Center for Congregations Podcast

Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs joins John and Matt to talk about failure. Rev. Dr. Briggs believes that failure is not the end but rather can be a beautiful new beginning. Resources Fail by J.R. Briggs (book) Kairos Partnerships (organization) How Your Congregation Learns by Tim Shapiro (book) "There is Hope and Help for Pastors Who Feel 'Stalled'" from ChurchLeaders.com (24 min video) "Focusing On Health, Not Size" from Center for Congregations (podcast) "How Do You Define A Healthy Church Aside from The Numbers" by Karl Vaters (article)

Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, John James, Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke get together to talk about their work with congregations, the trends their seeing and what they are learning. Resources Firm Foundations Marketing (organization)

Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley joins Kara and Shellie to talk about her research regarding bivocational ministry. Contrary to common understanding, it has been quite common in the history of congregations. Rev. Bentley discusses how this model can benefit congregational life. Resources Bivocational Ministry: Field Notes for Congregations and Ministers by Rev. Dr. Kristen Bentley (book) Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits (article) Bivocational Pastors on PBS (video)

Enjoy this episode that was originally launched in November of 2023. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

Rev. Dr. Aaron Perry joins JC and Matt to talk about his new book Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls. Aaron shares from his experience in congregational leadership and academia to help you understand how to engage more lay leaders in your congregation. Resources Lay Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Aaron Perry (book) Our Gifts: Identifying and Developing Leaders by David P. Mayer (book) "Unleashing the Church through Lay Leadership" from The Barna Group (article)

Laurie Stewart, CEO of Peacemaker Ministries, joins Matt and John to discuss the origins of conflict and how to handle conflict. Resources Peacemaker Ministries (organization) Arbinger Institute (organization) The Colossian Forum (organization) Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny (book) The Anatomy of Peace from The Arbinger Institute (book)

In this conversation, Reverend Dr. Marlene Fuller shares her journey as a multi-vocational pastor and the financial challenges that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, financial management, and the need for support within the church community. The discussion highlights the difference between coping behaviors and radical self-care, and the significance of trusting God rather than relying solely on personal performance. Dr. Fuller also discusses the impact of financial programs like MMBB in helping pastors navigate their economic challenges and build a financially healthy congregation.

Kelly Minas, Director of the Lilly Endowment Young Adult Initiative, joins Matt and Shellie to talk about the S.T.A.R. (stories, tools, and resources) for Young Adult Ministry website. This resourcing website is the culmination of years of work in innovation hubs all over the country and can help your congregation sharpen your young adult ministry focus. Kelly shares about the work of these innovation hubs and the eight principles that can help your congregation connect with young adults. s.t.a.r. for young adult ministry (website)

In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Reverend Michelle Brown shares her personal journey with finances in ministry, discussing the challenges she faced, the theological implications of money, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the transformative power of faith in navigating financial struggles and the shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation highlights the significance of taking ownership of financial decisions while recognizing God's role in providing guidance and grace. 

Rev. Mike Snyder joins Shellie and Matt to talk about co-vocational ministry and how it has created a wholeness both for his life and for the life of his congregation. Resources The Power of Co-vocational Ministry by Rev. Mike Snyder (article) Dying to Restart (organization) Covocational Pastoring: What It Is, And Why You Should Consider It (podcast) Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry (book) The Church at Broadway Park (Rev. Snyder's Church)

In this episode of the Money in Ministry podcast, Ramon Rivera shares his inspiring journey of faith, challenges, and the miracles he experienced while planting churches. He emphasizes the importance of dreams as the first resource from God and recounts his struggles with financial challenges while pursuing his calling. Through various transitions, including moving from Pennsylvania to Florida and then to Arizona, Ramon highlights the support he received from mentors and programs like CARE, which helped him navigate his financial journey. He concludes with valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the importance of community in ministry. 

Rev. Dr. Rickey McCray, senior pastor of The Way Church in Indianapolis, joins Kara and Matt to discuss how communicating creatively, and through creativity, can help you lead your congregation. Resources GCW Coaching (Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes' website) The Small Rural Church Social Media Blueprint (podcast/video) Dr. Rickey McCray's Website We Care Indy (organization) Dr. Rickey McCray's Facebook Page Dr. Rickey McCray's Instagram Page

In this conversation, Pastor Jason Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities of talking about money within church communities. He emphasizes the importance of reframing the conversation around generosity, building trust, and utilizing curriculum and resources to facilitate open discussions. The dialogue also touches on the significance of legacy planning, the role of the church in financial stewardship, and the need for pastors to be vulnerable about their own financial struggles. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the heart of generosity and the importance of discipleship in managing resources. 

Rev. Dr. Jeff Keuss and Rev. Martin Jimenez, M.Div. join John and Matt to talk about their work and research around young adult engagement in congregations. They share what they are learning directly from young adults in their research that will help congregations learn how to reach out to this generation. Resources Defiant Hope, Active Love (book) Defiant Hope, Active Love (documentary) Pivot NW Research (organization) Pivot NW on Facebook Pivot NW on Instagram Pivot NW on X The Anxious Generation (website/book) Dr. Jean Twenge (author, speaker) Fuller Youth Institute - Dr. Steve Argue (author, speaker, researcher) Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network (educational program)

In this conversation, Father Dave Harris shares his experiences navigating the financial challenges faced by pastoral leaders. He discusses the impact of financial strain on ministry, the importance of community support, and the need for intentional financial planning. The conversation highlights the differences in financial management between various church roles and emphasizes the significance of support systems for ministers, particularly regarding retirement planning and overcoming barriers to seeking help.

Elise Barrett and Bere Gil Soto from the Center for Congregations' Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders program join Matt and Kelly to talk about their work and a new podcast series. This series will highlight specific stories of clergy leaders and the economic challenges they have faced in their vocation. Resources Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral leaders (organization)

Join Center for Congregations staffers Kara Faris, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Dr. JC Campbell and Matt Burke as they discuss the changes in congregations over the last six years. A lot has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic and the conversation ranges over what congregations used to be focused on and how that focus has shifted.

Rosario and Callie Picardo join JC and Matt to talk about their new book Healthy Money. Their fascinating hypothesis is that our thoughts and attitudes towards finances are driven by deep aspects of our personhood and if we make those aspects healthy it can aid us in viewing and using finances in a healthy way. Resources Healthy Money: A 30-Day Journey toward Spiritual, Emotional and Financial Freedom (book) Kitchen Table Giving: Reimagining How Congregations Connect with their Donors by William G. Enright (book) When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-and-Play, Season 4 Episode 8 of the Center for Congregations Podcast (podcast)

Rev. Ethan Linder, Discipleship Pastor from College Wesleyan Church in Marion Indiana, joins JC and Matt to talk about discipleship and the process they've developed. Ethan shares the beginnings of the project and what they're learning. Resources College Wesleyan Shepherding Curriculum Facing Decline, Finding Hope: New Possibilities for Faithful Churches (book) The Master Plan of Evangelism (book) Lifelong Faith Associates (organization) Ethan's Instragram Handle @iamethanl

Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her work. She shares how congregations can be successful in helping their communities through a mission focus, education and local networking relationships. Resources Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (organization)

Propaganda joins JC and Matt to talk about how to make complex topics easier for your audience to understand. Propaganda is a rapper, spoken word artist, author, speaker and podcaster. And he knows a ton about coffee. Resources Terraform: Building a Better World (book) Terraform: The Sky (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Soil (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The People (EP on Spotify) Terraform: The Possibility (EP on Spotify) Hood Politics with Prop (Podcast)

Center for Congregations staffers Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan, Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Matt Burke and John James gather to talk about what they're hearing and learning from Congregations around the state of Indiana.

Dr. Christina Davis and Rev. Dr. Tim Shapiro join Dr. Bridges and Matt to talk about their new book The Formative Power of Your Congregation. We discuss the framework of the process of formation in congregations, specific stories from the work and research and how your congregation can be a place of formation. Dr. Davis is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Shapiro is the President of the Center for Congregations. Resources The Formative Power of Your Congregation (book) Dr. Christina Davis (website) Dr. Christina Davis (at CTS) The Congregational Resource Guide (website)

Melanie Preston joins JC and Matt to share her understanding of how congregations can be healthy organizations. The conversation includes how to define organizational health, the importance of paying attention to burnout, why it's important to develop boundaries and how manipulation can harm a congregation. Matt and JC talk about their experiences working with congregations and the idea of organizational health and share some resources on the topic. Resources This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There (book) 5LQ Episode 324: The Advantage Book Breakdown (podcast) The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business (book) Matter of Focus Counseling (Melanie's company)

Dr. Carlos Perkins, Associate Director of Engagement for the Lake Institute on Faith Faith and Giving joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke to discuss generosity. The conversation contains helpful definitions of generosity, reframing faith and giving and some practical tips. Resources https://lakeinstitute.org/ https://events.iu.edu/philanthropy/ https://lakeinstitute.org/resources/faithful-generosity-story-shelf/ https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/ https://litpress.org/Products/3766/Imagining-Abundance https://thecrg.org/resources/Rambam_s_Ladder_A_Meditation_on_Generosity_and_Why_It_is_Necessary_to_Give https://thecrg.org/resources/Local_Church_Planned_Giving_Manual

Dr. William Cooke, MD. was practicing in a small rural community when a health crisis broke out. He joins Abby and Matt to talk about how various community stakeholders, including congregations, stepped up to aid those in need. Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (organization) Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (visual aid) Canary in the Coal Mine: A Forgotten Rural Community, a Hidden Epidemic, and a Lone Doctor Battling for the Life, Health, and Soul of the People (book) Canary in the Coal Mine Facebook Group Indiana Community Foundations (website) National Community Foundation Locator (website)

Digital marketing consultant Tim Campbell-Smith and digital marketing trainer Kaeli Sweigard join Shellie and Matt to talk about social media and congregations. This dynamic conversation will help any congregation whether they are just getting started or are social media veterans. Find Tim on the socials @timcampbellsms. Find Kaeli on the socials @kaelisweigard Resources https://timcampbellstrategist.com (Tim's website) https://kaelisweigard.com/ (Kaeli's website) Discipls.io (organization) Social Media for Churches: 8 Best Strategies (article) 16 Inspiring Ways to Build a Community on Social Media (article)

Rev. Dr. Quincy McGhee, Senior Pastor of Lifeway Bible Fellowship and Grants Administrator for Associated Churches of Allen County, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his experiences regarding fundraising. Rev. McGhee helps to redefine how we approach needs: both our own and those in the community around us. Resources The Kaleidoscope Institute (organization) Indiana Community Foundations (webpage) Council on Foundations Community Foundation Locator (webpage)

Join Center for Congregations staff Dr. JC Campbell, Dr. Terrance Bridges, Rev. Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke as they discuss their work with congregations and what we can all learn from what's happening around the state of Indiana. Dr. Campbell and Dr. Bridges both share about recent situations with congregations from which we can take hope, learning and resources. Resources The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG; web resource) Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (book) How to Plant a Church: A Guide to Successful Startups (article) Building God's Way (BGW; organization)

Rev. Lisa Cole Smith, Founding Pastor and Artistic Director of Convergence Church in Alexandria, Virginia, joins JC and Matt to talk about how her congregation weaves aesthetics and the arts into the life of their congregation and community. Rev. Smith discusses the origins of their congregation, the trajectory of their ministry, and how congregations can be more intentional about their aesthetics, facilities and creativity. Resources Visual Arts and Worship (web resource) For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (book) Convergence (organization) Be, Make, Do (podcast)

Rev. Brad Thie, Director of Duke Divinity School's Thriving Rural Communities Initiative, joins Abby and Matt to talk about his work with congregations in rural North Carolina. Rev. Thie discusses what defines a thriving congregation and how congregations can be tightly tied to their communities. Resources Thriving Rural Communities Initiative (organization) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (resource collection) Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise (podcast episode) Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations (book) Transforming Church in Rural America (book) Rural Mental Health Resources (resource collection)

Whether we're prepared or not, Artificial Intelligence is now a part of our every day lives and our future. Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke to discuss how AI can aid congregations and the ways in which not to engage with it. Resources Midnight Oil Productions Human-Centered AI (article) The Ultimate Guide to AI, Pastors, and the Church (article) AI Generated Images Native American Potter Ravens Dry Valley Valley Renewed Valley Valley with Ravens

Lenmarie Pascall, Director of Coaching at Urban Youth Workers Institute, joins Shellie Riggs Jordan and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations for an insightful discussion on youth ministry. Lenmarie asserts that urban culture is increasingly shaping the broader youth culture landscape, emphasizing the importance for parents and leaders to grasp how to support youth in flourishing within these environments. Resources Urban Youth Workers Institute (organization) The Youth Cartel (organization) - Mark Oestreicher The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (organization)

"Every congregation is unique" — it's not a cliché, it is true. Rev. Tim Lake, pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, and Rev. Raymond Dix Jr., pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, sit down with Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share the unique makeup of their congregations, the changes and challenges they have experienced, and why it is important to embrace and understand your congregation's unique attributes. Check out the Congregational Resource Guide for resources that provide help and guidance for your congregation within this topic. https://thecrg.org/

Nathan Parr, Facilities Stewardship Specialist with Smart Church Solutions, joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations to discuss the challenges and solutions with facility management of congregational buildings. Nathan shares practical tips for congregations to assess and quantify the issues and costs for maintaining facilities. Resources Smart Church Solutions (organization) FacilitiesNet (web resource) Church Facility Management Solutions (Facebook Group) Church Facility Maintenance (article) Preserving Black Churches (organization)

National speaker, advocate and emcee, Rev. Julian DeShazier, joins JC Campbell and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to discuss how congregations can better adapt to changing culture and circumstances. Topics discussed include ministry arms of congregations being open about their faith background, using modern tools without losing your values, the strength of "old" songs and more. Matt and JC also discuss how change in congregations appears in the work of the Center for Congregations and share resources to help congregations navigate changes. Resources Reimagining How We Reimagine Church by Julian DeShazier (article) Traditioned Innovation in Action by Dave Odom (article) Leading Change in the Congregation by Gil Rendle (book) Managing Transitions by William Bridges and Susan Bridges (book) Rediscovering an Evangelical Heritage by Donald Dayton (book)

Rev. Jermine Alberty joins Abby Miller and Matt Burke from the Center for Congregations to share about his experiences as a pastor and Mental Health First Aid trainer. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness both for congregational leaders and the members of congregations. Resources Mental Health First Aid (organization) Jermine Alberty (website) NAMI (organization) Pathways 2 Promise (organization) Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (organization) Latino Mental Health (article) A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser (book)

Please note: this episode contains conversation related to suicide. Feel free to pause or stop listening if you need to and seek personal support of a friend or loved one. If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts please reach out to a professional and/or call 988. Col. Glen Bloomstrom joins Matt Burke and Shellie Riggs Jordan from the Center for Congregations to talk about how congregations can be places of support and help in suicide prevention. Glenn has worked extensively with the US military as a chaplain and consultant and is now the Director of Faith Community Engagement at LivingWorks Education. Resources Centre for Suicide Prevention (organization) Centre for Suicide Prevention safeTalk Training LivingWorks (organization) - provides training including Safe Talk, LivingWorks Faith and LivingWorks ASIST QPR Institute (organization) Mental Health First Aid for Youth (training) Saving the farm: Heartland clergy train to prevent agriculture workers' suicides (AP news article) Americans Are in a Mental Health Crisis - Especially African Americans. Can Churches Help? (article) 988: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches by Karen Mason (book) Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors by Karen Mason (book)

As the year begins, allow yourself and your team the power to take hold of your pace and passion for work. Brenda Jank, Founder and CEO of Run Hard, Rest Well, joins Matt Burke and Abby Miller from the Center for Congregations to talk about how to help clergy and congregational leaders find rhythms of rest in order to lead well. Compelling, practical, and eye-opening, this episode will help to create a work life balance that is life-giving, transformative, and powered by God. Resources Run Hard, Rest Well (organization) Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom and Guided Meditations to Strengthen and Calm Body, Heart, Mind and Soul (book) Flourish by Martin Seligman (book) Ruth Haley Barton (website, author) Check out her podcast and the books Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms and Invitation to Solitude and Silence. Kirk Byron Jones (website, author) Check out his books Addicted to Hurry and Fulfilled

Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes joins Abby and Matt to talk about how she envisions engagement with young adults. The conversation focuses on defining what one means by "young adults" and ways to create relationship and space for this demographic. Resources Young Adults and Your Congregation (article) Thinkq media (organization) Technology, Innovation, & Digital Engagement Lab (Tidel) Engaging Young Adults: Creating a Culture of Belonging (video) Passcode: GCWOct23!

Tyler Harden, co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing joins Shellie and Matt to talk about marketing and communications. He discusses the importance of understanding not only those who you are speaking to but also understanding your own congregational identity. Resources Less Chaos, Less Noise by Kem Meyer (book) The Association of Religious Data Archives (website) Ministry Reset (website) Firm Foundations Marketing (organization) Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations (podcast) The Congregational Resource Guide (website)

Dr. Nii Addy talks with Shellie and Matt about how he came to his interest in neuroscience and mental health, how understanding neuroscience can benefit knowledge about mental health, medication reluctance and processes for approving psychiatric medication and mental health resources for congregations. Shellie and Matt talk about why they are so interested in neuroscience and also recommend some helpful resources for congregational leaders. Resources Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders (web resource) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (organization) Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson (book) The Addy Hour (podcast) The Addy Minute (blog) Middle School Ministry by Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin (book) You're a Miracle and a Pain in the Ass by Mike McHargue (book) Parent Cue (website) Beauty in Broken Things: A Guide to Kintsugi (article)

Kaitlyn Schiess, author, speaker, podcaster and doctoral student joins Matt and Abby to discuss her book The Liturgy of Politics. The conversation centers on the deeper meanings of politics and liturgy and how this deeper understanding can create a flourishing community. Resources The Colossian Forum (organization) Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Church Divide (book) The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess (book) Kaitlyn's Website The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

The co-founders of Courageous Healing, Janell and Aaron Lane, join Abby and Matt to discuss mental health in congregations. The Lanes share how they developed an interest in the field, barriers to mental health treatment in congregations, healing journeys as ministry and more. Resources Thrive and Cultivate Summit '23 (virtual summit) Mental Health Gateway: Gateways to Hope (training organization) Courageous Healing (the Lane's organization) Church Mental Health Summit 23 (virtual event)

Dr. Jessica Brown joins Shellie and Matt to discuss the challenges of multivocational ministry: both those in clergy roles and those in volunteer roles who also work. Dr. Brown discusses how ministry in this way can be healthy and fulfilling with the right mindsets and boundaries. Shellie and Matt discuss how these challenges are showing up in Indiana congregations and recommend some resources. Resources Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (book) Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself (book) Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us (book) Dr. Jessica Brown's Website Summertime Sadness: Lana Del Rey Is Working at a Waffle House in Alabama (article)

Rev. Dr. Marcus Carlson joins McKenzie and Matt to talk about generational differences. Generational differences are inevitable but navigating them well can support and sustain congregational ministry. Shellie and Matt also discuss how generational differences show up in their work and share resources. Resources Preparing for Amazement Ministries (Rev. Carlson's organization) Fuller Youth Institute (organization) Barna Group (organization) The Parent Cue (website) Dr. Michael Rotolo (person/resource) Understanding the Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young People in America (resource list)

Shellie and Matt are joined by Dale Sellers, author of Stalled and Executive Director of the 95Network. Dale discusses misconceptions about smaller congregations and small congregation leadership and shares how to think about and become healthier congregations. Resources Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They'd Be There by Now (book) Thriving Rural Communities at Duke Divinity School 95Network (organization) Karl Vaters (website) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

Dr. David Livermore, author and speaker on cultural intelligence, talks with Tim Shapiro and Matt Burke about how being curious about culture aids the mission of congregations. Topics include defining cultural intelligence, how to develop better cultural intelligence as a person and a community and its benefits for congregational life. Resources David Livermore's Website Digital, Diverse & Divided by David Livermore (book) addressing the relevance of CQ to increased polarization Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore (book) applying CQ to Christian short-term mission trips Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore (book) Cultural Intelligence Center (organization) faith-based training Ethical Approaches to Preaching by John McClure (book) Bonheoffer from Martin Doblmeier (film) (free on YouTube) Shades of Hope (podcast)

Shellie, McKenzie and Matt reflect on the topics and guests from the first half of 2023 and what we've learned. This is a mid-season break and we'll be back with new episodes in August. Check out featured resources at the Congregational Resource Guide: https://thecrg.org/ Find more episodes of the podcast and congregational stories at our website: https://centerforcongregations.org/

Michelle Jackson, foster care advocate for Josiah White's, joins McKenzie and Matt to share how congregations can support kids and families involved in foster care and adoption. Michelle shares her journey into this focus, how critical it is to support foster families, very practical ways to provide this support and how congregations can be a place of care and love. Resources Faith Bridge Foster Care (organization) Foster Care 101 Podcast Series Josiah White's (organization) The Congregational Resource Guide (The CRG)

Rev. Greg Pimlott joins Shellie and Matt to talk about leader self-care, renewal leaves and raising funding. He shares from his 2019 experience of creating a self-funded renewal leave. Topics include warning signs of burnout, overcoming barriers to renewal leave and how to raise funds. Resources Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton (book) Center for Pastoral Excellence (organization) Clergy Renewal Program (program of Center for Pastoral Excellence) Run Hard Rest Well (organization) Sabbatical Guide (organization) Reach out to Rev. Pimlott here