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Is leadership about enduring endless challenges without ever, y’know, faltering? Or is it about recognizing when to slow down, step back, acknowledge our weaknesses and reconnect with the God who calls us?

In this episode, Mandy Smith, author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint, talks about developing our capacity when ministry gets hard, the essential role of rest, and how we can find strength even in times of desperation.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Mandy Smith underscores the necessity of recognizing burnout early and taking intentional breaks for spiritual reflection.
• Mandy Smith reveals her practice of observing a Monday Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted rest in remembering spiritual purposes.
• Challenges in ministry can expand one’s capacities if approached with discernment.
• Mandy Smith emphasizes the importance of identifying the "true self" versus the "false self" in leadership roles.
• The conversation touches on navigating unknowns in ministry, where traditional methods may not be effective anymore.
• Mandy Smith discusses her routine of daily prayer for guidance, especially during challenging times in ministry.
• Prayer serves as a crucial aspect of leadership, connecting leaders to God's guidance and renewal.
• Markus Watson refers to the insights from Mandy’s book, The Vulnerable Pastor, underscoring the value of vulnerability in leadership.
• Mandy Smith talks about the urgency felt due to declining church attendance, stressing a deeper reliance on prayer.
• Personal and communal desperation in the church can lead to spiritual growth and greater reliance on God.
• Mandy Smith explores the concept of "confession" as turning towards God, involving acknowledgment of thoughts and reaffirmation of faith.
• Shifting from secular professionalism to Christian leadership reliance on God, Mandy Smith critiques the application of secular standards within church contexts.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Mandy Smith:
  • www.thewayistheway.org
  • Instagram - @mandysmithhopes
  • The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination
• Books mentioned:
  • Confessions of an Amateur Saint, by Mandy Smith
  • The Vulnerable Pastor, by Mandy Smith
• Related episodes:
  • 36. The Vulnerable Pastor, with Mandy Smith
  • 107. Childlike Faith, Adultlike Leadership, with Mandy Smith
  • 194. Saudade, Leadership, and Nurturing the Inner Life, with Jeff Crosby

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!

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Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger engage in an enlightening conversation exploring a profound quote by Efrem Smith on the evolving narrative of church communities. They discuss the critical role of the emerging generation in not just being part of the church's story, but actively shaping its future. The episode explores the importance of diverse perspectives, adaptive leadership, and the humility required to foster a truly inclusive and vibrant faith community.

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Efrem Smith in Ep 222, Building a Multi-Inlusive Church:

“As the story of your church unfolds, is it obvious that the emerging generation is not only part of the story, but part of shaping the story that will be told?”


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Ministry leaders engage future generations by including their voices at the decision-making table.
• Tod Bolsinger emphasizes the necessity for leaders to adopt a humble approach and be open to learning.
• Markus Watson stresses the importance of diverse perspectives for a fuller understanding of God's calling.
• Churches increase vitality by valuing spiritual maturity over age when selecting leaders.
• Tod Bolsinger encourages leaders to focus on creating processes that foster deeper understanding and growth.

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!

Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!

We talk a lot about leading through uncertainty on this podcast. But in this episode, the emphasis will be on navigating uncertainty in our own lives. In this conversation, Michaela O'Donnell and Lisa Slayton, co-authors of Life in Flux, discuss the importance of "uncommon postures" when navigating the fog in life, building personal adaptive capacity, and the need to pause and listen in the midst of uncertainty.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Lisa Slayton challenges default behaviors and encourages developing uncommon postures to better support oneself.
• Michaela O'Donnell emphasizes the need to embrace change rather than avoid it, recognizing that old methods won't work for future challenges.
• Slayton identifies personal awakening catalysts as recognizing potential possibilities or facing pain and disruptions.
• Adaptive work involves recognizing that past methods won't suffice for future challenges, according to Michaela O'Donnell.
• The metaphor of a ship in the fog illustrates the need for intentional stillness in uncertain times.
• Slayton describes how cutting the engine in a fog-bound boat is a counterintuitive but necessary action to regain direction.
• Markus Watson reflects on personal experiences with uncertainty, realizing challenges can be embraced even when they are "unfigureoutable."
• Slayton shares an experience with a church team and stresses the importance of exploration and adaptation.
• Navigating ambiguity involves recognizing multiple paths forward, not just one clear solution, notes Michaela O'Donnell.
• Leadership should shift from problem-solving to curiosity, embracing uncertainty and adaptive learning.
• Markus Watson discusses the clarity of identity in understanding personal strengths and aligning roles accordingly.
• The Enneagram aids in understanding personal and leadership styles amidst change, recognizing strengths and limits.
• Lisa Slayton emphasizes the challenges pastors face due to excessive expectations and the need for managing these effectively.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Church Leadership Institute
• De Pree Center for Leadership
• Tamim Partners
• LifeinFlux.co
• Flourish San Diego
• Books mentioned:
  • Life in Flux, by Michaela O’Donnell and Lisa Slayton
• Related Episodes:
  • Episode 114: Meaningful Work, with Michaela O’Donnell
  • Episode 48: Integrity and Coherence in Leadership, with Lisa Slayton

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!