Center for Congregations Podcast

Ben and Matt are joined by southwest director Wendy McCormick, northwest director McKenzie Scott Lewis and president of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro. Each guest shares encouraging stories of Indiana congregations from their region in 2020. We're wrapping up this season with positive stories because not everything went wrong in 2020.Here is the website of Central Christian Church in Washington, Indiana's recovery programs:https://www.recovery-central.org/index.php

Victoria Sun Esparza joins Ben and Matt to talk about Human Centered Design and applying it in congregations. This process is a way for you to listen well to the needs of your congregation in order to make decisions about goals, strategy and ways of serving those under your care.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Human-Centered_Design_Exchanging_Pews_for_StrollersDesign Kit by IDEOhttps://www.designkit.org/Dev Explains: What Is Human-Centered Design?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxtEqM2TQUCreative Confidence by David Kelley and Tom Kelleyhttps://www.creativeconfidence.com/book/TedTalk by David Kelley: How To Build Your Creative Confidencehttps://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence?language=en#t-430968In the Water Designs (Victoria's company)https://www.inthewater.co/

Bishop Grant joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of getting back to the basics of faith. He challenges faith leaders and congregations to remember to center the people they serve as opposed to societal or theological divisions. Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Agents_of_Unity_Center_the_People

This week Ben and Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for congregations talk with Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Pollard shares with us how to lead in contentious and divided times without abandoning our convictions.Resources from the episodehttps://thecrg.org/collections/Whosoever_Leadership_in_Divided_TimesReach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics.

Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes of the Double Love Experience joins Matt, Ben and Wendy to discuss what she's observed about rapidly changing systems in congregational life. These changes have put pressure not only on congregational systems, but also on the leaders in charge of holding communities together.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Kicked_Off_a_Cliff_Rapidly_Changing_Systems_in_Congregational_LifeReach out to us at podcasts@centerforcongregations.org. We'd love to hear resource recommendations from you or ideas for future guests and topics.

Hillary McBride joins Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can be places of healing for those dealing with mental health issues. We explore Hillary's own experience with being part of a congregation and discuss what gives her hope. Kate White, Associate Director for Resources for the Center for Congregations, joins the conversation about mental health resources.Resources mentioned in this episode can be found here:https://thecrg.org/collections/Do_We_Have_to_Hide_Our_Pain

This week Ben and Matt talk with the president of the Center for Congregations, Tim Shapiro. Tim shares his experiences as a senior pastor for 18 years and from his 18 years of experience at the Center. Congregational life has changed a lot over the last three decades but the news is not all bad. We'll discuss the bright spots, creativity and possibilities of the changing landscape.Check out the resources mentioned on this episode here:https://thecrg.org/collections/Tapping_into_Experience_with_Tim_Shapiro_Changes_in_Congregations_over_the_YearsAnd in case you were wondering about the hare artistry done by Albrecht Durer, the link is below. Matt said it was a woodcarving but it's actually a drawing and watercolor. We're not afraid to say we we're wrong!https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/hase/1QHEnzUGYMDG_w?hl=enReach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org

Matt and I sit down with Science Mike to discuss the problems and possibilities with engaging young adults. Congregations across religious and denominational lines are wrestling with this question, and Mike wants you to know there is hope.The resources discussed in this episode can be found by clicking here or copy/pasting the URL below.https://thecrg.org/collections/Where_have_all_the_young_people_goneStay in touch with Mike McHargue:Ask Science Mike PodcastMike McHargue WebsiteMike's BooksMike's InstagramMike's TwitterMike's Facebook