Practicing Hope Podcast

In the first episode of our new segment, Systems and Shifts, Rev. Jess Shults and Rev. Jeffrey Munroe talk about the challenges leaders face when their personal beliefs change, but their jobs and organizations expect them to stay the same.

They discuss why these internal conflicts happen and share advice on how to handle them wisely, especially when personal growth or changes in faith don't match the values of the organization. Throughout their conversation, they talk about the difficulties of leading in Christian environments, where faith, change, and expectations often clash. Jeff also shares personal stories from his own ministry experiences to help others figure out how to manage changing beliefs while staying true to themselves and their organizations.

In this episode, Jess and Jeff discuss:

• Accepting how one's beliefs naturally change throughout life

• Discerning God's will amidst layers of institutional values and perspectives

• Finding the balance between servant leadership and personal boundaries

If you liked this episode, check out these resources:

• "Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interactions" by Roberta Gilbert

• "Growing Yourself Up: How to Bring your Best to All of Your Relationships" by Jenny Brown

• To learn more about Jeff Munroe's work, visit www.jeffreymunroe.com and check out his new book "Telling Stories in the Dark." You can purchase a copy on Amazon!

If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website colossianforum.org and follow us on social media @colossianforum.

In a world that relentlessly pushes leaders to do more and move faster, the act of slowing down feels like a luxury we can't afford. But in this episode, we explore why it's not only necessary — it's essential to our spiritual and emotional flourishing. Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle share practical ways to rest, reflect, and connect more deeply with God. They offer simple ideas like setting boundaries, taking time for a Sabbath, and learning how to pause. These small changes can help us deal with the busy world without getting overwhelmed.Through personal stories and spiritual wisdom, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach your time, your relationships, and your own well-being.

In this episode, Tanner and Chase discuss:

• Setting boundaries for healthier relationships and personal growth

• The power of pausing and how it helps you focus on what really matters

• How resting can build trust with the people you lead and care about

If you liked this episode, check out these resources:

• "Politics & Our Bodies" with Aundi Kolber

• "Sabbath: The Ancient Practices" by Dan Allender

• "Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again" by Ruth Haley Barton

If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website colossianforum.org and follow us on social media @colossianforum.

In this episode of The Practicing Hope Podcast, Pastor Kim DeLong joins host Jenny Steele to dive into her transformative experience with the Leap of Faith movie. Through her work with the Colossian Forum, Kim learned to see conflict not as something to fear, but as a powerful tool for deeper understanding.

Kim also shares the incredible story of her church's journey through financial hardship, ultimately selling their building to an organization serving homeless families. The experience reshaped her view of what it means to be the church and highlighted the importance of reaching beyond the walls to truly serve the community.

Kim and Jenny discuss:

• The power of "directness" in both words and actions
• Balancing denominational loyalty with broader church collaboration
• Conflict as a pathway to deeper connection with others

Don't miss Kim's inspiring journey and the lessons she's learned about conflict, community, and faith.

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.

What does true leadership in a polarized world look like?

In this episode of the Practicing Hope podcast, Jenny Steele sits down with Pastor James Stokes whose influence in Grand Rapids, Michigan spans from the pulpit to community activism. Listen in as Pastor Stokes reveals how his experiences, from navigating societal and institutional shifts to participating in groundbreaking projects like the Leap of Faith movie, have reshaped his approach to ministry and community engagement. Dr. Stokes discusses how his interactions with the other pastors in the movie challenged and expanded his views, fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to engage with people beyond their labels and identities.

In this episode, James and Jenny discuss:

• The power of relationships across cultural and theological divides

• The role of faith in addressing polarization and conflict

• The value of listening more than speaking, especially when who you're talking to is vulnerable and in need of support

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.

In this episode on the Practicing Hope Podcast, Jenny Steele sits down with Pastor Andrew Vanover, a participant in the Leap of Faith movie. As the pastor of Thornapple Covenant Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andrew shares a powerful and honest look into his journey through the challenges of leading during a global pandemic, navigating church polarization, and enduring significant staff changes.

Along with his pastoral experience, Andrew shares about being part of Leap of Faith. Through this process, Andrew discovered that real transformation often happens in the small, quiet spaces, and that being faithful in those moments is just as significant as anything "grand."

In this episode, Andrew and Jenny discuss:

• How churches, especially in small communities, can be profoundly impacted by the pressures of modern ministry

• How God can unite people with differing views

• How God's kingdom often works through small, ordinary acts of kindness and reconciliation

Listeners will hear about Andrew's personal growth through his sabbatical, the real-world challenges pastors face in today's divided climate, and the unexpected ways God works when leaders are open to vulnerability, rest, and collaboration. Andrew's reflections are both encouraging and thought-provoking for anyone in ministry, leadership, or simply seeking hope in times of hardship.

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.

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.