Claim OwnershipCenter for Congregations Podcast
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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.
129 Episodes
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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)
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. 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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast)
"How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article)
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 Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article)
Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video)
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)
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 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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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