
Talking Church
Talking Church is a podcast hosted by River Valley Network that discusses trends in the church and culture. In each episode, you will learn from ministry leaders on a variety of subjects, develop your leadership skills and break new growth barriers!
Latest episodes

May 16, 2023 • 29min
Loving the Bible More Than Jesus
Episode 68: Paul Olson is a member from our church who uses his gifts in education and theology to help Pastor Rob prepare and research for all of his sermons! Paul jumps into Talking Church to discuss his story, how he once made the mistake of loving the Bible and knowledge more than God, and how he let God pull him out of that season in his life. Don't miss this amazing story!

May 9, 2023 • 41min
Pastor Like You Parent with Rob Ketterling
Episode 67: Listen to learn how to talk about the hard things as a pastor. Some people avoid these conversations but Pastor Rob has led his life as a pastor to talk about the difficult things despite the tough responses that can arise. Ultimately, we need to pastor like we parent!

May 2, 2023 • 40min
Alex Seeley: A Big Church Isn't Always A Healthy Church
Episode 66: Alex Seeley from The Belonging Co in Nashville joins us this week to discuss her transition to Nashville, her experience as a female in ministry, and so much more. Alex is an incredibly gifted speaker and pastor, and we know she has a word for you today!

Apr 25, 2023 • 37min
Ryan Williams on Songwriting & The Future of Worship Music
Episode 65: Ryan Williams disects his process within writing worship music, the roadblocks he experiences as an established songwriter, and the direction he sees worship music heading from seeing where it has been. Pastor Ryan has an amazing testimony within River Valley, having written so many songs, and albums, and we're so glad he joined us to share his wisdom!

Apr 18, 2023 • 38min
Moral Failures & Dealing With Conflict
Episode 64: Pastor Rob jumps into the conversation surrounding moral failures and dealing with conflict within your team, and outside of your team. What is the appropriate response to another church of the same denomination starting just a few blocks away? So many great lessons to navigate, so tune in now!

Apr 11, 2023 • 39min
The Tension of Creativity
Episode 63: Today on Talking Church we welcome River Valley staff, Kirk Graham and Aaron Johnson, to talk about the tension of creativity in ministry. How do you create towards the vision of your lead pastor? How do you encourage your creative teams in their process while also implementing boundaries? These questions and more are answered in this conversation. Don't miss it!

Apr 4, 2023 • 45min
From Corporate to the Church
Today on Talking Church we have team members, Lindsay Swiggum & Pat Utecht, sharing about their call into ministry from Corporate America. Hear about the wins, challenges, and blessings of both worlds, and how the blend of both could empower ministries to the next level.

Mar 28, 2023 • 38min
Social Media, Gen Z and the Future of YTH Ministry
On today's episode we are talking Next Gen! We are joined by Peter Reeves, an evangelist passionate about reaching the Next Generation. Terry Parkman and Gabi O'Rourke also join in this conversation about our recent youth conference, social media, Gen Z, and the future of Youth Ministry.

Mar 21, 2023 • 34min
Leaders Need Help! Dr. Robert Crosby
Episode 60: Today we are joined by Dr. Robert Crosby, president of Emerge Counseling Ministries and author of The One Jesus Loves. Tune in to hear about the importance of mental wholeness not simply mental wellness; how to intentionally build a friendship with Jesus; and what our calling as pastors really looks like.

Mar 14, 2023 • 18min
Post-Easter Retention & Creating Space for Revival | Live from CMN
Episode 59: Pastor Logan took some time during CMN conference to ask questions of some amazing leaders about retaining new visitors after Easter and creating space for revival in response to the Asbury Revival. Joined by Pastor Aaron Burke from Radiant Church in Tampa, Florida; Pastor Herbert Cooper from People's Church in Oklahoma City; Pastor Jeffrey Portman, Director of Church Multiplication Network; Pastor Josh Wellborn, National Youth Director of the Assemblies of God; and Pastor Travis Jones from Motivation Church in Richmond, Virginia.