What do you do when the way you worship becomes a point of division? In this episode of Pastors Anonymous, hosts Jenny Steele and Jess Shults tackle two key challenges church leaders face: managing tensions around church renovations and creating inclusive worship experiences. They offer practical insights for leaders on balancing tradition and change in ways that respect sacred spaces and diverse congregations.

In this episode, Jenny and Jess discuss:  

• The emotional complexity of remodeling worship spaces and the importance of navigating church renovation changes with empathy

• How physical spaces shape our spiritual lives

• The challenges of blending different worship styles, addressing cultural misunderstandings, and overcoming language barriers

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of how church leaders can navigate conflict, foster inclusivity, and honor both the past and the future in their worship practices.

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter.

In this episode of Leap of Faith Movie Conversations, Rev. Tierra Marshall and Jenny Steele talk about the central role of friendship in Tierra’s life, both inside and outside the church, and how it informs her pastoral leadership. She explains how themes of vulnerability and genuine care played out during the filming process of Leap of Faith and recounts her memorable discussions with fellow pastors like Molly and Ashlee, and why storytelling became such a powerful tool in building connection among the group.

Tierra candidly addresses the complexities of being portrayed in the film, including her mixed feelings about how her character was represented. Despite feeling flattened at times, Tierra highlights the powerful moments of connection, conversation, and growth that emerged throughout the process.

In this episode, Tierra and Jenny discuss: 

• How shared meals and informal conversations can become a place of connection, healing, and trust-building

• The importance of humility and courage in pastoral leadership, especially when addressing difficult cultural issues

• How true friendship doesn't aim to change the other person but to help them become their most authentic self

Tune in as Tierra opens up about the importance of friendship and gives us a glimpse into her personal life, including her love for hiking as a spiritual practice and a source of hope, and her upcoming adventures in places like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Rainier.

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

In a culture that demands certainty—especially in the public sphere of social media and ministry—Pastor Troy Hatfiled talks with Ashlee Eiland in today’s episode of Leap of Faith Movie Conversations about the relief that comes with acknowledging one’s limitations. Troy and Ashlee discuss the vulnerability it takes to admit "I don’t know" and why spaces for honest, open dialogue are so vital, both in the church and in our personal relationships. 

Troy shares a vulnerable moment from the filming of the LEAP OF FAITH movie that led to a significant breakthrough in his own journey toward authenticity. He reflects on how the simple act of admitting uncertainty in the presence of others can foster connection, trust, and deeper spiritual growth.

In this episode, Troy and Ashlee discuss: 

• The practice of “going toward” others in moments of tension or disagreement

• The cultural pressure to have strong opinions and convictions about everything

• The shared responsibility of the community in bearing witness to one another’s stories and struggles

This episode isn’t just for pastors or ministry leaders—it’s for anyone who’s longing for practical wisdom on how to lead with grace, how to embrace the messy, difficult parts of life and leadership, and how to create spaces where honesty can flourish.

In this episode, Jenny Steele sits down with Pastor Cornelius Ting who has served as the pastor of Grand Rapids Chinese Christian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan for nearly two decades. Cornelius shares his journey from growing up in multicultural Malaysia to becoming a key participant in the movie LEAP OF FAITH. 

Cornelius opens up about his own struggles with insecurity and isolation in his pastoral role and how moments of shared worship, devotion, and even bread-making at the LEAP OF FAITH filming retreats deepened his sense of connection with others. He also reflects on the broader implications for the church in fostering authentic relationships and being a place where people can bring their weaknesses and still feel loved.

Listen in as Cornelius reflects on the hardest and most beautiful moments from the retreats, shares the wisdom he’s gained from living and leading across difference, and offers a profound lesson on how the church can be a place of belonging for all. 

In this episode, Cornelius and Jenny discuss: 

• The tension of wanting to meet others' needs while having few people to lean on in return

• The impact of small, shared moments of devotional time, singing, and meals in forming deep spiritual and personal connections

• How the church can better step into the gaps of isolation and loneliness in the broader community

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

In an age where polarization runs deep, how can churches create spaces of genuine dialogue? 

In this episode of the Practicing Hope Podcast, host Ashlee Eiland speaks with Pastor Artie Lindsay, one of the pastors in LEAP OF FAITH, about the profound theme of authenticity within pastoral leadership. They discuss the importance of not just knowing theology but genuinely understanding the heart of God. 

As they reflect on their experiences during the filming of LEAP OF FAITH, Artie expresses hope for the church to rewrite its narrative, demonstrating a third way that embodies the love and grace of the kingdom. Artie shares a moving example of his growing friendship with fellow pastor Molly, another pastor in the movie, illustrating how moving towards others, despite differences, can foster trust and connection. They conclude with a heartfelt discussion on the friendships that inspire hope in their ministries and the broader community.

In this episode, Ashlee and Artie discuss: 

• The importance of understanding the heart of God, not just the letter of the law

• The detrimental effects of isolation in pastoral roles and among congregations

• Engagement of churches in social issues, such as economic mobility and community development

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

In this episode of Pastors Anonymous, hosts Jenny Steele and Rev. Jess Shults explore the evolving understanding of what it means to be the Church. Inspired by a listener’s question—“Can church occur in a dog park or a tattoo parlor?”—they discuss the mental models that shape our perceptions of community and faith, challenging the notion that Church is confined to a physical building.

This episode is for anyone feeling weary in their journey or seeking to revitalize their connection to faith and fellowship. If you have questions or scenarios you'd like addressed, send an email to [email protected].

In this episode, Jenny and Jess discuss: 

• How the early Church was characterized by shared experiences and practices rather than specific locations

• The idea of a “bigger imagination” is essential for recognizing where God is at work outside traditional settings

• The importance of affirming unity in Christ during corporate prayers about divisive issues

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter.

Ever wondered why we crave authenticity in our relationships? Join Ashlee Eiland and Jenny Steele in Leap of Faith Movie Conversations as they discuss the connection between our spiritual design and our longing for open, honest dialogues, all while confronting the challenges that come with embracing our true selves.

Listeners will hear about Ashlee's role in LEAP OF FAITH, some of her recent life changes, including her transition from pastoral ministry to leading a school, and how her experiences have shaped her approach to conflict resolution. The episode candidly explores the evolution of Ashlee’s understanding of leadership—from navigating hierarchical church structures to fostering collaborative environments—highlighting the importance of being a non-anxious presence in tense situations.

Whether you’ve seen the film or are simply seeking encouragement in your own life, this episode offers a rich tapestry of stories and wisdom aimed at rekindling hope in the face of adversity. Join Jenny and Ashlee as they invite you to embrace vulnerability, community, and the transformative power of faith.

In this episode, Ashlee and Jenny discuss: 

• The importance of addressing conflict in various environments, including churches and schools

• How maintaining a non-anxious presence during conflicts helps facilitate constructive conversations

• Why being surrounded by a caring community during great loss and health challenges in life supported Ashlee’s healing and grieving

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

In this episode of Leap of Faith Movie Conversations, Ashlee Eiland welcomes her friend Ben Kampmeier, a seasoned minister with a rich background in various church roles. From his beginnings as the "youth group guitar kid" to his current role as Director of Engagement at Our Daily Bread Ministries, Ben shares the journey that has shaped his faith and ministry.

As they explore Ben’s unexpected involvement in LEAP OF FAITH, he emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, sharing how deep friendships formed across differences became a powerful witness to the world. He discusses the concept of “rupture and repair,” illustrating how meaningful connections require both honesty and the willingness to apologize and grow together.

Now navigating life as a parishioner after years in leadership, Ben reveals the hope he finds in community. He discusses how being part of a small church has reshaped his understanding of authenticity and the profound impact of genuine human connection on his faith journey.

In this episode, Ben and Ashlee discuss: 

• The role of creativity in Ben's early ministry and how it shaped his calling as a worship leader

• The balance between honesty and authenticity in ministry, and the need for boundaries in relationships 

• The struggle with ministry burnout and how it influenced Ben's view on his vocation 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

What if the key to healing a polarized world lies in the ancient wisdom of faith? In this episode on The Practicing Hope Podcast, host Jenny Steele speaks with Michael Gulker, the president of the Colossian Forum, to continue the conversation about the new movie LEAP OF FAITH. Jenny and Michael delve into the origins of the groundbreaking film project that arose from the heart of Grand Rapids, sparked by filmmaker Nicholas, who sought to document the journey of pastors grappling with deep-seated exhaustion and isolation. They reflect on the challenges these leaders faced in a world rife with division and how, through vulnerability and shared stories, they found a renewed sense of connection.

Listeners will hear about the hurdles faced by pastors, who, although eager for connection and healing, often felt exhausted and stretched thin. Michael highlights how, through this process, they discovered a surprising depth of loneliness among these leaders and the transformative power of community.

In this episode, Michael and Jenny discuss: 

• Michael’s unique journey from aspiring engineer to ordained pastor and how that background has impacted his understanding of conflict in the church

• The importance of engaging conflict as an act of worship and a spiritual discipline, rather than merely a source of division

• The evolution of The Colossian Forum, highlighting its transition from hosting forums to creating curricula and offering coaching designed to guide individuals through difficult discussions on topics like faith and science 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

As part of our series exploring the LEAP OF FAITH documentary, podcast host Jenny Steele and the Rev. Molly Bosscher (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, MI) discuss Molly’s unique journey throughout the filming of LEAP OF FAITH, the active nature of hope, and what it looks like for her parish to be a safe haven for all who enter. With heartwarming anecdotes about her congregation's compassionate outreach, Molly paints a vivid picture of a church where everyone is embraced for their true selves.

Molly opens up about how her differences, specifically her liberal theological beliefs and value of silence in worship, made it a beautiful, holy challenge to be vulnerable with the eleven other pastors in LEAP OF FAITH. Together, Jenny and Molly explore the fumbling that often accompanies growth in community, ultimately emphasizing that the journey of connection is an ongoing process of learning and understanding. 

In this episode, Jenny and Molly discuss: 

• The importance of incorporating space and silence into intense conversations 

• The need to create space for diverse perspectives within faith communities to build a more inclusive environment

• How open communication about discomfort and challenges fosters deeper connections and growth among communities 

Join them as they explore the delicate dance of fostering inclusive communities, emphasizing that while the path may be messy, it’s through these shared experiences that genuine bonds are formed. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that challenges us all to embrace our differences and learn from one another.

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com