Mindful Leader

Dennis Shaw: Beyond the Hammer -- Expanding Your Leadership Toolkit

Welcome to the Mindful Leader podcast, hosted by Dennis Shaw. In this episode, Dennis explores the importance of diversifying your leadership toolkit beyond the single 'hammer' approach. Emphasizing adaptability, he shares insights from his military and pastoral leadership experiences, highlighting the value of using personal education and experience to empower both laity and clergy in local church settings.
Dennis discusses the transition of the podcast focus from resource management to a broader perspective on leadership, with a particular emphasis on humility and self-awareness. He reflects on his own journey and the significance of being a 'jack-of-all-trades' in leadership to effectively tackle various challenges using carpentry to plumbing and beyond as leadership metaphors.
The episode also covers plans for the future of the Mindful Leader podcast, including increasing the frequency of episodes, incorporating more lay voices, and exploring topics beyond the Methodist tradition to engage a wider audience. Dennis invites listeners to share the podcast with others in their community and talks about the evolving landscape of podcast consumption and platforms.
Dennis email is HERE.  Texting to 801-889-7013 is welcome (Podcast mentions "clicking" but could not get it to work).  Text please. 
The Rest is History is HERE and the link is to Apple.  Excellent Podcast.  

Rob Abbott: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield

Welcome to Mindful Leader with your host, Dennis Shaw.
In this episode, we're delving into leadership from a military perspective, featuring insights from Rob Abbott, a retired Marine and licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg, and two of his students -- pastors, Jeremiah Harris and Bryson Lilly. They share their experiences in leadership development through immersive battlefield staff rides, uncovering valuable lessons on trust, communication, and self-awareness.
Discover how history, particularly significant Civil War battles like Gettysburg and Antietam, becomes a powerful tool for teaching modern leadership skills. Our guests highlight the importance of understanding "the why" behind leadership actions, fostering trust within an organization, and developing a fingertip feel for effective decision-making.
Whether you're in a corporate setting or leading a church community, these transferable skills and principles will help you build a more complete leadership toolbelt. Listen for practical advice on becoming a better leader and ensuring meaningful integration of leadership teachings into real-world applications.
Information on the Gettysburg Foundation Leadership Development program is HERE.  
Questions on their experiences can be sent to Bryson HERE and Jeremiah HERE.  
Comments for Dennis can be sent HERE.  
Our next podcast will be January 13, 2025.  

Mandy McDow: Paving Paradise at Los Angeles First UMC

Join Dennis Shaw on this episode of Mindful Leader as he engages in a compelling conversation with Amanda McDow, pastor at Los Angeles First United Methodist Church. Explore the unique challenges and creative solutions involved in leading a church without a traditional building in urban Los Angeles.
Mandy shares her experiences and the progressive vision of LA First, highlighting innovative approaches to ministry that adapt to the diverse needs of the community. Learn about the congregation's efforts in providing ministry and support in unconventional spaces and the significant impact they are making without a permanent structure.
This episode delves into the importance of understanding and aligning with the values of a community, navigating expectations, and fostering inclusivity in faith leadership.
Dennis can be reached via email HERE.  

Al Strauss: Church Space and Modern Ministry

Welcome to the latest episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw. Join us for an insightful conversation with Al Strauss as we explore the changing landscape of church leadership and the importance of adapting to modern challenges. Al shares his thoughts on the financial pressures facing churches today, including rising insurance costs and the need for strategic property management.Gain a deeper understanding of how churches can rejuvenate their mission by focusing on ministry rather than maintaining outdated buildings. Discover inspiring examples of churches successfully transforming their spaces to better serve their communities, and learn how this shift can lead to a more sustainable future.Dive into leadership strategies that can help churches navigate these complex issues, ensuring their ministry remains vibrant and relevant in an ever-evolving world. Join us as we discuss the intersection of tradition, renewal, and innovation in church leadership.

Ryan Canaday: Embracing Recovery in a Journey of Hope and Community

Join host Dennis Shaw on Mindful Leader as he engages in a profound conversation with Ryan Canaday, an elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Ryan shares his transformative journey from darkness to recovery, revealing how his personal struggles with addiction led him to create a welcoming space for those seeking healing and hope.
Through Free Recovery Community, Ryan provides a sanctuary for addicts, their loved ones, and spiritual refugees, offering a path to redemption and connection with God.
In this episode, Dennis and Ryan explore the importance of reaching out to those in need, breaking the stigma around addiction, and the role of churches in supporting recovery efforts.
Ryan's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the belief that we are all in this together.
Tune in to discover how embracing our scars can lead to a more compassionate and inclusive ministry, embodying the teachings of Jesus in today's world.
Share this Podcast with others if it speaks to your heart.  
Ryan's Ministry is found HERE.  
You can reach Dennis HERE.  

Rebekah Simon-Peter: Believe Like Jesus

Welcome to the latest episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. This episode dives into a profound discussion with Rebecca Simon-Peter, also an elder in the Mountain Sky Conference, about her upcoming book, "Believe Like Jesus," released on November 4th, 2024.
Rebecca shares her insights on the concept of apostleship, inviting listeners to move from discipleship to apostleship by believing like Jesus, not just in Him. Through an engaging conversation, she explores how this shift in belief can empower individuals to achieve greater things in partnership with God, emphasizing the inseparable unity between humanity and divinity.
The episode also touches on Rebecca's work in ministry through Rebecca Simon-Peter Coaching and Consulting, and her program, Creating a Culture of Renewal, which aims to transform local churches. Join us as we explore the rich themes of unity, faith, and leadership, and discover how to apply these concepts in your own spiritual journey.
Here are some tools to help you find out more about Rebekah and her ministries:  
Rebekah’s website
Creating a Culture of Renewal®
Purchase Believe Like Jesus 

Bishop Karen Oliveto: Grace Under Pressure

In this episode of "Mindful Leader," host Dennis Shaw engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bishop Karen Oliveto, reflecting on her transformative journey as the first openly LGBTQ bishop in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Oliveto shares insights into the challenges and triumphs faced during her tenure, highlighting the pivotal moments surrounding marriage equality and the evolving understanding of LGBTQ inclusion within the church.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the seismic shifts that occurred post-General Conference 2019 and how the church community responded to the controversial decisions made. Bishop Oliveto candidly discusses the personal and professional tolls she experienced and the resilience required to lead amidst adversity.
Tune in to explore the themes of grace, love, and community as Bishop Oliveto and Dennis Shaw navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive church. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and the strength found in shared experiences.
Dennis can be reached via email at dennis@mantuan.org

Kristi Kinnison: Endowments -- Trust that Endures

(Words that are bold and underlined are hyperlinks to something whiz bang.)
My conversation this podcast is with Kristi Kinnison, the Executive Director of the Methodists Helping Methodists Foundation.  Kristi has a fourteenth anniversary as the Executive Director this month (October, 2024).  Her earlier Mindful Leader podcast was a joyful ode to Wesleyanism (HERE.) and, as of October 2, 2024, it was the most listened to Podcast on ML.
Kristi can be reached from resources HERE.  
We mention a national foundation "type" Board Kristi was/is on and that is HERE.  
I am trying to do two podcasts a month.  Life is a little complicated right now, but if you have any thoughts -- my email is dennis@mantuan.org and I welcome email.  Fire away!
If you desire a transcript, send me a note and I will get you a PDF.  

Zach and Dennis: The Role of the Annual Conference

My guest, Zach Bechtold, Pastor at Bozeman UMC and I talk about the potential role of the "Conference" in the UMC.  
The Annual Conference is a component part of the structure of the United Methodist Church.  Mountain Sky Conference is vast in geography:  all of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and one county in Idaho. I posit, that besides it administrative role, it should also be the key developer of leadership, lay and clergy, in our area.
Draft paper I mention in the show is HERE.  Those that have heard me speak at Annual Conference are probably not surprised that I am a believer when it comes in the positive net benefit from the conference.  
My conversation with Co-Lay Leader Gayla Jo Slauson is HERE and my conversation with District Superintendent Mark Calhoun is HERE. (I do put a "chapter" mark at about 37 minutes and again at 38:22 to see if I could help you find his thoughts.)
Zach has his own, excellent, podcast -- Bearded Theologians.  
 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Mindful Leader

This is a quick biography and theological exposition of the German Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer:  1906 to 1945.  Such a short life with so much good crammed into it.  
A movie about his life is coming out in November and the 80th anniversary of his execution by the Nazis will be in April, 2025.  
HERE is a 15 minute "play" I performed using DB's words to create how he might have reflected on his life as he awaited execution.  It is of course, midrash.