Are your church programs making the impact you're hoping for? If you answered yes, no, or not sure, this is the place to start. In this episode of Pivot podcast, hosts Alicia Granholm and Dwight Zscheile dig into why focusing on membership doesn't necessarily mean that people are becoming disciples of Jesus.

Guests Tania Haber and Jason Van Hunnik, two pastors who have discovered a way forward for their church, describe a mindset shift that orients church activities in a different direction. Net result? Individuals contribute to fostering faith that impacts everyday lives without the overwhelm of programs.

Episode show notes: https://faithlead.org/show/pivot-podcast/

Join us on social:

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Do you have an idea for a new ministry but aren’t sure exactly where to start or how to get it off the ground? If so, listen on!

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Alicia Granholm and Dwight Zscheile tackle the pitfalls to avoid when starting a new ministry, the most common hangups people have when starting a new ministry, and get advice for starting a new ministry with guest, Michael Binder.

SHOW NOTES:

How to Start a New Ministry Course with Michael Binder https://faithlead.org/course-lp/how-to-start-a-new-ministry/

For transcripts, downloadable resources, and more, visit the podcast homepage at https://faithlead.org/show/pivot-podcast/

Key Words: Pivot Podcast, Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, leadership, church structures, scripture in community, agency, action, new ministry, pivot in posture, Michael Binder, Luther Seminary, Faith+Lead

Start here when you can't find a full-time pastor for your church.

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Alicia Granholm and Dwight Zscheile tackle the challenge of clergy shortage in churches with guest Marianne Ell, facilitator for the School for Lay Ministry with Faith+Lead.

SHOW NOTES:

Find out more about the School for Lay Ministry at https://faithlead.org/learning-community/school-for-lay-ministry-learning-community/

For transcripts, downloadable resources, and more, visit the podcast homepage at https://faithlead.org/show/pivot-podcast/

We know things need to change in our church, but where do we start?

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, host Dwight Zscheile addresses the common struggle church leaders face in navigating change with guest Dr. Ramon Pastrano, a specialist in transformational leadership. Together they explore the challenges of making changes in churches, highlighting pitfalls and proposing a better approach, emphasizing the significance of the design thinking process.

SHOW NOTES:

Faith+Lead Academy Course with Dr. Ramon Pastrano around Human Centered Design: https://faithlead.org/course-lp/spirit-led-solutions-through-human-centered-design/.

"It is precisely in moments of disruption, change, and uncertainty that God acts in scripture." - Host, Dwight Zscheile

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile are joined by guest, Mark Lau Branson.

Mark Lau Branson is the Homer L. Goddard Senior Professor of the Ministry of the Laity and has taught at Fuller Theological Seminary since 2000. As a senior professor, his work focuses on PhD students.

Leaders, if you're tired of navigating rigid church structures, this conversation empowers you to explore alternative questions and delve into scripture and community stories. Embrace disruption and uncertainty, as these moments align with God's actions in scripture. Mark's books offer guidance for leaders seeking a more hopeful future.

In our next episode, we continue to explore the key pivots the church needs to make today.

Content Upgrade: Chapter Exercise [Pivot in Posture] with Mark Lau Branson can be found on this episode's page on our website.

Greetings from the Pivot Podcast family! This Christmas, we rejoice in the profound significance of Jesus' birth, a beacon of hope, joy, and love for the coming year.

Today we hear from host, Dwight Zscheile along with guests, Rev. TT Daniel, Jennifer Wojciechowski, Godson Dauda, September Penn, Paul Kisingu, Akinpelu Lawal, Eun Strawser, Ramon Pastrano, and Jon Anderson.

Amid festive cheer, let's unwrap the theological depth of the Nativity—the divine message in a humble manger. May the radiance of Christ's love illuminate your path.

Stay tuned as we explore the sacred wonders of this season on the Pivot Podcast.

You're in the right place if you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times. Let's embark on this journey together!

“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile are joined by guest, Dr. Samuel Deressa.

Deressa began teaching part-time at Concordia University of St. Paul, MN in 2016 and joined the faculty full-time in 2018. Previously, he was a member of the Faculty of Theology (Gudina Tumsa Chair for Justice), 2008-2011, at the Mekane Yesus Seminary, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Deressa teaches courses on Global Christianity, Scripture and its Interpretation, Christian Vocation, and Christianity and the Media.

Stay tuned for more episodes unraveling the complexities of the current state of the church.

You're in the right place if you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times. Let's embark on this journey together!

Listening is the first step in discovering how we can better love our neighbors and God.

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, co-hosts Dee Stokes and Dwight Zscheile are joined by two lay ministry leaders from All Saints Episcopal in Atlanta, Ross Nicholas and Allen King. 

Join us as we explore the essential shift that churches must embrace today—a move away from the predominant focus on repairing established institutional structures. Instead, let's pivot towards a stance characterized by curiosity, discernment, and a willingness to experiment, all rooted in the art of active listening.

Stay tuned for more episodes unraveling the complexities of this cultural shift.

You're in the right place if you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times. Let's embark on this journey together!

SHOW NOTES:

Access the Spiritual Listening Assessment at https://faithlead.org/ebooks/spiritual-life-listening-tool/.

Let us at the Pivot podcast encourage YOU in this time leading up to Christmas!

This week, host Dee Stokes is here to share a gentle reminder amidst the Christmas chaos: Jesus came expressly for you and your congregation, illuminating the darkness. In the busyness, find a sacred pause to recharge, for you are instrumental in guiding others. As exhaustion looms, extend the invitation to encounter Jesus anew this season. Reflect on your personal connection with Him and navigate through your seasonal challenges. Embrace the light and share it, making this Christmas a profound spiritual journey for all.

SHOW NOTES:

Downloadable ebook "Spiritual Life Listening Tool" at https://faithlead.org/ebooks/spiritual-life-listening-tool/

How the church can faithfully navigate a changing world?

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, co-hosts Dee Stokes and Dwight Zscheile are joined by special guest Eun Strawser. 

E. K. Strawser (DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) is the co-vocational lead pastor of Ma Ke Alo o (which means "presence" in Hawaiian), non-denominational missional communities multiplying in Honolulu, Hawaii; a community physician at Ke Ola Pono; and an executive leader at the V3 Movement, the church planting arm of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Prior to transitioning to Hawaii, she served as adjunct professor of medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and of African Studies at her alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania (where she and her husband served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship), after finishing her Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Dar es Salaam. She and Steve have three seriously amazing children.

Tune in as we look into the pivot from focusing on making and sustaining members of voluntary association institutions to making disciples of Jesus.

Stay tuned for more episodes unraveling the complexities of this cultural shift.

You're in the right place if you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times. Let's embark on this journey together!