Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In ministry leadership, how we respond to crises significantly impacts not just our journey, but also the communities we serve. Painful experiences like this can be crucibles that mold our character, highlight the importance of emotional presence, and underscore the need for institutional stamina—how do we get through this together?Gayle Beebe is the president of Westmont College and author of The Crucibles That Shape Us.  In this conversation, and he shares some of the ways he has had to lead through tragedy and crisis.  He unpacks concepts like competing commitments which are exposed in times of crisis.  He talks about the importance of having processing partners in our leadership. And he shares some of the profound lessons he learned from both the personal and institutional tragedies that he has had to lead through. This episode's highlights include:The seven crucibles from Gayle Beebe’s book are:The Crucible of Missed MeaningThe Crucible of Enduring ChallengeThe Crucible of Human TreacheryThe Crucible of Awakened Moral ConscienceThe Crucible of Social ConflictThe Crucible of Human SufferingThe Crucible of Personal ChoiceGayle Beebe discusses how individuals experience competing commitments in both personal and social contexts and the significant consequences individuals face when failing to balance competing commitments effectively.Personal losses and tragedies can shape leaders, developing their empathy and perspectives.Gayle Beebe reflects on how challenging experiences have deepened his understanding of God and reshaped his meaning in life.Leaders feel great pressure to maintain composure; thus the need for having a processing partner.Gayle Beebe reflects on Westmont College's response to the events of 2020, including the murder of George Floyd.Westmont College leaned into its existing commitments to justice, reconciliation, and diversity, focusing on building partnerships with those already engaged in work related to justice and diversity.Westmont College sought out and hired diverse faculty and staff to promote inclusivity, engaging in comprehensive training for the board, executive team, faculty, staff, and students.The discussion highlights key strategies like treating everyone with integrity, care, and respect.Westmont College identified bridge builders from minority populations to enhance community relationships.Gayle Beebe talks about handling emotionally devastating events, such as natural disasters, with spiritual strength and he discusses the learnings and resilience he developed from facing institutional crises, including the wildfires that impacted Westmont's campus.Relevant Resources and Links:Gayle BeebeEmail - president@westmont.eduWestmont CollegeBooks mentioned:The Crucibles that Shape Us, by Gayle BeebePensées, by Blaise PascalThinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel KahnemanRelated episodes:Embracing Limitations as a Ministry Resource, with Tod BolsingerAddressing UnClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!This episode explores the critical role of joy in fostering deep connections within our communities. As Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson consider how an atmosphere of joy can be crafted and communicated through our actions, they discuss how this translates to effective ministry and church leadership.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Jim Wilder in Episode 179, The Neuroscience of Spiritual Formation:"In order to get people to attach to each other you have to create an environment of joy where people are glad to be together."THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Leaders must foster an environment of joy to help community members form strong bonds with each other.Authentic joy in relationships emerges when individuals feel truly valued and important to one another.Communicating warm, genuine excitement through physical presence bolsters connections within a community.Instilling a sense of joyful belonging serves as the foundation for transformative life experiences.Embracing challenges becomes enriching when undertaken alongside a community that cares deeply for one another.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Strong sermons, pastoral care and counseling, leading Bible studies.  These are all really important for effective ministry leadership.  But leading a church or organization is more than just that, isn’t it?In this episode, Mike Bonem--consultant, coach, and author of The Art of Leading Change--offers invaluable insights into how trust, effective team-building, and adept communication can transform your leadership and help you navigate the complexities of ministry.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Mike Bonem highlights the importance of trust in leadership, emphasizing that people are unlikely to give 110% if they don't trust their leader.Markus Watson notes that trust has different dimensions and can erode gradually through unfulfilled commitments and unmet expectations.Trust is built through follow-through on commitments and investing in relational components.When there is trust within a congregation, people are more likely to give the benefit of the doubt, get involved in initiatives, and commit to change.Trust is about being trustworthy as a person, not just doing things to gain trust.Manipulation by leaders is easily detected, underscoring the necessity of integrity.Mike Bonem discusses the importance of building strong teams to handle heavy loads and accomplish needed tasks.Building a strong team involves intentionally enlisting different perspectives and gifts.It is important to include people who bring different perspectives in the planning stages.Mike Bonem elaborates on the value of getting different perspectives and gifts in the room for effective team building.Markus Watson reflects on his own experience of leading change in a church amid the pandemic, highlighting how difficult it was.Mike Bonem emphasizes the importance of incorporating business practices into pastoral work to improve leadership in congregations.Mike Bonem and Markus Watson discuss key principles for leading change, including leading with trust, recognizing the importance of strong teams, and understanding that resistors are not the enemy.Mike Bonem’s Fuller Equip online course "The Business of Ministry" provides fundamental training for pastors in areas such as finance, HR, and church business.The first module of Mike Bonem’s course addresses the debate on whether the church should adopt business practices to ensure good stewardship of resources.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Mike Bonem:Website – mikebonem.comBusiness of Ministry online courseBooks mentioned:The Art of Leading Change, by Mike BonemLeading from the Second Chair, by Mike BonemStrengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, by Ruth Haley BartonSacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley BartonGood to Great, by Jim CollinsRelated episodes:How Did God Intend Us to Experience Sabbath? Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger reflect on their passion for exploration as an essential element of leadership, discussing the current crisis where the church often resists change and clings to the past rather than venturing into the unknown. Together, they explore the challenges in embracing exploration within the church, examine the role faith plays in embarking on new journeys, and contemplate how our structures often dissuade us from the very essence of adventure that following Jesus entails.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Dwight Gibson in Episode 25, Organizational Change and the Way of Exploration:“As people of faith I would like to believe we have a greater capacity for exploration because we do recognize there is something beyond ourselves.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Faith calls believers to embrace exploration and take on the risks that come with following Jesus.Current church culture often resists change and exploration, preferring to maintain the status quo.The Church Leadership Institute aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate uncharted territories.Believers must learn to let go of the past, embodying humility and accepting potential losses, to move forward.God's presence provides reassurance and support for the faithful as they embark upon new, explorative journeys.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, Warren Brown and Brad Strawn, authors of Enhancing Christian Life, explain how contemporary Christian practices can often lead to what they call a 'puny' experience of Christianity that elevates personal feelings of closeness to God over outward expressions of faith. They argue for a robust, 'supersized' form of Christian life, where followers of Jesus are deeply connected with their church community, contributing to and drawing from a shared life that reflects the teachings of Jesus in tangible and embodied ways.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Warren Brown and Brad Strawn discuss the premise of their book addressing the problem of individualism in Christian life.They elaborate on how this individualism leads to a disembodied Christian life, where the body is given lower status compared to the soul.The concept of "supersizing" Christian life is introduced, suggesting that a communal approach to faith and acknowledging the physical nature of human existence can enhance one’s spiritual experience.Warren Brown stresses that humans are not separate entities of bodies and souls, but fundamentally bodies, which challenges traditional dualistic views.Brad Strawn emphasizes the importance of community and visible actions as markers of a genuine Christian life.The problem of Christian life being treated as a private, individualistic experience is critiqued, promoting a more communal and outward-focused practice.Both guests discuss the transformative power of living out Christian faith in communal and practical ways, such as through church congregations actively engaging in charitable acts.The conversation shifts towards the errors of mind-body dualism, reinforcing the idea that spiritual experiences should not be isolated from physical and communal contexts.Brad Strawn argues that even solitary spiritual practices like meditation are enriched and informed by communal and historical church practices.The dialogue covers how internal spiritual states (often considered private) should ideally reflect and be influenced by one's external actions and community engagements.The discussion concludes by considering the broader implications of their ideas on church practices, emphasizing an active, outward-looking approach to faith that integrates personal reflection with communal action.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Books mentioned:Enhancing Christian Life, by Warren Brown and Brad StrawnThe Physical Nature of Christian Life, by Warren BrownDid My Neurons Make Me Do It? by Warren Brown and Nancy MurphyThe Extended Mind, by Annie Murphy-PaulFuller Studio - Brad Strawn lecturesRelated episodes:A Crisis of Adult Discipleship, with Brian WallaceSpiritual Leadership in the Digital Space, with Laura MurrayeClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!This episode unpacks the concept of differentiation—how it allows us to recognize when someone else's anxiety affects us and vice versa, and the significance of maintaining our personal identity while staying connected in relationships. With vivid examples and relatable scenarios, we'll explore strategies to navigate crises and anxiety within our congregations and leadership teams without succumbing to the contagious nature of anxiety.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Steve Cuss in Episode 47, Leadership, Anxiety, and Family Systems:“[Differentiation] is your ability to notice when you’re getting infected by someone else’s anxiety, and how to stop your anxiety from infecting someone else.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Contagious anxiety impairs rational thinking and flexibility within communities.A strong identity enables individuals to engage with others without being overwhelmed by external crises.Differentiation involves maintaining a clear sense of self while staying connected in relationships without enmeshment or detachment. Self-aware leaders discern when to shoulder others' problems and when to maintain boundaries for personal well-being.Recognizing and managing one’s anxiety prevents it from spilling over and impacting the wider community.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Healthy leadership is about paying attention to what God is up to in the people we’re leading.  Our job, then, is not to force people to be something they’re not so they can support our own initiatives.  Our job is to take note of how our people are wired and then help them live that out for the sake of God’s mission.This is true, by the way, not only for the people we lead; it's true for the leader, too.  In this episode, Tommy Nixon, the CEO of Urban Youth Workers Initiative, does an amazing job unpacking that reality.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Tommy Nixon is CEO of Urban Youth Workers Institute.Tommy Nixon reflects on the importance of embracing individual gifts and the problems of emulating other prominent leaders.Tommy Nixon and Markus Watson reflect on their shared experience of walking the Camino de Santiago.The pressures leaders receive from external stakeholders, such as donors and board members, can be profound.  That’s why it is important to develop a deliberate growth strategy.Investing in others is critical, as is the role of conflict and tension in contributing to growth within a team.Tommy Nixon narrates his challenges with wearing multiple hats in leadership roles and calls into question whether individuals are truly multifaceted or should concentrate on their strengths.He advises leaders to have candid conversations with their teams about their abilities and to possibly reconceptualize leadership and teaching methods.Markus Watson shares his insights on the difficulties of transitioning from conventional leadership expectations to a model that involves spiritual formation and surrender.Tommy Nixon speaks on the need for leaders to engage in self-exploration and the advantages it brings, mentioning the use of introspection to seek divine direction and share vulnerabilities to promote a mutual understanding.Nixon shares his own journey of inner healing and self-acceptance through God's love that he has been on since high school.Tommy Nixon has come to embrace a significant truth over two decades, which has revolutionized his approach to leadership and handling disappointments.Markus Watson opens up about being triggered by a comment from a parishioner and the value of introspection and apologizing for his response.The conversation shifts to the idea of leading by allowing people to be themselves and trusting God to work in their midst.Nixon underscores the concept that understanding and joining God's plan is crucial, even when faced with leading a smaller church in the post-pandemic era.Tommy Nixon concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift in Christian leadership, encouraging a more people-centered approach and institutional change within the church and related nonprofits.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Tommy NixonUrban Youth Workers InstituteThe Radical Middle Podcast The Future is Here PodcastRelated episodes:The Beatitudes and Spiritual Leadership, with Mark ScandretteYou Can’t Be Found if You’re Never Lost, with Steve CarterClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the powerful reminder that as pastors and leaders, we are not God and that recognizing our human limitations can prevent dysfunction within our ministries. This conversation will shed light on the protective nature of limitations for both leaders and those entrusted to their care.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Mandy Smith in Episode 36, The Vulnerable Pastor:“Limitation is a ministry resource.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Limitation serves as a vital ministry resource, protecting both pastors and their communities.Acknowledging our human constraints fosters a necessary dependence on God’s provision.An awareness of personal boundaries prevents dysfunction and burnout among spiritual leaders.Embracing vulnerability in leadership equips us to minister from a place of authenticity.The recognition of our limitations enhances our pastoral care and grounds us in our humanity.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Terry Walling is Founder and President of Leader Breakthru and the author of Unlikely Nomads. In this episode, Terry Walling shares about people he calls “nomads.”  They love Jesus, but they don’t love the more traditional expressions of the church.  They want to be part of the church, but the way most of our churches are structured isn’t life-giving for them.Terry and I reflect together on what a “nomad” is, what “nomads” are longing for, and how churches like yours and mine can love and bless “nomads” as they seek to live out their love for Jesus.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Terry Walling expresses his passion for mentoring leaders who are willing to take risks within the kingdom.He reflects on his own transformation from pastor to leadership development expert during a significant transition period.Walling shares humorous anecdotes from his pastoring days, particularly while presiding over the church his parents attended.Terry Walling discusses the shift from traditional programmatic church models to environments that foster safe and meaningful community connections.Terry Walling believes that church expressions are changing, with "Unlikely Nomads" capturing this evolutionary process.Walling advises the church to unlearn old paradigms and embrace new ones to stay relevant and effective.He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for community interaction over adherence to traditional programmatic structures.The concept of a "bridging church" is presented as a means to help individuals reintegrate into their local communities.Terry Walling speaks about "unlikely nomads" within the church who seek a more profound journey with God and authenticity in their faith.He discusses the challenge of transforming church structures and the need to focus on personal renewal before organizational change.Terry Walling proposes that a shift towards personal discipleship can lead the way for structural transformations within the church.Markus Watson and Terry Walling hosts highlight the gradual, faithful process required for becoming more genuine followers of Jesus.They discuss the relevance of learning from those who have left the church to gain a broader understanding of faith and community.Walling and Watson emphasize the importance of not forcing individuals to conform to existing church expressions, but to have open conversations.The conversation delves into the difficulties church leaders face when adapting to evolving congregational expectations and societal shifts.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINK:Terry Walling:Leader BreakthruPodcast - The Nomad ChroniclesBooks mentioned:Unlikely Nomads, by Terry WallingStuck, by Terry WallingClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson unpack a powerful quote from Steve Carter, "You only learn resilience through the fire and through the suffering." This quote emerged from Steve Carter's experience of letting go of everything he had known and worked towards when he offered his resignation from a church leadership position in the wake of abuse allegations against the senior pastor, Bill Hybels. From this, the conversation explores the concept of resilience and how leaders are formed in the crucible of change and suffering. Tod Bolsinger draws from his work in Tempered Resilience to discuss the importance of reflection, relationships, and spiritual practices in developing resilience in the face of suffering.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Markus Watson in Episode 163, You Can't Be Found if You're Never Lost :“You only learn resilience through the fire and through the suffering.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Leaders develop resilience through facing the crucible of change and suffering.Reflecting, nurturing relationships, and spiritual practices are essential in developing resilience.Steve Carter's quote emphasizes the importance of willingly engaging with suffering to learn resilience.Formative leadership happens when individuals courageously face challenges, seeking growth amidst suffering.Resilience isn't just about enduring hardship, it's about embracing reflective practices and nurturing supportive relationships.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.