"Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!"

This cry from Isaiah 64 expresses humanity's deep longing for hope. In this special Advent reflection, Professor Rolf Jacobson of Luther Seminary takes us on an unexpected journey from an 18th-century Hasidic tale to the prophet Isaiah's fierce prayer, revealing how true hope comes not from our own efforts, but from God's faithful promises.

Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, Rolf shows us that hope isn't about what we deserve or create within ourselves—it's about recognizing God's Spirit already at work in our neighborhoods, bringing about God's preferred future. His message offers a fresh perspective on Advent hope that speaks directly to our current moment.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Vo5BNwFUqJc.

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"I lost five council members when I tried to make changes."

This candid admission from a church leader captures the real challenges of leading congregations today. In this special Q&A episode, hosts Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton tackle your most pressing questions about church leadership and change.

Drawing from questions submitted by listeners in the field, our hosts explore how to build motivation for change, ways to discern God's will as a community, practical approaches to neighborhood ministry for commuter churches, and strategies for building trust while leading through lament. Whether you're facing council resistance or seeking to guide your congregation into God's future, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey. Featuring insights on the "five whys" exercise, storytelling practices for building trust, and scripture-based approaches to discernment from Acts 16.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations” Morehouse Publishing, 1996) by Suzanne G. Farnham et al.
• “Pursuing God’s Will Together” by Ruth Haley Barton, D.D.
• Acts 16 passage on discernment

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What does church look like when it moves from traditional sanctuaries to breweries, hiking trails, and pizza shops? In this episode, Bryan Wilkom, founder of Jesus Fit, shares how Beer Church and other innovative gatherings are creating authentic spiritual community in everyday spaces. From monthly Beer Church gatherings where diverse groups share stories around brewery tables, to Trail Church walks that combine movement with meditation, Bryan is pioneering fresh expressions of church that meet people exactly where they are.

Beer Church isn't just about the location—it's about reimagining how we build spiritual community. Bryan shares why public spaces create natural opportunities for spiritual conversation, how to create judgment-free zones for faith exploration, and practical ways to practice Jesus' habits of hospitality and table fellowship in modern contexts. Whether you're looking to start alternative forms of church or simply want to better understand how to reach those who feel disconnected from traditional religious spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of spiritual community. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" (Jossey-Bass, 2022) by Patrick Lencioni
• "Liturgy of the Ordinary" (InterVarsity Press, 2022) by Tish Harrison Warren
• Gallup poll on religion and wellbeing (2022)
• The official Jesus Fit website.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZWPKmXU7Pr.

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Tired of endless church Advent activities that leave everyone exhausted? In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares a revolutionary approach to the Advent season—one that subtracts rather than adds. As both an artist and theologian, Steve offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to create meaningful spiritual experiences without overwhelming their congregations. Learn how simple practices like communal meals, guided meditation, and contemplative art can transform your church's approach to Advent.

Rather than adding more programming, discover how your congregation can embrace the counter-cultural gift of stillness and sacred presence. From historic traditions of the northern church to modern applications in busy congregations, this episode provides concrete tools for reimagining church Advent activities. Plus, don't miss details about a free 4-day Advent Challenge that combines art and contemplation to help your congregation slow down and listen for God's whisper.

Additional Resources:

FREE RESOURCE: Join our 4-day Advent Challenge combining art and contemplation, starting December 2nd. Sign up here: https://faithlead.org/2024-advent/.

Mindful Sketching Membership Workshop with Steve Thomason (Faith+Lead members only): https://lab.faithlead.org/event/mindful-sketching-connecting-breath-and-body-as-a-spiritual-practice-non-members/.

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American pastors want things fast, large, and famous... but the kingdom of God comes slowly, in small and mostly unrecognized ways." In this paradigm-shifting conversation, Dr. Michael W. Goheen challenges our deeply held assumptions about church growth and success. Through the story of a remarkable turnaround in a dying congregation, Goheen demonstrates what happens when a church stops chasing quick fixes and begins to question its cultural captivity to growth metrics.

Join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton as they explore with Goheen how Western cultural idolatries shape our approach to church leadership, what we can learn from Lesslie Newbigin's missionary insights, and how ordinary church practices can be reoriented toward authentic renewal. Whether you're leading a growing congregation or struggling with decline, this episode will help you discern the difference between cultural definitions of success and genuine participation in God's mission.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• "Foolishness to the Greeks" by Lesslie Newbigin

• "The Gospel in a Pluralist Society" by Lesslie Newbigin

• "The Church and Its Vocation" by Michael Goheen

• "Becoming a Missionary Church" by Michael Goheen

• "The Imperfect Pastor" by Zack Eswine

• Dr. Goheen's website with free resources https://missionworldview.com/

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How do you build authentic church community from scratch? In this inspiring episode of the Pivot Podcast, pioneer lay minister Fiona Mayne shares her remarkable journey from financial advisor to church planter, demonstrating how simple, organic steps can create a thriving Christian community. Fiona reveals practical strategies for church community building that anyone can implement—starting with nothing more than a willingness to listen and engage. From hosting community barbecues to creating welcoming café-style gatherings, her approach shows how authentic relationships and community ownership can lead to sustainable church growth.

Discover actionable insights for church community building, including how to create natural entry points for non-church people, ways to empower community members in shaping church culture, and strategies for developing inclusive, intergenerational ministry. Fiona's story challenges traditional church planting models, showing how letting go of control and truly listening to community needs can lead to vibrant, growing faith communities. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revitalize existing ministry, this episode offers practical wisdom for building church community that genuinely connects with today's world.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Heart of a Holligan: The Story of David Jeal by Paul Alkazraji 
• The Chosen series 
• Church Mission Society Pioneer training

Watch the video version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4NlZB4pSY1I.

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In this thought-provoking episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a fresh perspective on political theology and how churches can navigate our politically polarized landscape. Introducing the concept of "Sabbath politics," Dr. Lawrence challenges us to reimagine the church's role in society, shifting from a posture of control to one of trust in God's rule.

Drawing insights from his study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the early chapters of Genesis, Dr. Lawrence provides practical guidance for church leaders seeking to apply political theology in fostering unity and faithful discipleship in divisive times. This episode is essential listening for anyone grappling with the intersection of faith, politics, and ecclesial identity in today's world.

Resources Mentioned:

• Center for Pastor Theologians 
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer's works, particularly "Discipleship" and "Life Together"
• James Davison Hunter's book "Democracy and Solidarity"

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This Reformation Day, join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton for a transformative conversation with the Rev. Dr. Mark Tranvik, professor of Reformation history and theology at Luther Seminary. Explore how Martin Luther's revolutionary insights from the Protestant Reformation can breathe new life into 21st-century ministry and address the challenges facing today's church.

Dr. Tranvik unpacks key Reformation concepts like grace, vocation, and Christian freedom, revealing their surprising relevance for contemporary issues such as leadership burnout, rigid church structures, and the shift towards lay-led ministry. Discover how reclaiming Luther's emphasis on the "priesthood of all believers" can empower your congregation to live out their faith in fresh, meaningful ways this Reformation Day and beyond.

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/QoOw2TX09mo.

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In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive deep into the world of church planting with Nick Warnes, founder and executive director of Cyclical Incorporated. Nick shares his expertise on developing leaders for new Christian communities, challenging traditional notions of what it means to start a church. From discernment processes to financial sustainability, from adapting to diverse contexts to embracing a truly missional approach, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone interested in the future of the church.

Whether you're considering planting a church, supporting church planters, or simply curious about innovative approaches to ministry, Nick's insights will inspire you to think differently about how we can participate in God's ongoing work in the world. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that reimagines church planting for the 21st century.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The book, "Starting Missional Churches" by Mark Lau Branson and Nicholas Warnes
• The book, "Deconstructing Church Planting" by Nicholas Warnes
• Cyclical Incorporated website

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w74h69LNOpA.

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Dive into the evolving world of church planting with expert Len Tang in this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast. Len, director of the Fuller Church Planting Initiative, unpacks the latest trends and strategies in church planting that are reshaping how we approach ministry in the 21st century.

Discover why church planting is more crucial than ever and how it serves as the R&D wing of the church. Len shares insights on:

• Diverse models of church planting for different contexts
• The rise of co-vocational ministry and its impact on church planting
• Innovative funding strategies for sustainable church plants
• How established churches can support and learn from new plants
• The importance of leading with mission in denominational church planting efforts

Whether you're a seasoned pastor, a potential church planter, or a lay leader passionate about church growth, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical wisdom for advancing God's mission in today's rapidly changing world.

Show Notes:

• Fuller Church Planting Initiative: https://www.fuller.edu/church-planting/
• Planter Match website: https://plantermatch.org/
• Book: "Closing Costs: Reimagining Church Real Estate for Missional Purposes" by Dominic Dutra https://www.amazon.com/Closing-Costs-Reimagining-Missional-Purposes/dp/1666711683
• Exponential Conference: https://exponential.org/
• City to City church planting network: https://redeemercitytocity.com/

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