Seminary Presidents Rev. Dr. David Mellott of Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary join Elise and Matt to talk about current trends in theological education. Regardless of your denominational background and educational pathways, this conversation will provide a useful window into the "in-between" space of congregational life and religious study and training.

William Wubbenhorst, Non-Resident Scholar for the Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) at Baylor University, joins JC and Matt to talk about the issue of homelessness and the findings of an 11-city study. The contents of this study are illuminating and William's expertise provides solid advice and support for congregations seeking to help their communities.

Resources

Assessing the Faith-Based Response to Homelessness in America: Findings from Eleven Cities (Report)

The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Evidence, Practice, Policy (book)

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (book)

Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (website)

Family Promise (organization)

Open Table (organization)

Religious Freedom to House the Homeless (article)

Disrupting Homelessness: Alternative Christian Approaches by Laura Stivers (book)

The Other Philadelphia Story (book)

Dr. Josh Packard joins John and Matt to discuss Sacred Listening; a tool that can help your congregation develop deeper relationships and community. Dr. Packard's background in Sociology and his personal faith combine in this set of practical tools and stories.

Resources

Future of Faith (website)

Dr. Packard's website

Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research While You're Doing It by Howard Becker (book)

Learning to Speak God from Scratch by Jonathan Merritt (book)

Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar Schein (book)

Pastor Dave Fox and Pastor Eric Lehman from The Bridge Community Church in Decatur, Indiana join Shellie and Matt to talk about the impact of pilgrimage on their congregation. They co-led a pilgrimage to Turkey to see sites along Paul's missionary journeys and the cities mentioned in Revelation.

Resources

Rediscovering the Spiritual Practice of Pilgrimage (article)

Christian Expedition (organization)

Bible Collection: The Apocalypse (movie)

The Bridge Community Church (website)

The Bridge Community Church (Facebook)

The Bridge Community Church (Instagram)

Dr. Elise Erikson Barrett, the President of the Center for Congregations, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her past experience with organizations who work with congregations, the present challenges and future hopes.

Resources

Hartford Institute for Religious Research (organization)

The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu (book)

Future of Faith (organization)

Rooted Good (organization)

Will Mancini joins Shellie and Matt to talk about how congregations can best develop vision for their specific context. Will Mancini is a former pastor, author and consultant with decades of experience in congregational life.

Resources

frunfree.co (organization)

Will Mancini's website

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman (book)

7 Laws of Real Church Growth (toolkit)

Dr. Kilen Gray joins JC and Matt to talk about conflict in congregations. Dr. Gray believes that, far from being a negative, conflict is actually something that can strengthen an organization.

Resources

Dr. Kilen Gray's website

Dr. Kilen Gray's Facebook

Bates Memorial Church

Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict by George Bullard, Jr. (book)

Center for Healthy Churches (organization)

Nathan Parr, Facility Stewardship Specialist at Smart Church Solutions, joins JC and Matt to talk about the importance and prioritization of facility maintenance. Nathan shares his practical knowledge garnered from working with hundreds of congregations on facility management.

Resources

Smart Church Solutions (organization)

Smart Church Solutions YouTube Page (video)

Smart Church Solutions Facebook Page (website)

Nathan Parr's Email: [email protected]

Navigating the Church Facility Journey (video)

The Master's Plan for Church Design and Construction by Rodney James (book)

Entrusted: A Guide to Intentional Church Facility Stewardship by Tim Cool (book)

Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., joins Kara and John to discuss how relational and resource connections can lead to vital congregations and communities. The conversation includes the importance of continual learning for leaders, assessing your own congregation and how to navigate some of the major cultural shifts that have occurred.

Resources

The Adept Church by Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr. (book)

Sustaining While Disrupting by Dr. F. Dougls Powe Jr. (book)

Patrick Riecke joins Miriam and Matt to discuss burnout. Patrick shares from his personal experiences and public studies to shine a light on this under-discussed issue and what to do about it.

Resources

Burnout Test (website/assessment)

Patrick Riecke (website/organization)

R3 Restoration (organization)

Psychology Today (website)

Mental Health America (website/organization)

Moving Church Volunteers from Burnout To Their Best Fit (podcast/video)

Warning Signs of Burnout and How to Prevent It (article)