The Discerning Leader Podcast

Matt Scott, a pastoral reflector who helps coordinate thoughtful conversation, and Suz Skinner, a spiritual formation practitioner and devotional co-author, explore praying Jesus' parables as invitations to deeper trust. They discuss parables’ layered meanings, confronting the cost of discipleship, images of the shepherd’s rescue, the prodigal welcome, and how to companion those who struggle to trust.

Suz Skinner, artist who created layered visual meditations for Praying the Parables of Jesus. She and the hosts explore how simple parables reveal deeper layers through repetition and visual prayer. They discuss persistence in prayer, serving others as motivation for prayer, and wrestling with mercy, judgment, and spiritual formation.

Matt Scott, who organizes the 40-day parables reading plan and offers pastoral reflections, and Suze Skinner, theologian and Visio Divina practitioner, discuss generosity framed by Jesus’ parables. They explore generosity beyond money, the link between forgiveness and gratitude, being truly seen by Jesus, and practical invitations to risk, hospitality, and neighborly love.

Matt Scott, facilitator and discussion leader, and Suz Skinner, spiritual formation practitioner and artist, guide a prayerful look at parables that call us to 'come.' They explore the wedding banquet, the ten virgins, and vineyard stories. Short reflections invite visual prayer, readiness, and a contrite heart as the right posture before God's persistent invitation.

Matt Scott, leader of a 40-day Lectio and Visio Divina experience, and Suz Skinner, artist creating contemplative Visio Divina images, explore six parables that invite wholehearted devotion to God. They discuss praying the parables, how grouping them reveals fresh insight, the power of visual theology to enliven Scripture, and the call to choose God’s kingdom over the kingdom of earth.

Featuring Steve Macchia, Suz Skinner, and Matt Scott As Season 39 of the Discerning Leader podcast begins, Steve Macchia, Sue Skinner, and Matt Scott invite listeners into a 40-day journey of praying the parables of Jesus. Rooted in the ancient practices of lectio divina and visio divina, this season explores how word and image together awaken a posture of receptivity to God's kingdom. Through honest reflection and personal stories, this conversation explores what it means to come to God empty-handed—ready to receive rather than achieve. Tune in as they share how Jesus' parables invite us to receive and live into the realities of the Kingdom of God. To join the 40 day Lenten Prayer Experience, sign up today at www.leadershiptransformations.org/lent2026. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: James Hauptman "And that's the ripple effect that happens when men of God like you take this seriously and put real teeth into noticing what's necessary for this season." - Steve Macchia In this concluding episode of Season 38, Steve Macchia welcomes James Hopman to share how he crafted his personal rule of life in the midst of an exceptionally full season. As a pastor, seminary student, husband, and father of four, James reflects on how intentional rhythms of prayer, Sabbath, family connection, and mission keep his life from becoming chaotic — even when it is undeniably busy. Together, they explore why any season is the right season to begin a rule of life, why belovedness must be the foundation, and how a rule of life remains a living, revisable document. James offers a practical and deeply personal glimpse into the daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly rhythms that anchor his life in union with God. This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice God's initiatives, and courageously craft your own rule of life. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Rev. Jen Kiefer, an ordained Anglican priest and contemplative practitioner who centers ministry on belovedness, shares a journey from burnout to a rule of life shaped by fury, mercy, and hope. She tells stories of soul collapse, quilting a spiritual rule, restorative justice work, and foster care that formed her vocational passion. Short, vivid reflections on spiritual formation and practices for living belovedness.

James Hauptman, Christian leader with Leadership Transformations, walks through communal rules of life and spiritual formation. He discusses how shared practices safeguard love, the difference between personal and communal commitments, and concrete ways to cultivate presence, curiosity, and long-term mutual care in community.

In a thoughtful dialogue, Pastor James Hauptman shares insights on creating a personal Rule of Life, which is crucial for maintaining balance in busy lives. He emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice amid distractions and discusses five essential life areas: spiritual, relational, physical, financial, and missional. Hauptman explores spiritual rhythms and shares practical tools like prayer apps to deepen connection with God. He highlights how a dynamic Rule of Life can sustain meaningful relationships and spiritual growth during hectic times.