Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Christian leaders are often passionate about what they believe. But they do not always share their personal convictions in ways that are healthy or productive.

There is real danger when Christian leaders use their personal convictions as a mandate for how others should live. Doing this tends to lead towards legalism and away from discernment. But what should we be doing instead?

In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that is relevant to what is happening in our world right now. You can't go on social media or the news lately without seeing people, including Christian leaders, making blanket statements about what you should or should not be doing (wearing masks, how to respond to racism, etc).

And while I sometimes agree with the recommendations, I'm concerned with the ways they are being communicated. In many cases, leaders are creating a set of rules that you must follow in order to be seen as a 'real Christian'... and this is legalism. But how can we share our convictions and beliefs without promoting legalism?

Today I'm sharing from a blog post that I wrote previously with 5 principles for sharing our convictions as leaders.

Click here for the full show notes for this episode.

• Esther's other podcast, The Christian Woman Business Podcast
• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode112.

How do you trust God when your entire world is turned upside down? And how do you cling to truth when you're the target of criticism and doubt?

Amanda Florczykowksi joins me for this episode to share her story of a first-hand encounter with a sex trafficking attempt, her decision to go public with the experience, and the resistance she ran into as a result. Take a listen to hear how Amanda learned to trust God in the midst of each step of her journey, as well as how she was able to choose truth in the midst of doubts.

• Amanda's life & leadership [4:27]
• What led Amanda to write her book "Unraveled" [9:34]
• Going public with her story [17:30]
• Processing criticism and rejection [24:05]
• How rejection changed her view of persecution [28:12]
• How to respond to criticism as a leader [33:01]
• • Importance of having a mission and vision
  • Know when it's time to lead and when it's time to leave
  • Never give up
• Dealing with doubt from those who are closest to you [38:57]
• Leadership lessons from the publishing process [50:31]
• Leaders are Learners [54:40]

"I never questioned God, but I started to question my perception of him."

"Every good leader at some point has had to wrestle in pain and the ones that emerge the best leaders are the ones that have encountered it and been able to walk through it with the Lord."

"You have so much for grace for people when you recognize it is a spiritual battle."

"When you understand in leadership that you will be misunderstood--I didn't say judged, but misunderstood--it gives you room to love and the grace to recover."

"When the voice we trust on earth the most makes us feel like God can't be trusted we must choose truth. You have to choose truth."

"Wise counsel should never trump God's word or what He has spoken to us."

"Know how to study your bible, then study it."

"Christian leaders are so needed, but you have to start with God's word to be impactful."

Amanda's book - Unraveled: Mothering Fiercely in a World Full of Fears

Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Loritts

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

• Website
• Free resources from Amanda
• Facebook
• Instagram

Amanda Florczykowski is an intrinsic lover of risk, progress, and people. Her ability to merge all three embodies her personal mission. Her love for women, her desire to see families strengthened, and her unabashed faith in Christ Jesus have led her to found a MOPS International© ministry group and a University-Model® School. As a degreed communicator, Amanda's professional career, pre-kiddos, included awards and high heels as both an educator and top marketing professional for an industry leader.

When not involved in family life, reading, or writing, Amanda uses her pioneering ambition and experience to partner with business CEO and Development Pastor husband to consult with organizations who desire to prosper. Lastly, she is a magnetic motivator speaking on the topics of motherhood, leadership, and faith (see 'Speaking' tab above).

Amanda's family of six, along with their German Shepherd, Radd, live in the Texas Hill Country outside Austin. And while accomplishments are part of a bio, Amanda wants you to know they don't rival her joys; a nightly sunset, "I love you" from her child's mouth, answered prayers, a good night's rest, a big, Saturday breakfast, a clean kitchen, a hot bath, board games, finding $10 in her pocket, a good movie, date night, and welcoming friends into her home to eat and laugh.

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

• Tag @estherdlittlefield on Instagram
• Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's Website
• Christian Woman Business Podcast
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode111.

Do you have a dream or an idea about something God is calling you to do, but you're not sure how to step out into the unknown?

Often we sense God calling us to something new, something different… but we are afraid to take those first steps, especially when we don't know what the outcome is going to be.

In our final episode of our Summer Throwback Series, you'll hear from several of our past guests and find out how they were able to take courageous steps into something new. You'll hear about their real life experiences as well as glean wisdom and hear their recommendations for how you can take your first steps.

• Tembi Secrist, Episode 83 [3:21]
• Rachel Pellegrino, Episode 69 [7:19]
• Merritt Onsa, Episode 47 [12:52]
• Jocelyn Sams, Episode 54 [19:00]
• Stefanie Gass, Episode 71 [21:08]
• Final thoughts from Esther [24:00]

I did not include this one in the clips, but I want to point you to Episode 93 if you are experiencing hesitation or doubts about pursuing a dream or calling God has given you. In that episode, I talk about 5 obstacles to pursuing your purpose and give you some encouragement around getting started.

"It really was hearing God's voice, stepping out without really knowing what that meant at the time, but trusting that God was gonna take me through." - Tembi Secrist

"I don't think you can ever lead well without wise counsel." - Rachel Pellegrino

"I needed to wrestle, because otherwise I wouldn't really need Him." - Merritt Onsa

"A lot of people 'kinda' want to do something, but if you are not all in on it, it's not going to happen." - Jocelyn Sams

"If you have that tug on your heart or that feeling that you need to do 'a thing', but you're not sure how… God already has the plan, He already has the solutions." - Stefanie Gass

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

• Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram
• Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode110.

What are some of the best and most unexpected things to come out of 2 years of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast?

In this episode, Holly and I are celebrating our two year anniversary by answering some of your questions about the podcast. We'll share what we've learned, favorite guests, best things to come as a result, and much more. Plus, we share some of our reflections and let you know the top 5 episodes since we started!

• Invitation to join our group [1:50]
• Bonus podcast for our supporters [4:00]
• Answering your questions [7:11]
• • What has been the best thing that has happened for you during this 2 year journey?
  • What are your family traditions or routines?
  • Do you have any regrets from this journey? Or otherwise ways you would have done things differently had you the opportunity to do it again?
  • What unexpected lessons have you learned (good or bad) from starting a podcast? And what's kept you going for 2 years without getting burned out?
  • Which guest(s) moved you, surprised you, made you laugh, changed your thoughts on a topic, challenged you, etc.?
  • • Episode 103 with Dr. Shannon Polk
    • Episode 59 with Hillary Morgan Ferrer
    • Episode 90 with Valerie Woerner
    • Episode 80 with Sharon Hodde Miller
    • Episode 60 with Kadi Cole
    • Episode 96 with Alisa Childers
    • Bonus episode with Emily P. Freeman
• Our Top 5 Episodes in 2 years of the podcast [32:00]
• • Episode 1: Our Leadership Journeys & What to Expect
  • Episode 81: Dealing with Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Mental Health as a Christian Leader with Laura Howe
  • Episode 80: How to Avoid the Trap of Niceness and Speak Boldly with Sharon Hodde Miller
  • Episode 64: The Power of Community Through Devastating Seasons with Brandi Wilson
  • 83: When God Shifts Your Path Into the Unknown with Tembi Secrist - A Leader's Journey Around the World Part 1
• Our total downloads for the podcast [36:20]
• Other reflection questions [37:21]
• • What is a topic we haven't covered that you'd like to cover this year?
  • What has been something that has stuck with you that a listener has said to you?
• Holly & Esther's updates [48:00]
• A recent listener review [52:30]
• Fun question of the week: What other podcasts do you listen to? [54:30]
• • The Ops Authority
  • The Christian Woman Business Podcast
  • Grit with Jessica Stansberry
  • Living Proof with Beth Moore
  • Made for This with Jennie Allen
  • The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
  • The Legacy Entrepreneur with Lindsey Johnson
  • Go to Gal with Jaclyn Mellone
  • My Biz Bestie
  • The Next Right Thing
  • Friending with Noelle P. Rhodes
  • Grace in Real Life with Jill E. McCormick

Other links mentioned:

• Episode 57: One Year Anniversary
• Esther's new business podcast
• Holly's updated business endeavor: Prosper Collective
• Holly's post about growing tomatoes and our gifts

• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode109.

How do you respond when you meet resistance to using your gifts as a female Christian leader? What about when you face criticism and challenges to what God has called you to do?

All of us will experience resistance, criticism, and challenges as Christian leaders. It's how we respond and handle these situations that really matters.

In this episode of our Summer Throwback Series, you'll hear from several of our past guests and find out what they have learned in these situations. Plus, you'll receive practical wisdom that you can apply in your own life as a leader.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode108.

• Jenni Catron, Episode 11 [2:55]
• Esther & Holly, Episode 17 [6:45]
• Tembi Secrist, Episode 84 [10:15]
• Jenny Randle, Episode 43 [16:03]
• Kadi Cole, Episode 60 [21:00]
• Dr. Shannon Polk, Episode 103 [26:34]
• Alisa Childers, Episode 96 [29:40]

"That ambition, that drive, that achiever in me is not all bad. I just have to find the part of it that God is forming and reforming, and not be afraid of it… but to completely shut it down is to not steward that gift that God has given me." - Jenni Catron

"If I am looking for affirmation or value or approval for anything outside of [God's love], then I'm going to struggle." - Esther Littlefield

"When you are in the middle of the situation, you are aware of things and options and the nuances that not everyone else will be aware of… the most important thing is: if God has called you, you have to go." - Tembi Secrist

"If you are letting other people's criticism or feedback define you, you're not going to get anything done." - Jenny Randle

"These are my 2 anchors: I want to be honest about myself and what I've done without bragging, and I want to be honoring where I'm not usurping or putting anyone down." - Kadi Cole

"Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated." - Dr. Shannon Polk

"We are doing spiritual warfare in the realm of ideas, and we have to realize that people are going to hate that. We have to see everybody as Jesus sees them, and hope that there's something we can say that will soften or diffuse so that they can hear what we have to say." - Alisa Childers

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram

Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode108.

Do you ever struggle to identify, embrace, or use your gifts with confidence? You're not alone, and this episode will help you reframe your thoughts about embracing your gifts.

As Christian women leaders, it's important for us to embrace our gifts--but how exactly do we do this? In the first of our Summer Throwback Series episodes, we're sharing clips from several of our past guests around the topic of embracing your gifts.

You'll hear encouraging and challenging words to help you remember some powerful truths about acknowledging, understanding, and using your gifts with confidence. After you listen, make sure to head back and listen to the full episodes with these guests, as these clips are just a small glimpse into the incredible conversations.

• Abby Rike Rockenbaugh, Episode 3
• Breshana Miller, Episode 45
• Lilah Higgins, Episode 5
• Patrice Washington, Episode 51
• Rachael Gilbert, Episode 14
• Jill McCormick, Episode 7

"Whenever I say, 'Oh I'm not a leader, oh I'm not good enough to do that', then I'm basically calling God a liar." - Abby Rike Rockenbaugh

"If God has called you to this, and you know this is what you can do--this is how God has blessed you in order to serve other women--there are women who need it." - Breshana Miller

"When you're trying to build a business off of your skills, and you're trying to walk in what God has for you, it's something you don't really notice, cause it's super easy for you, and it doesn't feel like work." - Lilah Higgins

"Even as I was building confidence, there was still that seed of doubt that tried to come in." - Patrice Washington

"The more time I hang out with God… I don't have the words to express how He shifts something in my heart." - Rachael Gilbert

"When we confuse confidence and competence with pride, that's a problem. Because God has gifted you with competence, and He's gifted you with gifts to use and acknowledge. And you don't do the world any favors when you deny your gifting for the sake of not wanting to be boastful." - Jill E. McCormick

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

• Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram
• Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode107.

Lately it seems that there is content and information coming at us from every direction. And all of the information, content, and input leads may lead us to feeling pressured or even paralyzed about what to do next.

In this episode, I'm sharing some thoughts about how I've been feeling lately, along with some of the themes I've been hearing from many of you.

Here are some of the things I'm hearing and experiencing:

• Pressures on leaders navigating through the COVID-19 crisis
• Racism and racial tensions throughout our country
• Constant messages from organizations, social media, the news, and emails about what leaders should and should not do
• Feeling like it's impossible to keep up with everything we need to read, learning, and implement

There is a pressure to constantly be "on" as leaders. Our mental, spiritual, and emotional health can suffer when we are not proactive about protecting ourselves and staying healthy.

But in order to keep yourself healthy, I believe you need to take a step back. Jesus exemplified this in his life and we need to follow in his footsteps.

In this episode, I'm sharing some very practical ways to deal with this issue of content or input overload. These are some things that I recommend at ALL times, but especially at times when you are feeling the weight and pressure needing to continually take in more and more info.

1. Turn off notifications on your phone and devices
2. Schedule your time
3. Ruthlessly prioritize your life
4. Take a break from social media
5. Spend time outside
6. Find time to be quiet
7. Journal
8. Connect with a friend

As Christian leaders, we are overloaded; burdened for people and for the state of our nation and our world.

Let's follow in Jesus' footsteps. Take time to retreat, to make sure we are filled up and refreshed. We do not have to be "on" 24/7 and we don't have to read every post, respond to every message, or take action on every thing immediately

Choose one of these items on my list to implement this week. Then come share inside of the Purposeful Leadership Facebook group and let us know which one you did! I would love to hear about it.

• Episode 102: How to Avoid Burnout and Experience True Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
• Episode 103: The Reality of Racism & What the Church (and You) Can Do with Dr. Shannon Polk
• Episode 105: Finding Hope and Healing after Ministry Hurt with Kristen Joy
• Episode 33: My Favorite Tools for Goal Setting, Planning, and Creating Habits

• Esther's other podcast, The Christian Woman Business Podcast
• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode106.

Have you ever found yourself reeling from unexpected hurt and pain in your leadership and ministry? As Christian leaders, how can we find hope and healing when the unmet expectations and personal devastation goes beyond what we could have prepared for?

In this episode, Holly and I talk with Kristen Joy about her personal journey through ministry hurt. She shares how this experience impacted not just her, but also her entire family. Kristen also shares how she found hope and healing after the ministry hurt.

We also dive into some of the things leaders can do to get and stay healthy. Whether you are in full-time ministry or not, this conversation is sure to give you a better understanding of how female leaders can be proactive in finding hope and healing after hurt.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode105.

• Kristen's life & leadership journey [4:30]
• Why Kristen desires to support leaders who are hurting [10:02]
• • Kristen's story of experiencing hurt in ministry
  • Additional crises in their own family
• Finding healing and help for herself [25:40]
• • Impact on her marriage
  • Lessons she has learned
• Healing from unmet expectations [36:06]
• • Boundaries
  • Attending to whole person needs
  • Watching for God
  • Tension between deny yourself and pursuing your passions
  • Learning to be open handed
• Why leaders don't set boundaries [51:10]
• Forgiveness and healing [55:43]
• How churches can handle hiring & firing better [1:00:05]

All quotes are by Kristen Joy unless otherwise noted.

• "Success requires a lot of humility, and a lot of giving up your own agenda."
• "The beginning of healing was before it even happened."
• "I had put all of these things--values I had, dreams I had, gifts and skills that I had--and I had put them in a box and put them away."
• "Mental health and emotional health come in the form sometimes of all the small, daily choices that you're making."
• "If your hands are open, then whatever he chooses to place in them is a blessing. And whatever he chooses to take away is also a blessing."
• "When boundaries are not there, it's a recipe for disaster for the organization but also for the individual." - Esther Littlefield
• "In the place of hurt… even though you can't feel it and you often can't see it, you are still His child… you are still loved… He is right there with you."

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Email: [email protected]

Kristen Joy is a chocolate-lovin' wife, momma to 6, ministry leader, and wounded soul advocate. As a certified Biblical life coach, she is passionate about people learning to attend to their whole-person health. Growing up as a "PK" and then marrying a pastor, she also cares deeply for the health of Christian leaders and the church as a whole. She believes people best see the love of Christ and the power of the gospel when healthy Christ-followers lead well.

• Pastor's Hope Network
• Recovering from Trauma, Why Leaders Need to Heal & How We Can Get (and offer) Support for Mental Health with Dr. Barbara Lowe
• Life Coach Certification with Elisa Pulliam

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram

Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's other podcast, The Christian Woman Business Podcast
• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode105.

Are you struggling to determine how to respond to the collective crises we are facing in our country, the world, and in the church? There is a lot of pressure on leaders at this time, yet each of our individual situations are slightly different, and how we will respond is different as well.

As Christian leaders, we want to respond to national and global crises with wisdom and love. We don't want to turn a blind eye to the significant pain and suffering of those around us. Yet, there are times when we may be struggling ourselves, either with mental health concerns or significant challenges in our families.

In this episode, Holly and I are talking through our thoughts on the current crises and the challenges that leaders are dealing with. We discuss the factors that can impact our ability or capacity to speak up and how to navigate making this decision for yourself. We also share 6 key things that we can do as individuals when we face collective crises.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode104.

• Intro to our topic today [1:00]
• Ways you can support the podcast [2:15]
• The crises that have impacted us in 2020 [5:00]
• Challenges that leaders are facing in this season [11:45]
• How do we individually respond to collective crises as leaders? [15:32]
• • The added factor of mental health or other personal crises
  • The need for grace rather than shame
  • Esther's story about attempting to get others to change their actions in the wrong way
• 6 ways we can can respond as leaders (based on Esther's blog post) [27:51]
• • Don't give in to fear [28:40]
  • Be informed, not apathetic [30:55]
  • Pray [36:08]
  • Refrain from judging other people's decisions [40:11]
  • Support those affected by the crisis [43:36]
  • Lead with wisdom not hype [46:36]
• Fun question of the day: What's one summer activity that you can't wait to do? [52:25]
• Should we have an event [56:13]

"We need to give ourselves (and others) grace in terms of how we publicly respond to any given crisis." - Esther

"Give yourself some space and some grace." - Holly

"If we are not living in the freedom that Christ gives us, then there's something wrong." - Esther

"Leaders should not be shaming others into action." - Esther

"We need to be very careful with how we are calling out other leaders." - Holly

"When we shame others into things, we're only getting an initial response; we're not getting a long-term change." - Holly

"Sometimes the silence may look like apathy; that is the challenge, that is the tension." - Esther

"These days call for wisdom and discernment." - Holly

"We all have the potential to completely mess things up in how we respond, and that's why we all need the grace." - Esther

Scriptures mentioned (ESV):

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1

Esther 4:13-17

• Episode 103 with Shannon Polk
• Mental Health Series
• How to Respond to Crisis as a Christian Leader (blog post)
• The Problem of Legalism in Christianity and How Our Personal Convictions Aren't Helping
• 5 Principles for Sharing Your Personal Convictions as a Christian Leader (Without Promoting Legalism)

Our Merch Store

Click here to go to the store and find merch you'll love!

If you grab one of the items and share a photo on social media, use the hashtag #leadwithconfidence and/or tag us so we can see it!

Tag @estherdlittlefield or @christianwomanleadership on Instagram

Tag @estherlittlefield on Facebook

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

• Esther's Website
• Holly's Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode104.

In the past few weeks, our country has been reminded of the reality of racism. As Christian leaders, how should we as the church be responding? And what can we do on an individual basis?

While some of us may not be affected by or see racism on a regular basis, the issue was brought to light in a significant way in recent weeks due to the death of George Floyd (among other incidents). As I considered this issue, I knew this was something I wanted to address on this podcast. Yet I knew that I needed to invite someone who has the expertise to speak to this topic.

In this episode, I'm talking with my friend Dr. Shannon Polk. Shannon shares her leadership journey and how she ended up as a lawyer, associate pastor, wife, and mother. Despite being encouraged in her leadership gifts for most of her childhood and young adult years, she still faced doubts about her gifts and leadership ability later in adulthood.

We also dive into the topic of racism and how the church can and should respond. Shannon provides both historical and personal insights into this issue, helping us to understand the origins of some of the practices that still live on today (even if they are no longer policies).

Finally, Shannon and I dive into how we can practically respond as individuals, as well as one caveat we should all be looking out for as we navigate this season. This incredibly powerful conversation is a must-listen for all Christian leaders (not just women), so I encourage you to consider sharing it after you listen.

Become a Partner & Get Access to Bonus Content

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase via one of the links, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to support the costs of running the podcast and blog.

• Shannon's current life & leadership [4:06]
• Her leadership journey [7:20]
• • Natural gifting for leadership
  • Encouragement from family and other leaders
• When Shannon faced doubts about her leadership [16:00]
• The current events involving racism and the church's response [28:48]
• • The need to speak up if you see racism happening
  • The importance of listening
  • Shannon's own experiences
  • The issue of dehumanization
• The issue of segregation of our churches & how it started [40:00]
• • Historical background
  • Redlining and how this impacts the segregation
  • Look at the message you are sending to the black community
• Dealing with the discomfort [50:15]
• • Asking God to search our hearts
  • Examining our own biases
  • The need to change policies and practices
• The practical ways that we can do better as individuals (even if you're in a predominantly white area) [59:44]
• • Educate yourself
  • Adopt a listening posture
• Speaking up vs. doing the inner work [1:05:00]
• • Communication is key
  • Recognize you may not get it right
  • Look at your structures and see if you have people who can help you craft the message
  • Don't let the fear of saying the wrong thing stop you from saying anything
  • Build the relationships
• Caution about the rush to normalcy [1:11:20]
• Leaders are learners [1:13:45]

Quotes are by Shannon Polk unless otherwise noted.

• "We are women and there's a place for us in the body and there's a place for us outside of the body."
• "Go where you're celebrated, not where you're tolerated."
• "If we want to really release women to do all that God has created them to do, we need to let them lead with all of who they are."
• "Imagine living in that tension every day; where the simplest encounter could escalate beyond your wildest imagination."
• "You wouldn't leave your sex education of your kids up to Netflix, so why would you leave the education of race up to Netflix, up to the media, up to the neighbors next door?"
• "We have to ask ourselves: are we willing to be uncomfortable?"
• "Are you willing to lock arms with your black brothers and sisters in a way that could inconvenience you, and could possibly even harm you?"
• "Instagram activism is super easy.... Are you willing to be that person to stand up and say 'this isn't right' if it could cost you your job?"
• "What Christian authors are you reading that are not white?"
• "We're not expecting you to get it right, but we're expecting you to participate in the journey."

• Be the Bridge
• Episode 2: What is Leadership and Why Does Your Leadership Matter?
• The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby
• Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America by Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith
• Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth by Samuel Chand
• Didn't See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences by Carey Nieuwhof
• Take the Day Off: Receiving God's Gift of Rest by Robert Morris

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Shannon Polk, JD, DMin is an associate pastor at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, Michigan. She is an attorney and consultant on issues of race, gender, faith, and leadership.

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This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode103.