Leading with Grace: Suzanne Nadell on Navigating Faith, Media & Polarization

How can the church learn from the newsroom? In this episode, Loren welcomes veteran journalist and media executive Suzanne Nadell to explore what faith leaders can gain from the world of communications. Drawing from her decades of experience in newsrooms across the country, Suzanne reflects on her own faith journey as a preacher’s kid, the challenge of navigating polarization, and how churches can better engage their communities by leading with grace, truth, and thoughtful storytelling. Suzanne shares lessons from her book Wired to Lead, discusses the importance of creating inclusive tables in church spaces, and reveals how spiritual practices like Sabbath and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit have shaped her in both professional and personal life. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about the overlap between faith and media, this episode offers rich insights on leading well in divided times.

Topics Covered:

• Suzanne’s faith story as a preacher’s kid who found her own faith in adulthood

• Lessons from the newsroom that church leaders should embrace

• Why churches must get out of their cultural bubbles

• Communicating hard truths with kindness

• How Sabbath is an act of trust in God

• Building healthier boundaries in a 24/7 world

• Tips for better communication and storytelling in church

• Why Suzanne finds inspiration in Priscilla and other overlooked women in scripture

• Her hope for a less politically divided and more community-rooted church

Mentioned Resources:

📖 Her book: Wired to Lead

🌐 Suzanne's Website: https://suzannenadell.com/

🌐 She Leads Church: https://www.sheleadschurch.com/

 

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Kokoro  Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant