Spiritual Life and Leadership

How do we cultivate an environment where transparency and open communication becomes the norm rather than the exception? In this episode, Uli Chi, author of The Wise Leader , brings a wealth of experience in business and church leadership to discuss how we can foster open communication, why humility in leadership is so critical, and the importance of pursuing a "wisdom from above" in our...

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss the immense pressures faced by pastors today, as articulated by Tim Alberta. Tim highlighted how congregants increasingly expect pastors to function beyond their traditional roles, turning them into part-time pundits and cultural commentators on a myriad of contentious issues ranging from masking and vaccines to abortion and trans rights. Markus and Tod exam...

Is it possible to lead a congregation without being consumed by anxiety and stress? How can we as ministry leaders manage the pressures and expectations we carry while maintaining a sense of peace and lightness? In this episode, Alan Fadling, author of A Non-Anxious Life , unpacks how ministry leaders can navigate anxiety by creating a supportive network of friends and mentors, understanding God’s...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger discuss the importance of framing for church leaders, particularly in the context of political polarization. Drawing on a quote from Andrew Hanauer, they explore how providing a Biblical framework to congregants can shape their understanding of the world and mitigate the influence of external, often divisive, narratives. Through practical advice and insightful examp...

How can our churches reach out to families with autistic members in such a way that the Gospel is good news for them?  And how might we need to adapt the way we do church in order to be good news for those with autism in their families? Dr. David Quel, adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary--and father to three autistic sons--reveals strategies for creating a welcoming environment in our...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore the concept of power within the framework of discipleship and adaptive leadership, inspired by a quote from Michael Rhodes. They discuss how power, when used responsibly, can prevent harm and support the vulnerable, such as orphans, immigrants, and widows. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of Jesus' use of power, emphasizing that...

Here in the U.S. the impact of the election and the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are inescapable. In this episode, Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism , discusses the unsettling trend of political polarization in the church, the role of pastors in responding to the pressure to reclaim a "Christian America,&q...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore how to discern and join in what God is doing in the world. They discuss the importance of humility, recognizing God's ongoing work beyond the church, and adopting practical spiritual disciplines. Tod shares personal practices, like evening prayers of gratitude and a mindset that sees God's activity through the night, to better align with God’s work...

How does Jesus go about transforming individual lives and entire societies?  And what role do we play in that work of transformation? Yolanda Solomon, author of Discipleship as Holy Collaboration , helps us get clarity on these questions as she shares her insights on how to build a nurturing community in the Church, the challenges of modern discipleship, and the importance of addressing marginaliz...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger unpack a poignant quote from Adam McHugh, discussing the often-overlooked grief experienced during life transitions such as career changes and identity shifts. They reflect on Adam's personal journey from pastoral ministry to becoming a wine sommelier, emphasizing how letting go of deeply ingrained identities can be a difficult yet necessary process for embraci...

Tod Bolsinger, Executive director of the Church Leadership Institute , discusses how to maintain a commitment to your mission even in the face of resistance.  He also unpacks the importance of trust in leadership, as well as how to craft and use a powerful mission statement guide you in your church’s or organization’s decision-making. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Tod Bolsinger introduce...

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss a quote from episode 216 with guests Brad Strawn and Warren Brown. The quote highlights the perception that contemporary Christianity in the United States is more known for what it opposes than for what it supports. Tod Bolsinger explores this phenomenon, attributing it to the psychological tendency to focus on fears rather than potential gains. The discussi...

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, theology professor at Earlham School of Religion and the author of When God Became White , discusses how cultural forces throughout history have shaped the portrayal of both God and Jesus as white males, and how that portrayal has hurt our ability to be the leaders we need to be. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Grace Ji-Sun Kim discusses the historical influence of the Ro...

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss a quote from Mike Bonem, which underscores the importance of empowering team members to fulfill their roles. They explore the necessity of recruiting the right people and then giving them the freedom to execute their tasks effectively. Tod emphasizes the value of clarity in mission and supportive leadership, allowing team members to excel in their areas of e...

Allen Hilton, Executive Director of A House United , and Andrew Hanauer, CEO of One America Movement , bring a wealth of experience and practical insight into how our churches can navigate political and cultural division, especially during this very divisive election season. We explore their strategies for "courageous conversations" and the importance of understanding and empathy in over...

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss the importance of transitions in both individual and organizational life, as highlighted by a quote from Terry Walling. They explore the concept of the "in between," likening it to the liminal space where significant transformation occurs. Bolsinger emphasizes that these periods of uncertainty are essential for faith and growth, encouraging leaders...

Amy Peeler, author of Hebrews: Commentaries for Christian Formation , shares her insights on leadership through the lens of the book of Hebrews, drawing parallels between Jesus’ steadfast priesthood and the role of modern pastors and leaders. Her reflections on enduring hope, resilience, and the practicalities of leading a post-COVID church are valuable for all who are in ministry leadership. THIS...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger engage in a discerning conversation about the leadership and mission implications of the idea that God is already pesent in every culture. They consider the respect and humility required when entering new cultures and relationships, especially with the understanding that God's presence and work precede us. Through personal stories and theological insights, they...

Efrem Smith and Dan Kreiss, the authors of Church For Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community , explore the importance of multi-inclusivity in church leadership, the need to empower young people in decision-making, and the steps required to break down socio-economic and cultural barriers within our faith communities. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Creating spaces and processes for...

Tod Bolsinger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this conversation, challenging us to resist nostalgia and the allure of a past era—like the 1960s, when the church thrived in a very different context. Reflecting on a quote from Miroslav Volf, Bolsinger, together with Markus Watson, contemplates the dangers of yearning for what no longer exists and the pressing need to adapt to a future...

In ministry leadership, how we respond to crises significantly impacts not just our journey, but also the communities we serve. Painful experiences like this can be crucibles that mold our character, highlight the importance of emotional presence, and underscore the need for institutional stamina—how do we get through this together? Gayle Beebe is the president of Westmont College and author of Th...

This episode explores the critical role of joy in fostering deep connections within our communities. As Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson consider how an atmosphere of joy can be crafted and communicated through our actions, they discuss how this translates to effective ministry and church leadership. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Jim Wilder in Episode 179, The Neuroscience...

Strong sermons, pastoral care and counseling, leading Bible studies.  These are all really important for effective ministry leadership.  But leading a church or organization is more than just that, isn’t it? In this episode, Mike Bonem--consultant, coach, and author of The Art of Leading Change --offers invaluable insights into how trust, effective team-building, and adept communication can transf...

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger reflect on their passion for exploration as an essential element of leadership, discussing the current crisis where the church often resists change and clings to the past rather than venturing into the unknown. Together, they explore the challenges in embracing exploration within the church, examine the role faith plays in embarking on new journeys, and contemplate...

In this episode, Warren Brown and Brad Strawn, authors of Enhancing Christian Life , explain how contemporary Christian practices can often lead to what they call a 'puny' experience of Christianity that elevates personal feelings of closeness to God over outward expressions of faith. They argue for a robust, 'supersized' form of Christian life, where followers of Jesus are dee...