The Ruby on Rails Podcast

Nicky Lee, co-creator of The Marriage Course with over 1.5 million participants, and Sila Lee, his partner in this venture, discuss the pressing need for systemic support for marriages in churches. They emphasize proactive strategies over reactive ones in nurturing relationships, highlighting the impact of structured conversations. Their courses reach diverse couples, fostering open communication and emotional connection. The Lees share insights on breaking stigmas around marriage enrichment, encouraging churches to champion these vital programs to strengthen community bonds.

In this chat with Dave Miller, co-founder of Leadership Pathway, we dive into empowering Gen Z leaders within church settings. Dave emphasizes the impact of mentorship over traditional education, stressing that effective coaching is essential for young leaders to thrive. He discusses how Gen Z is reshaping leadership dynamics and seeks opportunities that align with their unique skills. The importance of intergenerational relationships and the need for tailored residency programs to nurture these emerging talents is highlighted, offering a pathway for future church leadership.

In this conversation, Natalie Frisk, the Curriculum Director at Raise Up Faith, shares her 15 years of church ministry experience. She discusses the significant challenges parents face in guiding kids through the complexities of digital life. Natalie emphasizes the importance of fostering healthy digital habits and the church's role in supporting families. She introduces innovative curriculum solutions tailored for children’s ministry, highlighting how technology can enrich teaching biblical principles while ensuring engagement and adaptability.

In this discussion, Greg Curtis, Director of First Steps at Eastside Christian Church and founder of Climbing the Assimilayas, shares his expertise on church assimilation. He highlights how newcomers often gauge a church's vibe online before attending, making a strong digital presence essential. Curtis emphasizes evolving engagement strategies in a post-COVID landscape, focusing on fostering community through volunteerism and inclusivity. With insightful tips on making church platforms welcoming, he explores how to adapt assimilation practices for lasting connections.

Welcome back to the unSeminary podcast. We’re talking with James Griffin, the lead pastor at Crosspoint City Church in Georgia. Is your church working through a difficult season and struggling to see fruit? Wondering how a church can overcome significant challenges and emerge stronger than ever? In this episode of the unSeminary Podcast James shares […]

Jared Kirkwood, Executive Pastor at Mariners Church Irvine, shares his insights on ministry strategy with over 16 years of experience in pastoral roles. He discusses Mariners’ 'transformational loop’—a four-part discipleship framework aimed at aligning all ministries to amplify impact. Jared emphasizes the importance of a 'map' over a 'menu' for guiding church members through their spiritual journey. He also delves into strategic leadership in multi-site settings and the significance of engaging the online community for ministry success.

Welcome back to the unSeminary podcast. We’re talking with Pat Gillen, the Executive Pastor of Families and a teaching pastor from First Baptist Simpsonville / Upstate Church in South Carolina. How are you cultivating leaders at your church? Are you trying to figure out your next step for developing Gen Z? Tune in as Pat […]

Andy Hill, Executive Pastor at Mobberly Baptist Church, shares insights on maintaining staff alignment in a growing church. He discusses the challenges of managing a dispersed team and emphasizes the importance of intentional weekly meetings that blend spiritual connection and practical planning. Innovative strategies like 'hot seat' sessions foster personal bonds among staff, while resources for self-care and personal reflection are highlighted. Hill urges nurturing spiritual well-being to enhance the church's mission and create community.

Welcome back to the unSeminary podcast. We’re talking with Jay Kranda this week, the online campus pastor at Saddleback Church in California. What are you doing with online church? How does it fit in with your digital strategy? How can digital tools strengthen in-person community? Tune in as Jay discusses a team-based approach to digital […]

In this discussion, Drake Farmer, Executive Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church in Alberta, Canada, shares essential insights on church succession planning. He emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership transitions, noting they should begin years in advance. Trust-building and mission focus are key in ensuring smooth changes in leadership. Drake also discusses navigating the challenges of connecting diverse communities while honoring past leaders, highlighting how foresight can secure a church's future.