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
Mar 24, 2021 • 1h 5min
S2 E5: Courting Justice
Ben and Matt connect with Pastor Bere Gil Soto, lead pastor of Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana, to talk about what it's like to lead a multi-cultural and multi-lingual congregation in Indianapolis. Topics include what's it's like to be in the non-dominant culture, creating appropriate boundaries when leading and having a broad view of justice work.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Courting_Justice
Mar 10, 2021 • 55min
S2 E4: Bring Your Whole Self
Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, one of the co-founders of the Prickly Pear Collective, joins Matt and Ben to discuss creating authentic community where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole self.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Bring_Your_Whole_Self
Feb 24, 2021 • 56min
S2 E3: Tech: It's Not as Complicated as You Think
Pastor John Girton joins Ben and Matt to talk about excellence in online worship experiences using technology. We also discuss what's next for congregations and the virtual space. As always Ben and Matt share what they're learning from congregations in Indiana and they share resources you can use.ResourcesYou can find the resources mentioned in the episode here: https://thecrg.org/collections/Tech_It_s_Not_as_Complicated_As_You_Think
Feb 10, 2021 • 1h 13min
S2 E2 Waving the Banner for Youth Ministry
In this episode Ben and Matt are joined by Center for Congregations director Shellie Riggs Jordan as we interview Mark Oestreicher (a.k.a. Marko) of The Youth Cartel. Marko sets the record straight on a few myths about youth ministry and shares his wisdom from his over 30 years experience. As always Center for Congregations staff discuss how the issue is appearing in our work and share resources.Recommended Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Challenges_in_Youth_MinistryWe'd love to hear from you so please reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org with suggestions on topics, guests or resources.
Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 1min
S2 E1 Wisdom to Start Your New Year
Aimee Laramore, lead consultant at AlLyd Solutions, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of recognizing the assets your congregation has and the importance of using them to accomplish your goals. Along the way Aimee provides wonderful wisdom from her many years of experience as a fundraising consultant about managing these difficult times.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Adapting_To_The_Times_A_Conversation_About_Adaptive_Leadership_and_Resource_ManagementYou can find Aimee Laramore at her consulting website - http://www.allyd.com/We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at podcast@centerforcongregations.org to let us know what you think of the pod, with resource recommendations of your own or ideas for future topics or guests.
Dec 16, 2020 • 58min
S1 E8: What Went Right in 2020
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
Dec 2, 2020 • 48min
S1 E7 Exchanging Pews for Strollers
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/
Nov 18, 2020 • 39min
S1 E6 Agents of Unity
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
Nov 4, 2020 • 46min
S1 E5 Whosoever
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.
Oct 21, 2020 • 1h
S1 E4: Kicked Off a Cliff
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.
