Church Chat

In this episode I chat with Chad Hall, President of Coach Approach Ministries and Executive Partner at StrongLead. We talk about the practice of coaching: what it is, how it works, and how leaders and organizations can benefit both from working with a coach and integrating coaching practices into their own ministry. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Christopher Smith, editor of the Englewood Review of Books and author of How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. We discuss how this kind of conversation works and how it has transformed his church and others. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest this episode is Trey Finley, Executive Director of eleven:28 ministries which helps leaders and organizations develop rhythms for soul care. We talk about what soul care is, why it’s so important yet why it is lacking, and how leaders and churches can find the soul support they need. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Three years ago, a group of 12 pastors in a small town in North Carolina — six black, six white — began meeting together to read through a book about racism. The conversations transformed the participants, their churches, and their community. Listen to my interview with the Revs. Dr. Joseph Bryant, Peter Dodge, and Lyle Milligan from Reidsville, NC. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk to Lee Eclov, Pastor at Village Church of Lincolnshire in the Chicago suburbs. We talk about how pastoring a non-growing church has challenged and changed his perspective of leadership, his worth, and church metrics. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Bud Wrenn, Pastor at Integrity Community Church in Burlington, NC and Principal at Pinnacle Consulting Group. We discuss the importance of understanding and leading at various “levels” of organizational planning. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest this episode is Dr. Scott Douglas, Pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Bradenton, FL. Scott talks about what it means to “lead up”: moving from the “second chair” to the lead pastor role, leading when you are much younger than the majority of your congregation, and the challenges and opportunities of ministry with senior citizens and retirees. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Scott Hagley, Assistant Professor of Missiology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and author of the book Eat What Is Set Before You. We talk about contextual missiology, the symbiotic relationship between a church and its neighborhood, and the dangers of a “competitive religious economy.” Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

This episode features Beth Booram, trained Spiritual Director and Co-Founder and Co-Director of Fall Creek Abbey urban retreat home in Indianapolis. We discuss spiritual direction, including what it is, how it works, and who it is for. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.  

My guest on this episode is Ron Klassen, Executive Director of the Rural Home Missionary Association (RHMA). Ron explains the myths, challenges, and opportunities for rural and small-town ministry and shares his own journey as a small-town pastor. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Dr. Robert McCready, pastor at Covenant Church in Charlottesville, VA. We talk about the concept of “family integrated church,” what it looks like, its strengths and disadvantages, and what it’s like to come back to your first church after serving elsewhere.  Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

My guest this week is Kadi Cole, author of the new book, Developing Women Leaders: Navigate the Minefields and Release the Potential of Women in Your Church. Kadi explains the concept of the “sticky floor,” the difference between diversity and inclusion, the importance of Champions, and practical tips for men and women in churches of all sizes and beliefs. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I talk with Rick Heltne, Search Consultant at SIMA Partners leadership search firm, about his observations of changes in the church landscape. We talk about cultural, demographic, and ecclesiological shifts, the tension points they are creating, and what that might mean for organizations and emerging leaders. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

This episode features Mary Henton, former staff member at Christian University of Congo with Congo Initiative. Mary shares her experiences as a member of the Congolese church and what the American church might learn from Christians in Congo. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode I interview Dr. Mark Danielson, pastor, foster parent, and Executive Director of Grace Children’s Home in Henderson, NE. Mark shares how he got involved with vulnerable children, and how Christians and the church can exemplify the Gospel by meeting the many needs that result from a broken world, broken systems, and broken families. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interviews Mark Eckel, professor, author, and founder of the Comenius Institute. We talk about how to cultivate effective “with-ness” through story and presence, and how beauty leads to truth. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interviews author, speaker, women’s advocate and ministry leader, Adriel Booker. Adriel shares her journey with pregnancy loss and grief, the surprising statistics about pregnancy loss and its impact, and how pastors and ministry leaders can better minister to women and men on the path of grief. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interviews Jeff Haanen, Executive Director of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work. We talk about the importance of work and workplace ministry, the unique perspective and needs of the working class, and ways Christians can better engage and understand issues of faith and work. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interviews Paul Basden & Jim Johnson, co-pastors at Preston Trail Community Church and co-authors of the book Tough Stuff Parenting: Helping Your Kids Navigate Faith and Culture. We discuss what led them to write this book, principles for parents to remember when tackling tough questions, and how churches can effectively equip and support parents. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interviews Greg Hsu, Area Ministry Director (Boston Metro North) with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. We talk about what parachurch ministry is, Greg’s experience serving in both church and parachurch contexts, and how they can work together more effectively in Kingdom partnership. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Angie Ward interviews Dr. Michael Ballard, therapist and author of the book Take Control of Your Anger. We discuss the difference between helpful and unhelpful anger, Christian myths about anger, the nature of forgiveness, and practical steps toward reducing anger personally and among the people you serve.

Angie interviews Pam Marmon, church growth strategist and founder of Threefold Tribe. We discuss why church leaders often fear change, the process of change leadership, and common causes of resistance to change. Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Angie interview Kent Annan, author of the new book "You Welcomed Me: Loving Refugees and Immigrants Because God First Loved Us." Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.   For show notes and more, www.churchmatters.com

Angie interviews Dr. Wade Mullen about discoveries and dangers of organizational "image management." Download the Show Notes for key points, questions for consideration and discussion, and links to resources mentioned in the podcast.

Dr. Angie Ward Introduces Church Chat: The Church Matters Podcast! The conversation begins on October 15th!