Center for Congregations Podcast

The Center for Congregation's own Ryan Robinson, Executive Director of Talent and Culture, joins Patrick and Matt to discuss the importance of HR practices in congregational life and how doing it right provides freedom and vitality.

Resources

A Pastor's Toolbox 2: More Management Skills for Parish Leadership by Paul A. Holmes (book)

The Church Network (organization)

Weanne Estrada, Mental Health Specialist at ADRA International, joins JC and Matt to talk about the challenges immigrants face when settling in the US and what congregations can do to help. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian organization serving all over the world.

Resources

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

Reintegrating Faith into The Nations Approach to Homelessness (article)

Welcoming the Stranger (book/curriculum)

World Relief (organization)

Janell and Aaron Lane, Co-founders of Courageous Healing and Courageous Living join Shellie and Matt to talk about Trauma Informed Ministry. The source of trauma and how it manifests in people is often misunderstood. Aaron and Janell will help you understand what trauma is and how to create a compassionate and caring community to welcome those who have been hurt.

Resources

My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book)

Trauma-Informed Therapy Explained (article)

Brett Meyer, CEO of Neighborlink, joins JC and Matt to talk about the impact of meeting the basic needs of those in your own neighborhood. Neighborlink is a national program that helps connect those who need some help with those who are able to help.

Resources

Neighborlink (organization)

When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (book)

Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Wayne Gordon and John Perkins (book)

Father Joe's Village (organization)

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)