Center for Congregations Podcast

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 congregat...

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...

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) R...

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...

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 L...

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)

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,...

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)

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 H...

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: Resp...

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) "Un...

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)

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 rat...

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 innova...

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 conve...

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...

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...

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 Facebo...

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 financi...

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...

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 o...

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)

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.

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 Fre...

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)...