Center for Congregations Podcast

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.

Rosario and Callie Picardo join JC and Matt to talk about their new book Healthy Money. Their fascinating hypothesis is that our thoughts and attitudes towards finances are driven by deep aspects of our personhood and if we make those aspects healthy it can aid us in viewing and using finances in a healthy way.ResourcesHealthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional and Financial Freedom (book)Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with their Donors by William G. Enright (book)When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-and-Play, Season 4 Episode 8 of the Center for Congregations Podcast (podcast)

Rev. Ethan Linder, Discipleship Pastor from College Wesleyan Church in Marion Indiana, joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the process they've developed. Ethan shares the beginnings of the project and what they're learning.ResourcesCollege Wesleyan Shepherding CurriculumFacing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches (book)The Master Plan of Evangelism (book)Lifelong Faith Associates (organization)Ethan's Instragram Handle @iamethanl

Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her work. She shares how congregations can be successful in helping their communities through a mission focus, education and local networking relationships.ResourcesFlourish by Martin Seligman (book)Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (organization)