Transforming Mission Podcast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas
Insights and resources for Christian leaders to deepen your relationship with Christ, the congregation and your local community. The church and your community need you to lead. LeaderCast covers faith topics that trip us up, hold us back, and guide us forward…all so you can lead a movement of Jesus followers.
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Episode 341: Everyday Transformation - Responding to God's Call
10/01/2024
Episode 341: Everyday Transformation - Responding to God's Call
Everyday Transformation: Responding to God's Call Mark 1:16-20 invites listeners to explore God’s call and claim on their lives. Under the larger theme of everyday transformation, join us to examine the calling of the first disciples as well as your call. You'll hear insights on the practical call to follow Jesus, the significance of discipleship in daily life, and personal reflections on moments of calling. This episode invites you to reflect on where and how you are called to live out God’s call on your life, remembering that our callings began at our baptism. Discover the importance of saying 'yes' to Jesus in your everyday context, whether at work, home, or elsewhere, and how to nurture and recognize God's call in your life. Listen to Episode 341 at Time Stamp for Episode 341: Everyday Transformation - Responding to God’s Call 00:36 Scripture Reading: Mark 1:16-20 01:15 Discussion: The Call to Follow Jesus 05:00 Personal Reflections on Calling 11:07 The Broader Concept of Calling 18:17 Daily Decisions and Following Jesus 20:34 Reflecting on the Call 28:50 Conclusion and Mission Field
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Episode 340: Everyday Transformation - Confronting Evil with Jesus' Authority
09/24/2024
Episode 340: Everyday Transformation - Confronting Evil with Jesus' Authority
Authority of Jesus in Confronting Evil and Suffering In episode 340, we dive into the theme of everyday transformation by exploring Mark 1:21-28. Discussing the authority of Jesus and his role in countering evil, Tim and Sara offer insights on opposition to suffering and the importance of love in confronting modern-day issues. Through this episode, you will also hear a thought-provoking story by N.T. Wright, listen to personal reflections on evil and suffering, and receive actionable encouragement for leading a movement of Jesus followers. Join the conversation on how to respond to evil with love and the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Find show notes for this episode at Time Stamp for Episode 340: Everyday Transformation: Confronting Evil, Pain and Suffering with Love 00:17 Exploring Mark 1:21-28 02:54 Reading the Scripture 04:03 Authority of Jesus 04:36 N.T. Wright's Story 10:10 Confronting Evil and Suffering 13:15 The Power of Love 21:08 Leadership and Relationships 29:25 Final Reflections and Benediction
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Episode 339: Everyday Transformation - Embracing Jesus in Our Relationships
09/17/2024
Episode 339: Everyday Transformation - Embracing Jesus in Our Relationships
Experiencing Jesus Through Reflection and Relationships You are invited to join a new series focused on intentional discipleship and transformation through Jesus. The episode explores the importance of reflecting on daily experiences to encounter Jesus and foster spiritual growth. Sara shares insights from her research, revealing that transformation occurs in moments of reflection rather than the duration of mission activities. You'll be guided through a weekly practice of engaging with scripture, posing reflective questions, and considering where you see Jesus in your relationships. This week, the focus is on Matthew 28:16-20 and the central question, 'Where did you experience Jesus in your relationships?' Expect to hear stories and experiences that highlight God’s presence in everyday life, and be encouraged to participate actively in this transformative journey. Listen to Episode 339: Everyday Transformation - Embracing Jesus in Our Relationships at Timestamps 00:48 The Importance of Reflection in Transformation 03:27 Invitation to Join the Eight-Week Journey 04:21 Weekly Format and Daily Reflections 05:55 Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20 06:36 Exploring Questions from the Scripture 11:25 Personal Reflections on Experiencing Jesus 21:53 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
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Episode 338: Rise Above - Crucial Conversations
09/10/2024
Episode 338: Rise Above - Crucial Conversations
Rise Above: Crucial Conversations Welcome to episode 338 of the Transforming Mission Podcast! In this episode, we explore what it means to have crucial conversations—those delicate discussions where different opinions and significant relational investments are at play. We ask key questions like, 'Am I ready to sit next to you rather than across from you?' and 'Are we willing to put the problem before us, rather than between us or slide it towards the other person?' Drawing wisdom from the teachings of Brené Brown, we adapt these lessons to help you navigate important discussions with care, courage, and compassion. Discover practical strategies to establish trust and vulnerability, tackle implicit biases, and positively acknowledge others' strengths. Listen and learn how to align your head, heart, and mouth for productive and meaningful conversations. Listen to Episode 338 at TimeStamp for Episode 338 Rise Above - Crucial Conversations 00:14 Defining Crucial Conversations 01:21 Preparing for Crucial Conversations 02:20 Question 1: Sitting Next to You 05:07 Question 2: Putting the Problem Before Us 06:16 Shame and Blame in Conversations 18:14 Question 3: Acknowledging Strengths 27:24 Question 4: Power Dynamics and Bias 29:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships
08/27/2024
Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships
Explore how your relationship with Jesus can guide you to rise above cultural divisiveness, focusing on nurturing righteous relationships within the church and community. Understand the importance of spiritual disciplines, scripture interpretation, and the greatest commandment to love God and neighbors. The conversation addresses the misuse of scripture, the need for generosity, forgiveness, and how to model Christ's love in everyday interactions. Gain insights on balancing being right with being in relationship and learn practical steps to lead Christ-centered lives amidst today’s challenges. Listen to Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships at Read more from Tim on Baptism: TimeStamp for Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships 00:13 Exploring Relationships with Jesus, Church, and Community 01:16 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines 01:53 Scripture and Its Role in Our Lives 04:22 Challenges in Rising Above Divisiveness 05:43 The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Neighbor 12:49 Living Out Love and Generosity 21:31 Forgiveness and Leadership 25:19 Concluding Thoughts
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Episode 336: Rise Above With Your Words
08/20/2024
Episode 336: Rise Above With Your Words
“RIse Above With Your Words” explores how Christ-centered leaders can influence their communities through the integrity and alignment of their words and actions. Join us as we discuss the spiritual and cultural importance of cohesive speech and behavior, referencing Biblical teachings from Ephesians and the example of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Health is an important contributor to our words and actions. Consider various aspects of health to ensure effective leadership and communication. The discussion emphasizes the significance of healthy social interactions and how leaders can model God’s love and grace in today’s divisive cultural climate. Listen to Episode 336, Rise Above with Words at TimeStamp For Episode 336 00:38 The Power of Words in Leadership 01:59 Biblical Insights on Speech and Actions 03:23 Paul's Teachings on Speech 05:51 Practical Applications for Christ-Centered Leaders 11:53 The Importance of Holistic Health 20:28 Daily Practices and Final Reflections
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Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope
08/13/2024
Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope
Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope In episode 335, The Sweet Spot of Hope, discover how the intersection of future aspirations and present actions creates a 'sweet spot of hope.' Learn how to balance your ability to shape the future with the understanding of your limits. Engage in a reflective experiment on recent accomplishments and future possibilities, understand the importance of agency, and learn to navigate feedback and naysayers. Explore the role of the church in fostering hope and examine concrete steps to engage your community effectively. Don't miss insightful discussions on entitlement, passivity, and actionable steps for cultivating hope and resilience. Transform your leadership and vision by finding and leveraging hope. Read show notes and find resources at TimeStamp for Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope 00:13 Exploring the Sweet Spot of Hope 01:16 A Leadership Experiment 02:49 Overcoming Negative Thoughts 03:56 Hope Killers: Entitlement and Passivity 07:36 The Role of Feedback in Leadership 11:22 Connecting with the Community 13:38 Contrasting Hope and Wishful Thinking 22:38 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 26:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes
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Episode 334: Is it Optimism or Hope?
08/06/2024
Episode 334: Is it Optimism or Hope?
In episode 334, Is it Optimism or Hope?, the hosts discuss the critical differences between optimism and hope, emphasizing how Christian leaders can facilitate and empower hope among their followers. They highlight the distinct role of agency in hope, sharing personal anecdotes and the story of Admiral Stockdale to illustrate the concept. The conversation underscores the importance of self-awareness and compassionate leadership in navigating obstacles and fostering a hopeful and proactive community. The episode concludes by reinforcing that true hope requires action and that Jesus exemplifies the ultimate model of hope through love and compassion. Listen to Episode 334 and read more show notes at Episode 334 Time Stamp 00:13 Defining Optimism vs. Hope 00:56 The Role of Leaders in Facilitating Hope 03:26 Navigating Obstacles and Barriers 05:32 Personal Stories and Examples 16:16 The Stockdale Paradox 21:43 Characteristics of Hopeful People 23:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Episode 333: Why Hope Matters
07/30/2024
Episode 333: Why Hope Matters
In this episode, dive into why hope is a fundamental driver of life's most desired behaviors and outcomes. You'll learn how hope influences simple actions and outcomes like showing up, boosting productivity, enhancing well-being, and even improving health. Explore the fascinating correlation between hope and mortality, and envision how the church can be a beacon of hope in the community. Discover the power of setting goals and participating in communal activities like Holy Communion as ways to foster hope. Join this journey of understanding the significant impact of hope on our lives and leadership. Listen to Episode 333: Why Hope Matters at Episode 333 - Why Hope Matters Time Stamp 00:12 The Power of Hope in Daily Life 00:32 Behavior 1: The Importance of Showing Up 02:48 Behavior 2: Boosting Productivity Through Hope 04:01 Behavior 3: Enhancing Well-being with Hope 04:48 Behavior 4: Hope and Good Health 05:38 Behavior 5: Hope and Longevity 06:46 Hope in the Church and Community 07:39 The Role of Goals in Cultivating Hope 09:18 Hope and the Resurrection 13:28 Conclusion: Living a Life of Hope
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Episode 332: Nextng - The Practice of Hope
07/23/2024
Episode 332: Nextng - The Practice of Hope
What is nexting? No that’s not a typo. The concept of 'nexting' is a practice of hope that involves anticipating and planning for the future. Explore how hopeful vision and emotional intelligence can guide church leaders in navigating their leadership. Whether you’re working on a new sermon series, seeking to engage your community, and/or creating supportive environments for discipleship, we have the ability to cultivate hope. Hope is a characteristic unique to us as humans. Quite literally, we are hardwired for hope. How can this mental faculty unify and energize communities? Listen to explore the practical applications of hope, its impact on overcoming challenges, and how thoughtful leadership and strategic pathways can cultivate an optimistic and proactive church culture. Listen to Episode 332: Nexting - The Practice of Hope at Time Stamp for Episode 332: Nexting - The Practice of Hope 00:57 The Concept of 'Nexting' 02:44 Hope and the Human Brain 04:17 Hope in Leadership and Community 09:06 The Contagious Nature of Hope 10:23 Practical Applications of Hope 13:26 Hope in Challenging Times 18:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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Episode 331: Cultivating Resilience Through Hope
07/16/2024
Episode 331: Cultivating Resilience Through Hope
Welcome to a new series focused on hope. Join us as we discus how our beliefs shape our hope and introduce the traits of hopeful people. We’ll look at the difference between hope and wishful thinking, emphasizing hope as a confluence of reason, passion, and resilience. We’ll introduce you to the hope cycle (or remind you if you’ve been around a while). The Hope Cycle is made up of goals, agency, and pathways—a feedback loop for nurturing hope. Listen to examples from personal and church leadership experiences illustrating the cycle's application. Aimed at Jesus-centered leaders, the episode provides insights into fostering and sustaining hope while navigating obstacles. Listen to Episode 331 at Time Stamp for Episode 331 Cultivating Resilience Through Hope 00:34 The Nature of Hope 00:43 True and False Beliefs Quiz 01:14 Characteristics of Hope vs. Wishful Thinking 02:34 Starting a New Series on Hope 02:40 Defining Hope for Leaders 04:00 Vision for the Future 07:49 The Hope Cycle Explained 10:58 Applying the Hope Cycle 15:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Episode 330: Living Our Mission: The Role and Impact of the Church Today
07/09/2024
Episode 330: Living Our Mission: The Role and Impact of the Church Today
Living Our Mission: The Role and Impact of the Church Today Gain insights into the unique aspects of the church, the importance of staying connected to the mission, and how to function as the body of Christ in today's world. Learn about essential church functions, the impact of church size on living into the mission, and practical ways to engage and transform your community through personal faith growth. This episode empowers you to understand and live out your spiritual calling, both within church walls and beyond. Listen to Living our Mission: The Role and Impact of the Church Today at Timestamp for Episode 330 Living Our Mission: The Role and Impact of the Church Today 00:19 Personal Journey to the Methodist Church 02:59 Understanding the Church as the Body of Christ 03:45 Living the Mission: We Are the Church 07:00 Impact of Church Size on Mission 13:56 HOPE: A Pathway for Disciple-Making 16:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Church 19:49 Connecting with the Community 26:47 Final Reminders about the Church Other Episodes in this Series
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Episode 329: From Worship to the Word - Practical Insights for Preaching
07/02/2024
Episode 329: From Worship to the Word - Practical Insights for Preaching
In episode 329, the conversation continues from episode 328, transitioning from discussing worship to the art and significance of preaching. Tim shares about the use of the lectionary in preaching, the importance of cultivating relationships with Jesus and people, and effective sermon preparation techniques. He includes his thoughts on various aspects like incorporating stories, different types of scripture writing, and the context and form in sermons. You’ll hear reminders from Tim emphasizing the essence of a preacher's relationship with God and the congregation, and how it shapes their message and delivery. The episode concludes with broader reflections on worship and preaching, alongside practical advice for preachers as well as congregants. Listen to Episode 329 at Time Stamp for Episode 329 00:33 Transition from Worship to Preaching 00:46 The Role of the Lectionary in Preaching 03:08 Advice for New Preachers 04:31 Listening to a Sermon 07:27 Major Themes in the Gospels 14:01 Context and Form in Preaching 22:32 The Use of Stories and Illustrations 26:00 Preparation to Delivery 32:22 Final Thoughts and Benediction
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Episode 328: Cultivating Authentic Worship Experiences
06/25/2024
Episode 328: Cultivating Authentic Worship Experiences
This week our discussion centers around worship, exploring the purpose of worship, key elements of worship planning, and the impact of preferences on worship services. As a reminder, worship is centered on connecting with God and living out God's love in everyday situations. Important aspects like music, liturgy, and the need for a collaborative approach to worship planning are discussed, along with tips for avoiding common pitfalls like disruptive announcements. Special Sundays and the importance of following the liturgical calendar to tell the story of God's love are also addressed. Listen to Episode 328 at TimeStamp for Worship: Crafting Authentic Experiences 00:31 Understanding the Purpose of Worship 03:14 Planning Worship Services 05:24 Addressing Worship Wars and Preferences 07:51 Elements of Worship: Music and Liturgy 10:17 Team-Based Worship Planning 14:57 Special Sundays and Liturgical Calendar 21:57 Avoiding Distractions in Worship 27:01 Conclusion and Sending Forth
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Episode 327: The Path of Christ-Centered Leadership
06/18/2024
Episode 327: The Path of Christ-Centered Leadership
As we continue the Ministry Masterclass series, this week we’re focusing on leadership. We’ll look at an exploration of leadership influences and how their teachings have shaped our leadership. We’ll look at the habits and experiences that fuel effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, generosity, and daily reflection. Then we turn our attention to identifying and developing emerging leaders, highlighting qualities like humility, lifelong learning, and genuine care for others. Leadership is based in relationships. Explore the four needs of followers (trust, stability, compassion, and hope) and how leaders can meet these needs to lead effectively. The episode concludes with wisdom on maintaining spiritual and mental health for leaders and a benediction encouraging listeners to share the love and encouragement they've received. Listen to Episode 327 at TimeStamp for Cultivating Christ-Centered Leaders 00:27 Influences on Leadership 02:37 Habits and Experiences Shaping Leadership 05:36 Identifying and Cultivating Emerging Leaders 10:05 Developing Leaders: Key Considerations 14:16 The Needs of Followers: Trust, Stability, Compassion, and Hope 37:57 The Importance of Spiritual and Mental Grounding for Leaders 43:09 Final Thoughts and Benediction
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Episode 326: Discipleship - A Ministry Masterclass
06/11/2024
Episode 326: Discipleship - A Ministry Masterclass
Creating and Implementing a Discipleship Pathway: Insights and Practical Tips In Episode 326, we dive deep into the crucial subject of discipleship. This week's episode focused on faith formation. You might call it discipleship or disciple-making. Whatever language you use, we’re focusing on what it means to help people become and deepen their relationship with Jesus by being a followers of Jesus. If you’ve been with us for any length of time, you know we’ll highlight the congregational disciple-making pathway called HOPE, which stands for Hospitality, Offering Christ, Practicing the Faith, and Engagement. Tim and Sara discuss the importance of having a defined pathway for making disciples, addressing both the necessity of the pathway and how it can be embodied within a church setting. They emphasize the significance of relational and faith-oriented approaches to disciple-making over mere programmatic efforts. Through several questions and examples, we’ll share how reflection and storytelling play pivotal roles in faith formation and disciple-making. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a thorough understanding of how to initiate and sustain a discipleship pathway within their congregations. Listen at Episode 326 - Discipleship: A Ministry Masterclass 00:24 Understanding the HOPE Pathway 01:11 The Importance of Having a Discipleship Pathway 03:00 Defining a Disciple 08:16 Sharing God Stories 16:44 Inviting People into a Relationship with Jesus & the Church 23:12 Modeling Discipleship 32:58 Reflection and Transformation 35:01 Final Thoughts on Discipleship
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Episode 325: Mission- A Ministry Masterclass
06/04/2024
Episode 325: Mission- A Ministry Masterclass
Welcome to a new series, entitled 'Ministry Masterclass.' This month we’re celebrating Tim’s 50+ years of leadership as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Sara’s inviting Tim to share his wisdom about five key topics for ministry: mission, discipleship, leadership, worship and preaching and the church. We’ll cover each topic in a separate episode. This episode features an in-depth interview with Tim, exploring the core mission of the church and how to lead ministries effectively. The conversation covers the importance of a Christ-centered mission, aligning church activities with God’s work, and the critical role of spiritual health in leadership. Tim shares personal stories and insights on fostering a mission-focused culture within congregations and discusses strategies for pacing change and maintaining focus amidst challenges. Next week, we’ll explore the topic of discipleship. Listen to this episode at TimeStamp for Mission - A Ministry Masterclass 00:40 Introducing Tim and this series celebrating ministry 02:08 The Mission and Missions 04:04 Understanding God's Mission 08:52 Staying Focused on the Mission 19:12 Challenges in Leading a Church 26:59 Pacing Change in Ministry 36:23 Mission vs. Missions 42:08 Conclusion and Benediction
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Episode 324:Status Quo Shamrock and Celebration Cypress in Ministry
05/27/2024
Episode 324:Status Quo Shamrock and Celebration Cypress in Ministry
Weeds and Seeds of Ministry: Breaking Free from Status Quo Episode 324 shares the seventh weed and seed of ministry. You’re invited to get beyond the weeds - the hurdles like overwhelm, fear, and isolation, we’ve termed as 'weeds.' Instead, let’s focus on solutions called 'seeds.' The seeds promote growth and effective leadership. This week’s 'weed' is the 'status quo shamrock', while the 'seed' is 'Celebration Cypress,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's presence. Join us as we look at real stories, practical tips, and reflections to help leaders move beyond the status quo and lead dynamic faith communities. Listen to episode 324 at TimeStamp for Status Quo Shamrock and Celebration Cypress 00:17 Understanding Weeds and Seeds 01:01 This Week's Weed: Status Quo Shamrock 02:09 Challenges of the Status Quo 03:51 Real-Life Example of Status Quo 09:18 Introducing the Seed: Celebration Cypress 11:06 Implementing Celebration Cypress 14:33 Real-Life Example of Celebration Cypress 18:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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Episode 323: Know it All Narcissus and Life Long Learner Lily in Ministry
05/21/2024
Episode 323: Know it All Narcissus and Life Long Learner Lily in Ministry
The 'weeds' and 'seeds' in leadership and ministry. Weeds symbolize the obstacles that hinder effective leadership, while seeds represent the positive approaches and practices that promote growth and effective leadership. The episode focuses on the weed 'Know It All Narcissus' which represents individuals with a fixed mindset, unwilling to learn or listen, and contrasts this with the seed 'Lifelong Learner Lily', symbolizing leaders who recognize their continuous need for learning and growth. Through this metaphor, the podcast provides insights into overcoming leadership challenges by embracing a growth mindset, listening, and learning from others to effectively serve communities and foster a movement of Jesus followers. Listen to Episode 323 at TimeStamp 00:29 The Basics of Weeds and Seeds 01:09 Diving into This Week's Weed: Know It All Narcissus 03:14 Exploring the Fixed Mindset of Know It All Narcissus 07:12 Introducing Lifelong Learner Lily: The Antidote to Know It All Narcissus 07:50 The Importance of Being a Lifelong Learner in Leadership 09:28 Personal Reflections on Learning and Leadership 10:59 Embracing New Relationships and Opportunities for Growth 13:02 The Lifelong Learner's Journey: Beyond Formal Education 17:52 Closing Thoughts on Lifelong Learning and Transformation 19:08 Gratitude and Continuation of the Transforming Mission Podcast
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Episode 322: Anything Goes Anemone and the Pathway of Palms
05/14/2024
Episode 322: Anything Goes Anemone and the Pathway of Palms
Anything Goes Anemone and Pathway of Palms We’re on the fifth episode of examining the challenges (weeds) and positive practices (seeds) in ministry leadership. You can find previous episodes on the show notes page. 'Weeds' are obstacles like fear, time constraints, and isolation. These are things that can hamper growth and effectiveness in leadership. This week the focus is on 'Anything Goes Anemone.' This particular weed highlights the issues with unfocused busyness and lack of connection to mission within church activities. Conversely, 'seeds' are empowering practices that foster successful leadership and growth. 'The Pathway of Palms' is the seed for this episode. This seed represents a discipleship pathway aimed at guiding individuals in their faith journey more fruitfully and intentionally. Throughout the episode, practical advice is offered on moving away from the 'Anything Goes' mentality by aligning activities with mission-focused questions and fostering focused discipleship through engagement, service, and personal growth in Jesus Christ. Listen to this episode and read more at TimeStamp for Anything Goes Anemone and Pathway of Palms 00:22 Understanding Weeds and Seeds: Challenges and Growth in Leadership 01:15 Diving into the Weeds: Anything Goes Anemone 01:55 The Impact of 'Anything Goes' on Church Mission and Leadership 04:57 Strategies to Transform the 'Anything Goes' Mentality 09:23 Introducing the Seed: The Pathway of Palms 09:45 Exploring the Pathway of Palms: A Discipleship Journey 16:12 The Importance of Discipleship Pathways in Church Leadership 20:03 Final Thoughts on Weeds, Seeds, and Following Jesus 24:00 Conclusion and Resources
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Episode 321: Center of Attention Snapdragon and Mission Myrtle - Weeds and Seeds in Ministry
05/07/2024
Episode 321: Center of Attention Snapdragon and Mission Myrtle - Weeds and Seeds in Ministry
The 'Center of Attention Snapdragon' and 'Mission Myrtle' are the weeds and seeds we explore in this episode. The episode discusses the concept of 'weeds' in ministry, which are obstacles like overwhelm, fear, isolation, and becoming too self-focused, that hinder leaders from fulfilling their divine purpose. These weeds can choke out effectiveness and need to be identified and replaced with 'seeds,' which are practices or mindsets that promote healthy ministry and leadership. The center of attention snapdragon is self-centered. The invitation is to shift from self-centric leadership to mission-centric, through self-awareness, humility, and intentionality in keeping Jesus at the center of ministry. By asking probing questions to keep the focus on the mission of spreading Jesus’ love and teachings. Join us this week and be reminded that Jesus is the center of all we do. Listen to episode 321 at TimeStamp for Center of Attention Snapdragon and Mission Myrtle 00:25 Understanding Weeds and Seeds in Leadership 01:43 Spotlight on the Weed: Center of Attention Snapdragon 02:08 The Impact of Leadership Focus on Ministry 02:41 Navigating Conflict and Maintaining Mission Focus 06:38 Transitioning to the Seed: Mission Myrtle 06:48 Mission Myrtle: Keeping the Mission at the Center 07:30 Practical Applications of Mission Myrtle in Ministry 14:53 Personal Reflections and Stories of Seeing God at Work 25:34 Concluding Thoughts on Mission Myrtle
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Episode 320: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Micromanaging Millet and Trusting Thyme
04/30/2024
Episode 320: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Micromanaging Millet and Trusting Thyme
In episode 320, 'The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry: Micromanaging Millet and Trusting Thyme,' hosts Sara and Tim explore the concept of 'weeds' that hinder leadership effectiveness, such as micromanagement, and 'seeds' that promote growth, like building trust. They discuss how micromanaging, often rooted in insecurity or a lack of self-awareness, can disempower teams and hamper ministry. Conversely, they highlight 'trusting thyme' as a leadership approach centered on authenticity, vulnerability, and patience, which nurtures trusting relationships and empowers teams. The episode is filled with practical insights and stories to help leaders reflect on their practices, overcome the 'weed' of micromanagement, and cultivate the 'seed' of trust for effective ministry leadership. Listen to Episode 320 at Time Stamp 00:23 Understanding Weeds and Seeds in Ministry 02:00 Diving into the Weeds: Micromanaging Millet 02:22 Characteristics and Consequences of Micromanaging 04:33 Personal Experiences with Micromanagement 06:38 The Missing Element: Trust 10:45 Transitioning to the Seeds: Trusting Thyme 11:09 Building Trust through Authentic Leadership 16:28 The Power of Admitting What You Don't Know 23:36 Concluding Thoughts on Weeds, Seeds, and Leadership
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Episode 319: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Part 2
04/23/2024
Episode 319: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Part 2
In Episode 319 of the Transforming Mission podcast titled 'Weeds and Seeds of Ministry, Part Two,' the hosts dive into the concept of 'weeds' that can hinder ministry effectiveness, such as overwhelm, fear, and isolation, and how 'seeds' can serve as solutions to these issues. The episode emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing these challenges through equipping others, building trust, and adopting practices that fuel effective ministry. Specificall, this week, Tim and Sara look at the 'Orchard of Overwhelm.' It is introduced as a metaphor for the busy and demanding aspects of ministry life, alongside strategies for moving towards the 'Equipping Olive Grove,' where leaders can foster an environment of empowerment and growth. The discussion includes practical advice on self-awareness, delegating responsibilities, and leveraging one's strengths in ministry. The podcast aims to equip leaders to lead a movement of Jesus followers by navigating the balance between the challenges ('weeds') and opportunities ('seeds') in their ministry. Listen here and read more at The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry: Part Two 00:17 Understanding Weeds and Seeds in Ministry 01:45 The Orchard of Overwhelm: Identifying the Weed 04:28 Navigating Out of Overwhelm: Strategies and Self-Awareness 06:29 Practical Steps to Overcome Overwhelm 11:29 Ministry Seeds are Found in the Equipping Olive Grove 16:59 Empowering Leadership in the Equipping Olive Grove 26:57 Concluding Insights and Next Steps
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Episode 318: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Introduction
04/16/2024
Episode 318: The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry - Introduction
Episode 318 starts a new series on the podcast, 'The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry.' Join us to look at things that get in the way of ministry effectiveness and things that fuel missional impact. This episode draws from biblical parables regarding seeds. Using the analogy of weeds and seeds, let’s explore the challenges (weeds) and solutions/responses (seeds) ministry leaders face. Join us as we explore the necessity of recognizing and addressing obstacles such as overwhelm, fear, and isolation (weeds), and advocates for adaptive leadership and trust-building (seeds) to foster growth and effectiveness in ministry leadership. We’ll look at the first weed and seed by comparing and contrasting Cookie Cutter Crocus with Leadership Lavendar. Yes, we’re having a little fun with these names. The overarching goal of the series is to aid leaders in identifying and overcoming challenges ('weeds') while nurturing positive, growth-oriented practices ('seeds'). Listen at You can always use the episode number at the end of transformingmission.org to navigate to a specific episode TImestamp for Episode 318: Ministry Weeds and Seeds - An Introduction 00:00 Welcome to the Weeds and Seeds Series 00:53 Diving into the Parable of the Weeds and Seeds 02:09 Introducing the Ministry of Weeds and Seeds 02:24 Understanding Ministry Weeds: Challenges Leaders Face 03:05 Sowing the Seeds of Ministry: Solutions and Practices 03:33 Why Weeds and Seeds? The Importance of Adaptation 06:52 Exploring the First Weed: Cookie Cutter Crocus 08:59 Introducing Leadership Lavender: Adaptive Leadership 13:52 Concluding Thoughts on Leadership and Adaptation
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Episode 317: Resurrection Choices
04/02/2024
Episode 317: Resurrection Choices
Episode 317, 'Resurrection Choices', explores the theme of resurrection as a metaphor for leadership and personal growth. In this Easter season episode, the hosts discuss how the concept of resurrection symbolizes the possibility of new life and hope emerging from failure and setbacks. They introduce a three-step process inspired by Brene Brown's work on resilience, consisting of the reckoning, the rumble, and the revolution, to help individuals learn from failures and reinvent themselves. This process involves acknowledging emotions, challenging assumptions, and writing a brave new ending to our stories. Through this discussion, the episode emphasizes the power of self-awareness, the importance of emotional honesty, and the transformative potential of the resurrection in both leadership and everyday life. Listen to Episode 317 at Time Stamp for Resurrection Choices 00:00 Introduction to Resurrection Choices 00:48 The Essence of Resurrection: New Life and Hope 02:24 Embracing Resilience 03:35 The Reckoning: Understanding Our Emotions 09:01 The Rumble: Owning Our Stories 14:03 The Revolution: Writing a New Ending 16:21 Applying Resurrection Choices to Leadership and Life 18:16 Conclusion: The Continuous Journey of Resurrection Choices
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Episode 316: A Week of Choices
03/25/2024
Episode 316: A Week of Choices
Episode 316 of Transforming Mission’s podcast, titled 'A Week of Choices,' guides listeners through a scriptural journey for each day of Holy Week. Starting with Monday before Easter and culminating on Easter Sunday, the episode features daily scripture readings from the Gospel of John, accompanied by thoughtful prayers. These readings and prayers reflect significant events from Jesus's arrival in Bethany to his resurrection, aiming to provide insights and comfort. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on the themes of service, betrayal, sacrifice, and resurrection, promoting a deeper understanding and connection with the story of Holy Week. Listen, read, reflect, and respond to the scripture and prayer shared in this episode at TimeStamp for Episode 316: A Week of Choices 00:32 Monday: The Beginning of Holy Week John 12:1-11 03:38 Tuesday: The Greeks Seek Jesus John 12:20 - 36 06:27 Wednesday: The Betrayal Foretold John 13:21-32 08:46 Thursday: The Last Supper and Foot Washing John 13:1 ff 12:30 Friday: The Crucifixion of Jesus John 19:14-37 16:46 Saturday: The Burial of Jesus John 19:38-42 18:14 Sunday: The Resurrection of Jesus John 20:1-18
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Episode 315: The Choice to Stand with Hope
03/19/2024
Episode 315: The Choice to Stand with Hope
In episode 315 of the Transforming Mission podcast, we look at Mark 11, focusing on the anticipation of Palm Sunday, the nuances of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the journey through Lent toward Holy Week. Unlike the other gospels, Mark's account omits certain details, such as the triumphal nature of the entry and the presence of palm branches, offering instead a unique perspective on hope and preparation for the Resurrection. Listen to explore the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our hope, especially as Christ-centered leaders guiding others through the Lenten journey. Stand with hope amidst tension of Holy Week and be faithful to Jesus. After all, celebrating Palm Sunday is really a focus on Jesus' transformative presence. Time Stamp for Episode 315 The Choice to Stand with Hope 00:10 Exploring Mark 11 in Anticipation of Palm Sunday 00:45 A Deep Dive into Mark's Gospel and the Triumphal Entry 01:33 Scripture Reading: Mark 11, 1-11 03:04 Observations and Insights on Palm Sunday from Mark 05:27 The Journey of Lent: Hope and Preparation 10:28 Leadership, Hope, and the Tension of Holy Week 15:32 Concluding Thoughts on Leadership and Hope
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Episode 314: The Choice to Follow Jesus
03/12/2024
Episode 314: The Choice to Follow Jesus
We’re looking at John 12 and the broader narrative of John's Gospel to explore the theme of discipleship and the invitation to follow Jesus. The initial invitation 'come and see' was extended to the first Jewish disciples in John 1. Now, in John 12 the same invitation is extended to Greek-speaking would-be disciples. As the disciples examine Jesus' response to these seekers, emphasizing the necessity of full commitment to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for true discipleship. Join Tim and Sara as they reflect on the implications for Lent, drawing parallels between Jesus' teachings and the journey of Lent as a period of deeper understanding and commitment to faith. John 12 is a beautiful invitation to come and see, expanding Jesus’ mission and reach. The universal call to discipleship urges each one of us to consider what it means to draw close to Jesus and live out our faith in the contemporary world. Read More and Listen at TimeStamp for The Choice to Follow Jesus (John 12) 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:10 Exploring the Invitation to Follow Jesus 00:21 The First Disciples and the Invitation in John 1 01:04 The Inclusion of Greek Followers and the Essence of Discipleship 03:04 Jesus' Response and the Path to Discipleship 04:16 Understanding the Reality of Following Jesus 09:06 Reflections on Lent and the Journey of Faith 13:58 Concluding Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up
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Episode 313: Perceptions that Shape Your Choices
03/05/2024
Episode 313: Perceptions that Shape Your Choices
Episode 313, 'Perceptions that Shape your Choices,' explores the critical role of choice in Christ-centered leadership, especially during the Lenten season. The hosts, Sara and Tim, discuss how leadership is more than a position of power; it's a series of deliberate choices that reflect one’s character and influence. When you examine John 3:14-21 to understand Jesus's teachings on love, belief, and eternal life, it helps us see that leadership choices are grounded in the selfless love exemplified by Jesus. Tim shares a story about a man named Joe to illustrate the importance of actionable love and the impact of choices on leadership effectiveness. The episode encourages leaders to lead by example, showing God's love through their actions and decisions. TimeStamp for Transforming Mission Podcast Episode 313 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Topic 01:00 Exploring the Concept of Leadership as a Choice 02:18 Reading and Discussing John 3:14-21 04:35 Deep Dive into the Meaning of Love in the Scripture 06:28 Exploring the Quality of God's Love 07:24 Understanding God's Love for His Creation 07:45 Unpacking the Concept of 'Gave His Son' 08:47 Exploring the Meaning of 'Believes' and 'Conversion' 10:33 Understanding the Concept of 'Perish' and 'Eternal Life' 12:00 Discussing the Theme of Light and Darkness 12:36 Exploring the Concept of 'Truth' in John's Gospel 13:00 Story Illustrating the Importance of Choices in Leadership 16:56 Final Thoughts on Leadership as a Choice 19:18 Closing Remarks and Invitation for Reflection
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Episode 312: The Choice of Transformation
02/27/2024
Episode 312: The Choice of Transformation
In this episode, Sara and Tim discuss John 12:13-22 where Jesus overturns tables in the temple. They interpret it as a call for transformation, highlighting the choice presented: either adhering to the institutional trappings of religion or opening oneself to the movement of God. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on the influence of the church, the intertwining of Jesus and institutional structure, and urge listeners to recognize where absolutes may limit their experiences of Jesus. They emphasize that the Word was made flesh in Jesus, challenging the religious system of his day. The episode is aimed at guiding listeners to examine their beliefs and practices and encourage transformative choices that deepen faith. TimeStamp 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:52 Setting the Scene: The Scripture for the Week 03:23 Understanding the Importance of the Temple 04:46 Jesus' Disruption of the Temple 05:55 The Choice: Trusting Jesus or the Institution 07:41 The Challenge of Transformation 10:58 The Role of the Church in Society 12:20 Misinterpretations of Scripture 14:46 The Counter-Cultural Love of Jesus 15:49 Conclusion: The Lenten Journey 16:13 Episode Wrap-Up
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