Leading Ideas Talks

In a thought-provoking discussion, David McAllister-Wilson, President of Wesley Theological Seminary, shares insights on evolving seminary roles and the centrality of leadership training in theological education. Carla Works, the Dean, emphasizes the necessity for seminaries to adapt to diverse vocational needs. They delve into grassroots innovations reshaping church practices, balancing practical skills with vision, and the importance of fostering collaboration and connection in shaping the future of church leadership.

Podcast Episode 175 How can churches spark a more authentic youth ministry? In this episode, Kristin Franke, Director of Youth and Family Ministries at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, describes what good youth ministry looks like today and how church and lay leaders can better welcome and include youth as part of the congregation. [...]

In this engaging discussion, Michael Lamb, FM Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character, shares insights from his work on The Arts of Leading. He argues that leadership is fundamentally a liberal art, drawing on lessons from the performing arts to enhance presence and listening. Lamb highlights overlooked leaders, including enslaved individuals and women whose contributions often go unrecognized. He also delves into character-driven leadership through the lens of biblical figures like Moses, emphasizing the importance of virtues and hope in guiding change.

Podcast Episode 173 How can churches engage men in challenging cultural norms of masculinity? In this episode we speak with Sean Harvey, founder of Warrior Compassion Institute. He empowers faith communities to engage men by fostering spaces of vulnerability, curiosity, and connection—meeting men where they are, while challenging cultural norms of masculinity with compassion and [...]

Podcast Episode 172 How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? In this episode co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share how Culmore Church was transformed through shared space, mutual respect, creative collaboration, and intentional relationships. Their story demonstrates how transparency, flexibility, and mission alignment can revitalize ministry and serve as [...]

Podcast Episode 171 How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this conversation, Kris Bentley redefines bivocational ministry beyond traditional models, emphasizing shared leadership, congregational adaptability, and spiritual sustainability. She encourages both pastors and congregations to embrace bivocational ministry as a thriving, collaborative model of God’s call, rooted in sufficiency, creativity, and [...]

Podcast Episode 170 What are the current church giving and worship attendance trends? In this conversation, Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent [...]

Podcast Episode 169 What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this insightful conversation, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from a college initiative into a thriving nonprofit serving underserved children and families in Washington, D.C. She offers church leaders practical guidance on launching social ventures, emphasizing discernment, sustainable capacity-building, and [...]

Podcast Episode 168 How can church leaders cultivate generosity in marginalized communities? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Carlos Perkins who emphasizes that many Black, Latinx, and Hispanic congregations have been historically generous, despite limited resources. The conversation explores the importance of defining generosity, reflecting on personal beliefs about money, and how faith leaders [...]

Podcast Episode 167 How can preachers overcome writers block? In this episode, William Willimon shares insights for pastors preaching during Holy Week. He discusses his book Changing My Mind, reflecting on how his views on preaching have evolved over five decades of ministry. Willimon shares insights into his sermon-writing process and underscores the necessity of [...]