In this episode, the team looks back on season 4, as well as everything we learned about God, leadership, and ourselves in four seasons of Developing Imperfect Leaders. Season 4 Recap Questions: What was your favorite topic from season 3 and why? What was an “imperfection” in your leadership - an area of opportunity for growth for you personally that emerged as we recorded season 4? DIL Podcast Reflection Questions: What will stick with you most from doing this podcast project? What excites you most about leadership development in the next 5 years? What is the 1 thing you want our listeners to consider as we wrap up this podcast project? Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering and Technical Support by Austin Sego
In this episode, the team looks at growing as followers of Christ. We discuss methods for continuing to pursue growth in Christ over the years and see how Jesus becomes bigger as time passes. Quote of the Week: Today’s quote comes from C.S. Lewis in the book, “Prince Caspian.” For context, Aslan is the Jesus figure in this story and Lucy is the character speaking with him. “Aslan" said Lucy "you're bigger". "That is because you are older, little one" answered he. "Not because you are?" "I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering and Technical Support by Austin Sego
In this episode we share our testimonies and some gospel basics. We explore the new realities that happen when we become a Christian, including the things we gain, lose, and change. Quote of the Week: Today’s quote comes from Book VIII of Augustine’s Confessions. He writes of his conversion, “So was I speaking and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when, lo! I heard from a neighboring house a voice, as of a boy or girl, I know not, chanting and oft repeating, 'Take up and read; take up and read.' … I opened, and in silence read that section on which my eyes first fell: 'Not in rioting and drunkenness… but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in its lusts.' … No further would I read; nor needed I: for instantly … all the darkness of doubt vanished away.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering & Technical Support by Austin Sego
In this episode, the team considers what it means to lead others while navigating ongoing mental health problems. Quote of the Week: Today’s quote comes from an article by Joe Carter on the Gospel Coalition website titled, “How Church Leaders Can Be A Non-anxious Presence.” He writes, “Being a nonanxious presence requires displaying a calm and gentle demeanor, especially in the face of crisis or conflict. This calmness isn’t about being disengaged or indifferent but rather being composed, thoughtful, and gentle with others, which provides a stabilizing influence. A nonanxious leader must manage his emotional reactivity. Emotional reactivity occurs when an external event triggers intense emotions disproportionate to the cause. If we’re nonanxious, we won’t succumb to such emotional reactivity because we don’t get swept up in the anxieties, fears, or emotional dramas of the groups or individuals we’re leading. We avoid knee-jerk reactions to situations and instead respond thoughtfully and deliberately, which can help de-escalate tense situations and encourage others to think and respond calmly.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering and Technical Support by Austin Sego
In this episode, the team examines the relationship between mental health, spirituality, therapeutic culture, and following God in a fallen world. Quote of the Week: Today’s quote comes from C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain and it reads, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering and Technical Support by Austin Sego
In this episode, the team works through some of the questions that came up in their recent session with the Young Adults Ministry at Hope. Join us as we consider some of the questions that young adults are asking. The Questions: What’s a leadership / spirituality book that you recommend for young adults? Why would anyone want to be a leader? (Explain Context) Where should young people invest their lives and why? What is something you appreciate about the next generation? What is 1 thing you want to tell the next generation? What is 1 thing you want to tell the next generation about following Jesus for the long haul? Any closing thoughts or takeaways? Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego
In this episode, the team recaps season three by considering the following questions: What was your favorite topic from season 4 and why? What was the topic you felt was most important to consider this season? What was an “imperfection” in your leadership - an area of opportunity for growth for you personally that emerged throughout the recording of these What is something that you are looking forward to as we look ahead to Season 4 and more leadership topics to discuss? Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team solves all your issues with your parents! NOT! The team discusses the unique ways that our parents can get under our skin, and what it looks like to not turn back into a teenager when we are with them. They consider the importance of emotional intelligence, healthy conflict, and following Jesus as we relate to our parents. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: Matthew 7:1-5 in the New Testament “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses something we all face: suffering. The team considers the pervasive nature of suffering, right and wrong ways to think about suffering, and the beauty of leadership that provides hope in the midst of suffering. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: “To trust God when we do not understand him is to treat him as God and not as another human being. It is to treat him as glorious -- infinitely beyond us in his goodness and wisdom.” - Elizabeth Elliot Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the reality that all of us have an independent streak in some way, whether we like it or not. We want control and we want to get our way and that can hurt the way we relate to the teams we are involved with. They discuss how an independent streak can hinder collaboration and creativity, and what to do about this problem. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: The quote comes from the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. He writes, “The most important action that a leader must take to encourage the building of trust on a team is to demonstrate vulnerability first. This requires that a leader risk losing face in front of the team, so that subordinates will take the same risk themselves. What is more, team leaders must create an environment that does not punish vulnerability.” Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the goal of teaching including some wrong answers. Did you know that teaching isn’t about being impressive or knowing everything? The team tackles that reality and considers some helpful things to give away ideas to the people you are trying to teach whether they are toddlers or adults that you are leading. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: The quote comes from an interview with Chris Anderson of Ted Talks, titled: TED’s secret to great public speaking. (We can apply this to teaching as well.) In the interview he says: “Your number one task as a speaker is to transfer into your listener’s minds an extraordinary gift – a strange and beautiful object that we call an idea…[an idea is] a pattern of information that helps you understand and navigate the world.” https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_anderson_ted_s_secret_to_great_public_speaking Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the sometimes polarizing Enneagram personality test! They discuss using the Enneagram as a tool and not condemning it or treating it as the same authority of Jesus. The team considers how using the Enneagram as a tool can help us to have language for sin and see our need for Jesus. They also identify Paul’s Enneagram number and see the ways it can be helpful in our lives. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: The quote comes from an article from Christianity Today by John Starke titled: An Evangelical’s Guide to the Enneagram. He writes, “The strength of the Enneagram is that it exposes where we might need healing and what vices might be causing division with others and even within ourselves. As Christians, we use the Enneagram as a tool to find healing not by becoming our true selves but by finding ourselves more truly in Christ. And we become more virtuous not by authenticity but by imitation.” https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/november/evangelicals-guide-to-enneagram.html Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the idea of currency - knowing why people serve and work - and what impact or value they expect it to have. They consider the importance of knowing and caring for the people you lead, as well as understanding their values and gifts. The episode focuses on volunteering, managing, and being an employee. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: This week’s quote comes from a book titled, The Volunteer Project. In the book, they write, “Researchers refer to the use of one's own skills and abilities to make a difference as participation efficacy. Volunteers have a belief that participation in your program will bring about a meaningful result. It is important that as leaders we understand that nearly every volunteer arrives with an unstated psychological contract expecting their participation to result in a positive and meaningful outcome for others.” The Volunteer Project, Kizer, Kreisher, and Whitacre, p. 13 Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the reality that every single person on the planet desires meaning and purpose for their lives. They discuss the healthy and unhealthy ways to seek meaning and how we tend to look for security and significance in life. They also consider the challenges of seeking meaning in a self-obsessed culture. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: Today’s quote comes from an article about a study conducted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education where they studied the mental health challenges of teenagers and young adults. The study mentioned how young adults have a lack of “meaning or purpose,” an emotional void – nearly three in five young adults (58 percent) reported that they personally felt in the previous month. Half of the young people surveyed also reported feeling a “lack of direction” in their lives. “Purpose involves an act of commitment to something in the world. And it’s something in the world that isn’t all about me, it’s not all about the self,” Damon said. “When you have that purposeful orientation, it prevents you from being self-absorbed and always worrying about yourself, being anxious and looking inward and saying, ‘Am I all right?’” https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/physical-mental-health/2023/11/01/lack-purpose-drives-anxiety-depression-young-adults Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team reflects on the Developing Female Leaders seminar and shares why they are encouraged by the ways Jesus is at work in people’s lives. They also discuss the importance of leadership development and the joy of helping people grow in Christ. Go back and listen to the previous three episodes to hear the context of the conversation and be blessed! Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
This episode is part of a series of episodes this season focused on how female leaders can integrate the gospel into their lives and leadership. These episodes are from a live recording of an LDI seminar titled, “Developing Female Leaders” where we gathered five women who work inside and outside the church to share about their lives and answer interview questions about being female leaders. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
This episode is part of a series of episodes this season focused on how female leaders can integrate the gospel into their lives and leadership. These episodes are from a live recording of an LDI seminar titled, “Developing Female Leaders” where we gathered five women who work inside and outside the church to share about their lives and answer interview questions about being female leaders. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
This episode is part of a series of episodes this season focused on how female leaders can integrate the gospel into their lives and leadership. These episodes are from a live recording of an LDI seminar titled, “Developing Female Leaders” where we gathered five women who work inside and outside the church to share about their lives and answer interview questions about being female leaders. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the idea of ministry skills and what it looks like to learn your gifts and use them to bless others. They talk about what ministry skills are and the fact that we all have them, and why 360-degree feedback is so important to leadership development. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: “Practicing ministry while receiving guidance from experienced leaders allows interns to grow in their own practical leadership skills.” - LDI Program Documents Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller
In this episode, the team discusses the centrality of character in leadership, including why character matters and the ways that leadership without character can hurt people. They also share the significance of character for the LDI program and the importance of growing in character in their own lives. Each episode features a leading question, quote of the week, and a Growing Together segment intended to help imperfect leaders to grow. Quote of the Week: “It is important that leaders know and take on the character of Christ. This is a process that requires knowledge, persistence, and guidance.” - LDI Program Documents Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more about LDI at ldi.hopecc.com and visit our podcast website at ldi.hopecc.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to or follow our show. We’d also love it if you’d leave a review, which will help us grow in our imperfect podcasting. Finally, send us any show ideas or recommendations for quotes of the week at LDI@hopecc.com. Hosted by: Paul Stiver Naty Severson Kaelyn Larson Sound Engineering by Austin Sego Technical support from Nolan Bauer Video by Dan Zeller