Spiritual Life and Leadership

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this quick conversation Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore a thought-provoking quote from Alexia Salvatierra, a professor at Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary. The quote, "If you don't listen, you can't see what God is doing," sparks a deep discussion on the importance of listening and discerning God's work in the world. Tod shares insights on the implications of this quote for leadership, the significance of listening to others, and the challenges of opening ourselves up to different perspectives.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Alexia Salvatierra in Episode 101: Gratitude, Grief, and Guilt--the Church After Covid:"If you don't listen, you can't see what God is doing."THIS EPISODE"S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE"Listening is crucial for discerning and seeing what God is doing.Rather than being vision casters, leaders should focus on hearing the voice of God and sensing His direction.Listening to others, including neighbors and different perspectives, helps in recognizing God's work, especially in our blind spots.It's important to force ourselves to open up to other voices and perspectives to better hear and see what God is doing.To better discern God's leading, it's essential to stop and listen, particularly to those who have been ignored.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!Jeff Crosby is President and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian pulishers, and the author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts.In this episode, I’m speaking with Jeff Crosby about our longings.  We discuss a Portuguese word—saudade—which, according to Jeff, is an untranslatable word that refers to a kind of deep, inner longing that every human feels.As leaders, it’s so important to recognize our longings.  And it’s even more important to meet God in the midst of our longings.THIS EPISODES HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jeff Crosby is President and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian pulishers, and the author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts.Jeff Crosby discusses the concept of saudade as a deep inner longing and its resonance with spiritual longing and leadership.The episode delves into how individuals can recognize signals of disintegration in their lives and the need to center themselves, seeking support from spiritual friends, counselors, or spiritual directors.Jeff Crosby and Markus Watson discuss the different dimensions of saudade, involving personal relationships, meaningful work, and a sense of belonging, peace, and safety.The structure of the book, focusing on internal, external, and eternal longings, is highlighted, emphasizing the universal nature of yearning in leadership and personal development.Jeff discusses the value of saudade and the inner journey of affirming it and finding God's presence, especially in times of loss and change.In the context of a changing world and ministry, Jeff Crosby address the impact of loss and the way it affects individuals and their leadership roles.Jeff Crosby's book, The Language of the Soul, should be read  slowly,  allowing it to have a deep impact on the soul.Jeff and Markus discuss the potential negative effects of pushing down desires in leadership.Jeff Crosby’s book is meant to tap into readers' own saudade and prompt reflection on their desires, inspired by the notion that spirituality revolves around handling the pain and hope brought by yearning.Jeff Crosby and Markus Watson emphasize the crucial role of of an undivided life in leadership.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Jeff Crosby:Evangelical Christian Publishers AssociationBooks mentioned:The Language of the Soul, by Jeff CrosbyHinge Moments, by D. Michael LindsayRelated Episodes:Episode 96: Crossing Leadership Thresholds, with Jeff CrosbyEpisode 142: Navigating the 7 Stages of Transition, with D. Michael LindsayClick 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 discuss the role of anger in leadership. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing anger in a healthy way, shifting the focus from retaliation to addressing the systems that need to be changed. They highlight the significance of understanding and navigating the anger of others, especially in the context of leading change in churches and organizations. Through their conversation, they underscore the value of naming anger as a legitimate feeling and taking responsibility for creating healthier systems that promote flourishing and minimize harm.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Chuck Whitley in Episode 81: Anger and Spiritual Leadership:“We need to shift our anger from responding with retaliation to addressing systems that need to be changed.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Tod Bolsinger emphasizes the discomfort often associated with acknowledging anger in a ministry or leadership context.The conversation delves into the relationship between fear, hurt, and the unconscious tendency to retaliate when triggered by anger.Reflecting on the civil rights movement, the episode illustrates the power of addressing broken systems in a transformative manner without resorting to retaliation.The discussion highlights regional variations in passive-aggressive behavior, emphasizing the importance of owning and addressing the impact of every action within a ministry setting.Tod Bolsinger provides practical insights on navigating and addressing the anger of others within a ministry context, emphasizing the value of addressing the deeper emotions behind the anger.The episode emphasizes the legitimacy of healthy anger in leadership and the acknowledgment that change within ministries can elicit fear and anger, often expressed as anger.Listeners gain valuable insights into understanding and responding to anger within ministry, acknowledging that change and faithful leadership can provoke anger, and providing guidance on managing this during significant transitions.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Roy Inzunza, corporate chaplain and adaptive leadership coach, shares his experiences and challenges in providing spiritual care and well-being to a diverse workforce. He discusses the importance of making adaptive shifts in managing conflict, addressing low morale and lack of joy in the workplace, and leading change without authority.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!In this episode, we’ve gathered a panel of experienced coaches in the world of church ministry to discuss the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape and the importance of embracing an adaptive approach to ministry leadership.Joining Markus Watson on the panel are Matt Lake, Jonny Weir, and Heather James. All of them, because of their work as coaches with the Church Leadership Institute’s Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort, bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in guiding churches through the challenges that so many of us are facing today.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Heather James, Matt Lake, and Jonny Weir are ministry leaders and coaches with the Church Leadership Institute’s Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort.Heather James and Matt Lake discuss adapting to a changing church ministry and following Jesus into the neighborhood.Matt Lake and Markus Watson emphasize the need for adaptive leadership and embracing the posture of learning, not being an expert.Matt Lake mentions the freedom in not feeling pressured to have all the answers and the importance of the observation, interpretation, intervention, and action process.While technical leadership is important for technical challenges, adaptive leadership is critical for adaptive challenges.The adaptive leadership approach is suitable for churches of all sizes and styles.In adaptive leadership, it is critical to stay the course and guard the adaptive process.Jonny Weir introduces the Church Leadership Institute’s Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort and the questions it helps answer.The Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort is so valuable both in terms of ongoing learning and experimentation.The Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort’s approach focuses on learning, observing, listening, interpreting, and then taking action.The mindset shift is from focusing on outcomes to focusing on process and transformation.The next Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort begins in February 2023. Sign up soon!RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Church Leadership InstituteAdaptive Church Leadership CohortRelated Episodes:16: Canoeing the Mountains83: Disorientation and Spiritual Leadership108: Leadership as Learning, Part 1: Context and Creativity109: Leadership as Learning, Part 2: Coaches and Cohorts177: Exploring New Forms of Church, with Shannon KiserClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Leadership expert Tod Bolsinger and conflict specialist Markus Watson discuss the importance of healthy conflict in leadership and personal growth. They share insights on staying engaged, asking questions, and navigating conflict to foster understanding and progress. They give an example of a church grappling with change and the tension between their existing community and their changing neighborhood. Overall, the episode highlights the value of addressing conflict for growth and progress.

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Jay Kim is lead pastor at Westgate Church in the Silicon Valley, and author of a new study on Colossians titled, One Jesus, One People.Syncretism refers to the blending of two belief systems.  In this episode, Jay Kim and Markus Watson discuss syncretism in terms of  its subtle effects on the church today and how to shed those syncretistic tendencies in our faith and ministry.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jay Kim is lead pastor at Westgate Church in the Silicon Valley, and author of a new study on Colossians titled, One Jesus, One People.The book of Colossians was written to address what many scholars refer to as “the Colossian heresy.”The Colossian heresy involved syncretism, which refers to a blending of beliefs, ideas, theologies.  The Gospel was being mixed with other ideas and that’s what Paul was addressing.Christian nationalism is an example of modern-day syncretism.Jay Kim describes the connection between what Paul says in Colossians and Plato’s allegory of The Cave.Too often we think our programs are the main thing.  But they are only shadows.According to Jay Kim, if we think our programs will change lives, we are pinning all our hopes and dreams on the “shadows” and not the reality.Jay Kim discusses the role of Onesimus in Colossians—and marginalized voices in general—in helping churches grow into who they are called to be.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Jay Kim:Website - jaykimthinks.comBooks and resources mentioned:One Jesus, One People, by Jay KimCanoeing the Mountains, by Tod BolsingerClick 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 discuss a quote from Scot McKnight. The quote challenges the notion that leaders ought to control and asserts, instead, that leaders, particularly pastors, are actually followers of Jesus. Bolsinger emphasizes the importance of biblical leadership, rooted in self-sacrifice, care, and a focus on mission. He highlights the need to move away from dysfunctional patterns of leadership and instead raise up models of leadership that honor Jesus and reflect God's desire for the world. Ultimately, leadership is seen as a function, not a title, with leaders taking personal responsibility and inviting others to join in following Jesus and fulfilling His mission on Earth.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Scot McKnight in Episode 92: Against a Culture of Abuse."We are not leaders of others; we are followers of Jesus. 'Join us in following Jesus,' is the pastor's call."Ep. 92 is a conversation inspired by Scot Mcknight's and Laura Barringer's book, A Church Called Tov.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!Angie Ward is director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Denver Seminary and the author of Uncharted Leadership: 20 Case Studies to Help Ministry Leaders Adapt to Uncertainty.What if you’ve got a problem and you cannot for the life of you find a solution.  You also can’t find a book that tells you what to do.  And you can’t find an expert to take care of the problem for you.That's what's called an adaptive challenge and churches are full of adaptive challenges.  And that’s what we’re talking about in this episode with Angie Ward.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Angie Ward is director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Denver Seminary and the author of Uncharted Leadership: 20 Case Studies to Help Ministry Leaders Adapt to Uncertainty.Adaptive challenges are the kinds of challenges no one has faced before and for which there are no experts.According to Angie Ward, a technical challenge is a challenge for which there is a clear path or solution.When there is a gap between espoused values and actual values, that is likely an adaptive challenge.Angie Ward points out that unresolved conflict or work avoidance in a church or organization can be an adaptive challenge.Angie Ward stresses that emotions can shift a challenge to become more of an adaptive challenge.Every change changes everything.Adaptive leadership involves both managing people’s distress and giving the work back to the people.According to Angie Ward, humility is the most important posture we need to take when navigating adaptive challenges.We lead out of who we are, not just what we do.When leading adaptively, Angie Ward says that process matters more than outcome.Emotional health is key to good leadership.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Angie Ward:Website – www.angiewardphd.comThe Big C Church PodcastBooks mentioned:Uncharted Leadership, by Angie WardEmotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter ScazzeroClick 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 talk about the importance of relationship in ministry leadership. They discuss how leaders can fall into the trap of narcissism when they lack deep relationships, leading to a sense of loneliness that they try to fill with success or power. They also explore how relationship is at the heart of adaptive leadership, as leaders must accompany people through change and transformation. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthy relationships both on an individual level and within larger systems, as they are crucial for healing brokenness and nourishing community.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Chuck DeGroat in Episode 82: Narcissism and Spiritual Leadership."“The story of God is the story of relationship. From the very beginning, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit create human beings in and for relationship. And I think our brokenness is brokenness in and around relationship."Ep. 82 is a conversation inspired by Chuck DeGroat's book, When Narcissism Comes to Church.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.