July 15, 2024

For pastor and city council member, faith in God means connecting with others.

John London with Matt Lehrman on the Community Catalyst podcast.

John W. London

Coach, Pastor and Councilman

Interviewing John W. London for the podcast reminded me of the old parable about flood victims stranded on a roof but refusing help from passing boats because they had faith the Lord would save them.


As a pastor, high school basketball coach and City Council Member in Irondale, Alabama, London says he puts his relationship with God first in all endeavors. But he also says he was led both to the pulpit and into politics by earthly mentors, underlining the importance of lineage in both religious and secular callings.


Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

LISTEN HERE
John London with Matt Lehrman on the Community Catalyst podcast.



ABOUT THE PODCAST: Local leaders everywhere are innovating ways to engage their communities, foster collaboration, and achieve significant goals. “Community Catalysts” brings you the inside story of mayors, council members, city managers, nonprofit CEOs, and other changemakers from a variety of backgrounds. Produced by Social Prosperity Partners and hosted by Matt Lehrman, the podcast offers a weekly dose of inspiration and practical advice for leaders committed to inclusive decision-making and excellence in governance.


APPLY HERE to be a podcast guest.



Connect with Matt:


Mayor Derrick Wood, Town of Dumfries, Virginia

Don’t Be Right. Be Understood.

By Matt Lehrman • March 31, 2026
A reluctant mayor’s journey from barbecue stand to town leadership, and the hard-earned lesson that success isn’t about being right, it’s about helping people see why it matters.
Social Media Isn’t the Problem. Our Approach Is.

Social Media Isn’t the Problem. Our Approach Is.

By Matt Lehrman • March 24, 2026
Social media isn’t the problem—our approach is. In this candid conversation, we reframe civic dialogue online, offering practical insights for local leaders to foster connection, trust, and meaningful engagement.
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial

Rethinking Social Media

By Matt Lehrman • March 24, 2026
Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial, has spent years navigating the mechanics of social media platforms—first as a media executive and later as a city council member who experienced firsthand the pressures local leaders face online.
More Posts