Pivot Podcast

In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive into the emerging importance of lay leadership in today's church. Our guest, Faith+Lead’s School for Lay Ministry alum Vicki Elfers, shares her inspiring journey from behind-the-scenes church secretary to dynamic lay minister, now preaching, leading Bible studies, and even conducting funerals.

Hosts Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Alicia Granholm explore how Vicki's story exemplifies a crucial pivot in church leadership—from clergy-led to lay-led, clergy-supported ministry. They discuss practical ways to identify and nurture lay leaders, the impact of leadership training programs, and how embracing lay leadership can breathe new life into congregations.

Whether you're a church leader seeking to empower your congregation or a lay person sensing a call to deeper involvement, this episode offers valuable insights on unleashing the potential of lay leadership for a vibrant, sustainable church future.

Show links:

• Faith+Lead School for Lay Ministry
• NY Metropolitan Synod’s Synodical Deacon program
• Stephen Ministries
• Tres Dias International community

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g3E1OVO0vnw

In this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast, internationally recognized spiritual formation expert Mark Scandrette shares his journey of reimagining practical discipleship for the 21st century. Mark introduces the concept of the "Jesus Dojo," a revolutionary approach to hands-on, experiential faith formation. He shares powerful examples of practical experiments in following Jesus, including a radical approach to simplicity and generosity.

Hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile explore with Mark how church leaders can shift from information-based teaching to practical, action-oriented discipleship. Discover how creating vulnerable, experiential spiritual communities can lead to profound personal and collective transformation. Whether you're a church leader looking to revitalize your congregation's spiritual life or an individual seeking a more authentic faith journey, this episode offers inspiring insights and practical steps for pivoting towards a more vibrant, Jesus-centered spirituality through practical discipleship.

Show notes:

• Mark Scandrette's book: "The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes"
• Mark's previous book: "Practicing the Way of Jesus"
• Reimagine - Mark's Center for Integral Christian practice
• Nine Beats Collective - a project exploring the Beatitudes that Mark is involved with

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R6I9GmRcX0E

In this thought-provoking episode of Pivot, hosts Rev. Dr. Terri Elton, Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, and Dr. Alicia Granholm dive into the shifting landscape of church leadership. They explore the growing trend towards lay-led, clergy-supported ministry models and what this means for both clergy and congregations. Drawing on real-life examples and listener questions, the conversation covers topics such as empowering lay leaders, redefining clergy roles, fostering ecumenical cooperation, and navigating resistance to change.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how churches can adapt to post-Christendom realities, cultivate collaborative leadership, and reimagine structures for more effective ministry. Whether you're a clergy member, lay leader, or simply interested in the future of the church, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for navigating these changing times with hope and creativity. Join us as we explore what it means to be the church in the 21st century and how we can all play a part in God's ongoing work in the world.

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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
• Twitter: https://x.com/LutherFaithLead

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

In this enlightening episode of the Pivot podcast, hosts the Rev. Dr. Terri Elton and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile explore the concept of beloved community with the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care. Stephanie shares powerful insights on how churches can foster authentic, loving communities in the face of today's challenges.

Drawing from her own spiritual journey and extensive ministry experience, Stephanie offers fresh perspectives on building beloved community through Jesus-centered discipleship, reimagined evangelism, and integration of reconciliation and creation care. Listeners will gain practical strategies for nurturing small groups, engaging their wider communities, and cultivating spiritual practices that transform lives. This conversation provides inspiration and equipping for church leaders seeking to create vibrant, inclusive communities of faith that embody God's love in our rapidly changing world.

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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
• Twitter: https://x.com/LutherFaithLead

YouTube Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXcdOkOPsIA

Explore the power of Christian authenticity in discipleship with Yolanda Solomon, author of "Discipleship as Holy Collaboration," in this compelling Pivot podcast episode. Yolanda shares her journey from skeptic to passionate disciple-maker, offering insights for church leaders seeking to foster genuine faith in a world craving sincerity.

Discover practical strategies for cultivating authentic Christian living, from reframing discipleship as an invitation to divine delight to creating transparent spiritual communities. Whether you're a pastor battling burnout or a ministry leader striving for genuine impact, you'll find valuable approaches for reimagining discipleship as a collaborative, authentic adventure in faith.

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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
• Twitter: https://x.com/LutherFaithLead

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/nD13OgagBXE

In this compelling Pivot podcast episode, pastor, church planter, scholar, and justice advocate Inés Velasquez-McBryde joins hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and Rev. Dr. Terri Elton to dive deep into the biblical roots of justice. Through eye-opening stories and practical insights, Inés illuminates what biblical justice looks like, from the prophetic voices of the Old Testament to Jesus' own embodiment of God's heart for the marginalized.

Whether you're planting a new church, innovating in your current context, or simply seeking to go deeper in your understanding of biblical justice, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on studying the history of your community, partnering with local leaders, and joining the work God is already doing in your neighborhood. Learn how you can embody biblical justice in your life and leadership, and be empowered to take practical steps towards shalom in your own context.

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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
• Twitter: https://x.com/LutherFaithLead

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/Dz_zVUGFT7w

How can church leaders introduce change and new spiritual practices in resistant congregations? In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Jinna Jin shares stories, strategies, and encouragement for overwhelmed pastors.

As an experienced church consultant and professor, Jinna discusses why commitment to spiritual practices is essential for discerning God's leading in a rapidly changing culture. She shares how practices like dwelling in the Word slowly transformed leaders in one church, and why the most resistant people are often leaders themselves.

Jinna also explains how pursuing change raises crucial questions of congregational identity and vision. What can churches hold onto, and what might they need to let go of to engage a new generation or neighbors? In the midst of the uncertainty of change, she urges leaders to model God's unchanging peace and tend to their own mental, spiritual and relational health. Her biggest piece of advice for overwhelmed leaders? Find a supportive learning community to journey with.

Full of stories and practical wisdom, this conversation will encourage and equip pastors and lay leaders to faithfully navigate change for the sake of the church's participation in God's mission.

Resources mentioned in this episode: Dwelling in the Word PDF

Listen to the Podcast here:

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

Episode 81 landing page: https://faithlead.org/podcast_episode/5-81-changing-church-culture-through-spiritual-practices/

Join us on social:

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

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/Widd9rSVGt8

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, the Rev. Clara King, an Anglican priest and researcher who has worked extensively with small, rural churches in the Anglican Church of Canada, shares her wisdom and hope for a church that equips and empowers laypeople to step into their God-given callings. Starting with her experience working with congregations on the margins, Clara makes the case that the "edges" of the church are actually the center of innovation and renewal, modeling the shifts that all churches will need to make in the coming years.

Through vivid stories of ordinary laypeople becoming extraordinary leaders, Clara paints a picture of what vibrant, collaborative ministry can look like when clergy and congregations work together to "own their stuff" and embrace a more Spirit-led, adaptive way of being church. Whether you're a clergy leader looking for fresh ways to empower your congregation or a layperson discerning your own call to ministry, this conversation will stretch your imagination and ground you in the hope that God is already at work, inviting us to join in something new.

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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
• Twitter: https://x.com/LutherFaithLead

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/OWjd0y7297w

How can the life and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, inspire and challenge church leaders today?

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Katie Langston talk with Tripp Fuller about Bonhoeffer's enduring legacy and its relevance for the church in a polarized and rapidly changing cultural context. They discuss how Bonhoeffer's experiences engaging with different cultures shaped his understanding of the gospel, his emphasis on discipleship and prophetic witness, and the vital role of deep relationships in sustaining faithful Christian community. Tune in for insights on how Bonhoeffer's wisdom can equip church leaders to navigate the challenges of discipleship and leadership today.

Resources mentioned:

• Faith Lead Academy course on Bonhoeffer and 2024 Aus Lecture
• Tripp Fuller's website

Listen to the Podcast here:

• 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

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/zOmr8RkyYUw

All your questions answered in this Q&A session about making space for reflection, leading people who are in conflict during an election year, and the essence of Biblical discipleship.

Questions that listeners asked include:

* Q1: “I always have such good intentions for making the most of the summer to take time to not just be busy doing the ministry, but to be intentional about spending time praying and thinking about my ministry. But then I get super busy. Any suggestions for how I could actually build in some rhythms for taking a wider view of my ministry this summer and follow through with it?”

* Q2: “During 2020 my congregation almost fell apart because of political polarization and it feels like things are going to get really bad again this year. How can I keep my church whole during this election season?”

* Q3: “I hear you all talking a lot about discipleship. I don’t want to burden my people with more stuff when they’re already exhausted.”

Video Mentioned:

Burned our and Overwhelmed? Why this is more normal than you think: https://youtu.be/F_NuWL_xQg0

Listen to the Podcast here:

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