Field Notes for Transformation

Summary In this conversation, Pastor Wendy Hu-Au invites us into the story beneath the title—her unexpected and deeply formative journey into serving as senior pastor at Metro Hope Church. What emerges isn’t just a leadership story, but a picture of what happens when faith is lived in real community. We talk about the early moments that shaped her, the people who formed her, and why she’s so drawn...

Summary In this conversation, Ryan Tinetti invites us to reconsider ambition, moving away from pressure and performance toward something quieter and deeper. Through personal stories, Scripture, and lived wisdom, he offers a vision of life and leadership anchored in rest, shaped by humility and faithfulness over productivity.   Episode field note: Clarity Over Cleverness When you’re leading change,...

Summary:  We’ve normalized something that was never meant to be normal: leading alone.  Rev. Dr. Eun K. Strawser invites us into a conversation about the gift of shared leadership. We talk about the ways we hold onto power, how our metrics are shaping the wrong outcomes, and why the environments we build may be working against the very transformation we long to see. What if shared leadership is ex...

In this episode, Dr. Angie Ward invites us into a rich conversation about leadership in uncharted place, where identity, and adaptive courage matter more than ever. She reflects on how her own journey has shaped the way she leads and teaches, and why the internal work of a leader is inseparable from the external work we’re called to do. We explore the shifting landscape of ministry and the kind of...

In this conversation, Michael Huerter opens up about his unexpected journey into worship and music ministry and the way hybrid worship is reshaping the life of the church. He names both the beauty and the tension of weaving technology into our worship practices—how we can use new tools without losing the human connections that make church feel like church. Michael talks honestly about the challeng...

In this conversation, Alan Noble helps us name the weight we all feel in a world that tells us we must be everything on our own. Drawing from his book You Are Not Your Own, Alan invites us to imagine a different kind of freedom, one found not in limitless choice, but in belonging to a loving God. Alan talks about the exhaustion of modern life, the grace of limits, and the practices of gratitude an...

In this episode, Bishop Geoffrey Dudley shares what it takes to lead through the storms of life and ministry. Drawing from his experiences in both the military and the church, he talks about calling, resilience, and the connection between leadership and mental health. This conversation explores what authentic leadership looks like when you’re navigating real challenges, for example, crafting visio...

In this conversation, Dr. Erin Devers discusses the concept of bias, its implications for self-perception and leadership, and the importance of understanding our identity. She emphasizes the role of confirmation bias in decision-making and the need for leaders to cultivate humility. Erin also explores the intersection of faith and bias research, highlighting how community can either amplify or red...

In this conversation, Ron shares the story of his own call to ministry, the early influences that shaped him, and the lessons he’s in almost 40 years of leading La Croix Church. We dive into what it means to build a healthy church culture, the power of storytelling to draw people into God’s bigger story, and why developing leaders is always worth the risk of giving away ownership, and even letting...

In this episode, Lindsay talks with Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) to talk about the intersection of faith and work and why it matters in the places we spend most of our lives. We dig into insights from her new book, co-written with Denise Daniels (Wheaton College), Working for Better: a New Approach to Faith at Work. We talk about her research on how people experience calling in their jo...

Melissa Meiner’s story is one where faith, music, and leadership keep weaving together in unexpected ways. From a single invitation that reshaped her family’s faith, to discovering her own calling through music and worship. She talks about what it means to lead across different church settings, the power of hospitality, and why unlearning is sometimes just as important as learning.   Takeaways Cre...

In this episode, Lindsay talks with Bryan Sallee, a pastor in Eagle River, Alaska, about what it really takes to cultivate a culture of discipleship in the everyday life of the church. From the challenges of small church leadership to the power of team-based ministry, Bryan shares what he's learning about adaptive leadership, navigating conflict, and building trust. Takeaways Adaptive challenges c...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Arianna Molloy talks about what happens when our deep sense of calling starts to wear thin. She shares her own story of discovering what a healthy calling looks like and how burnout, when left unchecked, can unravel our identity. Arianna reframes calling not as a personal mission to chase but as a relational act. She walks through the signs of burnout, boundaries...

In this episode, Dr. Ellen Marmon talks about her recent essay, “Operationalizing Humility in the Leadership Classroom: Listening, Apologizing, and Other Awkward Practices”.  Ellen invites us to consider leadership as more than a set of competencies but a reflection of who we are becoming. She shares how humility, listening, and the courage to apologize are transformative practices.  Together, we...

In this conversation, Judy Stevenson invites us into her story—not just the polished parts, but the real, Spirit-led journey of leadership, faith, and unlearning. Judy shares what happened when she chose boldness over comfort, and how that decision cracked open a new season of trust and transformation. We talk about how true leadership isn't about perfect strategy—it’s about people, prayer, and th...

In this conversation, Dr. Brian Russell shares his journey of spiritual transformation, discussing pivotal moments that ignited his passion for growth and helping others. He reflects on the challenges of navigating multiple identities as a scholar, coach, and spiritual leader, and emphasizes the importance of silence and contemplative practices in fostering inner knowing. Brian also explores the d...

In this conversation, Michael Adam Beck discusses his book 'Never Alone' and the urgent need for community in a world plagued by loneliness. He shares personal experiences, including the loss of his brother, and emphasizes the importance of healing in community rather than isolation. Michael critiques individualistic culture and advocates for a collective approach to healing and faith. He also exp...

In this conversation, Mark Youngman shares his experiences and insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, embracing messiness, and creating environments that foster growth and transformation. He discusses the balance between transparency and effectiveness in leadership, the significance of small groups, and the core values that guide his ministry. Mark's passion...

In this conversation, Velma Tim shares her transformative journey into mission work, emphasizing the power of storytelling, the importance of relationships in discipleship, and the role of digital media in reaching and empowering others. She discusses how her experiences shaped her understanding of leadership and collaboration, highlighting the significance of vulnerability and clarity of vision i...

In this conversation, Wes Olds shares his transformative journey of discovering his identity as a 'child of God, person of worth' (COGPOW) during one of the most challenging seasons of his life. He discusses the impact of this realization on his personal and leadership style, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's worth beyond performance. Wes also reflects on the joy of witnessing tran...

Summary In this conversation, Lindsay and Stephanie Faulkner dive deep into the transformative journey of leadership, spotlighting the power of trust, communication, and cultural awareness. Stephanie opens up about her personal leadership experiences, sharing both the hurdles and triumphs of building meaningful relationships and creating a nurturing environment. Stephanie also explores how faith s...

In this conversation, Jacob Armstrong shares his journey of founding Providence Church, discussing the vision behind the church, the hurdles faced in church planting, and the importance of engagement over attendance. He emphasizes the need for leaders to evolve, the significance of creating environments for discipleship, and the challenges of creating a culture that fosters belonging. Jacob also r...

In this conversation, Taylor Foley shares his journey and passion for creating healthy organizational cultures, particularly within church environments. He emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and resilience in building a vibrant culture. Taylor discusses the challenges faced in shifting culture, the role of leadership, and the necessity of measuring cultural health. He also highligh...

In this conversation, Matthew Hartsfield shares his journey of embracing transformation and the importance of identity in leadership. He discusses the intersection of pastoring and coaching, emphasizing the need for a growth mindset and psychological safety in creating effective teams. Hartsfield reflects on his early mistakes in leadership, advocating for a culture of transformation through clari...

In this conversation, Jorge Acevedo shares his journey from nearly four decades in pastoral ministry to becoming a leadership coach. He discusses the evolution of his calling, the importance of transitioning from heroic solo leadership to generative team leadership, and the essential qualities that contribute to resilient and vital ministries. Jorge emphasizes the need for experimentation, sustain...