Mindful Leader

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!

 

Episode 1 -- A Mindful Interview with Angela Thomas

Angela Thomas is the Chief Financial Officer for the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Steeped in the local church, conferences and the private sector, Angela brings wisdom and experience to her financial leadership.  

Don't hesitate to send me a note at dennis at mantuan dog org if you have any comments you wish to share with me, or just need help getting a regular feed on this brand new podcast.  

Episode Zero -- Introduction

I am (or was) a musician, marathoner (Boston in 1988), military officer, math modeler, and (United) Methodist Pastor.  At times, I am a muse.  That is an eclectic background and it leads me, humbly I hope, to think of myself as a Renaissance Person:  Mantua Italy claims the Renaissance started there.  It works.  

I have degrees in Music, Business (Quantitative Methods -- don't ask!), Divinity and Church Leadership.  

I have been a leader in various venues and activities since 1968 while still in college.  Growing in leadership is something that I have taken, and still take, very seriously.  

This re-branding, re-purposing of my podcast will initially focus on financial leadership within the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist and, hopefully, her local churches.  It will not stay there.  

In the beginning, for the first couple of months or so, I will not have a schedule for release.  Once I get my sea legs, I expect to produce a new podcast either weekly or every other week.  We'll see.  

When ChatGPT was asked "what is a mindful leader", this was the response (Italics and font modifications are mine, not ChatGPT):  

1. A mindful leader is someone who practices mindfulness in their leadership style. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindful leaders cultivate a deep awareness of themselves and their surroundings, which enables them to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and create a positive work environment.
2. Mindful leadership involves being fully present in interactions with employees, listening actively, and paying attention to nonverbal cues. It also involves being aware of one's own emotions and managing them in a constructive manner, as well as being attuned to the emotions of others and responding appropriately.
3. A mindful leader is also open to learning and growth, and encourages their employees to do the same. They prioritize the well-being of their employees and foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration.
4. Overall, a mindful leader is someone who leads with authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness, and who prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team.

I frankly think that forms a superb intellectual framework for how I might proceed. Authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness are excellent values for any leader.  

My overall purpose is sharing.  

Transfiguration Sunday -- Jesus Revealed in our Valleys

 

The Transfiguration Text from Luke.  I felt a number of weeks ago that focusing on the valley experience was where the Holy Spirit was carrying me (us?).  There is a good bit of pain at this church over the recent General Conference.  I have tried the last several weeks to minimize direct discussion of General Conference, and focus more on implied elements.  This day, I felt a direct discussion was in order.  All I can tell anyone is that I agonized over what to say, and this is what God provided me.  

This is from 9:00 AM.  I may also do the 10:30 service, which was a little longer.  

Epiphany + 1 -- Listening Gently

Receiving the Holy Spirit – Gentleness

 Primary Text that I will read:  Luke 3:15-22 – Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.

 Marilyn White and Claudine Haight reporting on the mission trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Marilyn during her report on the mission trip to San Juan will, in part, address the need for helpers in that kind of role to be respectfully gentle in relationships.  We don’t show up and say “this is what you must do” and when presented with road blocks and problems, keeping them informed as to what is going on conveys a gentleness of spirit that I think Paul is driving at in his Fruits in Galatians. 

Epiphany -- Listening Generously

Ephesians 3: 1-13

Liturgical material for the service developed by Kerry Greenhill, Sacred Stones.  

1 Kings -- God Speaks in a Small Still Voice, and Galatians 5 -- fruits of the Spirit.  Today the fruit is generosity.