Church Unfiltered with Dr. Anthony Cobbs

Friendship has been redefined through social media and other platforms. It has been minimized to those who follow us on social media. But true friendship is something to value and appreciate, especially when you are a pastor. Pastors, depending on how they respond to others, can be the best type of friend. But as with any of us, there are red flags that suggest that pastors also have the potential of being the worst friends we can have. This episode looks at several factors to consider both from the pastor's perspective and from those who befriend these men and women of God.Related episodesE45: Getting Unstuck Personally and Professionally with Dee Cee MarshallE43: Leadership and Loneliness with Bishop Joseph WalkerContact Dr. Anthony Cobbsinfo@breakthroughonline.org

Have you ever heard a great sermon ruined by a weak or random illustration?As a preacher, a writer for Our Daily Bread and having written for sermon helps companies, Dr. Cobbs has learned the importance of a great illustration.This episode looks at tips for creating effective sermon illustrations and how to make sure the word of God remains the focus. 

Traditional, older churches often struggle to reach the next generation. Our services are typically not designed for them, and our leadership usually doesn't reflect them either. In this episode we discuss five ways to reach emerging generations such as:* Asking the tough questions* Establishing a cause to support* Raising up a pastor to plant elsewhereSupporting episodes:Episode 8Do Churches Care About Millennials?Trends in Church ConsultingEpisode 50 with J. Charity WareChurch Planting in a PandemicEpisode 19 with Pastor Ontario Green

Have you ever felt like you don't have enough time in the day? Has anyone ever made you feel guilty for not being accessible? Each of us have the same 24 hours. How we use that time is dependent upon our life balance and making sure we have set boundaries with the people pulling at us.This episode looks at six ways we can not only manage our time but manage ourselves so that we are able to maximize our moments. A few ideas explored in this episode include:Stop trying to do everything Learn how to say "no"Assess whether the people in your life truly add valueRelated episodes:Episode 28: Ministering While MourningEpisode 11: Self-care for LeadershipEpisode 52: The Pastor's Mental HealthJoin the Church Unfiltered Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/272277453954995

The call to serve on church staff is exciting, especially when the experience is filled with joy and growth. But just like any other area of work, sometimes it is necessary to move on from a staff or volunteer position.Dr. Cobbs solicited input from 25 current or former church staff workers and asked them to share how they concluded it was time to leave a staff role. In this episode, he presents commentary on a few of the responses such as:* Another opportunity arose* I No longer feel valued* I can no longer follow the leadershipAnd he offers tips on how to leave well and with honor.Similar episodesEpisode 32: Church Staffing and Pastoral Succession with William VanderbloemenConnect with Dr. Cobbsinfo@breakthroughonline.orgJoin the Church Unfiltered Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/272277453954995

Katie Allred is known around the country as an expert on social media and digital discipleship. Her Facebook group, Church Communications has over 30,000 members and offers practical tips and best practices for churches. She is a professor at the University of Mobile and a consultant for church and business leaders to improve their communication efforts.On this episode Katie joins Dr. Cobbs to discuss communication in the church both in person and online. Katie also offers her "musts" that every church should know about communication and online presentation.Connect with Katie:churchcommunications.comkatieallred.comConnect with Dr. Cobbsanthonycobbs.com

Leadership coach Shawn Lovejoy is a former pastor and is the CEO and founder of Courage to Lead. He works with pastors and business leaders across the country. Shawn joined Dr. Cobbs for a discussion on topics in leadership and many of the challenges leaders face both personally and professionally.Connect with Shawn Lovejoy:https://www.couragetolead.comJoin the Breakthrough Ministry Consulting email list:https://us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c6b74822e30051eae9480da0d&id=e96f7df80d

Everyone has questions and we are here to answer if possible. This episode  addresses three questions from across the country:1. How do you handle people who hurt you?2. What is the most disappointing thing about ministry?3. As church reopens, what has changed or is it back to "busyness"?Dr. Cobbs answers these questions candidly and prayerfully. For more church consulting and tips subscribe to the Breakthrough Ministry Consulting email list by clicking this link: https://us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c6b74822e30051eae9480da0d&id=e96f7df80d

As churches and businesses strive to recover from the impact of the pandemic, employees and volunteers are making their way back to work. How do we make sure people are welcomed back with tangible, productive expectations? Dr. Cobbs discusses three ways to re-engage staff and volunteer leaders by focusing on their strengths, well-being and offering encouragement along the way.

I asked a few dynamic fathers to join me to discuss how faith and fatherhood intertwine. Josh Shelby, Dramone Taylor, and Jon Singletary opened up about the blessings and struggles of being a father. These three have unique circumstances that stretched them as men but have risen to be great dads who have a lot to share.