The Leader's Journey Podcast

Authority is inherent in leadership roles, and that inherent authority can be misused and abused. In part one of this series, Jim and Trisha discuss the reality of abuse, the questions surrounding it, and the way leaders are called to respond. Conversation Overview Get Coaching Find Us on Facebook Podcasts: Power Dynamics for Trustworthy and Transformative Leaders Power Dynamics and Conflict: A conversation for trustworthy and transformative leaders Books: The End of Leadership by Barbara Kellerman Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse

In this episode, dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various aspects of life, including leadership, sermon writing, and more. Join us as we explore the innovative ways in which AI is being integrated into everyday tasks and decision-making processes. For this special podcast, Jim and Trisha hear some insightful points from multiple guests on how they use AI and how they have seen it impact the world around them. Podcasts guests include Scott Hescht is enthusiastic advocate for AI integration into various fields, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Scott offers unique insights into the practical applications of AI in different contexts, including in his ministry as the pastor at The Haven Community Church in Spring, TX. Rich Braaksma: is the Regional Mission Leader for Resonate Global Mission in Western Canada and part-time pastor of The Road Church in Calgary, Alberta. Leani du Toit: Trauma-informed spiritual, cross-cultural, and leadership coach with a diverse range of experiences. Nathan Herrington: Founder of Nathan Herrington Coaching, delving into AI applications in coaching and content creation. Tim Rotman: Pastor at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota, sharing his experiences with using AI in sermon writing. Conversation Overview: Resources Ezra Klein and Ethan Mollick: How Should I Be Using AI Right Now? AI Will Shape Your Soul The Haven Community Church Resonate Global Mission Nathan Herrington Coaching Zumbro Lutheran Church The Road Church Leani du Toit Coaching

Jim talks with Mike Whang about how his shift away from the traditional church model opened up avenues of ministry that can be limited for those in Christian leadership. Mike explains how working out the equations of ministry, the balancing of values, the realities of day to day life, and the needs of the Church, has been a challenge and a blessing as he grows in his walk with God and leadership position. Mike Whang is an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. He serves Oikon and Wesley as an extension minister of the Texas Annual Conference. He received his M. Div from Duke Divinity School. His favorite foods are rice, kimchi, and eggs. Raised in Los Angeles, he and his wife, Lisa are raising native Texan daughters of Korean descent. Conversation Overview Resources https://www.oikonandwesley.org/ Nomads in the Church: The Leader's Journey Podcast with Terry Walling

On this episode of The Leader’s Journey Podcast, Trisha talks with Mac McCarthy and Nate Pyle about how the election year has affected their congregations and the ways they are navigating that social landscape within their churches. Listen to this first of several podcasts in 2024 as they discuss the unique ways they have each worked with the leadership in their churches in order to guide their congregations to focus on building bridges and communicating with grace. Nate Pyle is a pastor, author, and coach. As a pastor, Nate has served as the pastor of Christ’s Community Church in Fishers, Indiana since 2008. During that time, Nate began learning and practicing skills related to adaptive leadership, congregational revitalization, family systems, emotional maturity, and spiritual formation. He has a passion to see the church become a learning community growing its capacity to navigate difference, hard conversations, and congregational change. Mac McCarthy has been in Christian ministry for over 15 years. As a pastor, practitioner, and coach, he is passionate about equipping leaders by integrating missional theology, spiritual formation, family systems, and adaptive leadership to navigate congregational change. Having served in a variety of roles, Mac is currently the Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in the western suburbs of Milwaukee where has been since 2008. He received his B.A. from Bethel University, his M.Div from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is ordained with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Mac is also a CrossFit coach and enjoys helping people pursue holistic health. Conversation Overview Resources: Nate Pyle on The Leader's Journey 4 Americas: The Stories and the Gospel - Nate Pyle SermonsMac McCarthy on The Leader's Journey Luke Bretherton on Democracy and Christianity Crosspoint Community Church Christ Community Church

Trisha and Jim continue their insightful discussion on boundaries in this week's podcast. Join them as they discuss your questions about boundaries and the benefits and struggles of implementing them in personal and professional leadership roles. Conversation Overview

Join Trisha and Jim as they discuss the importance of respecting boundaries not just for the benefit of ourselves, but for the benefit of those around us. Together they discuss the complexities of setting and keeping boundaries while maintianing healthy relationships. "Boundaries are not something we put on others, boundaries are something that we maintain for ourselves. " -Trisha Taylor Conversation Overview Resources Cleaning Up a Mess with Ryan and Marijke Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Join Jim and Trisha as they discuss how we as the church can embrace the paradigm shift to a new structure in a church without walls. Their insightful conversation with this week’s guest, Terry Walling, offers a unique perspective on how nomadic believers are truly helping grow the church as they act as disciples within the community. Terry Walling is a pastor, professor, and author of Unlikely Nomads: In Search of the New Church. He has also launched a podcast series in which he has conversations with a variety of people who are in search of a deeper journey with Jesus and with following Him in a different kind of church in America. Key Takeaways: -Moving in an Old, New Direction -The Nomadic Believer -Personal Renewal that Leads to Corporate Change -Apprenticing the life of Jesus -Embracing the Mystery Resources: http://leaderbreakthru.com/ Unlikely Nomads by Terry Walling Canoeing the Mountains by Todd Bolsinger A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers The Great Emergence

Join Jim and Trisha as they discuss the concept of being vulnerable as a leader with author and keynote speaker, Jacob Morgan. Listen as they explore how the skill of balancing vulnerability and competency can empower leaders in both personal and professional settings. Jacob Morgan is a remarkable and successful leader,keynote speaker, trained futurist, and author. His most recent book, Leading With Vulnerability, was published last year. Jacob pulls from his personal and professional experience as well as the results of many leadership polls and studies as he speaks to tens of thousands of leaders each year on how to fine tune their leadership skills. Conversation Overview Personal vs. Professional VulnerabilityBalancing Competence and ConnectionThe Specifics of VulnerabilityNaming Your EmotionsThe Right Place and Time to be VulnerableWhen Vulnerability Hurts Resources The Future Organization Jacob's Substack Leading With Vulnerability and Other Books by Jacob Morgan

Join Jim and Trisha as they speak with pastors Ted and Jess from Evanston Vineyard Church about intentional change. Discover how their approach to transformation involves coaching, diverse perspectives, and the formation of clear, shared values. Ted Kim, who has been pastoring and ministering in churches for more than 20 years in Washington, California, New York, and areas outside of the US, is the lead pastor at Evanston Vineyard Church. He is passionate about leading people's hearts and minds toward Jesus. Jess, once an intern, is now also a pastor at Evanston Vineyard Church. She has been a big part of the intentional change and value focusing at the church. Conversation Overview Forming Congregational Values:Navigating Resistance:Cultivating Team Culture:Practical Implementation:Real Change in Action: Resourses Evanston Vineyard Church

Being stuck in problems and situations can be a significant hindrance to your ability to effectively lead and inspire those around you. Rather than move forward, you may find yourself focused on problems that prevent you from reaching your goals. Learn to resolve those situations so that they become a source of growth. Listen in this latest podcast as Trisha, Jim, and multiple other members of The Leader's Journey share their solutions to getting unstuck. Start your new year off with resolving to not allow the muddy moments in life to dictate the way you lead Getting Unstuck Resources Internal Family Systems The Discernment of Spirits by Timothy Gallagher

adership, shedding light on helpful practices that can guide church leaders through the shift from an attractional growth model to a missional one. Joining them on this insightful exploration is the experienced and dynamic Mac McCarthy, Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in Milwaukee. Pastor Mac McCarthy is a seasoned leader with over 15 years in ministry. Currently serving as the Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church, Mac brings a wealth of experience and a unique journey, having transitioned into the lead pastor role as the church evolved. Ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, Mac holds degrees from Bethel University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Beyond his pastoral role and contributions of expertise as part of the coaching team for The Leader's Journey, he's a CrossFit coach and a passionate advocate for holistic health. Key Takeaways: Unveiling the missional perspective Diving into the importance of cultivating new mental models and practices in alignment with God's mission. Joining God on Mission: Listen, Discern, Experiment, and Review. Adaptive leadership in a changing cultural landscape. Resources: Crosspoint Community Church Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future by Dwight Zscheile, Michael Binder, and Tessa Pinkstaff

What if leadership is mostly about paying attention? In this episode, Trisha and Jim engage in a thought-provoking conversation with their guest, Ann Kansfield. Ann delves into her personal experiences with leadership and how important a role focus and attentiveness plays. A primary task of leadership is to direct attention for ourselves and those we lead. At the same time, in today's world, paying attention is hard and sustaining attention in the face of distractions and anxiety is even harder. Listen as they discuss the simple but complex leadership principle in this conversation: We lead when we are able to focus our attention on what really matters and then help others to do the same in pursuit of a mission or task. Ann Kansfield, along with her wife Jennifer, serves as a pastor at Greenpoint Reform Church in Brooklyn, New York, and as a staff chaplain for the FDNY. Ann's journey, which you can read about in her book "Be the Brave One", inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and harness their innate potential. Key Takeaways: Links and Resources: Be the Brave One by Ann Kansfield Follow Ann Kansfield on Facebook Greenpoint Reformed Church

Join host Jim Herrington and Dr. Michael DeRuyter in an enlightening discussion as they uncover the delicate interplay between individuality and togetherness forces within leadership environments. Dr. DeRuyter is a distinguished expert in Bowen Family Systems Theory and leadership development, offers profound insights and practical strategies to help leaders and organizations understand the intricacies of group dynamics. Explore the impacts of these forces on decision-making, team dynamics, and organizational relationships, providing invaluable guidance for leaders in complex settings. With practical strategies for managing heightened togetherness and fostering open communication, leaders are empowered to cultivate an environment of trust and collaboration, propelling their teams toward collective success. Join us in unlocking the transformative potential of understanding and harnessing these vital forces, igniting a passion for resilient leadership and cohesive team synergy in any organizational setting. Key Takeaways: Embrace the Complex Dynamics of Individuality and Togetherness Heightened Anxiety and TogethernessStrive for BalanceImplement Effective Strategies Resources Mentioned: The Leader's Journey Website The Bowen Family Systems Theory

In this episode, Jim and Trisha talk with Chris Field, founder of Mercy Project, author, and speaker. They dive into the significance of systems thinking for leaders, emphasizing how it can address complex problems and instill hope within their organizations. Through his own journey, Chris highlights the value of long-term commitment, warns against the allure of quick fixes, and champions the enduring power of persistence. Chris's story underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of a problem before attempting to solve it. By identifying the root cause and working towards a sustainable solution, real and lasting change can be achieved. Whether it's tackling child trafficking or any other complex issue, the principles of systems thinking, persistence, and introspection are invaluable. "Transformation happens in years, not in days." - Chris Field Key Takeaways: Origin of Mercy ProjectUnderstanding the Real IssueSystems Thinking vs. Linear ThinkingPersistence –Chris's New Book: Resources Mentioned: Chris Field:meetchrisfield.com Disrupting for Good A Billion Hours of GoodMercy Project:The Leader's Journey:theleadersjourney.us

Leaders who rigorously practice rest and who learn to work from rest, not work for rest, move past performance and entitlement and can sustain healthy leadership for the long haul. This episode delves into the importance of rest, relaxation, and sabbaticals for everyone, especially leaders in various organizations. Rusty discusses the need for individuals and families to discern what true rest means to them and how they can creatively and collaboratively attain it, emphasizing the importance of connection, enjoyment, and minimizing distractions. Conversation Overview: True Rest:Individual Needs and Collaboration:Importance of Sabbaticals:Importance of Rest in Organizations:Ongoing Practice:Sabbatical Coaching and Resources Resources: Steadfast MinistriesThe Leader’s Journey

If we can’t or won’t engage conflict, we can’t lead effectively. It’s as simple as that. Fortunately, managing ourselves in conflict can be learned, unlearned and re-learned as we use conflict as a powerful opportunity for growth and change. We wrapped up part 1 with a question from Trisha, how do we manage ourselves and stay open hearted even when the other person isn't? That's where we'll pick up in this episode. And we'll also explore the fascinating world of internal family systems and helping the organizations that we're leading develop more capacity for managing conflict. About Our Guests: Heidi De Jonge lives in Ontario, Canada and has been an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church for 17 years–serving as pastor for congregations, a seminary, a university and health care. She also works in the area of conflict transformation as a restorative practitioner with FaithCARE and a trainer with The Colossian Forum. Heidi received her doctorate in ministry from Western Theological Seminary in 2018, studying and writing about conflict as an opportunity for discipleship and transformation. She and her husband, Tim, have three daughters (Naomi, Samara and Zoe, 12 to 16) and a beloved husky-lab named Nevada. Brian Keepers has been an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America for 22 years. He has served three different congregations in the midwest, and he is currently serving as the lead pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. He is married to Tammy (24 years this August) and they have two daughters–Emma who is 20 and Abby who is 15 years old. They also have a granddaughter named Luna who is 2 1/2 years old. Brian loves art, reading, being outdoors, spending time with people, and getting to be “Poppy” to his granddaughter. He also loves to learn, especially at the intersection of theology, psychology and leadership. Resources & Links: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable Christ the Center Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time Leading Through Conflict: How Successful Leaders Transform Differences into Opportunities

If we can’t or won’t engage conflict, we can’t lead effectively. It’s as simple as that. Fortunately, managing ourselves in conflict can be learned, unlearned and re-learned as we use conflict as a powerful opportunity for growth and change. Conversation Overview: About Our Guests: Heidi De Jonge lives in Ontario, Canada and has been an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church for 17 years–serving as pastor for congregations, a seminary, a university and health care. She also works in the area of conflict transformation as a restorative practitioner with FaithCARE and a trainer with The Colossian Forum. Heidi received her doctorate in ministry from Western Theological Seminary in 2018, studying and writing about conflict as an opportunity for discipleship and transformation. She and her husband, Tim, have three daughters (Naomi, Samara and Zoe, 12 to 16) and a beloved husky-lab named Nevada. Brian Keepers has been an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America for 22 years. He has served three different congregations in the midwest, and he is currently serving as the lead pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. He is married to Tammy (24 years this August) and they have two daughters–Emma who is 20 and Abby who is 15 years old. They also have a granddaughter named Luna who is 2 1/2 years old. Brian loves art, reading, being outdoors, spending time with people, and getting to be “Poppy” to his granddaughter. He also loves to learn, especially at the intersection of theology, psychology and leadership. Resources & Links: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable Christ the Center Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time Leading Through Conflict: How Successful Leaders Transform Differences into Opportunities

Welcome back to another episode of The Leader's Journey podcast. Today we're sharing one of our favorite episodes from 2019, Quit Getting In Your Own Way. This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of leadership and the often-overlooked reality that we can be our own biggest obstacles. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, this episode offers valuable insights into self-awareness and the power of understanding and unlearning our behaviors. We hope this conversation is helpful on your journey to get out of your own way Conversation Overview

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Chuck DeGroat to talk about the natural reactivity we have to anxiety. We’ve talked a lot about fight and flight, conflict and distancing, but we don’t always add two other instinctive reactions: freeze and fawn. We may aspire to peace-making but we often settle for peace keeping and people-pleasing. When we can see our fawn response, we can stop hiding and courageously choose genuine connection instead. Conversation Overview: Chuck's tweet that inspired this conversation References: Link to Chuck's TweetChuck Degroat Websitehttps://twitter.com/chuckdegroatJanina Fisher The Fifth Discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

We grow our emotional maturity when we see ourselves and our relationships as part of creation and stay in touch with the natural world around us. Conversation overview: Links: Steven Chase called Nature A Spiritual PracticeiNaturalistSeek App "To make a prairie" by Emily DicksonThe Peace of Wild Things Written and read by Wendell Berry