Spiritual Life And Leadership podcast

#Religion #Christianity #Markus Watson #Jesus #Leadership #Spiritual Beings #Church #Mission #God #Discipleship #Ministries

20:31

Ari Romero & Cole Delbyck share everything you need to know before diving into the dramatic new hospital series, Pulse . Then onto Season 3 of Love On The Spectrum , where we pick up with favorites from past seasons and some new faces, too. Finally, we get the latest from the high stakes competition series, Million Dollar Secret . Follow Netflix Podcasts for more and read about the titles from today’s episode exclusively on Tudum.com .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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Ministry leadership is about more than just growing your church or organization. It’s about participating in God’s mission in the world. But how can leaders know God’s mission or their unique place in it? Faithful ministry leadership is rooted in a life of deep and abiding faithfulness to Jesus. In “Spiritual Life and Leadership,” Markus Watson and his guests explore what it means to be faithful leaders whose ministry flows from their ever-deepening relationship with God.

263 episodes

Spiritual Life and Leadership

updated a day ago

Series home•Feed

263 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #Markus Watson #Jesus #Leadership #Spiritual Beings #Church #Mission #God #Discipleship #Ministries

All episodes

Spiritual Life and Leadership

1
263. Why Leaders Need to Listen Before They Lead, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 6:45

1 day ago6:45

6:45

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss insights on the importance of developing leaders who are skilled in curious listening and creating a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and valued. The conversation uncovers how shifting from monologue to dialogue can not only empower communities but also lead to more meaningful adaptive leadership in times of change. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Scot McKnight in Ep 250, The Prophetic Challenge of Deconstruction : “The evangelical world does not have a culture of conversation.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Leaders improve their effectiveness by first listening before proclaiming. Sharing leadership with a team fosters better decision-making through collaboration. Engaging in conversations helps leaders adapt to situations without clear solutions. Encouraging conversations empowers groups by promoting shared ownership. Feeling heard validates individuals and supports their faith journey. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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262. From Fired to Flourishing, with Chuck DeGroat, author of Healing What's Within 41:47

9 days ago41:47

41:47

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! In his newest book, Chuck DeGroat offers a deeply personal account of his journey of being fired from a ministry position and the stress surrounding that experience that ultimately led to a life-changing health crisis. But it was that crisis that showed him the much deeper inner healing he needed. In this episode, Chuck DeGroat discusses not only his experience of deep inner healing, but also the need for inner healing for all of us who are ministry leaders. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Chuck DeGroat highlights his experience with the autonomic nervous system and its role in managing past trauma, indicating how unresolved trauma can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms. Engaging with our bodies helps reveal unaddressed shame and grief, which many individuals, including pastors, tend to bury. Chuck DeGroat shares his story of being fired from a church, leading him to recognize the necessity of inner reflection and healing for effective ministry leadership. Neglecting emotional health often leads to physical symptoms, illustrating the body's way of signaling unresolved emotional turmoil. Chuck DeGroat describes his journey from placing blame externally to focusing on internal work, which allows for more authentic healing. Constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system can have detrimental effects on one's health, indicating the importance of addressing stress and trauma. Chuck DeGroat encourages pastors and leaders to engage in regular practices that foster a calm and centered emotional state, aiding in spiritual insight and leadership. Successful healing involves consistently attending to emotional and physical cues from our bodies, signaling deeper underlying issues. Chuck DeGroat explains practices that help individuals transition from a survival mindset to a state of calm connection, enhancing overall well-being. Regular and intentional understanding of our body's signals is crucial for maintaining emotional health and preventing future burnout. Addiction often serves as an attempted solution to address deeper inner wounds, which requires a more nuanced understanding in the context of spiritual counseling. Chuck DeGroat discusses the value of acknowledging and understanding one's inner child to achieve authenticity and awareness in spiritual leadership. Differentiating between various parts of oneself allows for a clearer understanding of internal struggles and promotes healthier decisions. Effective spiritual and emotional growth requires addressing core issues beyond behavior, thereby promoting sustainable change and authentic leadership. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Chuck DeGroat Western Theological Seminary Books mentioned: Healing What’s Within , by Chuck DeGroat When Narcissism Comes to Church , by Chuck DeGroat Related episodes: 82. Narcissism and Spiritual Leadership, with Chuck DeGroat 206. The Healing Power of Pilgrimage, with Jon Huckins 254. Endless Expectations and Emotional Exhaustion, with Jonathan Hoover Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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261. Pressing Against the Darkness, a Quick conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 7:48

16 days ago7:48

7:48

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore Mandy Smith's powerful words on combating darkness and feelings of futility in leadership. Tod reflects on his own struggles with imposter syndrome and insecurity, highlighting the need for honesty and spiritual practices to overcome these challenges. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Mandy Smith in Ep 244, Finding Strength in Desperation : “Every week I have to stand up there and press against this darkness that wants us to be quiet. And wants to come against us and disrupt our sleep; and disrupt our sense of well-being; and tell us that nothing we do makes any difference.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Spiritual leaders must acknowledge and resist darkness that seeks to undermine their efforts and well-being. Tod Bolsinger shares that addressing insecurities and imposter syndrome builds resilience in ministry. Church leaders should recognize that leadership is about serving and pointing to Jesus, not about personal validation. Adopting a Jewish perspective on the Sabbath, Tod practices trust in God by resting, demonstrating faith in God’s control. Addressing self-doubt and learning to trust in divine purpose helps leaders mitigate anxiety and retain their focus on meaningful service. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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260. Resilient Leadership After the LA Fires, with Matt Colwell 46:23

22 days ago46:23

46:23

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Matt Colwell, Senior Pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California, shares his raw, personal journey of losing his home to the Eaton Fire in Altadena and how he has continued to shepherd a congregation facing the same devastating loss. This conversation unpacks the layers of adaptive leadership in the midst of crisis, the importance of building community before the crisis happens, and the powerful ways we can discover God's presence and provision when life goes off the rails. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Matt Colwell shares his experience of losing his home in the Los Angeles Eaton Fire and navigating the aftermath. The fire in Altadena caused widespread destruction, with only one house surviving in Matt Colwell's neighborhood. Matt Colwell narrates the sequence of events during the fire evacuation, detailing his family's actions and decisions. Matt Colwell explains the mixed emotions of shock and disbelief, and how it unfolded as he processed the loss. The unexpected loss of a home can be overwhelming as individuals process the emotional and logistical aspects. Matt Colwell expresses the challenges of balancing personal recovery with pastoral responsibilities. As a pastor, losing a home can provide unique empathy and understanding when caring for others experiencing loss. The power of community and compassion plays a significant role in Matt Colwell's healing process after the fire. Preaching shortly after a personal crisis can be both healing and hopeful, as experienced by Matt Colwell. Leading adaptively requires recognizing and focusing on core values while responding to rapid changes. Matt Colwell emphasizes the ongoing challenge and necessity of long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts. The impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of natural disasters is a critical issue to address. Adaptive leadership in crisis involves leveraging support networks, personal resilience, and spiritual practices to navigate and recover from challenges. Establishing and maintaining community connections proves invaluable when dealing with large-scale crises. Matt Colwell discusses the collaboration with his neighborhood to support collective recovery and rebuilding efforts. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Knox Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Creation Justice Ministries On Mission Network Related episodes: 220. Leading Through Tragedy, Adversity, and Crisis, with Gayle Beebe 242. Life and Leadership in the Fog, with Michaela O’Donnell and Lisa Slayton 244. Finding Strength in Desperation, with Mandy Smith Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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259. Trusting Jesus in Uncertainty, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 6:46

30 days ago6:46

6:46

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore how leadership often feels like moving through a dense fog where vision is limited. Tod shares his thoughts on the importance of valuing enduring principles over having a clear vision in times of rapid change. He emphasizes that being anchored in unchangeable values and the mission of our faith can guide us through uncertain landscapes. The conversation also unpacks the role of Jesus and the Spirit in adaptive leadership, highlighting the need to align our actions with what Jesus is doing in the world. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from David Quel in Ep 242, Life and Leadership in the Fog : "That's what it means to belong to Jesus, that even in the fog, he can be trusted." THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Leaders face fog by walking in faith, not just relying on vision.Leadership requires clarity on unchanging values amidst a rapidly changing world. Clear, essential values guide leaders when vision is uncertain. Adaptive leadership involves aligning with Jesus' ongoing work in the world. Trusting Jesus in the fog fortifies leaders’ commitment and direction. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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258. Walking the Path of Other-Centered Leadership, with Marc Schelske, author of Walking Otherward 47:37

5 weeks ago47:37

47:37

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! True ministry leadership isn’t about power; it’s about love in action. It’s about stepping into the self-giving, co-suffering way of Jesus, even when it feels counterintuitive. This kind of leadership doesn’t seek control but embraces humility, sacrifice, and deep connection with those we serve. In this episode, Marc Schelske, pastor of Bridge City Community Church and author of Walking Otherward , unpacks how embracing this kind of love reshapes our leadership, strengthens our churches, and helps us navigate the challenges of ministry with grace and wisdom. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Marc Schelske introduces the concept of other-centered, co-suffering love as a key aspect of following Jesus. The phrase "other-centered, co-suffering love" encompasses love that is conscious of others and willing to bear their burdens. Marc Schelske emphasizes the significance of Philippians 2 and Jesus' journey to Jerusalem as examples of this love. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem symbolizes a path that is not self-centered but oriented towards others. Self-centered, ego-defending ambition contrasts sharply with the way Jesus modeled leadership. Marc Schelske reflects on his own leadership transition, focusing on how he learned to disconnect identity from numerical success. Leadership driven by other-centered, co-suffering love requires holding space for others to process change at their own pace. Marc Schelske explains the importance of allowing time in decision-making processes to foster consensual and loving leadership. The fear of death and discomfort often drives the desire for control and power within leadership. Marc Schelske discusses creating communities where multiple perspectives can coexist without division. Churches must embrace a posture of vulnerability and humility in their leadership practices. Marc Schelske highlights that love acts by consent, meaning decisions should include space for honest dialogue and dissent. Co-suffering love challenges traditional notions of leadership by prioritizing presence over power. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Marc Schelske: Website - https://marcalanschelske.com/ Bridge City Community Church Books mentioned: Walking Otherward , by Marc Schelske Falling Upward , by Richard Rohr Related episodes: 206. The Healing Power of Pilgrimmage, with Jon Huckins 236. Supporting Families with Autism in Your Church, with David Quel 240. Leading with Wisdom from Above, with Uli Chi Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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257. Slowing Down When the World Speeds Up, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 7:07

6 weeks ago7:07

7:07

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss the importance of acknowledging when leaders feel overwhelmed and how critical it is to slow down and reflect rather than react impulsively. Through engaging metaphors and practical advice, they share strategies for adaptive leadership, highlighting practices such as pausing, getting perspective, and silent prayer to navigate chaos and uncertainty effectively. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from David Quel in Ep 242, Life and Leadership in the Fog : "The world is moving fast. Change is speeding up and human brains haven't necessarily changed in order to be able to cope with all that's happening." THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Leaders need to acknowledge feeling overwhelmed when confronting rapid change. Practicing adaptive leadership requires slowing down and reflecting rather than reacting impulsively. Effective leaders train themselves to pause and assess before taking action during crises. Pausing to pray or gain perspective can help leaders manage chaotic situations more effectively. Leaders should ask if immediate decisions are necessary to avoid defaulting to outdated practices. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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256. Digital Disruption and the Future of the Church, with Rex Miller, author of The Millenium Matrix 47:15

7 weeks ago47:15

47:15

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! AI, social media, and other technologies are transforming community, worship, and leadership. To stay effective, ministry leaders must understand these shifts—but also learn from the past. How do today’s technologies compare to those of previous eras? This perspective can help us navigate the future. In this episode, I’m joined by Rex Miller, author of The Millennium Matrix . A futurist and expert in leading through change, Rex will share insights on how cultural and technological shifts impact ministry and how we can adapt. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Rex Miller explores the impact of communication changes on Christianity over the centuries. The Millennium Matrix analyzes shifts in communication and their effects on church culture. Rex Miller describes the transformation from an oral culture to print culture through technological advancements like the Gutenberg printing press. The broadcast era introduced personality-driven leadership and large-scale praise and worship experiences in churches. Rex Miller explains the transition from analog to digital technology and its wider implications. Digital culture fosters interactive, networked communication that reshapes organizational and cultural dynamics. In the social mobile era, personalized and real-time interactions dominate communication patterns. Rex Miller predicts that AI will enhance personalization and autonomy in community formation. The shift from community-centric oral culture to individualistic broadcast culture reflects changes in authority structures. Markus Watson delves into how shifting cultural frameworks affect pastoral leadership and church practices. Rex Miller sees potential in decentralized, grassroots approaches to modern church gatherings. The opportunities for direct community involvement and personalized content create new forms of ministry. Rex Miller highlights how technological changes continuously reshape leadership and organizational strategies. Church leaders must transition from a certainty mindset to one of curiosity to adapt effectively to cultural changes. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Rex Miller: Rexmiller.com Linked In Mind Shift Genius Spark Books mentioned: The Millenium Matrix , by Rex Miller Neuromancer , by William Gibson Movies mentioned: Jesus Revolution Pleasantville Related episodes: 118. Forecasting and Innovation, with Tom Sine and Dwight Friesen 147. Is Innovation Inherently Good? with Andrew Root 155: Leadership and Looking to the Future, with Tom Sine Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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255. Mission-Centered Decision Making, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 6:37

8 weeks ago6:37

6:37

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Based on their experiences as pastors, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the delicate balance between seeking consensus through voting and the necessity of leading with focus and clarity. They delve into the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with adaptive leadership, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven decisions. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Uli Chi in Ep. 240. Leading with Wisdom from Above, with Uli Chi : “There are times when leaders lead by providing focus and clarity, rather than simply taking a vote on everything.” THIS EPISODES HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Leaders guide by offering focus and clarity, not just by voting on every decision. Decisive leadership is necessary in complex situations. Effective pastors highlight the mission and encourage their boards to make decisions accordingly. True leadership sometimes requires addressing difficult truths instead of seeking unanimous consensus. Providing focus and clarity often involves asking the right questions to guide the team's decision-making process. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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254. Endless Expectations and Emotional Exhaustion, with Jonathan Hoover, author of Stress Fracture 39:16

9 weeks ago39:16

39:16

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Burnout. An all too familiar experience for most of us. It's more than just feeling tired or overworked. It's that crushing sense of futility when your passion for ministry runs out, and it leaves you wondering if you can even continue the work you were once so excited about. Jonathan Hoover, the author of Stress Fracture, Your Ultimate Guide to Beating Burnout , shares valuable insights from his experience and research, including practical strategies for managing stress, the importance of self-care, and maintaining emotional and spiritual health in leadership. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Jonathan Hoover shares the significant stress his father faced while pastoring their church. Jonathan Hoover explains how his father experienced severe emotional and physical symptoms of burnout. Markus Watson asks about the role of spirituality in addressing burnout. Jonathan Hoover highlights how the biblical story of Elijah offers insights into addressing burnout through rest and care. The world tempts people to believe they are infinite, leading to stress and burnout. Jonathan Hoover talks about 'super rats' and the dangers of endless adaptation to stress. Creating margin in life by setting limits can help prevent burnout. Monitoring multiple aspects of life, such as physical and emotional health, can help manage burnout. Jonathan Hoover introduces the concept of emotional exhaustion and how it impacts emotional regulation. Emotional intelligence decreases as emotional exhaustion increases. Burnout leads to a loss of passion and a fatalistic outlook on success. Minimizing distractions and increasing self-awareness are crucial in preventing burnout. To prevent burnout, people need to realize their own limits and adjust their workloads. Jonathan Hoover explains that emotional awareness is necessary for making lifestyle adjustments. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Jonathan Hoover: Website – drjonathanhoover.com Church website - Newspring.org Books mentioned: Stress Fracture , by Jonathan Hoover Leadership on the Line , by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky Related episodes: 136. Healthy Attachment and Spiritual Leadership, with Todd Hall 175. From Burnout to Resilience, with Jason Young 179. The Neuroscience of Spiritual Formation, with Jim Wilder Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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253. Leading from a Place of Inner Abundance, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 6:21

10 weeks ago6:21

6:21

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the essential question: "What thirsts of my soul am I bringing to my congregation?" They discuss the importance of leaders acknowledging their own needs and the dangers of seeking fulfillment from their congregations instead of God. Learn how aligning personal needs with God's guidance can help leaders bring true abundance to their communities. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Alan Fadling in Ep 238, Lead with Less Anxiety : "What thirsts of my soul am I bringing to my congregation in hopes they'll meet me there rather than learning to take the thirsts of my soul to God so that God could meet me in those places? And then I could bring abundance to the community of people entrusted to me.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Leaders must acknowledge their needs to avoid seeking affirmation from their congregations improperly. Effective leaders should bring their soul’s needs to God rather than their congregations. Leaders face the temptation of people-pleasing, which can derail their adherence to God's mission. Being transparent about personal needs helps leaders avoid subconscious behaviors that could hinder mission-focused leadership. Fulfilling personal needs through appropriate relationships prevents dependence on congregational approval. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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252. Navigating the Pain of Being "Othered," with Jenai Auman, author of Othered 47:52

11 weeks ago47:52

47:52

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! This episode tackles the topic of being "othered" by those in church leadership, an important conversation for anyone in ministry leadership who wants to understand how to create an environment of embrace, of love, of belonging—and of being a healthy team. Jenai Auman, the author of Othered , discusses her personal experiences of being othered by church leaders, the impact it had on her, and how leaders can cultivate communities marked by shalom and hesed . THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Jenai Auman shares her struggles with toxic issues and resistance at a church where she was on staff. Advocacy for personal boundaries led to Jenai being labeled as the problem and asked to leave the church. Individuals often remain in unhealthy environments due to a shallow understanding of love and belonging, influenced by past trauma. Jenai Auman identifies with domestic violence survivors in her determination to fix the system from within. Through her painful experience, Jenai Auman gained transformative wisdom and spiritual growth. Emphasizing the importance of healing, Jenai Auman aims to avoid bitterness and repeating the harm done to her. The hesed of God demonstrates loving kindness and compassion, aiming for wholeness in a fractured world. The zero-sum game misconception causes competition for comfort and peace, but God's shalom advocates for abundance. By adopting an open-handed posture towards others, we mirror God's nature, fostering inclusivity and belonging. Jenai Auman advises those feeling othered to recognize their inherent belovedness without seeking external validation. Church leaders should focus on self-reflection and compassion, avoiding defensive othering. Jenai Auman discusses the concept of shalom as a state of peace involving love, wisdom, and understanding personal stories. Naming experiences of othering is crucial for healing, enabling reconciliation and peace. Jenai Auman reflects on how her experiences with othering have shaped her understanding of mutuality and divine love. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Jenai Auman: Website Substack Email Books mentioned: Othered , by Jenai Auman Related episodes: 82: Narcissism and Spiritual Leadership, with Chuck DeGroat 92. Against a Culture of Abuse, with Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer 163. You Can’t Be Found if You’re Never Lost, with Steve Carter Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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251. How Church Leaders Can Overcome Fear and Build Trust, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 6:41

12 weeks ago6:41

6:41

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson reflect on how fear influences our congregations and the importance of addressing it directly. They discuss the role of technical expertise in building trust and how leaders can compassionately accompany people through their fears, especially in times of change and perceived loss. Tod shares strategies for normalizing fear, creating communities of empathy, and tackling resistance by engaging with those who are most fearful. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from David Quel in Ep 236, Supporting Families with Autism in Your Church : “People have a tendency to be fearful of what they don't understand and what they don't know.” THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Tod Bolsinger emphasizes the importance of accompanying people through their fears in leadership. Leaders need to acknowledge and normalize fear to help people navigate their anxieties. Churches should invite experts to build technical competence and trust. Addressing resistance directly helps calm fears and fosters gradual progress. Creating a community of empathy ensures that no one faces loss or fear alone. Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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250. The Prophetic Challenge of Deconstruction, with Scot McKnight, author of Invisible Jesus 37:35

13 weeks ago37:35

37:35

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! In this episode, we’re taking a deep-dive into the complex and, at times, nerve-wracking experience of deconstruction. Leaders often worry about its impact on their roles, their authority, and on the harmony or unity of their church communities. But what if deconstruction is less about tearing down faith and more about stripping away what's non-essential, centering instead on Jesus? In this epidsode, Scot McKnight, author of Invisible Jesus , sheds light on how deconstruction can be a path to a more Christ-focused faith, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive spaces for exploring and asking questions. This conversation is crucial for ministry leaders navigating their own or their congregants' journeys of faith reformation. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Markus Watson addresses the nervousness leaders feel about deconstruction and its potential impacts on their beliefs. Scot McKnight highlights that leaders fear deconstruction because it threatens their job security, authority, and influence. People undergoing deconstruction can disrupt church communities, creating anxiety about church teachings. Markus Watson emphasizes the need for leaders to find safe spaces outside their church community for discussing deconstruction. Scot McKnight suggests that churches should support and provide safe exploration spaces instead of trying to control questioning individuals. Pastors face pressure to have all the answers, and questioning can trigger their insecurities about their role and authority. Markus Watson discusses how churches need to shift their culture to become open to questioning and changes. Scot McKnight reflects on his book "Invisible Jesus," addressing how deconstruction is not about abandoning faith but refocusing on Christ by removing non-essential elements. A study cited by Scot McKnight shows that 86% of people who undergo deconstruction remain in the church, although they may change congregations. Deconstruction resembles a personal Protestant Reformation where individuals reassess and personalize their faith journey. Scot McKnight draws parallels between deconstruction and historical movements aimed at shedding unnecessary church practices or beliefs, focusing on continual reform. Scot McKnight states that Jesus acted as a deconstructor, challenging the law within Judaism similar to the prophets. The church's role should involve listening to deconstructors rather than fearing or dismissing them, promoting an adaptive leadership approach. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Scot McKnight: Substack Books mentioned: Invisible Jesus , by Scot McKnight and Tommy Phillips A Church Called Tov , by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Revelation for the Rest of Us , by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett Related episodes: 171. Leading Your Ministry as a Dissident Disciple, with Scot McKnight 98. Deconstruction and Reconstruction, with A.J. Swoboda 92. Against a Culture of Abuse, with Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM .…

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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249. Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Church Leadership, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson 7:28

14 weeks ago7:28