Center for Congregations Podcast
Center for Congregations
Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive.The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or info@centerforcongregations.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 15, 2025 • 54min
S7 E17: Rediscovering Discipleship
Dr. Robert Mansfield joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the importance of your congregation's context in faith formation. Dr. Mansfield believes that there is no copy-paste way to disciple. Each community needs to find ways to form faith based on its unique theology, traditions and specific local history.
Resources
"Insights from Research and Theory: Practices for Forming Faith with Young Adults" by Leif Kehrwald and John Roberto (article)
Discipleship Essentials: A Guide for Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden (book)
Evangelistic Discipling (organization)
The 7 Questions of Discipleship by Robert Mansfield (book series)
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
S7 E16: Young Adult Ministry - Empathy in Transition
Dr. Steven Argue, Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, talks with Shellie and Dr. Bridges about meeting young adults where they are: in the midst of their transitions. Matt and Shellie then talk about the Center for Congregation's work with congregations around young adults, unpack the interview and share practical resources that will aid your congregation.
Resources
Young Adult Ministry Now (book)
Young Adult Ministry Now (website and resources)
Fuller Youth Institute (organization)
The FYI on Youth Ministry Podcast (podcast)
S.T.A.R. for Young Adults (website and resources)
Sep 17, 2025 • 48min
S7 E15: Finance Supports Strategy
Belinda King, MBA and Financial Services Professional joins Dr. Bridges and Matt to discuss the importance of a good understanding of finance in congregations. Her insights are practical, important and implementable.
Resources
Belinda King/BGK Solutions (LinkedIn)
Rich Church, Poor Church: Keys to Effective Financial Ministry by J. Clif Christopher (book)
Simplifychurch.com (organization)
Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with Their Donors by William G. Enright (book)
BGK Solutions (organization)
Belinda King's Email: brking@bgksolutions.com
Sep 3, 2025 • 50min
S7 E14: Grace for All: Trauma Informed Care for Children
Dr. Robert Crosby joins JC and Matt to talk about how to identify trauma in children and how to create a supportive children's ministry to develop emotionally healthy kids.
Resources
Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (book)
Trauma Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids (audio book)
ReachHurtingKids.com (organization)
Reach Hurting Kids Workshop (workshop)
Simple Interactions (organization)
Grow Curriculum (web resource)
Aug 20, 2025 • 40min
S7 E13: Story, Spirit and Science
Zach Garcia, Indiana Outreach Director for Faith in Place, joins Kara and Matt to talk about creation care. Zach believes that congregations can be a powerful force in caring for the world we've been entrusted with.
Resources
Faith in Place (organization)
"Helping Your Church Make Green Choices" by Maureen Wise (article)
Laudato Si: On the Care of Our Common Home (web resource)
Biologos' Creation Care (web resource)
Care of Creation (organization)
Aug 6, 2025 • 54min
S7 E12: Faithful Through Change
Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger joins Kara and Matt to talk about adaptive leadership. Tod believes that congregational leaders can learn to engage in change practices that will relieve pressure and revitalize congregations.
Resources
AE Sloan Leadership, Inc. (organization)
Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Tod Bolsinger (book)
"Ronald Heifetz: The Nature of Adaptive Leadership" from Faith & Leadership (9 min video)
Allyd (organization)
Jul 23, 2025 • 53min
S7 E11: No Congregation Is An Island
Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway joins Shellie and Matt to talk about congregational collaboration. Dr. Haraway's new book, No Congregation is an Island, gives insights and research that will help you think about how to create partnerships in your context.
Resources
No Congregation Is An Island by Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway (book)
Network Power by Dr. David John Seel, Jr. (book)
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
S7 E10: Failure Is Totally An Option
Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs joins John and Matt to talk about failure. Rev. Dr. Briggs believes that failure is not the end but rather can be a beautiful new beginning.
Resources
Fail by J.R. Briggs (book)
Kairos Partnerships (organization)
How Your Congregation Learns by Tim Shapiro (book)
"There is Hope and Help for Pastors Who Feel 'Stalled'" from ChurchLeaders.com (24 min video)
"Focusing On Health, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast)
"How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article)
May 28, 2025 • 36min
S7 E9: It's the Little Things
Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, John James, Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke get together to talk about their work with congregations, the trends they're seeing and what they are learning.
Resources
Firm Foundations Marketing (organization)
May 7, 2025 • 49min
S7 E8: Bivocational Ministry Is Not New
Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley joins Kara and Shellie to talk about her research regarding bivocational ministry. Contrary to common understanding, it has been quite common in the history of congregations. Rev. Bentley discusses how this model can benefit congregational life.ResourcesBivocational Ministry: Field Notes for Congregations and Ministers by Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley (book)Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article)Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video)
