The Flourishing Church Podcast

Petey Crowder, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, MN joins us for a conversation about discerning pastoral calling and building collaborative leadership team culture.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Dana Allin brings back Mike Bonem to talk about his new book The Art of Leading Change: Ten Perspectives on the Messiness of Ministry. The two discuss the difficulties of change as well as areas that we need to pay attention to as leaders. Mike spends some time discussing the importance of culture in change as well as areas like trust, communication, and courage.

On this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Dana Allin and John Terech share the second part of their conversation about our individual wiring as leaders. In this installment, they review "soft" wiring traits and how we can maximize the positive aspects of these traits and suggest ways to manage the challenges. The two share specific resources and assessments Flourish offers to better understand ourselves flourishing as disciples and flourishing leaders.

On this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, John Terech and Dana Allin discuss our personal hardwiring as leaders. They talk about how we can utilize assessments and tools to better understand our own internal operating system and how that affects us in all areas of our lives. In part 1 of 2 episodes, the two discuss the use of a tool called the ProScan assessment to look at different personality traits to help you understand what you can do with the information you have learned about yourself, your whole team, your current ministry role, or next new job!

On this episode of the Flourishing Chuch Podcast, Dana Allin and John Terech discuss the sometimes controversial model of what it means to have a successful church using a scorecard mentality when it comes to church health and discipleship. They address the question "If we are going to adopt a scorecard framework toward church health, what would that look like and how do we get people on board to follow the same scorecard?" They go over different areas of difficulty and importance when discussing how churches measure their success and answer their own question "Are we doing what God has called us to do as leaders and as a church?"

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast our cohosts, John Terech and Dana Allin, relaunch the podcast into a new season of episodes. The two discuss the benefits of coaching and how in Flourish Movement we try to take a caching posture in all that we do and offer. They define coaching and the differences between coaching, mentoring, and counseling, while also looking at what it really means to have a coaching mindset as leaders.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Bill Couchenour and Dana Allin discuss the effects the COVID-19 has had on the church and some of the biggest challenges and blessings Bill has seen in this season of church ministry and leadership development. The two go over some of the questions that established churches can be asking about church planting, micro-expressions of church and the work of missional communities.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Chris DiVietro and Lisa Johnson discuss what spiritual direction is and how they have benefited from having a spiritual director themselves. Chris gives additional context through the applications of spiritual direction in scripture and examples from his personal experiences. He goes deeper into sharing both the best and hardest things about spiritual direction and how it has played a role in both his personal and professional life.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Laura Murray and Dana Allin discuss how we can develop a posture of hospitality in both our everyday lives and the digital world. Laura provides different definitions of digital hospitality that can help reframe our perspective on the ways we can meaningfully connect with others online. In addition, she gives practical examples of the different aspects of hospitality.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Carol Bremer-Bennett and Jen Haddox discuss the ministry of World Renew. They go into detail about the work World Renew does in vulnerable communities. Carol also shares the different experiences she has had as an indigenous woman in a ministry leadership role.

On this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Dana Allin talks with Kara Powell about her book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections. The two discuss the main themes of the book and the 3 main questions that address identity, purpose, and belonging. Kara and Dana dive deeper into their own experiences of having meaningful conversations with their teenage kids and provide personal examples. Kara also gives examples of other questions the book addresses and practical ways we can engage in conversations with teenagers in our homes and churches.

On this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Perry Shaw and Dana Allin discuss the different aspects of transforming theological education and the need for a new type of training for future pastors entering church leadership and church ministry. The two go over some important changes that can be made to transform theological education to further inspire and train a new generation of pastors. Perry gives insight on the idea of “fit for purpose and fit of purpose” and some of the challenges and joys that we have in making changes. We are very excited to have Perry Shaw working and consulting with Flourish as we create our Flourish Institute: Graduate School of Ministry.

Tim Newell and John Terech discuss the struggles we face as Christians in investing in for profit companies. Tim gives practical advice on how to look into investing as well as his experience with personal investing as well as how he helps clients invest. The two also go into detail about what Biblically responsible investing is and how it applies to different companies.

On this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Kyle Strobel and Dana Allin talk about Kyle's newest book Where Prayer Becomes Real. The two discuss the importance of talking about prayer and go through some of the common misconceptions of this spiritual discipline.  In addition, they also explore different models of prayer and how we can maintain a vibrant prayer life throughout all the different seasons of our lives.

Kärin Butler Primuth and Jen Haddox discuss the ministry of VisionSynergy and the role it plays in missions. Kärin gives some examples of how we can work to energize churches and mission leaders to increase intentionality for collaboration and partnership with mission networks and the global church. The two provide some potential next steps that we can take as leaders to start a collaborative network or partnership, as well as places that we can look for encouragement.

In this episode of the Flourishing Church Podcast, Doug Paul returns to the podcast for a conversation with Dana Allin about his newest book Ready Or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World. The two discuss the different areas of Kingdom innovation within the church and some of the myths we face as churches to adapt and grow. In addition, Doug helps us to understand how we can begin to create a sustainable culture of innovation for both large and small congregations.

Paul Harrington and Jen Haddox discuss business as a missional movement to advance the Kingdom of God with marketplace leaders. They explore the biblical roots of not only funding mission but utilizing business leaders to directly engage in the transformational work that God wants to do around the world. They discuss the importance of priesthood of all believers and the gift that for profit business can bring to meet the needs around the world. In addition the two discuss how business and your church can interact in healthy and beneficial ways.

Miriam Swanson and Dana Allin discuss how as a church we can better engage and equip college students. Miriam gives examples from her experience in the United Kingdom, and how she has seen a need for growth since moving to the United States. The two spend time discussing the organization, Fusion, and what they are doing to reach college students. In addition they answer questions asked by a live webinar audience during the recording. (Due to this being recorded live as a webinar there were a few internet difficulties throughout the recording).

Tim Fearer and Nate Dreesmann discuss the importance of spiritual formation and the role it plays in the strength of our ministry. They dive into the different questions we should be asking ourselves as leaders as well as how our concept of God shapes not only our daily lives but the way in which we lead.

Dana Allin and Len Tang discuss the book Sent to Flourish: A Guide to Planting and Multiplying Churches. Len gives insight into the writing of the book and the impact that Fuller Theological Seminary and the different authors had on it. The two go into detail about the different areas of church planting the book covers as well as outside applications it can have on our everyday leadership.

Tod Bolsinger and Dana Allin talk about Tod's most recent book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change. The two discuss the importance of holding fast to things that are important in the midst of change and its effects on leadership. Tod explains the difference between adaptive leadership and technical leadership and how we can use the different practices as we walk into the shifts we experience in our current and future circumstances. They also discuss the different challenges we face as pastors and leaders to pursue accountable relationships and the importance of becoming lifelong learners.

Sarah Claire Smith and John Terech discuss the relationship between mental and emotional health and its effects on ministry and the vital elements needed to bring these two things together. They explore topics and questions regarding how the church can function in this pandemic season to equip us to be flourishing leaders and churches building cultures of support for one another. They share suggestions on how to meet the demands upon church communities that have had to be so innovative and creative under stress and scarcity through books, coaching, counseling and seeking out trusted relationships of support.

Dana Allin and Daniel Allen discuss experiences with leaders and coaching that have supported lasting pathways for growth and change. They dive into different leadership tendencies based on our internal wiring of complying, controlling, and or protecting. Daniel gives examples of each leadership style and the two discuss some strategies for how we, as leaders, can work to move past these pitfalls to be at our best.

John Terech and Richard Gibbons discuss different ideas and strategies for planning and preparing the church and pastors for the Advent season. In this episode, Richard and John help us consider the weeks ahead, how to look at the Christmas story and how to engage the hearts of listeners in these Covid times. They also take questions from a live audience of pastors who ask additional questions about the upcoming Advent season and how to best apply some of the practices Richard talks about in the podcast.

Mike Bonem and Dana Allin talk about the different challenges churches are having with staffing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlight issues such as reducing or realigning staff due to financial pressure or changing needs, adjusting workloads, and ways in which we can begin to address low morale and high anxiety among the staff.

Daniel Yang and Dana Allin discuss qualities of Christian leadership and church structure. They touch on current ways churches are navigating challenges, institutionalization and generational issues. In addition, Daniel shares insights on how we can be preparing for future change as well as how church plants and planters can play a role in that.

Donna Rivett, the Dean of Industrial Education at Indian River State College, and Dana Allin discuss the differences and assumptions that define poverty as well as the importance of engaging with those caught in the cycle of poverty. Donna gives insight into how we can begin to better understand not only the differences of poverty, but how those differences can shape the driving forces of our ministry and outreach. She paints a picture of how to develop deep relationships and engage in ministry among your community through a resource called, Bridges out of Poverty.

Michael Oh, the Global Executive Director and CEO of the Lausanne Movement discusses with host Jen Haddox how the global pandemic has changed collaboration in the global church. Michael shares about the Lausanne Movement and their efforts to facilitate connections with the church worldwide. In this episode, Michael inspires believers to deepen friendships and develop opportunities alongside God in a season which has placed so many restrictions of travel and relationships.

Dana Allin and Eric Jacobsen discuss the importance of creating a culture of belongIng to defend against the feeling of loneliness in our society. They explore how living in a digital world surrounded by screens affects all aspects of our lives. They discuss Eric's book, Three Pieces of Glass and look at how being in the midst of a global pandemic which has increased isolation has changed and added to the ideas Eric discusses in his book. Dana and Eric go into detail about the reasons why screens affect the feeling of being lonely and the unique role the Church plays in decreasing loneliness and creating community.

John Terech and Heidi Cottle discuss important regulations and concerns to consider when reopening churches during the pandemic. They go through specific OSHA guidelines as well as different resources that we can use through the process of reopening. 

Dana Allin and Jen Haddox discuss how we engage in global mission in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. They share different challenges from rethinking how we engage with the global church to rethinking how we engage personally with church life and ministry on a local level. Jen helps church leaders to consider a series of important questions we should be asking as we navigate these changing times and continue to pursue our faith in Jesus.

Dana Allin and Jay Kim Discuss Jay's Book Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age. They go through the different benefits and challenges of the growing popularity of the digital church. Recorded in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic they discuss how the book can be applicable before, during, and after the global pandemic.

In this podcast, John Terech and Doug Paul discuss "10 Church Predictions for the Next 10 Years" recorded pre-COVID19. This conversation is as relevant as ever, as Doug calls the church to embrace the demanding and necessary changes ahead for Kingdom impact. They discuss the 10 different predictions that Doug believes will affect the church in the next 10 years and the changing landscape of our ministry and leadership. There are no quick fixes to innovation and mission in the church in Pre or Post Covid times only incremental ones founded on Jesus.

Lisa Johnson talks with Jennifer Howat about what it looks like to redefine normal in our everyday lives, as well as during the global pandemic we are currently navigating. Jennifer discusses how she has been able to give up normal and 6 key things that have helped her think about what it means to redefine normal.

Dana Allin and Lisa Johnson discuss different ways we, as leaders, can maintain a non-anxious presence in the midst of challenging circumstances and pivotal moments in ministry. They share practical ways that we can seek to become a non-anxious presence in the different areas of life by learning from the way of Jesus by sharing principles and patterns for us to consider from John Mark Comer's 5 Patterns, and what scripture says about following Jesus' example.

As we begin to navigate our lives and our ministries in this period of quarantine and social distancing Kelly Kannwischer and John Terech discuss the importance of moving from a period of adjusting to a period of investing. Kelly gives insight into the Younique Life Planning process, how it got developed, and how it is used to help identify your unique identity and calling in Christ.

Eugene Cho and Dana Allin talk about Eugene's newest book, Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. They discuss why Eugene chose to write the book and the audience he hoped to reach despite the controversial topic. Eugene and Dana also unpack some of the challenges Christian's face in engaging politics and the importance of starting this conversation among leaders and members in the Church.

Dana Allin and Kaitlyn Wood discuss the process of church transformation, and the different ways to assist church leaders and congregations to move into a season of transformation. Kaitlyn shares about her experience pastoring through a season of transformation at United Church of Cohoes in New York.

Nate Dreesmann and David Eaton talk about the ministry of AXIS and why it was created. They discuss how AXIS uses their resources to equip adults and churches and they highlight the importance of coming alongside parents, grandparents, and youth leaders as they continue to be present in the lives of adolescents. David sets the stage for initiating one conversation that lasts a lifetime.

Lisa Johnson talks with Dana Allin about how he has been able to focus on time management and productivity amidst a busy life. Dana shares about different resources he has used in both his time as a pastor and his role now overseeing a denomination, specifically related to principles and strategies connected to David Allen's time management program, Getting Things Done.

Geoff and Lisa discuss what it means to model a church that flourishes its city. They talk about the different steps churches can be taking towards encouraging its members and its city to reflect God's heart for his Kingdom.

Keon Abner and Lisa Johnson discuss the different aspects of developing a heart for church planting and the role church leaders can play in the process. Keon tells us about his experience in starting a new church plant  and how he has been able to overcome the challenges he has faced.

Terry and Dana talk about Terry's book Sacred Pace: Four Steps to Hearing God and Aligning Yourself With His Will. They discuss the importance of discerning God's will over our own, and the importance this has in our everyday lives. Terry gives examples from his own life of how he has used the "sacred pace" as a guide to making decisions and allowing God to do good works through him while continuing to work in him.

Ruth Haley Barton and Lisa Johnson discuss the different aspects and values of transforming communities. In this 2 part podcast, they dive into a conversation about the necessity of being involved in an authentic community and how community can open us up to becoming flourishing leaders and churches.

Ruth Haley Barton and Lisa Johnson discuss the different aspects and values of transforming communities. In this 2 part podcast, they dive into a conversation about the necessity of being involved in an authentic community and how community can open us up to becoming flourishing leaders and churches.

Steve Macchia and Lisa Johnson talk about the importance of leadership transformation in the church, for the kingdom and the role that spiritual direction plays in the lives of individuals and the overall health of a church

Mikey Pittario and Nate Dreesmann discuss the evolving world of video gaming and how parents and the church can better come along side this new generation of teens. Mikey gives insights into his ministry of video gaming, while providing some helpful terminology and advice on how we can better understand our children and students.

80% of churches in America are plateauing or declining, Paul and Dana discuss the different assumptions and push back of church revitalization and how Pastors can approach those challenges.

Jonathan and John discuss the value of coaching and the benefit of relationships in ministry. Jonathan goes over the difference between a mentor and a coach, as well as gives steps to infuse a coaching culture or a coaching posture in a particular organization.

Will discusses with John the different lenses and steps to begin the process of succession planning in the church. Will goes over the importance of planning in advance, as well as gives advice on how to manage transitions in leadership and other roles.

Alex and Hannah talk with Dana about building missional communities and engagement. Looking at different size contexts and how those groups can help facilitate discipleship.