What if there was a tool that could accelerate your spiritual growth, enhance emotional health, and propel your leadership skills to new heights? Our guests for today, renowned ministry leaders Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, have unlocked this potential with the Enneagram. Throughout the episode, they enlighten us on how this transformative tool can be integrated into coaching and retreats, and how it addresses the emotional roots of our personality types. They share valuable insights into the essence of the Enneagram, rebuff common criticisms, and emphasize the importance of a Christ-centered approach to emotional and spiritual wellness.

Building on their in-depth understanding of the Enneagram, Bill and Kristi guide us through the association between personality types and core emotions like anger, shame, and anxiety. They reveal how self-awareness, combined with the healing power of Christ and community, can transform these emotions and foster emotional honesty. Furthermore, our insightful guests unravel the unique struggles faced by pastors and leaders in their ministry. From maintaining a healthy church culture to navigating the overwhelming demands of their roles, they share how the Enneagram can provide clarity, promote self-awareness, and instill trust in God's plan. 

In the final part of our discussion, we delve deeper into the potential of the Enneagram for fostering emotional intelligence and empathy in relationships. The conversation seeks to reshape misunderstandings about empathy, underlining its role in love, compassion, and understanding others. Together, we explore the concept of an emotional alarm, a wake-up call to prevent unhealthy behaviors. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone striving for a balanced, Christ-like approach in their personal relationships and ministry. So, tune in and join us on this enlightening journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.

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What if we told you that being a pastor is more than just about leading a congregation? It's about personal transformation, confronting challenges, and navigating through isolation. Our guest today, Heath Luehmann, a seasoned church leader, and coach, brings in a fresh perspective about these under-discussed areas in pastoral leadership. Join us as Heath shares his findings from a study he conducted with over 50 pastors, shedding light on the top challenges they face, including burnout, conflict management, and the balance between personal and professional life. 

The journey of a pastor can often feel like a lonely road, and most of them find themselves wrestling with isolation. This episode uncovers these struggles along with other challenges such as handling entitlement and navigating business skills. We delve into the importance of mental and spiritual well-being for pastors to serve their congregations effectively. We also explore the significance of peer-to-peer and mentor relationships providing crucial support to these spiritual leaders.

Furthermore, we navigate the complex dance of leadership within the church and the evolving landscape of the church community. With topics ranging from politics impacting church attendance to the holistic well-being of congregants, we unpack layers of pastoral leadership not often discussed. Join us as we ponder the challenges of remaining faithful to God’s word amidst a divisive society and close the episode with a glimpse of an impending American Reformation. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about standing for love, compassion, and the gospel as we prepare for the future. Don't miss out on this compelling conversation with Heath Luehmann.

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Take a seat at our virtual table as Tardelli Voss, a missionary director for the Lutheran Mission Society in San Diego, and I explore the intriguing intersection of soccer's growing popularity, faith, and mission work. 

From our conversation, you'll discover a compelling perspective on the American Christian Church's need for reformation, as Tardelli passionately speaks about unity and dialogue between different Christian traditions. We delve into the importance of the missionary mindset, character skills in mission work, and the concept of the Great Connection - the combination of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. We all agree that collaboration and friendships with other pastors play a crucial role in mission work and that the Holy Spirit uses our love for others to draw people deeper into a relationship with God.

Finally, we challenge you to consider the importance of deeper friendships and partnerships within the Church. The need for showing up and being fully present at conferences and worship services is discussed, as is the theology of friendship. We touch on the impact of the trans congregational context on God's kingdom and urge fellow pastors to prioritize caring for each other's souls and creating safe spaces for confession and absolution. So, whether you're a soccer enthusiast, a pastor, or someone interested in matters of faith and unity in the Church, this conversation promises to deliver some thoughtful insights.

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Welcome Reverend Dr. Adam Clark. He's an outreach pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, with a keen passion for Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship." Together, we navigate the tough terrain of parenting, grace, discipleship, and the allure of Bonhoeffer's call to truth.

As the conversation unfolds, we probe the relationship between natural law and Christ, confronting the pitfalls of a deistic, moralistic, therapeutic mindset prevalent in the American church. We're unafraid to delve into controversial topics such as gender confusion, highlighting the urgency for the church to champion family values. We also equip you with strategies to tackle difficult conversations within the church, underlining the significance of grace, love, and the necessity of law to address unrepentant sin.

In the final stretch of our enlightening tête-à-tête, we underscore the crucial need for unity within the church. We investigate the potential of a common mind, aiding each other in overcoming blind spots. We also venture into the realm of relational health within the Lutheran Church, shining a spotlight on the positive ripples of generosity in our communities and the world. Join us, and you'll leave not just inspired, but more connected with your faith and the broader Christian community.

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Ready to challenge your perspective on faith, politics, and economy? Join us as we sit down and converse with the versatile Ray Keating, an acclaimed author, economist, and entrepreneur, who offers us a deep dive into the American Christian Church landscape, drawing from his Lutheran roots. Ray navigates through historical figures like Martin Luther and the Roman Catholic Church while sharing insights into his creative process.

Prepare to embrace a riveting discussion on the intersection of faith and politics, where Ray astutely talks about the role of the church in government and the importance of connecting Christian fiction to real-life scenarios. Our conversation further traverses into the world of commerce, where Keating lays out his view on the future of the American economy, emphasizing the significance of free trade and the potential of our churches to foster creativity and risk-taking to shape a prosperous economic future.

In the concluding segment of our chat, Ray stirs a thought-provoking conversation around church growth, the power of storytelling in sharing the gospel, and the necessity of a contemporary Lutheran theological formation that accommodates today's diverse cultural and demographic shifts. He emphasizes the imperative of the Christian faith in our everyday lives, the transformative power of prayer, and the responsibility of the church to be a robust leader in today's evolving society. Come, be a part of this enlightening discussion to expand your horizons on faith and life.

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Ever felt stuck in a 'woe is me' mindset with no clear path forward? In this episode we sit down with life coach Doug Hartle to unravel how coaching can reframe your perspective, leading to self-discovery fueled by the Holy Spirit and a renewed sense of personal responsibility. Through enlightening discussions on the similarities and differences between coaching, mentoring, and spiritual guidance, Doug shares insights from his Facebook group, Coffee Thoughts, and motivates listeners to embrace growth within their Christian journey. 

In our conversation with Doug, we shed light on the delicate subject of suffering and how it's possible to adopt a victim mentality in those circumstances. We discuss the potential hazards of this mindset and explore how it can be replaced with a scripture-anchored perspective. This episode delves into the profound impact of modern technologies, like social media, on our worldview and how they can unintentionally foster a victim mindset. Doug enlightens us by highlighting how a coach can switch this narrative by encouraging an attitude centered on seeking God's will, even amid hardships. 

But our journey doesn't end there. We dive deeper into the essence of love in coaching, drawing inspiration from the ultimate coach, Jesus. His unconditional love for everyone serves as a blueprint for us to love others as they are, and encourage them to follow His path. Doug emphasizes the importance of being grounded in our identity to love those not following Jesus, and we delve into the promises Jesus gave in John 13-17. We also address the critical role of the Holy Spirit in transforming lives, the power of personal stories, and the importance of coaching to communicate these life-altering experiences. This episode is not merely about coaching, but an exploration of the transformative power of faith and love in our lives. Tune in to be inspired and transformed!

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Join us as we explore the profound depths of the scriptures with our special guest, Marlene Lamb, a devoted worship leader with a passion for transformation and a gift for communicating across generations. Together, we journey through Revelations 2 and 3, John 15, and other passages, finding wisdom and guidance in Jesus' messages to the church.

Imagine boarding a flight and having an unexpected encounter which deeply impacts your spiritual journey. Marlene shares her fascinating encounter with an Orthodox Jewish man, showcasing how travel and interaction with different beliefs can shape and refine our faith. We delve into the crucial art of listening and loving those who hold different perspectives, and the importance of standing firm in our beliefs while emanating love and respect for others.

Ever thought about the power of digital communication in your spiritual journey? We explore innovative ways of fostering connections within our community, from digital materials to social media, and the central role our church app plays in this digital mission field. Hear Marlene's unique insights from her role as a worship leader and the story behind her inspiring song 'Without Hesitation'. By the end of our conversation, we hope you’ll be stirred to stay connected with your faith, embrace diverse perspectives, and harness the power of communication in your spiritual journey.

Listen to 'Without Hesitation' here! 

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Imagine weathering the storm of Covid-19, and emerging with a newfound appreciation for life and an amplified sense of humility and empathy. Our guest, Dan Heyn, a formidable leader from Siemens Company, takes us on a deeply personal journey of his encounter with the virus. A journey that not only strengthened his faith but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and community among his loved ones. Listen to his powerful testimony, a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing each day as a divine gift.

Now, let's talk about thriving amidst chaos. Rachael Larson, another inspiring leader shares insight into her leadership style during the pandemic. Learn how she kept her team connected despite the physical distance, building a sense of community and collaboration with regular communication. Plus, Rachael opens up about the challenges of balancing family mealtimes in an ever-bustling world. Hear how she navigated the demands of remote work, keeping a balanced approach to managing task and people-oriented individuals and the lessons she learned along the way.

And as we wrap up, we dive into the critical aspect of leadership - empowering others. From fostering a contributor mindset to the importance of letting leaders lead - both in the church and the marketplace. We discuss the adaptability of the church amid changing needs and methods while maintaining its core values. And we reflect on the struggles of respecting unique cultural practices while preserving the clarity of Jesus Christ's gospel. A riveting conversation that blurs the lines between faith, leadership, and community - join us for this enlightening podcast episode.

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Are you ready to traverse the intricate landscape of immigrant experiences within the American Christian Church? Join us as we engage our guest, Dr. Eugene Kim, in a dynamic discourse exploring the subtle evolution of church practices tailored to the needs of generations of immigrants. Together, we uncover the progressive emergence of second-generation English ministry churches that are creating a welcoming haven for those who lack a place to celebrate holidays, spotlighting the critical role humility and cultural understanding play in this context.

Our journey doesn't stop there. With Dr. Kim, we delve into the profound impact of language learning, embodying Christ's humility, and the effects of global advancements on church dynamics. As we examine the American church's swing toward a non-denominational model, we ignite intriguing debates around identity, branding, and the indispensable need for humility when uncovering our 'brand' within the community. Drawing on cherished LCMS roots, we reflect on how this heritage can offer a steadfast foundation within God's mission.

Lastly, we contemplate the essential role of character within leadership and the church's responsibility in bettering humankind. Diving into the Biblical concept of the 'Rule of Firsts', we connect it to the poignant story of Abraham and Isaac while exploring societal versus scriptural definitions of love. Considering the church's influence on individuals, especially in terms of gender roles, we emphasize the need for confession, absolution, and vulnerability within the church. Join us and Dr. Eugene Kim as we journey through these insightful and transformative discussions.

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Have you ever wondered how to bridge the gap between technology and faith? How to engage young adults in a meaningful spiritual journey in today's digital age? Join us as we explore these questions and more with our remarkable guest, Wes Smith. Wes is a tech professional and active member of Cornerstone Lutheran who brings a unique perspective to his role as a young adult ministry leader. 

In our chat, we peek behind as Wes's candidly shares personal experience and his faith journey. He opens up about understanding Lutheran beliefs, managing the challenges associated with young adult ministry, and the importance of building relationships in today's digital-centric landscape. 

As we delve deeper into the conversation, we uncover insights on the church's role in evangelism and how it transcends beyond just the pastor's job. Wes emphasizes the importance of multiple exposures to Christ in one's faith journey, likening it to brand awareness in the secular world. We conclude our chat with a discussion on equipping the faithful for evangelism, highlighting the need for humility, openness, and learning from those around us. Join us for this enlightening conversation with Wes Smith as we navigate the intersections of faith, technology, and evangelism.

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