On today's show we welcome Jason Moore, award-winning digital artist and co-founder of Midnight Oil Productions.

Topics include:

• Jason defines the meaning of visual imagery in worship.
• Find out how Midnight Oil Productions was founded.
• Discover more about Jason's spiritual journey into ministry.
• Examples of how we can share the gospel visually today.
• Why imagery is the native language of most of our brains.
• Advice for demonstrating the power of visuals to resistant churches and tips for converting resisters into allies.
• The importance of designing worship for your target audience.
• Learn more about Jason's coaching and the seminars he offers.

Bio:

As an award winning digital artist, Jason Moore continues to establish new styles for visual imagery in worship that he hopes will help the church reach the culture we live in. Jason is known for his pioneering work in digital images for worship, and has devoted the last 20 years to developing professional, highly emotive graphics, animation and video that are being emulated in churches throughout the country. Along  with Len Wilson, Jason co-authored the books Digital Storytellers: The Art of Communicating the Gospel in Worship, Design Matters: Creating Powerful Imagery for Worship, and Taking Fight With Creativity: Worship Design Teams that Work.

In 2000, Jason co-founded Lumicon Digital Productions, a non-profit arm of UMR Communications and in 2002 established Midnight Oil Productions along with Len Wilson. Jason began work as a Media Specialist for the Ohio River Valley District of the United Methodist Church in Cincinnati Ohio in 2011. His work there entails coaching, personal one-on-one training, and vision casting. Jason is an adjunct professor for Northwest Nazarene University, teaching a course on visual communication for graduate level students. Jason graduated from the School of Advertising Art. He has been awarded Hermes, UMAC, and Telly Awards for his innovations in animation, design and illustration.

Learn more about Jason Moore at Midnightoilproductions.com and LinkedIn.

On today's show we welcome James Lee, Manager of Visual Arts at The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.

Topics include:

• Why film is a medium of storytelling that embodies different arts that tell one cohesive story.
• Understanding Jesus' role as a storyteller through visual arts.
• Get the details on the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.
• How James transitioned out of ministry and into wedding cinematography full-time.
• Learning to trust God and really go on a "faith-walk" with Him.
• The importance of having a mission statement for your life.
• Learn more about the idea behind A Future With Hope.
• The role of social media, video, and embracing new technology in ministry.
• Why it is important for Clergy leaders to be creative and innovative.
• The most important principles for young leaders to develop, today.

Bio:

James Lee is a storyteller, whose medium is visual arts. He is responsible for producing all audio and video elements for The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and A Future With Hope. James is also the host of the bi-monthly podcast, the Uncovered Dish Christian Leadership Podcast, by United Methodist Church and the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference that uncovers stories, equips leaders, and changes the world.

As the Manager of Visual Arts and Communications, James was involved in the research and develop media worship technology applicable to the 560 churches in Greater New Jersey. He also operated and maintained a fully-functional video production studio, shooting and editing an average of 5-10 videos on a weekly basis. James graduated from Drew Theological School in 2014 and also worked as a full-time wedding filmmaker prior to joining the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.

Learn more about James Lee at Gnjumc.org, LinkedIn and the Uncovered Dish Christian Leadership Podcast.

On today's show we welcome Bishop Robert Schnase, resident bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference and author of numerous bestselling books.

Topics include:

• What it means to be a Bishop in the United Methodist Church.
• How pastors can engage the culture around them.
• Learn more about Bishop Robert's journey as an author.
• Robert explains the concept behind his book Just Say Yes.
• How new leaders can address change at a systemic level.
• Why Just Say Yes is a must read for seminary leaders.
• Discover why a learning pastor is an effective pastor.
• Hear Robert's key tips to organizing new ministry ideas.
• Learn why we need to develop the skills to be failure tolerant.
• Why the pattern of "No" is shutting ministries down.
• Hear Roberts advice for young pastors today.
• What are you doing right now in your church?
• And much more!

Bio:

Robert Schnase served as bishop of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2004. At the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in Wichita, Kansas July 13-16, Bishop Schnase was assigned to the Rio Texas Conference beginning September 1, 2016. Schnase is the author of the bestselling books Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Five Practices of Fruitful Living, Practicing Extravagant Generosity, and Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences.

His latest book, Just Say Yes: Unleashing People for Ministry, is written for people whose passion has been simmering for years, who yearn to be told "Yes!" Schnase examines the systems and attitudes that restrain and control ministry. He demonstrates practical ways church leaders can rethink fundamental assumptions about organizations and leadership.

Learn more about Bishop Robert Schnase at robertschnase.com, Instagram and Twitter.

On today's show we welcome Mike Bonem, speaker, congregational leadership coach and author of Thriving in the Second Chair: 10 Practices for Robust Ministry (When You're Not in Charge).

Topics include:

• Mike explains what it means to be a second chair leader.
• Mike's core views on leadership in ministry and in business.
• Does the church still have a lot to learn from the business world?
• Identifying younger leaders and giving them opportunities to lead.
• Lone-ranger leadership style versus collaborative leadership style.
• What are the key characteristics of a second chair leader?
• How can a second chair leader be clear of their role?
• What a second chair leader should never do in their role.
• Overcoming the challenge of loneliness as a second chair.
• What hinders the success of congregational leaders today.
• How Mike's business education ties into his success as a coach.
• And much more!

Bio:

Mike Bonem is a consultant, coach, author, speaker, husband and father. He offers a unique mix of world-class consulting and executive leadership experience to help churches, ministries, and their leaders turn vision into results. Mike holds an MBA, with distinction, from Harvard Business School. He was a senior manager with McKinsey & Company, one of the world's leading management consulting firms, and held executive leadership roles in two businesses.

He subsequently served over 10 years as the executive pastor of a large Baptist church in Houston. In his consulting, Mike works with congregations, denominational bodies, and faith-based non-profits on vision discernment, strategy implementation, organizational design, transition planning. He also coaches leaders in these organizations to improve their effectiveness. He has spoken at conferences across the country and internationally. Mike is also the author or co-author of four books on ministry leadership.

Mike and his wife Bonnie have been married for over 30 years and have three sons, one daughter, and two daughters-in-law.

Learn more about at Mike Bonem at mikebonem.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

On today's show we welcome, Dr. Lovett H. Weems, distinguished professor of Church Leadership and the former Director of the Lewis Centre of Church Leadership, where he currently serves as Senior Consultant.

Topics include:

• Learn more about Lovett's journey to Church Leadership.
• Why Lovett believes in doing every job well.
• Current developments in 21st Century ministry.
• The growing focus to link seminary theory with practice.
• Coming to understand that it's not enough to be right.
• Why leaders need to think from an outside in perspective.
• The importance of building a community of culture.
• Why churches need to fall in love with their communities again.
• Learn the value of awareness to what is going on around you.
• Discover the people who have inspired Lovett the most.
• Understanding that leadership is not about you.
• The core values and pain points of Lovett's leadership.
• Why Lovett believes humility is missing from leadership.
• And much more!

Bio:

Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is distinguished professor of church leadership and senior consultant of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

Weems was the founding director of the Lewis Center in 2003, coming to the position after 18 years as president of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He became senior consultant in 2017.

A native of Mississippi, he was a local church pastor in that state for many years. His years in local church ministry in Mississippi were marked by emphasis on both evangelism and social concerns. His work in Mississippi led the distinguished Mississippi writer Willie Morris to describe him as "one of the persons who added much to the growing civility of Mississippi."

Learn more about Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr. at Churchleadership.com and Facebook.

On today's show we welcome Rev. Audrey Warren, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Miami Florida, where she has been serving as a United Methodist pastor for the past six years. Audrey is known for her passion for outreach and mission, as well co-authoring her recent book, Fresh Expressions: A New Kind Of Methodist Church For People Not In Church.

Topics include:

• Find out more about the Fresh Expressions movement.
• Hear more about the inspiration behind Audrey's book.
• Will Fresh Expressions work for non-Methodists?
• How will a local church know they need a Fresh Expression?
• Audrey explains the goal of the Fresh Expressions movement.
• Reminding ourselves that church is about the people, not the building.
• The challenges churches face when implementing Fresh Expressions.
• Why blaming and shaming is not a healthy way forward.
• Making the decision to go outside and listen to your community.
• Six steps to implementing Fresh Expressions into your church.
• Learn why the missionary Holy Spirit goes ahead of us.
• And much more!

Bio:

Rev. Audrey Warren, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Miami Florida since July, 2015 is well received by that congregation. Audrey has been in Miami–Dade County serving as a United Methodist pastor for the past six years. She holds degrees from both of the NCAA National Basketball champions this year. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Florida Southern College where she majored in Religion. This was followed by a Masters of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School. Needless to say Audrey is a basketball fan and is excited about being very close to where the Heat play at the American Airlines Arena. Audrey sees herself as a lifelong learner and is currently writing her dissertation for a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Audrey has served in Central Florida, North Carolina, South Africa, and Miami. She has a passion for outreach and mission and is currently convening the Fresh Expressions movement in the Florida Annual Conference. She looks forward to new places and new ways in which church can form in downtown Miami. Audrey is a courageous leader and motivator and has a passion for bringing diverse people together to carry out the work of Christ in community. She is fluent in English and Spanish. She also has a 200 hr. Yoga Alliance Teacher Certificate. In her spare time, you can find her at the beach with a good book, running in Coconut Grove or a yoga class in town!

Learn more about Audrey Warren at firstchurchmiami.org, Fresh Expressions, and Twitter.

On today's show we welcome Len Sweet, a theologian, semiotician, church historian, pastor and bestselling author who communicates the gospel with a signature bridging of the worlds of faith, academia and popular culture.

Topics include:

• How do we get the church to change the world?
• Teaching the young and old about new reformation.
• Why we need to be lifting up Christ more than the church.
• Find out more about Len Sweet's journey as a preacher.
• Discover what inspires Len to write and raise race horses.
• Len explains the process of getting his first book published.
• Why the church was made for the challenges we are facing today.
• Should we be starting from the future and working back.
• Understanding the essence of what the Kingdom is.
• Len's thoughts on same sex marriage and gay rights.
• Communicating to the TGIF culture through stories.
• The importance of becoming a lifelong learner.
• Why Christians have to rediscover the table.
• Are we suffering from JDD – Jesus Deficit Disorder?
• And much more!

Bio:

Len Sweet is an American theologian, semiotician, church historian, pastor, and author. He is the author of over 300 articles, 200 sermons and more than 50 books and currently hosts his own preaching website called preachthestory.com. Len has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America and currently serves as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School at Drew University, in Madison, New Jersey.

Sweet is founder and President of SpiritVenture Ministries. His writings focus on the study of Semiotics. He has over 1000 published sermons, and currently is the chief weekly contributor to the lectionary-based sermons.com. Sweet has weekly podcasting on iTunes entitled Napkin Scribbles.

Sweet has served a term on the council of the American Society of Church History and was an associate editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion for ten years. An honors and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Richmond, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Colgate/Rochester/Bexley Hall/Crozer and PhD from the University of Rochester.

Learn more about Len Sweet at leonardsweet.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

On today's show we welcome Karoline M. Lewis, preacher, presenter and the author of SHE: Five Keys To Unlock The Power Of Women In Ministry.

Topics include:

• Karoline shares her view on scripture: Matthew 1:23.
• How the promise of incarnation shapes Karoline's work.
• Find out the inspiration behind Karoline's book.
• Discover the Five Keys Karoline talks about in her book.
• Why the key of authenticity is so important today.
• Encouraging constructive theology in Biblical teaching.
• The words Karoline has specifically for women.
• Finding a Biblical story for your own life.
• Celebrations and opportunities for women in Ministry.
• How can we create a more inclusive community?
• Does being a woman really influence leadership style?

Bio:

Rev. Karoline M. Lewis is the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary. Previously she taught at Candler School of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Augsburg College. Karoline is also the author of SHE: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry and John: Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries, as well as numerous articles for many other esteemed publications. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Lewis holds degrees from Northwestern University (B.A.), Luther Seminary (M.Div.), and Emory University (Ph.D., New Testament Studies and Homiletics).

Karoline has served as Treasurer of Academy of Homiletics and Regional Coordinator for the Upper Midwest Region of the Society of Biblical Literature. She is a regular preacher and presenter at the Festival of Homiletics and leads conferences, workshops, and retreats internationally on the Gospel of John, the New Testament, interpreting the Bible, preaching, leadership, and women in ministry.

Learn more about Karoline M. Lewis at karolinelewis.com and LinkedIn.

On today's show we welcome Richard Rogers, Ministry Strategist at Horizons Stewardship and author of the book, The E-Giving Guide For Every Church: Using Digital Tools To Grow Ministry.

Topics include:

• The transition from corporate to ministry and consulting.
• Being a disciple in the market place.
• The E-Giving Guide , practical ways to help grow ministry.
• Defining stewardship and generosity.
• Push back from local leaders in the church surrounding e-giving.
• Understanding sacred versus a method.
• Strategies and tools surrounding the introduction and implementation of e-giving.
• Percentages for digital giving for local churches.
• Remembering your WHY and having it motivate and drive you to success.

Bio

Richard Rogers brings a unique blend of business savvy and passion for the local church to his work with Horizons. Working with pastors and church leaders, Richard's aspiration is raising levels of generosity in the church to enable God's vision to become a reality. In his early career, Richard worked as a manager for a Fortune 500 company. A response to a capital campaign prayer led him into ministry to serve as a Church Administrator with additional responsibilities over Discipleship and Stewardship. During this time, he directed a church campus relocation project and several capital campaigns for building programs. Throughout Richard's tenure in the local church, his leadership and focus on faith development helped his congregation experience a 70% increase in giving to the annual ministry plan.

Most recently, Richard has focused his stewardship teachings on electronic giving through his book, The E-Giving Guide for Every Church: Using Digital Tools to Grow Ministry (Abingdon Press, 2016). In his book, Richard discusses the evolution occurring in the philanthropic community from paper money and check transactions to electronic giving. The E-Giving Guide is a resource for churches to help them navigate into the electronic age of giving. Breaking down high-tech jargon and the myriad of confusing options, Richard offers a plan to easily and effectively incorporate e-giving into the daily life of the church.

On today's show we welcome Rosario Picardo, founding and Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Dayton, Ohio, founder of Picardo Coaching LLC, and author of Funding Ministry with Five Loaves and Two Fishes.

Topics include:

• Going through growing pains of a new church while balancing real life.
• Understanding scale and economy when selecting the right leaders for a church plant.
• What inspired Roz to write his new book, Funding Ministry with Five Loaves and Two Fishes.
• Why it is critical for pastors to be financial leaders, personally and spiritually.
• How mentors can impact your life to successfully lead a financially free church.
• The importance of integrity and character for successful financial stewardship.
• Learning to root your resources in prayer; praying through your space.
• The advantages and disadvantages of being a "nomadic" church.
• Knowing the value of creating community partnerships with your church plant.

Bio

Rosario Picardo is the founding and Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Dayton, Ohio. He is also the founder of Picardo Coaching LLC, a coaching group that helps church leaders plant faith communities and revitalize existing congregations. He happens to be "a very regular dude" that God has entrusted with a vision for ministering to the people of Lexington. In 2003, he earned his B.A. in Religion from Houghton College, and in 2007 he earned his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry at United Theological Seminary. Roz also spent 4 years in the Marine Reserves and 5 years in the Navy Reserves.

Roz first fell in love with urban ministry while attending The Rock/La Roca United Methodist Church and working there as the custodian. He eventually became the associate pastor before being called to church planting. Roz was appointed by the Kentucky Annual Conference as a church planter in 2008. He then launched Embrace Church at the Kentucky Theater, and he was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church. Roz is also the author of Embrace: A Church Plant That Broke All the Rules and his most recent book, Funding Ministry with Five Loaves and Two Fishes.

Learn more about Rosario Picardo at [email protected], Rosariopicardo.com, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.