Center for Congregations Podcast

Enjoy this episode that was originally launched in November of 2023. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community.ResourcesThe Colossian Forum (organization)Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book)The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book)Kaitlyn's WebsiteThe Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry joins JC and Matt to talk about his new book Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls. Aaron shares from his experience in congregational leadership and academia to help you understand how to engage more lay leaders in your congregation.ResourcesLay Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Aaron Perry (book)Our Gifts: Identifying and Developing Leaders by David P. Mayer (book)"Unleashing the Church through Lay Leadership" from The Barna Group (article)

Laurie Stewart, CEO of Peacemaker Ministries, joins Matt and John to discuss the origins of conflict and how to handle conflict. ResourcesPeacemaker Ministries (organization)Arbinger Institute (organization)The Colossian Forum (organization)Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny (book)The Anatomy of Peace from The Arbinger Institute (book)

In this conversation, Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, financial management, and the need for support within the church community. The discussion highlights the difference between coping behaviors and radical self-care, and the significance of trusting God rather than relying solely on personal performance. Dr. Fuller also discusses the impact of financial programs like MMBB in helping pastors navigate their economic challenges and build a financially healthy congregation.

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.