Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., joins Kara and John to discuss how relational and resource connections can lead to vital congregations and communities. The conversation includes the importance of continual learning for leaders, assessing your own congregation and how to navigate some of the major cultural shifts that have occurred.
Resources
The Adept Church by Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr. (book)
Sustaining While Disrupting by Dr. F. Dougls Powe Jr. (book)
May 20
47 min
Patrick Riecke joins Miriam and Matt to discuss burnout. Patrick shares from his personal experiences and public studies to shine a light on this under-discussed issue and what to do about it.
Resources
Burnout Test (website/assessment)
Patrick Riecke (website/organization)
R3 Restoration (organization)
Psychology Today (website)
Mental Health America (website/organization)
Moving Church Volunteers from Burnout To Their Best Fit (podcast/video)
Warning Signs of Burnout and How to Prevent It (article)
May 6
51 min
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)
Apr 22
55 min
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)
Apr 8
50 min
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 [email protected] 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)
Mar 25
36 min
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)
Mar 15
53 min
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 [email protected] with questions, reactions, resources or suggestions.
Resources
Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods' website
"Human Centered AI" (article)
"The Role of AI in The Church" (article)
Feb 25
56 min
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)
Feb 11
53 min
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)
Jan 29
1 hr 1 min
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
Jan 14
50 min
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