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In this episode of the Church Talk podcast, Jason, Rob, and Courtney discuss various impactful books that can aid church leaders and members in their spiritual journeys. They emphasize the importance of reading widely, exploring diverse perspectives, and understanding cultural contexts. The conversation covers recommendations for leadership, team building, and engaging with the Old Testament, while also addressing contemporary issues facing the church today. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges faced by Gen Z, particularly the meaning crisis and the search for purpose. They discuss influential authors and their works that provide insights into navigating faith and understanding the supernatural. The conversation also touches on the ethics of beauty as a guiding principle in problem-solving and the transformative power of literature in shaping perspectives. The speakers share their favorite books and the impact these have had on their lives and ministries, concluding with an invitation for listeners to share their own recommendations.

Books Mentioned: (Share yours with us!! - [email protected])

Jason

1. De-Sizing the Church (Karl Vaters)
2. Future Church (Will Mancini)
3. Wisdom for Faithful Reading (John Walton)
4. Lead (Paul David Tripp)
5. The Wood Between the Worlds (Brian Zahnd)

Courtney

1. Liturgical Mission/ Ever Ancient Ever New (by Winfield Bevins)
2. Bearing God's Name (by Carmen Imes)
3. Living in Wonder (by Rod Dreher)
4. The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God (by Justin Brierly)
5. The Air We Breathe (by Glen Scrivener) 
6. The Ethics of Beauty by (Timothy Patitsas)

Rob

1. The 6 Types of Working Genius (Pat Lencioni)
2. The Seven Frequencies of Communication (Erwin McManus)
3. Purple Cow & Free Prize Inside (and really anything)  (Seth Godin)
4. Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller)
5. Homiletic Moves & Structures  (David Buttrick)
6. Slaves, Women, & Homosexuals  (William J. Webb)

00:00 Introduction to Meaningful Reads
05:55 The Importance of Diverse Reading
11:46 Books for Leadership and Team Building
18:08 Exploring the Old Testament
23:51 Cultural Context and Spiritual Issues
24:20 Understanding the Meaning Crisis for Gen Z
26:05 Exploring the Supernatural Worldview
28:20 Influential Authors and Their Impact
30:09 Books That Changed Perspectives
34:25 The Ethics of Beauty and Problem Solving
38:21 Before and After: Transformative Books
45:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Recommendations

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In this episode of the Church Talk Podcast, hosts Jason, Rob, and Courtney welcome back Brian Dodd for his fourth appearance. They discuss Brian's new book, 'The Games Leaders Play,' exploring the gap between leadership knowledge and its application in real-world scenarios. Brian emphasizes the importance of personal communion with God for effective leadership and shares insights on the common traits of successful leaders. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges faced by pastors and how they can blend shepherding with visionary leadership. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges pastors face when leading volunteers versus leading other leaders. They explore the importance of understanding the mindset of leaders, providing ten actionable strategies for pastors to effectively lead leaders, and the significance of continuous learning in leadership roles. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of leadership challenges and the necessity of fostering a culture of contribution over control.

Takeaways

• Brian Dodd's new book (Games Leaders Play) addresses the gap between leadership knowledge and application.
• Effective leaders are those who have spent time with God.
• Vision is about multiplying what you see, feel, and hear in ministry.
• Transformation in ministry is more important than mere transactions.
• Most pastors excel at leading volunteers but struggle with leading other leaders.
• Imposter syndrome can hinder pastors when interacting with more experienced leaders.
• Pastors should prioritize being a spiritual guide to leaders.
• Asking great questions is more valuable than providing answers.
• Involving leaders in decision-making makes them feel valued and invested.
• A clear and compelling vision attracts great leaders.
• Follow-up communication strengthens relationships with leaders.
• Leaders should be encouraged to contribute rather than control.

Keywords

leadership, church growth, personal communion, Brian Dodd, effective leadership, pastoral challenges, church vision, leadership principles, faithfulness, community impact, leadership, pastors, volunteers, leaders, church, mindset, strategies, challenges, continuous learning, community

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In this episode of the Church Talk podcast, Jason, Courtney, and Rob discuss the importance of leadership in the church, focusing on how to listen to God and the various spiritual practices that can enhance personal growth and community engagement. They share personal anecdotes about snow days, the challenges of hearing from God, and the need for a true prayer life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of bridging the gap between learning and doing in ministry, and how spiritual practices can be tailored to individual personalities. In this conversation, the speakers explore the challenges of engaging with God amidst the chaos of modern life, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and quietness. They discuss how busyness and success can hinder spiritual growth and listening to God. Practical practices such as the Kairos circle and the Jesus Prayer are introduced as ways to cultivate awareness of God's presence and to develop a deeper spiritual life. The conversation concludes with a call to embrace these practices to enhance one's relationship with God and to support others in their spiritual journeys.

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Ken Boa "Conformed to His Image"
Dallas Willard "The Divine Conspiracy"
Richard Foster "Celebration of Discipline"

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and New Beginnings
03:02 Snow Days and Seasonal Joys
06:01 Listening to God as Leaders
12:11 The Challenge of Hearing from God
17:53 Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth
19:53 Engaging God Amidst Life's Chaos
30:08 The Impact of Success on Spiritual Listening
40:55 Practical Practices for Hearing God
44:48 Cultivating Awareness of God's Presence

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In this episode of the Church Talk podcast, hosts Jason and Rob introduce their guest, Jason Bowman, who shares his journey from church planting to creative entrepreneurship. The conversation explores the intersection of church and marketplace principles, emphasizing the importance of passion and enthusiasm in ministry. They discuss the challenges of growth and chaos in organizations and the need for new approaches to engage communities effectively. The episode concludes with insights on embracing change and adapting to new cultural contexts. In this conversation, Jason Bowman discusses various themes related to church planting, community engagement, and effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, empathetic honesty, and core principles for building strong teams. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to discipleship through the Jesus XP initiative, aiming to connect individuals with the teachings of Jesus in a contemporary context.

ArtSpeak Creative
JesusXP

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In this episode of the Church Talk podcast, hosts Jason, Rob, and Courtney welcome Daniel Geraci, founder and CEO of United in Crisis. Daniel shares his journey of faith, the importance of church unity in crisis response, and the model of the Crisis Response Church Network. The conversation explores how churches can overcome denominational divides, the increasing frequency of disasters, and the vital role of prayer and relationships among pastors. Daniel emphasizes the need for collaboration in times of crisis and the unique opportunities that arise for the church to serve the community. In this conversation, Jason Allison discusses the evolving role of the church in community support, particularly during crises. He emphasizes the historical context of the church's involvement in social welfare and how modern networks can empower churches to respond effectively to community needs. The dialogue explores the relationship between government and church, the importance of local solutions, and the necessity of balancing immediate needs with the hope of the gospel.

Find out more about United In Crisis

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In this episode of the Church Talk Podcast, Rob, Jason, and Courtney reflect on their journey over the past year, celebrating their growth and milestones as a podcast. They discuss the importance of engaging with the church community, the challenges faced in 2024, and the significance of spiritual health. The hosts also highlight their top episodes and the impact these discussions have had on their listeners, emphasizing the need for rest and grounding in faith. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes related to health, leadership, and the future of the church. They discuss the importance of work-life balance, particularly for pastors, and the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Mental health and counseling are emphasized as essential components of pastoral care. The conversation also touches on worship team coaching and the revitalization of church experiences, culminating in a discussion about the future of the church and the importance of discipleship.

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In this Christmas special episode of the Church Talk podcast, hosts Jason, Rob, and Courtney discuss their holiday plans, family traditions, and the challenges that come with the Christmas season. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, reflect on the meaning of Christmas, and offer advice for navigating the busy holiday period. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, setting goals for the new year, and creating meaningful traditions that celebrate family and faith.

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Rob, Jason, & Courtney talk with author and speaker Eric Hoke about his latest book "Market Street Pastor."  Eric is a co-vocational church planter and proven marketplace professional specializing in staffing and corporate training. He has worked with thousands of eager career changers from around the world including church planters, missional church leaders, and pastors.

You can find out more about Eric's organization here:  "I Help Pastors Find Jobs"
You can find his latest book here: Market Street Pastor
Eric's Substack

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Rob & Jason talk about discipleship with the authors of the new book "Creating Space," Bryan Sims and Craig Robertson. These men lead Spiritual Leadership, Inc and are passionate about helping churches make passionate spiritual disciples. 

You can find out more at www.spiritual-leadership.org
You can find the book here: Creating Space

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Jason & Courtney talk with Tiffany Henning about her new organization called "Something's Gotta Change." Tiffany is curating resources to help pastors avoid and recover from burnout. Her new venture is focused on helping pastors build healthy rhythms into their lives and connecting them to resources to make it possible.

Find out more about Something's Gotta Change

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