Gender models have often held women back from leading in the church.  

Tara shares personal stories and biblical references to discuss the challenges women face in ministry, including stereotypes and opposition. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique, God-given traits—whether nurturing or assertive—and offers practical advice on dealing with opposition while staying true to one's calling. 

Through scripture and personal experiences, Tara highlights the diverse ways women can lead and serve effectively in ministry.

Timestamps:

00:29 Facing Gender Bias

01:15 The Struggle with Leadership Perceptions

03:32 Biblical Examples of Nurturing Leadership

05:18 Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Ministry

09:23 Facing Opposition in Ministry

14:01 Dealing with Bitterness and Anger

15:51 Practical Tips for Handling Opposition

19:21 A Story of Forgiveness and Healing

Throughout Scripture and church history, women have been central to the mission of God. But all too often women have lacked opportunities to minister fully. Many churches lack visible examples of women in ministry and leadership.

In this Seminary Now course, Pastor Tara Beth Leach issues a stirring call for a new generation of women in ministry: to teach, to preach, to shepherd, and to lead. God not only permits women to minister—he emboldens, empowers, and unleashes women to lead out of the fullness of who they are. The church cannot reach its full potential without women using their God-given gifts. Leach provides practical expertise for how women can find their place at the table, escape impostor syndrome, face opposition, mentor others, and much more.

Learn more about Seminary Now at https://seminarynow.com/

Humans are shaped by community. 

Tara Beth & Mark explore with Matt Croasmun the implications of understanding sin beyond an individualistic framework. America has a set of unique cultural norms that make it challenging to understand all that Paul has to say about the impact of sin on the community.  

Dr. Croasmun discusses the vital role of community in understanding sin, the influence of social systems, and the importance of fostering healthy communities that embody the teachings of Christ. The conversation also touches on the challenges pastors face in maintaining personal integrity and creating cultures that reflect the Kingdom of God. Listeners are invited to reflect on the formation of their own identities and the potential of the church to serve as a powerful witness to the broader society.

Timestamps: 

00:55 Understanding Sin Beyond Individualism

02:07 The Social Nature of Sin and Personhood

06:33 Implications for Pastoral Leadership

09:22 The Role of Community in Spiritual Formation

16:40 The Power of Imitation in Christian Life

21:13 The Church as a Model for Society

29:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations

Sin is a big deal. 

In this episode of The Pastor's Table, hosts Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Matthew Croasmun about the multifaceted nature of sin. Drawing from his book, "The Emergence of Sin," Dr. Croasmun discusses sin from personal, social, and cosmic perspectives, challenging the conventional view that sin is merely individual misdeeds or social ills. He shares his journey from the Midwest to Yale, his accidental church planting experience, and the significance of embracing a comprehensive understanding of sin as a cosmic force that constrains our moral freedom and opposes our efforts to do right.

Dr. Croasmun's perspective re-mythologizes the world through scientific and theological lenses, presenting sin as an emergent feature of a vast human network of transgression. Yet, this power is real and personal, necessitating our resistance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing Paul's ancient text as a relevant field manual for modern living. This episode invites pastors and church leaders to adopt a robust understanding of sin, promising to delve deeper into its practical implications in future episodes.

Timestamps: 

01:57 Journey from Midwest to Yale

05:17 Accidental Church Planting

17:59 Theological Insights on Sin

32:23 Implications for Pastoral Ministry

34:31 Closing Blessings and Reflections

Do you truly experience the promises Jesus gave to those who follow him—the benefits of peace, freedom, and love? 

The fact is that many of us struggle with a gap between what we believe about God and how we encounter him in our everyday lives. We don't want our faith to be merely conceptual—we want to experience it viscerally—and yet we often come up against one or more of these major gaps:

In The Expectation Gap, Steve Cuss—pastor and founder of the leadership organization Capable Life—offers tangible tools for engaging with God in a deeper, more soul-satisfying way. You'll unveil harmful expectations and patterns that keep you spiritually stuck so that you can replace them with habits and practices that will lead to a more vibrant faith life.

Timestamps: 

01:01 Understanding the Expectation Gap

01:46 Exploring Core Gaps in Faith

02:31 The Struggle with God's Love and Presence

02:57 Reactivity and Awareness of God's Presence

03:39 The Challenge of Measuring Faith

08:02 Misinterpretations of Biblical Stories

17:51 Personal Reflections and Vulnerability

18:11 Struggling with Guilt on Vacation

18:40 Letting God Carry the Relationship

19:15 Relaxing into God's Presence

20:33 The Challenge of Following Jesus Today

21:59 The Complexity of Modern Faith

24:33 Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Faith

33:15 Embracing Your Unique Calling

34:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Steve Cuss suggests, “Until you've gotten to the end of yourself, you're kind of a dangerous person.”

In this episode of The Pastor's Table, Steve discusses his journey of finding the end of himself. From being unchurched to becoming a pastor, his transformative experiences as a hospital chaplain, and the challenges of pastoral leadership. Highlighting the importance of vulnerability, self-awareness, and managing anxiety, Steve shares valuable lessons for pastors and church leaders.

There are ways in which we can recognize and manage what is going on in our leadership anxiety.  Steve discusses all this and more about how we can be human size in our pastoring. 

Learn more about Steve’s work at stevecusswords.com 

Timestamps 

00:33 Meet Steve Cuss: Journey into Ministry

06:58 The Impact of Chaplaincy

22:29 Managing Leadership Anxiety

25:02 Navigating Pastoral Challenges

28:58 Resources and Conclusion

The ordinary moments of life contain some of the most holy moments.

In this episode of The Pastor's Table, Tara Beth and Mark discuss the challenges and joys of pastoral life beyond the pulpit. They share personal anecdotes, including Mark's weekly routine and the guilty pleasure of watching 'Survivor,' and Tara Beth's heartfelt journey of caring for her mother with dementia. 

Play & rest are essential to tending to personal and familial responsibilities, arguing for a holistic approach to ministry that integrates both sacred duties and everyday life. Pastors are at their best when they embrace their humanity and find balance in their lives.

Timestamps: 

01:31 The Confession: Midweek Struggles

02:53 Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures

04:40 The Importance of Play and Rest

10:05 Caring for Aging Parents

13:01 The Holiness of Everyday Life

24:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Having a “balanced” life is challenging when serving in ministry.  

In this episode of the Pastor's Table, hosts Reverend Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom candidly discuss the challenges pastors face in balancing their professional and personal lives. They share personal anecdotes about their own struggles and strategies for maintaining well-being, such as embracing hobbies and setting boundaries. 

Tara Beth highlights her therapeutic connection with horses, while Mark reflects on the sanctity of family time and his passion for sailing. Together, they offer an encouraging message for pastors to embrace the everyday gifts and rhythms that bring balance and joy into their lives.

Timestamps: 

01:56 Balancing Pastoral Duties and Family Life

03:44 Personal Stories and Reflections

07:14 Establishing Healthy Rhythms

12:18 Family Time and Personal Hobbies

19:06 Rediscovering a Passion for Horses

19:28 Balancing Work and Competitive Riding

21:11 The Therapeutic Bond with Horses

23:20 Encouraging Hobbies for Pastors

24:18 Sailing: A Personal Journey

29:52 Embracing Life's Gifts

30:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Those who don’t “behold” and contemplate a life in God never experience God’s fullness. 

When we behold God there is a transformative power that flows. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus subverts so many ways in which we view spirituality.  Life with God transcends moralism, successism, and individualism. In this conversation, Mark & Tara Beth have a profound discussion with Pastor Rich Villodas.  

Pre-Order The Narrow Way: https://www.richvillodas.com/the-narrow-path 

Timestamps: 

01:08 Leading as a Contemplative Pastor

02:16 The Importance of Beholding God

08:52 Incorporating Silence in Worship

13:25 Introducing 'The Narrow Path'

20:37 Responsibilities of a Pastor

24:28 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Rich didn’t grow up as a Christian. 

Following Jesus means following Him along Jesus’ narrow way. Spiritual practices aren’t just an add-on to the way of Jesus. Rich Villodas presents a compelling theological vision for a church that focuses deeply on the formation of Jesus’ disciples.  

Rich also highlights the unique membership process at New Life Church, which emphasizes relational and spiritual formation over rapid growth. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to shepherd a weary world while maintaining theological integrity.

Pre-Order The Narrow Way: https://www.richvillodas.com/the-narrow-path 

Timestamps: 

01:58 Rich's Journey to Faith

05:16 Early Ministry and Family Influence

14:20 Monastic Influences and Leadership

17:49 Contemplative Practices in Church Leadership

24:57 Challenges and Reflections on Church Growth

26:50 Conclusion and Encouragement for Pastors