Join Jacki C. King for a season two recap and final challenge as we revisit the transformative moments that have shaped our understanding of leadership. In a world where imposter syndrome often creeps in, we unravel the misconception that we don’t belong, affirming that each of us is a leader with unique gifts and influence. 

Through spiritual gifts tests, StrengthsFinder, genograms, and personality assessments, we guide you in uncovering your passions and gifts, exploring how they intersect and stand out. As we conclude this season, we present the challenge to continue growing and developing, distinguishing between charisma and character, talent and calling. Discover resources like Church Equip or Church Answers University courses and Propel Worship Ministry to foster your faithfulness to God. 

Embrace the truth that wherever you are is where God wants you, and as you continue to run hard after Him, trust the journey ahead.

The post Episode 44: At The Table with Jacki C. King: Season Recap and Final Challenge appeared first on Church Answers.

Grit, resilience, and a heart for truth are all words that describe our guest, Karen Swallow Prior, Ph.D. A prominent voice and revered theologian in the public arena, Karen shares her remarkable journey—a journey ignited by her profound love for literature and books. This passion has catapulted her into a prominent role as a leading advocate for pro-life ethics and a resolute champion for addressing the crucial issue of sexual abuse within the church.

Karen’s bold stance in these arenas has not been without its challenges. She has weathered personal attacks, endured emotional wounds, and navigated through seasons of profound discouragement. Yet, her unwavering dedication to these causes shines through, making her an inspirational figure in the ongoing fight for justice.

Karen Swallow Prior, Ph.D., is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of “The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis” and many other books. She has contributed to numerous other books. She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. She and her husband live on a 100-year old homestead in central Virginia with dogs, chickens, and lots of books.

The post Episode 43: At The Table with Karen Swallow Prior: Leadership – Public Theology/Writing appeared first on Church Answers.

“Compassion should not be controversial.” – Bri Stensrud

Today, Bri Stensrud joins me At The Table to discuss the value of all human life and the task for churches and believers to welcome immigrants and refugees with love and grace. She takes us to the border and shares some of the accounts of the tremendous loss, fear, and struggles many refugees face as well as the unique opportunity to come alongside and guide them toward hope and compassion. This is a conversation often centered around a Parisian point, and today’s episode will move you toward the heart of God and an act of compassion.

The post Episode 42: At The Table with Bri Stensrud: Compassion – Refugees appeared first on Church Answers.

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we sit down with Christi Haag, the co-founder of One More Child, an organization dedicated to ministering to single moms, foster children, and the vulnerable and marginalized all across the world. Where many would be overwhelmed with one area of need, Christi’s passion and dedication are contagious. This episode will leave you inspired to take action and make a difference in the lives of single moms and foster care children. God can use a simple ‘yes’ to change the life of families for generations to come. 

Christi Haag is a leader and advocate at One More Child. She is a fearless trailblazer in Christian orphan care, humanitarian aid, and global ministry. She has led missions and traveled to countries around the world. She has eaten scorpions in China, fed children in Africa, and ministered to sex trafficked children in leper colonies in Southeast Asia.   

She has been featured on TV, radio and podcasts; in videos and magazines; and as a keynote speaker for events and conventions. A survivor of breast cancer (and double mastectomy), she is also a source of encouragement to women who have experienced trauma and hardships. Christi has been happily married to her best friend, Jerry, for 35 years! Jerry is President/CEO of One More Child. They have two awesome sons and daughter-in-laws and three precious granddogs.

The post Episode 41: At The Table with Christi Haag: Compassion – Foster Care appeared first on Church Answers.

Join us as we delve into an urgent and essential conversation about the imperative need to create safe spaces within our churches for men and women of all ages with special guest, Mary DeMuth.

Mary shares her deeply personal journey as an abuse survivor, shedding light on the challenges that many face when dealing with the aftermath of abuse. She brings her wealth of experience and expertise to our discussion as we confront the stark reality of how churches often fall short in responding to the needs of abuse victims.

We tackle the tough issues head-on, examining the reasons why churches sometimes respond poorly to those who have experienced abuse and exploring the profound impact this has on victims and the broader faith community. We also discuss the critical elements that must be in place for a church to truly be a sanctuary for its members, fostering trust and healing in the wake of major denominations being exposed to the sin of sexual abuse.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of a topic that has shaken the foundations of many religious organizations and raised critical questions about accountability, transparency, and the well-being of all members. 

Mary DeMuth is literary agent, international speaker, and podcaster. She’s the novelist and nonfiction author of nearly 50 books, including “90-Day Bible Reading Challenge: Read the Whole Bible, Change Your Whole Life.” She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 32 years and is the mom to three adult children.

The post Episode 40: At The Table with Mary DeMuth: Justice/Sexual Abuse Survivors appeared first on Church Answers.

Today worship leader and songwriter, Amanda Chapman, joins us. She shares her insights on handling criticism and the tension that arises from leading worship while maintaining a personal walk after God’s heart. It’s a delicate dance between the spotlight and the quiet moments of intimacy with God.

Whether you’re a worship leader, a musician, or simply seeking to lead a more authentic life, Amanda’s wisdom and experiences will resonate with you. Tune in as we harmonize faith, personal growth, and leadership in this inspiring conversation.

Amanda Chapman is a worship leader and songwriter from Arlington, Texas. She co-founded My Strength & My Song, a music ministry whose mission is to point women to Jesus through music and God’s Word. She’s been married to an Aussie, Mark, for 22 years, and they have 5 pretty amazing kids.

The post Episode 39: At The Table with Amanda Chapman: The Church – Worship Leadership appeared first on Church Answers.

In this insightful episode of At The Table, we shine a much-deserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of the workplace – administrative assistants, secretaries, and office staff. 

Our special guest, Jana Biesecker, Church Answers, Vice President of Customer Experience, joins us to share her experiences and insights into the world of administrative support, shedding light on the fact that a significant number of women play pivotal roles in this field. We explore the unique challenges and rewards of being the driving force behind the scenes, as well as what it’s like to be the only woman at the table in many church and organizational settings.

Jana shares her tips on developing flexibility and adaptability, critical skills for navigating the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace. We discuss the often-underestimated emotional labor that administrative professionals undertake, including dealing with frustrated customers and church members, and how they handle these situations with grace and professionalism.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only recognizes the vital role played by administrative assistants but also celebrates the remarkable resilience, dedication, and expertise of the women who are the backbone of so many organizations. 

The post Episode 38: At The Table with Jana Biesecker: The Church – Administration appeared first on Church Answers.

Join us as Kourtney Vier unveils the innovative strategies behind Salt’s Church Planting methodology, emphasizes the crucial role of women in leadership right from the outset, and delves into the evolving strategies required to connect with different generations while upholding the timeless values of the Bible. This episode promises a wealth of insights and wisdom for anyone passionate about the intersection of faith, leadership, and the ever-changing landscape of reaching young adults and college students.

Kourtney Vier is the director of Salt Company National, the college ministry of a national church planting organization (The Salt Network), that focuses on reaching college campuses with the Gospel. She is a wife to Riley, mother to Jack and Zeke and resides in Ames, Iowa.

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Women make up over half of our churches and the need to bring practical equipping and development as we make disciples is needed more than ever. Today Julie Woodruff joins me At The Table to talk about healthy markers of a ministry to women in a local church and how women are hungry for deep theology and opportunities to use their gifts for the Kingdom of God.

Julie Woodruff realized God’s call to ministry as a college sophomore. Over the years that calling has taken the shape of youth ministry, pastor’s wife, women’s ministry, writing, teaching, and conference leadership. She has written Bible study curriculum and contributed numerous articles to ministry leadership magazines through the years. She is a graduate of Louisiana College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently she serves as Adult Minister at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN.

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Dr. Virginia Brennan explores the critical essence of establishing secure environments and effective protocols within our churches’ children’s ministries. Drawing from her extensive expertise, she delves into the significance of fostering spaces where young hearts can thrive and grow with unwavering safety and care. Dr. Brennan also sheds light on the art of volunteer recruitment, and how all members of the church can join in the joy of helping foster, build up, and equip children for spiritual growth.

Dr. Virginia Brennan serves as a preschool ministry director in Florida. She has a passion for equipping adults with the tools to disciple children well. She also cohosts the children’s ministry podcast, KidMin with Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia. She has an MA and an Ed.D. in Christian Education, with a focus on child development and spiritual formation. Virginia and her husband Matt have twin preschoolers, and you can often find them at the local zoo and nature trails. 

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