Center for Congregations Podcast

In congregations many have questions and concerns about LGBTQ+ issues. Regardless of your theological stance, it's important to know how to care for youth that may identify as LGBTQ+ and their families as they navigate this complex situation. Mark Oestreicher, youth worker and co-found of The Youth Cartel, shares his wisdom and personal experience on this topic.ResourcesUs versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community (Book)4 Views on Pastoring LGBTQ Teenagers: Effective Ministry to Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Questioning Students Among Us (Book)A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community (Book)Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians (Book)Open and Affirming Coalition (organization)Mark Oestreicher's Socials: https://www.facebook.com/markoestreicherhttps://www.instagram.com/whyismarko/https://twitter.com/markosbeard

Dr. Kirk Byron Jones joins Matt and Ben to discuss what we can learn from jazz about beauty, creativity and liberation. Resourceshttps://faithandleadership.com/jazz-belongs-churchhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0310361176/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy

Former Center for Congregations staff members Nancy DeMott and Doug Hanner join Matt to share stories about their work at the Center. These stories highlight what congregations can accomplish and why they are important.Find more congregational stories here: https://centerforcongregations.org/blogs/congregational-stories

Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo joins Ben and Matt to discuss digital ministry in congregational life. Roz is the co-author of Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age. In this interview Roz shares his thoughts as a pastor on the place of digital ministry in congregational life.Resourcesroz@wearemosaic.orghttps://www.rosariopicardo.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Both-Maximizing-Experiences-Person-Engagement/dp/1953495230https://thechurch.digital/https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/4-keys-to-moving-from-online-worship-to-online-ministry/Phygital Church: Building Physical and Digital Space for Ministry Impact in 2021 - The CRGUse the information below to access the pre-recorded live online event from 4/26/22. This will be available until 5/27/22.Topic: Fresh Expressions in a Digital AgeDate: Apr 26, 2022 05:53 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Meeting Recording:https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/p6pAWdcMD90OmKlEyriUbpkpeamErtViWoRSlKZRBDAx_JyXo4sqc_XMMi9HopQ.XrT0hIm4FsBPNCblAccess Passcode: r%=B45r?

Ben and Matt talk with Rev. Sue Park-Hur about the challenges facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They discuss the model-minority myth, the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and reflect on the 30th anniversary of the LA Uprising. Resourceshttps://stopaapihate.orghttps://thecrg.org/resources/Asian_American_Christian_Collaborativehttps://thecrg.org/resources/Honoring_the_Generations_Learning_with_Asian_North_American_CongregationsPropaganda: "Three Cord Bond" from the album Crimson Cord

Matt and Ben talk with Chaplain Jon Swanson about what it means to explore they ways we manage loss and disappointment.ResourcesCRG-Strategic Leadership for ChangeThis Is HardSocial Media ChaplainPrayer in the NightLiturgy of the Ordinary

Kelly and Ben talk with Professor Drew Hart about the scope of antiracism work in congregations since the racial unrest of 2020.ResourcesTrouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (book)Who Will Be a Witness: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love and Deliverance (book)Designing Disorder: Experiments and Disruption in the City (book)Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)

Ben and Abby explore Ben's visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Resources: https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/faith-and-justice/

Matt and Shellie explore the changing nature of congregational life with Pastor Rob Dyer of Ministry Architects. Rob encourages congregations to explore the question behind the question.Rob Dyer: @pastorrobdyerMinistry Architects: @minarchitectsResourceshttps://ministryarchitects.com/theyre-not-coming-back/https://ministryarchitects.com/the-room-where-it-happens/https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Challenges_and_Opportunities_of_the_Post-pandemic_Churchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA

Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy.ResourcesEverything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've LovedEverything Happens for a Reason PodcastBeing Human w Kate Bowler and Emily P. FreemanWalking Our People Through Hard Things w Glennon Doyle