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
Dec 29, 2021 • 39min
S3 E11: Ghosts
Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry.
Dec 15, 2021 • 48min
S3 E10: Gloriously Out Of Place
Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Gloriously_Out_of_Place
Dec 1, 2021 • 39min
S3 E9: The Joys of Evaluation!
Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for congregational life.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/resources/completing-the-circle-reviewing-ministries-in-the-congregationhttps://www.betterevaluation.org/https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/projects-that-matter-successful-planning-and-evaluation-for-religious-organizations_kathleen-a-cahalan/964017/item/12033315/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FRP-IUCrO59bm2jFUtRSzcvh-5fVnnC_xayO-5b2VaYdw5n4VgzfsaAtKXEALw_wcB#idiq=12033315&edition=5355798https://thecrg.org/resources/How_to_Shape_Your_Church_s_Culture
Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 1min
S3 E8: Forced Into The Water
Mike Palmer joins Ben and Matt to unpack emerging trends in education. They explore how these trends will affect religious education and congregational life moving forward.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Forced_into_the_Water_Emerging_Trends_in_Religious_Educations
Nov 3, 2021 • 50min
S3 E7: Memento Mori
Rev. Sabrina Gray joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of end of life planning, and talks through how leaders can initiate those conversations within their community.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/End_of_Life_Planning_ConversationsThe Conversation ProjectExtremis DocumentaryDem Dry BonesFive Wishes
Oct 20, 2021 • 51min
S3 E6: Don't Be A Clergy Killer
Rev. Callie Smith and Dr. Rob Saler join Matt and Ben to discuss the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. They unpack the importance of rest and renewal for both clergy leaders and congregations and offer some insights and resources.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Don_t_Be_a_Clergy_Killer
Oct 6, 2021 • 56min
S3 E5: Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations
Manuel Corazzari joins Matt and Ben to discuss marketing and branding for congregations including the importance of knowing your unique identity.ResourcesStorybrandPro Church ToolsLess Chaos. Less Noise. Effective Communication for an Effective Church
Sep 22, 2021 • 1h 4min
S3 E4: Make It Personal
Pastor Javier Mondragon joins Ben and Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of leading a multicultural congregation.Resources:https://thecrg.org/collections/Make_It_Personal_Leading_a_Multicultural_Congregation
Sep 8, 2021 • 1h
S3 E3: Worship as the Work of the People
David Gungor joins Ben and Matt to talk about how worship is more than just singing together. He also discusses how Good Shepherd New York is an integrated community where the gifts of the members are used to uplift the community and the importance of authentic relationship among all.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Worship_as_the_Work_of_the_PeopleGood Shepherd New York's Website
Aug 25, 2021 • 1h 6min
S3 E2: Never-ending worship: Where preparation and inspiration meet
Shellie and Ben speak with John Ray from Light of the World Christian Church about all that it takes to plan a successful worship service. They discuss music as a specific element of the worship serve and as the overarching lifestyle of the congregation. John explores the many hats that he wears and offers advice about balancing the technical quality of worship with the need to follow the invitation of the Spirit.
