All your questions answered in this Q&A session about exhaustion and burnout, what to do when your congregation is tired and lacking energy, pastoral identity, and preaching and leading when people are in conflict and it is an election year.

Questions that listeners asked include:

* Q1: “I’m burned out and exhausted; is it time to call it quits?”

* Q2: “Help: my congregation is tired and lacking energy, what can we do to fix it?”

* Q3: “If I'm not preaching and teaching and doing everything, then who am I as a pastor? If I’m not at the center of things I don’t feel like I’m doing my job.”

*Q4: “What do I do when people in my congregation are at odds with one another, and with me? This is an election year when American society seems more divided than ever. How do I lead in this environment?”

Video Mentioned:

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

In a wilderness season? Uncertain? In a waiting season with God? Isolated? You’re in good company as Jesus also lived through a wilderness season in Luke 4. In this episode, join Terri Elton as we explore the spiritual formation that comes with times of uncertainty and reflection. What might be God’s promises for us and for our communities even in times of wilderness seasons?

Wondering how to navigate the path toward a financially secure future for your church? Join us for the Pivot podcast as your hosts, Terri Elton and Dr. Dwight Zscheile, dive deep into the topic with the insightful Grace Pomroy—accomplished author, dedicated educator, and the Director of Luther Seminary's Stewardship Leaders program. If your church is seeking a more sustainable financial roadmap, you're in the right place. Together, we'll unpack strategies, explore innovative approaches, and shed light on the keys to long-term financial stability for your faith community. So, whether you're a clergy member, a stewardship leader, or just curious about the financial well-being of your church, buckle up for an enlightening journey!

FREE E-BOOK: Funding Forward Research Project by Grace Pomroy: https://faithlead.org/ebooks/funding-forward-research-project/

Join us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead

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:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead

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!