Center for Congregations Podcast
Center for Congregations
Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive.The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or info@centerforcongregations.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 2, 2022 • 1h 7min
S4 E4: Pandemic and Purpose
Matt and Shellie explore the changing nature of congregational life with Pastor Rob Dyer of Ministry Architects. Rob encourages congregations to explore the question behind the question.Rob Dyer: @pastorrobdyerMinistry Architects: @minarchitectsResourceshttps://ministryarchitects.com/theyre-not-coming-back/https://ministryarchitects.com/the-room-where-it-happens/https://thecrg.org/resources/The_Challenges_and_Opportunities_of_the_Post-pandemic_Churchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA
Feb 23, 2022 • 17min
S4 B3: The Review-Facing Death: Learning from Kate Bowler
Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy.ResourcesEverything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've LovedEverything Happens for a Reason PodcastBeing Human w Kate Bowler and Emily P. FreemanWalking Our People Through Hard Things w Glennon Doyle
Feb 16, 2022 • 59min
S4 E3: Is Race The Real Problem?
Racial division is a current topic in many arenas of life. However, Rev. Wallace Butts asks the question "Is race the real issue here?" Matt and Ben talk with Rev. Wallace Butts about the Listen, Learn and Live (L3) initiative in which he lays out a way for people in our society to live more peaceably together.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Is_Race_The_Real_ProblemPastor Wallace Butts' email address for L3: connect@l3movement.comIf you'd like to be a part of the L3 workshops, register here: https://centerforcongregations.org/workshop/listen-learn-and-live-together-session-1
Feb 9, 2022 • 17min
S4 B2: The Review - Can I Get Your Number? Unpacking the Enneagram
Abby and Ben discuss The Paths Between Us and talk through the reasons they find the Enneagram both useful and fascinating.Resources:https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Us-Enneagram-Relationships/dp/0830846425
Feb 2, 2022 • 58min
S4 E2: Providing Touch in a Touchless Time
Dee Dee (Deidre) Gray and Adrian Warren join Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can improve their digital presence.Resourceshttps://blog.capterra.com/church-seo-best-practices-to-get-your-church-found-in-search/ https://www.webfx.com/industries/local-consumer-services/churches/seo/https://missionalmarketing.com/basic-guide-to-church-seo/Adrian Warren's website: http://www.mrawarren.com/Dee Dee Gray's Organization: https://www.mykingdomsolution.com/https://thecrg.org/resources/beyond-hospitality
Jan 26, 2022 • 23min
S4 B1: The Review - Learning from Mars Hill
In this fun bonus episode of the Center for Congregations Podcast, Ben and Abby discuss the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and explore what we can learn from it.
Jan 19, 2022 • 58min
S4 E1: 3 Big Questions
Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute joins Ben and Matt to discuss the new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/resources/The_Essential_Power_of_Belonginghttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/
Dec 29, 2021 • 39min
S3 E11: Ghosts
Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry.
Dec 15, 2021 • 48min
S3 E10: Gloriously Out Of Place
Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/collections/Gloriously_Out_of_Place
Dec 1, 2021 • 39min
S3 E9: The Joys of Evaluation!
Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for congregational life.Resourceshttps://thecrg.org/resources/completing-the-circle-reviewing-ministries-in-the-congregationhttps://www.betterevaluation.org/https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/projects-that-matter-successful-planning-and-evaluation-for-religious-organizations_kathleen-a-cahalan/964017/item/12033315/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FRP-IUCrO59bm2jFUtRSzcvh-5fVnnC_xayO-5b2VaYdw5n4VgzfsaAtKXEALw_wcB#idiq=12033315&edition=5355798https://thecrg.org/resources/How_to_Shape_Your_Church_s_Culture
