Spiritual Life and Leadership

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the concept of disequilibrium and its impact on systems, leadership, and organizational health. They discuss how prolonged equilibrium can be detrimental to a system's ability to adapt and innovate, and how crises and moments of disequilibrium can actually reveal underlying problems and present opportunities for growth and change. Drawing from experiences and examples, they highlight the potential for systems and individuals to become stronger, more resilient, and healthier due to the experience of disequilibrium.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Markus Watson in Episode 139: Disequilibrium and the Mission of God :"When a system experiences disequilibrium, the system has the opportunity to become stronger, to become more resilient, and even to become healthier." THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Experiencing disequilibrium allows a system to become stronger, more resilient, and healthier.Prolonged equilibrium can lead to a loss of ability to adapt.Crises reveal opportunities to hit the organizational reset button and address underlying issues.Disequilibrium can lead to increased capacity and clarity in dealing with crisis and making hard decisions.Disequilibrium or crisis provides opportunities to make a system stronger.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!Would your neighborhood even notice if your church ceased to exist?  I imagine that’s a question many of us have thought about.  Maybe you’ve even posed that question to your congregation.Maybe the question should be, as churches, how do we become more present to our neighborhood.?  That’s what I talk about in this episode with my guest, Tim Soerens, the author of Everywhere You Look: Discovering the Church Right Where You Are.Tim walks us through his shift from wanting to be a big church pastor to learning what it means to truly embody the Christian narrative in our neighborhoods. And he helps us better understand the concept of a parish and what it means to have a “minimum viable presence” in your community.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Tim Soerens emphasizes the need to listen and understand the specific hopes and dreams God has for both communities and individuals.He advises on discerning how to actively address the particular needs and challenges within a neighborhood or parish.The conversation delves into determining a parish's boundaries, considering factors like centers of activity, edges, and resident affiliation.Soerens notes the complexities in identifying a parish in suburban and rural settings, influenced by architectural designs and local governance.Markus Watson discusses the varied needs of communities in serving their neighborhoods effectively.Tim Soerens suggests congregations often comprise multiple parishes, sparking discussion on discerning their locations.Soerens introduces the idea of a 'minimum viable presence' for church experimentation, akin to the business concept of a 'minimum viable product.'He highlights the value of small, experimental initiatives to understand better what works in community outreach.The discussion encourages involving others in these small experiments and celebrating the courage it takes to try new approaches.They stress the freedom to experiment without the fear of failure, emphasizing that each community requires a tailored approach.Soerens recommends starting outreach efforts with curiosity, prayer, and involving others in experimental activities.Tim Soerens shares insights into The Parish Collective's mission and upcoming events, inviting listeners to connect.He recounts a pivotal interaction with Michael Frost that steered him away from preaching-centric community formation to joining what God is already doing.The conversation touches on the formation of The Parish Collective, which encourages congregations to align their ecclesial life around joining God's work.Soerens advocates for a vision of the church that transcends Sunday services, focusing instead on being actively involved in God's hopes and dreams for neighborhoods.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Parish Collective WebsiteBooks Mentioned:Everywhere You Look, by Tim SoerensRelated episodes:Episode 129: Recalibrating the Church Around Jesus, with Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch Episode 185: From Sunday Services to Real Transformation, with E.K. Strawser Episode 177: Exploring New Forms of Church, with 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!Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the technological challenges faced by congregations during the pandemic. They discuss a quote from Scott Thumma about the hybrid and customizable nature of the world and its implications for congregations. Tod shares insights on the importance of aligning values with technological adaptations, the decreasing willingness to change post-pandemic, and the need for enduring long-term adaptation. Together, they discuss practical strategies for pastors to navigate these challenges and ensure congregations reflect the ever-changing world.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Scott Thumma in Episode 198: Clergy, Congregations, and Hope After the Pandemic:“Our world is customizable. It is on demand.  It is hybrid.  It’s virtual as much as it is in person. In the rest of our lives we’ve come to understand that’s how the rest of the world works. So, we really have to think about how do we make our congregations reflect that.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Scott Thumma suggests that our world has become customizable, on-demand, and virtual, and calls for congregations to reflect the changes in the wider world.Tod Bolsinger emphasizes that adaptive leadership is not just about technical solutions, but about values, behaviors, and attitudes.The decrease in people's willingness to adapt beyond the crisis is observed, signifying the tendency to revert to the familiar when the crisis has passed.Wise and enduring change requires self-reflection and a shift from short-term crisis adaptations to long-term adaptation in a changing environment.Tod Bolsinger recommends that congregations start by identifying their deepest values and then being willing to change everything else to align with those values.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!Barry Rowan has had a 40-year career in leading businesses after graduating from Harvard Business School. He and his wife are entering into a new encore calling, which includes his new book, The Spiritual Art of Business. Barry Rowan, in this episode, challenges the dualism of the sacred and the secular, and shares his incredible journey of surrender, transformation, and integrating faith into his 40-year-business career. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Barry Rowan discusses the paradigm shift he experienced, realizing that life is lived from the inside out, with Jesus at the center of our lives, and everything being an expression of Christ in us.He challenges the dualism between the sacred and the secular, arguing that it causes problems and leads us to live outside of God's purposes.Barry Rowan points out that viewing work through the right lens can make every moment congruent with our purpose in life.Markus Watson reflects on the self-perception challenges people in the business world face, and Rowan emphasizes the need to bring meaning to work and view business roles as noble and sacred callings.Barry Rowan describes the purpose of business as responsible value creation, serving customers, creating an environment for employees to grow, and being a good corporate citizen, all contributing to a better society.Barry Rowan discusses how he approached his Christian beliefs in the workplace, explaining his focus on reflecting God's principles in business operations.The "spiritual art of business cycle," emphasizes surrender, transformation, becoming new creations, and going out into the world.Surrender is the gateway to freedom and leads to personal transformation and the expression of Christ in us.Markus Watson discusses the possibility of the cycle applying to organizations and churches, to which Rowan agrees and emphasizes the need for continuous reimagining and transformation, particularly in the current post-Christendom world.Developing a life-giving perspective of work is so important.Barry Rowan shares examples of individuals finding meaning and purpose in their work, such as a woman making baby monitors and a shuttle bus driver.They discuss how pastors can apply this perspective to their roles, emphasizing the need for personal internalization of their work's spiritual significance.Every moment can be charged with God's presence and we should incorporate that perspective into our daily activities.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Barry RowanWebsite – barrylrowan.comFree The Spiritual Art of Business study guideBooks mentioned:The Spiritual Art of Business, by Barry RowanRelated Episodes:Ep. 27: Developing a Framework for Intentional Spiritual GrowthEp. 44: Spiritual Formation and Lectio DivinaEp. 94: Centering PrayerEp. 126:  A Crisis of Adult DiscipleshipEp. 179:  The Neuroscience of SpirClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the distinction between change and transition. Quoting D. Michael Lindsay, they discuss how change happens in an instant, whereas transition unfolds over weeks, months, and sometimes years. Bolstering this idea with personal anecdotes, they delve into the importance of giving oneself the time and space to adapt to change, acknowledging the losses involved, and ultimately finding comfort and growth in the new realities.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Sarah Bereza in Episode 142: Navigating the 7 Stages of Transition:"Change happens to us in an instant.  Transition happens over weeks, months, sometimes even years." THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Understanding the difference between change and transition is crucial for adapting to life's challenges.Acknowledging the loss and grief that come with change can help build resilience and lead to a quicker processing of the transition.Developing patience and perseverance involves recognizing the importance of giving oneself the space to adapt and acknowledging the honesty of what has been lost.Allowing the necessary time to adapt to change and transition is vital in order to be intentional and patient in dealing with life's challenges.Embracing the reality that transition takes time, and staying committed to the process can lead to a place of comfort and contentment in the new circumstances.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!Michael Rhodes is lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College and the author of Just Discipleship:  Biblical Justice in an Unjust World.From the biblical concept of justice and the role of worship in shaping our approach to justice, to the practicalities of addressing poverty and racial justice, Michael Rhodes takes us into the heart of what it means to live out just discipleship.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Michael Rhodes emphasizes the importance of incorporating themes of justice into worship and liturgy.Worship should create a demand among worshipers to get involved in God's mission of justice and bring the pain of the world into the center.The feasts in Deuteronomy are invitations to the good life and wise living, and they also address contemporary justice issues.Michael Rhodes highlights the concept of the "feast" and the importance of interacting with people not like oneself.Michael Rhodes suggests practical advice for overcoming obstacles, such as increasing proximity to those facing injustice and allowing scripture to unsettle and challenge unjust practices.Worship and prayer, such as the Psalms, play an important role in shaping perspectives on justice and discipleship.Michael Rhodes emphasizes the concept of tithing in Deuteronomy, where people are encouraged to use their tithe to have a feast before the Lord.The justice feast forms the community and the hearts of the individuals who participate, as it teaches them to fear the Lord and relate to God.Worship should create a demand among worshipers to get involved in God's mission of justice.Michael Rhodes points out the increasing lack of interaction between different economic classes in American society and suggests that proximity to those who are suffering is crucial.the justice feast in Deuteronomy highlights the concept of justice as the faithful exercise of power and just structures, including regular contributions for the poor and debt forgiveness laws.Michael Rhodes proposes practical advice for overcoming obstacles, such as increasing proximity to those facing injustice and allowing scripture to unsettle and challenge unjust practices.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Michael Rhodes:Twitter - @michaeljrhodesCarey Baptist CollegeBooks mentioned:Just Discipleship, by Michael RhodesPracticing the King’s Economy, by Michael Rhodes and Robby HoltRelated episodes:Ep. 29: Serving the Poor and the ImmigrantEp. 42: Speaking Out Against InjusticeEp. 143: How the Church Can Respond to ImmigrationEp. 167: Called to Each OtherClick 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 challenge of being fully authentic as a ministry leader. The conversation centers around a quote from Sara Bereza, highlighting the difficulty people in professional ministry face when trying to be their true selves. Through an exploration of the biblical story of Moses, Paul's writings in 2nd Corinthians, and personal anecdotes, Markus and Tod discuss the weight of wearing a facade and the importance of cultivating vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience in the ministry space. They emphasize the need for secure relationships and intentional efforts to be one's genuine self amidst the pressures and expectations of the ministry environment.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Sarah Bereza in Episode 141: Being Fully Yourself in Leadership:“It can be really hard for people in the professional ministry space to be fully themselves.”THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:In professional ministry, being fully oneself can be challenging.Moses, a leader from the Bible, struggled with authenticity and wore a veil to hide his radiance.Trying to emulate other influential figures in ministry can be exhausting.Finding freedom and wholeness in leadership comes from embracing one's true self.Building secure relationships with partners, mentors, and friends is crucial for vulnerable leadership.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!Scott Thumma is Professor of Sociology of Religion at Hartford International University and Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.  Scott is also Principal Investigator of a study titled Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations.In this episode, Scott Thumma shares insights from that study, including the tension between clergy and congregations, the rise of hybrid worship, and the ongoing struggle to adapt to a changing world.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Scott Thumma emphasizes the resistance to change that clergy might within their congregations, attributing it to "suffering from whiplash."Congregations need to evolve and adapt in order to avoid obsolescence.Thumma noted the profound effect of the pandemic on congregational life during his sabbatical at the start of the pandemic, which resulted in a grant for a 5-year study.The Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations study revealed both positive and troubling aspects of the pandemic's impact on congregational dynamics.Earlier in 2021, congregational life was at a low point, but there was a sense of community and rallying together to address the challenges.Many congregations have shifted back to in-person programs and meetings, finding in-person interactions to be richer and more robust.Scott Thumma points out that some functions, such as adult education and committee meetings, can function significantly better virtually.Scott Thumma emphasizes the importance of making congregations reflect the customizable and virtual nature of the modern era, and discusses how hybridity can expand the number of people serviced in a congregation and meet the expectations of visitors and new members.Scott Thumma acknowledges the collective trauma experienced during the pandemic, noting changes in behavior and a sense that "none of us are the same."Trends show that congregation sizes and average ages of attendees and pastors have continued to change, but the pandemic didn't radically impact the overall trajectory of the church.Scott Thumma is concerned about a decreasing willingness to change among congregations since the pandemic, leading to reluctance for continued adaptation and change.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations REPORTExploring the Pandemic Impact on Congreagions WEBSITEExploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations WEBINAR SERIESHartford Institute for Religion ResearchFaith Communities TodayRelated episodes:Ep. 153: Leadership in a Time of Declining Church Attendance, with Thom RainerClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson unpack a quote by Andy Crouch emphasizes the importance of finding the right meaningful risk in unlocking flourishing for both oneself and those entrusted to their care. Tod and Markus discuss the concept of meaningful risk as distinct from mere risk-taking, emphasizing the role of discernment in pursuing risks that are truly worth taking. They delve into the idea that meaningful vulnerability, willingly embraced for the sake of others' flourishing, is an essential aspect of leadership. Drawing on theological insights, they reflect on the example of God's meaningful risk in incarnating into the world, offering valuable perspectives on how to navigate fear and resistance to vulnerability in leadership.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Andy Crouch in Episode 113: Flourishing Leadership:“Finding the right meaningful risk will unlock flourishing for you and the people you’re entrusted with.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Finding the right meaningful risk unlocks flourishing for individuals and the people they're entrusted with.Leadership involves discerning what risks are meaningful and worth taking.Meaningful vulnerability is willingly allowing oneself to be vulnerable for the greater good and flourishing of others.Taking meaningful risks and embracing vulnerability reflects the wisdom and love of God.Resistance to vulnerability is common, but embracing meaningful risks can lead to unlocking new possibilities and flourishing in organizations and communities.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!Todd Hunter leads Churches for the Sake of Others, a diocese of the Anglican Church in North America, and is the author of What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion.In this episode, Todd Hunter and I discuss “bad religion,” “good religion,” and what it means to be the church God has called us to be. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Todd discusses "bad religion," referring to church actions that harm people, including sexual and financial scandals and misuse of power.He shares personal experiences of witnessing bullying and manipulation within charismatic and Pentecostal circles.The conversation explores the historical existence of bad religion and the pursuit of healthy and faithful religion.Todd Hunter emphasizes the importance of listening without compromise and using Jesus as an example of engaging with others while staying true to beliefs.Churches need to listen, especially to victims, without giving up on fundamental beliefs, to reshape churches towards goodness.Markus Watson contrasts Jesus' engagement with marginalized individuals with the church's perceived engagement.Todd discusses the need for the church to engage with unique Christian claims while avoiding a privileged and know-it-all attitude.He emphasizes the theological meaning of "end" and God's healing the world through his people.Todd believes that God's people will rule and reign with him in a renewed heaven and earth.He shares insights from Dallas Willard about engaging in conversations with others.Christ followers need to have honest conversations with others while remaining grounded in their own beliefs.Todd Hunter discusses the negative impact of fear and anxiety and emphasizes the eschatological nature of faith for pastors living in a post-Christendom world.It is important to understand the broader intentions of Jesus beyond just dying for salvation.Todd Hunter expresses a desire to reintroduce Jesus to people who are disengaged from traditional church practices.Churches need to meet people where they are, tailoring church practices to different communities.The conversation acknowledges the value of traditional church forms while emphasizing openness to various expressions of faith beyond traditions like house churches.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Todd Hunter:www.toddhunter.orgwww.c4so.orgCenter for Justice and Peace Books mentioned:What Jesus Intended, by Todd HunterJesus and the Victory of God, by N.T. WrightA Church Called Tov, by Scot McKnight and Laura BarringerPray as You GodFresh ExpressionsRelated episodes:Episode 126: A Crisis of Adult Discipleship, with Brian WallaceClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.