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In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, the Rev. Dr. Christian Selvaratnam shares how he caught the church planting vision and has spent 25 years developing innovative models for training church planters and traditional pastors alike.
As Dean of Church Planting at St. Hild Theological College in England, Christian explains the power of the medieval apprenticeship approach to leadership development. Learn how "leading from the middle" can activate more people in ministry and create a "mixed ecology" of both new and revitalized churches. Whether you're contemplating starting something new or breathing fresh life into an established congregation, this conversation offers practical wisdom for the journey.
Learn more about Christian and his work at https://sthild.org/christian-selvaratnam.
Check out "How the Inherited and Innovative Church Work Together" with Jorge Acevedo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs2rt4_czHk to continue your journey with the Pivot Podcast.
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What is the true meaning of the Lenten season for today's church leaders? In this reflective episode, the Rev. Blair Pogue explores how traditional Lenten practices can help ministry leaders navigate extreme polarization, institutional suspicion, and personal burnout. Discover how remembering your baptismal identity and spending time in Jesus' loving presence can transform your leadership approach from anxious fixing to faithful discernment.
The Lenten season meaning goes beyond giving things up—it's about returning to the core of our faith. Through beautiful reflections on the R.S. Thomas poem "The Bright Field" and the story of Moses at the burning bush, this episode invites leaders to turn aside to discover the "pearl of great price" that awaits in God's presence. Learn practical spiritual practices that will help you become "a watered garden, a repair of the breach, a restorer of streets to live in" during this sacred season.
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Many churches struggle with creating meaningful church community service initiatives that authentically connect with neighbors. In this episode, Nancy Dyson from St. John's Episcopal Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota shares how a simple cup of coffee led to "Laundry Love" - a thriving ministry serving 80-100 people monthly at a local laundromat. Nancy reveals how showing up consistently, listening deeply, and allowing ministry to emerge organically transformed both her congregation and their community relationships.
Discover a refreshing approach to church community service that prioritizes presence over programs and relationships over results. Nancy offers practical wisdom for congregations wanting to move beyond their walls: start with no agenda, embrace the "beautifully messy" nature of neighborhood engagement, and remain open to how the Holy Spirit might surprise you. Whether your church is large or small, rural or urban, this conversation offers inspiration and practical steps for connecting with neighbors in meaningful ways.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Laundry Love: https://laundrylove.org/For more about the four pivots churches need to make in the 21st century, visit https://faithlead.org/.
Subscribe to the Pivot Podcast for more conversations with church leaders experimenting with faithful innovation in a changing world.
Join us on social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithleadYouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/s0E9M22sf5o
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What if our instinct to manage and control church life is actually holding us back from authentic community building? In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Steve Aisthorpe, author of "Rewilding the Church," shares how the ecological concept of rewilding offers fresh insights for church renewal. Drawing from his research on changing patterns of Christian community and his years of experience in ministry, Steve explains how letting go of over-management and embracing spiritual discernment can transform congregational life.
Through practical examples and compelling metaphors, Steve demonstrates how church community building can emerge organically when we focus less on fixing problems and more on discerning God's activity. He offers guidance for leaders wanting to shift from institutional problem-solving to spiritual listening, shares stories of churches embracing this approach, and discusses his current work establishing a retreat center on an ancient Celtic Christian site in Scotland. This conversation provides both inspiration and practical steps for leaders ready to embrace a more natural, Spirit-led approach to church development.
Resources Mentioned:
“Rewilding the Church” by Steve Aisthorpe“The Invisible Church” by Steve Aisthorpe “Images of Church in the New Testament” by Paul MinearKilmalieu Retreat Center
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Is your church struggling to connect with neighbors beyond your walls? In this episode, Rev. Canon Dave Male, Co-Director of Vision and Strategy for the Church of England, shares how churches can move from program-driven outreach to relationship-based ministry. Through his extensive work with fresh expressions of church, Dave reveals why some of the most effective new forms of ministry are also the simplest – often starting with nothing more than a meal and conversation. Learn how one burned-out church planter discovered a simpler, more sustainable approach that grew to 30 groups in three years.
Dave offers practical insights on empowering lay leaders, balancing traditional and innovative approaches, and starting new gatherings that cost virtually nothing. He shares specific examples of churches successfully reaching their neighbors through simple, reproducible methods, and provides two key questions every church can use to discern their next steps. Plus, discover why the future of neighborhood ministry might look more like a dinner table than a church program.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
FREE Webinar: "Beyond the Walls: Simple Pathways to Meeting Neighbors with the Gospel" with Dave Male on February 25thHow to Start New Christian Communities content upgradeBook: "How to Pioneer (Even if You Haven’t a Clue)" by Dave MaleBook: "Accelerate" by John KotterWatch this episode on YouTube.
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What if everything you think you know about how to evangelize is about to change? In this provocative episode, Dr. Harvey Kwiyani, a Malawian missiologist and director of the Center for Global Witness and Human Migration, shares how African Christians are successfully reaching secular Western societies in ways that traditional Western churches haven't. Drawing from his experience across Africa, Europe, and North America, Dr. Kwiyani reveals why young people in the UK now associate Christianity more with African and Asian believers than with traditional Western churches, and how African approaches to prayer and spiritual transformation are bringing new life to Western Christianity.
From his childhood village where David Livingstone established the first British mission station in Central Africa, to his current work helping release the missional potential of African Christians in the West, Dr. Kwiyani offers fresh insights into what evangelism can look like in a post-colonial world. He challenges us to move beyond outdated patterns of mission while sharing inspiring stories of how African churches are growing rapidly in the midst of secular society. For clergy uncomfortable with evangelism's colonial past but sensing there must be a better way forward, this conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for the future of the church.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
“Decolonizing Mission” by Harvey Kwiyani. Pre-order now.Church Mission SocietyCentre for Global Witness and Human MigrationWatch this episode on YouTube.
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Most preachers spend hours on sermon preparation - studying scripture, crafting illustrations, and polishing delivery. But research shows there's a crucial step that's often missing: creating intentional spaces to hear what our congregations are actually receiving from our preaching. In this episode, Dr. Dee Stokes and Rev. Dr. Adam White share insights from their groundbreaking "And How Will They Hear?" initiative at Luther Seminary, revealing how systematic listening transforms both preaching and congregational engagement.
Through their work with diverse cohorts of preachers, they've discovered that the most compelling sermons aren't necessarily the most polished - they're the ones where preachers have learned to listen deeply to both God and their congregations. Learn practical tools for gathering meaningful feedback, understand why vulnerability matters more than ever in preaching, and discover how shifting from evaluation to understanding can deepen your sermon's impact. Plus, hear why reimagining God's agency in preaching might be the key to unlocking more powerful proclamation.
Resources Mentioned:
“Sermon-Proof” blog post by Walter Brueggemann: https://churchanew.org/brueggemann/sermon-proofWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K06Vk2ykOMM.
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What does it truly mean to be a missional church in post-Christian America? Bryan Halferty, lead pastor of Anchor Church in Tacoma, Washington, discovered that it starts with a fundamental shift - from trying to fix problems to listening for where God is already at work. Through his unlikely combination of skateboarding and church planting, Bryan shares how embracing "failing forward" opened new paths for mission in one of America's most secular regions. From their innovative approach of being both "harbor" and "base" to their commitment to integrate justice and mercy into every ministry area, Anchor Church offers fresh insights for church leaders seeking to join God's mission in their communities.
In this episode, Bryan unpacks how Anchor grew from a single church plant to three distinct congregations in six years, each contextualized to its neighborhood while maintaining unity in mission. He explains why they recently paused church planting to deepen their missional impact, and shares practical strategies for weaving justice and mercy into church DNA. Whether you're planting a church, revitalizing a congregation, or seeking fresh vision for ministry, this conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for moving from "fixing mode" to Spirit-led mission.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Anchor Church: https://anchortacoma.org/centralBryan’s website: https://www.bryanhalferty.com/ Video: What learning looks like (clean): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QSocgE3yFY
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As we approach both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day 2025, many church leaders are wrestling with how to offer hope while addressing the deep divisions in our communities. In this timely conversation, Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson, Senior Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church and author of "Holding Up Your Corner," returns to the Pivot Podcast to explore how Dr. King's vision of beloved community can shape our path forward through these challenging times.
Drawing on both pastoral experience and scholarly insight, Dr. Johnson offers practical wisdom for maintaining prophetic witness while avoiding partisan entanglement, creating brave spaces for difficult conversations, and connecting personal spiritual formation with social transformation. Rather than seeking quick fixes, he challenges church leaders to ground their justice work in deep spiritual practices and to reclaim the radical hospitality modeled in their own faith traditions. This episode provides essential guidance for leaders seeking to foster healing and courage in an anxious time.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
“Holding Up Your Corner” by F. Willis JohnsonLetter from Birmingham Jail Student Nonviolent Coordinating CommitteeWatch the video version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/9v2Oan-Xids.
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Struggling with how to write a sermon that connects with your congregation while maintaining your own spiritual well-being? Rev. Dr. Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching, reveals a transformative approach that moves beyond traditional sermon preparation methods. From her middle-of-the-night divine inspiration that launched Backstory Preaching to serving preachers worldwide, Lisa shares how combining spiritual direction with preaching craft can revolutionize your sermon writing process.
Learn practical steps for how to write a sermon that flows from your own spiritual formation, bringing authenticity and depth to your preaching. Lisa explains why "preaching is your life; your life is preaching" and offers insights for creating sermons that resonate with real-life experiences. Whether you're an experienced preacher or just learning how to write your first sermon, this conversation provides fresh perspectives on crafting messages that transform both preacher and congregation.
Learn more about Lisa and her work at backstorypreaching.com
Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJruG-5Dj5Y
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The landscape of ministry education is undergoing dramatic change. Traditional seminary enrollment is declining, fewer churches can afford full-time pastors, and leaders are questioning how to adapt. But in this insightful conversation with Luther Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, we discover how these challenges are opening up exciting new possibilities for forming Christian leaders. From reaching 8 million people through digital platforms to reimagining formation through communities of practice, Dr. Steinke shares how theological education is evolving to meet the needs of today's church.
Using vivid metaphors like "water skiing and scuba diving," Dr. Steinke explores how ministry education can serve both those who need an introduction to faith and those diving deep into theological study. She challenges us to move beyond quick fixes to listen deeply for where God is leading, while sharing concrete examples of how Luther Seminary is embracing both traditional and innovative approaches to forming leaders for Christian communities. This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone interested in the future of ministry education and leadership formation.
Resources Mentioned:
A History of Luther Seminary: 1869 to 2019 by Mark Granquist (Fortress Press, 2019)https://faithlead.org/ https://www.workingpreacher.org/https://enterthebible.org/ https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/Join us on social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithleadYouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/ZB4_gHVciX4.
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"Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!"
This cry from Isaiah 64 expresses humanity's deep longing for hope. In this special Advent reflection, Professor Rolf Jacobson of Luther Seminary takes us on an unexpected journey from an 18th-century Hasidic tale to the prophet Isaiah's fierce prayer, revealing how true hope comes not from our own efforts, but from God's faithful promises.
Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, Rolf shows us that hope isn't about what we deserve or create within ourselves—it's about recognizing God's Spirit already at work in our neighborhoods, bringing about God's preferred future. His message offers a fresh perspective on Advent hope that speaks directly to our current moment.
Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Vo5BNwFUqJc.
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"I lost five council members when I tried to make changes."
This candid admission from a church leader captures the real challenges of leading congregations today. In this special Q&A episode, hosts Alicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton tackle your most pressing questions about church leadership and change.
Drawing from questions submitted by listeners in the field, our hosts explore how to build motivation for change, ways to discern God's will as a community, practical approaches to neighborhood ministry for commuter churches, and strategies for building trust while leading through lament. Whether you're facing council resistance or seeking to guide your congregation into God's future, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for the journey. Featuring insights on the "five whys" exercise, storytelling practices for building trust, and scripture-based approaches to discernment from Acts 16.
Resources Mentioned:
“Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations” Morehouse Publishing, 1996) by Suzanne G. Farnham et al.“Pursuing God’s Will Together” by Ruth Haley Barton, D.D. Acts 16 passage on discernment
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What does church look like when it moves from traditional sanctuaries to breweries, hiking trails, and pizza shops? In this episode, Bryan Willkom, founder of Jesus Fit, shares how Beer Church and other innovative gatherings are creating authentic spiritual community in everyday spaces. From monthly Beer Church gatherings where diverse groups share stories around brewery tables, to Trail Church walks that combine movement with meditation, Bryan is pioneering fresh expressions of church that meet people exactly where they are.
Beer Church isn't just about the location—it's about reimagining how we build spiritual community. Bryan shares why public spaces create natural opportunities for spiritual conversation, how to create judgment-free zones for faith exploration, and practical ways to practice Jesus' habits of hospitality and table fellowship in modern contexts. Whether you're looking to start alternative forms of church or simply want to better understand how to reach those who feel disconnected from traditional religious spaces, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of spiritual community.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" (Jossey-Bass, 2022) by Patrick Lencioni"Liturgy of the Ordinary" (InterVarsity Press, 2022) by Tish Harrison Warren Gallup poll on religion and wellbeing (2022)The official Jesus Fit website.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZWPKmXU7Pr.
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Tired of endless church Advent activities that leave everyone exhausted? In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares a revolutionary approach to the Advent season—one that subtracts rather than adds. As both an artist and theologian, Steve offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to create meaningful spiritual experiences without overwhelming their congregations. Learn how simple practices like communal meals, guided meditation, and contemplative art can transform your church's approach to Advent.
Rather than adding more programming, discover how your congregation can embrace the counter-cultural gift of stillness and sacred presence. From historic traditions of the northern church to modern applications in busy congregations, this episode provides concrete tools for reimagining church Advent activities. Plus, don't miss details about a free 4-day Advent Challenge that combines art and contemplation to help your congregation slow down and listen for God's whisper.
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American pastors want things fast, large, and famous... but the kingdom of God comes slowly, in small and mostly unrecognized ways." In this paradigm-shifting conversation, Dr. Michael W. Goheen challenges our deeply held assumptions about church growth and success. Through the story of a remarkable turnaround in a dying congregation, Goheen demonstrates what happens when a church stops chasing quick fixes and begins to question its cultural captivity to growth metrics.
Join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton as they explore with Goheen how Western cultural idolatries shape our approach to church leadership, what we can learn from Lesslie Newbigin's missionary insights, and how ordinary church practices can be reoriented toward authentic renewal. Whether you're leading a growing congregation or struggling with decline, this episode will help you discern the difference between cultural definitions of success and genuine participation in God's mission.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
"Foolishness to the Greeks" by Lesslie Newbigin"The Gospel in a Pluralist Society" by Lesslie Newbigin "The Church and Its Vocation" by Michael Goheen"Becoming a Missionary Church" by Michael Goheen "The Imperfect Pastor" by Zack EswineDr. Goheen's website with free resources https://missionworldview.com/
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How do you build authentic church community from scratch? In this inspiring episode of the Pivot Podcast, pioneer lay minister Fiona Mayne shares her remarkable journey from financial advisor to church planter, demonstrating how simple, organic steps can create a thriving Christian community. Fiona reveals practical strategies for church community building that anyone can implement—starting with nothing more than a willingness to listen and engage. From hosting community barbecues to creating welcoming café-style gatherings, her approach shows how authentic relationships and community ownership can lead to sustainable church growth.
Discover actionable insights for church community building, including how to create natural entry points for non-church people, ways to empower community members in shaping church culture, and strategies for developing inclusive, intergenerational ministry. Fiona's story challenges traditional church planting models, showing how letting go of control and truly listening to community needs can lead to vibrant, growing faith communities. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revitalize existing ministry, this episode offers practical wisdom for building church community that genuinely connects with today's world.
Resources Mentioned:
The Heart of a Holligan: The Story of David Jeal by Paul Alkazraji The Chosen series Church Mission Society Pioneer trainingWatch the video version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4NlZB4pSY1I.
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In this thought-provoking episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a fresh perspective on political theology and how churches can navigate our politically polarized landscape. Introducing the concept of "Sabbath politics," Dr. Lawrence challenges us to reimagine the church's role in society, shifting from a posture of control to one of trust in God's rule.
Drawing insights from his study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the early chapters of Genesis, Dr. Lawrence provides practical guidance for church leaders seeking to apply political theology in fostering unity and faithful discipleship in divisive times. This episode is essential listening for anyone grappling with the intersection of faith, politics, and ecclesial identity in today's world.
Resources Mentioned:
Center for Pastor Theologians Dietrich Bonhoeffer's works, particularly "Discipleship" and "Life Together" James Davison Hunter's book "Democracy and Solidarity"
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This Reformation Day, join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton for a transformative conversation with the Rev. Dr. Mark Tranvik, professor of Reformation history and theology at Luther Seminary. Explore how Martin Luther's revolutionary insights from the Protestant Reformation can breathe new life into 21st-century ministry and address the challenges facing today's church.
Dr. Tranvik unpacks key Reformation concepts like grace, vocation, and Christian freedom, revealing their surprising relevance for contemporary issues such as leadership burnout, rigid church structures, and the shift towards lay-led ministry. Discover how reclaiming Luther's emphasis on the "priesthood of all believers" can empower your congregation to live out their faith in fresh, meaningful ways this Reformation Day and beyond.
YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/QoOw2TX09mo.
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In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive deep into the world of church planting with Nick Warnes, founder and executive director of Cyclical Incorporated. Nick shares his expertise on developing leaders for new Christian communities, challenging traditional notions of what it means to start a church. From discernment processes to financial sustainability, from adapting to diverse contexts to embracing a truly missional approach, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone interested in the future of the church.
Whether you're considering planting a church, supporting church planters, or simply curious about innovative approaches to ministry, Nick's insights will inspire you to think differently about how we can participate in God's ongoing work in the world. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that reimagines church planting for the 21st century.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
"Starting Missional Churches" by Mark Lau Branson and Nicholas Warnes"Deconstructing Church Planting" by Nicholas WarnesCyclical Incorporated websiteWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w74h69LNOpA.
- Visa fler
