American pastors want things fast, large, and famous... but the kingdom of God comes slowly, in small and mostly unrecognized ways." In this paradigm-shifting conversation, Dr. Michael W. Goheen challenges our deeply held assumptions about church growth and success. Through the story of a remarkable turnaround in a dying congregation, Goheen demonstrates what happens when a church stops chasing quick fixes and begins to question its cultural captivity to growth metrics. Join hosts Dwight Zscheil...
Nov 21, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 104
How do you build authentic church community from scratch? In this inspiring episode of the Pivot Podcast, pioneer lay minister Fiona Mayne shares her remarkable journey from financial advisor to church planter, demonstrating how simple, organic steps can create a thriving Christian community. Fiona reveals practical strategies for church community building that anyone can implement—starting with nothing more than a willingness to listen and engage. From hosting community barbecues to creating we...
Nov 14, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 103
In this thought-provoking episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a fresh perspective on political theology and how churches can navigate our politically polarized landscape. Introducing the concept of "Sabbath politics," Dr. Lawrence challenges us to reimagine the church's role in society, shifting from a posture of control to one of trust in God's rule. Drawing insights from his study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the early chapters ...
Nov 07, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 102
This Reformation Day, join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton for a transformative conversation with the Rev. Dr. Mark Tranvik, professor of Reformation history and theology at Luther Seminary. Explore how Martin Luther's revolutionary insights from the Protestant Reformation can breathe new life into 21st-century ministry and address the challenges facing today's church. Dr. Tranvik unpacks key Reformation concepts like grace, vocation, and Christian freedom, revealing their surprising relev...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 101
In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive deep into the world of church planting with Nick Warnes, founder and executive director of Cyclical Incorporated. Nick shares his expertise on developing leaders for new Christian communities, challenging traditional notions of what it means to start a church. From discernment processes to financial sustainability, from adapting to diverse contexts to embracing a truly missional approach, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone i...
Oct 24, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 100
Dive into the evolving world of church planting with expert Len Tang in this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast. Len, director of the Fuller Church Planting Initiative, unpacks the latest trends and strategies in church planting that are reshaping how we approach ministry in the 21st century. Discover why church planting is more crucial than ever and how it serves as the R&D wing of the church. Len shares insights on: Diverse models of church planting for different contexts The rise...
Oct 17, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 99
In this enlightening episode of the Pivot Podcast, Westina Matthews, a spiritual director with a background in Wall Street, challenges our understanding of contemplative practices. Hosts Dwight Shiley and Alicia Granholm explore Westina's unique journey and her innovative approach to integrating contemplative living into our fast-paced world. Westina offers a fresh perspective on contemplative practices, expanding beyond traditional methods to include diverse activities that foster spiritual con...
Oct 10, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 98
Explore innovative church fundraising ideas in this inspiring episode of the Pivot Podcast. Hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton sit down with Grace Pomroy, director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary and author of "Funding Forward," and Pastor Christina Ennin from First Presbyterian Church in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Discover how churches can transform underutilized assets into sustainable income sources while deepening community connections. Grace and Christina share practical...
Oct 03, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 97
Discover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of "The Scandal of Leadership," Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth. Learn about the four spaces of belonging, understand the hidden powers influencing church leadership, and gain insights on how to lead your congregation into a more faithful future. ...
Sep 26, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 96
In this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book "Embracing the Mixed Ecology," offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world. Discover how Fresh Expressions are breathing new life into the church landscape as part of a broader "mixed ecology" of min...
Sep 19, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 95
Fresh Expressions are revolutionizing how we think about and do church in the 21st century. In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Rev. Drs. Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton welcome the Rev. Dr. Eliseo Mejia, a pioneering voice in the Fresh Expressions movement and director of Expressiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions North America. Eliseo unpacks the concept of Fresh Expressions, sharing inspiring examples like "Churros y Chocolate" gatherings and dinner churches that are reachi...
Sep 12, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 94
In this compelling follow-up episode, the Pivot Podcast dives deeper into the heart of church leadership and innovation. Dr. Andy Root, Dr. Michael Binder, and Dr. Dwight Zscheile challenge prevailing notions about church growth and effectiveness, proposing a radical shift in approach. Could the key to revitalizing ministry be found in doing less, waiting on God, and embracing uncertainty? Explore why slowing down might be the most innovative step a church can take, how to redefine growth beyond...
Sep 05, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 93
Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today's changing religious landscape? In this episode (first in a two-part discussion), we dive deep into the concept of "innovation" in church contexts, exploring whether it's a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission. Dr. Andrew Root offers a critical perspective on adopting business-world trends, while the Rev Dr. Michael Binder and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile present a case for "faithful innov...
Aug 29, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 92
In episode 91 of the Pivot podcast, hosts Dr. Terri Elton and Dr. Dwight Zscheile talk with the Rev. Canon Dave Male, a pioneering leader in innovative ministry across the UK. They explore the vital task of forming disciples in today's rapidly changing culture and how we can bear faithful witness to the gospel. Dave shares his journey in establishing Fresh Expressions of church within the Church of England, discussing the challenges and opportunities of working within traditional church structur...
Aug 22, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 91
In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton welcome the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, who shares his experiences leading a church in Ferguson, Missouri during times of racial unrest. Willis offers a practical guide on how churches can actively engage in justice work, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, local relevance, and concrete action. Listeners will discover how to "hold up their corner" in community transformation and why new expressions of f...
Aug 15, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 90
In this timely episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile tackle the challenging intersection of faith and politics with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza, a Luther scholar and expert in Christian ethics. As the United States faces a divisive election season, Anthony offers a grounding historical perspective and practical wisdom for church leaders navigating these turbulent waters. Explore how churches can foster meaningful political dialogue without falli...
Aug 08, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 89
Pastoral burnout is a silent epidemic in church leadership. In this crucial episode of the Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Rev. Nicole Bullock, a church planter, ministry innovator, and program director of Faith+Lead’s Seeds Fellowship. Nicole courageously shares her personal struggles with burnout and offers practical wisdom for sustainable ministry. This episode tackles real challenges facing today's pastors, from setting boundaries without guilt to redefining success in leadership. Nicole dis...
Aug 01, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 88
In this compelling episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive into the emerging importance of lay leadership in today's church. Our guest, Faith+Lead’s School for Lay Ministry alum Vicki Elfers, shares her inspiring journey from behind-the-scenes church secretary to dynamic lay minister, now preaching, leading Bible studies, and even conducting funerals. Hosts Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Alicia Granholm explore how Vicki's story exemplifies a crucial pivot in church leadership—from clergy-led to...
Jul 25, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 87
In this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast, internationally recognized spiritual formation expert Mark Scandrette shares his journey of reimagining practical discipleship for the 21st century. Mark introduces the concept of the "Jesus Dojo," a revolutionary approach to hands-on, experiential faith formation. He shares powerful examples of practical experiments in following Jesus, including a radical approach to simplicity and generosity. Hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and Rev. Dr. Dwight Zsc...
Jul 18, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 86
In this thought-provoking episode of Pivot, hosts Rev. Dr. Terri Elton, Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, and Dr. Alicia Granholm dive into the shifting landscape of church leadership. They explore the growing trend towards lay-led, clergy-supported ministry models and what this means for both clergy and congregations. Drawing on real-life examples and listener questions, the conversation covers topics such as empowering lay leaders, redefining clergy roles, fostering ecumenical cooperation, and navigat...
Jul 11, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 85
In this enlightening episode of the Pivot podcast, hosts the Rev. Dr. Terri Elton and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile explore the concept of beloved community with the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care. Stephanie shares powerful insights on how churches can foster authentic, loving communities in the face of today's challenges. Drawing from her own spiritual journey and extensive ministry experience, Step...
Jul 02, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 84
Explore the power of Christian authenticity in discipleship with Yolanda Solomon, author of "Discipleship as Holy Collaboration," in this compelling Pivot podcast episode. Yolanda shares her journey from skeptic to passionate disciple-maker, offering insights for church leaders seeking to foster genuine faith in a world craving sincerity. Discover practical strategies for cultivating authentic Christian living, from reframing discipleship as an invitation to divine delight to creating transparen...
Jun 27, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 83
In this compelling Pivot podcast episode, pastor, church planter, scholar, and justice advocate Inés Velasquez-McBryde joins hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and Rev. Dr. Terri Elton to dive deep into the biblical roots of justice. Through eye-opening stories and practical insights, Inés illuminates what biblical justice looks like, from the prophetic voices of the Old Testament to Jesus' own embodiment of God's heart for the marginalized. Whether you're planting a new church, innovating in your curren...
Jun 20, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 82
How can church leaders introduce change and new spiritual practices in resistant congregations? In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Jinna Jin shares stories, strategies, and encouragement for overwhelmed pastors. As an experienced church consultant and professor, Jinna discusses why commitment to spiritual practices is essential for discerning God's leading in a rapidly changing culture. She shares how practices like dwelling in the Word slowly transformed leaders in one church, and why th...
Jun 13, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 81
In this episode of the Pivot podcast, the Rev. Clara King, an Anglican priest and researcher who has worked extensively with small, rural churches in the Anglican Church of Canada, shares her wisdom and hope for a church that equips and empowers laypeople to step into their God-given callings. Starting with her experience working with congregations on the margins, Clara makes the case that the "edges" of the church are actually the center of innovation and renewal, modeling the shifts that all c...
Jun 06, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 80
How can the life and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, inspire and challenge church leaders today? In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Katie Langston talk with Tripp Fuller about Bonhoeffer's enduring legacy and its relevance for the church in a polarized and rapidly changing cultural context. They discuss how Bonhoeffer's experiences engaging with different cultures shaped his understanding of the gospel, his emph...
May 30, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 79
All your questions answered in this Q&A session about making space for reflection, leading people who are in conflict during an election year, and the essence of Biblical discipleship. Questions that listeners asked include: * Q1: “I always have such good intentions for making the most of the summer to take time to not just be busy doing the ministry, but to be intentional about spending time praying and thinking about my ministry. But then I get super busy. Any suggestions for how I could a...
May 23, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 78
People are still spiritually curious, passionate, and committed today even while many are leaving traditional churches. Watch this pivot podcast episode with Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Andy Root to dive deep into the intersection of Christian faith and our secular age. In today’s pivot podcast episode, we are taking a deeper dive into the transformation or displacement of sacred impulses and rituals onto secular sources during this secular age. Listen to this whole episode to hear what insights...
May 16, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 77
More pastors are taking coaching courses and loving the impact on their congregation. Watch this pivot podcast episode to learn what coaching is, how it’s different from other models of leadership training and why it can be so impactful for church leaders. In today’s pivot podcast episode, we are interviewing Faith+Lead’s Director of Coaching, Dawn Alitz. Here’s what we mean by coaching: the practice of listening, helping people name their core challenges, discovering solutions to those challeng...
May 09, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 76
Wondering how to have good conversations about your Christian faith with neighbors and friends who aren’t Christian? Many of us can think of examples of how not to do this. But how can we do it lovingly, faithfully, and respectfully? Church leaders often ask us, “how can I help people in my congregation have good spiritual conversations with their neighbors?." Watch this Pivot podcast interview to learn from an artist and evangelist working in New York City among secular artists as well as a chu...
May 02, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 75
