lead to the actual fail and not the ability to move forward. The Army cranks out 300 to 400 paratroopers a week. The last time we had a major airborne assault was World War II... So why in the world is the army investing time and resources in teaching people an antiquated combat delivery system? One word: courage. The paratrooper learns courage, which translates to everything in a soldier's job... The goal wasn't teaching people how to jump out of the airplane. The goal was teach them courage. Don't be afraid to pull the plug. Season 9: On Pioneering/How to Stick, Episode 7 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pheaney.substack.com

People in this episode

Host: Pheaney

Guest: Chuck Wood II

Topics covered

  • ministry
  • failure
  • learning
  • courage
  • autopsy
  • pioneering

Keywords

  • ministry
  • failure
  • learning
  • courage
  • autopsy
  • pioneering
  • Christianity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Learning from the Flop, how to fail forward

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