unSeminary Podcast

Thanks for tuning in to the unSeminary podcast. We’re talking with Danny Anderson, the Lead Pastor at Emmanuel Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Is your church growing quickly, but you’re feeling the pressure? Wondering how to balance church growth with spiritual health for yourself and your staff team? Danny shares his journey of leading a fast-growing […]

Welcome back to the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re talking with Adam Ader, the Groups Director at Parkview Christian Church in Illinois. Is your church looking to improve how you connect people into life-changing groups? Wondering how to lead a growing group ministry that truly impacts people’s lives? Tune in as Adam shares valuable insights on […]

Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries, dives into the urgent conversation about sexual brokenness in the church. He candidly shares his own struggles with pornography and how traditional methods often fail to address underlying issues. Emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive environment, he discusses strategies for churches to foster healing and create open dialogues. He highlights the importance of structured support groups and new resources to help individuals and couples navigate their journeys towards sexual integrity.

Mark Clark, founder of Village Church and Senior Lead Pastor at Bayside Church, offers deep insights on engaging diverse audiences through preaching. He emphasizes the need for a blend of theological depth and cultural accessibility, highlighting how to reach both religious and secular listeners. Mark discusses the importance of real-life applications of biblical stories, using Tim Keller's Prodigal Son as a case study. He also shares techniques on sermon preparation and the evolving art of preaching to keep messages fresh and relevant in today's secular world.

Kenny Jahng, a ministry entrepreneur and founder of Big Click Syndicate, shares insights on leveraging AI for church outreach. He emphasizes the transformative power of AI in enhancing communication and repurposing sermons across platforms. The discussion explores how technology can bridge language barriers and engage diverse audiences, drawing parallels to historical innovations like Roman roads. Jahng advocates for a theology of AI, encouraging church leaders to embrace digital tools as a means of fulfilling the gospel mission effectively.

Mike Mantel, President and CEO of Living Water International, and Jonathan Wiles, COO, dive into how churches can effectively combat extreme poverty through clean water initiatives. They share impressive statistics showing a decline in global water scarcity and emphasize the transformative role of faith-based partnerships. The conversation also highlights the impact of cross-cultural mission trips that foster mutual learning. Lastly, they discuss creative ways churches can redefine community engagement, particularly through projects like the Advent Conspiracy.

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.