

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

Aug 11, 2021 • 1h 4min
S3 E1: Stay Ready: Preparing to Prepare
Ben sits down with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson to unpack the ins and outs of strategic planning. They take you into the mind of strategic planning consultants and identify common pitfalls they've seen derail the planning process while highlighting the importance of honestly assessing whether our vision aligns with the capacity and resources of our team. Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Congregational_PlanningALlydTalent Cabinet

Jul 14, 2021 • 25min
S2 B2: Tips on Working with Tech Volunteers
Pastor John Stange joins Kate and Ben to explain the best practices for engaging with tech volunteers.Links:http://www.opensong.org/

Jun 30, 2021 • 56min
S2 E12: The Value of the Enneagram in Congregational Spaces
Enneargram writer, teacher and coach Leanette Pokuwaah joins Ben and Matt to talk about how the enneagram can be used well in congregational contexts. She also discusses the importance of keeping space for trauma and racial identity in conversations about the enneagram.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/The_Value_of_the_Enneagram_in_Congregational_SpacesAlso, we'd love to hear your feedback about the podcast. Click here to do a quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CfCpodcast

Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 5min
S2 E11: The Marriage of Mental Health and Ministry
Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Clinical Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), sits down with Ben and Matt to discuss how the worlds of therapy and congregational life inform one another.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/The_Marriage_of_Mental_Health_and_Ministry

Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 11min
S2 E10: Storytelling that Changes the World
Musician, speaker and activist Propaganda joins Ben and Matt to discuss how storytelling is foundational to being human and to fostering change. They also also talk about his new book Terraform: Building a Better World.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Storytelling_that_Changes_the_WorldCheck out Prop's work and follow him through the following:Website: https://www.prophiphop.com/Instagram: @prophiphopTwitter: @prophiphop

May 19, 2021 • 1h 6min
S2 E9 Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise
Allen Stanton joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of congregations in rural communities. He highlights their work as anchor institutions while also addressing the opportunities that exist for truth-telling and restoration.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Rural_Congregations_A_Story_of_Pain_and_Promise

May 5, 2021 • 56min
S2 E8: Getting Schooled on Interim Ministry
Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church and former interim pastor, joins Ben and Matt to unpack what it takes to have a successful interim ministry. She shares both out her recent experience and her training on interim ministry.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Getting_Schooled_on_Interim_Ministry

Apr 21, 2021 • 1h 4min
S2 E7: A Primer on Racial Equity
McKenzie Scott Lewis, the northwest director of the Center for Congregations talks with Ben and Matt about the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in seeking to practice racial equity.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/A_Primer_on_Racial_Equity

Apr 14, 2021 • 20min
S2 B1: Basic Tech Infrastructure for Livestreaming
In this bonus episode Associate Director for Resources Kate White sits down with Pastor Bruce Colbert, Systems Consultant for Custom Sound Design, Bruce shares about three topics about streaming for congregations: practical tips about internet speed and bandwidth, stepping up audio and video and thinking critically about your online presence. Bruce also talks about working with "integrators" who can help with advice for equipment and setups.Check out https://thecrg.org/ to search for all kinds of resources related to congregational life.Email us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with questions or help with finding resources.

Apr 7, 2021 • 1h 7min
S2 E6: Fear and Anger: Christian Nationalism among Young Adults
PhD candidate Michael Rotolo joins Ben and Matt to unpack the research around Christian Nationalism as it relates to congregations and young adult engagement. Michael's recent work based on the Christian Smith cohort study highlights reasons why some young adults are drawn to Christian Nationalism.Moral Religiosities Michael's TwitterMichael's WebsiteResourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Christian_Nationalism