Transforming Mission Podcast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

As we close our Advent series, we turn to Joseph in Matthew 1:18–25, a quiet figure whose actions teach us about faithful leadership. Joseph does not speak, yet his choices reveal a deep, lived righteousness. When Joseph learns of Mary's pregnancy, he chooses mercy before he has answers. He plans to protect her from humiliation, showing us that righteousness is not rigid rule keeping, but compassion in action. Only later does the angel appear, speaking words leaders often need to hear, "Do not be afraid." Joseph's fear is not dismissed, but he is invited to trust that God is at work in ways he cannot yet see. Joseph is entrusted with two names for the child, Jesus, meaning "the Lord saves," and Emmanuel, "God with us." These names remind us that God's saving work happens through presence. God comes near, stepping into ordinary and complicated lives. When Joseph wakes, he acts. He takes Mary as his wife and names the child, publicly aligning his life with what God is doing, even at personal cost. Compassion moves from intention to action. For leaders today, Joseph reminds us that courage and compassion belong together. You cannot carry every burden, but you can ask who God is placing in front of you. Leadership can feel lonely, yet Emmanuel assures us that God is with us, right in the middle of uncertainty. As you lead this week, consider where fear may be holding you back and where God is inviting you to respond with compassion. The teacher is here, not from a distance, but present with you as you lead.

In Episode 392 of the Transforming Mission Podcast, we continue our Advent series *Here Comes the Teacher* by turning our attention to Matthew 11:2–11 and the honest questions of John the Baptist. From a prison cell, John asks the question many faithful people wrestle with: *Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?* Jesus responds not with explanations, but by pointing to what is already happening, healing, restoration, mercy, and good news for the poor. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore what it means to pay attention when God does not meet our expectations, why disappointment can open the door to deeper trust, and how believing in Jesus becomes a way of living marked by compassion and care for others. This conversation is especially meaningful for leaders navigating uncertainty, change, or unmet hopes. Advent invites us to slow down, look again, and notice the surprising ways God is already at work. Join us as we reflect on how the Teacher invites us to see, trust, and live differently this season.

Episode 391: Here Comes the Teacher - Listen As we step into Matthew 3 and follow John the Baptist into the wilderness, this Advent conversation explores how listening prepares us for the One who is coming. From John's bold call to repentance to Jesus' quiet arrival at the Jordan, this episode invites you to slow down, clear the noise, and pay attention to God's presence. If you're longing for clarity, renewal, or a deeper connection with God this season, this episode offers a thoughtful guide for your Advent journey. Listen today and rediscover the transforming power of listening.

Episode 390: Here Comes the Teacher — Watch Advent invites us to wake up to God's presence—even in the chaos. In this first week of our Advent series, Here Comes the Teacher, we explore Jesus' call to "stay awake" in Matthew 24. Rather than predicting the future, Jesus offers a posture for faithful living: watchfulness. In a world marked by turmoil, whether in the first century or today, the Teacher invites us to pay attention, stay centered, and notice where God is breaking in right now. Sara and Tim unpack how Matthew's Gospel speaks into moments of crisis, reminding us that God's presence is not distant or theoretical. It's Emmanuel, God with us, showing up in the swirl of ordinary life. From practicing the means of grace to asking daily, "Where have you experienced Christ's presence today?" this episode offers a hopeful and grounded way to move through Advent. Leaders especially will find encouragement to help their communities stay awake to God's activity, resist fear-driven distractions, and cultivate habits that keep hope visible, even when the world feels anything but calm. This week's invitation: Stay awake to Christ's presence. Let Jesus—not the turmoil—be the center of your story. For show notes, visit transformingmission.org/390.

Episode 388: Holiness of Heart and Life In this episode, Tim and Sara explore Micah 6:6–8 and the Wesleyan invitation to holiness of heart and life. Through the lens of justice, kindness (Hesed), and humble walking with God, they unpack what true worship looks like; far beyond religious performance. Together, they reflect on how holiness is formed from the inside out, why justice is inseparable from faithful leadership, and how leaders can practice presence, integrity, and attentiveness in everyday life. Practical examples, honest wrestling, and timeless wisdom make this a rich conversation for anyone wanting to lead with Christlike character today. Read more on the episode page at https://transformingmission.og/388

Episode 387: The Economy of Grace In this episode, Tim and Sara unpack one of Jesus' most practical and challenging teachings from Matthew 6:19–24. Through this passage, they explore what it means to live within God's economy of grace: a way of life where grace, not greed, defines our values, vision, and priorities. They begin with Jesus' reminder that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," inviting listeners to consider what truly captures their attention and shapes their lives. Together, they discuss how generosity, focus, and trust reveal where our hearts reside and how our vision determines our path. From the dangers of divided loyalty to the freedom of serving one master, the conversation highlights the difference between accumulation and participation, between chasing what fades and investing in what lasts. Drawing from Wesleyan wisdom, they remind us that grace refocuses our hearts, clears our vision, and calls us to steward not just our money but our time, attention, and relationships as gifts of God's love. This episode ends with practical reflections and an invitation: What's capturing your attention? Who, or what, is shaping your choices? Listen in as Tim and Sara help you discover how living in God's economy transforms ordinary stewardship into an expression of grace. Find show notes, reflection questions, and a small group discussion guide at transformingmission.org/387

The Wesleyan Way of Leadership Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–2 Leadership is not a sprint. It's a marathon of grace, perseverance, and faithful endurance. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore the Wesleyan way of leadership through the lens of Hebrews 12:1–2, focusing on three core practices that help Christ-centered leaders stay grounded for the long run: vision, adaptability, and accountability. You'll hear how vision keeps us focused on Christ and the mission, how adaptability helps us lay aside what no longer fits so we can follow the Spirit's leading, and how accountability reminds us that we don't run the race alone. Through stories of perseverance, from Admiral Jim Stockdale to Olympic runner Derek Redmond, Tim and Sara remind us that leadership is about helping everyone finish the race faithfully, not just finishing first. Listen and reflect: What race are you running right now? What weights are slowing you down? Who's running beside you and cheering you on? Where are your eyes fixed? Remember: You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, strengthened by grace, and never running alone—Christ runs with you. Listen now at transformingmission.org/386

The earliest followers of Jesus didn't just gather once a week—they lived their faith together. In Acts 2:42–47, we glimpse a community formed around grace: studying Scripture, sharing meals, praying, and caring for one another so that no one was in need. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore what it means to build a grace-filled community today. They remind us that community isn't optional for followers of Jesus—it's the context where faith is practiced, forgiveness is learned, and love takes shape. You'll hear how the early church's rhythms of prayer, fellowship, generosity, and devotion reveal a pattern for Christ-centered leadership in every generation. Together, Tim and Sara discuss: Why practicing community is a spiritual discipline that requires intention and grace. How transformation happens through reflection, not just information. What koinonia—true Christian fellowship—looks like beyond coffee and donuts. How Wesley's class meetings built structures of care that nurtured spiritual growth.  A real-life story of a church embodying grace through radical hospitality and compassion. Grace-filled communities aren't perfect—they're prayerful, patient, and generous. They make room for God's Spirit to transform lives in ordinary ways: over a meal, during prayer, or in a conversation that brings healing. Key takeaway: Grace turns inward faith into outward action. When we practice grace in community, God multiplies it—one act of love at a time. 🎧 Listen now: TransformingMission.org/385

Sanctifying grace is God's ongoing work of shaping us into the likeness of Christ. It does not happen through quick fixes or self-improvement, but through love that matures over time. In Episode 384 of Transforming Mission, we explore how God finishes what God starts, using the words of Philippians 1:3–11 as our guide. Through gratitude, prayer, partnership, and discernment, this conversation reminds us that grace isn't a one-time moment. Grace is a lifelong relationship. You'll be encouraged to notice where love is growing in your life, name your partners in grace, and practice habits that nurture spiritual growth. If you've ever felt weary, unfinished, or unsure how to grow in faith, this episode offers hope: God isn't done with you yet. Sanctifying grace is love in motion. Sanctifying grace is God forming your heart, your habits, and your leadership in Christ's image.  Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/384

In this episode, Tim and Sara continue their journey through the movements of grace,this time focusing on justifying grace, God's gift of new life. If prevenient grace awakens us to God's presence, justifying grace is the moment we realize we've already been welcomed—fully, freely, and forever. Anchored in Romans 5:1–11, this conversation explores how God's grace moves first, reconciling us and setting us free to live as beloved children of God. Tim and Sara unpack how repentance isn't a price we pay to receive grace but our "yes" to God's "yes." They explore what it means to stand in grace, to live from peace rather than striving, and to lead from love rather than fear. Along the way, Tim shares a powerful personal story of discovering what it means to be chosen and loved—an image of the unconditional grace we find in Jesus. Listeners will discover five practical ways to live and lead from justifying grace: confession, communion, courage in conflict, gospel-centered preaching, and blessing others with love. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or follower of Jesus seeking renewal, this episode will remind you that grace isn't earned—it's received. Because in Christ, the door is open, the welcome is real, and you already stand in grace. --- Listen Now: https://www.transformingmission.org/podcast/episode-383-justifying-grace-gods-gift-of-new-life/ Scripture Reference:Romans 5:1–11 J Theme: Justifying Grace – God's Gift of New Life Length:26 minutes

Episdoe 382 invites you to begin an exploration of God's grace in the Wesleyan tradition. That exploration begins with prevenient grace, the grace that goes before us, through the lens of John 1:1–9. Long before we act, plan, or even believe, God is already at work. That's the heart of prevenient grace. It reminds leaders that ministry isn't about starting something new, but discerning how to join what God has already begun. Through Scripture, Wesleyan theology, and personal stories, this conversation invites you to reframe leadership as an act of cooperation with God's initiative. From the light that "shines in the darkness" to the relationships and moments where grace is already at work, this episode will help you see leadership through the lens of divine presence and participation. Listen now and rediscover how prevenient grace transforms how you lead, serve, and live. Learn more at transformingmission.org/382

In this episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Sara and Tim unpack Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16 to help Christ-centered leaders rethink who's at their "gate." Rather than a story about money, this parable challenges us to notice people at the edges of our leadership circles and respond before the "chasm" becomes unbridgeable. Drawing from their own experiences—everything from literal church parking-lot traffic patterns to ministry with people living with HIV/AIDS—Sara and Tim explore how churches and leaders unintentionally create "gates," the fears that fuel them, and the ways we can open our neighborhoods wider. You'll hear practical questions to guide your week: Who is at your gate? What chasm is God calling you to cross? How can you amplify voices at the margins? Packed with Scripture, real-life stories, and a call to action, this conversation will equip you to see every person as made in the image of God and to lead with courage, compassion, and hope in a divided world. Read more and listen to episode 381 at https://transformingmission.org/381

In this week's episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara dive back into Luke 15:11–32, the parable most of us call "The Prodigal Son," but Tim calls "The Running Father." Together they talk about what it really means to lead with grace in a critical world. As they unpack the story, you'll hear why grace moves first, why it costs something, and how it keeps the way home open for people who've wandered off. You'll also discover the trap of the older brother's resentment — and why fairness isn't God's metric — plus why celebration itself is an act of grace. If you've ever felt unworthy, unappreciated, or caught in score-keeping leadership, this conversation will remind you: unworthy never means worthless. Join Tim and Sara for a hopeful, honest look at how leaders can absorb the cost, resist resentment, and throw a party when grace shows up. TimeStamp 00:53 Reading the Parable of the Prodigal Son 04:18 Discussion on the Younger Son's Actions 05:24 The Father's Grace and Leadership Lessons 08:59 Extending Grace in Leadership 14:23 The Older Brother's Perspective 18:00 Celebration and Final Thoughts 24:32 Conclusion and Benediction

People Over Programs: Lessons from Luke 15 In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus shares two parables that continue to speak to leaders today, the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin. On the surface, these are simple stories of something missing being found. But beneath that simplicity lies a challenge: God values people more than programs, systems, or even our best-laid ministry plans. Continue Reading at https://transformingmission.org/379

In this episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara explore one of Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:25–33 - the call to count the cost of discipleship. What does it mean for leaders to put God's priorities first in a world that often prizes convenience, comfort, and control? Through practical stories, everyday analogies, and honest reflection, they unpack the difference between personal preferences and God's priorities, the importance of alignment in leadership, and what cross-shaped leadership looks like today. Whether you're leading a church, a team, or in your everyday relationships, this conversation challenges you to pause, do a "priority audit," and rediscover what it means to lead faithfully in God's economy. Listen in and be encouraged to embrace the costly but life-giving path of discipleship.  Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

In Episode 377 of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara unpack Jesus' words in Luke 12:32–34: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Together, they explore what it means to lead in God's economy of abundance, trust, and generosity. This conversation contrasts the world's economy of scarcity and possessions with God's call to prioritize people, mission, and love. From church budgets to personal leadership decisions, Tim and Sara challenge us to examine what we treasure, because our hearts always follow. Listen in for practical steps to: -Shift from fear to trust in leadership -Recognize how budgets reveal our values -Focus on people over possessions -Lead with open hands and kingdom priorities Discover how God's economy shapes faithful leadership today. Read more and listen to episode 377 at https://transformingmission.org/377   Timestamp:  00:00 Introduction and Scripture Reading 00:47 Comfort and Challenge of God's Economy 01:59 Contrasting God's Economy with Worldly Economy 03:45 Leadership in God's Economy 05:07 Trust and Resources in God's Economy 07:49 The Radical Trust in Jesus' Teachings 10:43 Treasures and Priorities in God's Kingdom 15:40 Practical Applications and Stories  

Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us that the future isn't a repeat of the past—God is making something new. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore what it means for leaders to release nostalgia, embrace God's surprises, and trust the process of transformation. Through personal stories of moving, ministry transitions, and unexpected people stepping into leadership, they invite you to notice where God is already at work and join in. 🎧 Listen and be encouraged to see God's new thing in your life and leadership. Listen and read more at https://transformingmission.org/376

Looking for practical, inspiring ways your church can collaborate with others and build stronger community partnerships? In this episode, you'll discover five creative strategies for church collaboration, including bartering skills, co-hosting events, creating shared resources, and more. You'll learn how to lighten the load of ministry, amplify your impact, and live out the body of Christ in action. Whether you're leading a congregation or serving in your community, this conversation will equip you with actionable ideas and spiritual encouragement to take your next step. Listen now and be inspired to collaborate with purpose: https://transformingmission.org/375 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:03 Creative Collaboration Ideas 03:15 Practical Collaboration Strategies 05:43 Bartering Skills and Services 13:47 Hosting Collaborative Events 18:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

How can your church collaborate more faithfully and effectively? In this episode of the podcast, we explore five practical ways churches can partner with others to make a real impact. Whether you're launching a new ministry, serving your city, or strengthening school partnerships, collaboration is more than a trend. It's a theological calling and a leadership strategy. Sara and Tim reflect on the power of partnerships, from highlighting community nonprofits to curating resource guides, telling transformation stories, and supporting new church plants.  You'll learn: Why collaboration isn't just transactional—it's transformational. How to build relationships that lead to lasting ministry impact. What it means to share your platform and amplify others' good work. How storytelling and shared leadership shape a vibrant faith community. And why *now* is the time for churches to step into the gap. 📌 Plus, download the **7 Missional Questions** to guide your community engagement efforts here: https://transformingmission.org/start-here Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or disciple-maker, this episode will challenge and inspire you to live out your faith in partnership with others. 📝 Show Notes + Free Download: transformingmission.org/374