Murray Bowen, founder of Family Systems Theory developed 8 concepts to guide and explain how we think and act. Understanding and putting into practice these 8 concepts can really revolutionize your relationship with people and with anxiety.

This episode is part 1 of 2 as we cover 4 of the 8 concepts. Hosted by Steve Cuss and Brendan Reed.

Links referenced in both episodes:

How to make and lead a Genogram Video kit(Use PODCAST coupon code for discount)

MLA Episode featuring Rich Villodas

MLA Episode featuring Jim Herrington

MLA Episode featuring Trisha Taylor

Emotionally Healthy LeadershipThe Leader’s Journey

8 Concepts of Bowen Theory bookGeneration to Generation

My guest this week, Dave Ferguson is a pastor and an entrepreneurial genius. A lot of leaders have compelling vision, but what sets Dave apart is his ability to turn that vision into robust, healthy, reproducing organization. Dave is the co founder and lead pastor of Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He also built and leads the NewThing Network, a robust global church planting movement. Dave also built the Exponential Conference, equipping church planting leaders around the world. Dave has written several great books. His book Hero Maker: The Five Essential Practices For Leaders to Develop Leaders has been profoundly helpful among our staff. Dave and his wife, Sue, have three kids (Amy, Joshua and Caleb).

My guest this week, Rich Villodas, leads us through a fantastic conversation on the power of genograms and differentiation and gives us concrete tools to help us navigate our emotional and anxious worlds. Rich shares profound thoughts that will help us engage deeper with our true self. One of my favorite interviews! Rich is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church with more than seventy-three countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. His book The Deeply Formed Life is available for pre order and releases in September. Prior to becoming lead pastor, he gave oversight to New Life's small group ministry and served as preaching pastor. Rich has a BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Nyack College and an MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, and preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related issues, and the art of preaching. He's been married to Rosie since 2006 and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan.

Jeff Goins is the author of five books including the The Art of Work and Real Artists Don’t Starve. He helps creators and entrepreneurs with tools to get their work seen and established. As you’ll hear in this interview, Jeff has much hard fought wisdom for faith leaders who have a passion to make an impact with their work. This was a delightful interview.

This week, Darrin and Aimee Patrick join me to discuss leadership pressure, coming back from the bottom, how to know when you're ready, the impact of one person's decision on another and all things leadership Anxiety.

Sean Palmer is a pastor, author and enneagram facilitator who currently serves at Ecclesia Church in Texas. His book Unarmed Empire is a must read for a young faith leader. Sean discussed his latest study - Enneagram and public speaking and of course he kindly endured my gauntlet. 

Info and Tickets for 2 Day MLA Workshop

Dr Mark D Roberts currently leads the Depree Center for Leadership. is one of those mentors from a distance I have appreciated for years.

Pastor, Leader, Scholar, not necessarily in any order! Dr Roberts has a PhD in New Testament from Harvard University. I am always grateful for pastor/scholars - they are such a gift to the church. Dr Roberts brings tremendous wisdom and candor in this episode discussing leadership challenges. One of my favorites!

Tickets for 2 Day MLA workshop here.

Gabe and Rebekah are a powerhouse of innovation and insight. I LOVED sitting down with them to hear their thoughts. Gabe's book UnChristian was groundbreaking when it was released. He is also the founder of Q Ideas. Rebekah has also written multiple books including her latest outstanding work, Rhythms of Renewal

Tickets for 2 Day MLA Workshop are here.

Robbie Seay is a worship leader, songwriter, touring professional musician, pastor and church consultant. A Renaissance man! I have been a fan of Robbie's craft for years - his songwriting, vocal and the tones he puts on his albums....I just love all of it.

 

Robbie brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to this interview. We cover a range of topics - making space for creativity, the cost of excellence, the theology of worship and of course, my gauntlet. Also, it bears mentioning, Robbie's dog visited us a few times throughout the interview even though she didn't always show up in the edits. HOWEVER, I affirm her cuteness, her Australianness and her tale. 

Other links:

MLA Workshop Info

 

Monday Morning Podcast featuring Dave Bindewald

 

Seminary Dropout Featuring Latasha Morrison

Dr. JP Moreland is most known as one of the world's pre eminent Christian philosophers and apologists. He has written countless books on the topic and has taught at Biola University for decades. Most recently, his focus has moved to the nature of anxiety, a topic deeply personal to him. I highly recommend his incredible book Finding Quiet. Not only is his own personal journey gripping, but he offers many concrete tools to help us get unstuck and free. I have loved and benefited from JP's work for years and was honored to hear his thoughts on anxiety. 

JP references You Are Not Your Brain by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz.

2 Day Workshop early bird rate ends Dec 22nd.