Pivot Podcast

By Faith+LeadReligion & Spirituality Christianity Education

Pivot Podcast episodes

October 19, 2023 Episode 47: Why Are So Many Churches Struggling Today?
Many churches and leaders often struggle to reverse the decline in institutional affiliation, participation, and resources by trying to fix their inherited structures. However, it's suggested that instead of attempting to repair these structures, churches should prioritize discerning and joining God's presence and movement in their communities through presence, curiosity, deep listening, and experimentation, as Christ's local church will endure even if institutional structures cannot be easily fixed.
47 min
October 18, 2023 Episode 47: Why Are So Many Churches Struggling Today?
Welcome to the Pivot Podcast from Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead!
Join Dr. Dee Stokes and Dr. Dwight Zscheile on a journey to explore the changing landscape of the Church. In today's episode, the co-hosts talk with guest Ted A. Smith, author of "The End of Theological Education," to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the voluntary association model of the church in the U.S., the cultural shifts taking place, what this means for congregational life and ministry moving forward, and where church leaders can find hope today.
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to unravel the complexities of this cultural shift.
If you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times, you're in the right place. Let's embark on this journey together!
47 min
October 12, 2023 Episode 46: Four Key Pivots for Today's Church
No, You're Not Imagining Things; The Times Have Changed for the Church.
37 min
October 12, 2023 Episode 46: Four Key Pivots for Today's Church
No, You're Not Imagining Things; The Times Have Changed for the Church.
Welcome to season 5 of the Pivot Podcast from Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead!
Join Dr. Dee Stokes and Dr. Dwight Zscheile on a journey to explore the changing landscape of the Church. In today's episode, we delve into a significant cultural shift and unveil four essential pivots that can help your faith community navigate these changing times.
Discover the shifts in the Age of Association and the rise of the Age of Authenticity. We'll share real-life examples, pitfalls to avoid, and practical insights on how to adapt:
1️⃣ Pivot in Posture: From Fixing to Listening, Discerning, and Experimenting.
2️⃣ Pivot in Focus: From Membership to Discipleship.
3️⃣ Pivot in Structure: From One Shape Fits All to a Mixed Ecology.
4️⃣ Pivot in Leadership: From Clergy-Led/Lay-Supported to Lay-Led/Clergy-Supported Ministry.
Our free resource, available in the show notes, offers deeper insights into these cultural shifts and how to navigate them faithfully.
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to unravel the complexities of this cultural shift. Next week, we'll dig even deeper with an interview featuring Ted Smith, exploring the nuances of this transformative journey. Don't miss it!
If you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how faith communities adapt in changing times, you're in the right place. Let's embark on this journey together!
37 min
May 23, 2023 Episode 45: Cultivating Leaders for the Mixed Ecology
It's time to Pivot! In episode twelve of season four, hosts Terri Elton, Dee Stokes, and Dwight Zscheile reflect on the past season in this finale.
29 min
May 15, 2023 Episode 44: How to Cultivate the Mixed Ecology in a Regional Church System with Calla Gilson
It's time to Pivot! In episode eleven of season four, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dee Stokes welcome this weeks special guest, Calla Gilson.
Show Notes:
"On the Way" document: https://nwos-elca.church/on-the-way/
More on that can we found here: https://nwos-elca.church/on-the-way/
https://nwos-elca.church/2021/10/27/innovator-learning-academy/
38 min
May 09, 2023 Episode 43: How to Get Started in the Mixed Ecology in a Local Church with Roz Picardo
It's time to Pivot! In episode ten of season four, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dee Stokes welcome this weeks special guest, Dr. Rosario Picardo.
Special Guest: Dr. Rosario Picardo.
SHOW NOTES:
Connect with Dr. Roz via email ([email protected]) or visit his website, rosariopicardo.com.
Suggested resource: Dynamite Prayer: A 28 Day Prayer Experiment
32 min
May 02, 2023 Episode 42: Rural Fresh Expression with Kerri Meyer
It's time to Pivot! In episode nine of season four, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile welcome this weeks special guest, Rev. Kerri Meyer.
Looking for new ways to connect with your community and integrate farming, faith, and environmental stewardship into your church?
Our latest guest on the Pivot Podcast, Kerri Meyer, shares how her community is engaging in innovative ministry on a farm that is both theologically grounded and practically impactful.
One of the examples Kerri shares is a unique gathering called "Pie and Prayer." Every Wednesday night out in the barnyard as the sun sets, followed by evening prayer in the silo, is how her community gathers and fellowships.
But Pie and Prayer is more than just a weekly gathering; it's an expression of hospitality and community engagement that has been life-giving for many people, including locals who attend on Wednesday nights and travelers who make a stop on their road trips for Saturday morning gathering.
Tune in to the full episode of the Pivot Podcast to discover how Kerri and her ministry are forging a new path to sustainable community and spiritual growth through relationships with the land and neighbors.
Special Guest: Rev. Kerri Meyer.
33 min
April 25, 2023 Episode 41: The Role of Church Planting in the Mixed Ecology with Wole Agbaje
It's time to Pivot! In episode eight of season four, co-hosts Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile welcome this weeks special guest, pastor Wole Agbaje.
Have you ever felt a calling so strong that you couldn't deny it?
Wole did when he was called to plant a church in London's financial district at a young age. Despite the challenges he faced, he persevered and saw remarkable success.
If you're feeling a nudge towards a new adventure or calling, take heart from Pastor Wole's story. Listen for God's voice, trust in His guidance, and be open to unexpected twists and turns. Who knows where He might take you?
Special Guest: Wole Agbaje.
42 min
April 18, 2023 Episode 40: Introducing Dinner Church with JD Larson
It's time to Pivot! In episode seven of season four, our hosts Dr. Dee stokes and Dwight Zscheile welcome this weeks special guest, Church Planter and Co-Lead Pastor of North City Church, JD Larson.
In todays episode, we explore a few questions around JD and his work.
How do dinner church gatherings work? What happens?
What theological commitments underlie dinner church?
What are you learning? What are some challenges and opportunities you’re facing?
Special Guest: JD Larson.
31 min

About Pivot Podcast

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Over the past few years, church leaders have been forced to respond to several global crises in the blink of an eye. In a moment with little information and lots of uncertainty, churches reinvented nearly every aspect of church.