Pivot Podcast

Explore innovative church fundraising ideas in this inspiring episode of the Pivot Podcast. Hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton sit down with Grace Pomroy, director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary and author of "Funding Forward," and Pastor Christina Ennin from First Presbyterian Church in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Discover how churches can transform underutilized assets into sustainable income sources while deepening community connections.

Grace and Christina share practical insights on aligning church finances with mission, fostering community partnerships, and navigating the challenges of implementing new fundraising strategies. From business centers to ecumenical collaborations, learn how churches are pivoting towards financial sustainability that serves both their congregations and their broader communities. Whether you're struggling with church finances or looking to diversify your income streams, this episode offers creative solutions and inspiring examples for churches of all sizes.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Book: "Funding Forward: A Pathway to More Sustainable Models for Ministry" by Grace Pomroy
• Book: "We Aren't Broke" by Mark Elsdon
• Program: Good Futures Accelerator by Rooted Good

Discover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of "The Scandal of Leadership," Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth.

Learn about the four spaces of belonging, understand the hidden powers influencing church leadership, and gain insights on how to lead your congregation into a more faithful future. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or a new church planter, this episode will challenge and inspire you to reimagine leadership in the way of Jesus.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to ministry and discipleship. Like, subscribe, and share to join the conversation on pivoting towards a more vibrant and missional church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• J.R. Woodward website
• "The Scandal of Leadership" by J.R. Woodward
• The V3 Church Planting Movement
• "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast on Christianity Today

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iVPBCZ63ixs

In this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book "Embracing the Mixed Ecology," offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world.

Discover how Fresh Expressions are breathing new life into the church landscape as part of a broader "mixed ecology" of ministry. From coffee shop gatherings to digital communities, learn how these innovative forms of church are reaching people that traditional models often miss. Dwight shares inspiring examples, practical insights, and a hopeful vision for the future of the church that embraces both tradition and innovation.

Whether you're leading a traditional congregation, exploring new forms of ministry, or simply curious about where the church is heading, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss. Join us for a conversation that could reshape your understanding of what it means to be and do church in the 21st century.

Discover how Fresh Expressions of Church are transforming the landscape of ministry in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot podcast. Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, co-author of the upcoming book "Embracing the Mixed Ecology," shares groundbreaking insights on innovative approaches to church in our rapidly changing world. Learn about the "mixed ecology" model and how Fresh Expressions are reaching people traditional churches often miss. Whether you're a church leader, ministry innovator, or simply curious about the future of faith communities, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for navigating the changing face of church in the 21st century.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Upcoming book: "Embracing the Mixed Ecology" by Dwight Zscheile and Blair Pogue (Spring 2025)
• FreshExpressions.com
• "Mission-shaped Church" report from the Church of England (2004)
• "Microchurches: A Smaller Way" by Brian Sanders
• Tampa Underground and KC Underground movements
• LifeChurch online ministry

Fresh Expressions are revolutionizing how we think about and do church in the 21st century. In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Rev. Drs. Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton welcome the Rev. Dr. Eliseo Mejia, a pioneering voice in the Fresh Expressions movement and director of Expressiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions North America.

Eliseo unpacks the concept of Fresh Expressions, sharing inspiring examples like "Churros y Chocolate" gatherings and dinner churches that are reaching people where they are. Discover how these innovative approaches are creating culturally-relevant, intergenerational faith communities that thrive outside traditional church walls. Whether you're new to Fresh Expressions or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers practical insights and a hope-filled vision for implementing Fresh Expressions in your own context. Join us as we explore the future of the Church through the lens of Fresh Expressions.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Fresh Expressions North America: https://freshexpressionsus.org/
• Expressiones Divinas: https://freshexpressionsus.org/expressiones-divinas/
• Feed My Starving Children: https://www.fmsc.org/
• Faith+Lead Fresh Expressions course https://faithlead.org/course-lp/starting-a-fresh-expression-of-church/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dLFa-xbfiLQ

In this compelling follow-up episode, the Pivot Podcast dives deeper into the heart of church leadership and innovation. Dr. Andy Root, Dr. Michael Binder, and Dr. Dwight Zscheile challenge prevailing notions about church growth and effectiveness, proposing a radical shift in approach. Could the key to revitalizing ministry be found in doing less, waiting on God, and embracing uncertainty?

Explore why slowing down might be the most innovative step a church can take, how to redefine growth beyond numbers, and what it means to cultivate the courage to ask difficult questions about God's activity. This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for leaders feeling burnt out or discouraged, inviting them to rediscover the heart of authentic, Christ-centered ministry in a rapidly changing world.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• "The Congregation in a Secular Age," by Andrew Root | https://www.andrewroot.org/the-congregation-in-a-secular-age/
• Find more about Andrew Root's book, "The Church after Innovation" | https://www.andrewroot.org/the-church-after-innovation/
• "Leading Faithful Innovation" by Michael Binder, Dwight Zscheile, and Tessa Pinkstaff | https://www.fortresspress.com/store/product/9781506488769/Leading-Faithful-Innovation
• "Four Key Pivots the Church Must Make" | https://faithlead.org/about/framework/four-key-pivots/
• "The Rise and Fall of American Growth," by Robert J. Gordon | https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691175805/the-rise-and-fall-of-american-growth
• Download: Free sample chapter of Leading Faithful Innovation | https://faithlead.org/topics/faithful-innovation/

Listen to the Podcast

• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1515600522
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cDv3mtwlzTozjxcyYdFVj

Join us on social:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4dzZyWXbVgs

Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today's changing religious landscape? In this episode (first in a two-part discussion), we dive deep into the concept of "innovation" in church contexts, exploring whether it's a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.

Dr. Andrew Root offers a critical perspective on adopting business-world trends, while the Rev Dr. Michael Binder and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile present a case for "faithful innovation." Their spirited conversation reveals both cautions and possibilities for churches seeking to thrive beyond traditional growth metrics.

Discover insights on:

• The limitations of conventional church growth strategies
• Balancing faithfulness with adaptation in changing times
• Practices for deep listening and discernment in congregations
• Measuring ministry effectiveness beyond numbers
• Embracing uncertainty while remaining grounded in gospel truths

Whether you're rethinking your church's approach to growth or seeking fresh perspectives on faithful ministry, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of church leadership in the 21st century.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Book: "The Church After Innovation" by Andrew Root
• Book: "Leading Faithful Innovation" by Michael Binder, Dwight Zscheile, and Tessa Pinkstaff
• Download: Spiritual Life Listening Tool
• Download: Free sample chapter of Leading Faithful Innovation

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8rKGLGi9jC0

In episode 91 of the Pivot podcast, hosts Dr. Terri Elton and Dr. Dwight Zscheile talk with the Rev. Canon Dave Male, a pioneering leader in innovative ministry across the UK. They explore the vital task of forming disciples in today's rapidly changing culture and how we can bear faithful witness to the gospel. Dave shares his journey in establishing Fresh Expressions of church within the Church of England, discussing the challenges and opportunities of working within traditional church structures. He highlights the importance of embracing a mixed ecology of church, where both traditional and emerging forms of Christian community coexist and flourish. The conversation also delves into the need to create a culture of innovation and experimentation within local churches, with a focus on evangelism and discipleship as central to the mission of the church.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/odg0C8QAaoY

In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton welcome the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, who shares his experiences leading a church in Ferguson, Missouri during times of racial unrest. Willis offers a practical guide on how churches can actively engage in justice work, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, local relevance, and concrete action. Listeners will discover how to "hold up their corner" in community transformation and why new expressions of faith are crucial in addressing today's social challenges.

Willis challenges church leaders to move beyond their comfort zones, embracing curiosity and openness in engaging with diverse communities. He provides insights on reimagining church for the 21st century, where faith and justice are inextricably linked. This episode is essential listening for church leaders, social justice advocates, and anyone seeking to understand how faith communities can effectively contribute to creating a more just and equitable society. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to put your faith into action in meaningful, community-centered ways.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Holding Up Your Corner: talking about Race in Your Community by author F. Willis Johnson

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/08M6DKzDWXk

In this timely episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile tackle the challenging intersection of faith and politics with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza, a Luther scholar and expert in Christian ethics. As the United States faces a divisive election season, Anthony offers a grounding historical perspective and practical wisdom for church leaders navigating these turbulent waters.

Explore how churches can foster meaningful political dialogue without falling into partisan traps. Discover the concept of affective polarization and its impact on congregations. Learn how to use Scripture creatively in addressing current issues and avoid common ethical pitfalls in political engagement. Anthony's insights, rooted in Luther's political theology, provide a roadmap for faithful civic participation that balances conviction with compassion.

Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or engaged congregant, this episode offers valuable guidance on living out your faith in the public square. Join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to approach politics with both biblical wisdom and neighborly love.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza's Faith+Lead Academy course, Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics
• The Alban Institute at Duke Divinity School
• Anthony Bateza’s page: https://www.stolaf.edu/profile/bateza
• Luther’s “The Freedom of a Christian”

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gIy0-ftac8o

Pastoral burnout is a silent epidemic in church leadership. In this crucial episode of the Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Rev. Nicole Bullock, a church planter, ministry innovator, and program director of Faith+Lead’s Seeds Fellowship. Nicole courageously shares her personal struggles with burnout and offers practical wisdom for sustainable ministry.

This episode tackles real challenges facing today's pastors, from setting boundaries without guilt to redefining success in leadership. Nicole discusses balancing family life with pastoral responsibilities, creating supportive church communities, and transitioning to more sustainable ministry models. Whether you're currently experiencing burnout or want to prevent it, this conversation provides essential strategies for maintaining your passion and effectiveness in ministry.

Show Notes:

• Faith+Lead Seeds Fellowship
• Nicole’s website: https://nicoledbullock.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/V-dJ_r3wcIY