Spirit Anointed Leadership

097: Excellence Over Perfectionism - With Chris Conrad 

For many pastors, vacillating between excellence and perfectionism is a harsh reality. In this episode, Chris unpacks how to maintain a commitment to excellence in all aspects of church life without falling into the trap of perfectionism. He explores biblical examples that highlight God's value for excellence as we uncover how to create an atmosphere that honors God and inspires people while embracing human efforts' inevitable imperfections.

Show Notes & Resources: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZlArZz8V7SEsbpi6hCz9kNa5UOIXu6Qj/view?usp=share_link

Sensing a call to take a sabbatical but unsure where to start? In today's episode, Pastor Brooks Sayer, shares insights on overcoming resistance, preparing for a sabbatical, and the profound impact it can have on a pastor's personal and spiritual health. From the challenges of getting board approval to managing expectations and transitioning back to ministry, this conversation offers practical advice and heartfelt stories about the journey of rest and renewal. Discover how stepping away can lead to a deeper connection with God and a healthier church community.

Show Notes & Resources:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tpd6Kh4FhoENN0VeyA4Z5DL9jDrUk6Qa/view?usp=sharing

As pastors and ministry leaders, we often find establishing a sabbath rhythm challenging, especially when Sundays are one of the busiest days of the week. In this episode, Chris explores the importance of the sabbath, how Jesus challenged the legalistic view of His time regarding the sabbath, how to face it with conviction and joy, and creative ways for pastors to reclaim a weekly sabbath and all the benefits that come along with it. 

Show Notes & Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_oLOgmei2zeF7bJDZgHqpL8AdEZLE9Gg/view?usp=sharing

In this podcast, Jim Samra, pastor of Calvary Church, explores why Solomon's request for wisdom didn't lead to lasting peace, contrasting his choices with those of other biblical figures like Moses, Elisha, and David, whose desires for God’s presence brought them true fulfillment. Discover the difference between earthly wisdom and divine wisdom, and how true peace is found not in the pursuit of wisdom as a concept, but in seeking the Person of Wisdom Himself. 

Show Notes & Resources:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FXmbHEAtV08kq7bWNyhDwFGrNcotK3GD/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Miranda Cruz is a professor of theology and church history at Indiana Wesleyan University and an author. In today’s interview, Dr. Cruz discusses how faith and politics intersect, the tension between conviction and exclusion, political engagement within the church, and how to maintain civility within our conversations and interactions regarding faith and politics. With a passion for Church history and navigating the political landscape, Dr. Cruz invites us to navigate these turbulent waters with grace and understanding.

Show Notes & Resources: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hpwEnI6QzMl617Kb0HdkKVIhsh8c5hng/view?usp=share_link

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to keep pressing forward in running the race God has set before us and to strip away anything that might slow us down. So, whatever race you may be running, whether literal or metaphorical, God has called each of us to run that race with perseverance and endurance, leaning into our Father in heaven and the community He has placed around us. We hope this episode inspires you to persevere, prune away anything that might be slowing you down, and find those people who will encourage you to stay the path. 

Show Notes & Resources: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cq48T1cM6hNyHn3CmEXQkasN-vyXUKBZ/view?usp=sharing

We recognize that navigating the political climate as a church leader or pastor in America can feel incredibly daunting. With a cacophony of political stances, relational tension, and opinions of what should or shouldn’t be stated from the pulpit, the pressure of leading during political seasons can be incredibly overwhelming. In today’s episode, Pastor Craig Rees guides us through 5 steps for navigating the political seasons in the Church. He offers insights and guidance for navigating these turbulent waters with wisdom, grace, and a Kingdom mindset. 

Show Notes & Resources: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VF7GvzIVTXVfoCInynD1wleeDTdNk4ZX/view?usp=share_link

In life and ministry, we often encounter the need to have conversations that are anything but comfortable. Sometimes, these moments can be laden with confrontation, the need to breach difficult topics, and a palpable sense of awkwardness. Yet, despite the discomfort, these conversations are crucial and can often be the gateway to growth, understanding, and a greater sense of collaboration within our relationships and teams. In this episode, Chris helps us understand how necessary these crucial conversations can be by offering practical and biblical examples and simple, actionable steps to help us grow in this skill. 

Show Notes & Resources: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2Qpg7PM80z9UdxL_-Pm53H7o6IJ3nrU/view?usp=share_link

In the Great Lakes Region of the Wesleyan Church, our mission is to equip pastors, leaders, and churches to reach people for Jesus. With this ultimate goal, we challenge the notion that acquiring a church building and conducting weekend services marks the endgame of what Church Multiplication has to look like. Instead, we emphasize the importance of every individual and every church playing a vital role in the multiplication process. Drawing inspiration from Rick Warren, who notes that "It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people," Danielle explores the five steps each church can take to embark on the journey of church multiplication. 

Show Notes & Resources:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rr7PGe1ussWp66dMs_0bpj-19HAthFOE/view?usp=sharing

In today’s episode, we delve into the personal journey of faith, leadership, and vulnerability with Jason Holdridge, the lead pastor of Impact Church. From a bible college student to youth pastor and now lead pastor, Jason unpacks the highs and lows of ministry life, from facing the shadow side of his giftings to fighting through anxiety and heavy expectations. Through it all, Jason reminds us of the transformative and necessary power of trust, faith, and reliance on God's grace in order to fully live into the call God has for us. 

Show Notes & Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9zkjxmJJ1FgHsyUC32Mx9xVExwX0E7R/view?usp=sharing