Ministry Pivot with Russell St. Bernard

In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ dives deep into how his team at Kingdom Fellowship creates a successful Sunday worship experience. From praying for uniqueness to having clear goals and consistent preparation, Rev. Russ outlines the keys to thriving worship services. Whether you’re a church leader or part of the congregation, this episode will inspire you to refine your approach to worship and leadership.

In this episode of Ministry Pivot, host Rev. Russ sits down with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock, Senior Pastor at Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, for an insightful conversation about pastoral succession, leadership and her journey as the first woman to lead her historic congregation. Pastor Pitts-Murdock shares her experience transitioning from an interim to a senior pastor role, discusses the challenges of succeeding a legacy pastor, and reflects on leading through uncharted territory during the pandemic.

In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ shares invaluable insights on how to lead your staff effectively by focusing on their strengths, fostering development, and expecting excellence. Drawing from his experience in church leadership, Rev. Russ offers practical advice that can be applied across various leadership contexts, whether in ministry, business, or any organization.

In this insightful episode of Ministry Pivot, host Rev. Russ sits down with Dr. Reggie Blount and Dr. Sidney Williams to discuss their innovative approach to ministry called "Fishing Differently." They explore how churches can maximize their impact beyond Sunday services by leveraging intellectual, social, human, and faith capital.

In this episode of Ministry Pivot, Rev. Russ welcomes the insightful Rev. Lisa Fields. They discuss the importance of apologetics within the African American community, the impact of media on faith, and the inspiring work of the Jude 3 Project. Rev. Lisa shares her personal journey from banking to ministry, emphasizing the need for representation in theological scholarship. They also delve into the engaging documentaries produced by Jude 3 and the powerful stories they tell.

In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast hosted by Russell St. Bernard, we highlight impactful community work by revisiting interviews with Pastor Heather and Pastor Heber Brown. Pastor Heather discusses her lifelong struggle with suicidal thoughts and the creation of the 'life box' initiative during COVID-19, which provides essential items to individuals struggling with mental health issues. Pastor Heber Brown introduces the Black Church Food Security Network, a national coalition of churches and black farmers tackling food insecurity by creating black food ecosystems. Both leaders emphasized the importance of supporting mental health and food justice within their communities. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of maintaining and utilizing the land for community benefit and encourages listeners to stay connected and pivot toward opportunities.

In this episode of the Ministry Pivot podcast, Rev. Russ emphasizes the importance of identifying and leaning into your strengths for personal and professional growth. Drawing from his experience as a Gallup-certified strengths coach, Rev. Russ shares valuable insights on recognizing your unique talents, delegating tasks that fall outside your strengths, and tracking your progress toward achieving impactful results. Discover how embracing your strengths can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

In this episode, Rev. Russ shares insights on maximizing productivity and igniting growth. Join us as we explore the importance of staying flammable, accessible, and expectant for sparks of inspiration in leadership and life.

Join us for a deep dive into the topic of succession and leadership transitions in ministry with Rev. Dr. Walter S. Thomas, Jr. In this enlightening conversation, Pastor Thomas shares his insights on the importance of passing the baton well, being faithful and honest in the transition process, and looking forward to the next chapter of ministry. From biblical parallels to personal anecdotes, this episode offers valuable wisdom for anyone facing organizational leadership changes.

Rev. Russ talks with Rev. Dr. Anika Wilson Brown about her experience transitioning into the lead pastor role at the historic Union Temple Baptist Church after her father's 53-year tenure. Rev. Brown provides valuable insights on taking over an established legacy as a woman pastor, including owning her unique gift, managing change, and engaging in dialogue to equip the congregation. She also advises church boards to have equitable processes when selecting new pastors. This conversation highlights the importance of embracing gender diversity in church leadership while respecting traditions.