Mindful Leader

Dr. George Thompson Explores Church Leadership at the Edge of Somewhere!

 

Welcome to the Mindful Leader podcast hosted by Dennis Shaw, a retired elder from the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. This episode, features Dr. George Thompson, and we focus on leadership development in local churches. Dr. Thompson shares insights from his extensive experience and his book Church on the Edge of Somewhere. exploring the dynamics of church identity, leadership, and the societal influences on congregations.

(The grid that Dennis and Dr. Thompson discuss is shown at the bottom of these show notes.) 

Through engaging dialogue, Dr. Thompson and Dennis discuss the significance of understanding congregations as distinct entities, and how leaders can navigate the complexities of church dynamics. The conversation delves into adaptive leadership, empathetic marginality, and the importance of moving beyond conventional paradigms to inspire meaningful change.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how churches can balance inner commitments with external challenges, explore innovative approaches to congregational leadership, and appreciate the rich, diverse expressions of faith within different community contexts. Join us for an enriching dialogue aimed at empowering church leaders and fostering transformation in today's ever-evolving world.

A link to the book we discussed is HERE. 

Transcript link is HERE.  

Unrelated to this particular podcast, I promised several months ago to share podcasts that animated me, and HERE is a great one on To Kill a Mockingbird.

Dennis email is HERE (and some Podcast services block it out.  It is found HERE if they have blocked it and the HERE at the start of this is not linking.  ).  

The grid we discuss in the show and mentioned above is below ...  

Empowering Local Churches: Leadership Development 101

In this episode, we  delve into the theme of improving the capacity of local churches, using the UMC Mountain Sky Conference as a case study.

This is a continuation in part of a conversation Zach and I had in September (HERE).

Please share if this resonates with you!

Joined by guests Gayla Jo Slauson (Mountain Sky Co-Lay Leader), Mark Calhoun (Wyoming District Superintendent), and Zach Bechtold (Pastor, Bozeman (MT) UMC), the conversation explores how church dynamics can be a mix of tradition and innovation. Zach hosts the discussion and I join the panel for discussion.  We share insights into leadership roles, with a focus on collaborative opportunities and how lay-led churches can grow and thrive. A continuation to work on clearly emerges.  

The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of church management, like finances and resources, and the importance of keeping focus amid distractions. With perspectives from both rural and urban churches, the panelists discuss the challenges and opportunities within church communities, emphasizing the necessity of a clear mission and vision. The episode highlights the vital need for clarity and adaptability in navigating the complex landscape of modern church life.

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 to the positive net benefit from the conference.  

An earlier conversation with Gayla Jo is HERE and Mark is HERE.

Zach co-hosts his own Podcast -- Bearded Theologians.  It is excellent!  

Dennis email is HERE.(Some podcast services do not allow email addresses to be linked.  I don't know why. Dennis at mantuan dot org ... 

Transcript is HERE.  Note:  It doesn't do a good job of making a distinction between Mark and Gayla Jo (and yes, odd.)  I have sent a note to the service.  

The Reinhards: Faith, Fitness, and A Holistic Approach to Wellness

(Note:  Look in the links below for a bonus episode:  the entire, unedited interview.  Excellent Resource!)

Welcome to Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw and focused on helping lay and clergy leadership in the local church.  

In this episode, we delve into the realm of health and wellness with guests Steve and Tracy Reinhard. Steve, retired United Methodist Clergy, and Tracy, a Certified Health Coach, join forces to foster greater well-being among individuals and communities.

The episode explores the potential influence of church leadership on promoting health, emphasizing the importance of leaders embodying vitality and progress. Steve shares his journey from retirement to renewed energy, inspired by a holistic health approach, shedding light on the scriptural grounding of self-care.

Tracy discusses the transformation achievable through cultivating foundational health habits. Her personal success story underscores the life-changing impact of embracing lifestyle changes over mere dieting. Together, they stress the significance of a healthy mindset, learning to nurture oneself, and reshaping habits to enhance overall life quality.

This insightful conversation navigates the interplay between community support, personal accountability, and mindful leadership, aiming to inspire listeners toward sustainable changes and a fulfilling, abundant life.

Note:Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.

 

** Helpful Links **

A bonus episode for this is HERE.  It is the entire hour plus interview.  An excellent resource for more detail and help.  Both the edited version and the unedited interview are excellent resources.  

A Transcript of this podcast is HERE.  

Tracy mentions two books by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson.  Habits of Health and Lifebook.  

Steve mentions a book by Jim Dethmer and others:  HERE.

An earlier Mindful Leader episode with Ryan Canaday and the effect of alcohol is HERE.  An episode where Dennis talks about a more complete tool belt is HERE.  

Tracy email is HERE. 

Dennis email is HERE.  

OPTAVIA makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with OPTAVIA results from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Please see the OPTAVIA Income Disclosure Statement (HERE) for statistics on actual earnings of Coaches.

Steve and Tracy Reinhard Bonus Episode

This is a Bonus episode.  

It is the "unedited" version of Steve, Tracy and my conversation on health, wellness and biblical principles on Mindful Leader.

Rich!  A deep and worthwhile dive!

Note:Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.

 OPTAVIA makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with OPTAVIA results from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Please see the OPTAVIA Income Disclosure Statement (https://optavia.me/IDS) for statistics on actual earnings of Coaches.

The edited version is HERE.  

Dr. Bruce Birch: Sing the Lord's Song in a New Land

(Normal release for this Podcast is Mondays.  I generally post it when it is ready, usually a few days before Mondays.  Note:  it can be shared. A reward to subscribers and those looking for the podcast on their service. A transcript is HERE. The Transcript Service provides the recording, so if you desire, you can listen while you read. (I won't get a count of you logging on, but ... ))

Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, in a compelling conversation with Dr. Bruce Birch, retired Dean Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

In this episode, they delve into the profound theme of exile as depicted in the Bible and its relevance to today's world. Dr. Birch's expertise in Old Testament and Biblical Theology sheds light on the historical and emotional aspects of exile. He explores how the concept of exile has molded responses in times of crisis, offering hope and a path to renewal.

Through stories from the Biblical era to modern-day challenges, Dr. Birch discusses the importance of turning towards God's new paths, embracing change, and finding new ways to sing the Lord’s song amidst adversity. Whether you are part of a faith community or navigating your personal journey, discover the lessons of resilience, creativity, and community in times of loss and transformation. This engaging dialogue examines how the faithful can find strength and purpose when the familiar is uprooted, encouraging us all to look forward to God's new future beyond nostalgia.

**** Some Potential Links of Value ****

Amanda McDow is the Pastor at Los Angeles First United Methodist and they are singing a new song.  Mindful Leader Podcast is HERE.  

Here is Jonathon Haidt on a different topic than I promised and it is good.  I refund your subscription price if you don't like it!  

The real Haidt talk I am referring to in my conversation with Dr. Birch is HERE -- it is a TED Talk from 2012.  Quite good I felt.  

Next week I expect the Podcast to be on church leadership on health and wellness.  One of the guests is Tracy Reinhard and HERE is a YouTube video of her story.  

Dennis email is HERE.

Bruce Birch Trailer: Finding Meaning in Times of Exile

Join host Dennis Shaw on the Mindful Leader podcast as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bruce Birch, retired Dean Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary. Together, they delve into the concept of exile and its impact across generations.

Bruce Birch shares profound insights on the challenges faced when familiar foundations of life are questioned. Through this dialogue, listeners are invited to reflect on the resilience needed to navigate these "exile times."

The entire PODCAST is HERE and on your podcast service.  

Brandon Harris: Navigating Our Faith Towards Generosity

Welcome to this episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw.  

The episode features Brandon Harris, the Chief Operating Officer at Generis. Brandon shares his unique journey from studying engineering to embracing a call to ministry, and how his path eventually led him to a leadership role at Generis.

Throughout the discussion, Brandon elaborates on Generis' mission to assist churches with stewardship and generosity, helping them fund their visions effectively. He explains how his personal experiences in ministry revealed the importance of discussions around faith and money, underscoring the integral role of generosity in discipleship.

Brandon offers insight into overcoming challenges in leadership, emphasizing the value of community and connection among church leaders. By shifting from scarcity to a mindset of generosity, church communities can unlock greater potential and drive impactful change, ensuring a vibrant and mission-focused future.

(The words HERE below that are bold and underlined are hyperlinks carrying you somewhere safe.).

Brandon's email at Genesis is HERE and his LinkedIn page is HERE. The Generis website is HERE.  

You can reach Dennis via email HERE.  His own LinkedIn page is HERE.

Dennis regularly listens to The Rest is History Podcast. HERE is a timely episode for MLK, Jr remembrance.  Enjoy!

Peace and Grace!

 

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.