Host: Steve Macchia, Co-Host: Matt Scott "Silence is the place where the deepest work happens in our lives." - Steve Macchia Advent loses its meaning when it is overwhelmed by constant noise. Silence invites the noise to quiet down, helping us recognize the inner distractions we often ignore. It is in these moments of stillness that God works most deeply—transforming our hearts and drawing us closer to Him. In Episode 03, Join Steve Macchia and Matt Scott for a conversation about cultivating attentiveness, spiritual discernment, and leading from a place of holy stillness in a noisy world. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-Host: Matt Scott "We have to say no to the demands of this world. We have to create some space that is sacred and holy and dedicated wholly to our heart's devotion to Jesus." - Steve Macchia We often give into a compulsion to complicate the simple and clutter that which is spacious. What if this Advent was different for you? In this podcast conversation, Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore ways to declutter and create spacious settings for your soul, resisting the cultural pressures and societal norms surrounding us. As you do so, you'll experience a greater awareness and attentiveness to the true reason for the season...experiencing the nearness of Jesus - God with us! Also, here's the companion reflection guide and spiritual exercise to help you declutter this season of Advent. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Co-host: Matt Scott "Simplicity? It goes against the grain of our society. We're needing to make a concious choice to say no to the excess and to the busyness." - Steve Macchia How is it that the most wonderful time of the year often draws us into excess and exhaustion? Tune into the first episode of Season 37 as Steve Macchia and Matt Scott explore the posture and practice of simplicity. May God grant you rest and renewal this season as you choose the most important things to give yourself to. Also, here's your reflection guide. Set aside some spacious and unhurried time to prayerfully consider how you might embrace simplicity this Advent season. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: J.R. Briggs "We don't know how to ask good questions and point to another because we're just so fixated on ourselves." - Steve Macchia Steve Macchia and J.R. Briggs remind leaders that transformation begins by asking better, more honest questions. Their conversation invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and cultivate curiosity that leads to wiser, Spirit-led discernment. Receive the invitation to shift from having all the answers to pursuing the right questions. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia Guest: Gary Thomas "A simple definition of spiritual formation is that the pathway to a deeper walk with God is aligning a deep understanding of the truth about God with the truth about ourselves." – Steve Macchia In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia shares a conversation with long-time friend Gary Thomas. In Gary's most recent book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live, he exposes twelve subtle but powerful deceptions that quietly drain joy and block intimacy with God. Steve and Gary offer practical ways we can dismantle the false beliefs that keep us from the abundant, joy-filled life God has already placed within reach. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alison Cook "To have a healthy sense of identity and focus intently on what matters most, that's what we're all longing for." - Steve Macchia Curiosity, boundaries, healing, and integration. In Episode 10 of Season 36, Steve Macchia interviews Dr. Alison Cook as she shares wisdom and insight from these themes in her recent book "I Shouldn't Feel This Way." A psychotherapist, author, online educator and the host of "The Best of You" podcast, Alison helps other heal painful emotions, develop confidence from the inside out, forge healthy relationships, and fully live out their God-given potential. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
"Relational health and vitality is based on our ability to be empathetic toward one another as God has been empathetic toward us." - Steve Macchia In Episode 36.09 of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia interviews Bill and Kristi Gaultiere of Soul Shepherding as they share wisdom from their recent book, Deeply Loved. Together, they discuss how the life-giving and life-changing power of empathy raises emotional intelligence, cultivates healthier emotions, heals relationships and draws us closer to Jesus. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
"Reading is yet another way we can notice and discern the work of God in everyday life." – Steve Macchia Why should we read? It's a question Jeff Crosby both poses and beautifully answers through engaging personal stories, literary reflections, and spiritual insights. His rich and thought-provoking book, World of Wonders, explores how reading can be an act of worship and spiritual formation. Tune into this conversation with Steve Macchia and Jeff Crosby. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
"There's so much of us that is yet to be explored because we don't access our imagination." - Steve Macchia Is it possible to experience a life of fruitful obedience when we're exhausted, anxious, and busy? In their book A Fruitful Life, Ashley and Bryce Hales help readers dive deep into the Sermon on the Mount and discover Jesus' vision of a good and fruitful life. This podcast episode, hosted by Steve Macchia, offers a rich conversation around Jesus' most famous teaching as well as the surprising and renewing power of Christian imagination. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Bill Simmons "We tend to go other places…our work, our relationships, our hobbies, our attachments as opposed to simply finding our rest in God." - Steve Macchia In this episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia welcomes Bill Simmons to share themes from his new book, The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational Life. Bill is the president and CEO of Hope Rises, International. In this conversation, he shares wisodm in how letting go of control and embracing established practices can transform an organization's spiritual culture. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Mimi Dixon "Let us reflect with gratitude on this movement-making piece of literature that has entered our hearts and the spiritual formation world. We are so grateful for the faithfulness of Richard Foster." - Steve Macchia Miriam (Mimi) Dixon began her ministry in 1979 and has been building up local churches ever since. Holding both an MDiv and DMin degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, she has served in pastoral roles, on the Renovaré Board of Directors, a teacher for the Renovaré Institute, and the faculty for Next Frontiers. In this conversation with Steve Macchia, she graciously shares the influence of Richard Foster and the story behind her book Worth Celebrating: A Biography of Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Jimmy Mellado "When we have an awareness of a need, will we run to the need? Are we going to be known for our generosity or for our stinginess?" - Steve Macchia Steve Macchia and Jimmy Mellado connect in Episode 04 of Season 36. After serving for more than 20 years as the president of the Willow Creek Association, Jimmy has been the President and CEO of Compassion International since 2013. He and Steve discuss spiritual leadership, lessons learned as a decathlete, and the daily rhythms of surrender, restoration, rest, replenishment and communion with God. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Nicholas and Sheila Rowe "We've been instructed to act justly, to love mercifully and to walk humbly with the Lord. We want to take the risk of extending friendship across the lines that have historically separated us." - Steve Macchia In Episode 03 of Season 36, Nicholas and Sheila Rowe offer their expertise in helping leaders process painful and traumatic experiences. In their book Healing Leadership Trauma, they lay out the emotional challenges of leadership and offer encouragement, prayer, and therapeutic tools to help leaders face their pain and begin to heal. Steve Macchia hosts a rich conversation with the Rowes to offer hope for leaders feeling the weight of their past trauma, present struggles, and uncertainty of the future. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Machia, Guest: Dave Ripper "In essence, the number one question we ought to be asking ourselves is 'How can I help you draw closer to God?'" - Steve Macchia In Episode 02 of Season 36, Steve Macchia hosts Dave Ripper, author of 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus.' In this conversation, Steve and Dave discuss Dallas Willard's approach to reading the Bible and how we can move toward an experiential knowledge of God in our lives. Don't miss this conversation as Dave shares personal stories about his relationship with the Willards, his heart behind his new book, and how we can encounter God in transforming ways through the Scriptures. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Suz Skinner "Our prayer is that our eyes will be open, our ears will be attentive, and our hearts will receive the gift of the parables of Jesus." - Steve Macchia Season 36 begins with a conversation between Steve Macchia and Suz Skinner. They share about their soon-to-release book, Praying the Parables of Jesus, an immersive encounter with the teachings of Jesus. Using the spiritual practices of Lectio and Visio Divina, readers can connect more deeply with the teachings of Jesus as they prayerfully discern God's invitation in the parables. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "It's important to be surrounded by people who model what a Christ-like life looks like, invest in you regularly, offer spiritual friendship, ongoing guidance and encouragement." — Steve Macchia The final episode of Season 35 explores what it looks like to walk with the saints. You'll hear personal stories from Steve and Matt as they share some of the relationships that have helped them embody and emulate the things that make for community (presence, listening, hospitality, forbearance, humility, trust-building, repairing and restoring). Tune into this conversation as you consider who is helping to feed your soul and whose soul you're companioning along the way. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Those who have an articulated communal rule of life stick together longer and more faithfully...and go deeper in their walk together with the Lord." — Steve Macchia Healthy churches and healthy spiritual communities are comprised of those who learn, live and grow together in Christ. These communities offer a safe place to share hurts and heartaches, pray for and care for one another, grow together in grace, and offer forgiveness and selfless love to one another. Of course, this way of living doesn't happen without great purpose and intention. Enjoy this podcast conversation centered around how to live out a share rule of life within a spiritual community. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Leadership is about whether or not the people are doing better because of your decisions." — Steve Macchia We know all-too-well the destruction that comes when power, influence and authority are mishandled and misguided in selfish ambition. This conversation explores "power" and how we can healthily steward the influence and authority entrusted to us in a way that honors, empowers, and equips others to flourish. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "If we could practice listening first before speaking, how different our words would be and how different our relationships would be." — Steve Macchia Humbly receiving the preached Word of God is one means of speaking and hearing the Truth in love. But what does this look like within the context of our relationships? How do we humbly and gratefully accept reproach and admonition from others? This conversation offers wisdom and practical steps around what it looks like for us to both speak and hear the truth in love. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.
Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "That's the hard reality...that I, too, irritate others. I need others to bear with me, also." - Steve Macchia How do we lovingly bear with one another and suffer alongside others in spiritual community? This episode tackles some of the hard realities we all face when we stay in one place long enough. What does it look like to move beyond tolerating and enduring to loving and serving those we find irritating, challenging, and hard-to-love? How can we humbly walk alongside one another in an empathetic, compassionate and gracious manner? This conversation offers helpful tools and wisdom around what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called "The Ministry of Bearing." Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.