The role of the modern day pastor and ministry leader is changing. More and more pastors around the world today are ministry leaders who are doing multiple jobs and wearing multiple hats. They are bi-vocational or co-vocational leaders. They are who God i
The Grow Center for Church and Mission
In this episode of the EML podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Esther Lee, Nurse and COO of the Honor Summit. We delved into various topics, including her upbringing in the northern suburbs of Chicago, her journey toward becoming a nurse, overcoming trials, and her significant role within the Honor Summit. We explored the Summit's mission and its aspirations to establish a safe and empowering space for Asian American female leaders. SIGN UP for their Honor Summit now: www.thehonorsummit.com/events #EML #Thehonorsummit
Join us as we speak with Dr. Steve Argue from Fuller Theological Seminary. He speaks about his book Sticky Faith Innovation: How your Compassion, Creativity, and Courage Can Support Teenagers' Lasting Faith. Dr. Argue details how adults can serve young people in both ministry and parenting. He discusses how to connect with youth, how churches can serve and engage with young people, and the future of youth ministry.
We hear from Bishop Claude Alexander as he speaks about his book Necessary Christianity: What Jesus Shows We Must Be and Do. Bishop Alexander outlines what Jesus shows us to do around calling and direction and expounds on Dr. Martin Luther King's influence on him. To conclude, Bishop Alexander challenges us to reach out to those in the margins and highlights how we can strengthen our faith and relationship with God.
Join us as we hear from Steve Richardson, the President of Pioneers USA and author of the book: Is the Commission Still Great?: 8 Myths About Missions and What They Mean for the Church. Steve shares his journey and experiences at Pioneers, explains how global missions is changing, and details some of the myths around missions discussed in his book. #missions #missiology #faithandwork #thegreatcommission #SteveRichardson
In the episode of the EML podcast, we talk with Dr. Nijay Gupta, Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. We talk about his faith, journey as a professor, the benefits of studying theology formally, finding community in seminary, and leading and planning for the future.
Join us as we hear from Al Lopus, the CEO and co-founder of Best Christian Workplaces Institute. He speaks about his new book: Road to Flourishing: Eight Keys to Boost Employee Engagement and Well-Being. Al discusses how his organization started and its mission, how leadership is the most important key in the workplace and shares advice for organizations struggling with employee engagement. For more information about our Certificate in Mental Health and Gospel Care, please visit: www.centerforfaithandinnovation.org/gospel-care #GospelCenteredLeadership#MentalHealthAwareness#TransformationAndRenewal#LeadershipDevelopment#GrowCenterNetwork
In this episode of the EML podcast, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Neil Hart, Executive Head of Mergon Foundation, a foundation based in South Africa that allocates resources to ministries across Africa and the Middle East. They talk about the journey, the work of the Mergon Foundation, and Neil's newest book, The Magnificent Exit, about transitional leadership. The conversation revolves around developing a pipeline of leaders, the problem with creating celebrity pastors, and the perspective that all leaders need to have when leading their organizations. “Organizations should exist for people, and people for the mission and kingdom of God. Leaders exist to serve people in that mission, to envision them, to encourage them, to course-correct, and to release them.”
In this episode of the EML podcast, we speak with Brian Sanders, the founder of the Underground Network and author of the new book The 6 Seasons of Calling: Discovering Your Purpose in Each Stage of Life. Brain shares his journey and passion for identifying callings, outlines the six seasons of calling, and provides insights on how to get through difficult seasons and find God's unique calling for you.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we hear from Dave Patty, the President and Founder of Josiah Venture. Dave describes his calling and his desire to build God's kingdom, he explains Josiah Venture's mission to fill the church with young people, and he highlights the importance of evangelizing to and developing youth.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we speak with Dr. Daniel Carroll, a Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton College. He shares his experiences growing up in a bicultural household, highlights how the church is reaching immigrants, and explains trends in the American church and global missions.
In this interview, Tommy interviews Dr. Felicia Song, a Professor of Sociology at Westmont College. They discuss the evolution of digital technology, its integration with all aspects of our lives, and how digital media can be used as a means of discipleship.
Our guest host Bob Doll interviews Dr. Roger Parrott, the President of Belhaven University. They discuss the new book: Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results. Dr. Parrott details how planning is crippling our society, how to trust God like a sailboat and lead like a baseball manager without fear of risks or failure.
Join us as we speak with Pastor Dave Gibson about his book, In My Father's Wake: How an Anxious Boy Learned to Love a Difficult Dad. Dave explains the 6 phases of his relationship with his father, explores some of the ideas that were instilled upon him as a child that still impact him today, and he reflects on his redemptive relationship with his father and his current relationships with his children.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we hear from Dr. Paul White, a psychologist and the co-author of the book: Making Things Right at Work. Dr. White details the common elements of a toxic work environment, how toxic workplaces can be redeemed, and the languages of appreciation in the workplace.
We discuss with Pastor Sam Koh from Hillside LA about the evolution of his immigrant Korean church, the importance of racial and economic diversity in the church, and how Hillside LA is making a real impact in their community.
A great reckoning is underway in the church today: a naming and exposing of the exclusivity, abuse, racism, patriarchy, and unchecked power that have marked evangelical Christianity for far too long. What kind of church will emerge on the other side? Tommy Lee sits down with Nancy Beach & Samantha Beach Kiley to discuss this question in this episode of the EML podcast.
Join us as we speak with Daniel Yang, the Director of the Church Multiplication Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He talks about his new book Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church Kindle Edition. Daniel describes some of the issues that have led to the decreasing influence of the American church, highlights how the American church can learn from the global church and encourages those in the church to remain hopeful that God is refining the American church.
Join us as we hear from Dr. La Verne Tolbert, the President/CEO of Teaching Like Jesus Ministries and Host of Sunday School Made Simple. She discusses her book I Serve You Just As My Mother Did: The Woman Who Discipled a King and shares about King David's mother's backstory, history, and impact on David. Dr. Tolbert provides insights on how to go deep into scripture and develop a more intimate relationship with God through the Bible.
In this episode of the EML podcast, Tommy talks with Tom Lutz, author of "Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work". They talk about his journey, calling, latest book, the importance of seeing each person as an image-bearer, and the need for faith and work amalgamation and education in and outside the church. Tune in now to hear the insights they share with us! Tom Lutz (DMin, Covenant Theological Seminary) brings decades of entrepreneurial experience to his work coaching marketplace leaders as a Convene CEO Roundtable chair and through his consulting company, Vision Planners. Tom also teaches biblical studies at Metro Atlanta Seminary and leads workshops to help Christians work with purpose. Buy "Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work": https://amzn.to/3umRGP7
We are our own is the fundamental assumption of modern life. And if we are our own, then it's up to us to forge our own identities and to make our lives significant. But while that may sound empowering, it turns out to be a crushing responsibility—one that never actually delivers on its promise of a free and fulfilled life, but instead leaves us burned out, depressed, anxious, and alone. This phenomenon is mapped out onto the very structures of our society and helps explain our society's underlying disorder. In this episode of the EML podcast, our guest host Lauren Bronson Petrous sits down with Dr. Alan Noble to talk about why identity is so important. Understanding who we are and to whom we belong is key to the Christian life.
We recently sat down with Jon Hirst to talk about the 5 Trends Impacting Global Missions Today. Jon Hirst is the Chief Innovation Officer at SIL International. He has over 20 years of experience bringing global mission, research, innovation, and communications together in service to the Kingdom. Jon and his wife Mindy co-founded Generous Mind, a think tank helping people share their ideas with the world. Jon is an author, marketer, publisher, and, most recently, he was CEO for GMI (Global Mapping International), where he began curating trends for the global missions movement.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader our host Tommy Lee sits down with consultant, marketplace leader, and founder of Boundless & Co., Lauren Petrous to talk about using our passions and skills to serve the kingdom.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader podcast, our guest host Bob Doll sits down with award-winning actor Max McLean about his role as CS Lewis in the movie The Reluctant Convert. They talk about the process of embodying the role, what he learned about CS Lewis and how the role encouraged his faith.
In this episode of the EML podcast, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Christian marketplace leader and Chairman of the Board for Navigators, DG Elmore, to talk about adjustments during the age of COVID. As a business owner, how did DG care for employees yet stay flexible and make the necessary adjustments to keep the business running? How does a leader serve his employees and team well? Check out what DG has to share on this episode.
In this latest episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Taylor SchumannIn to talk about her book When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough. Taylor never thought she would be a victim of gun violence until one day when it happened. Taylor weaves her own incredible story of survival and recovery into a larger conversation about gun violence in our country. She invites us to see what it means to be a survivor after the news vehicles drive away and the media moves on and what it means to move beyond thoughts and prayers and enter into grace-filled dialogue and action.
In today's episode of our EML podcast, Tommy Lee sits down with Keith Getty of the Getty Music to talk about their newest album Confessio which was written during their time in Ireland. They talk about writing a bit song, touring again, and the latest in the Getty family.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader our host, Tommy Lee talks with authors Jim Wilder and Marcus Joyner on their newest book, Rare Leaders in the Workplace, on the four uncommon habits that improve focus, engagement, and productivity in the workplace. "Healthy teams begin with healthy leaders, and at the heart of this dynamic is emotional maturity - the quality the greatest leaders possess. Combining cutting-edge brain science with decades of counseling and consulting experience, Rare Leadership in the Workplace shows you how to take your leadership and your team to the next level.
In this episode of the EML podcast, our guest host, Bob Doll, sits down with Kevin Palau, President, and CEO of the Palau Association, to reflect on the life and legacy of evangelist Luis Palau.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we sit with Jaslyn Dixon, Marriage and Family Therapy Licensed Therapist, Professor, and Gospel Care Director at Reality LA, and talk about the concept of soul care and churches, her story of pursuing psychology (she has two Master's degrees and a license!), how the gospel models soul care, and why soul care is important to the Christian walk. We were blessed to hear Jaslyn's testimonies as well as her encouragement to press into healing for His glory, see soul care as a vessel of incarnational ministry, ask how to practice lament and reconciliation, be a people who remember that God is at work, and in that, be freed to move at a pace of trust and peace. Listening to Jaslyn, we were moved by her reminder that the creator of shalom -which means wholeness, harmony, and completeness- is with us, and we know that you will be blessed, too. To follow her work and projects, follow her on Instagram at @jaslynmft or contact her by e-mail at jaslynmft@gmail.com
In this episode of the EML podcast, we talk with Pastor Eric Loh, Senior Pastor and English Congregation Pastor of Community Christian Alliance (CCA) Church! Tune in to learn more about CCA Church -how the church was started, how the founders found their vision, the demographic and challenges Granada Hills (the city the church is currently established at) has and how CCA is preparing to address homelessness and other needs of their neighborhood and the local community. In addition, we had the chance to listen to Pastor Eric's unique journey: how his degree and experience in electrical engineering prepared him for full-time ministry, how CCA's pastoral staff leads a multi-congregational, multicultural, and multi-generational church, and his thoughts on the unique blessings second-generation children of immigrants carry. We know that our listeners will be encouraged to hear Pastor Eric Loh's thoughtful perspective, how CCA Church is partnering with the Lord to bless the greater Los Angeles area, and what the term "ABC" means.
In this episode of the EML podcast, our guest host, Bob Doll, sits down with Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University and former President of Gordon College. They discuss lessons learned from his time at Gordon College and opportunities at Taylor University. They also discuss transitions, opportunities, and hinge moments. In life when we have moments in which we have an opportunity before us to make a change or to respond to a situation, what follows these instances depends intrinsically on the decisions we make and the actions we take. Michael calls these "hinge moments"—opportunities to open (or close) doors to various pathways of our lives. How does that look throughout the course of one's life? Michael takes time to share with Bob how he has seen this manifested in his own journey.
As virtual reality becomes increasingly prominent throughout society, churches must assess how to respond thoughtfully and biblically. In this episode of the Grow Center's Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader's Podcast, our guest host Tracey Bianchi sits down with Darrell Bock to talk about the Virtual Reality Church. They talk about the risks (compromising the meaning of tangible worship) and opportunities (safely reaching persecuted churches) of integrating revolutionary technologies into the Christian life.
In this episode of the Grow Center's Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down with Pamela Philip, Online Connections Pastor of Mariners Church. We focus on a case study of how one church organized themselves to serve their community during the pandemic.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we sit down with Robert Chao Romero, the son of a Mexican father and a Chinese immigrant mother. We explore the history and theology of what he terms the "Brown Church." Romero considers how this movement has responded to these and other injustices throughout its history by appealing to the belief that God's vision for redemption includes not only heavenly promises but also the transformation of every aspect of our lives and the world. Robert Chao Romero is an associate professor in the Departments of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at the University of California at Los Angeles.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we talk with Dr. Todd Wilson, an author, speaker, theologian, and Co-Founder of the Center for Pastor Theologians. We talk about his journey, his new book, The Enneagram Goes to Church: Wisdom for Leadership, Worship, and Congregational Life, and his new initiative for churches and pastors.
In this episode of the EML podcast, guest host Tracey Bianchi talks with Rev. Tara Beth Leach, Pastor of Christ Church of Oakbrook, Author, and Speaker! They talk about Tara's latest book, Radiant Church: Restoring the Credibility of Our Witness, her walk with Christ, deciphering what is cultural vs. biblical, and being patient in an impatient culture. The EML podcast is available on all major streaming platforms! Don't forget to rate and subscribe to stay updated for future podcast episodes!
Check out this week's podcast episode featuring Dr. Sharoni Little, leader of the global inclusion strategy team at Creative Artist Agency (CAA). During our conversation, she poured insight upon insight into the history of inclusion and exclusion shaping her decisions and values, how the drive for growth and noble intentions can go wrong, what the biblical model and charge is for community engagement, and the hope-filled blessings that have glimmered through the unique challenges of Compton city. Tune in now to hear the wealth of insight and inspiration she shared with us!
We sit down and talk with author and professor, Dr. Beth Felker Jones. We talk about what God is teaching her in this season of life, her newest book, the importance of accepting our circumstances, the story of Julian of Norwich, and the changes American church in light of this past year.
In this episode of the EML podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ingrid Faro, visiting Professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary, Teacher, Speaker, and Author and guest host, Tracey Bianchi! We discuss Dr. Faro's journey of writing her book, Evil in Genesis, the occasion and reason for writing it, the problem of evil in the Bible, and the implications of Genesis for our time.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down and talk with Dr. Lynn Cohick, the Provost, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. We talk about her new commentary on the book of Ephesians, modern-day applications from the book of Ephesians and its implications for the church, and leading as a woman in the ministry world.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down and talk with Jessica Chin, who leads brand strategy for WhatsApp. We talk about her journey from Apple, Nike, getting her MBA, and now working with Whatsapp. In addition, we spent some time discussing how technology continues to make the world a smaller place and the role of technology in transforming how church and ministry are done.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down with Danny Chen of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and guest host Jimmy Lee. Join us for Part 2 of this podcast episode as Danny shares his thoughts on being Asian American and the recent anti-Asian violence in the United States.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down with Danny Chen of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and guest host Jimmy Lee. Danny focuses on the recent anti-Asian violence, stories from his own experience, and how it all intersects with faith and the American church.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down and talk with Ann Ueno, the owner and lead designer of a full-service design firm based in Miami. We talk about changing jobs and careers, dealing with trials and disappointments, and seeing God in the midst of it all.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down and talk with Dennae Pierre, Executive Director of the Surge Network in the Phoenix area. The Surge Network is a network of leaders in Arizona made up of different backgrounds, cultures, and denominations but unite in the gospel and its call to be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ. They seek to be a blessing to Arizona through friendship, collaboration, and partnership. Through the Surge Network, the Neighbor's Table experience was created, which brings together neighbors who are culturally different from one another around meals and relationships.
During the MLK Celebration week, Rev. Dr. Naima Lett, co-pastor of Hope in the Hills and co-founder of 40/50 Project reflected on the legacy of Dr. King.
In this episode of the Grow Center's Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader podcast, we sit down and talk with Ali Llewelyn and Nicholas Skytland of NASA and author of their new book What Comes Next. They discuss their journey, working in NASA, and how they came together to write the book. They also give a preview of the eight elements of their Futures Framework that teaches how to help shape the future, be visionary, and grow one's businesses and ministries.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial ministry Leader Podcast, we sit down and talk with Professor Todd Johnson. Todd is the Eva B. and Paul E. Toms Distinguished Professor of Mission and Global Christianity, and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. We sat down and talked with him about the changing trends in the Global Church, how that affects global missions, and what changes we need to make in ministry in light of these trends.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader our guest host, Tracey Bianchi, sits down to talk with Freddy Villareal, Senior Pastor of Freedom Life Church in Yorktown, VA. She talks with him about the history of Freedom Life Church, his role as a Teaching Pastor in Illinois, and being entrepreneurial in ministry.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader, we sit down and talk with Shundrawn Thomas, President of Northern Trust Asset Management as he reflects on Dr. King's I Have A Dream Speech.
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader, we sit down and talk with Chris Broussard, NBA Insider, Analyst at Fox Sports 1, and Founder of the K.I.N.G Movement. We talked about getting a start in sports, the journey through a career in sports, and how he almost decided to become a pastor. We also heard from Chris about starting a national men's ministry and what he hopes to accomplish through it.