Fear significantly influences congregations, and leaders must address it openly. Technical expertise plays a crucial role in building trust within communities. Compassionately guiding individuals through their anxieties, especially during change, is essential. Creating an empathetic environment ensures no one faces fear alone. Directly addressing resistance can help transform fear into faith, fostering gradual progress and unity among congregants.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, we’re taking a deep-dive into the complex and, at times, nerve-wracking experience of deconstruction. Leaders often worry about its impact on their roles, their authority, and on the harmony or unity of their church communities. But what if deconstruction is less about tearing down faith and more about stripping away what's non-essential, centering instead on Jesus?In this epidsode, Scot McKnight, author of Invisible Jesus, sheds light on how deconstruction can be a path to a more Christ-focused faith, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive spaces for exploring and asking questions. This conversation is crucial for ministry leaders navigating their own or their congregants' journeys of faith reformation.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson addresses the nervousness leaders feel about deconstruction and its potential impacts on their beliefs.Scot McKnight highlights that leaders fear deconstruction because it threatens their job security, authority, and influence.People undergoing deconstruction can disrupt church communities, creating anxiety about church teachings.Markus Watson emphasizes the need for leaders to find safe spaces outside their church community for discussing deconstruction.Scot McKnight suggests that churches should support and provide safe exploration spaces instead of trying to control questioning individuals.Pastors face pressure to have all the answers, and questioning can trigger their insecurities about their role and authority.Markus Watson discusses how churches need to shift their culture to become open to questioning and changes.Scot McKnight reflects on his book "Invisible Jesus," addressing how deconstruction is not about abandoning faith but refocusing on Christ by removing non-essential elements.A study cited by Scot McKnight shows that 86% of people who undergo deconstruction remain in the church, although they may change congregations.Deconstruction resembles a personal Protestant Reformation where individuals reassess and personalize their faith journey.Scot McKnight draws parallels between deconstruction and historical movements aimed at shedding unnecessary church practices or beliefs, focusing on continual reform.Scot McKnight states that Jesus acted as a deconstructor, challenging the law within Judaism similar to the prophets.The church's role should involve listening to deconstructors rather than fearing or dismissing them, promoting an adaptive leadership approach.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Scot McKnight:SubstackBooks mentioned:Invisible Jesus, by Scot McKnight and Tommy PhillipsA Church Called Tov, by Scot McKnight and Laura BarringerRevelation for the Rest of Us, by Scot McKnight and Cody MatchettRelated episodes:171. Leading Your Ministry as a Dissident Disciple, with Scot McKnight98. Deconstruction and Reconstruction, with A.J. Swoboda92. Against a Culture of Abuse, with Scot McKnight and Laura BarringerClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson dive into the challenge of leading churches in a rapidly changing world. They discuss how honoring tradition doesn't mean rejecting innovation. The conversation highlights adaptive leadership, which encourages churches to experiment on the edges while respecting their heritage. Teams can introduce effective changes through modest experiments, ensuring that both historical values and contemporary needs are met. Discover how faith communities can thrive by blending old with new!

As the holiday season approaches, the discussion centers on the immense pressure faced by ministry workers. It highlights the emotional fatigue that comes from juggling professional duties while caring for loved ones. Personal stories reveal the weight of responsibility, paralleling the weariness felt by biblical figures like the shepherds and magi. An inspiring message emphasizes Jesus’ invitation to find rest and relief amid life's demands, encouraging listeners to lean on faith during tough times.

Explore the Kingdom of God as a vibrant way of life instead of a distant destination. The conversation dives into how embracing God's will can shift leadership and community dynamics. Personal stories highlight the journey of young Christians grappling with this transformative view. Discover the importance of embodying Jesus' teachings through love and mindfulness in daily interactions. This insightful discussion encourages reflection on living out the reality of God's reign in the here and now.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Hoffmeyer, Resident Theologian at the Denver Institute for Faith and Work and educator at Fuller Theological Seminary, dives deep into the transformative power of prayer in leadership. He emphasizes that prayer should be a continuous, rich experience rather than a mundane task, advocating for its integration into daily life. Jeff explores innovative practices, including Lectio Divina, and the importance of scripture in enriching conversations with God, ultimately highlighting prayer as a deeply relational act pivotal for effective leadership.

Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger delve into the vital role of spiritual leaders as they 'stand in the gap' during crises. They share how genuine presence and intercessory prayer can support communities in tough times. The discussion highlights the balance of authority and empathy that pastors embody, enriching their congregations through thoughtful study of scripture. Personal stories illustrate how effective leaders navigate anxiety while reassuring those around them, underscoring the power of being there for others during life's challenges.

Mandy Smith, a pastor at St. Lucia Uniting Church and author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint, shares her insights on navigating the pressures of ministry. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout and the need for intentional rest, like observing a Monday Sabbath. Smith discusses the balance between the 'true self' and 'false self' in leadership, and the necessity of daily prayer for guidance. The conversation also touches on vulnerability in leadership and how embracing desperation can lead to renewed strength and spiritual growth.

An inspiring chat highlights the pivotal role of young voices in shaping church communities. Leaders are urged to include emerging generations at the decision-making table. The conversation underscores the importance of humility and adaptive leadership in fostering inclusivity. By embracing diverse perspectives, churches can deepen their understanding of God's calling. A focus on spiritual maturity over age in leadership selection promises greater vitality and growth in faith communities.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!We talk a lot about leading through uncertainty on this podcast.  But in this episode, the emphasis will be on navigating uncertainty in our own lives.  In this conversation, Michaela O'Donnell and Lisa Slayton, co-authors of Life in Flux, discuss the importance of "uncommon postures" when navigating the fog in life, building personal adaptive capacity, and the need to pause and listen in the midst of uncertainty.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Lisa Slayton challenges default behaviors and encourages developing uncommon postures to better support oneself.Michaela O'Donnell emphasizes the need to embrace change rather than avoid it, recognizing that old methods won't work for future challenges.Slayton identifies personal awakening catalysts as recognizing potential possibilities or facing pain and disruptions.Adaptive work involves recognizing that past methods won't suffice for future challenges, according to Michaela O'Donnell.The metaphor of a ship in the fog illustrates the need for intentional stillness in uncertain times.Slayton describes how cutting the engine in a fog-bound boat is a counterintuitive but necessary action to regain direction.Markus Watson reflects on personal experiences with uncertainty, realizing challenges can be embraced even when they are "unfigureoutable."Slayton shares an experience with a church team and stresses the importance of exploration and adaptation.Navigating ambiguity involves recognizing multiple paths forward, not just one clear solution, notes Michaela O'Donnell.Leadership should shift from problem-solving to curiosity, embracing uncertainty and adaptive learning.Markus Watson discusses the clarity of identity in understanding personal strengths and aligning roles accordingly.The Enneagram aids in understanding personal and leadership styles amidst change, recognizing strengths and limits.Lisa Slayton emphasizes the challenges pastors face due to excessive expectations and the need for managing these effectively.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Church Leadership InstituteDe Pree Center for LeadershipTamim PartnersLifeinFlux.coFlourish San DiegoBooks mentioned:Life in Flux, by Michaela O’Donnell and Lisa SlaytonRelated Episodes:Episode 114: Meaningful Work, with Michaela O’DonnellEpisode 48: Integrity and Coherence in Leadership, with Lisa SlaytonClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.