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I have been watching the YouTube channel of Ryan Trahan since my kids introduced me to his famous "Penny Series" a few years ago. From that set of videos, I was hooked. He is positive, gusty, and genuinely affable. Since that series, the Texas-based YouTuber, with more than 20 million subscribers, has added elements of charity to his videos by prompting his viewers to donate to important causes.
This Summer, Ryan embarked on a journey that has captured the attention of millions with his 50 states in 50 days series. In it, he and his wife (fellow YouTuber, Haley Pham) stay overnight in all 50 states. Along the way, they are ranking the best Airbnbs in America while raising money for St. Jude Hospital. They set out with the goal of raising a $1 million, but, at the time of this writing, they have raised over $9 million receiving donations from everything from large companies like T-Mobile and Airbnb to small anonymous donors giving a few dollars.
Families all over the country have made this series "appointment viewing," much like the days when everyone in the country watched the Friends season finales, and leaders can learn something.
#1 Slow engagement matters
In nearly every episode, Ryan and Haley spend almost 1/3 of their time reading from people who have donated $5,000+. It would be much more efficient for them to speed run through this segment, but they don't. They take time and respond to nearly every donation.
When we are leading, it will be slower and less efficient to bring lay people into the process, but this is exactly what Jesus modeled. He did not choose the well-trained to be His kingdom ambassadors. He chose a broad range of men and women who had one qualification: they said, "yes" to His call to follow, so he empowered them to lead.
#2 Humility matters
When I watch Ryan and Haley, the striking thing is how many mistakes they keep in their videos. When they make a word not pronounced correctly or make a geography error, they leave it in. Ryan leaves his iPhone at a Target, and they have to drive an extra two hours to retrieve it. He makes fun of his wrinkly shirts. Even the cuts are not perfect, but rather than presenting a filtered version of themselves, they let humbling moments be central to the story.
Often, Christian leaders try to present the wrinkle-free versions of themselves. We minimize mistakes and, as a result, we perpetuate the narrative that the Church is a community filled with perfection when we should be talking about being a community of sinners saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. There is something inviting about saying, "We messed up, but we serve a loving, forgiving, and grace-filled God! Let's do this together!"
#3 Restorative storytelling matters
During this YouTube series, Ryan and Haley face challenges. Not only is there the challenge of the road, but Ryan has invented an obstacle called "The Wheel of Doom." Anytime someone donates $50,000+, he and Haley must spin the Wheel and deal with the consequences. Some are funny, but others could derail the entire journey.
In a recent interview on the Colin and Samir Podcast, Ryan talked about his desire to tell stories of restoration. The obstacles, while potentially formidable, give him opportunities to overcome them. In one "consequence," he and Haley are forced to stop their road trip and share a meal with a local. In that episode, they slow down to hear a woman's story. They buy her lunch, and in the end, talked about how impactful it was to connect with someone they had never met before.
Suffice it to say, this is the Gospel. Not only do we as Church leaders get the chance to communicate the most restorative story of all time in Jesus Christ, but we get to model it. When we slow down for the interruptions and connect with others, this is redemptive. The to-do list can wait, the road trip can take a pit stop, but the story needs to be lived out.
#4 The ultimate why
I haven't mentioned that Ryan is a professing Christian. He isn't shy about it, but he also doesn't broadcast it in every video. Some might think this is cowardice, but for his YouTube context, this is wisdom. By leading with engagement, humility, and restorative storytelling, Ryan is exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus and opening conversations in homes and businesses around the world.
 | Zac McGowen is a pastor with over 25 years of teaching and preaching experience. He holds a D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary and M.Div from Reformed Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the Outreach Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, FL overseeing the next generation, mission, and special needs ministries. He serves on the advisory board of Parker Street Ministries and has served on the national board of The Fellowship Community. Zac loves serving alongside his wife, son and daughter. Learn More » |
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.
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