Center for Congregations Podcast https://centerforcongregations.org en Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive. The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or info@centerforcongregations.org. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/34392f12-d1bb-11ea-a8bf-b3d75071ee6c/image/610153153772b59427b4fc8cf96f2c2b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Center for Congregations Podcast https://centerforcongregations.org no episodic Get connected with experts and information you can use. Center for Congregations Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive. The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or info@centerforcongregations.org. Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive.

The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or info@centerforcongregations.org.

]]> podcast@centerforcongregations.org S8 E8: Reimagining Vitality: Ministry to Older Adults Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler joins Shellie and Matt to talk about ministry for and with aging adults. Dr. Gentzler has been focusing on and working with congregations with older adults for over thirty years. His wisdom will inspire and challenge you to see this ministry with different eyes. Resources Age Friendly Congregation Certificate from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Encore Ministry Foundation (organization) Dementia Small-Group Study from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr (book) Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0000 Reimagining Vitality: Ministry to Older Adults full 8 8 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler joins Shellie and Matt to talk about ministry for and with aging adults. Dr. Gentzler has been focusing on and working with congregations with older adults for over thirty years. His wisdom will inspire and challenge you to see this ministry with different eyes. Resources Age Friendly Congregation Certificate from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Encore Ministry Foundation (organization) Dementia Small-Group Study from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr (book) Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler joins Shellie and Matt to talk about ministry for and with aging adults. Dr. Gentzler has been focusing on and working with congregations with older adults for over thirty years. His wisdom will inspire and challenge you to see this ministry with different eyes.


Resources

Age Friendly Congregation Certificate from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum)

Encore Ministry Foundation (organization)

Dementia Small-Group Study from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum)

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr (book)


]]> 3319 no S8 E7: At The Center of Your Community Dr. Courtnye Lloyd joins John and Matt to share from her education and experience about how congregations can make collaboration and community happen. Resources The Gathering Church (organization) Microchurches: A Smaller Way by Brian Sanders (book) Big Lessons from Little Places: Faithfulness and the Future in Small Congregations by Kay Collier McLaughlin (book) After the Darkest Hour: How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom by Kathleen A. Brehony (book) Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0000 At The Center of Your Community full 8 7 Center for Congregations Dr. Courtnye Lloyd joins John and Matt to share from her education and experience about how congregations can make collaboration and community happen. Resources The Gathering Church (organization) Microchurches: A Smaller Way by Brian Sanders (book) Big Lessons from Little Places: Faithfulness and the Future in Small Congregations by Kay Collier McLaughlin (book) After the Darkest Hour: How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom by Kathleen A. Brehony (book) Dr. Courtnye Lloyd joins John and Matt to share from her education and experience about how congregations can make collaboration and community happen.

Resources

The Gathering Church (organization)

Microchurches: A Smaller Way by Brian Sanders (book)

Big Lessons from Little Places: Faithfulness and the Future in Small Congregations by Kay Collier McLaughlin (book)

After the Darkest Hour: How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom by Kathleen A. Brehony (book)

]]> 3042 no S8 E6: We Answer Your Questions Join the Center for Congregations staff as we introduce a new host and answer your questions. Send us questions you'd like us to answer at podcast@centerforcongregations.org or text or call 260-498-8005. Resources How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren (book) "What is a micro church?" by Jordan Moseley (article) "Guide to Asset Mapping" by The Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund (article) Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:28:00 -0000 We Answer Your Questions full 8 6 Center for Congregations Join the Center for Congregations staff as we introduce a new host and answer your questions. Send us questions you'd like us to answer at podcast@centerforcongregations.org or text or call 260-498-8005. Resources How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren (book) "What is a micro church?" by Jordan Moseley (article) "Guide to Asset Mapping" by The Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund (article) Join the Center for Congregations staff as we introduce a new host and answer your questions. Send us questions you'd like us to answer at podcast@centerforcongregations.org or text or call 260-498-8005.


Resources

How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren (book)

"What is a micro church?" by Jordan Moseley (article)

"Guide to Asset Mapping" by The Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund (article)

]]> 2188 no S8 E5: The Gift of Capital Campaigns Rob Henson of Solheim Stewardship joins Kara and Matt to share how capital campaigns are much more than just fundraising. Henson maintains that the work of a campaign is woven into the fabric of a congregation's larger work. Resources Solheim Stewardship (organization) Understanding the Stages of a Nonprofit Capital Campaign (article) The Giving Institute’s Eight Steps for Selecting Fundraising Counsel (article) The African American Church: Financial Business & Operations Management Guide For Church Leadership (book) Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:22:00 -0000 The Gift of Capital Campaigns full 8 5 Center for Congregations Rob Henson of Solheim Stewardship joins Kara and Matt to share how capital campaigns are much more than just fundraising. Henson maintains that the work of a campaign is woven into the fabric of a congregation's larger work. Resources Solheim Stewardship (organization) Understanding the Stages of a Nonprofit Capital Campaign (article) The Giving Institute’s Eight Steps for Selecting Fundraising Counsel (article) The African American Church: Financial Business & Operations Management Guide For Church Leadership (book) Rob Henson of Solheim Stewardship joins Kara and Matt to share how capital campaigns are much more than just fundraising. Henson maintains that the work of a campaign is woven into the fabric of a congregation's larger work.

Resources

Solheim Stewardship (organization)

Understanding the Stages of a Nonprofit Capital Campaign (article)

The Giving Institute’s Eight Steps for Selecting Fundraising Counsel (article)

The African American Church: Financial Business & Operations Management Guide For Church Leadership (book)


]]> 3234 no S8 E4: The Ethics of Using AI Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods joins JC and Matt to discuss the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in congregational life. Dr. Woods is a pastor, author and tech consultant for congregations who believes that AI can be helpful but guardrails are required. We also answer our first ever mailbag question: how can we implement programming so that it serves everyone in our congregation? Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions, reactions, resources or suggestions. Resources Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods' website "Human Centered AI" (article) "The Role of AI in The Church" (article) Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0000 The Ethics of Using AI full 8 4 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods joins JC and Matt to discuss the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in congregational life. Dr. Woods is a pastor, author and tech consultant for congregations who believes that AI can be helpful but guardrails are required. We also answer our first ever mailbag question: how can we implement programming so that it serves everyone in our congregation? Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions, reactions, resources or suggestions. Resources Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods' website "Human Centered AI" (article) "The Role of AI in The Church" (article) Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods joins JC and Matt to discuss the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in congregational life. Dr. Woods is a pastor, author and tech consultant for congregations who believes that AI can be helpful but guardrails are required.

We also answer our first ever mailbag question: how can we implement programming so that it serves everyone in our congregation?

Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions, reactions, resources or suggestions.

Resources

Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods' website

"Human Centered AI" (article)

"The Role of AI in The Church" (article)

]]> 3391 no S8 E3: Those in Your Care Erin Hill from the Center for Church and Community Impact joins JC and Matt to talk about their work and how congregations are caring for their communities. Resources Center for Church and Community Impact (organization) My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book) The Spirituality of Welcoming by Ron Wolfson (book) C3i on Instagram (@baylorsocialwork_c3i) Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Those in Your Care full 8 3 Center for Congregations Erin Hill from the Center for Church and Community Impact joins JC and Matt to talk about their work and how congregations are caring for their communities. Resources Center for Church and Community Impact (organization) My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book) The Spirituality of Welcoming by Ron Wolfson (book) C3i on Instagram (@baylorsocialwork_c3i) Erin Hill from the Center for Church and Community Impact joins JC and Matt to talk about their work and how congregations are caring for their communities.

Resources

Center for Church and Community Impact (organization)

My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book)

The Spirituality of Welcoming by Ron Wolfson (book)

C3i on Instagram (@baylorsocialwork_c3i)

]]> 3205 no S8 E2: Defining and Rediscovering Community Charles Vogl joins John and Matt to talk about his book The Art of Community. He defines community and we discuss how it plays out in congregations. Resources The Art of Community by Charles Vogl (book) Charles Vogl's website The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman (book) Lost Connections by Johann Hari (book) Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal (book) Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasedale (book) Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:48:00 -0000 Defining and Rediscovering Community full 8 2 Center for Congregations Charles Vogl joins John and Matt to talk about his book The Art of Community. He defines community and we discuss how it plays out in congregations. Resources The Art of Community by Charles Vogl (book) Charles Vogl's website The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman (book) Lost Connections by Johann Hari (book) Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal (book) Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasedale (book) Charles Vogl joins John and Matt to talk about his book The Art of Community. He defines community and we discuss how it plays out in congregations.

Resources

The Art of Community by Charles Vogl (book)

Charles Vogl's website

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman (book)

Lost Connections by Johann Hari (book)

Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal (book)

Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasedale (book)

]]> 3685 no S8 E1: Get in the Room Lisa Inks, Senior Director of Urban Rural Action, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about their work of healing polarization and divided culture. Lisa shares the origins of the organization, tools for conversation and the importance of this work in our current cultural climate. Resources Urban Rural Action (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (organization) Project Civility (organization) +More Perfect Union (organization) - There are chapters in Terre Haute, South Bend, and Indianapolis  Braver Angels (organization) The Socials Urban Rural Action on Facebook Urban Rural Action on Instagram Urban Rural Action on LinkedIn Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Get in the Room full 8 1 Center for Congregations Lisa Inks, Senior Director of Urban Rural Action, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about their work of healing polarization and divided culture. Lisa shares the origins of the organization, tools for conversation and the importance of this work in our current cultural climate. Resources Urban Rural Action (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (organization) Project Civility (organization) +More Perfect Union (organization) - There are chapters in Terre Haute, South Bend, and Indianapolis  Braver Angels (organization) The Socials Urban Rural Action on Facebook Urban Rural Action on Instagram Urban Rural Action on LinkedIn Lisa Inks, Senior Director of Urban Rural Action, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about their work of healing polarization and divided culture. Lisa shares the origins of the organization, tools for conversation and the importance of this work in our current cultural climate.

Resources

Urban Rural Action (organization)

The Colossian Forum (organization)

Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (organization)

Project Civility (organization)

+More Perfect Union (organization) - There are chapters in Terre Haute, South Bend, and Indianapolis 

Braver Angels (organization)

The Socials

Urban Rural Action on Facebook

Urban Rural Action on Instagram

Urban Rural Action on LinkedIn

]]> 3054 no S7 E22: Past, Present, Future 2025 Edition President of the Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro joins JC and Matt to talk about what the Center for congregations has been learning through the past, this year and what we see as the futures of congregations. Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:46:00 -0000 Past, Present, Future 2025 Edition full 7 22 Center for Congregations President of the Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro joins JC and Matt to talk about what the Center for congregations has been learning through the past, this year and what we see as the futures of congregations. President of the Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro joins JC and Matt to talk about what the Center for congregations has been learning through the past, this year and what we see as the futures of congregations.

]]> 2356 no S7 E21: Congregations With Community Congregations with Community (CWC) Senior Director McKenzie Scott Lewis joins JC and Matt to talk about the work of CWC and what they're learning about congregation and community collaboration. Resources Congregations with Community - CWC (organization) CWC Facebook IG @congregationswithcommunity CWC LinkedIn Seed to Oaks (organization) The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl (book) Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Congregations with Community full 7 21 Center for Congregations Congregations with Community (CWC) Senior Director McKenzie Scott Lewis joins JC and Matt to talk about the work of CWC and what they're learning about congregation and community collaboration. Resources Congregations with Community - CWC (organization) CWC Facebook IG @congregationswithcommunity CWC LinkedIn Seed to Oaks (organization) The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl (book) Congregations with Community (CWC) Senior Director McKenzie Scott Lewis joins JC and Matt to talk about the work of CWC and what they're learning about congregation and community collaboration.

Resources

Congregations with Community - CWC (organization)

CWC Facebook

IG @congregationswithcommunity

CWC LinkedIn

Seed to Oaks (organization)

The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging by Charles Vogl (book)



]]> 2800 no S7 E20: Telling Stories Center for Congregations staff Kara Faris, Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke gather to talk about what the Center for Congregations is learning in 2025. They share several stories of congregations in Indiana that highlight some of the great things happening in congregational life. Resources The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller (book) Undue Medical Debt (organization) Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Telling Stories full 7 20 Center for Congregations Center for Congregations staff Kara Faris, Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke gather to talk about what the Center for Congregations is learning in 2025. They share several stories of congregations in Indiana that highlight some of the great things happening in congregational life. Resources The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller (book) Undue Medical Debt (organization) Center for Congregations staff Kara Faris, Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke gather to talk about what the Center for Congregations is learning in 2025. They share several stories of congregations in Indiana that highlight some of the great things happening in congregational life.

Resources

The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller (book)

Undue Medical Debt (organization)

]]> 2166 no S7 E19: Ages and Stages - Respecting All Generations Rev. Dr. Darrell Hall of The Way Community Church joins John and Matt to talk about doing the hard work of understanding other generations and how it is related to loving others. Resources Speaking Across Generations by Dr. Darrell Hall (book) Generational IQ by Haydn Shaw (book) Making Space at The Well by Dr. Jessica Brown (book) Instagram - @IAmDarrellHall X - @IAmDarrellHall Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Ages and Stages - Respecting All Generations full 7 19 Center for Congregations Dr. Darrell Hall discusses how to speak to all generations. Rev. Dr. Darrell Hall of The Way Community Church joins John and Matt to talk about doing the hard work of understanding other generations and how it is related to loving others. Resources Speaking Across Generations by Dr. Darrell Hall (book) Generational IQ by Haydn Shaw (book) Making Space at The Well by Dr. Jessica Brown (book) Instagram - @IAmDarrellHall X - @IAmDarrellHall Rev. Dr. Darrell Hall of The Way Community Church joins John and Matt to talk about doing the hard work of understanding other generations and how it is related to loving others.

Resources

Speaking Across Generations by Dr. Darrell Hall (book)

Generational IQ by Haydn Shaw (book)

Making Space at The Well by Dr. Jessica Brown (book)

Instagram - @IAmDarrellHall

X - @IAmDarrellHall

]]> 3454 no S7 E18: Marketing for Good The Center for Congregations' own Christos Reid, Communications and Marketing Strategist, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications for congregations. This episode is full of practical advice and tips on how to incorporate better tools and ideas into your congregation's communications. Resources "Ultimate Guide to Church SEO" by Paul Steinbrueck (article) "Strategic Social Media Planning for Churches: A Step-by-Step Guide" on churchposting.com (article) "The Top 20 Church Marketing Strategies for 2025" by Jordan Meyers (article) Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Marketing for Good full 7 18 Center for Congregations Christos Reid discusses how to do communications and marketing in a way that promotes the good. The Center for Congregations' own Christos Reid, Communications and Marketing Strategist, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications for congregations. This episode is full of practical advice and tips on how to incorporate better tools and ideas into your congregation's communications. Resources "Ultimate Guide to Church SEO" by Paul Steinbrueck (article) "Strategic Social Media Planning for Churches: A Step-by-Step Guide" on churchposting.com (article) "The Top 20 Church Marketing Strategies for 2025" by Jordan Meyers (article) The Center for Congregations' own Christos Reid, Communications and Marketing Strategist, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications for congregations. This episode is full of practical advice and tips on how to incorporate better tools and ideas into your congregation's communications.

Resources

"Ultimate Guide to Church SEO" by Paul Steinbrueck (article)

"Strategic Social Media Planning for Churches: A Step-by-Step Guide" on churchposting.com (article)

"The Top 20 Church Marketing Strategies for 2025" by Jordan Meyers (article)

]]> 3134 no S7 E17: Rediscovering Discipleship Dr. Robert Mansfield joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the importance of your congregation's context in faith formation. Dr. Mansfield believes that there is no copy-paste way to disciple. Each community needs to find ways to form faith based on its unique theology, traditions and specific local history. Resources "Insights from Research and Theory: Practices for Forming Faith with Young Adults" by Leif Kehrwald and John Roberto (article) Discipleship Essentials: A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden (book) Evangelistic Discipling (organization) The 7 Questions of Discipleship by Robert Mansfield (book series) Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Rediscovering Discipleship full 7 17 Center for Congregations Dr. Robert Mansfield discusses contextual discipleship. Dr. Robert Mansfield joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the importance of your congregation's context in faith formation. Dr. Mansfield believes that there is no copy-paste way to disciple. Each community needs to find ways to form faith based on its unique theology, traditions and specific local history. Resources "Insights from Research and Theory: Practices for Forming Faith with Young Adults" by Leif Kehrwald and John Roberto (article) Discipleship Essentials: A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden (book) Evangelistic Discipling (organization) The 7 Questions of Discipleship by Robert Mansfield (book series) Dr. Robert Mansfield joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the importance of your congregation's context in faith formation. Dr. Mansfield believes that there is no copy-paste way to disciple. Each community needs to find ways to form faith based on its unique theology, traditions and specific local history.

Resources

"Insights from Research and Theory: Practices for Forming Faith with Young Adults" by Leif Kehrwald and John Roberto (article)

Discipleship Essentials: A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden (book)

Evangelistic Discipling (organization)

The 7 Questions of Discipleship by Robert Mansfield (book series)

]]> 3218 no S7 E16: Young Adult Ministry - Empathy in Transition Dr. Steven Argue, Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, talks with Shellie and Dr. Bridges about meeting young adults where they are: in the midst of their transitions. Matt and Shellie then talk about the Center for Congregation's work with congregations around young adults, unpack the interview and share practical resources that will aid your congregation. Resources Young Adult Ministry Now (book) Young Adult Ministry Now (website and resources) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) The FYI on Youth Ministry Podcast (podcast) S.T.A.R. for Young Adults (website and resources) Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:45:00 -0000 Young Adult Ministry - Empathy in Transition full 7 16 Center for Congregations Dr. Steven Argue talks about Fuller's research around emerging adults. Dr. Steven Argue, Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, talks with Shellie and Dr. Bridges about meeting young adults where they are: in the midst of their transitions. Matt and Shellie then talk about the Center for Congregation's work with congregations around young adults, unpack the interview and share practical resources that will aid your congregation. Resources Young Adult Ministry Now (book) Young Adult Ministry Now (website and resources) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) The FYI on Youth Ministry Podcast (podcast) S.T.A.R. for Young Adults (website and resources) Dr. Steven Argue, Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, talks with Shellie and Dr. Bridges about meeting young adults where they are: in the midst of their transitions. Matt and Shellie then talk about the Center for Congregation's work with congregations around young adults, unpack the interview and share practical resources that will aid your congregation.


Resources

Young Adult Ministry Now (book)

Young Adult Ministry Now (website and resources)

Fuller Youth Institute (organization)

The FYI on Youth Ministry Podcast (podcast)

S.T.A.R. for Young Adults (website and resources)

]]> 4230 no S7 E15: Finance Supports Strategy Belinda King, MBA and Financial Services Professional joins Dr. Bridges and Matt to discuss the importance of a good understanding of finance in congregations. Her insights are practical, important and implementable. Resources Belinda King/BGK Solutions (LinkedIn) Rich Church, Poor Church: Keys to Effective Financial Ministry by J. Clif Christopher (book) Simplifychurch.com (organization) Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with Their Donors by William G. Enright (book) BGK Solutions (organization) Belinda King's Email: brking@bgksolutions.com Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Finance Supports Strategy full 7 15 Center for Congregations Belinda King, MBA and finance subject matter expert discussed the basics and importance of finance in congregations. Belinda King, MBA and Financial Services Professional joins Dr. Bridges and Matt to discuss the importance of a good understanding of finance in congregations. Her insights are practical, important and implementable. Resources Belinda King/BGK Solutions (LinkedIn) Rich Church, Poor Church: Keys to Effective Financial Ministry by J. Clif Christopher (book) Simplifychurch.com (organization) Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with Their Donors by William G. Enright (book) BGK Solutions (organization) Belinda King's Email: brking@bgksolutions.com Belinda King, MBA and Financial Services Professional joins Dr. Bridges and Matt to discuss the importance of a good understanding of finance in congregations. Her insights are practical, important and implementable.

Resources

Belinda King/BGK Solutions (LinkedIn)

Rich Church, Poor Church: Keys to Effective Financial Ministry by J. Clif Christopher (book)

Simplifychurch.com (organization)

Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with Their Donors by William G. Enright (book)

BGK Solutions (organization)

Belinda King's Email: brking@bgksolutions.com

]]> 2867 no S7 E14: Grace for All: Trauma Informed Care for Children Dr. Robert Crosby joins JC and Matt to talk about how to identify trauma in children and how to create a supportive children's ministry to develop emotionally healthy kids. Resources Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (book) Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (audio book) ReachHurtingKids.com (organization) Reach Hurting Kids Workshop (workshop) Simple Interactions (organization) Grow Curriculum (web resource) Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Grace for All: Trauma Informed Care for Children full 7 14 Center for Congregations Dr. Robert Crosby discusses trauma informed care for children. Dr. Robert Crosby joins JC and Matt to talk about how to identify trauma in children and how to create a supportive children's ministry to develop emotionally healthy kids. Resources Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (book) Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (audio book) ReachHurtingKids.com (organization) Reach Hurting Kids Workshop (workshop) Simple Interactions (organization) Grow Curriculum (web resource) Dr. Robert Crosby joins JC and Matt to talk about how to identify trauma in children and how to create a supportive children's ministry to develop emotionally healthy kids.

Resources

Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (book)

Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (audio book)

ReachHurtingKids.com (organization)

Reach Hurting Kids Workshop (workshop)

Simple Interactions (organization)

Grow Curriculum (web resource)

]]> 2972 no S7 E13: Story, Spirit and Science Zach Garcia, Indiana Outreach Director for Faith in Place, joins Kara and Matt to talk about creation care. Zach believes that congregations can be a powerful force in caring for the world we've been entrusted with. Resources Faith in Place (organization) "Helping Your Church Make Green Choices" by Maureen Wise (article) Laudato Si: On the Care of Our Common Home (web resource) Biologos' Creation Care (web resource) Care of Creation (organization) Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Story, Spirit and Science full 7 13 Center for Congregations Zach Garcia shares about how congregations can engage in creation care. Zach Garcia, Indiana Outreach Director for Faith in Place, joins Kara and Matt to talk about creation care. Zach believes that congregations can be a powerful force in caring for the world we've been entrusted with. Resources Faith in Place (organization) "Helping Your Church Make Green Choices" by Maureen Wise (article) Laudato Si: On the Care of Our Common Home (web resource) Biologos' Creation Care (web resource) Care of Creation (organization) Zach Garcia, Indiana Outreach Director for Faith in Place, joins Kara and Matt to talk about creation care. Zach believes that congregations can be a powerful force in caring for the world we've been entrusted with.

Resources

Faith in Place (organization)

"Helping Your Church Make Green Choices" by Maureen Wise (article)

Laudato Si: On the Care of Our Common Home (web resource)

Biologos' Creation Care (web resource)

Care of Creation (organization)

]]> 2419 no S7 E12: Faithful Through Change Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger joins Kara and Matt to talk about adaptive leadership. Tod believes that congregational leaders can learn to engage in change practices that will relieve pressure and revitalize congregations. Resources AE Sloan Leadership, Inc. (organization) Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger (book) "Ronald Heifetz: The Nature of Adaptive Leadership" from Faith & Leadership (9 min video) Allyd (organization) Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Faithful through Change full 7 12 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger discusses leading well in times of change. Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger joins Kara and Matt to talk about adaptive leadership. Tod believes that congregational leaders can learn to engage in change practices that will relieve pressure and revitalize congregations. Resources AE Sloan Leadership, Inc. (organization) Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger (book) "Ronald Heifetz: The Nature of Adaptive Leadership" from Faith & Leadership (9 min video) Allyd (organization) Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger joins Kara and Matt to talk about adaptive leadership. Tod believes that congregational leaders can learn to engage in change practices that will relieve pressure and revitalize congregations.

Resources

AE Sloan Leadership, Inc. (organization)

Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger (book)

"Ronald Heifetz: The Nature of Adaptive Leadership" from Faith & Leadership (9 min video)

Allyd (organization)

]]> 3227 no S7 E11: No Congregation Is An Island Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway joins Shellie and Matt to talk about congregational collaboration. Dr. Haraway's new book, No Congregation is an Island, gives insights and research that will help you think about how to create partnerships in your context. Resources No Congregation Is An Island by Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway (book) Network Power by Dr. David John Seel, Jr. (book) Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 No Congregation Is An Island full 7 11 Center for Congregations Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway discusses why collaboration is vital in the mission of conregations. Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway joins Shellie and Matt to talk about congregational collaboration. Dr. Haraway's new book, No Congregation is an Island, gives insights and research that will help you think about how to create partnerships in your context. Resources No Congregation Is An Island by Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway (book) Network Power by Dr. David John Seel, Jr. (book) Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway joins Shellie and Matt to talk about congregational collaboration. Dr. Haraway's new book, No Congregation is an Island, gives insights and research that will help you think about how to create partnerships in your context.

Resources

No Congregation Is An Island by Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway (book)

Network Power by Dr. David John Seel, Jr. (book)


]]> 3152 no S7 E10: Failure Is Totally An Option Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs joins John and Matt to talk about failure. Rev. Dr. Briggs believes that failure is not the end but rather can be a beautiful new beginning. Resources Fail by J.R. Briggs (book) Kairos Partnerships (organization) How Your Congregation Learns by Tim Shapiro (book) "There is Hope and Help for Pastors Who Feel 'Stalled'" from ChurchLeaders.com (24 min video) "Focusing On Health, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast) "How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article) Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:36:00 -0000 Failure Is Totally An Option full 7 10 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs discusses failure in congregational life. Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs joins John and Matt to talk about failure. Rev. Dr. Briggs believes that failure is not the end but rather can be a beautiful new beginning. Resources Fail by J.R. Briggs (book) Kairos Partnerships (organization) How Your Congregation Learns by Tim Shapiro (book) "There is Hope and Help for Pastors Who Feel 'Stalled'" from ChurchLeaders.com (24 min video) "Focusing On Health, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast) "How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article) Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs joins John and Matt to talk about failure. Rev. Dr. Briggs believes that failure is not the end but rather can be a beautiful new beginning.

Resources

Fail by J.R. Briggs (book)

Kairos Partnerships (organization)

How Your Congregation Learns by Tim Shapiro (book)

"There is Hope and Help for Pastors Who Feel 'Stalled'" from ChurchLeaders.com (24 min video)

"Focusing On Health, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast)

"How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article)

]]> 4037 no S7 E9: It's the Little Things Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, John James, Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke get together to talk about their work with congregations, the trends they're seeing and what they are learning. Resources Firm Foundations Marketing (organization) Wed, 28 May 2025 14:36:00 -0000 It's the Little Things full 7 9 Center for Congregations Center for Congregations staff share what we're learning from congregations. Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, John James, Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke get together to talk about their work with congregations, the trends they're seeing and what they are learning. Resources Firm Foundations Marketing (organization) Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, John James, Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke get together to talk about their work with congregations, the trends they're seeing and what they are learning.

Resources

Firm Foundations Marketing (organization)

]]> 2160 no S7 E8: Bivocational Ministry Is Not New Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley joins Kara and Shellie to talk about her research regarding bivocational ministry. Contrary to common understanding, it has been quite common in the history of congregations. Rev. Bentley discusses how this model can benefit congregational life. Resources Bivocational Ministry: Field Notes for Congregations and Ministers by Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley (book) Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article) Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video) Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Bivocational Ministry Is Not New full 7 8 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley shares wisdom from her research on bivocational ministry. Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley joins Kara and Shellie to talk about her research regarding bivocational ministry. Contrary to common understanding, it has been quite common in the history of congregations. Rev. Bentley discusses how this model can benefit congregational life. Resources Bivocational Ministry: Field Notes for Congregations and Ministers by Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley (book) Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article) Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video) Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley joins Kara and Shellie to talk about her research regarding bivocational ministry. Contrary to common understanding, it has been quite common in the history of congregations. Rev. Bentley discusses how this model can benefit congregational life.


Resources


Bivocational Ministry: Field Notes for Congregations and Ministers by Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley (book)


Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article)


Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video)

]]> 2928 no Rewind: The Liturgy of Politics Enjoy this episode that was originally launched in November of 2023. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:19:00 -0000 bonus Center for Congregations Enjoy this episode that was originally launched in November of 2023. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Enjoy this episode that was originally launched in November of 2023.


Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community.

Resources

The Colossian Forum (organization)

Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book)

The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)

The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)

Kaitlyn's Website

The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

]]> 3786 no S7 E7: How to Grow Leaders Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry joins JC and Matt to talk about his new book Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls. Aaron shares from his experience in congregational leadership and academia to help you understand how to engage more lay leaders in your congregation. Resources Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Aaron Perry (book) Our Gifts: Identifying and Developing Leaders by David P. Mayer (book) "Unleashing the Church through Lay Leadership" from The Barna Group (article) Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How to Grow Leaders full 7 7 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry joins JC and Matt to talk about his new book Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls. Aaron shares from his experience in congregational leadership and academia to help you understand how to engage more lay leaders in your congregation. Resources Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Aaron Perry (book) Our Gifts: Identifying and Developing Leaders by David P. Mayer (book) "Unleashing the Church through Lay Leadership" from The Barna Group (article) Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry joins JC and Matt to talk about his new book Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls. Aaron shares from his experience in congregational leadership and academia to help you understand how to engage more lay leaders in your congregation.


Resources


Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Aaron Perry (book)


Our Gifts: Identifying and Developing Leaders by David P. Mayer (book)


"Unleashing the Church through Lay Leadership" from The Barna Group (article)

]]> 3398 no S7 E6: Where Two or More Are Gathered . . . You Have Conflict Laurie Stewart, CEO of Peacemaker Ministries, joins Matt and John to discuss the origins of conflict and how to handle conflict. Resources Peacemaker Ministries (organization) Arbinger Institute (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny (book) The Anatomy of Peace from The Arbinger Institute (book) Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:12:00 -0000 Where Two or More Are Gathered . . . You Have Conflict full 7 6 Center for Congregations Laurie Stewart of Peacemaker Ministries shares how to conceptualize and handle conflict. Laurie Stewart, CEO of Peacemaker Ministries, joins Matt and John to discuss the origins of conflict and how to handle conflict. Resources Peacemaker Ministries (organization) Arbinger Institute (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny (book) The Anatomy of Peace from The Arbinger Institute (book) Laurie Stewart, CEO of Peacemaker Ministries, joins Matt and John to discuss the origins of conflict and how to handle conflict.

Resources

Peacemaker Ministries (organization)

Arbinger Institute (organization)

The Colossian Forum (organization)

Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny (book)

The Anatomy of Peace from The Arbinger Institute (book)

]]> 3550 no Money and Ministry E5: Rev. Dr Marlene Fuller In this conversation, Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, financial management, and the need for support within the church community. The discussion highlights the difference between coping behaviors and radical self-care, and the significance of trusting God rather than relying solely on personal performance. Dr. Fuller also discusses the impact of financial programs like MMBB in helping pastors navigate their economic challenges and build a financially healthy congregation. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Rev. Dr Marlene Fuller full 7 5 Center for Congregations Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. In this conversation, Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, financial management, and the need for support within the church community. The discussion highlights the difference between coping behaviors and radical self-care, and the significance of trusting God rather than relying solely on personal performance. Dr. Fuller also discusses the impact of financial programs like MMBB in helping pastors navigate their economic challenges and build a financially healthy congregation. In this conversation, Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, financial management, and the need for support within the church community. The discussion highlights the difference between coping behaviors and radical self-care, and the significance of trusting God rather than relying solely on personal performance. Dr. Fuller also discusses the impact of financial programs like MMBB in helping pastors navigate their economic challenges and build a financially healthy congregation.

]]> 2026 no S7 E5: Connecting with Young Adults Kelly Minas, Director of the Lilly Endowment Young Adult Initiative, joins Matt and Shellie to talk about the S.T.A.R. (stories, tools, and resources) for Young Adult Ministry website. This resourcing website is the culmination of years of work in innovation hubs all over the country and can help your congregation sharpen your young adult ministry focus. Kelly shares about the work of these innovation hubs and the eight principles that can help your congregation connect with young adults. s.t.a.r. for young adult ministry (website) Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Connecting with Young Adults full 7 5 Center for Congregations Kelly Minas shares a new source of stories, tools and resources for young adult ministry. Kelly Minas, Director of the Lilly Endowment Young Adult Initiative, joins Matt and Shellie to talk about the S.T.A.R. (stories, tools, and resources) for Young Adult Ministry website. This resourcing website is the culmination of years of work in innovation hubs all over the country and can help your congregation sharpen your young adult ministry focus. Kelly shares about the work of these innovation hubs and the eight principles that can help your congregation connect with young adults. s.t.a.r. for young adult ministry (website) Kelly Minas, Director of the Lilly Endowment Young Adult Initiative, joins Matt and Shellie to talk about the S.T.A.R. (stories, tools, and resources) for Young Adult Ministry website. This resourcing website is the culmination of years of work in innovation hubs all over the country and can help your congregation sharpen your young adult ministry focus. Kelly shares about the work of these innovation hubs and the eight principles that can help your congregation connect with young adults.

s.t.a.r. for young adult ministry (website)

]]> 2769 no Money and Ministry E4: Reverend Michelle Brown In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry, discussing the challenges she faced, the theological implications of money, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the transformative power of faith in navigating financial struggles and the shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation highlights the significance of taking ownership of financial decisions while recognizing God's role in providing guidance and grace.  Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Reverend Michelle Brown full 7 4 Center for Congregations Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry. In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry, discussing the challenges she faced, the theological implications of money, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the transformative power of faith in navigating financial struggles and the shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation highlights the significance of taking ownership of financial decisions while recognizing God's role in providing guidance and grace.  In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry, discussing the challenges she faced, the theological implications of money, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the transformative power of faith in navigating financial struggles and the shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation highlights the significance of taking ownership of financial decisions while recognizing God's role in providing guidance and grace. 

]]> 2362 no S7 E4: Wholeness Through Co-Vocational Ministry Rev. Mike Snyder joins Shellie and Matt to talk about co-vocational ministry and how it has created a wholeness both for his life and for the life of his congregation. Resources The Power of Co-vocational Ministry by Rev. Mike Snyder (article) Dying to Restart (organization) Covocational Pastoring: What It Is, And Why You Should Consider It (podcast) Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry (book) The Church at Broadway Park (Rev. Snyder's Church) Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Wholeness through Co-Vocational Ministry full 7 4 Center for Congregations Rev. Mike Snyder shares his experiences of co-vocational minstry. Rev. Mike Snyder joins Shellie and Matt to talk about co-vocational ministry and how it has created a wholeness both for his life and for the life of his congregation. Resources The Power of Co-vocational Ministry by Rev. Mike Snyder (article) Dying to Restart (organization) Covocational Pastoring: What It Is, And Why You Should Consider It (podcast) Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry (book) The Church at Broadway Park (Rev. Snyder's Church) Rev. Mike Snyder joins Shellie and Matt to talk about co-vocational ministry and how it has created a wholeness both for his life and for the life of his congregation.

Resources

The Power of Co-vocational Ministry by Rev. Mike Snyder (article)

Dying to Restart (organization)

Covocational Pastoring: What It Is, And Why You Should Consider It (podcast)

Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry (book)

The Church at Broadway Park (Rev. Snyder's Church)

]]> 3849 no Money and Ministry E3: Ramon Rivera In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. He emphasizes the importance of dreams as the first resource from God and recounts his struggles with financial challenges while pursuing his calling. Through various transitions, including moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and then to Arizona, Ramon highlights the support he received from mentors and programs like CARE, which helped him navigate his financial journey. He concludes with valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the importance of community in ministry.  Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Ramon Rivera full 7 3 Center for Congregations Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. He emphasizes the importance of dreams as the first resource from God and recounts his struggles with financial challenges while pursuing his calling. Through various transitions, including moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and then to Arizona, Ramon highlights the support he received from mentors and programs like CARE, which helped him navigate his financial journey. He concludes with valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the importance of community in ministry.  In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. He emphasizes the importance of dreams as the first resource from God and recounts his struggles with financial challenges while pursuing his calling. Through various transitions, including moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and then to Arizona, Ramon highlights the support he received from mentors and programs like CARE, which helped him navigate his financial journey. He concludes with valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the importance of community in ministry. 

]]> 2023 no S7 E3: Learning to Communicate Creatively Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray, senior pastor of The Way Church in Indianapolis, joins Kara and Matt to discuss how communicating creatively, and through creativity, can help you lead your congregation. Resources GCW Coaching (Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes' website) The Small Rural Church Social Media Blueprint (podcast/video) Dr. Rickey McCray's Website We Care Indy (organization) Dr. Rickey McCray's Facebook Page Dr. Rickey McCray's Instagram Page Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Learning to Communicate Creatively full 7 3 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray shares how communicating creatively can energize a congregation. Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray, senior pastor of The Way Church in Indianapolis, joins Kara and Matt to discuss how communicating creatively, and through creativity, can help you lead your congregation. Resources GCW Coaching (Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes' website) The Small Rural Church Social Media Blueprint (podcast/video) Dr. Rickey McCray's Website We Care Indy (organization) Dr. Rickey McCray's Facebook Page Dr. Rickey McCray's Instagram Page Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray, senior pastor of The Way Church in Indianapolis, joins Kara and Matt to discuss how communicating creatively, and through creativity, can help you lead your congregation.

Resources

GCW Coaching (Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes' website)

The Small Rural Church Social Media Blueprint (podcast/video)

Dr. Rickey McCray's Website

We Care Indy (organization)

Dr. Rickey McCray's Facebook Page

Dr. Rickey McCray's Instagram Page

]]> 3085 no Money and Ministry E2: Jason Roberts In this conversation, Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. He emphasizes the importance of reframing the conversation around generosity, building trust, and utilizing curriculum and resources to facilitate open discussions. The dialogue also touches on the significance of legacy planning, the role of the church in financial stewardship, and the need for pastors to be vulnerable about their own financial struggles. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the heart of generosity and the importance of discipleship in managing resources.  Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Jason Roberts full 7 2 Center for Congregations Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. In this conversation, Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. He emphasizes the importance of reframing the conversation around generosity, building trust, and utilizing curriculum and resources to facilitate open discussions. The dialogue also touches on the significance of legacy planning, the role of the church in financial stewardship, and the need for pastors to be vulnerable about their own financial struggles. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the heart of generosity and the importance of discipleship in managing resources.  In this conversation, Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. He emphasizes the importance of reframing the conversation around generosity, building trust, and utilizing curriculum and resources to facilitate open discussions. The dialogue also touches on the significance of legacy planning, the role of the church in financial stewardship, and the need for pastors to be vulnerable about their own financial struggles. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the heart of generosity and the importance of discipleship in managing resources. 

]]> 1857 no S7 E2: Young Adult Engagement: Listen First Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. join John and Matt to talk about their work and research around young adult engagement in congregations. They share what they are learning directly from young adults in their research that will help congregations learn how to reach out to this generation. Resources Defiant Hope, Active Love (book) Defiant Hope, Active Love (documentary) Pivot NW Research (organization) Pivot NW on Facebook Pivot NW on Instagram Pivot NW on X The Anxious Generation (website/book) Dr. Jean Twenge (author, speaker) Fuller Youth Institute - Dr. Steve Argue (author, speaker, researcher) Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network (educational program) Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Young Adult Engagement: Listen First full 7 2 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. discuss their work and research around young adults and congregations. Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. join John and Matt to talk about their work and research around young adult engagement in congregations. They share what they are learning directly from young adults in their research that will help congregations learn how to reach out to this generation. Resources Defiant Hope, Active Love (book) Defiant Hope, Active Love (documentary) Pivot NW Research (organization) Pivot NW on Facebook Pivot NW on Instagram Pivot NW on X The Anxious Generation (website/book) Dr. Jean Twenge (author, speaker) Fuller Youth Institute - Dr. Steve Argue (author, speaker, researcher) Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network (educational program) Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. join John and Matt to talk about their work and research around young adult engagement in congregations. They share what they are learning directly from young adults in their research that will help congregations learn how to reach out to this generation.

Resources

Defiant Hope, Active Love (book)

Defiant Hope, Active Love (documentary)

Pivot NW Research (organization)

Pivot NW on Facebook

Pivot NW on Instagram

Pivot NW on X

The Anxious Generation (website/book)

Dr. Jean Twenge (author, speaker)

Fuller Youth Institute - Dr. Steve Argue (author, speaker, researcher)

Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network (educational program)




]]> 3315 no Money and Ministry E1: Father Dave In this conversation, Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. He discusses the impact of financial strain on ministry, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional financial planning. The conversation highlights the differences in financial management between various church roles and emphasizes the significance of support systems for ministers, particularly regarding retirement planning and overcoming barriers to seeking help. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Father Dave full 7 1 Center for Congregations Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. In this conversation, Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. He discusses the impact of financial strain on ministry, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional financial planning. The conversation highlights the differences in financial management between various church roles and emphasizes the significance of support systems for ministers, particularly regarding retirement planning and overcoming barriers to seeking help. In this conversation, Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. He discusses the impact of financial strain on ministry, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional financial planning. The conversation highlights the differences in financial management between various church roles and emphasizes the significance of support systems for ministers, particularly regarding retirement planning and overcoming barriers to seeking help.

]]> 1656 no S7 E1: Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto from the Center for Congregations' Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders program join Matt and Kelly to talk about their work and a new podcast series. This series will highlight specific stories of clergy leaders and the economic challenges they have faced in their vocation. Resources Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral leaders (organization) Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders full 7 1 Center for Congregations Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto share about their work with pastoral leaders. Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto from the Center for Congregations' Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders program join Matt and Kelly to talk about their work and a new podcast series. This series will highlight specific stories of clergy leaders and the economic challenges they have faced in their vocation. Resources Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral leaders (organization) Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto from the Center for Congregations' Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders program join Matt and Kelly to talk about their work and a new podcast series. This series will highlight specific stories of clergy leaders and the economic challenges they have faced in their vocation.

Resources

Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral leaders (organization)

]]> 2573 S6 E23: Congregations Past, Present and Future Join Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Dr. JC Campbell and Matt Burke as they discuss the changes in congregations over the last six years. A lot has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic and the conversation ranges over what congregations used to be focused on and how that focus has shifted. Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Congregations Past, Present and Future full 6 23 Center for Congregations Center for Congregations staff finish out 2024 by sharing what we've learned. Join Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Dr. JC Campbell and Matt Burke as they discuss the changes in congregations over the last six years. A lot has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic and the conversation ranges over what congregations used to be focused on and how that focus has shifted. Join Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Dr. JC Campbell and Matt Burke as they discuss the changes in congregations over the last six years. A lot has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic and the conversation ranges over what congregations used to be focused on and how that focus has shifted.

]]> 2683 no S6 E22: Money as Part of the Whole Self Rosario and Callie Picardo join JC and Matt to talk about their new book Healthy Money. Their fascinating hypothesis is that our thoughts and attitudes towards finances are driven by deep aspects of our personhood and if we make those aspects healthy it can aid us in viewing and using finances in a healthy way. Resources Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional and Financial Freedom (book) Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with their Donors by William G. Enright (book) When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-and-Play, Season 4 Episode 8 of the Center for Congregations Podcast (podcast) Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Money As Part of The Whole Self full 6 22 Center for Congregations Callie and Rosario Picardo talk about the roots that drive our thinking about finances. Rosario and Callie Picardo join JC and Matt to talk about their new book Healthy Money. Their fascinating hypothesis is that our thoughts and attitudes towards finances are driven by deep aspects of our personhood and if we make those aspects healthy it can aid us in viewing and using finances in a healthy way. Resources Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional and Financial Freedom (book) Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with their Donors by William G. Enright (book) When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-and-Play, Season 4 Episode 8 of the Center for Congregations Podcast (podcast) Rosario and Callie Picardo join JC and Matt to talk about their new book Healthy Money. Their fascinating hypothesis is that our thoughts and attitudes towards finances are driven by deep aspects of our personhood and if we make those aspects healthy it can aid us in viewing and using finances in a healthy way.

Resources

Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional and Financial Freedom (book)

Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with their Donors by William G. Enright (book)

When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-and-Play, Season 4 Episode 8 of the Center for Congregations Podcast (podcast)

]]> 3016 no S6 E21: More Than Tips and Tricks Rev. Ethan Linder, Discipleship Pastor from College Wesleyan Church in Marion Indiana, joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the process they've developed. Ethan shares the beginnings of the project and what they're learning. Resources College Wesleyan Shepherding Curriculum Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches (book) The Master Plan of Evangelism (book) Lifelong Faith Associates (organization) Ethan's Instragram Handle @iamethanl Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 More Than Tips and Tricks full 6 21 Center for Congregations Rev. Ethan Linder shares about developing discipleship and faith formation. Rev. Ethan Linder, Discipleship Pastor from College Wesleyan Church in Marion Indiana, joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the process they've developed. Ethan shares the beginnings of the project and what they're learning. Resources College Wesleyan Shepherding Curriculum Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches (book) The Master Plan of Evangelism (book) Lifelong Faith Associates (organization) Ethan's Instragram Handle @iamethanl Rev. Ethan Linder, Discipleship Pastor from College Wesleyan Church in Marion Indiana, joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the process they've developed. Ethan shares the beginnings of the project and what they're learning.

Resources

College Wesleyan Shepherding Curriculum

Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches (book)

The Master Plan of Evangelism (book)

Lifelong Faith Associates (organization)

Ethan's Instragram Handle @iamethanl

]]> 3041 no S6 E20: Partnerships Are Powerful Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her work. She shares how congregations can be successful in helping their communities through a mission focus, education and local networking relationships. Resources Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (organization) Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 Partnerships Are Powerful full 6 20 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Que English talks about how congregations can multiply impact through partnerships. Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her work. She shares how congregations can be successful in helping their communities through a mission focus, education and local networking relationships. Resources Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (organization) Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her work. She shares how congregations can be successful in helping their communities through a mission focus, education and local networking relationships.

Resources

Flourish by Martin Seligman (book)

Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (organization)

]]> 2919 no S6 E19: Educating Is An Art Propaganda joins JC and Matt to talk about how to make complex topics easier for your audience to understand. Propaganda is a rapper, spoken word artist, author, speaker and podcaster. And he knows a ton about coffee. Resources Terraform: Building a Better World (book) Terraform: The Sky (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Soil (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The People (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Possibility (EP on Spotify) Hood Politics with Prop (Podcast) Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:58:00 -0000 Educating Is An Art full 6 19 Center for Congregations Propaganda (Jason Petty) discusses the art of educational instruction. Propaganda joins JC and Matt to talk about how to make complex topics easier for your audience to understand. Propaganda is a rapper, spoken word artist, author, speaker and podcaster. And he knows a ton about coffee. Resources Terraform: Building a Better World (book) Terraform: The Sky (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Soil (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The People (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Possibility (EP on Spotify) Hood Politics with Prop (Podcast) Propaganda joins JC and Matt to talk about how to make complex topics easier for your audience to understand. Propaganda is a rapper, spoken word artist, author, speaker and podcaster. And he knows a ton about coffee.

Resources

Terraform: Building a Better World (book)

Terraform: The Sky (EP on Spotify)

Terraform: The Soil (EP on Spotify)

Terraform: The People (EP on Spotify)

Terraform: The Possibility (EP on Spotify)

Hood Politics with Prop (Podcast)

]]> 3227 no S6 E18: 100 Episodes! Center for Congregations staffers Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan, Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Matt Burke and John James gather to talk about what they're hearing and learning from Congregations around the state of Indiana. Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 100 Episodes! full 6 18 Center for Congregations Center for Congregations Staff gather to discuss recent congregational stories. Center for Congregations staffers Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan, Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Matt Burke and John James gather to talk about what they're hearing and learning from Congregations around the state of Indiana. Center for Congregations staffers Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan, Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Matt Burke and John James gather to talk about what they're hearing and learning from Congregations around the state of Indiana.

]]> 2355 no S6 E17: The Power to Form and Transform Dr. Christina Davis and Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro join Dr. Bridges and Matt to talk about their new book The Formative Power of Your Congregation. We discuss the framework of the process of formation in congregations, specific stories from the work and research and how your congregation can be a place of formation. Dr. Davis is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Shapiro is the President of the Center for Congregations. Resources The Formative Power of Your Congregation (book) Dr. Christina Davis (website) Dr. Christina Davis (at CTS) The Congregational Resource Guide (website) Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000 The Power to Form and Transform full 6 17 Center for Congregations Dr. Christina Davis and Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro discuss their new book The Formative Power of Your Congregation. Dr. Christina Davis and Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro join Dr. Bridges and Matt to talk about their new book The Formative Power of Your Congregation. We discuss the framework of the process of formation in congregations, specific stories from the work and research and how your congregation can be a place of formation. Dr. Davis is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Shapiro is the President of the Center for Congregations. Resources The Formative Power of Your Congregation (book) Dr. Christina Davis (website) Dr. Christina Davis (at CTS) The Congregational Resource Guide (website) Dr. Christina Davis and Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro join Dr. Bridges and Matt to talk about their new book The Formative Power of Your Congregation. We discuss the framework of the process of formation in congregations, specific stories from the work and research and how your congregation can be a place of formation. Dr. Davis is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Shapiro is the President of the Center for Congregations.

Resources

The Formative Power of Your Congregation (book)

Dr. Christina Davis (website)

Dr. Christina Davis (at CTS)

The Congregational Resource Guide (website)

]]> 3074 no S6 E16: Is Your Congregation Healthy? Melanie Preston joins JC and Matt to share her understanding of how congregations can be healthy organizations. The conversation includes how to define organizational health, the importance of paying attention to burnout, why it's important to develop boundaries and how manipulation can harm a congregation. Matt and JC talk about their experiences working with congregations and the idea of organizational health and share some resources on the topic. Resources This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There (book) 5LQ Episode 324: The Advantage Book Breakdown (podcast) The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business (book) Matter of Focus Counseling (Melanie's company) Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:22:52 -0000 Is Your Congregation Healthy? full 6 16 Center for Congregations Licensed Mental Health Counselor Melanie Preston discusses organizational health. Melanie Preston joins JC and Matt to share her understanding of how congregations can be healthy organizations. The conversation includes how to define organizational health, the importance of paying attention to burnout, why it's important to develop boundaries and how manipulation can harm a congregation. Matt and JC talk about their experiences working with congregations and the idea of organizational health and share some resources on the topic. Resources This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There (book) 5LQ Episode 324: The Advantage Book Breakdown (podcast) The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business (book) Matter of Focus Counseling (Melanie's company) Melanie Preston joins JC and Matt to share her understanding of how congregations can be healthy organizations. The conversation includes how to define organizational health, the importance of paying attention to burnout, why it's important to develop boundaries and how manipulation can harm a congregation. Matt and JC talk about their experiences working with congregations and the idea of organizational health and share some resources on the topic.

Resources

This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There (book)

5LQ Episode 324: The Advantage Book Breakdown (podcast)

The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business (book)

Matter of Focus Counseling (Melanie's company)

]]> 2917 no S6 E15: Beyond Dollars: Framing Generosity Dr. Carlos Perkins, Associate Director of Engagement for the Lake Institute on Faith Faith and Giving joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke to discuss generosity. The conversation contains helpful definitions of generosity, reframing faith and giving and some practical tips. Resources https://lakeinstitute.org/ https://events.iu.edu/philanthropy/ https://lakeinstitute.org/resources/faithful-generosity-story-shelf/ https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/ https://litpress.org/Products/3766/Imagining-Abundance https://thecrg.org/resources/Rambam_s_Ladder_A_Meditation_on_Generosity_and_Why_It_is_Necessary_to_Give https://thecrg.org/resources/Local_Church_Planned_Giving_Manual Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Beyond Dollars: Framing Generosity full 6 14 Center for Congregations Dr. Carlos Perkins defines and explains generosity for religious organizations and contexts. Dr. Carlos Perkins, Associate Director of Engagement for the Lake Institute on Faith Faith and Giving joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke to discuss generosity. The conversation contains helpful definitions of generosity, reframing faith and giving and some practical tips. Resources https://lakeinstitute.org/ https://events.iu.edu/philanthropy/ https://lakeinstitute.org/resources/faithful-generosity-story-shelf/ https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/ https://litpress.org/Products/3766/Imagining-Abundance https://thecrg.org/resources/Rambam_s_Ladder_A_Meditation_on_Generosity_and_Why_It_is_Necessary_to_Give https://thecrg.org/resources/Local_Church_Planned_Giving_Manual Dr. Carlos Perkins, Associate Director of Engagement for the Lake Institute on Faith Faith and Giving joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke to discuss generosity. The conversation contains helpful definitions of generosity, reframing faith and giving and some practical tips.

Resources

https://lakeinstitute.org/

https://events.iu.edu/philanthropy/

https://lakeinstitute.org/resources/faithful-generosity-story-shelf/

https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/

https://litpress.org/Products/3766/Imagining-Abundance

https://thecrg.org/resources/Rambam_s_Ladder_A_Meditation_on_Generosity_and_Why_It_is_Necessary_to_Give

https://thecrg.org/resources/Local_Church_Planned_Giving_Manual

]]> 3164 no S6 E14: When Crisis Strikes: Congregations Leading Community Aid Dr. William Cooke, MD. was practicing in a small rural community when a health crisis broke out. He joins Abby and Matt to talk about how various community stakeholders, including congregations, stepped up to aid those in need. Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (organization) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (visual aid) Canary in the Coal Mine: A Forgotten Rural Community, a Hidden Epidemic, and a Lone Doctor Battling for the Life, Health, and Soul of the People (book) Canary in the Coal Mine Facebook Group Indiana Community Foundations (website) National Community Foundation Locator (website) Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 When Crisis Strikes: Congregations Leading Community Aid full 6 14 Center for Congregations Dr. William Cooke, MD. joins the Center for Congregations podcast to talk about how congregations can aid in community crises. Dr. William Cooke, MD. was practicing in a small rural community when a health crisis broke out. He joins Abby and Matt to talk about how various community stakeholders, including congregations, stepped up to aid those in need. Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (organization) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (visual aid) Canary in the Coal Mine: A Forgotten Rural Community, a Hidden Epidemic, and a Lone Doctor Battling for the Life, Health, and Soul of the People (book) Canary in the Coal Mine Facebook Group Indiana Community Foundations (website) National Community Foundation Locator (website) Dr. William Cooke, MD. was practicing in a small rural community when a health crisis broke out. He joins Abby and Matt to talk about how various community stakeholders, including congregations, stepped up to aid those in need.

Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (organization)

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (visual aid)

Canary in the Coal Mine: A Forgotten Rural Community, a Hidden Epidemic, and a Lone Doctor Battling for the Life, Health, and Soul of the People (book)

Canary in the Coal Mine Facebook Group

Indiana Community Foundations (website)

National Community Foundation Locator (website)

]]> 2436 no S6 E13: Make Social Media Social! Digital marketing consultant Tim Campbell-Smith and digital marketing trainer Kaeli Sweigard join Shellie and Matt to talk about social media and congregations. This dynamic conversation will help any congregation whether they are just getting started or are social media veterans. Find Tim on the socials @timcampbellsms. Find Kaeli on the socials @kaelisweigard Resources https://timcampbellstrategist.com (Tim's website) https://kaelisweigard.com/ (Kaeli's website) Discipls.io (organization) Social Media for Churches: 8 Best Strategies (article) 16 Inspiring Ways to Build a Community on Social Media (article) Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Make Social Media Social! full 6 13 Center for Congregations Two digital marketers, who happen to be good friends, discuss social media in congregations. Digital marketing consultant Tim Campbell-Smith and digital marketing trainer Kaeli Sweigard join Shellie and Matt to talk about social media and congregations. This dynamic conversation will help any congregation whether they are just getting started or are social media veterans. Find Tim on the socials @timcampbellsms. Find Kaeli on the socials @kaelisweigard Resources https://timcampbellstrategist.com (Tim's website) https://kaelisweigard.com/ (Kaeli's website) Discipls.io (organization) Social Media for Churches: 8 Best Strategies (article) 16 Inspiring Ways to Build a Community on Social Media (article) Digital marketing consultant Tim Campbell-Smith and digital marketing trainer Kaeli Sweigard join Shellie and Matt to talk about social media and congregations. This dynamic conversation will help any congregation whether they are just getting started or are social media veterans.

Find Tim on the socials @timcampbellsms.

Find Kaeli on the socials @kaelisweigard

Resources

https://timcampbellstrategist.com (Tim's website)

https://kaelisweigard.com/ (Kaeli's website)

Discipls.io (organization)

Social Media for Churches: 8 Best Strategies (article)

16 Inspiring Ways to Build a Community on Social Media (article)

]]> 2976 no S6 E12: Reframing Fundraising Rev. Dr. Quincy McGhee, Senior Pastor of Lifeway Bible Fellowship and Grants Administrator for Associated Churches of Allen County, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his experiences regarding fundraising. Rev. McGhee helps to redefine how we approach needs: both our own and those in the community around us. Resources The Kaleidoscope Institute (organization) Indiana Community Foundations (webpage) Council on Foundations Community Foundation Locator (webpage) Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Reframing Fundraising full 6 12 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Quincy McGhee discusses alternative ways of thinking about fundraising. Rev. Dr. Quincy McGhee, Senior Pastor of Lifeway Bible Fellowship and Grants Administrator for Associated Churches of Allen County, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his experiences regarding fundraising. Rev. McGhee helps to redefine how we approach needs: both our own and those in the community around us. Resources The Kaleidoscope Institute (organization) Indiana Community Foundations (webpage) Council on Foundations Community Foundation Locator (webpage) Rev. Dr. Quincy McGhee, Senior Pastor of Lifeway Bible Fellowship and Grants Administrator for Associated Churches of Allen County, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his experiences regarding fundraising. Rev. McGhee helps to redefine how we approach needs: both our own and those in the community around us.

Resources

The Kaleidoscope Institute (organization)

Indiana Community Foundations (webpage)

Council on Foundations Community Foundation Locator (webpage)

]]> 2518 no S6 E11: Congregations Are Doing Good and Doing Well Join Center for Congregations staff Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke as they discuss their work with congregations and what we can all learn from what's happening around the state of Indiana. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Bridges both share about recent situations with congregations from which we can take hope, learning and resources. Resources The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG; web resource) Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (book) How to Plant a Church: A Guide to Successful Startups (article) Building God's Way (BGW; organization) Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:48:00 -0000 Congregations Are Doing Good and Doing Well full 6 11 Center for Congregations Four of the Center for Congregations staff sit down to talk about their work with congregations. Join Center for Congregations staff Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke as they discuss their work with congregations and what we can all learn from what's happening around the state of Indiana. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Bridges both share about recent situations with congregations from which we can take hope, learning and resources. Resources The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG; web resource) Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (book) How to Plant a Church: A Guide to Successful Startups (article) Building God's Way (BGW; organization) Join Center for Congregations staff Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke as they discuss their work with congregations and what we can all learn from what's happening around the state of Indiana. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Bridges both share about recent situations with congregations from which we can take hope, learning and resources.

Resources

The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG; web resource)

Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (book)

How to Plant a Church: A Guide to Successful Startups (article)

Building God's Way (BGW; organization)

]]> 2565 no S6 E10: Faith and The Arts Belong Together Rev. Lisa Cole Smith, Founding Pastor and Artistic Director of Convergence Church in Alexandria, Virginia, joins JC and Matt to talk about how her congregation weaves aesthetics and the arts into the life of their congregation and community. Rev. Smith discusses the origins of their congregation, the trajectory of their ministry, and how congregations can be more intentional about their aesthetics, facilities and creativity. Resources Visual Arts and Worship (web resource) For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (book) Convergence (organization) Be, Make, Do (podcast) Wed, 22 May 2024 19:03:00 -0000 Faith and The Arts Belong Together full 6 10 Center for Congregations Rev. Lisa Cole Smith discusses her congregational community and its connection to the arts. Rev. Lisa Cole Smith, Founding Pastor and Artistic Director of Convergence Church in Alexandria, Virginia, joins JC and Matt to talk about how her congregation weaves aesthetics and the arts into the life of their congregation and community. Rev. Smith discusses the origins of their congregation, the trajectory of their ministry, and how congregations can be more intentional about their aesthetics, facilities and creativity. Resources Visual Arts and Worship (web resource) For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (book) Convergence (organization) Be, Make, Do (podcast) Rev. Lisa Cole Smith, Founding Pastor and Artistic Director of Convergence Church in Alexandria, Virginia, joins JC and Matt to talk about how her congregation weaves aesthetics and the arts into the life of their congregation and community. Rev. Smith discusses the origins of their congregation, the trajectory of their ministry, and how congregations can be more intentional about their aesthetics, facilities and creativity.

Resources

Visual Arts and Worship (web resource)

For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (book)

Convergence (organization)

Be, Make, Do (podcast)

]]> 2723 no S6 E9: What We Can All Learn from Thriving Rural Congregations Rev. Brad Thie, Director of Duke Divinity School's Thriving Rural Communities Initiative, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his work with congregations in rural North Carolina. Rev. Thie discusses what defines a thriving congregation and how congregations can be tightly tied to their communities. Resources Thriving Rural Communities Initiative (organization) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (resource collection) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (podcast episode) Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations (book) Transforming Church in Rural America (book) Rural Mental Health Resources (resource collection) Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 What We Can All Learn from Thriving Rural Congregations full 6 9 Center for Congregations Rev. Brad Thie shares the hallmarks of thriving rural congregations. Rev. Brad Thie, Director of Duke Divinity School's Thriving Rural Communities Initiative, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his work with congregations in rural North Carolina. Rev. Thie discusses what defines a thriving congregation and how congregations can be tightly tied to their communities. Resources Thriving Rural Communities Initiative (organization) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (resource collection) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (podcast episode) Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations (book) Transforming Church in Rural America (book) Rural Mental Health Resources (resource collection) Rev. Brad Thie, Director of Duke Divinity School's Thriving Rural Communities Initiative, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his work with congregations in rural North Carolina. Rev. Thie discusses what defines a thriving congregation and how congregations can be tightly tied to their communities.

Resources

Thriving Rural Communities Initiative (organization)

Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (resource collection)

Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (podcast episode)

Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations (book)

Transforming Church in Rural America (book)

Rural Mental Health Resources (resource collection)

]]> 2871 no S6 E8: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Your Congregation Whether we're prepared or not, Artificial Intelligence is now a part of our every day lives and our future. Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke to discuss how AI can aid congregations and the ways in which not to engage with it. Resources Midnight Oil Productions Human-Centered AI (article) The Ultimate Guide to AI, Pastors, and the Church (article) AI Generated Images Native American Potter Ravens Dry Valley Valley Renewed Valley Valley with Ravens Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Your Congregation full 6 8 Center for Congregations Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions shares his perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence. Whether we're prepared or not, Artificial Intelligence is now a part of our every day lives and our future. Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke to discuss how AI can aid congregations and the ways in which not to engage with it. Resources Midnight Oil Productions Human-Centered AI (article) The Ultimate Guide to AI, Pastors, and the Church (article) AI Generated Images Native American Potter Ravens Dry Valley Valley Renewed Valley Valley with Ravens Whether we're prepared or not, Artificial Intelligence is now a part of our every day lives and our future. Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke to discuss how AI can aid congregations and the ways in which not to engage with it.

Resources

Midnight Oil Productions

Human-Centered AI (article)

The Ultimate Guide to AI, Pastors, and the Church (article)

AI Generated Images

Native American Potter

Ravens

Dry Valley

Valley

Renewed Valley

Valley with Ravens

]]> 3897 no S6 E7: Kids These Days Lenmarie Pascall, Director of Coaching at Urban Youth Workers Institute, joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations for an insightful discussion on youth ministry. Lenmarie asserts that urban culture is increasingly shaping the broader youth culture landscape, emphasizing the importance for parents and leaders to grasp how to support youth in flourishing within these environments. Resources Urban Youth Workers Institute (organization) The Youth Cartel (organization) - Mark Oestreicher The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (organization) Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Kids These Days full 6 7 Center for Congregations Lenmarie Pascall discusses how urban culture is the dominant culture for youth. Lenmarie Pascall, Director of Coaching at Urban Youth Workers Institute, joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations for an insightful discussion on youth ministry. Lenmarie asserts that urban culture is increasingly shaping the broader youth culture landscape, emphasizing the importance for parents and leaders to grasp how to support youth in flourishing within these environments. Resources Urban Youth Workers Institute (organization) The Youth Cartel (organization) - Mark Oestreicher The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (organization) Lenmarie Pascall, Director of Coaching at Urban Youth Workers Institute, joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations for an insightful discussion on youth ministry. Lenmarie asserts that urban culture is increasingly shaping the broader youth culture landscape, emphasizing the importance for parents and leaders to grasp how to support youth in flourishing within these environments.

Resources

Urban Youth Workers Institute (organization)

The Youth Cartel (organization) - Mark Oestreicher

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (organization)

]]> 2512 no S6 E6: Congregations in a Time of Transition "Every congregation is unique" — it’s not a cliché, it is true. Rev. Tim Lake, pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, and Rev. Raymond Dix Jr., pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, sit down with Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share the unique makeup of their congregations, the changes and challenges they have experienced, and why it is important to embrace and understand your congregation's unique attributes. Check out the Congregational Resource Guide for resources that provide help and guidance for your congregation within this topic. https://thecrg.org/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Congregations in a Time of Transition full 6 6 Center for Congregations Rev. Tim Lake and Rev. Raymond Dix Jr. discuss how change has impacted their congregations. "Every congregation is unique" — it’s not a cliché, it is true. Rev. Tim Lake, pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, and Rev. Raymond Dix Jr., pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, sit down with Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share the unique makeup of their congregations, the changes and challenges they have experienced, and why it is important to embrace and understand your congregation's unique attributes. Check out the Congregational Resource Guide for resources that provide help and guidance for your congregation within this topic. https://thecrg.org/ "Every congregation is unique" — it’s not a cliché, it is true. Rev. Tim Lake, pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, and Rev. Raymond Dix Jr., pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, sit down with Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share the unique makeup of their congregations, the changes and challenges they have experienced, and why it is important to embrace and understand your congregation's unique attributes.

Check out the Congregational Resource Guide for resources that provide help and guidance for your congregation within this topic.

https://thecrg.org/

]]> 3741 no S6 E5: Caring for Your Congregation's Building Nathan Parr, Facilities Stewardship Specialist with Smart Church Solutions, joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations to discuss the challenges and solutions with facility management of congregational buildings. Nathan shares practical tips for congregations to assess and quantify the issues and costs for maintaining facilities. Resources Smart Church Solutions (organization) FacilitiesNet (web resource) Church Facility Management Solutions (Facebook Group) Church Facility Maintenance (article) Preserving Black Churches (organization) Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0000 Caring for Your Congregation's Building full 6 5 Center for Congregations Nathan Parr of Smart Church Solutions talks facility care and maintenance. Nathan Parr, Facilities Stewardship Specialist with Smart Church Solutions, joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations to discuss the challenges and solutions with facility management of congregational buildings. Nathan shares practical tips for congregations to assess and quantify the issues and costs for maintaining facilities. Resources Smart Church Solutions (organization) FacilitiesNet (web resource) Church Facility Management Solutions (Facebook Group) Church Facility Maintenance (article) Preserving Black Churches (organization) Nathan Parr, Facilities Stewardship Specialist with Smart Church Solutions, joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations to discuss the challenges and solutions with facility management of congregational buildings. Nathan shares practical tips for congregations to assess and quantify the issues and costs for maintaining facilities.

Resources

Smart Church Solutions (organization)

FacilitiesNet (web resource)

Church Facility Management Solutions (Facebook Group)

Church Facility Maintenance (article)

Preserving Black Churches (organization)

]]> 3284 no S6 E4: Valuing Roots over ROI — Navigating Change in Congregations National speaker, advocate and emcee, Rev. Julian DeShazier, joins JC Campbell and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to discuss how congregations can better adapt to changing culture and circumstances. Topics discussed include ministry arms of congregations being open about their faith background, using modern tools without losing your values, the strength of "old" songs and more. Matt and JC also discuss how change in congregations appears in the work of the Center for Congregations and share resources to help congregations navigate changes. Resources Reimagining How We Reimagine Church by Julian DeShazier (article) Traditioned Innovation in Action by Dave Odom (article) Leading Change in the Congregation by Gil Rendle (book) Managing Transitions by William Bridges and Susan Bridges (book) Rediscovering an Evangelical Heritage by Donald Dayton (book) Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Valuing Roots over ROI — Navigating Change in Congregations full 6 4 Center for Congregations Rev. Julian DeShazier discusses navigating change. National speaker, advocate and emcee, Rev. Julian DeShazier, joins JC Campbell and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to discuss how congregations can better adapt to changing culture and circumstances. Topics discussed include ministry arms of congregations being open about their faith background, using modern tools without losing your values, the strength of "old" songs and more. Matt and JC also discuss how change in congregations appears in the work of the Center for Congregations and share resources to help congregations navigate changes. Resources Reimagining How We Reimagine Church by Julian DeShazier (article) Traditioned Innovation in Action by Dave Odom (article) Leading Change in the Congregation by Gil Rendle (book) Managing Transitions by William Bridges and Susan Bridges (book) Rediscovering an Evangelical Heritage by Donald Dayton (book) National speaker, advocate and emcee, Rev. Julian DeShazier, joins JC Campbell and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to discuss how congregations can better adapt to changing culture and circumstances. Topics discussed include ministry arms of congregations being open about their faith background, using modern tools without losing your values, the strength of "old" songs and more. Matt and JC also discuss how change in congregations appears in the work of the Center for Congregations and share resources to help congregations navigate changes.

Resources

Reimagining How We Reimagine Church by Julian DeShazier (article)

Traditioned Innovation in Action by Dave Odom (article)

Leading Change in the Congregation by Gil Rendle (book)

Managing Transitions by William Bridges and Susan Bridges (book)

Rediscovering an Evangelical Heritage by Donald Dayton (book)

]]> 3339 no S6 E3: Mental Health Is a Team Sport Rev. Jermine Alberty joins Abby Miller and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share about his experiences as a pastor and Mental Health First Aid trainer. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness both for congregational leaders and the members of congregations. Resources Mental Health First Aid (organization) Jermine Alberty (website) NAMI (organization) Pathways 2 Promise (organization) Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (organization) Latino Mental Health (article) A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser (book) Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Mental Health Is a Team Sport full 6 3 Center for Congregations Rev. Jermine Alberty discusses the importance of training and community for mental health support. Rev. Jermine Alberty joins Abby Miller and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share about his experiences as a pastor and Mental Health First Aid trainer. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness both for congregational leaders and the members of congregations. Resources Mental Health First Aid (organization) Jermine Alberty (website) NAMI (organization) Pathways 2 Promise (organization) Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (organization) Latino Mental Health (article) A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser (book) Rev. Jermine Alberty joins Abby Miller and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share about his experiences as a pastor and Mental Health First Aid trainer. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness both for congregational leaders and the members of congregations.

Resources

Mental Health First Aid (organization)

Jermine Alberty (website)

NAMI (organization)

Pathways 2 Promise (organization)

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (organization)

Latino Mental Health (article)

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser (book)

]]> 3065 no S6 E2: Congregations Can Help with Suicide Prevention Please note: this episode contains conversation related to suicide. Feel free to pause or stop listening if you need to and seek personal support of a friend or loved one. If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts please reach out to a professional and/or call 988. Col. Glen Bloomstrom joins Matt Burke and Shellie Riggs Jordan from the Center for Congregations to talk about how congregations can be places of support and help in suicide prevention. Glenn has worked extensively with the US military as a chaplain and consultant and is now the Director of Faith Community Engagement at LivingWorks Education. Resources Centre for Suicide Prevention (organization) Centre for Suicide Prevention safeTalk Training LivingWorks (organization) - provides training including Safe Talk, LivingWorks Faith and LivingWorks ASIST QPR Institute (organization) Mental Health First Aid for Youth (training) Saving the farm: Heartland clergy train to prevent agriculture workers' suicides (AP news article) Americans Are in a Mental Health Crisis - Especially African Americans. Can Churches Help? (article) 988: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches by Karen Mason (book) Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors by Karen Mason (book) Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:02:00 -0000 Congregations Can Help with Suicide Prevention full 6 2 Center for Congregations Glen Bloomstrom (US Army Chaplain, Colonel, Retired) joins Matt and Shellie to discuss suicide prevention. Please note: this episode contains conversation related to suicide. Feel free to pause or stop listening if you need to and seek personal support of a friend or loved one. If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts please reach out to a professional and/or call 988. Col. Glen Bloomstrom joins Matt Burke and Shellie Riggs Jordan from the Center for Congregations to talk about how congregations can be places of support and help in suicide prevention. Glenn has worked extensively with the US military as a chaplain and consultant and is now the Director of Faith Community Engagement at LivingWorks Education. Resources Centre for Suicide Prevention (organization) Centre for Suicide Prevention safeTalk Training LivingWorks (organization) - provides training including Safe Talk, LivingWorks Faith and LivingWorks ASIST QPR Institute (organization) Mental Health First Aid for Youth (training) Saving the farm: Heartland clergy train to prevent agriculture workers' suicides (AP news article) Americans Are in a Mental Health Crisis - Especially African Americans. Can Churches Help? (article) 988: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches by Karen Mason (book) Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors by Karen Mason (book) Please note: this episode contains conversation related to suicide. Feel free to pause or stop listening if you need to and seek personal support of a friend or loved one. If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts please reach out to a professional and/or call 988.

Col. Glen Bloomstrom joins Matt Burke and Shellie Riggs Jordan from the Center for Congregations to talk about how congregations can be places of support and help in suicide prevention. Glenn has worked extensively with the US military as a chaplain and consultant and is now the Director of Faith Community Engagement at LivingWorks Education.

Resources

Centre for Suicide Prevention (organization)

Centre for Suicide Prevention safeTalk Training

LivingWorks (organization) - provides training including Safe Talk, LivingWorks Faith and LivingWorks ASIST

QPR Institute (organization)

Mental Health First Aid for Youth (training)

Saving the farm: Heartland clergy train to prevent agriculture workers' suicides (AP news article)

Americans Are in a Mental Health Crisis - Especially African Americans. Can Churches Help? (article)

988: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches by Karen Mason (book)

Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors by Karen Mason (book)

]]> 2563 no S6 E1: Breathe New Life: Finding Rhythms of Rest As the year begins, allow yourself and your team the power to take hold of your pace and passion for work. Brenda Jank, Founder and CEO of Run Hard, Rest Well, joins Matt Burke and Abby Miller from the Center for Congregations to talk about how to help clergy and congregational leaders find rhythms of rest in order to lead well. Compelling, practical, and eye-opening, this episode will help to create a work life balance that is life-giving, transformative, and powered by God. Resources Run Hard, Rest Well (organization) Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom and Guided Meditations to Strengthen and Calm Body, Heart, Mind and Soul (book) Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Ruth Haley Barton (website, author) Check out her podcast and the books Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence. Kirk Byron Jones (website, author) Check out his books Addicted to Hurry and Fulfilled Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:39:00 -0000 Breathe New Life: Finding Rhythms of Rest full 6 1 Center for Congregations Brenda Jank of Run Hard, Rest Well discusses a framework for rhythms of rest for leaders. As the year begins, allow yourself and your team the power to take hold of your pace and passion for work. Brenda Jank, Founder and CEO of Run Hard, Rest Well, joins Matt Burke and Abby Miller from the Center for Congregations to talk about how to help clergy and congregational leaders find rhythms of rest in order to lead well. Compelling, practical, and eye-opening, this episode will help to create a work life balance that is life-giving, transformative, and powered by God. Resources Run Hard, Rest Well (organization) Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom and Guided Meditations to Strengthen and Calm Body, Heart, Mind and Soul (book) Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Ruth Haley Barton (website, author) Check out her podcast and the books Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence. Kirk Byron Jones (website, author) Check out his books Addicted to Hurry and Fulfilled As the year begins, allow yourself and your team the power to take hold of your pace and passion for work. Brenda Jank, Founder and CEO of Run Hard, Rest Well, joins Matt Burke and Abby Miller from the Center for Congregations to talk about how to help clergy and congregational leaders find rhythms of rest in order to lead well. Compelling, practical, and eye-opening, this episode will help to create a work life balance that is life-giving, transformative, and powered by God.


Resources

Run Hard, Rest Well (organization)

Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom and Guided Meditations to Strengthen and Calm Body, Heart, Mind and Soul (book)

Flourish by Martin Seligman (book)

Ruth Haley Barton (website, author)

Check out her podcast and the books Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence.

Kirk Byron Jones (website, author)

Check out his books Addicted to Hurry and Fulfilled

]]> 3632 no S5 E21: Young Adults: Which Ones Do You Mean? Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes joins Abby and Matt to talk about how she envisions engagement with young adults. The conversation focuses on defining what one means by "young adults" and ways to create relationship and space for this demographic. Resources Young Adults and Your Congregation (article) Thinkq media (organization) Technology, Innovation, & Digital Engagement Lab (Tidel) Engaging Young Adults: Creating a Culture of Belonging (video) Passcode: GCWOct23! Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:26:12 -0000 Young Adults: Which Ones Do You Mean? full 5 21 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes shares how congregations can engage with young adults. Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes joins Abby and Matt to talk about how she envisions engagement with young adults. The conversation focuses on defining what one means by "young adults" and ways to create relationship and space for this demographic. Resources Young Adults and Your Congregation (article) Thinkq media (organization) Technology, Innovation, & Digital Engagement Lab (Tidel) Engaging Young Adults: Creating a Culture of Belonging (video) Passcode: GCWOct23! Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes joins Abby and Matt to talk about how she envisions engagement with young adults. The conversation focuses on defining what one means by "young adults" and ways to create relationship and space for this demographic.

Resources

Young Adults and Your Congregation (article)

Thinkq media (organization)

Technology, Innovation, & Digital Engagement Lab (Tidel)

Engaging Young Adults: Creating a Culture of Belonging (video) Passcode: GCWOct23!

]]> 2940 no S5 E20: Marketing: The Art of Knowing Your Audience Tyler Harden, co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications. He discusses the importance of understanding not only those who you are speaking to but also understanding your own congregational identity. Resources Less Chaos, Less Noise by Kem Meyer (book) The Association of Religious Data Archives (website) Ministry Reset (website) Firm Foundations Marketing (organization) Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations (podcast) The Congregational Resource Guide (website) Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:48:25 -0000 Marketing: The Art of Knowing Your Audience full 5 20 Center for Congregations Tyler Harden shares the impact of knowing who you are as a congregation and who you want to reach. Tyler Harden, co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications. He discusses the importance of understanding not only those who you are speaking to but also understanding your own congregational identity. Resources Less Chaos, Less Noise by Kem Meyer (book) The Association of Religious Data Archives (website) Ministry Reset (website) Firm Foundations Marketing (organization) Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations (podcast) The Congregational Resource Guide (website) Tyler Harden, co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications. He discusses the importance of understanding not only those who you are speaking to but also understanding your own congregational identity.

Resources

Less Chaos, Less Noise by Kem Meyer (book)

The Association of Religious Data Archives (website)

Ministry Reset (website)

Firm Foundations Marketing (organization)

Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations (podcast)

The Congregational Resource Guide (website)

]]> 3153 no S5 E19: Wholeness through Brokenness Dr. Nii Addy talks with Shellie and Matt about how he came to his interest in neuroscience and mental health, how understanding neuroscience can benefit knowledge about mental health, medication reluctance and processes for approving psychiatric medication and mental health resources for congregations. Shellie and Matt talk about why they are so interested in neuroscience and also recommend some helpful resources for congregational leaders. Resources Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders (web resource) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (organization) Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson (book) The Addy Hour (podcast) The Addy Minute (blog) Middle School Ministry by Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin (book) You're a Miracle and a Pain in the Ass by Mike McHargue (book) Parent Cue (website) Beauty in Broken Things: A Guide to Kintsugi (article) Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Wholeness through Brokenness full 5 19 Center for Congregations Dr. Nii Addy discusses how neuroscience can inform understanding mental health. Dr. Nii Addy talks with Shellie and Matt about how he came to his interest in neuroscience and mental health, how understanding neuroscience can benefit knowledge about mental health, medication reluctance and processes for approving psychiatric medication and mental health resources for congregations. Shellie and Matt talk about why they are so interested in neuroscience and also recommend some helpful resources for congregational leaders. Resources Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders (web resource) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (organization) Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson (book) The Addy Hour (podcast) The Addy Minute (blog) Middle School Ministry by Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin (book) You're a Miracle and a Pain in the Ass by Mike McHargue (book) Parent Cue (website) Beauty in Broken Things: A Guide to Kintsugi (article) Dr. Nii Addy talks with Shellie and Matt about how he came to his interest in neuroscience and mental health, how understanding neuroscience can benefit knowledge about mental health, medication reluctance and processes for approving psychiatric medication and mental health resources for congregations. Shellie and Matt talk about why they are so interested in neuroscience and also recommend some helpful resources for congregational leaders.

Resources

Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders (web resource)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (organization)

Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson (book)

The Addy Hour (podcast)

The Addy Minute (blog)

Middle School Ministry by Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin (book)

You're a Miracle and a Pain in the Ass by Mike McHargue (book)

Parent Cue (website)

Beauty in Broken Things: A Guide to Kintsugi (article)

]]> 2896 no S5 E18: The Liturgy of Politics Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000 The Liturgy of Politics full 5 18 Center for Congregations Kaitlyn Schiess discusses her book The Liturgy of Politics and how congregations can better engage in political spaces. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community.

Resources

The Colossian Forum (organization)

Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book)

The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)

The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)

Kaitlyn's Website

The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

]]> 3765 no S5 E17: There Has To Be A Better Way: Mental Health The co-founders of Courageous Healing, Janell and Aaron Lane, join Abby and Matt to discuss mental health in congregations. The Lanes share how they developed an interest in the field, barriers to mental health treatment in congregations, healing journeys as ministry and more. Resources Thrive and Cultivate Summit '23 (virtual summit) Mental Health Gateway: Gateways to Hope (training organization) Courageous Healing (the Lane's organization) Church Mental Health Summit 23 (virtual event) Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000 There Has To Be A Better Way: Mental Health full 5 17 Center for Congregations Aaron and Janell Lane discuss mental health and how congregations can serve in this area. The co-founders of Courageous Healing, Janell and Aaron Lane, join Abby and Matt to discuss mental health in congregations. The Lanes share how they developed an interest in the field, barriers to mental health treatment in congregations, healing journeys as ministry and more. Resources Thrive and Cultivate Summit '23 (virtual summit) Mental Health Gateway: Gateways to Hope (training organization) Courageous Healing (the Lane's organization) Church Mental Health Summit 23 (virtual event) The co-founders of Courageous Healing, Janell and Aaron Lane, join Abby and Matt to discuss mental health in congregations. The Lanes share how they developed an interest in the field, barriers to mental health treatment in congregations, healing journeys as ministry and more.

Resources

Thrive and Cultivate Summit '23 (virtual summit)

Mental Health Gateway: Gateways to Hope (training organization)

Courageous Healing (the Lane's organization)

Church Mental Health Summit 23 (virtual event)

]]> 2850 no S5 E16: Multivocational Ministry Can Be Healthy Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to discuss the challenges of multivocational ministry: both those in clergy roles and those in volunteer roles who also work. Dr. Brown discusses how ministry in this way can be healthy and fulfilling with the right mindsets and boundaries. Shellie and Matt discuss how these challenges are showing up in Indiana congregations and recommend some resources. Resources Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (book) Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself (book) Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (book) Dr. Jessica Brown's Website Summertime Sadness: Lana Del Rey Is Working at a Waffle House in Alabama (article) Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Multivocational Ministry Can Be Healthy full 5 16 Center for Congregations Dr. Jessica Brown discusses the challenges of multivocational ministry and how to thrive in it. Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to discuss the challenges of multivocational ministry: both those in clergy roles and those in volunteer roles who also work. Dr. Brown discusses how ministry in this way can be healthy and fulfilling with the right mindsets and boundaries. Shellie and Matt discuss how these challenges are showing up in Indiana congregations and recommend some resources. Resources Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (book) Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself (book) Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (book) Dr. Jessica Brown's Website Summertime Sadness: Lana Del Rey Is Working at a Waffle House in Alabama (article) Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to discuss the challenges of multivocational ministry: both those in clergy roles and those in volunteer roles who also work. Dr. Brown discusses how ministry in this way can be healthy and fulfilling with the right mindsets and boundaries. Shellie and Matt discuss how these challenges are showing up in Indiana congregations and recommend some resources.

Resources

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (book)

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself (book)

Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (book)

Dr. Jessica Brown's Website

Summertime Sadness: Lana Del Rey Is Working at a Waffle House in Alabama (article)

]]> 3921 no S5 E15: Understanding Generational Differences Rev. Dr. Marcus Carlson joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about generational differences. Generational differences are inevitable but navigating them well can support and sustain congregational ministry. Shellie and Matt also discuss how generational differences show up in their work and share resources. Resources Preparing for Amazement Ministries (Rev. Carlson's organization) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) Barna Group (organization) The Parent Cue (website) Dr. Michael Rotolo (person/resource) Understanding the Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young People in America (resource list) Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Understanding Generational Differences full 5 15 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Marcus Carlson discusses how we can better understand generational differences in order to strengthen our congregations. Rev. Dr. Marcus Carlson joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about generational differences. Generational differences are inevitable but navigating them well can support and sustain congregational ministry. Shellie and Matt also discuss how generational differences show up in their work and share resources. Resources Preparing for Amazement Ministries (Rev. Carlson's organization) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) Barna Group (organization) The Parent Cue (website) Dr. Michael Rotolo (person/resource) Understanding the Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young People in America (resource list) Rev. Dr. Marcus Carlson joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about generational differences. Generational differences are inevitable but navigating them well can support and sustain congregational ministry. Shellie and Matt also discuss how generational differences show up in their work and share resources.

Resources

Preparing for Amazement Ministries (Rev. Carlson's organization)

Fuller Youth Institute (organization)

Barna Group (organization)

The Parent Cue (website)

Dr. Michael Rotolo (person/resource)

Understanding the Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young People in America (resource list)

]]> 3222 no S5 E14: Focusing on Health, Not Size Shellie and Matt are joined by Dale Sellers, author of Stalled and Executive Director of the 95Network. Dale discusses misconceptions about smaller congregations and small congregation leadership and shares how to think about and become healthier congregations. Resources Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be There by Now (book) Thriving Rural Communities at Duke Divinity School 95Network (organization) Karl Vaters (website) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Focusing on Health, Not Size full 5 14 Center for Congregations Dale Sellers from 95Network discusses the specific challenges and wonderful opportunities of small- to mid-size congregations. Shellie and Matt are joined by Dale Sellers, author of Stalled and Executive Director of the 95Network. Dale discusses misconceptions about smaller congregations and small congregation leadership and shares how to think about and become healthier congregations. Resources Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be There by Now (book) Thriving Rural Communities at Duke Divinity School 95Network (organization) Karl Vaters (website) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Shellie and Matt are joined by Dale Sellers, author of Stalled and Executive Director of the 95Network. Dale discusses misconceptions about smaller congregations and small congregation leadership and shares how to think about and become healthier congregations.

Resources

Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be There by Now (book)

Thriving Rural Communities at Duke Divinity School

95Network (organization)

Karl Vaters (website)

The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

]]> 3774 no S5 E13: Becoming Culturally Intelligent Dr. David Livermore, author and speaker on cultural intelligence, talks with Tim Shapiro and Matt Burke about how being curious about culture aids the mission of congregations. Topics include defining cultural intelligence, how to develop better cultural intelligence as a person and a community and its benefits for congregational life. Resources David Livermore's Website Digital, Diverse & Divided by David Livermore (book) addressing the relevance of CQ to increased polarization Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore (book) applying CQ to Christian short-term mission trips Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore (book) Cultural Intelligence Center (organization) faith-based training Ethical Approaches to Preaching by John McClure (book) Bonheoffer from Martin Doblmeier (film) (free on YouTube) Shades of Hope (podcast) Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Becoming Culturally Intelligent full 5 13 Center for Congregations Dr. David Livermore discusses cultural intelligence and it's value for congregations. Dr. David Livermore, author and speaker on cultural intelligence, talks with Tim Shapiro and Matt Burke about how being curious about culture aids the mission of congregations. Topics include defining cultural intelligence, how to develop better cultural intelligence as a person and a community and its benefits for congregational life. Resources David Livermore's Website Digital, Diverse & Divided by David Livermore (book) addressing the relevance of CQ to increased polarization Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore (book) applying CQ to Christian short-term mission trips Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore (book) Cultural Intelligence Center (organization) faith-based training Ethical Approaches to Preaching by John McClure (book) Bonheoffer from Martin Doblmeier (film) (free on YouTube) Shades of Hope (podcast) Dr. David Livermore, author and speaker on cultural intelligence, talks with Tim Shapiro and Matt Burke about how being curious about culture aids the mission of congregations. Topics include defining cultural intelligence, how to develop better cultural intelligence as a person and a community and its benefits for congregational life.

Resources

David Livermore's Website

Digital, Diverse & Divided by David Livermore (book) addressing the relevance of CQ to increased polarization

Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore (book) applying CQ to Christian short-term mission trips

Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore (book)

Cultural Intelligence Center (organization) faith-based training

Ethical Approaches to Preaching by John McClure (book)

Bonheoffer from Martin Doblmeier (film) (free on YouTube)

Shades of Hope (podcast)

]]> 4197 no S5 E12: So What Have We Learned? Shellie, McKenzie and Matt reflect on the topics and guests from the first half of 2023 and what we've learned. This is a mid-season break and we'll be back with new episodes in August. Check out featured resources at the Congregational Resource Guide: https://thecrg.org/ Find more episodes of the podcast and congregational stories at our website: https://centerforcongregations.org/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000 So What Have We Learned? full 5 12 Center for Congregations Reflecting on the first half of 2023. Shellie, McKenzie and Matt reflect on the topics and guests from the first half of 2023 and what we've learned. This is a mid-season break and we'll be back with new episodes in August. Check out featured resources at the Congregational Resource Guide: https://thecrg.org/ Find more episodes of the podcast and congregational stories at our website: https://centerforcongregations.org/ Shellie, McKenzie and Matt reflect on the topics and guests from the first half of 2023 and what we've learned.

This is a mid-season break and we'll be back with new episodes in August.

Check out featured resources at the Congregational Resource Guide: https://thecrg.org/

Find more episodes of the podcast and congregational stories at our website: https://centerforcongregations.org/

]]> 2449 no S5 E11: It Takes a Village: Foster Care and Adoption Michelle Jackson, foster care advocate for Josiah White's, joins McKenzie and Matt to share how congregations can support kids and families involved in foster care and adoption. Michelle shares her journey into this focus, how critical it is to support foster families, very practical ways to provide this support and how congregations can be a place of care and love. Resources Faith Bridge Foster Care (organization) Foster Care 101 Podcast Series Josiah White's (organization) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000 It Takes a Village: Foster Care and Adoption full 5 11 Center for Congregations Michelle Jackson shares about how congregations can support foster care. Michelle Jackson, foster care advocate for Josiah White's, joins McKenzie and Matt to share how congregations can support kids and families involved in foster care and adoption. Michelle shares her journey into this focus, how critical it is to support foster families, very practical ways to provide this support and how congregations can be a place of care and love. Resources Faith Bridge Foster Care (organization) Foster Care 101 Podcast Series Josiah White's (organization) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG) Michelle Jackson, foster care advocate for Josiah White's, joins McKenzie and Matt to share how congregations can support kids and families involved in foster care and adoption. Michelle shares her journey into this focus, how critical it is to support foster families, very practical ways to provide this support and how congregations can be a place of care and love.


Resources

Faith Bridge Foster Care (organization)

Foster Care 101 Podcast Series

Josiah White's (organization)

The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

]]> 3933 no S5 E10: Telephone Poles Passing by the Window Rev. Greg Pimlott joins Shellie and Matt to talk about leader self-care, renewal leaves and raising funding. He shares from his 2019 experience of creating a self-funded renewal leave. Topics include warning signs of burnout, overcoming barriers to renewal leave and how to raise funds. Resources Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton (book) Center for Pastoral Excellence (organization) Clergy Renewal Program (program of Center for Pastoral Excellence) Run Hard Rest Well (organization) Sabbatical Guide (organization) Reach out to Rev. Pimlott here Wed, 24 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Telephone Poles Passing by the Window full 5 10 Center for Congregations Rev. Greg Pimlott discusses self-care for leaders. Rev. Greg Pimlott joins Shellie and Matt to talk about leader self-care, renewal leaves and raising funding. He shares from his 2019 experience of creating a self-funded renewal leave. Topics include warning signs of burnout, overcoming barriers to renewal leave and how to raise funds. Resources Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton (book) Center for Pastoral Excellence (organization) Clergy Renewal Program (program of Center for Pastoral Excellence) Run Hard Rest Well (organization) Sabbatical Guide (organization) Reach out to Rev. Pimlott here Rev. Greg Pimlott joins Shellie and Matt to talk about leader self-care, renewal leaves and raising funding. He shares from his 2019 experience of creating a self-funded renewal leave. Topics include warning signs of burnout, overcoming barriers to renewal leave and how to raise funds.

Resources

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton (book)

Center for Pastoral Excellence (organization)

Clergy Renewal Program (program of Center for Pastoral Excellence)

Run Hard Rest Well (organization)

Sabbatical Guide (organization)

Reach out to Rev. Pimlott here

]]> 3223 no S5 E9: Hybrid Congregations: You Can Be in Two Places at Once Author and speaker Jason Moore joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how congregations can serve both in-person and online communities well. Jason shares extremely practical tips and stories of successful hybrid congregational experiences. Resources "Imagining a Hybrid Future" from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership (audio) Best Practices for Hybrid Engagement (collection from the Congregational Resource Guide) Midnight Oil Productions (Jason's company) Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for In-Person and Online Engagement by Jason Moore (book) Wed, 10 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Hybrid Congregations: You Can Be in Two Places at Once full 5 9 Center for Congregations Jason Moore spends time with McKenzie and Matt to discuss hybrid congregational experiences. Author and speaker Jason Moore joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how congregations can serve both in-person and online communities well. Jason shares extremely practical tips and stories of successful hybrid congregational experiences. Resources "Imagining a Hybrid Future" from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership (audio) Best Practices for Hybrid Engagement (collection from the Congregational Resource Guide) Midnight Oil Productions (Jason's company) Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for In-Person and Online Engagement by Jason Moore (book) Author and speaker Jason Moore joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how congregations can serve both in-person and online communities well. Jason shares extremely practical tips and stories of successful hybrid congregational experiences.

Resources

"Imagining a Hybrid Future" from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership (audio)

Best Practices for Hybrid Engagement (collection from the Congregational Resource Guide)

Midnight Oil Productions (Jason's company)

Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for In-Person and Online Engagement by Jason Moore (book)

]]> 3242 no S5 E8: Laughing Our Way to Perfect Humanity Dr. Jason Deuman joins Shellie and Matt to share how humor became a big part of his life and how he believes it provides us with the ability to better understand our sacred texts.  Resources The Joy Factor by Dr. Jep Hostetler (YouTube) Center for Media and Social Impact (organization) Humor in the Church by Will Sharples (article) Using Comedy to Build Community in Local Churches by Jason Deuman (dissertation) The Book of Jonah Word for Word Bible Comic The Gospel of Matthew Word for Word Bible Comic The Voice Bible from Ecclesia Bible Society Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:06:51 -0000 Laughing Our Way to Perfect Humanity full 5 8 Center for Congregations Dr. Jason Deuman discusses comedy and congregational life. Dr. Jason Deuman joins Shellie and Matt to share how humor became a big part of his life and how he believes it provides us with the ability to better understand our sacred texts.  Resources The Joy Factor by Dr. Jep Hostetler (YouTube) Center for Media and Social Impact (organization) Humor in the Church by Will Sharples (article) Using Comedy to Build Community in Local Churches by Jason Deuman (dissertation) The Book of Jonah Word for Word Bible Comic The Gospel of Matthew Word for Word Bible Comic The Voice Bible from Ecclesia Bible Society Dr. Jason Deuman joins Shellie and Matt to share how humor became a big part of his life and how he believes it provides us with the ability to better understand our sacred texts. 


Resources

The Joy Factor by Dr. Jep Hostetler (YouTube)

Center for Media and Social Impact (organization)

Humor in the Church by Will Sharples (article)

Using Comedy to Build Community in Local Churches by Jason Deuman (dissertation)

The Book of Jonah Word for Word Bible Comic

The Gospel of Matthew Word for Word Bible Comic

The Voice Bible from Ecclesia Bible Society

]]> 2944 no S5 E7: The Weight of Grief and Loss Patrick Riecke joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how the increased number of deaths in the past few years have taken a toll, especially on clergy and chaplains. Patrick shares a number of stories of those impacted by this trend as well as his own personal experiences as a chaplain in a large health network. Patrick's Work https://patrickriecke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickriecke/ Resources Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (book) Perspectives on Palliative and End of Life Care (book) https://katebowler.com/podcast/ https://katebowler.com/everything-happens-for-a-reason-2/ Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop (book) Giving a Life Meaning by Jon Swanson (book) Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:24:54 -0000 The Weight of Grief and Loss full 5 7 Center for Congregations Patrick Riecke shares from his experience as a clergy leader and chaplain on how we can support the grieving in congregations. Patrick Riecke joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how the increased number of deaths in the past few years have taken a toll, especially on clergy and chaplains. Patrick shares a number of stories of those impacted by this trend as well as his own personal experiences as a chaplain in a large health network. Patrick's Work https://patrickriecke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickriecke/ Resources Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (book) Perspectives on Palliative and End of Life Care (book) https://katebowler.com/podcast/ https://katebowler.com/everything-happens-for-a-reason-2/ Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop (book) Giving a Life Meaning by Jon Swanson (book) Patrick Riecke joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about how the increased number of deaths in the past few years have taken a toll, especially on clergy and chaplains. Patrick shares a number of stories of those impacted by this trend as well as his own personal experiences as a chaplain in a large health network.

Patrick's Work

https://patrickriecke.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickriecke/

Resources

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (book)

Perspectives on Palliative and End of Life Care (book)

https://katebowler.com/podcast/

https://katebowler.com/everything-happens-for-a-reason-2/

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop (book)

Giving a Life Meaning by Jon Swanson (book)

]]> 2677 no S5 E6: Ministering to the Whole Person Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to talk about the trends of mental health in congregations. She also shares from her background and expertise how congregations can be places of healing for those experiencing mental health issues. Resources Full Strength Network (organization) Preparing for Amazement Ministries (organization) The Body Keeps the Score (book) Pathways to Promise Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Ministering to the Whole Person full 5 6 Center for Congregations Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to discuss mental health in congregational life. Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to talk about the trends of mental health in congregations. She also shares from her background and expertise how congregations can be places of healing for those experiencing mental health issues. Resources Full Strength Network (organization) Preparing for Amazement Ministries (organization) The Body Keeps the Score (book) Pathways to Promise Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to talk about the trends of mental health in congregations. She also shares from her background and expertise how congregations can be places of healing for those experiencing mental health issues.

Resources

Full Strength Network (organization)

Preparing for Amazement Ministries (organization)

The Body Keeps the Score (book)

Pathways to Promise

]]> 3272 no S5 E5: Bringing Good Things to Digital Spaces McKenzie and Matt talk with Tim Campbell-Smith about social and digital media and congregations. Tim has some great tips on very specific aspects of social media engagement but also some big picture framing on how social media can be used for the benefit of those you want to reach.   Resources Social Media Guide for Ministry (book) 14 Live Streaming Tools to Win Over the Masses (article) Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Bringing Good Things to Digital Spaces full 5 5 Center for Congregations Digital Marketing Strategist and all-around great guy Tim Campbell-Smith discusses social media and congregations. McKenzie and Matt talk with Tim Campbell-Smith about social and digital media and congregations. Tim has some great tips on very specific aspects of social media engagement but also some big picture framing on how social media can be used for the benefit of those you want to reach.   Resources Social Media Guide for Ministry (book) 14 Live Streaming Tools to Win Over the Masses (article) McKenzie and Matt talk with Tim Campbell-Smith about social and digital media and congregations. Tim has some great tips on very specific aspects of social media engagement but also some big picture framing on how social media can be used for the benefit of those you want to reach.  

Resources

Social Media Guide for Ministry (book)

14 Live Streaming Tools to Win Over the Masses (article)

]]> 3396 no S5 E4: You Are Welcome Here Shellie and Matt talk with Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, senior pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. Dr. Harrison-Jones has long been interested in how to make spaces and experiences such that all feel welcome and included. He discusses how this became a passion and how his congregation works to develop their space and gatherings. Bibliography: Visual Arts and Worship from The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling (book by Andy Crouch) Engaging Culture (book series) Q Ideas (organization) Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000 You Are Welcome Here full 4 4 Center for Congregations Shellie and Matt talk with Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones about the intersection of the arts and congregational space. Shellie and Matt talk with Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, senior pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. Dr. Harrison-Jones has long been interested in how to make spaces and experiences such that all feel welcome and included. He discusses how this became a passion and how his congregation works to develop their space and gatherings. Bibliography: Visual Arts and Worship from The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling (book by Andy Crouch) Engaging Culture (book series) Q Ideas (organization) Shellie and Matt talk with Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, senior pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. Dr. Harrison-Jones has long been interested in how to make spaces and experiences such that all feel welcome and included. He discusses how this became a passion and how his congregation works to develop their space and gatherings.

Bibliography: Visual Arts and Worship from The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling (book by Andy Crouch)

Engaging Culture (book series)

Q Ideas (organization)

]]> 3331 no S5 E3: Am I Allowed to Come In? Marketer and Millennial Kaeli Sweigard joins Ben and Matt to talk about her journey into congregational life. Topics include what congregations need to know about how they communicate to those not familiar with congregational life, use of language, how to present your congregation publicly and practical communication tips for your congregation. Resources Reaching Young People in a Digital World with Kaeli Sweigard (Online event recording available until 12/31/23; Passcode: Sweigard914!) Simon Sinek - "Start With Why" (YouTube, Ted Talk) From Jay-Z to Jesus (book) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) Kaeli's email (for real!) Wed, 08 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000 Am I Allowed to Come In? full 5 3 Center for Congregations Marketer and Millennial Kaeli Sweigard discusses her path into congregational life. Marketer and Millennial Kaeli Sweigard joins Ben and Matt to talk about her journey into congregational life. Topics include what congregations need to know about how they communicate to those not familiar with congregational life, use of language, how to present your congregation publicly and practical communication tips for your congregation. Resources Reaching Young People in a Digital World with Kaeli Sweigard (Online event recording available until 12/31/23; Passcode: Sweigard914!) Simon Sinek - "Start With Why" (YouTube, Ted Talk) From Jay-Z to Jesus (book) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) Kaeli's email (for real!) Marketer and Millennial Kaeli Sweigard joins Ben and Matt to talk about her journey into congregational life. Topics include what congregations need to know about how they communicate to those not familiar with congregational life, use of language, how to present your congregation publicly and practical communication tips for your congregation.

Resources

Reaching Young People in a Digital World with Kaeli Sweigard (Online event recording available until 12/31/23; Passcode: Sweigard914!)

Simon Sinek - "Start With Why" (YouTube, Ted Talk)

From Jay-Z to Jesus (book)

Fuller Youth Institute (organization)

Kaeli's email (for real!)

]]> 2667 no S5 E2: What Do YOU Mean by Community Ministry? Aimee Laramore joins Ben and Matt to talk about community ministry. Topics include the nature of what the different definitions of congregation and community are, focusing on different needs, and defining what your congregation means by ministering to the community. Resources Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown American Generosity by Patricia Snell Herzog and Heather E. Price Mutual Ministry (article) Kitchen Table Giving by William G. Enright The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000 What Do YOU Mean by Community Ministry? full 5 2 Center for Congregations Aimee Laramore joins the Center for Congregations podcast to talk about community ministry. Aimee Laramore joins Ben and Matt to talk about community ministry. Topics include the nature of what the different definitions of congregation and community are, focusing on different needs, and defining what your congregation means by ministering to the community. Resources Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown American Generosity by Patricia Snell Herzog and Heather E. Price Mutual Ministry (article) Kitchen Table Giving by William G. Enright The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Aimee Laramore joins Ben and Matt to talk about community ministry. Topics include the nature of what the different definitions of congregation and community are, focusing on different needs, and defining what your congregation means by ministering to the community.

Resources

Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown

American Generosity by Patricia Snell Herzog and Heather E. Price

Mutual Ministry (article)

Kitchen Table Giving by William G. Enright

The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy

]]> 2688 no S5 E1: Conversations about Race are Hard The hosts of the Shades of Hope podcast, Pastor Jeff Krajewski and Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore join Ben and Matt to candidly discuss racial justice in congregations and in our society. You can find the Shades of Hope podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:42:05 -0000 Conversations about Race are Hard full 5 1 Center for Congregations In this crossover episode, Ben and Matt have a candid conversation with the Shades of Hope podcast hosts Pastor Jeff Krajewski and Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore. The hosts of the Shades of Hope podcast, Pastor Jeff Krajewski and Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore join Ben and Matt to candidly discuss racial justice in congregations and in our society. You can find the Shades of Hope podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524 The hosts of the Shades of Hope podcast, Pastor Jeff Krajewski and Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore join Ben and Matt to candidly discuss racial justice in congregations and in our society.

You can find the Shades of Hope podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts:

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524

]]> 3171 no S4 E23: Ghosts of Congregations Past, Present and Future 2022 Edition President of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro joins Ben and Matt to discuss what the Center for Congregations has seen in regards to trends, happenings and work in congregational life. They also discuss what the future might hold and share a number of resources. Resources Shades of Hope Podcast - https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524 Frederick Beuchner - Telling Secrets https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060609362/ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Home Springtide Research Institute: The State of Religion and Young People 2022 - https://www.springtideresearch.org/product/the-state-of-religion-young-people-2022-mental-health SAVI - https://www.savi.org/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Ghosts of Congregations Past, Present and Future 2022 Edition full 4 23 Center for Congregations Center staff discuss what issues arose for congregations in 2022 and discuss what the future may hold. President of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro joins Ben and Matt to discuss what the Center for Congregations has seen in regards to trends, happenings and work in congregational life. They also discuss what the future might hold and share a number of resources. Resources Shades of Hope Podcast - https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524 Frederick Beuchner - Telling Secrets https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060609362/ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Home Springtide Research Institute: The State of Religion and Young People 2022 - https://www.springtideresearch.org/product/the-state-of-religion-young-people-2022-mental-health SAVI - https://www.savi.org/ President of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro joins Ben and Matt to discuss what the Center for Congregations has seen in regards to trends, happenings and work in congregational life. They also discuss what the future might hold and share a number of resources.

Resources

Shades of Hope Podcast - https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/INV6649343524

Frederick Beuchner - Telling Secrets https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060609362/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Home

Springtide Research Institute: The State of Religion and Young People 2022 - https://www.springtideresearch.org/product/the-state-of-religion-young-people-2022-mental-health

SAVI - https://www.savi.org/

]]> 2309 no S4 E22: Building Relationships: What We Can Learn from Congolese Christians Ben and Matt spoke with Emmanuel about the ways that the Congolese Christian community is learning to adapt to life in Indiana. As they unpacked both the challenges and opportunities of that work, they also explored the lessons that non-immigrant congregations can learn from our Congolese kin.  Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Building Relationships: What We Can Learn from Congolese Christians full 4 22 Center for Congregations Ben and Matt talk with Pastor Emmanuel Musinga about the experiences of Congolese Christians. Ben and Matt spoke with Emmanuel about the ways that the Congolese Christian community is learning to adapt to life in Indiana. As they unpacked both the challenges and opportunities of that work, they also explored the lessons that non-immigrant congregations can learn from our Congolese kin.  Ben and Matt spoke with Emmanuel about the ways that the Congolese Christian community is learning to adapt to life in Indiana. As they unpacked both the challenges and opportunities of that work, they also explored the lessons that non-immigrant congregations can learn from our Congolese kin. 

]]> 3223 no S4 E21: The Next Faithful Step: Discernment in Congregational Life Understanding how to determine your next faithful step is critically important in congregational life. Center for Congregations president Tim Shapiro and Rev. Stephen Lewis join the podcast this week to discuss the importance of discernment and mutual nature of discernment for both the individual and the community. Our conversation also leads to reflecting on the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the importance of intergenerational discernment. Resources https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722 https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/ https://emilypfreeman.com/next-right-thing-book/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000 The Next Faithful Step: Discernment in Congregational Life full 4 20 Center for Congregations Understanding how to determine your next faithful step is critically important in congregational life. Center for Congregations president Tim Shapiro and Rev. Stephen Lewis join the podcast this week to discuss the importance of discernment and mutual nature of discernment for both the individual and the community. Our conversation also leads to reflecting on the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the importance of intergenerational discernment. Resources https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722 https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/ https://emilypfreeman.com/next-right-thing-book/ Understanding how to determine your next faithful step is critically important in congregational life. Center for Congregations president Tim Shapiro and Rev. Stephen Lewis join the podcast this week to discuss the importance of discernment and mutual nature of discernment for both the individual and the community. Our conversation also leads to reflecting on the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the importance of intergenerational discernment.


Resources

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722

https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/

https://emilypfreeman.com/next-right-thing-book/

]]> 3254 no S4 E20: Cultivating the Edges: Belonging and Racial Equity in White Congregations Rev. Dr. Seth Richardson of Gravity Leadership joins the podcast this week to discuss the cultural challenges white congregations face when they get serious about racial equity. The conversation centers on a specific case study of a Texas congregation and how they navigated a shift towards racial equity and what these lessons mean for any congregation wishing to become more equitable. Resources: Crossroads Antiracism Training Racial Equity Tools Gravity Leadership Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:51:53 -0000 Cultivating the Edges: Belonging and Racial Equity in White Congregations full 4 20 Center for Congregations Listening to Those on the Margins Rev. Dr. Seth Richardson of Gravity Leadership joins the podcast this week to discuss the cultural challenges white congregations face when they get serious about racial equity. The conversation centers on a specific case study of a Texas congregation and how they navigated a shift towards racial equity and what these lessons mean for any congregation wishing to become more equitable. Resources: Crossroads Antiracism Training Racial Equity Tools Gravity Leadership Rev. Dr. Seth Richardson of Gravity Leadership joins the podcast this week to discuss the cultural challenges white congregations face when they get serious about racial equity. The conversation centers on a specific case study of a Texas congregation and how they navigated a shift towards racial equity and what these lessons mean for any congregation wishing to become more equitable.


Resources:

Crossroads Antiracism Training

Racial Equity Tools

Gravity Leadership

]]> 2892 no S4 E19: Keeping it Beta: Innovation and Congregations Congregations are a treasure of rich traditions: cultural, communal, historical and theological. But how do you keep tradition from turning into stagnation? This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, who recently finished her doctoral work related to innovation, as she shares her insight into keeping things fresh in your congregation. Resources https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/dspace/handle/10161/25017 https://thecrg.org/resources/traditioned-inovation https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Power_of_Positive_Deviance_How_Unlikely_Innovators_Solve_the_World_s_Toughest_Problems https://www.franklincovey.com/the-4-disciplines/ https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S1_E7_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers https://www.inthewater.co/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Keeping it Beta: Innovation and Congregations full 4 19 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes discusses how to maintain innovation in your congregation. Congregations are a treasure of rich traditions: cultural, communal, historical and theological. But how do you keep tradition from turning into stagnation? This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, who recently finished her doctoral work related to innovation, as she shares her insight into keeping things fresh in your congregation. Resources https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/dspace/handle/10161/25017 https://thecrg.org/resources/traditioned-inovation https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Power_of_Positive_Deviance_How_Unlikely_Innovators_Solve_the_World_s_Toughest_Problems https://www.franklincovey.com/the-4-disciplines/ https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S1_E7_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers https://www.inthewater.co/ Congregations are a treasure of rich traditions: cultural, communal, historical and theological. But how do you keep tradition from turning into stagnation? This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, who recently finished her doctoral work related to innovation, as she shares her insight into keeping things fresh in your congregation.

Resources

https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/dspace/handle/10161/25017

https://thecrg.org/resources/traditioned-inovation

https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Power_of_Positive_Deviance_How_Unlikely_Innovators_Solve_the_World_s_Toughest_Problems

https://www.franklincovey.com/the-4-disciplines/

https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S1_E7_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers

https://www.inthewater.co/

]]> 3144 no S4 E18: Clergy Are People Too: No, Really. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, Marty Sawyers of the Full Strength Network and John Opalewski of Converge Coaching share their experience and insight on the challenges clergy leaders face every day. This episode will help non-clergy members of a congregation learn more about the pressures of being clergy, how to better support their leadership, and the impact of clergy stress on the congregation as a whole. Resources Center for Congregations Podcast Season 1 Episode 3: Do We Have to Hide Our Pain https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain Center for Congregations Podcast Season 3 Episode 6: Don't Be a Clergy Killer https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer Full Strength Network https://fullstrength.org/ Converge Coaching https://convergecoach.com/ Preparing for Amazement Ministries https://amazed15.org/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:30:00 -0000 Clergy Are People Too: No, Really. full 4 18 Center for Congregations Marty Sawyers and John Opalewski talk with Matt and Ben about the pressures of clergy leadership. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, Marty Sawyers of the Full Strength Network and John Opalewski of Converge Coaching share their experience and insight on the challenges clergy leaders face every day. This episode will help non-clergy members of a congregation learn more about the pressures of being clergy, how to better support their leadership, and the impact of clergy stress on the congregation as a whole. Resources Center for Congregations Podcast Season 1 Episode 3: Do We Have to Hide Our Pain https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain Center for Congregations Podcast Season 3 Episode 6: Don't Be a Clergy Killer https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer Full Strength Network https://fullstrength.org/ Converge Coaching https://convergecoach.com/ Preparing for Amazement Ministries https://amazed15.org/ In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, Marty Sawyers of the Full Strength Network and John Opalewski of Converge Coaching share their experience and insight on the challenges clergy leaders face every day. This episode will help non-clergy members of a congregation learn more about the pressures of being clergy, how to better support their leadership, and the impact of clergy stress on the congregation as a whole.

Resources

Center for Congregations Podcast Season 1 Episode 3: Do We Have to Hide Our Pain

https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain

Center for Congregations Podcast Season 3 Episode 6: Don't Be a Clergy Killer

https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer

Full Strength Network

https://fullstrength.org/

Converge Coaching

https://convergecoach.com/

Preparing for Amazement Ministries

https://amazed15.org/

]]> 2552 no S4 E17: Be the Bridge: Spanning Cultural Gaps As people of faith, we are often called to be cultural brokers within our communities by identifying gaps that exist, asking the right questions, and harnessing the power of humility and self-awareness. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, board certified chaplain and doctoral candidate, Alexandra Zareth shares her experience and discusses practical examples of how to bridge cultural gaps within your congregation each and every day.  Resources https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S3_E4_Make_It_Personal https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S2_E5_Courting_Justice Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:06:19 -0000 Be the Bridge: Spanning Cultural Gaps full 4 17 Center for Congregations As people of faith, we are often called to be cultural brokers within our communities by identifying gaps that exist, asking the right questions, and harnessing the power of humility and self-awareness. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, board certified chaplain and doctoral candidate, Alexandra Zareth shares her experience and discusses practical examples of how to bridge cultural gaps within your congregation each and every day.  Resources https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S3_E4_Make_It_Personal https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S2_E5_Courting_Justice As people of faith, we are often called to be cultural brokers within our communities by identifying gaps that exist, asking the right questions, and harnessing the power of humility and self-awareness. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, board certified chaplain and doctoral candidate, Alexandra Zareth shares her experience and discusses practical examples of how to bridge cultural gaps within your congregation each and every day. 


Resources

https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S3_E4_Make_It_Personal

https://thecrg.org/podcasts/S2_E5_Courting_Justice

]]> 3353 no S4 E16: Invisible People: Multiculturalism in Your Community Your community is likely more multicultural than you may realize. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, we speak with Sandy Garcia of Amistad Cristiana Presbyterina about the multicultural nature of congregations and communities including the lives and experiences of members of the Latinx community as well as the changing perceptions of multicultural ministry. Resources: Amistad Fort Wayne 9 Mental Health Resources for the Latinx Community The Multicultural Congregation God's Tapestry Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:20:27 -0000 Invisible People: Multiculturalism in Your Community full 4 16 Center for Congregations Your community is likely more multicultural than you may realize. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, we speak with Sandy Garcia of Amistad Cristiana Presbyterina about the multicultural nature of congregations and communities including the lives and experiences of members of the Latinx community as well as the changing perceptions of multicultural ministry. Resources: Amistad Fort Wayne 9 Mental Health Resources for the Latinx Community The Multicultural Congregation God's Tapestry Your community is likely more multicultural than you may realize. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, we speak with Sandy Garcia of Amistad Cristiana Presbyterina about the multicultural nature of congregations and communities including the lives and experiences of members of the Latinx community as well as the changing perceptions of multicultural ministry.


Resources:

Amistad Fort Wayne

9 Mental Health Resources for the Latinx Community

The Multicultural Congregation

God's Tapestry

]]> 3014 no S4 E15: Suffering in Silence: Addressing Mental Health First, the bad news: mental health issues exist in your congregation. The good news is that there are a wealth of resources and people who can help and a myriad of ways to support those with mental health issues. In this episode, Pastor Ken Hilliard talks about the genesis of the organization Building a Stronger Family and its work to bring hope to those without it. Ben and Matt also discuss some of their own experiences with the topic and how it shows up in the work of the Center for Congregations. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/Black_Emotional_and_Mental_Health_Collective https://thecrg.org/resources/National_Alliance_on_Mental_Illness_NAMI https://buildingastrongerfamily.org/ https://www.ecfpl.org/offers/FK6TXRGP/checkout Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:40:00 -0000 Suffering in Silence: Addressing Mental Health full 4 15 Center for Congregations Apostle Ken Hilliard talks about the importance of addressing mental health in your congregation. First, the bad news: mental health issues exist in your congregation. The good news is that there are a wealth of resources and people who can help and a myriad of ways to support those with mental health issues. In this episode, Pastor Ken Hilliard talks about the genesis of the organization Building a Stronger Family and its work to bring hope to those without it. Ben and Matt also discuss some of their own experiences with the topic and how it shows up in the work of the Center for Congregations. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/Black_Emotional_and_Mental_Health_Collective https://thecrg.org/resources/National_Alliance_on_Mental_Illness_NAMI https://buildingastrongerfamily.org/ https://www.ecfpl.org/offers/FK6TXRGP/checkout First, the bad news: mental health issues exist in your congregation. The good news is that there are a wealth of resources and people who can help and a myriad of ways to support those with mental health issues. In this episode, Pastor Ken Hilliard talks about the genesis of the organization Building a Stronger Family and its work to bring hope to those without it.


Ben and Matt also discuss some of their own experiences with the topic and how it shows up in the work of the Center for Congregations.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/resources/Black_Emotional_and_Mental_Health_Collective

https://thecrg.org/resources/National_Alliance_on_Mental_Illness_NAMI

https://buildingastrongerfamily.org/

https://www.ecfpl.org/offers/FK6TXRGP/checkout

]]> 3017 no S4 E14: Are You Seeing What I'm Seeing? You likely deal with some kind of diversity in your congregational life. Whether that be ethnic, cultural, generational or some other kind of diversity. Wilisha Scaife believes that the answer to dealing with diversity in ministry is learning to listen, learn and love. The phrase is simple but being able to do this takes effort and intentionality. Wilisha unpacks what this means and Ben and Matt share how this has shown up in their work and resources to help think about difference. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation https://thecrg.org/resources/mutual-ministry https://thecrg.org/resources/the-new-copernicans-series Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Are You Seeing What I'm Seeing? full 4 14 Center for Congregations Wilisha Scaife sits down with Ben and Matt to discuss how we can listen to, learn from and love others well. You likely deal with some kind of diversity in your congregational life. Whether that be ethnic, cultural, generational or some other kind of diversity. Wilisha Scaife believes that the answer to dealing with diversity in ministry is learning to listen, learn and love. The phrase is simple but being able to do this takes effort and intentionality. Wilisha unpacks what this means and Ben and Matt share how this has shown up in their work and resources to help think about difference. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation https://thecrg.org/resources/mutual-ministry https://thecrg.org/resources/the-new-copernicans-series You likely deal with some kind of diversity in your congregational life. Whether that be ethnic, cultural, generational or some other kind of diversity. Wilisha Scaife believes that the answer to dealing with diversity in ministry is learning to listen, learn and love. The phrase is simple but being able to do this takes effort and intentionality. Wilisha unpacks what this means and Ben and Matt share how this has shown up in their work and resources to help think about difference.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem

https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation

https://thecrg.org/resources/mutual-ministry

https://thecrg.org/resources/the-new-copernicans-series


]]> 3297 no S4 E13: More Than a Classroom: Reimagining Faith Formation and Discipleship At the heart of every congregation is the desire to pass on the beliefs and practices of its tradition. This can be called lots of things: catechism, faith formation, discipleship, etc. In this interview, John Roberto discusses how this passing on of faith can be distilled into seven parts that, when addressed in your congregation's context, can help form the faith of everyone. Furthering the conversation, podcast hosts Matt Burke and Ben Tapper share examples of what faith formation and discipleship have looked like for congregations who have partnered with the Center.  Resources https://genonministries.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Lifelong-Faith-Formation-Ages-Generations/dp/1640654860 https://thecrg.org/resources/ReFocus_Ministry https://thecrg.org/resources/transformational-groups-part-1-the-exchange-full-episode Wed, 10 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000 More Than a Classroom: Reimagining Faith Formation and Discipleship full 4 13 Center for Congregations John Roberto joins Ben and Matt to discuss how communities can develop better ways of shaping faith in your congregation. At the heart of every congregation is the desire to pass on the beliefs and practices of its tradition. This can be called lots of things: catechism, faith formation, discipleship, etc. In this interview, John Roberto discusses how this passing on of faith can be distilled into seven parts that, when addressed in your congregation's context, can help form the faith of everyone. Furthering the conversation, podcast hosts Matt Burke and Ben Tapper share examples of what faith formation and discipleship have looked like for congregations who have partnered with the Center.  Resources https://genonministries.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Lifelong-Faith-Formation-Ages-Generations/dp/1640654860 https://thecrg.org/resources/ReFocus_Ministry https://thecrg.org/resources/transformational-groups-part-1-the-exchange-full-episode At the heart of every congregation is the desire to pass on the beliefs and practices of its tradition. This can be called lots of things: catechism, faith formation, discipleship, etc. In this interview, John Roberto discusses how this passing on of faith can be distilled into seven parts that, when addressed in your congregation's context, can help form the faith of everyone.

Furthering the conversation, podcast hosts Matt Burke and Ben Tapper share examples of what faith formation and discipleship have looked like for congregations who have partnered with the Center. 

Resources

https://genonministries.org/

https://www.amazon.com/Lifelong-Faith-Formation-Ages-Generations/dp/1640654860

https://thecrg.org/resources/ReFocus_Ministry

https://thecrg.org/resources/transformational-groups-part-1-the-exchange-full-episode


]]> 3209 no S4 Mid-Season Break: A Look Back and A Look Ahead In this short episode, Ben and Matt recap the guests and topics thus far and preview the rest of season 4. We'll be back in action with you all on August 10, 2022! Mon, 11 Jul 2022 18:51:48 -0000 A Look Back and A Look Ahead trailer Center for Congregations Recapping Season 4 so far and pre-viewing what's to come. In this short episode, Ben and Matt recap the guests and topics thus far and preview the rest of season 4. We'll be back in action with you all on August 10, 2022! In this short episode, Ben and Matt recap the guests and topics thus far and preview the rest of season 4. We'll be back in action with you all on August 10, 2022!

]]> 664 no S4 E12: Stories > Stances This episode provides the narratives of three members of the LGBTQ+ community focused on their lives in congregations. These stories highlight the highs and lows of their experiences in faith communities. We offer these narratives in the hope that it will provide wisdom and guidance to your congregation as you navigate this complex issue. Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:59:49 -0000 Stories > Stances full 4 12 Center for Congregations Ben and Matt talk with three different members of the LGBTQ+ community. This episode provides the narratives of three members of the LGBTQ+ community focused on their lives in congregations. These stories highlight the highs and lows of their experiences in faith communities. We offer these narratives in the hope that it will provide wisdom and guidance to your congregation as you navigate this complex issue. This episode provides the narratives of three members of the LGBTQ+ community focused on their lives in congregations. These stories highlight the highs and lows of their experiences in faith communities. We offer these narratives in the hope that it will provide wisdom and guidance to your congregation as you navigate this complex issue.

]]> 4283 no S4 E11: Beyond Feisty and Divisive: Caring for LGBTQ Youth In congregations many have questions and concerns about LGBTQ+ issues. Regardless of your theological stance, it's important to know how to care for youth that may identify as LGBTQ+ and their families as they navigate this complex situation. Mark Oestreicher, youth worker and co-found of The Youth Cartel, shares his wisdom and personal experience on this topic. Resources Us versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community (Book) 4 Views on Pastoring LGBTQ Teenagers: Effective Ministry to Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Questioning Students Among Us (Book) A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community (Book) Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians (Book) Open and Affirming Coalition (organization) Mark Oestreicher's Socials: https://www.facebook.com/markoestreicher https://www.instagram.com/whyismarko/ https://twitter.com/markosbeard Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:05:32 -0000 Beyond Feisty and Divisive: Caring for LGBTQ Youth full 4 11 Center for Congregations Mark Oestreicher joins Ben and Matt to talk about how to care for LGBTQ youth and their families. In congregations many have questions and concerns about LGBTQ+ issues. Regardless of your theological stance, it's important to know how to care for youth that may identify as LGBTQ+ and their families as they navigate this complex situation. Mark Oestreicher, youth worker and co-found of The Youth Cartel, shares his wisdom and personal experience on this topic. Resources Us versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community (Book) 4 Views on Pastoring LGBTQ Teenagers: Effective Ministry to Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Questioning Students Among Us (Book) A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community (Book) Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians (Book) Open and Affirming Coalition (organization) Mark Oestreicher's Socials: https://www.facebook.com/markoestreicher https://www.instagram.com/whyismarko/ https://twitter.com/markosbeard In congregations many have questions and concerns about LGBTQ+ issues. Regardless of your theological stance, it's important to know how to care for youth that may identify as LGBTQ+ and their families as they navigate this complex situation. Mark Oestreicher, youth worker and co-found of The Youth Cartel, shares his wisdom and personal experience on this topic.

Resources

Us versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community (Book)

4 Views on Pastoring LGBTQ Teenagers: Effective Ministry to Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Questioning Students Among Us (Book)

A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community (Book)

Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians (Book)

Open and Affirming Coalition (organization)


Mark Oestreicher's Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/markoestreicher

https://www.instagram.com/whyismarko/

https://twitter.com/markosbeard


]]> 3395 no S4 E10: Possibility-Lessons from Jazz Dr. Kirk Byron Jones joins Matt and Ben to discuss what we can learn from jazz about beauty, creativity and liberation.  Resources https://faithandleadership.com/jazz-belongs-church https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310361176/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy Wed, 25 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Possibility-Lessons from Jazz full 4 10 Center for Congregations What Jazz has to teach us about beauty, creativity and liberation with Dr. Kirk Byron Jones. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones joins Matt and Ben to discuss what we can learn from jazz about beauty, creativity and liberation.  Resources https://faithandleadership.com/jazz-belongs-church https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310361176/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy Dr. Kirk Byron Jones joins Matt and Ben to discuss what we can learn from jazz about beauty, creativity and liberation. 

Resources

https://faithandleadership.com/jazz-belongs-church

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310361176/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy

]]> 3076 no S4 E9: What's Right with Congregations Former Center for Congregations staff members Nancy DeMott and Doug Hanner join Matt to share stories about their work at the Center. These stories highlight what congregations can accomplish and why they are important. Find more congregational stories here: https://centerforcongregations.org/blogs/congregational-stories Wed, 11 May 2022 11:14:32 -0000 What's Right with Congregations full 4 9 Center for Congregations Former Center for Congregations Staff share their experiences working with congregations in Indiana. Former Center for Congregations staff members Nancy DeMott and Doug Hanner join Matt to share stories about their work at the Center. These stories highlight what congregations can accomplish and why they are important. Find more congregational stories here: https://centerforcongregations.org/blogs/congregational-stories Former Center for Congregations staff members Nancy DeMott and Doug Hanner join Matt to share stories about their work at the Center. These stories highlight what congregations can accomplish and why they are important.

Find more congregational stories here: https://centerforcongregations.org/blogs/congregational-stories

]]> 3266 no S4 E8: When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-And-Play Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo joins Ben and Matt to discuss digital ministry in congregational life. Roz is the co-author of Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age. In this interview Roz shares his thoughts as a pastor on the place of digital ministry in congregational life. Resources roz@wearemosaic.org https://www.rosariopicardo.com https://www.amazon.com/Both-Maximizing-Experiences-Person-Engagement/dp/1953495230 https://thechurch.digital/ https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-keys-to-moving-from-online-worship-to-online-ministry/ Phygital Church: Building Physical and Digital Space for Ministry Impact in 2021 - The CRG Use the information below to access the pre-recorded live online event from 4/26/22. This will be available until 5/27/22. Topic: Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age Date: Apr 26, 2022 05:53 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/p6pAWdcMD90OmKlEyriUbpkpeamErtViWoRSlKZRBDAx_JyXo4sqc_XMMi9HopQ.XrT0hIm4FsBPNCbl Access Passcode: r%=B45r? Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000 When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-And-Play full 4 8 Center for Congregations Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo talk digital ministry. Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo joins Ben and Matt to discuss digital ministry in congregational life. Roz is the co-author of Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age. In this interview Roz shares his thoughts as a pastor on the place of digital ministry in congregational life. Resources roz@wearemosaic.org https://www.rosariopicardo.com https://www.amazon.com/Both-Maximizing-Experiences-Person-Engagement/dp/1953495230 https://thechurch.digital/ https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-keys-to-moving-from-online-worship-to-online-ministry/ Phygital Church: Building Physical and Digital Space for Ministry Impact in 2021 - The CRG Use the information below to access the pre-recorded live online event from 4/26/22. This will be available until 5/27/22. Topic: Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age Date: Apr 26, 2022 05:53 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/p6pAWdcMD90OmKlEyriUbpkpeamErtViWoRSlKZRBDAx_JyXo4sqc_XMMi9HopQ.XrT0hIm4FsBPNCbl Access Passcode: r%=B45r? Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo joins Ben and Matt to discuss digital ministry in congregational life. Roz is the co-author of Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age. In this interview Roz shares his thoughts as a pastor on the place of digital ministry in congregational life.

Resources

roz@wearemosaic.org

https://www.rosariopicardo.com

https://www.amazon.com/Both-Maximizing-Experiences-Person-Engagement/dp/1953495230

https://thechurch.digital/

https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-keys-to-moving-from-online-worship-to-online-ministry/

Phygital Church: Building Physical and Digital Space for Ministry Impact in 2021 - The CRG

Use the information below to access the pre-recorded live online event from 4/26/22. This will be available until 5/27/22.

Topic: Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age

Date: Apr 26, 2022 05:53 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting Recording:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/p6pAWdcMD90OmKlEyriUbpkpeamErtViWoRSlKZRBDAx_JyXo4sqc_XMMi9HopQ.XrT0hIm4FsBPNCbl


Access Passcode: r%=B45r?

]]> 3021 no S4 E7: Remembering Our History In Order To Heal Ben and Matt talk with Rev. Sue Park-Hur about the challenges facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They discuss the model-minority myth, the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and reflect on the 30th anniversary of the LA Uprising.  Resources https://stopaapihate.org https://thecrg.org/resources/Asian_American_Christian_Collaborative https://thecrg.org/resources/Honoring_the_Generations_Learning_with_Asian_North_American_Congregations Propaganda: "Three Cord Bond" from the album Crimson Cord Thu, 14 Apr 2022 10:56:00 -0000 Remembering Our History In Order To Heal full 4 7 Center for Congregations Stories from the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Community Ben and Matt talk with Rev. Sue Park-Hur about the challenges facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They discuss the model-minority myth, the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and reflect on the 30th anniversary of the LA Uprising.  Resources https://stopaapihate.org https://thecrg.org/resources/Asian_American_Christian_Collaborative https://thecrg.org/resources/Honoring_the_Generations_Learning_with_Asian_North_American_Congregations Propaganda: "Three Cord Bond" from the album Crimson Cord Ben and Matt talk with Rev. Sue Park-Hur about the challenges facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They discuss the model-minority myth, the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and reflect on the 30th anniversary of the LA Uprising. 

Resources

https://stopaapihate.org

https://thecrg.org/resources/Asian_American_Christian_Collaborative

https://thecrg.org/resources/Honoring_the_Generations_Learning_with_Asian_North_American_Congregations

Propaganda: "Three Cord Bond" from the album Crimson Cord


]]> 4508 no S4 E6: Navigating Grief and Lamentation Matt and Ben talk with Chaplain Jon Swanson about what it means to explore they ways we manage loss and disappointment. Resources CRG-Strategic Leadership for Change This Is Hard Social Media Chaplain Prayer in the Night Liturgy of the Ordinary Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:38:00 -0000 Navigating Grief and Lamentation full 4 6 Center for Congregations Matt and Ben talk with Chaplain Jon Swanson about what it means to explore they ways we manage loss and disappointment. Resources CRG-Strategic Leadership for Change This Is Hard Social Media Chaplain Prayer in the Night Liturgy of the Ordinary Matt and Ben talk with Chaplain Jon Swanson about what it means to explore they ways we manage loss and disappointment.


Resources

CRG-Strategic Leadership for Change

This Is Hard

Social Media Chaplain

Prayer in the Night

Liturgy of the Ordinary

]]> 2877 no S4 E5: Moving Forward - Anti-racism in Congregational Life Kelly and Ben talk with Professor Drew Hart about the scope of antiracism work in congregations since the racial unrest of 2020. Resources Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (book) Who Will Be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love and Deliverance (book) Designing Disorder: Experiments and Disruption in the City (book) Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Moving Forward - Anti-racism in Congregational Life full 4 5 Center for Congregations Kelly and Ben talk with Professor Drew Hart about the scope of antiracism work in congregations since the racial unrest of 2020. Resources Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (book) Who Will Be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love and Deliverance (book) Designing Disorder: Experiments and Disruption in the City (book) Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Kelly and Ben talk with Professor Drew Hart about the scope of antiracism work in congregations since the racial unrest of 2020.


Resources

Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (book)

Who Will Be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love and Deliverance (book)

Designing Disorder: Experiments and Disruption in the City (book)

Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)

]]> 3264 no S4 B4: Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial Ben and Abby explore Ben's visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Resources: https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/ https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/faith-and-justice/ Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:51:06 -0000 Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial full 4 Center for Congregations What Does Faith Have to Do With Justice? Ben and Abby explore Ben's visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Resources: https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/ https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/faith-and-justice/ Ben and Abby explore Ben's visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama.


Resources:

https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/

https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/faith-and-justice/


]]> 940 no S4 E4: Pandemic and Purpose Matt and Shellie explore the changing nature of congregational life with Pastor Rob Dyer of Ministry Architects. Rob encourages congregations to explore the question behind the question. Rob Dyer: @pastorrobdyer Ministry Architects: @minarchitects Resources https://ministryarchitects.com/theyre-not-coming-back/ https://ministryarchitects.com/the-room-where-it-happens/ https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Challenges_and_Opportunities_of_the_Post-pandemic_Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:19:00 -0000 Pandemic and Purpose full 4 4 Center for Congregations Answering why we're here and what keeps us here Matt and Shellie explore the changing nature of congregational life with Pastor Rob Dyer of Ministry Architects. Rob encourages congregations to explore the question behind the question. Rob Dyer: @pastorrobdyer Ministry Architects: @minarchitects Resources https://ministryarchitects.com/theyre-not-coming-back/ https://ministryarchitects.com/the-room-where-it-happens/ https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Challenges_and_Opportunities_of_the_Post-pandemic_Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA Matt and Shellie explore the changing nature of congregational life with Pastor Rob Dyer of Ministry Architects. Rob encourages congregations to explore the question behind the question.

Rob Dyer: @pastorrobdyer

Ministry Architects: @minarchitects

Resources

https://ministryarchitects.com/theyre-not-coming-back/

https://ministryarchitects.com/the-room-where-it-happens/

https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Challenges_and_Opportunities_of_the_Post-pandemic_Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA

]]> 4017 no S4 B3: The Review-Facing Death: Learning from Kate Bowler Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy. Resources Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved Everything Happens for a Reason Podcast Being Human w Kate Bowler and Emily P. Freeman Walking Our People Through Hard Things w Glennon Doyle Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000 Facing Death-Learning from Kate Bowler full 4 Center for Congregations Everything Happens for a Reason Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy. Resources Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved Everything Happens for a Reason Podcast Being Human w Kate Bowler and Emily P. Freeman Walking Our People Through Hard Things w Glennon Doyle Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy.


Resources

Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved

Everything Happens for a Reason Podcast

Being Human w Kate Bowler and Emily P. Freeman

Walking Our People Through Hard Things w Glennon Doyle

]]> 1040 no S4 E3: Is Race The Real Problem? Racial division is a current topic in many arenas of life. However, Rev. Wallace Butts asks the question "Is race the real issue here?" Matt and Ben talk with Rev. Wallace Butts about the Listen, Learn and Live (L3) initiative in which he lays out a way for people in our society to live more peaceably together. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem Pastor Wallace Butts' email address for L3: connect@l3movement.com If you'd like to be a part of the L3 workshops, register here: https://centerforcongregations.org/workshop/listen-learn-and-live-together-session-1 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 11:45:00 -0000 Is Race the Real Problem? full 4 3 Center for Congregations Listen, Learn and Live Racial division is a current topic in many arenas of life. However, Rev. Wallace Butts asks the question "Is race the real issue here?" Matt and Ben talk with Rev. Wallace Butts about the Listen, Learn and Live (L3) initiative in which he lays out a way for people in our society to live more peaceably together. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem Pastor Wallace Butts' email address for L3: connect@l3movement.com If you'd like to be a part of the L3 workshops, register here: https://centerforcongregations.org/workshop/listen-learn-and-live-together-session-1 Racial division is a current topic in many arenas of life. However, Rev. Wallace Butts asks the question "Is race the real issue here?" Matt and Ben talk with Rev. Wallace Butts about the Listen, Learn and Live (L3) initiative in which he lays out a way for people in our society to live more peaceably together.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_Problem

Pastor Wallace Butts' email address for L3: connect@l3movement.com

If you'd like to be a part of the L3 workshops, register here: https://centerforcongregations.org/workshop/listen-learn-and-live-together-session-1

]]> 3515 no S4 B2: The Review - Can I Get Your Number? Unpacking the Enneagram Abby and Ben discuss The Paths Between Us and talk through the reasons they find the Enneagram both useful and fascinating. Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Us-Enneagram-Relationships/dp/0830846425 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0000 The Review - Can I Get Your Number? Unpacking the Enneagram full 4 Center for Congregations A Review of The Paths Between Us Abby and Ben discuss The Paths Between Us and talk through the reasons they find the Enneagram both useful and fascinating. Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Us-Enneagram-Relationships/dp/0830846425 Abby and Ben discuss The Paths Between Us and talk through the reasons they find the Enneagram both useful and fascinating.


Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Us-Enneagram-Relationships/dp/0830846425


]]> 999 no S4 E2: Providing Touch in a Touchless Time Dee Dee (Deidre) Gray and Adrian Warren join Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can improve their digital presence. Resources https://blog.capterra.com/church-seo-best-practices-to-get-your-church-found-in-search/ https://www.webfx.com/industries/local-consumer-services/churches/seo/ https://missionalmarketing.com/basic-guide-to-church-seo/ Adrian Warren's website: http://www.mrawarren.com/ Dee Dee Gray's Organization: https://www.mykingdomsolution.com/ https://thecrg.org/resources/beyond-hospitality Wed, 02 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Providing Touch in a Touchless Time full 4 2 Center for Congregations Deidre Gray and Adrian Warren discuss digital media in congregational life. Dee Dee (Deidre) Gray and Adrian Warren join Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can improve their digital presence. Resources https://blog.capterra.com/church-seo-best-practices-to-get-your-church-found-in-search/ https://www.webfx.com/industries/local-consumer-services/churches/seo/ https://missionalmarketing.com/basic-guide-to-church-seo/ Adrian Warren's website: http://www.mrawarren.com/ Dee Dee Gray's Organization: https://www.mykingdomsolution.com/ https://thecrg.org/resources/beyond-hospitality Dee Dee (Deidre) Gray and Adrian Warren join Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can improve their digital presence.


Resources

https://blog.capterra.com/church-seo-best-practices-to-get-your-church-found-in-search/

https://www.webfx.com/industries/local-consumer-services/churches/seo/

https://missionalmarketing.com/basic-guide-to-church-seo/

Adrian Warren's website: http://www.mrawarren.com/

Dee Dee Gray's Organization: https://www.mykingdomsolution.com/

https://thecrg.org/resources/beyond-hospitality

]]> 3490 no S4 B1: The Review - Learning from Mars Hill In this fun bonus episode of the Center for Congregations Podcast, Ben and Abby discuss the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and explore what we can learn from it. Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000 The Review-Learning from Mars Hill bonus 4 Center for Congregations What went wrong at Mars Hill? In this fun bonus episode of the Center for Congregations Podcast, Ben and Abby discuss the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and explore what we can learn from it. In this fun bonus episode of the Center for Congregations Podcast, Ben and Abby discuss the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and explore what we can learn from it.

]]> 1354 no S4 E1: 3 Big Questions Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute joins Ben and Matt to discuss the new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Essential_Power_of_Belonging https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/ Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:27:00 -0000 3 Big Questions full 4 1 Center for Congregations Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute joins Ben and Matt to discuss the new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Essential_Power_of_Belonging https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/ Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute joins Ben and Matt to discuss the new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Essential_Power_of_Belonging

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/

]]> 3472 no S3 E11: Ghosts Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry. Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Ghosts bonus 3 11 Center for Congregations Exploring the ghosts of congregations past, present and future. Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry. Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry.

]]> 2324 no S3 E10: Gloriously Out Of Place Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Gloriously_Out_of_Place Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Gloriously Out Of Place full 3 10 Center for Congregations A Conversation about cross-cultural, interfaith relationship Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Gloriously_Out_of_Place Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Gloriously_Out_of_Place


]]> 2886 no S3 E9: The Joys of Evaluation! Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for congregational life. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/completing-the-circle-reviewing-ministries-in-the-congregation https://www.betterevaluation.org/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/projects-that-matter-successful-planning-and-evaluation-for-religious-organizations_kathleen-a-cahalan/964017/item/12033315/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FRP-IUCrO59bm2jFUtRSzcvh-5fVnnC_xayO-5b2VaYdw5n4VgzfsaAtKXEALw_wcB#idiq=12033315&edition=5355798 https://thecrg.org/resources/How_to_Shape_Your_Church_s_Culture Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000 The Joys of Evaluation! full 3 9 Center for Congregations The importance of metrics, analytics and evaluation with Kelly Minas. Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for congregational life. Resources https://thecrg.org/resources/completing-the-circle-reviewing-ministries-in-the-congregation https://www.betterevaluation.org/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/projects-that-matter-successful-planning-and-evaluation-for-religious-organizations_kathleen-a-cahalan/964017/item/12033315/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FRP-IUCrO59bm2jFUtRSzcvh-5fVnnC_xayO-5b2VaYdw5n4VgzfsaAtKXEALw_wcB#idiq=12033315&edition=5355798 https://thecrg.org/resources/How_to_Shape_Your_Church_s_Culture Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for congregational life.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/resources/completing-the-circle-reviewing-ministries-in-the-congregation

https://www.betterevaluation.org/

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/projects-that-matter-successful-planning-and-evaluation-for-religious-organizations_kathleen-a-cahalan/964017/item/12033315/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FRP-IUCrO59bm2jFUtRSzcvh-5fVnnC_xayO-5b2VaYdw5n4VgzfsaAtKXEALw_wcB#idiq=12033315&edition=5355798

https://thecrg.org/resources/How_to_Shape_Your_Church_s_Culture

]]> 2319 no S3 E8: Forced Into The Water Mike Palmer joins Ben and Matt to unpack emerging trends in education. They explore how these trends will affect religious education and congregational life moving forward. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Forced_into_the_Water_Emerging_Trends_in_Religious_Educations Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Forced Into The Water full 3 8 Center for Congregations Post-Pandemic Adaptions in Religous Education Mike Palmer joins Ben and Matt to unpack emerging trends in education. They explore how these trends will affect religious education and congregational life moving forward. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Forced_into_the_Water_Emerging_Trends_in_Religious_Educations Mike Palmer joins Ben and Matt to unpack emerging trends in education. They explore how these trends will affect religious education and congregational life moving forward.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Forced_into_the_Water_Emerging_Trends_in_Religious_Educations

]]> 3649 no S3 E7: Memento Mori Rev. Sabrina Gray joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of end of life planning, and talks through how leaders can initiate those conversations within their community. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/End_of_Life_Planning_Conversations The Conversation Project Extremis Documentary Dem Dry Bones Five Wishes Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Memento Mori full 3 7 Center for Congregations Remember You Must Die Rev. Sabrina Gray joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of end of life planning, and talks through how leaders can initiate those conversations within their community. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/End_of_Life_Planning_Conversations The Conversation Project Extremis Documentary Dem Dry Bones Five Wishes Rev. Sabrina Gray joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of end of life planning, and talks through how leaders can initiate those conversations within their community.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/End_of_Life_Planning_Conversations

The Conversation Project

Extremis Documentary

Dem Dry Bones

Five Wishes

]]> 3023 no S3 E6: Don't Be A Clergy Killer Rev. Callie Smith and Dr. Rob Saler join Matt and Ben to discuss the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. They unpack the importance of rest and renewal for both clergy leaders and congregations and offer some insights and resources. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Don't Be A Clergy Killer full 3 6 Center for Congregations The Importance of Sabbatical Rev. Callie Smith and Dr. Rob Saler join Matt and Ben to discuss the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. They unpack the importance of rest and renewal for both clergy leaders and congregations and offer some insights and resources. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer Rev. Callie Smith and Dr. Rob Saler join Matt and Ben to discuss the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. They unpack the importance of rest and renewal for both clergy leaders and congregations and offer some insights and resources.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer

]]> 3068 no S3 E5: Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations Manuel Corazzari joins Matt and Ben to discuss marketing and branding for congregations including the importance of knowing your unique identity. Resources Storybrand Pro Church Tools Less Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communication for an Effective Church Wed, 06 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations full 3 5 Center for Congregations Knowing Your Identity In Marketing and Branding Manuel Corazzari joins Matt and Ben to discuss marketing and branding for congregations including the importance of knowing your unique identity. Resources Storybrand Pro Church Tools Less Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communication for an Effective Church Manuel Corazzari joins Matt and Ben to discuss marketing and branding for congregations including the importance of knowing your unique identity.


Resources

Storybrand

Pro Church Tools

Less Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communication for an Effective Church

]]> 3355 no S3 E4: Make It Personal Pastor Javier Mondragon joins Ben and Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of leading a multicultural congregation. Resources: https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Make It Personal full 3 4 Center for Congregations Multicultural Congregations Pastor Javier Mondragon joins Ben and Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of leading a multicultural congregation. Resources: https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation Pastor Javier Mondragon joins Ben and Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of leading a multicultural congregation.

Resources:

https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation

]]> 3819 no S3 E3: Worship as the Work of the People David Gungor joins Ben and Matt to talk about how worship is more than just singing together. He also discusses how Good Shepherd New York is an integrated community where the gifts of the members are used to uplift the community and the importance of authentic relationship among all. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Worship_as_the_Work_of_the_People Good Shepherd New York's Website Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Worship as the Work of the People full 3 3 Center for Congregations Worship beyond singing David Gungor joins Ben and Matt to talk about how worship is more than just singing together. He also discusses how Good Shepherd New York is an integrated community where the gifts of the members are used to uplift the community and the importance of authentic relationship among all. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Worship_as_the_Work_of_the_People Good Shepherd New York's Website David Gungor joins Ben and Matt to talk about how worship is more than just singing together. He also discusses how Good Shepherd New York is an integrated community where the gifts of the members are used to uplift the community and the importance of authentic relationship among all.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Worship_as_the_Work_of_the_People

Good Shepherd New York's Website

]]> 3626 no S3 E2: Never-ending worship: Where preparation and inspiration meet Shellie and Ben speak with John Ray from Light of the World Christian Church about all that it takes to plan a successful worship service. They discuss music as a specific element of the worship serve and as the overarching lifestyle of the congregation. John explores the many hats that he wears and offers advice about balancing the technical quality of worship with the need to follow the invitation of the Spirit. Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Never-ending worship: Where preparation and inspiration meet full 3 2 Center for Congregations Unpacking worship as both experience and lifestyle Shellie and Ben speak with John Ray from Light of the World Christian Church about all that it takes to plan a successful worship service. They discuss music as a specific element of the worship serve and as the overarching lifestyle of the congregation. John explores the many hats that he wears and offers advice about balancing the technical quality of worship with the need to follow the invitation of the Spirit. Shellie and Ben speak with John Ray from Light of the World Christian Church about all that it takes to plan a successful worship service. They discuss music as a specific element of the worship serve and as the overarching lifestyle of the congregation. John explores the many hats that he wears and offers advice about balancing the technical quality of worship with the need to follow the invitation of the Spirit.

]]> 3951 S3 E1: Stay Ready: Preparing to Prepare Ben sits down with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson to unpack the ins and outs of strategic planning. They take you into the mind of strategic planning consultants and identify common pitfalls they've seen derail the planning process while highlighting the importance of honestly assessing whether our vision aligns with the capacity and resources of our team.  Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Congregational_Planning ALlyd Talent Cabinet Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:37:00 -0000 Stay Ready: Preparing to Prepare full 3 1 Center for Congregations A conversation with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson Ben sits down with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson to unpack the ins and outs of strategic planning. They take you into the mind of strategic planning consultants and identify common pitfalls they've seen derail the planning process while highlighting the importance of honestly assessing whether our vision aligns with the capacity and resources of our team.  Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Congregational_Planning ALlyd Talent Cabinet Ben sits down with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson to unpack the ins and outs of strategic planning. They take you into the mind of strategic planning consultants and identify common pitfalls they've seen derail the planning process while highlighting the importance of honestly assessing whether our vision aligns with the capacity and resources of our team. 

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Congregational_Planning

ALlyd

Talent Cabinet

]]> 3830 no S2 B2: Tips on Working with Tech Volunteers Pastor John Stange joins Kate and Ben to explain the best practices for engaging with tech volunteers. Links: http://www.opensong.org/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Tips on Working with Tech Volunteers full 2 Center for Congregations John Stange provides tips on tech volunteers in your congregation. Pastor John Stange joins Kate and Ben to explain the best practices for engaging with tech volunteers. Links: http://www.opensong.org/ Pastor John Stange joins Kate and Ben to explain the best practices for engaging with tech volunteers.


Links:

http://www.opensong.org/

]]> 1508 no S2 E12: The Value of the Enneagram in Congregational Spaces Enneargram writer, teacher and coach Leanette Pokuwaah joins Ben and Matt to talk about how the enneagram can be used well in congregational contexts. She also discusses the importance of keeping space for trauma and racial identity in conversations about the enneagram. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Value_of_the_Enneagram_in_Congregational_Spaces Also, we'd love to hear your feedback about the podcast. Click here to do a quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CfCpodcast Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000 The Value of the Enneagram in Congregational Spaces full 2 12 Center for Congregations How to use the enneagram well with Leanette Pokuwaah Enneargram writer, teacher and coach Leanette Pokuwaah joins Ben and Matt to talk about how the enneagram can be used well in congregational contexts. She also discusses the importance of keeping space for trauma and racial identity in conversations about the enneagram. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Value_of_the_Enneagram_in_Congregational_Spaces Also, we'd love to hear your feedback about the podcast. Click here to do a quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CfCpodcast Enneargram writer, teacher and coach Leanette Pokuwaah joins Ben and Matt to talk about how the enneagram can be used well in congregational contexts. She also discusses the importance of keeping space for trauma and racial identity in conversations about the enneagram.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Value_of_the_Enneagram_in_Congregational_Spaces

Also, we'd love to hear your feedback about the podcast. Click here to do a quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CfCpodcast

]]> 3341 no S2 E11: The Marriage of Mental Health and Ministry Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Clinical Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), sits down with Ben and Matt to discuss how the worlds of therapy and congregational life inform one another. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Marriage_of_Mental_Health_and_Ministry Wed, 16 Jun 2021 11:46:04 -0000 The Marriage of Mental Health and Ministry full 2 11 Center for Congregations Exploring how therapy and congregational leadership go well together with Dr. Christina Jones Davis Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Clinical Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), sits down with Ben and Matt to discuss how the worlds of therapy and congregational life inform one another. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Marriage_of_Mental_Health_and_Ministry Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Clinical Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), sits down with Ben and Matt to discuss how the worlds of therapy and congregational life inform one another.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/The_Marriage_of_Mental_Health_and_Ministry

]]> 3910 no S2 E10: Storytelling that Changes the World Musician, speaker and activist Propaganda joins Ben and Matt to discuss how storytelling is foundational to being human and to fostering change. They also also talk about his new book Terraform: Building a Better World. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Storytelling_that_Changes_the_World Check out Prop's work and follow him through the following: Website: https://www.prophiphop.com/ Instagram: @prophiphop Twitter: @prophiphop Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Storytelling that Changes the World full 2 10 Center for Congregations How we are changed through story with Propaganda Musician, speaker and activist Propaganda joins Ben and Matt to discuss how storytelling is foundational to being human and to fostering change. They also also talk about his new book Terraform: Building a Better World. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Storytelling_that_Changes_the_World Check out Prop's work and follow him through the following: Website: https://www.prophiphop.com/ Instagram: @prophiphop Twitter: @prophiphop Musician, speaker and activist Propaganda joins Ben and Matt to discuss how storytelling is foundational to being human and to fostering change. They also also talk about his new book Terraform: Building a Better World.

Resources


https://thecrg.org/collections/Storytelling_that_Changes_the_World


Check out Prop's work and follow him through the following:

Website: https://www.prophiphop.com/

Instagram: @prophiphop

Twitter: @prophiphop




]]> 4250 no S2 E9 Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise Allen Stanton joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of congregations in rural communities. He highlights their work as anchor institutions while also addressing the opportunities that exist for truth-telling and restoration. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Rural_Congregations_A_Story_of_Pain_and_Promise Wed, 19 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise full 2 9 Center for Congregations The importance of rural congregations with Allen Stanton Allen Stanton joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of congregations in rural communities. He highlights their work as anchor institutions while also addressing the opportunities that exist for truth-telling and restoration. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Rural_Congregations_A_Story_of_Pain_and_Promise Allen Stanton joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of congregations in rural communities. He highlights their work as anchor institutions while also addressing the opportunities that exist for truth-telling and restoration.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Rural_Congregations_A_Story_of_Pain_and_Promise

]]> 3940 no S2 E8: Getting Schooled on Interim Ministry Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church and former interim pastor, joins Ben and Matt to unpack what it takes to have a successful interim ministry. She shares both out her recent experience and her training on interim ministry. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Getting_Schooled_on_Interim_Ministry Wed, 05 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Getting Schooled on Interim Ministry full 2 8 Center for Congregations Considerations when exploring interim ministry with Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock. Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church and former interim pastor, joins Ben and Matt to unpack what it takes to have a successful interim ministry. She shares both out her recent experience and her training on interim ministry. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Getting_Schooled_on_Interim_Ministry Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church and former interim pastor, joins Ben and Matt to unpack what it takes to have a successful interim ministry. She shares both out her recent experience and her training on interim ministry.

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Getting_Schooled_on_Interim_Ministry

]]> 3365 no S2 E7: A Primer on Racial Equity McKenzie Scott Lewis, the northwest director of the Center for Congregations talks with Ben and Matt about the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in seeking to practice racial equity. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/A_Primer_on_Racial_Equity Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:51:00 -0000 A Primer on Racial Equity full 2 7 Center for Congregations The Center for Congregations own McKenzie Scott Lewis joins Ben and Matt to discuss diversity, inclusion and equity. McKenzie Scott Lewis, the northwest director of the Center for Congregations talks with Ben and Matt about the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in seeking to practice racial equity. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/A_Primer_on_Racial_Equity McKenzie Scott Lewis, the northwest director of the Center for Congregations talks with Ben and Matt about the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in seeking to practice racial equity.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/A_Primer_on_Racial_Equity

]]> 3863 no S2 B1: Basic Tech Infrastructure for Livestreaming In this bonus episode Associate Director for Resources Kate White sits down with Pastor Bruce Colbert, Systems Consultant for Custom Sound Design, Bruce shares about three topics about streaming for congregations: practical tips about internet speed and bandwidth, stepping up audio and video and thinking critically about your online presence. Bruce also talks about working with "integrators" who can help with advice for equipment and setups. Check out https://thecrg.org/ to search for all kinds of resources related to congregational life. Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions or help with finding resources. Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Basic Tech Infrastructure for Livestreaming bonus 2 Center for Congregations Pastor Bruce Colbert of Custom Sound Design shares information on the basics of setting up livestreams. In this bonus episode Associate Director for Resources Kate White sits down with Pastor Bruce Colbert, Systems Consultant for Custom Sound Design, Bruce shares about three topics about streaming for congregations: practical tips about internet speed and bandwidth, stepping up audio and video and thinking critically about your online presence. Bruce also talks about working with "integrators" who can help with advice for equipment and setups. Check out https://thecrg.org/ to search for all kinds of resources related to congregational life. Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions or help with finding resources. In this bonus episode Associate Director for Resources Kate White sits down with Pastor Bruce Colbert, Systems Consultant for Custom Sound Design, Bruce shares about three topics about streaming for congregations: practical tips about internet speed and bandwidth, stepping up audio and video and thinking critically about your online presence. Bruce also talks about working with "integrators" who can help with advice for equipment and setups.

Check out https://thecrg.org/ to search for all kinds of resources related to congregational life.

Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions or help with finding resources.

]]> 1222 no S2 E6: Fear and Anger: Christian Nationalism among Young Adults PhD candidate Michael Rotolo joins Ben and Matt to unpack the research around Christian Nationalism as it relates to congregations and young adult engagement. Michael's recent work based on the Christian Smith cohort study highlights reasons why some young adults are drawn to Christian Nationalism. Moral Religiosities Michael's Twitter Michael's Website Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Christian_Nationalism Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:38:00 -0000 Fear and Anger: Christian Nationalism among Young Adults full 2 6 Center for Congregations Research findings about Christian Nationalism among young people in America with Michael Rotolo. PhD candidate Michael Rotolo joins Ben and Matt to unpack the research around Christian Nationalism as it relates to congregations and young adult engagement. Michael's recent work based on the Christian Smith cohort study highlights reasons why some young adults are drawn to Christian Nationalism. Moral Religiosities Michael's Twitter Michael's Website Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Christian_Nationalism PhD candidate Michael Rotolo joins Ben and Matt to unpack the research around Christian Nationalism as it relates to congregations and young adult engagement. Michael's recent work based on the Christian Smith cohort study highlights reasons why some young adults are drawn to Christian Nationalism.


Moral Religiosities

Michael's Twitter

Michael's Website

Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Christian_Nationalism

]]> 4009 no S2 E5: Courting Justice Ben and Matt connect with Pastor Bere Gil Soto, lead pastor of Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana, to talk about what it's like to lead a multi-cultural and multi-lingual congregation in Indianapolis. Topics include what's it's like to be in the non-dominant culture, creating appropriate boundaries when leading and having a broad view of justice work. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Courting_Justice Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000 Courting Justice full 2 5 Center for Congregations The unique challenges and opportunities of leading multi-cultural and multi-lingual congregations with Pastor Bere Gil Soto. Ben and Matt connect with Pastor Bere Gil Soto, lead pastor of Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana, to talk about what it's like to lead a multi-cultural and multi-lingual congregation in Indianapolis. Topics include what's it's like to be in the non-dominant culture, creating appropriate boundaries when leading and having a broad view of justice work. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Courting_Justice Ben and Matt connect with Pastor Bere Gil Soto, lead pastor of Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana, to talk about what it's like to lead a multi-cultural and multi-lingual congregation in Indianapolis. Topics include what's it's like to be in the non-dominant culture, creating appropriate boundaries when leading and having a broad view of justice work.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Courting_Justice

]]> 3908 no S2 E4: Bring Your Whole Self Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, one of the co-founders of the Prickly Pear Collective, joins Matt and Ben to discuss creating authentic community where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Bring_Your_Whole_Self Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Bring Your Whole Self full 2 4 Center for Congregations Creating Trauma Informed Communities with Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, one of the co-founders of the Prickly Pear Collective, joins Matt and Ben to discuss creating authentic community where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Bring_Your_Whole_Self Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, one of the co-founders of the Prickly Pear Collective, joins Matt and Ben to discuss creating authentic community where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Bring_Your_Whole_Self

]]> 3290 no S2 E3: Tech: It's Not as Complicated as You Think Pastor John Girton joins Ben and Matt to talk about excellence in online worship experiences using technology. We also discuss what's next for congregations and the virtual space. As always Ben and Matt share what they're learning from congregations in Indiana and they share resources you can use. Resources You can find the resources mentioned in the episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tech_It_s_Not_as_Complicated_As_You_Think Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Tech: It's Not as Complicated as You Think full 2 3 Center for Congregations Congregations and audio/visual technology with Pastor John Girton Pastor John Girton joins Ben and Matt to talk about excellence in online worship experiences using technology. We also discuss what's next for congregations and the virtual space. As always Ben and Matt share what they're learning from congregations in Indiana and they share resources you can use. Resources You can find the resources mentioned in the episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tech_It_s_Not_as_Complicated_As_You_Think Pastor John Girton joins Ben and Matt to talk about excellence in online worship experiences using technology. We also discuss what's next for congregations and the virtual space. As always Ben and Matt share what they're learning from congregations in Indiana and they share resources you can use.


Resources

You can find the resources mentioned in the episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tech_It_s_Not_as_Complicated_As_You_Think

]]> 3344 no S2 E2 Waving the Banner for Youth Ministry In this episode Ben and Matt are joined by Center for Congregations director Shellie Riggs Jordan as we interview Mark Oestreicher (a.k.a. Marko) of The Youth Cartel. Marko sets the record straight on a few myths about youth ministry and shares his wisdom from his over 30 years experience. As always Center for Congregations staff discuss how the issue is appearing in our work and share resources. Recommended Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Challenges_in_Youth_Ministry We'd love to hear from you so please reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with suggestions on topics, guests or resources. Wed, 10 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Waving the Banner for Youth Ministry full 2 2 Center for Congregations Insights about youth ministry with Mark Oestreicher. In this episode Ben and Matt are joined by Center for Congregations director Shellie Riggs Jordan as we interview Mark Oestreicher (a.k.a. Marko) of The Youth Cartel. Marko sets the record straight on a few myths about youth ministry and shares his wisdom from his over 30 years experience. As always Center for Congregations staff discuss how the issue is appearing in our work and share resources. Recommended Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Challenges_in_Youth_Ministry We'd love to hear from you so please reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with suggestions on topics, guests or resources. In this episode Ben and Matt are joined by Center for Congregations director Shellie Riggs Jordan as we interview Mark Oestreicher (a.k.a. Marko) of The Youth Cartel. Marko sets the record straight on a few myths about youth ministry and shares his wisdom from his over 30 years experience. As always Center for Congregations staff discuss how the issue is appearing in our work and share resources.

Recommended Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Challenges_in_Youth_Ministry

We'd love to hear from you so please reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with suggestions on topics, guests or resources.

]]> 4409 no S2 E1 Wisdom to Start Your New Year Aimee Laramore, lead consultant at AlLyd Solutions, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of recognizing the assets your congregation has and the importance of using them to accomplish your goals. Along the way Aimee provides wonderful wisdom from her many years of experience as a fundraising consultant about managing these difficult times. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Adapting_To_The_Times_A_Conversation_About_Adaptive_Leadership_and_Resource_Management You can find Aimee Laramore at her consulting website - http://www.allyd.com/ We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org to let us know what you think of the pod, with resource recommendations of your own or ideas for future topics or guests. Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Wisdom to Start Your New Year full 2 1 Center for Congregations Navigating big changes and using what you have well with Aimee Laramore. Aimee Laramore, lead consultant at AlLyd Solutions, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of recognizing the assets your congregation has and the importance of using them to accomplish your goals. Along the way Aimee provides wonderful wisdom from her many years of experience as a fundraising consultant about managing these difficult times. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Adapting_To_The_Times_A_Conversation_About_Adaptive_Leadership_and_Resource_Management You can find Aimee Laramore at her consulting website - http://www.allyd.com/ We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org to let us know what you think of the pod, with resource recommendations of your own or ideas for future topics or guests. Aimee Laramore, lead consultant at AlLyd Solutions, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of recognizing the assets your congregation has and the importance of using them to accomplish your goals. Along the way Aimee provides wonderful wisdom from her many years of experience as a fundraising consultant about managing these difficult times.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Adapting_To_The_Times_A_Conversation_About_Adaptive_Leadership_and_Resource_Management

You can find Aimee Laramore at her consulting website - http://www.allyd.com/

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org to let us know what you think of the pod, with resource recommendations of your own or ideas for future topics or guests.

]]> 3631 no S1 E8: What Went Right in 2020 Ben and Matt are joined by southwest director Wendy McCormick, northwest director McKenzie Scott Lewis and president of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro. Each guest shares encouraging stories of Indiana congregations from their region in 2020. We're wrapping up this season with positive stories because not everything went wrong in 2020. Here is the website of Central Christian Church in Washington, Indiana's recovery programs: https://www.recovery-central.org/index.php Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0000 What Went Right in 2020 full 1 8 Center for Congregations Bright spots in the stories of Indiana congregations with our staff Ben and Matt are joined by southwest director Wendy McCormick, northwest director McKenzie Scott Lewis and president of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro. Each guest shares encouraging stories of Indiana congregations from their region in 2020. We're wrapping up this season with positive stories because not everything went wrong in 2020. Here is the website of Central Christian Church in Washington, Indiana's recovery programs: https://www.recovery-central.org/index.php Ben and Matt are joined by southwest director Wendy McCormick, northwest director McKenzie Scott Lewis and president of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro. Each guest shares encouraging stories of Indiana congregations from their region in 2020. We're wrapping up this season with positive stories because not everything went wrong in 2020.

Here is the website of Central Christian Church in Washington, Indiana's recovery programs:

https://www.recovery-central.org/index.php

]]> 3473 no S1 E7 Exchanging Pews for Strollers Victoria Sun Esparza joins Ben and Matt to talk about Human Centered Design and applying it in congregations. This process is a way for you to listen well to the needs of your congregation in order to make decisions about goals, strategy and ways of serving those under your care. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Human-Centered_Design_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers Design Kit by IDEO https://www.designkit.org/ Dev Explains: What Is Human-Centered Design? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxtEqM2TQU Creative Confidence by David Kelley and Tom Kelley https://www.creativeconfidence.com/book/ TedTalk by David Kelley: How To Build Your Creative Confidence https://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence?language=en#t-430968 In the Water Designs (Victoria's company) https://www.inthewater.co/ Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0000 Exchanging Pews for Strollers full 1 7 Center for Congregations How listening well can help solve problems with Victoria Sun Esparza Victoria Sun Esparza joins Ben and Matt to talk about Human Centered Design and applying it in congregations. This process is a way for you to listen well to the needs of your congregation in order to make decisions about goals, strategy and ways of serving those under your care. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Human-Centered_Design_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers Design Kit by IDEO https://www.designkit.org/ Dev Explains: What Is Human-Centered Design? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxtEqM2TQU Creative Confidence by David Kelley and Tom Kelley https://www.creativeconfidence.com/book/ TedTalk by David Kelley: How To Build Your Creative Confidence https://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence?language=en#t-430968 In the Water Designs (Victoria's company) https://www.inthewater.co/ Victoria Sun Esparza joins Ben and Matt to talk about Human Centered Design and applying it in congregations. This process is a way for you to listen well to the needs of your congregation in order to make decisions about goals, strategy and ways of serving those under your care.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Human-Centered_Design_Exchanging_Pews_for_Strollers

Design Kit by IDEO

https://www.designkit.org/

Dev Explains: What Is Human-Centered Design?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxtEqM2TQU

Creative Confidence by David Kelley and Tom Kelley

https://www.creativeconfidence.com/book/

TedTalk by David Kelley: How To Build Your Creative Confidence

https://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence?language=en#t-430968

In the Water Designs (Victoria's company)

https://www.inthewater.co/

]]> 2877 no S1 E6 Agents of Unity Bishop Grant joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of getting back to the basics of faith. He challenges faith leaders and congregations to remember to center the people they serve as opposed to societal or theological divisions.  Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Agents_of_Unity_Center_the_People Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0000 Agents of Unity full 1 6 Center for Congregations Healing the divide in our congregations: a conversation with Bishop Tavis Grant II Bishop Grant joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of getting back to the basics of faith. He challenges faith leaders and congregations to remember to center the people they serve as opposed to societal or theological divisions.  Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Agents_of_Unity_Center_the_People Bishop Grant joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of getting back to the basics of faith. He challenges faith leaders and congregations to remember to center the people they serve as opposed to societal or theological divisions. 


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Agents_of_Unity_Center_the_People

]]> 2354 no S1 E5 Whosoever This week Ben and Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for congregations talk with Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Pollard shares with us how to lead in contentious and divided times without abandoning our convictions. Resources from the episode https://thecrg.org/collections/Whosoever_Leadership_in_Divided_Times Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics. Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0000 Whosoever full 1 5 Center for Congregations Leading with conviction with Dr. Alton B. Pollard III This week Ben and Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for congregations talk with Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Pollard shares with us how to lead in contentious and divided times without abandoning our convictions. Resources from the episode https://thecrg.org/collections/Whosoever_Leadership_in_Divided_Times Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics. This week Ben and Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for congregations talk with Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Pollard shares with us how to lead in contentious and divided times without abandoning our convictions.


Resources from the episode

https://thecrg.org/collections/Whosoever_Leadership_in_Divided_Times


Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics.

]]> 2785 no S1 E4: Kicked Off a Cliff Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes of the Double Love Experience joins Matt, Ben and Wendy to discuss what she's observed about rapidly changing systems in congregational life. These changes have put pressure not only on congregational systems, but also on the leaders in charge of holding communities together. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Kicked_Off_a_Cliff_Rapidly_Changing_Systems_in_Congregational_Life Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics. Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000 Kicked Off a Cliff full 1 4 Center for Congregations Grappling with rapid change with Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes of the Double Love Experience joins Matt, Ben and Wendy to discuss what she's observed about rapidly changing systems in congregational life. These changes have put pressure not only on congregational systems, but also on the leaders in charge of holding communities together. Resources https://thecrg.org/collections/Kicked_Off_a_Cliff_Rapidly_Changing_Systems_in_Congregational_Life Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics. Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes of the Double Love Experience joins Matt, Ben and Wendy to discuss what she's observed about rapidly changing systems in congregational life. These changes have put pressure not only on congregational systems, but also on the leaders in charge of holding communities together.


Resources

https://thecrg.org/collections/Kicked_Off_a_Cliff_Rapidly_Changing_Systems_in_Congregational_Life


Reach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics.

]]> 3619 no S1 E3: Do we have to hide our pain? Hillary McBride joins Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can be places of healing for those dealing with mental health issues. We explore Hillary's own experience with being part of a congregation and discuss what gives her hope. Kate White, Associate Director for Resources for the Center for Congregations, joins the conversation about mental health resources. Resources mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Do we have to hide our pain? full 1 3 Center for Congregations A dialogue between therapy and faith with Hillary McBride Hillary McBride joins Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can be places of healing for those dealing with mental health issues. We explore Hillary's own experience with being part of a congregation and discuss what gives her hope. Kate White, Associate Director for Resources for the Center for Congregations, joins the conversation about mental health resources. Resources mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain Hillary McBride joins Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can be places of healing for those dealing with mental health issues. We explore Hillary's own experience with being part of a congregation and discuss what gives her hope. Kate White, Associate Director for Resources for the Center for Congregations, joins the conversation about mental health resources.


Resources mentioned in this episode can be found here:

https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain

]]> 3982 no S1 E2: Tapping into Experience with Tim Shapiro This week Ben and Matt talk with the president of the Center for Congregations, Tim Shapiro. Tim shares his experiences as a senior pastor for 18 years and from his 18 years of experience at the Center. Congregational life has changed a lot over the last three decades but the news is not all bad. We'll discuss the bright spots, creativity and possibilities of the changing landscape. Check out the resources mentioned on this episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tapping_into_Experience_with_Tim_Shapiro_Changes_in_Congregations_over_the_Years And in case you were wondering about the hare artistry done by Albrecht Durer, the link is below. Matt said it was a woodcarving but it's actually a drawing and watercolor. We're not afraid to say we we're wrong! https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/hase/1QHEnzUGYMDG_w?hl=en Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org Wed, 23 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Tapping into Experience full 1 2 Center for Congregations Changes in Congregations over the Years This week Ben and Matt talk with the president of the Center for Congregations, Tim Shapiro. Tim shares his experiences as a senior pastor for 18 years and from his 18 years of experience at the Center. Congregational life has changed a lot over the last three decades but the news is not all bad. We'll discuss the bright spots, creativity and possibilities of the changing landscape. Check out the resources mentioned on this episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tapping_into_Experience_with_Tim_Shapiro_Changes_in_Congregations_over_the_Years And in case you were wondering about the hare artistry done by Albrecht Durer, the link is below. Matt said it was a woodcarving but it's actually a drawing and watercolor. We're not afraid to say we we're wrong! https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/hase/1QHEnzUGYMDG_w?hl=en Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org This week Ben and Matt talk with the president of the Center for Congregations, Tim Shapiro. Tim shares his experiences as a senior pastor for 18 years and from his 18 years of experience at the Center. Congregational life has changed a lot over the last three decades but the news is not all bad. We'll discuss the bright spots, creativity and possibilities of the changing landscape.


Check out the resources mentioned on this episode here:

https://thecrg.org/collections/Tapping_into_Experience_with_Tim_Shapiro_Changes_in_Congregations_over_the_Years

And in case you were wondering about the hare artistry done by Albrecht Durer, the link is below. Matt said it was a woodcarving but it's actually a drawing and watercolor. We're not afraid to say we we're wrong!

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/hase/1QHEnzUGYMDG_w?hl=en

Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org

]]> 3203 no S1 E1: Where have all the young people gone? Matt and I sit down with Science Mike to discuss the problems and possibilities with engaging young adults. Congregations across religious and denominational lines are wrestling with this question, and Mike wants you to know there is hope. The resources discussed in this episode can be found by clicking here or copy/pasting the URL below. https://thecrg.org/collections/Where_have_all_the_young_people_gone Stay in touch with Mike McHargue: Ask Science Mike Podcast Mike McHargue Website Mike's Books Mike's Instagram Mike's Twitter Mike's Facebook Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:25:00 -0000 Where have all the young people gone? full 1 1 Center for Congregations A Conversation with Mike McHargue aka Science Mike Matt and I sit down with Science Mike to discuss the problems and possibilities with engaging young adults. Congregations across religious and denominational lines are wrestling with this question, and Mike wants you to know there is hope. The resources discussed in this episode can be found by clicking here or copy/pasting the URL below. https://thecrg.org/collections/Where_have_all_the_young_people_gone Stay in touch with Mike McHargue: Ask Science Mike Podcast Mike McHargue Website Mike's Books Mike's Instagram Mike's Twitter Mike's Facebook Matt and I sit down with Science Mike to discuss the problems and possibilities with engaging young adults. Congregations across religious and denominational lines are wrestling with this question, and Mike wants you to know there is hope.


The resources discussed in this episode can be found by clicking here or copy/pasting the URL below.

https://thecrg.org/collections/Where_have_all_the_young_people_gone


Stay in touch with Mike McHargue:

Ask Science Mike Podcast

Mike McHargue Website

Mike's Books

Mike's Instagram

Mike's Twitter

Mike's Facebook

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