IMF Service Station

Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of leadership in the church and nonprofit sectors. In this episode, we delve into the transformative shift from traditional command and control leadership to a more transparent and servant-hearted approach. Today's leaders are challenged to uphold integrity and transparency while making critical decisions that impact their organizations and communities. We discuss the importance of avoiding isolation and echo chambers, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and collaborative decision-making.

Discover practical insights on how to build and sustain effective teams by investing in people and fostering a healthy organizational culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to lead in these environments, this podcast provides valuable perspectives on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in today's dynamic leadership landscape.

**Disclosure: Special Interview Episode**
This episode is a special interview featuring John Braland, President and General Overseer of IMF and Lead Pastor at Freshwater Church. We have been granted access by Freshwater Church and the We Bring Life Podcast to share this content through our podcast channels. We appreciate this collaboration and hope you enjoy the insightful conversation.

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves 
Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! 

Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others! 

Unscripted with IMF: 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/ 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563 
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH

IMFServes Socials: 
http://instagram.com/imfserves 
http://facebook.com/imfserves 
http://youtube.com/imfserveshttps://linkedin.com/company/internationalministerialfellowship

In this episode we welcome two extraordinary leaders Aye Chananan, the National Director of Sisters of Grace and Emily Leatherbarrow the President and Founder. Join us as we dive into the incredible work being done by Sisters of Grace- a ministry providing a sanctuary for young girls in the perilous and impoverished villages of Northern Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The grim reality is that human trafficking has become more profitable than the drug trade with children as young as four or five being sold into slavery. Aye and Emily share their inspiring journey and the unwavering leadership that fuels Sisters of Grace. They reveal how their ministry offers more than just rescue—providing community, love, and comprehensive support including personalized therapy, education, life skills, vocational training, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Tune in to hear heart-wrenching stories of rescue, hope, and redemption, and discover how Sisters of Grace is making a profound difference in lives. This episode is a testament to the power of compassion and the unyielding fight against human trafficking.

Podcast Guest Links:
Website: Wearesistersofgrace.org
Visit Sister's of Grace's website to sign up for the mailing list to receive regular updates and reports from us about the ministry, the girls and the Family of Grace, to learn more about becoming a sponsor, and other ways to get involved.

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others!

Unscripted with IMF:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH

IMFServes Socials: 
http://instagram.com/imfserves 
http://facebook.com/imfserves 
http://youtube.com/imfserves
https://linkedin.com/company/internationalministerialfellowship

In this episode, we are honored to have Ron Sellers, President of Grey Matter Research & Consulting here with overview of research on evangelical Christians, and the Spiritual Journey we see in the Christian life and families.  The Spiritual Journey covers how old today’s adult evangelicals were when they came to faith, what were some of the most common influences on their decision to accept Christ, and whether they can recall a specific point of decision or whether it was gradual.  There is discussion on the level of spiritual engagement evangelicals show currently in Bible readership and study, worship attendance, prayer, small group attendance, etc.).

Podcast Guest Link: www.greymatterresearch.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others!

Unscripted with IMF:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH

IMFServes Socials:
http://instagram.com/imfserves
http://facebook.com/imfserves
http://youtube.com/imfserves
https://linkedin.com/company/internationalministerialfellowship

In this episode, we engage in a discussion about family-friendly entertainment and the integration of Christian values in the media industry with Dr. Ted Baehr. Dr. Ted Baehr is the Founder and Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE®: The Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment and serves as the Chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission® ministry. He is also widely recognized as a critic, educator, speaker, and media pundit. His mission is to utilize media as a tool for promoting values while educating audiences on the importance of discernment in choosing their entertainment. Check it out!

Podcast Guest Links
About Ted Baehr: www.movieguide.org/about/dr-baehr
Movie Guide Website: www.movieguide.org

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others! 

In this episode, we dive into the transformative work of Reverend Carl Wesley Anderson, an internationally renowned equipping evangelist and documentary filmmaker. With a unique blend of itinerant ministry and media missions, Carl's vision is to ignite passion for discipleship and amplify the voice of God in believers worldwide.

As the author of "LOVE SPEAKS" and the creative force behind the acclaimed "LOVE SPEAKS" and "FROM HISTORY TO HOPE" series, Carl discusses the power of storytelling in conveying spiritual truths and fostering spiritual growth. Through his role as the Executive Director of Born To Blaze Ministries, he shares insights into the mission of producing high-quality, evangelistic content to impact lives and advance the Kingdom of God.

Join us as we explore Carl's journey, his insights into the intersection of faith and media and his commitment to equipping believers for dynamic spiritual living.

Podcast Guest Links
Carl’s Website: www.carlwesleyanderson.com
Born to Blaze Ministries: https://borntoblaze.com

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others! 

IMFServes Socials: 
http://instagram.com/imfserves 
http://facebook.com/imfserves 
http://youtube.com/imfserves

Join us for an engaging conversation with Michael A. Rivera Jr., MDiv, BCC, CPES, the CPE Director and Civilian Chaplain Endorser at IMF. In this episode, Michael shares his some of his personal journey as a chaplain and discusses the exciting Clinical Pastoral Education Program offered by IMF.

We have partnered with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT) to launch our CPE center. The program is distance learning, leveraging technology, and is accredited-recognized by the US Department of Education. At IMF, we believe that every ministry member (not just Chaplains) can benefit from at least one unit of CPE.

To inquire for CPE, visit the CPE Center webpage and fill out the “Enroll in a CPE Unit” form. If you have any questions please reach out to Michael at [email protected]. Michael will be happy to assist you with the registration process and address any questions you may have.

Podcast Guest Links
CPE Center: www.imfserves.org/cpecenter

Unscripted with IMF is available on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://us1.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=10344261
Youtube: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

IMFServes Socials: 
Instagram (@IMFServes) 
Facebook (facebook.com/IMFserves) 
YouTube (@IMFServes)

In today's episode, we have the privilege of hosting a renowned author, speaker, and expert in the megachurch world, Warren Bird. Join us as Warren shares insights from his latest book on Team Resilience. Listen to explore the intriguing question: What could God do if every member of a team was operating at their best, supporting one another, fostering a high-trust environment, and achieving peak effectiveness? Get tuned in for a conversation that will inspire, challenge, and reshape your perspective on team dynamics and resilience.

Warren Bird, Ph.D., researches cutting-edge churches and works with their leaders to multiply their evangelistic and disciplemaking impact. He is widely recognized as among the nation’s leading students, researchers and writers about megachurches.

He has authored or co-authored over 30 books, receiving several awards along the way. For example, he received the prestigious Gold Medallion Award, the top honor given by the international trade association for Christian publishers. He has also contributed collaborative chapters or sections to 7 other books. He has published almost 200 magazine articles and more than 30 major research reports. He has served on advisory boards for several magazines and several other book projects.

As an ordained minister, he served on staff for 11 years at Princeton (N.J.) Alliance Church, an innovative church with a worship attendance approaching 2,000. Other pastoral experience includes leading a C&MA church-planting team for four years. He has also served as a long-time regularly contributing faculty member at Alliance Theological Seminary teaching in the D. Min Program.

Today he is Vice President of Research and Equipping at the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit accrediting agency designed to enhance trust and certify integrity in Christ-centered churches and ministries.
 
Podcast Guest Links

Co-authored books mentioned in this episode:
The Resilience Factor: A Step-by-Step Guide to Catalyze an Unbreakable Team: https://a.co/d/8Eru2cc
Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work (expanded and updated edition): https://a.co/d/aAa01Pj
Next: Pastoral Succession that Works (expanded and updated edition): https://a.co/d/2brHZ1x
Liquid Church: Six Powerful Ways to Saturate Your City for Christ: https://a.co/d/fUVtMwb

Warren’s Website: https://warrenbird.com 
ECFA’s Website: https://www.ecfa.org

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others! 

IMFServes Socials: 
http://instagram.com/imfserves 
http://facebook.com/imfserves 
http://youtube.com/imfserves

In this episode, we are honored to have Greg Ligon, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in serving churches and leaders as our guest.

Greg is the founder of The Ligon Group a dynamic organization dedicated to maximizing kingdom impact through leadwell cohorts, consulting, and brand strategies. Greg is actively involved in various cohorts, recruiting for the spring season. These cohorts include Senior Pastors in their 30s, Executive Pastors, and Senior Pastors Finishing Well (55+), offering consulting services such as Smart Succession, Multisite Next, and What's Next Strategy. Greg also provides coaching for personal and professional development. His wealth of experience includes both founding and executive roles in multiple organizations with a focus on strategic planning for churches.

Greg's leadership extended to the publishing imprints associated with Leadership Network, where he provided executive leadership and spearheaded strategic services for the organization. Prior to his role at Leadership Network, Greg made significant contributions as the founding director of the United Methodist Campus Ministry at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and as a senior associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Waco, Texas.

Podcast Guest Links:
The Ligon Group: https://ligongroup.com
Email Greg: [email protected]
The Multi-site Church Revolution Book: https://a.co/d/i8Ya4jl
A Multi-site Church Roadtrip: Exploring the New Normal: https://a.co/d/fsd1hYN

Leadwell Cohorts:
Through LeadWell Cohorts, leaders gain unique insights from peer learning environments. LeadWell Cohorts leverage the group setting for leaders in similar roles. The wisdom of well seasoned mentors and expert resources from multiple disciplines empower participants to tackle some of the most pressing issues and opportunities of our time. This collaborative community helps leaders bust through their leadership lids and create plans for accelerated results.

Organizations with Digital Driven Discipleship Tools mentioned by Greg:
Studio C: https://thestudioc.org
Apollos: https://www.apollos.app

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel: http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others!

Unscripted with IMF:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH   

IMFServes Socials:
http://instagram.com/imfserves
http://facebook.com/imfserves
http://youtube.com/imfserves

Hannah Fordice, the founder of House of Faith and Freedom, is a writer and advocate with a passion for ending intimate partner violence. She developed House of Faith and Freedom to help equip individuals, churches, and ministries to prayerfully and effectively deal with abusive situations in their congregation and surrounding community.

Hannah has a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Human Services  Forensic Behavioral Health. She has experience working with various non-profits and government agencies around the areas of domestic violence, victim services, and community outreach and education. Join in on the conversation of breaking the silence and navigating intimate partner violence in our church communities.

**Disclosure: Special Interview Episode**
This episode is a special interview featuring John Braland, President and General Overseer of IMF and Lead Pastor at Freshwater Church. We have been granted access by Freshwater Church and the We Bring Life Podcast to share this content through our podcast channels. We appreciate this collaboration and hope you enjoy the insightful conversation.

Podcast Guest Links
House of Faith & Freedom: https://www.houseoffaithandfreedom.org
Godly Response to Intimate Partner Violence Course: https://house-of-faith-and-freedom.trainercentralsite.com/course/godly-response-to-abuse#/home
Hannah’s Book Ready Refuge: A Cross-Denominational Guide for Church Leaders on Intimate Partner Violence https://a.co/d/3Sp9x9v 

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel:
http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others!

Unscripted with IMF:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH

IMFServes Socials:
http://instagram.com/imfserves
http://facebook.com/imfserves
http://youtube.com/imfserves

In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Langston as our guest, a seasoned Seminary Professor and Chaplain with a rich background in law enforcement, sports, healthcare, and military settings. He brings great wisdom into the world of chaplaincy, exploring the trends that shape this vital field.
 
Dr. Langston shares his journey in establishing the Chaplaincy program at CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry, and his role in crafting the PhD in Practical Theology. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Law Enforcement Chaplain, Sports Chaplain with NASCAR, Healthcare Chaplain, and Military Chaplain, he sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans and active personnel, particularly focusing on moral injuries that leave lasting impacts.
 
The conversation deepens as we unpack the core issues that bring guilt, shame, and mental health struggles for both Chaplains and those who Chaplains are serving. Dr. Langston guides us through the process of unpacking conflict resolution, making assessments of complex situations, and understanding the underlying dynamics.

IMF and CIU’s Strategic Partnership - The partnership provides IMF Members scholarship options for both part-time ($250 per semester) and full-time ($500 per semester) students. Students may be eligible for additional CIU scholarships and grants. It also allows qualified CIU faculty, staff, seniors, and graduates to a 25% reduced application fee when applying for ecclesiastical credentialing through IMF.

Podcast Guest Links:
Michael Langston's Biography: www.ciu.edu/faculty-staff/michael-w-langston
Check out CIU for advanced degree options: https://www.ciu.edu
IMF Partnerships: http://Imfserves.org/strategicpartnerships

Don't Forget to SUBSCRIBE to IMF’s Channel:
http://youtube.com/@imfserves

Want to hear more podcast episodes? New episodes are released every first and third Thursday of the month! Unscripted with IMF is the podcast that covers leadership, relevant hot topics, encouragement, stories, and the future of the church. This is a space for ministry leaders to learn how to ignite change and inspire growth wherever you serve because IMF exists to serve those who serve others!

Unscripted with IMF:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0HQARE9Ax4skTZvdWB2KMl?si=5c98ff0e0a82425b&nd=1
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unscripted-with-imf-108080352/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1669111563
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4236415
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWY8LqEsxlebeRoerrtb2I3D9qXb5nDH

IMFServes Socials:
Instagram (@IMFServes)
Facebook (facebook.com/IMFserves)
YouTube (@IMFServes)