Leading Ideas Talks

Podcast Episode 182 What makes people feel like they truly matter in your church? In a season where many are disengaging from church life, how can leaders help people feel truly seen and valued? In this episode, Jonathan Page talks with Zach Mercurio about his book The Power of Mattering, and how simple, everyday interactions [...]

Podcast Episode 181 This is part two of Loving Across the Divide: Conversations on Christian Nationalism. Part one is available here. In part two of the conversation on Christian Nationalism, Karen Stewart speaks with Caleb Campbell and Rachel Williams about the challenges of political and cultural division, exploring how Christians can navigate fractured communities with [...]

Podcast Episode 180 In a cultural moment marked by deep division and difficult conversations, this episode steps into one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics shaping faith communities across the United States: Christian nationalism. Host Karen Stewart invites listeners not to turn away from the discomfort, but to lean in—with curiosity, compassion, and [...]

Podcast Episode 179 How do we lead faithfully in a world that’s changing faster than the church ever expected? In this episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Karen Stewart, a seasoned ministry leader and Project Director at the HUB for Re-imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Together, they reflect on Karen’s 30-plus years [...]

Podcast Episode 178 What happens when you look at the American church from the outside? In this episode we sit down with missiologist Taylor Walters Denyer to explore what the U.S. church can learn from its global siblings. From community-based discipleship practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to re-centering mission as the foundation [...]

Podcast Episode 177 What becomes possible when churches learn to see relationships—not programs—as their greatest resource? In this podcast episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Angie Williams from the non-profit training organization Open Table and Audrey Smith about community convening, social capital, and re-embedding the church in the life of its community. Listen on Apple [...]

Podcast Episode 176 What does the future of church leadership look like? In this episode, new Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page joins Wesley Theological Seminary President David McAllister-Wilson and Dean Carla Works for an engaging conversation on leading with creativity, collaboration, and purpose. Together, they explore how the church can move beyond old models, embrace [...]

Podcast Episode 175 How can churches spark a more authentic youth ministry? In this episode, Kristin Franke, Director of Youth and Family Ministries at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, describes what good youth ministry looks like today and how church and lay leaders can better welcome and include youth as part of the congregation. [...]

Podcast Episode 174 In this episode, Michael Lamb introduces The Arts of Leading, a book exploring how the humanities offer essential insights into leadership. He argues that leadership is a liberal art, and he highlights lessons from unsung leaders, the performing arts, and biblical figures like Moses. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube The Arts [...]

Podcast Episode 173 How can churches engage men in challenging cultural norms of masculinity? In this episode we speak with Sean Harvey, founder of Warrior Compassion Institute. He empowers faith communities to engage men by fostering spaces of vulnerability, curiosity, and connection—meeting men where they are, while challenging cultural norms of masculinity with compassion and [...]

Podcast Episode 172 How can a struggling congregation be transformed into a thriving multicultural ministry center? In this episode co-pastors Beth and Nelson Neil share how Culmore Church was transformed through shared space, mutual respect, creative collaboration, and intentional relationships. Their story demonstrates how transparency, flexibility, and mission alignment can revitalize ministry and serve as [...]

Podcast Episode 171 How can bivocational ministers and the congregations they serve thrive? In this conversation, Kris Bentley redefines bivocational ministry beyond traditional models, emphasizing shared leadership, congregational adaptability, and spiritual sustainability. She encourages both pastors and congregations to embrace bivocational ministry as a thriving, collaborative model of God’s call, rooted in sufficiency, creativity, and [...]

Podcast Episode 170 What are the current church giving and worship attendance trends? In this conversation, Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent [...]

Podcast Episode 169 What should congregations consider when launching a social venture? In this insightful conversation, Jaleesa Hall shares how Raising A Village grew from a college initiative into a thriving nonprofit serving underserved children and families in Washington, D.C. She offers church leaders practical guidance on launching social ventures, emphasizing discernment, sustainable capacity-building, and [...]

Podcast Episode 168 How can church leaders cultivate generosity in marginalized communities? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Carlos Perkins who emphasizes that many Black, Latinx, and Hispanic congregations have been historically generous, despite limited resources. The conversation explores the importance of defining generosity, reflecting on personal beliefs about money, and how faith leaders [...]

Podcast Episode 167 How can preachers overcome writers block? In this episode, William Willimon shares insights for pastors preaching during Holy Week. He discusses his book Changing My Mind, reflecting on how his views on preaching have evolved over five decades of ministry. Willimon shares insights into his sermon-writing process and underscores the necessity of [...]

Podcast Episode 166 Do you lead a small church? In this episode Allen Stanton shares how small congregations can be surprisingly nimble in the face of change and effective in spiritual formation because of their inherently relational nature. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Read in-depth interview The Gift of Small: Embracing Your Church’s Vocation [...]

Podcast Episode 165 What shifts are needed for congregations to be future-ready? Adelle Banks reflects on the evolving nature of church hospitality, social justice, technology, and vitality. She highlights innovative approaches that foster belonging, authentic community, and discipleship in a rapidly changing world. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Becoming a Future-Ready Church: 8 Shifts [...]

Podcast Episode 164 How can church leaders overcome burnout? In this episode, Callie Swanlund discusses her book, From Weary to Wholehearted, exploring burnout and its unique challenges. She introduces the SPARK practice—Soma, Preparation, Awe, Retreat, and Kinship—as a holistic approach to overcoming ministry burnout. Callie emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout signs, creating supportive environments [...]

Podcast Episode 163 Connecting with people and helping them grow as disciples requires a new playbook and a new way of leading. Stephen Handy shares how his Nashville church is reaching and discipling people in unchurchy ways by getting to know their neighbors, forging new missional partnerships, and focusing intentionally on relationships. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify [...]

Podcast Episode 162 How can congregations faithfully engage in ministry with Millennials and Gen Z? In this episode, Dexter Nutall shares how New Bethel Church engages these generations. The church fosters belonging, social justice, and leadership, creating a welcoming and impactful community for young people. Listen on Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify Watch on YouTube Read in-depth interview Related [...]