Kelly Minas, Director of the Lilly Endowment Young Adult Initiative, joins Matt and Shellie to talk about the S.T.A.R. (stories, tools, and resources) for Young Adult Ministry website. This resourcing website is the culmination of years of work in innovation hubs all over the country and can help your congregation sharpen your young adult ministry focus. Kelly shares about the work of these innovation hubs and the eight principles that can help your congregation connect with young adults.s.t.a.r. for young adult ministry (website)

In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry, discussing the challenges she faced, the theological implications of money, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the transformative power of faith in navigating financial struggles and the shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation highlights the significance of taking ownership of financial decisions while recognizing God's role in providing guidance and grace. 

Rev. Mike Snyder joins Shellie and Matt to talk about co-vocational ministry and how it has created a wholeness both for his life and for the life of his congregation.ResourcesThe Power of Co-vocational Ministry by Rev. Mike Snyder (article)Dying to Restart (organization)Covocational Pastoring: What It Is, And Why You Should Consider It (podcast)Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry (book)The Church at Broadway Park (Rev. Snyder's Church)

In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. He emphasizes the importance of dreams as the first resource from God and recounts his struggles with financial challenges while pursuing his calling. Through various transitions, including moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and then to Arizona, Ramon highlights the support he received from mentors and programs like CARE, which helped him navigate his financial journey. He concludes with valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the importance of community in ministry. 

Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray, senior pastor of The Way Church in Indianapolis, joins Kara and Matt to discuss how communicating creatively, and through creativity, can help you lead your congregation.ResourcesGCW Coaching (Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes' website)The Small Rural Church Social Media Blueprint (podcast/video)Dr. Rickey McCray's WebsiteWe Care Indy (organization)Dr. Rickey McCray's Facebook PageDr. Rickey McCray's Instagram Page

In this conversation, Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. He emphasizes the importance of reframing the conversation around generosity, building trust, and utilizing curriculum and resources to facilitate open discussions. The dialogue also touches on the significance of legacy planning, the role of the church in financial stewardship, and the need for pastors to be vulnerable about their own financial struggles. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the heart of generosity and the importance of discipleship in managing resources. 

Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. join John and Matt to talk about their work and research around young adult engagement in congregations. They share what they are learning directly from young adults in their research that will help congregations learn how to reach out to this generation.ResourcesDefiant Hope, Active Love (book)Defiant Hope, Active Love (documentary)Pivot NW Research (organization)Pivot NW on FacebookPivot NW on InstagramPivot NW on XThe Anxious Generation (website/book)Dr. Jean Twenge (author, speaker)Fuller Youth Institute - Dr. Steve Argue (author, speaker, researcher)Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network (educational program)

In this conversation, Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. He discusses the impact of financial strain on ministry, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional financial planning. The conversation highlights the differences in financial management between various church roles and emphasizes the significance of support systems for ministers, particularly regarding retirement planning and overcoming barriers to seeking help.

Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto from the Center for Congregations' Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders program join Matt and Kelly to talk about their work and a new podcast series. This series will highlight specific stories of clergy leaders and the economic challenges they have faced in their vocation.ResourcesEconomic Challenges Facing Pastoral leaders (organization)

Join Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Dr. JC Campbell and Matt Burke as they discuss the changes in congregations over the last six years. A lot has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic and the conversation ranges over what congregations used to be focused on and how that focus has shifted.