30 Days of Hope

DAVID A. MILLER is vice president of coaching at Slingshot Group, where he helped develop the IMPROVleadership™ coaching strategy and serves as lead trainer. He has served as a pastor, speaker, teacher, and coach in diverse contexts, from thriving multisite churches to parachurch ministries. Website: http://improvleadershipbook.com/

Daniel Im is the Senior Associate Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church, a multiplying multisite church focused on reaching 1% of Edmonton for Christ. His latest book is You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love. He is also the author of No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry, and co-author of Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply (2nd ed) with Ed Stetzer. Daniel is a speaker and leader who has traveled to cities like New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Seoul to teach, consult, and coach. He co-hosts the New Churches Q&A Podcast as well as the IMbetween Podcast, and his podcasts have been downloaded over 3 million times. He has pastored in five major cities around the world in churches ranging from 100 people to 50,000 people. Daniel has an M.A. in Global Leadership and is a Gallup Strengths Performance Coach. He has led over 500 people through the StrengthsFinder assessment in multiple countries. He is a Maximizer, Learner, Intellection, Developer, and Strategic. Because of their love for the local church, after pioneering and leading the church multiplication initiative for LifeWay, Daniel and his wife, Christina, moved back to Canada with their three children. Personal Website: https://www.danielim.com/ Book Website: https://danielim.com/youare/ @DanielSangi

In this episode of 30 Days of Hope Podcast, Zen Buddhist Chaplain, Joey Armstrong shares about their experience with the evangelical church, finding peace in Buddhism, and how interfaith conversations can lead us to a place of hope. Their podcast, Earth Makers, creates space for all persons to show up authentically and receive spiritual care. Joey is a Zen Buddhist Chaplain. Comic. Writer. Trans Non-Binary Jedi. Queer. Singer. Fashion enthusiast. Storyteller. Podcaster. alt: @earthmakerspod Listen to Joey's Podcast here: https://anchor.fm/joey-armstrong1/episodes/Hes-Not-My-President--Other-Delusions-ep87gp Follow Joey on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/RevJoBear Follow Joey's Podcast Twitter here: https://twitter.com/earthmakerspod

About Krystle Allen: Eyes Like Mine Inc. is a non-profit 501-C3 organization that was established in March of 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. It was founded by Krystle Allen, a Newark native, to empower, enlighten, and innovate communities in New Jersey about vision loss and the available resources for people with vision loss. At its inception, Elm Inc. was founded with the help of Naquela Wright and Ihsaan R. Muhammad Esq., along with the founder Krystle Allen to introduce a unique pattern of advocacy for individuals who are visually impaired or blind. Eyes Like Mine INc also host an annual empowerment pageant for women with vision loss, highlighting their straightens and talents. Also they also host a peer support zoom call on Sunday afternoons where speakers are invited and share their stories with the audience, and participants can interact and engage with others. Lastly, we have an audiobook club hosted on zoom on a Saturday evening. where we share a book of interest and have a lively and fun discussion. Connect with Cassandra Thompson on Instagram and her poetry: https://www.instagram.com/m8chafly/ Follow us on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyeslikemineinc Eyes Like Mine Inc. Website ttps://eyeslikemine.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyeslikemineinc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyesLikeMineInc Youtube: Eyes Like Mine Inc If you have any additional questions about the organization please email Krystle Allen at krystle@eyeslikemine.org Mentioned in this Episode: Donate to Eyes Like Mine Inc.: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/eyeslikemine

About Corinne MacCarty: Corinne MacCarty is a twin-mama of 5 year olds Isla and Declan, and she is married to her biggest supporter, Jeffrey MacCarty. They live in East Coventry, PA. Corinne worked in corporate finance for 11 years, until 3 years ago when she decided to take a leap of faith and invest in her family, leaving behind all the things that did not bring her joy. Her family loves kayaking and building traditions from simple experiences. Corinne loves to bake, and her chocolate chip cookies have been dubbed “famous” by the kids! This past fall Corinne had the opportunity to pursue a dream she didn't even know she had – she became a Beachbody Coach! My email: camaccarty@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corinne.maccarty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corinnemaccarty My website: https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com?coachId=2394775&locale=en_US Mentioned in this Episode: Beachbody: https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us

About Dr. Robert Covolo: Robert Covolo (PhD VU Amsterdam) is a cultural theologian residing in Los Angeles. He has served as a scholar at the Visual Faith Institute of Art and Architecture, on faculty at the Torrey Honors Institute, and currently directs the Center for Pastoral Residents, Christ Church Sierra Madre. My website: https://robertcovolo.academia.edu Mentioned in this Episode: Fashion Theology Book: https://amzn.to/2XVpK58

Kara talks about her own journey of deconstruction and what led her to becoming a Progressive Christian. We talk about the importance of creating spaces that are inclusive and fighting against racism inside and outside the church. If you're looking for a great episode that covers deconstruction and a glimpse into someone's faith journey, check this out!

Dr. Tremper talk about the importance of adapting to change and leaning into the shifts during this Covid-19 pandemic. She also talks about what it's like being a caregiver during this moment while balancing her career and goals at the same time. If you need some practical tips on how to find balance whilst juggling everything, check out this episode for some great advice on being present and finding peace.

Anthony Ellis is a teacher, activist, advocate, and leader. Listen and learn about Black Lives Matter and how we can united together against racism.

In this video, Melinda talks about her own experience with facing racism, breaking glass ceilings within leadership, her career of over 20 years of broadcast, motivational speaking, and advocacy experience, and how Covid-19 has shifted her show See Hear Love. Watch See Hear Love: https://seehearlove.com/ Meet Melinda: https://seehearlove.com/meet-the-team/melinda-estabrooks/

In this video, Dr. Antipas Harris talked about racial justice, the responsibility of the church, leading for the 22nd century in mind, and his NEW book, "Is Christianity the White Man's Religion? How the Bible Is Good News for People of Color." Buy his NEW book here for you and a friend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZG7D45R/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0?fbclid=IwAR3_XFqGyrOUig2OKkc82gYL1iMkIHwGztES0eNFdHpmO-HWg2nCwQ5L5sg

Dr. Dave and I had a blast talking about surviving boredom during this Covid-19 pandemic and finding joy in the little things. He shares about parenting, pastoring, and living with purpose in Silicon Valley even when many of us can't leave our community. Find out more about Dr. Dave here: https://www.pclg.org/staff/

Jared Easley is the co-founder and Head of Community and Content at Podcast Movement. Jared is the host of the top-rated and ranked podcast “Starve the Doubts,” which features conversations related to personal and professional development (interviews include guests such as Simon Sinek, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Seth Godin). Jared has been featured in such publications as Entrepreneur.com, Huffington Post and the South Florida Business Journal. He is also a traditionally published author. His recent book, Stop Chasing Influencers, is an Amazon and Publishers Weekly Best Seller. Website: https://podcastmovement.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaredeasley Latest Event: https://events.podcastmovement.com/dallas2020/

Melissa Florer-Bixler was called to be pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church in 2016. Melissa is a “convinced” Mennonite. As an adult she found herself drawn to Anabaptism's emphasis on consensus decision-making, the priesthood of all believers, peace building, and potlucks. She is a sucker for four-part harmony. Her formal education occurred at Gordon College, Duke University, and Princeton Theological Seminary. She was nurtured into pastoral ministry over the past decade by the spacious welcome of Portland Mennonite, Oxford Circle Mennonite, and Chapel Hill Mennonite. She was the recipient of the gentleness and shared life of L'Arche Portland (OR) and works to extend that beloved community as a board member of Friends of L'Arche North Carolina. With her time she defends her snap peas from insects, attends to the words of Elena Ferrante, Karl Barth, and Li-Young Lee, and cultivates the will to learn Spanish by listening to Ana Tijoux. Sometimes she writes things that other people read in The Mennonite and Christian Century. She expends the most time, energy, tears, laughter, fear and patience co-parenting her three children with her spouse, Jacob. https://www.raleighmennonite.org

Shelby Blondell is an international, songwriter, singer, inventor and speaker from Linthicum MD, whose determination shows that even brain surgeries cannot get her down. Shelby has a unique sound that captivates a crowd by bringing them to their feet and hitting their heart, encompassing sounds as if Lauren Daigle, Sara Bareilles, and Ed Sheeran were having a tailgate. Shelby's music, story, and work have been featured on radio and multimedia internationally, with a radio hit TOP 10, "Fun In The Sun", on the European Indie Music Charts while sharing the stage with artists like Pentatonix, Howie Day and many in between. Website: https://www.shelbyblondell.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/shelbyblondell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyblondell/

Steve Austin was a pastor when he nearly died by suicide. Years of performance-based Christianity taught Austin to sweep the pain of childhood sexual abuse, plus the shame of PTSD, anxiety, and depression under the rug. When it came to his suffering, he believed it was best not to let anyone know about his secrets - especially church folks. As a result, fear, shame, and guilt were Austin's constant companions. Thankfully, a suicide attempt was not the end of his story. Connect with Steve Austin here: https://catchingyourbreath.com Purchase his latest books here: https://amzn.to/2R73kLi

Joshua Berwald talks about what it's like to be a stay-at-home dad during this pandemic and share with us the struggle of caring for his little one whilst his wife cares for their other daughter in the hospital. Good news, they were reunited after this episode and their daughter is doing well. Connect with Joshua Berwald and check out his podcast here: https://lnns.co/7gz13MqYyFw

Trisha is a courageous, loving and whole-hearted leader whose vision for the world is for all people to own their unique identity and welcome one another to eat, play, and work together in mutually honorable, hospitable and generous ways that create healthy and sustainable relationships with God, self, others, and the planet. In accomplishing this vision, Trisha has served as the executive director of The Leadership Center since 2012. Trisha has her doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspectives and is an ordained pastor. Trisha also directs The Institute for Pastoral and Congregational Thriving at Portland Seminary and teaches apprenticeship courses for Portland Seminary. Connect with her here: https://nwleadershipcenter.com/ https://www.georgefox.edu/seminary/news-events/thriving-pastors-grant.html

Dr. Wendy Vanderwal-Gritter, is the Executive Director of Generous Space, an organization that connects LGBTQ+ people with vibrant faith communities marked by humility, hospitality, mutuality, & justice, and resources the church at the intersections of faith, gender and sexuality. You can read more here: https://www.generousspace.ca/

Pastor Char gives us a glimpse at what it looks like to be a hospital chaplain during this COVID-19 pandemic. It hasn't been easy. Watch and find ways to care for those on the frontlines, especially your local medical community.

Jordan Stockdale has been a Fulbright scholar, Program Director of School Climate Initiatives, Education Policy Analyst, and Deputy Executive Director of Close Rikers. He currently is the co-founder of HireHarlem, a nonprofit organization that promotes businesses that hire locally, give back to the community or are owned by long-time residents and people of color/women (MWBE's). Find out how you can support local businesses in Harlem during COVID-19 by clicking on the link here: http://www.hireharlem.com/harlem

Maleeka T. Hollaway is a millennial, entrepreneur, speaker, author and writer obsessed with personal development, leadership and small business growth. Her goal is to teach SBOs and entrepreneurs to position themselves to grow sustainable businesses and brands. Meet her on www.maleekahollaway.comand http://theomg.biz

Jason Tucker (D.Min.) is the Lead Pastor at Tower Hill Church: First Presbyterian in Red Bank, New Jersey. He is a 25-year ministry veteran, and has been a national youth ministry speaker, writer, and worship leader. Jason has an MDiv. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Dmin. from Fuller Theological Seminary where he focused on church revitalization. His consulting work, as well as His weekly podcast, The Reclaimed Leader (ReclaimedLeader.com), is designed to help pastors shift their churches toward greater faithfulness in generational gospel-translation. Follow on Twitter: @JasonPastor Follow on Facebook: Jason Tucker Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/JasonPastor Email: Jason@reclaimedleader.com

On today's episode, Ben Stapley gives incredible resources for business leaders, pastors, and entrepreneurs on adapting to change and creating memorable experiences. If you're looking for practical advice from an amazing expert, watch this video and jot down notes. So, who is Ben? What does he do? For over 20 years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. Some of the fields he has worked in include pastoring, preaching, speaking, videography, photography, blogging, reporting & producing. He also consults for churches and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. He's designed compelling services at South Ridge Community Church as the Director of Programming & Media, worked at Liquid Church in NJ as the Creative Arts Pastor, and currently serves as the Weekend Experience Director at Christ Fellowship, and oversees the production, worship, creative, communication, online and guest service departments. Christ Fellowship current church has 17 campuses with 7 locally in Miami and 10 globally across Latin America. Connect with Ben here: https://www.benstapley.com

Sara O'Neill talks about what it's like to celebrate 3 years of sobriety during this coronavirus pandemic while at the same time being on the frontlines as recovery support to others.

Jordan talks about what it's like to be a college student right now and gives us the inside scoop into how to deal with change. Connect with Jordan here: https://www.joyfortheseason.com

Reverend Colin Kerr talks about what it looks like to #bethechurch and #bethechange. We delve into practical ways to love people right now and reach our communities, especially those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join the conversations and find hope! You can get his newest book here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086VTLCKK/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Candice Czubernat, therapist and founder of The Christian Closet shares with us about the importance of breathing during this pandemic and talks about her journey of starting her organization that gives a voice to LGBTQI Christians. She also gives practical tips on ways to stop discrimination online and create communities that affirm and welcome all. You can find out more about The Christian Closet here: https://www.thechristiancloset.com/

Jean is a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Supervisor (LISW) in the State of Ohio and is an Assistant Professor of Social Work/GPS Social Work Program Coordinator at MVNU and a Mental Health Therapist in private practice. She has worked in both of these roles for the past nine years. Collectively, Jean has twenty-eight years of social work experience including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Home Health and Hospice, Private Adoption and Foster Care, and WIA Youth Programming. Jean has worked with all ages and populations but has specialized in treating adolescents and young adults, grief and bereavement issues, coping with serious illness, and relationship issues. Jean recently completed a Doctoral Program with George Fox University in Leadership and Global Perspectives – studying leadership in cultural contexts around the world. Her research focus was an examination of the global refugee crisis – with special emphasis on enhancing resilience in the Somali population resettled in Columbus. She's also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and is a National Health Service Corp Provider. In her free time, Jean enjoys spending time with family and friends, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and traveling. Jean is an active member of her community including working with her church food pantry, and serving on school and church committees. You can connect with Dr. Jean here: http://affinityhealthworks.com/index.html

Chris talks about being in full-time ministry for 25 years, deconstructing from American evangelicalism, finding freedom in Christ during the process of reconstruction, and finding hope during this pandemic. We also talk about our shared love for Rev. Adam Hamilton's teachings at Church of the Resurrection and finding new spaces of worship that are authentic to our place of theological understanding.

Jake grew up in Southern California and married his college sweetheart, Jennifer, after receiving their undergraduate degrees at Azusa Pacific University. They have 2 grown children, McKenna & Dawson, and out of honor for one another and each other's family, both Jake and Jenn, along with their kids incorporated each other's last name into their own, Dean-Hill. Jake enjoys public speaking and conducting seminars on marriage, parenting, corporate leadership and personal growth. Jake is an avid golfer and loves warm, sunny days when he can enjoy boating on the Columbia river with the family. Jake and Jenn have been married 25 years and have resided in Richland, Washington since 1994. Connect with Dr. Dean-Hill here: 1) https://www.gendersynergy.us/ 2) https://www.jakedeanhill.com/ 3) https://onekingdom.us/

My friend, Jaewoo talks about embracing change and starting a brand new job in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic. If you ever wondered what it would be like to venture into a whole new job, in a whole new state, and start a whole new life, you will be encouraged by Jaewoo's story of hope and fortitude.

As Teaching Pastor at Liquid, Nithin works directly with Lead Pastor, Tim Lucas, to assist in the teaching ministry by writing and researching sermon content, as well as materials for Liquid Groups. He is passionate about connecting people to Jesus through the creative teaching of God's Word, and you can often find Nithin preaching live on Sundays at one of Liquid's campuses. Previously Nithin served in youth ministry for nearly a decade, and has had the opportunity to preach throughout the U.S. as well as overseas. Nithin and his wife Jackie have two amazing children. During his downtime, you can find Nithin hanging out with his family, exploring museums, and places unknown. Other loves include heavy metal and seafood! Connest with Nithin here: https://www.instagram.com/nithin81/ Connect with Liquid here: https://liquidchurch.com/ P.S. I accidentally pronounced Nithin's name wrong...It's Nithin, like (knit), not (nigh). Life is about learning! :)

Pastor Asha Fuller gave some incredible tips for people trying to switch everything to online. This video is perfect for small business owners, churches, and solo entrepreneurs. Here are the links to all the resources that Asha suggested: 1. https://amzn.to/3eR57hB 2. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChurchMarketers/ 3. https://engageconference.church/registration?fbclid=IwAR1cxde7rrMij9tOCF9SuopTaUTR8nZQO4rRhTXc94wMdlVk-Ohtm7flBAI

Esmeralda "Ezzy" Castellon is a multi-faceted artist. She wrote her first one person show “Once Upon A Caterpillar” and premiered it in April of 2010 at Teatro LA Tea. Since then Esmeralda has performed it on Theater Row, Off-Broadway, in various stages in NYC, Florida, Ohio, and Peru. Along with being a playwright, Esmeralda has been an acting coach, director, and creative consultant to several faith-based and not-for-profit organizations in the Bronx, such as C.O.A.C., Community Connections for Youth Inc., Youth Advocates NYC, and Harvest Fields Community Church. She also is the CEO of an incredible comedy paint party business! If you are looking to connect or attend one of her amazing paint parties, reach out to her here: 1. https://www.instagram.com/butterflyezzy/ 2. https://www.facebook.com/ezzy.castellon 3. https://www.instagram.com/ezzyislandar…/

Jessica Minhas is a human rights advocate, author, social entrepreneur, and media commentator who makes complex human rights issues relevant, understandable and actionable for audiences of all ages. For the past 12 years Jessica has worked in media, carefully producing inspiring media content on complex human rights issues; and the survivor advocacy space, crafting economic empowerment programs and investigations on behalf of sex trafficking victims. This pursuit is borne from passion– everything she does is colored by a commitment to shed light on issues normally silenced in shame, and offer hope to those without it. She challenges audiences to think globally, empowers them to find their purpose, and cultivate their unique voices for the common good. In addition to her humanitarian work, Jessica is the Founder and CEO of I'll Go First, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging media and technology in order to provide remote psychosocial care to marginalized trauma populations throughout the developing world, and is working on her first book- an investigative memoir entitled, “I'll Go First”- following her personal journey of searching for her biological family and finding her life's calling. Jessica graduated from the University of Central Florida, and has completed graduate studies work in Journalism at NYU, and in Global Mental Health Trauma and Refugee Recovery with Harvard Medical School. She has been honored as a Rising Leader by the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, is a recipient of a Noble Award on behalf of The Blind Project, and is currently a Hive Global Leader, a New York New Abolitionist, a Global Shaper on behalf of the World Economic Forum and a United Nations Global Accelerator. Connect with Jessica here: 1) http://www.jessicaminhas.com/ 2) http://www.illgofirst.com/ 3) http://www.illgofirst.com/podcast

Pastor Jason is the primary preacher for the congregation. He helps plan and conduct the various worship services, including sermon preparation and working with others who lead and participate in worship. He also serves as the leader of the leaders in the congregation by articulating the vision of the church and focusing the work of the whole congregation toward the accomplishment of that vision. In 2019, Jason earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary. His dissertation research focused on developing a Wesleyan theological perspective on the integration of faith and work. He is passionate about helping people connect their faith with their own vocation and career. Pastor Jason serves on the adjunct faculty at Portland Seminary in Portland, OR. Connect with Dr. Wellman here: https://www.srumc.org/

Timothy Cruz is a passionate, dedicated pastor highly regarded for leading and supporting all aspects of spiritual growth, community engagement, ministry work, and program administration. Diligent coach and mentor with the capacity reach individuals in difficult situations and provide clear and attentive guidance. You can connect with Tim Cruz here: Timothy.cruz23@gmail.com

Meagan and I had a wonderful conversation about embracing change, looking forward to the future, and braving the next step when you can't see your foot in front of you. If you are feeling like life is paused or you feel like the future has just stopped, you'll be super encouraged by this interview. You can connect with Meagan here: 1) https://www.instagram.com/meaganackerm…/ 2) https://www.facebook.com/meagan.ackerman.5

Shawn Lovejoy is Founder & CEO of CourageToLead.com. His heart beats for coaching leaders and helping them all conquer whatever's keeping them up at night. Shawn has been a successful real estate developer, a church planter, megachurch pastor, and now CEO a fast growing coaching and consulting organization. He specializes in for leadership, personal growth, and organizational health, and helping leaders create momentum. Shawn is the host of The CourageToLead Podcast with Shawn Lovejoy and the author of several books. His latest books are Measuring Success: Your Path To Significance, Satisfaction, & Leading Yourself To The Next Level and Be Mean About The Vision: Preserving and Protecting What Matters Most. Shawn has been married for 25 years to his best friend Tricia and they have three children: Hannah, Madison, & Paul. They all live in Birmingham, AL. Connect with Shawn here: 1) https://www.couragetolead.com/ 2) @shawnlovejoy (Twitter) 3) https://www.couragetolead.com/podcast

Katie Allred is an assistant professor of software development and marketing at the University of Mobile. She co-founded ChurchCommunications.com, where has worked with 25,000 church leaders on their marketing and communication strategies. Additionally, Katie has previously consulted with Facebook on their groups product. She is a speaker and blogs at KatieAllred.com. Check out her awesome links here: 1) https://www.facebook.com/churchcomm/ 2) https://www.instagram.com/katiejallred/ 3) https://www.youtube.com/us…/katiejallred 4) https://twitter.com/katiejallred 5) https://churchcommunications.com/

Sarah shared some great truths about motherhood, parenting through this pandemic, sustainable farming, and embracing change. She also gave some wonderful tips for new mothers who are facing this next adventure right now. Look at pictures and read blogs from their journey here: https://sarahbdunham.wixsite.com/pursui… Check out their incredible community here: http://www.thenomadsland.org/ Find out more about the App that we talked about, Marco Polo here: https://www.marcopolo.me/

I had an incredible conversation with my friend, Andrew Foote! We talked about life, experiencing community, the joy and life-giving hope of live theater. There's something about that moment––when the curtain goes up and the world centers in to escape, to engage, and to experience that moment of joy together. Check out all the incredible credits of Andrew here: World Tour: Jekyll and Hyde (Dr. Jekyll/Mr.Hyde). National Tour: Les Miserables, Ragtime, Annie. Regional: 7 Productions of Les Miserables as Jean Valjean all over the United States. Starring roles at Sacramento Music Circus (Hunchback...), ZACH Theatre (Ragtime, Evita),Music Theatre of CT (Jekyll and Hyde) Lyceum Theatre (Les Mis, South Pacific, 1776), Palace Theatre (Les mis, Secret Garden, Christmas Carol, Mamma Mia), Fireside Theatre (Les Mis), Houston T.U.T.S. (Les Mis) , Gateway Playhouse (South Pacific), MTL Lab Theatre (Tomorrow in Jerusalem). Proud member of Actors' Equity. Connect with Andrew here: www.andrewfoote.netneverandy@icloud.com

Learn about Marc Schelske here! Marc's Bio: I've served as a pastor full-time for more than twenty years now. In that vocation, you get to fill a staggering array of roles: coach, mentor, spiritual guide, babysitter, event planner, HR professional, public speaker, building manager, mediator, marriage counselor, even CEO. I turned 40 last year and as I looked back at my life, I learned that I'm not good at all of those things. Because I want to make a dent in the universe, I want to spend the next 40 years doing the things I'm wired up to do. I'm a great communicator, teacher, public speaker, and writer. I'm a good coach. My writing at www.MarcAlanSchelske.com provides a platform for me to invest more in doing these things. More about me here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/marc-alan-schelske/about-me/407353475986131

Jared Byas, is a serial question-asker and ideas explorer. His favorite phrases are “Ok. But why?” and “Is there another way?” Jared's passion is to explore new ways of being Christian and help people translate all of life's big questions into a life full of meaning and connection. He likes to take super smart people and ask them, “You're smart. Great. And how does what you're saying help us love each other better right here and right now?” This kind of questioning has led him to some wonderful places where he has been able to meet and work with wonderful people. Jared has been a pastor, professor, Sunday school teacher, podcast host, author, speaker, and leader of several organizations. Connect with Jared here: https://www.jaredbyas.com/ Listen to The Bible for Normal People here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2991KOQDSOZK59jopj5jjv?si=NKwV6CY9Q_C2r_E_FoYulg

Ryan's goal is to help you become your best. Do you want more clarity in life? To possibly even say you know your calling? Ryan speaks and writes to help people find their calling and to follow it with clarity. He believes that following your calling is the key to change: in life and the world. You should not live someone else's life and Ryan will make sure you won't. Connect with Ryan here: 1) https://ryanlui.com/being/ 2) https://ryanlui.com/

Dr. Chester Goad is a university administrator making the campus accessible for students with disabilities, and graduate instructor for Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. He is also a former K12 principal and teacher, former US Congressional staffer, author, and blogger. He is co-author of Tennessee's “Dyslexia Is Real” law and has presented on disability and leadership-related topics from Appalachia to Africa. He is a former Member of the Board of Directors for the Association on Higher Education and Disability and currently sits on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability. A leader in education, non-profit advocacy, parenting issues, access, and policy, Chester has been quoted in major media outlets such as CNBC, Yahoo, the Washington Post, Forbes, and more. You can find his writing on Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, Edutopia, Learning Ally, and elsewhere. His Amazon #1 Bestselling book, Purple People Leader, can be found on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, or Barnes & Noble Online. Chester and his wife have one college-age son, one cat, three dogs, and a fish. They reside in Tennessee. In his spare time, Chester enjoys podcasting, filmmaking, and comedy. Feel free to email Chester at chestergoad@gmail.com.

Dr. Christal M. N. Jenkins is just one example of how God continues to use His people to touch the world. As a native of the greater Pacific Northwest, Christal's interests and influences stem from a great ability to take herself from the heart of the community to the corporate world. Her strong will and desire to achieve has continued to propel her into avenues she could have only imagined. Businesswoman and author, her family, friends, and most importantly, God, have fostered her charismatic personality and passion to serve. Her life truly embodies God given purpose and determination; her destiny has infinite possibilities. Connect with Dr. Jenkins here: http://www.christaljenkins.com/ and here: https://www.anewkoinonia.com/

Paul Sohn is an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author. Paul's vision is to empower leaders to rise to the top of every sphere of influence. Paul worked at both a Fortune 50 company and a Great Place to Work Company. He now works as a leadership transformation consultant at GiANT Worldwide. He has been ranked as the #15 of world's top 50 leadership bloggers to follow. Christianity Today magazine named Paul as one of the Top 33 Under 33 Christian Millennials to Watch. Connect with Paul here: 1) https://paulsohn.org/ 2) https://qara.org/

What is it like to go fully online right now with college classes? Professor Abigail Michelini gives us a glimpse into her life and shows us how we can best support our friends and family who are facing this pandemic whilst continuing their coursework online. She gives some great tips for teachers and helps educators. If you're looking for innovative ways to improve your pedagogy and engagement within the classroom, check out this video and let us know your thoughts. What are some ways that you have changed your way of teaching right now? What's worked for you?

Eddie Luisi talks about what it looks like to find hope by tapping into the idea of acceptance, positive thought, and embracing the unexpected. We also delve into what it's like to be in NYC during this pandemic and his incredible group, Friends in the Spirt 111, a place where you can find different perspectives on faith, spirituality, unity & love. You can join Friends in the Spirit 111 here: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsInTheSpirit111/