What would you say about the power of being a learning leader? In this episode, we focus on the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset for Christ-centered leaders.  Join us for Episode 189 to explore how each of these characteristics can show up in Christ-centered leaders and what you may need to consider to continue becoming a learning leader.  Carol Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University, studies achievement and success. What she found was that people who have a fixed mindset believe that their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talent, are fixed traits. You have a certain ability and can’t grow beyond that fixed state. In other words, what you have is what you've got. Change isn’t going to happen - no matter how hard you try.  In a growth mindset, people understand that their talents and their abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching, and persistence. They don't necessarily think everybody's the same or that anyone can be a genius by studying more. But they do believe that everyone can get smarter or grow if they “work at it.” If there is effort put forth, they believe people will grow. We all lean toward one of these mindsets. You might guess what we’ll say next. You can work to have a growth mindset. If you’re thinking, I don’t have a fixed mindset, pause and ask yourself if you ever try to hide your insecurities or control a conversation. Often, those can be indicators of a fixed mindset. Because of the limitations of “what you have is what you’ve got” people with a fixed mindset can find themselves trying to protect their intellectual status.  Whereas growth mindsets can show up in simply pausing to ask questions and recognizing you don’t know everything. It also shows up as focusing on transformation. A growth mindset for a Christ-centered leader means you’re focused on transformation. The experiences you have with others - how are lives being changed? The worship you lead - who is being transformed into the image of God? The classes you facilitate - how are people becoming more who God created them to be?   As you can guess, we’re encouraging you to focus on developing a growth mindset. There’s power there and there’s even more power in being a learning leader.  Write it Down/Talk it Out What triggers you toward a fixed mindset? What transformation is happening in your leadership?   Write it down/talk it out is an ongoing feature of LeaderCast. These are two or three simple questions to prompt you in reflecting throughout the week. Use these prompts however you’d like: as a journal prompt, a conversation starter with a colleague, or a question to consider with ministry leaders in your local context. Join us next week as we continue the conversation about being a learning leader and explore the big question, “What do you do when you don’t know what to do?”

Transforming Mission LeaderCast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

Episode 189: The Power of Being a Learning Leader

For the past two months, we've explored the importance of rest, relaxation, and play. Today, we want to leave you with 71 ways to add play to your day. You'll see some of the suggestions are silly, some are spontaneous, and some you might think aren't fun at all. And that's ok. Our Invitation Here's our invitation: add to the list and make it your own. When someone says "I'm bored," pull out the list, ask for a number and take five minutes to add play to your day. We don't walk through all 71 ideas on the podcast, that's what this list below is for. Enjoy! https://transformingmission.org/podcast 

Episode 188: 71 Ways to Add Play to Your Day

In different seasons of life, rest, relaxation, and play look different. What is fun when you’re a parent of small children and serving youth in the church...during a pandemic? Join Sam Heaton as he shares his experience of leading, loving, and living as a follower of Jesus in the midst of seasons filled with change.  If you ever found yourself worn out from a Zoom meeting, Sam offers reminders about our basic needs. Sometimes it is as simple as seeing the possibility for fun and faithfulness. At other moments, fun involves entering the world of his young son. What may have been fun years ago takes on new meaning as a parent. At the center of our conversation is a focus on authenticity. Sam reminds us what authentic community looks like and the needs of people seeking to live life in community. He shares how life can’t be separated into neat quadrants. Instead, he models what an integrated life looks and sounds like as followers of Jesus. Sometimes it’s messy. Other times, it’s quiet moments of solitude. And still other moments, it’s being self-aware enough to know why you’re scrolling on social media.    Finally, if you’ve wondered whether Sabbath is truly possible, Sam will help you see what it looks like as a parent, partner, and leader in the church. Write it Down/Talk it Out What does Sabbath look like for you in this season?  What margin do you intentionally create with technology?  Where are you finding mini Sabbaths during the day?    Mentioned in this Episode  Disruptive Witness: Speaking Truth in a Distracted Age by Alan Noble  The Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund The Soul in Paraphrase John Donne Poetry TS Eliot

Episode 187: Sabbath Technology and Fun in Ministry - A Conversation with Sam Heaton

Let's Play When was the last time you stopped and played? If you’re thinking, “C’mon, kids, play. Adults don’t play,” stick with us to learn why play is so important.  To begin, let’s define what we’re talking about. Play is time spent without purpose. According to Dr. Stuart Brown, there are reasons why adults need play: Because we’re created to play. We can’t be fully human and competent without play.  And because it happens to be fun With those reasons as the backdrop for this episode, another way to think about play is planting seeds for relationships to develop. Or, what transformation might be possible because we’ve paused to play?  Benefits of Play Here are a few more things to consider.  The benefits of play seem to show up in every aspect of life and work. Here are a few Dr. Brown and the National Institute for Play identify:  Trust Empathy Optimism Flexibility Attunement Problem Solving Joy in Movement Three-dimensional thinking Perseverance, increased mastery Emotional regulation and resiliency Imagination Openness to receiving inspired “aha” moments Cognitive growth, innovativeness, and flexibility Belonging - the basis of community, cooperation, and altruism While this list of benefits can find root in every aspect of life, imagine if these things were present in the church and our service to the local communities. How might transformation unfold? We’d say the possibilities are endless. So what do you say, go do something for fun that doesn’t have a purpose! Lose track of time and find yourself in the liminal space with Jesus and the people you love. Write it Down- Talk it Down ...or Just Play! Create a “play” list - what activities can you do for hours on end?   Now put it on your calendar, if it will help you do it! Include others.  

Episode 186: Why Play?

Let’s chat about joy for a second. What brings you joy? When you listen to a group of Christ-centered leaders, share their wisdom on rest, relaxation, and play, it creates an atmosphere of encouragement. This week, in part 2 of “What’s your best wisdom for rest, relaxation, and play?” nine different leaders explore the challenges of rest and the joy of having fun.  And you might be surprised by what some of them call fun!  It’s a great reminder that fun and joy are individual traits. But, often, when we’re doing something that doesn’t necessarily bring us joy, we end up having fun because we are with people we love.  As you listen to Part 2 (you can find Part 1 here), be ready to be surprised, encouraged, and challenged by leaders who are doing their best to embody a rhythm of rest, relaxation, and play in the midst of their ordinary days.  Write it Down or Talk it Out What refreshes you?  What brings you joy?  What do rest, relaxation, and play look like each day, each week, and every year?     In Part 1, we’ll hear from the following leaders: Curnell Graham Featured on Episode 168 Joe Geary, Featured on Episode 165 Jessica Moffatt, Featured on Episode 173  Rachel Billups, Featured on Episode 144 Amy Burgess, Featured on Episode 181 Dennis Miller, Featured on Episode 166 Charles Boayue, Jr. Featured on Episode 174   In Part 2, we’ll hear from the following leaders: Courtney Hilbert, Featured on Episode 175 Chris Wiseman, Featured on Episode 177  Rae Lynn Schlief, Featured on Episode 169 Barry Burns, Featured on Episode 171 Sara Thomas - Every episode Jenn Lucas - Featured on Episode 142 Tim Bias - Every episode Marie Smith - Featured on Episode 140 April Casperson - Featured on Episodes 178 and 179 

Episode 185: Best Wisdom for Rest Relaxation and Play - Part 2

What is fun for you? Yes, we’re really asking.  Here’s why: this week and next, the episodes are filled with fun and joy. You’ll hear from 16 leaders over the next two weeks. Each one shares their insights in joy-filled ways, even when they struggle with rest, relaxation, and play. As we dive into part 1 of this 2-part mini-series, we hope you’ll reflect on their insights and be encouraged to know you’re not alone on this leadership journey.  Whether you need some encouragement to finally get a rhythm of rest, relaxation, and play in your life or you’re celebrating the fun that summer brings, these leaders will offer you nuggets of wisdom. They bring insights and perspectives on our topic that are uplifting and Christ-centered.  From self-awareness to recognize what brings you joy, their candor and storytelling will remind you what it means to find what brings you joy...and do it.  Write it Down/Talk it Out What is fun for you? What helps you destress? In Part 1, we’ll hear from the following leaders: Curnell Graham Featured on Episode 168 Joe Geary, Featured on Episode 165 Jessica Moffatt, Featured on Episode 173  Rachel Billups, Featured on Episode 144 Amy Burgess, Featured on Episode 181 Dennis Miller, Featured on Episode 166 Charles Boayue, Jr. Featured on Episode 174   In Part 2, Episode 185 (drops 7/5) we’ll hear from the following leaders: Courtney Hilbert, Featured on Episode 175 Chris Wiseman, Featured on Episode 177  Rae Lynn Schlief, Featured on Episode 169 Barry Burns, Featured on Episode 171 Sara Thomas - Every episode Jenn Lucas - Featured on Episode 142 Tim Bias - Every episode Marie Smith - Featured on Episode 140 April Casperson - Featured on Episodes 178 and 179 

Episode 184: Best Wisdom for Rest Relaxation and Play - Part 1

Rest, relaxation, and play are possible...even with demanding schedules.  Ministry and leadership are demanding. There's no way around that fact. But, ministry and leadership are life-giving when we care for ourselves as leaders.  In today's short episode we offer two ideas to make rest, relaxation, and play possible in your life. And they’re easier than you might think! What we didn’t say in this short episode is rest and relaxation begin with a mindset that it’s possible and you want it. If exhaustion is a status symbol for you, go ahead and skip this episode. There is nothing about being worn out that makes you a better leader. First, assess the urgency of the tasks and responsibilities before you. The tyranny of the urgent is a byproduct of our culture. From fast food to amazon two day delivery, most of us want things as quick as possible, if not yesterday. The reality is most things are not urgent.  Second, it’ll sound silly but plan to rest and relax. Schedule your work so it gets done (see tip 1), knowing that you’ll have the margin to rest and relax. For many of us, rest and relaxation feel like a luxury instead of a necessity. As you’ll read in Tim’s blog post this week, rest is essential to our wellbeing.  Tune in for how we suggest making these ideas a reality and for a bonus idea on reframing your expectations of rest and relaxation.  Write it Down/Talk it Out - Or Rest Where can you practice asking, “When do you need this?” What do you need to time block on your calendar? Do it! ;) What will you do today that’s fun? 

Episode 183 What Makes Rest Relaxation and Play Possible

We have a big question, but a short episode for you this week. It continues our theme of rest, relaxation, and play. Here it is: What are the ingredients for joy and meaning in your life?  “Ingredients for Joy and Meaning,” is all about taking a moment to name what it looks like when things are going really well in your family. Said just a bit differently, “What are the specific conditions that are in place when everything feels good in your life?” To go with our theme for June and July, join us on social media for a little fun this week.  A Little Fun...It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3.  Join us to have a little fun this week on Social Media. Let us know your ingredients for joy and meaning. We’ve created two images for you. Pick one - or both!  Blank Images - add your “Ingredients for Joy and Meaning” in the space provided This or That Images - choose your “Ingredients for Joy and Meaning” from a provided list. Directions  First, download one of the images below to your cell phone. 1080 X1080  for Instagram and Facebook Posts Blank This or That 1920 X 1080 (for Instagram and Facebook Stories) Blank This or That Second, mark up the image! Not sure how? Here you go: 1. Open your Photo App 2. Select the Image 3. Tap Edit.  -iPhone: Select three dots in the upper right. Select Markup. To draw, tap Pen. When finished, tap done.  -Android: Select Markup. To draw, tap Pen.  When you are finished, tap Done. 4. Use the mark-up tool to circle your preferences.  5. Click Done  6. Click Done again or Save to save it to your photos.  Third, upload your marked-up image to social media and tag us @transforming.mission on Instagram or Transforming Mission on Facebook. We look forward to seeing your Ingredients for Joy and Meaning this week on social media. Look for our posts on Tuesday night on Facebook and Wednesday morning on Instagram.

Episode 182: Ingredients for Joy and Meaning

Are you ready for a different angle on rest, relaxation, and play? This week, tune in as we talk to someone whose work it is to facilitate the experiences that most of us participate in for entertainment, relaxation, and fun.   Amy Burgess is a mom, the Rosie Red mascot for the Cincinnati Reds, as well as an Executive Director and Choreographer for CAST, a theater company in the greater Cincinnati area.      You’ll quickly learn the things other people do for rest, relaxation, and play, Amy can be found on the other side, working. Amy shares what makes those experiences meaningful for her and the people she seeks to entertain, empower, and educate. She also explores the challenges of rest, relaxation, and play.    Listen for several important reminders from Amy. One of those reminders is this: being good at everything isn’t the goal. Nor is it fun to do things outside of our skill sets. So, how does she accomplish things that she’s not great at? Listen in to explore how Amy’s self-awareness and other-awareness guide her interactions.    Amy’s examples come from choreography and bringing the Rosie Red mascot to life. And woven through her stories, you’ll hear the heart of a Christ-centered leader. Amy is mastering the improvisational art of creating space for others to experience joy.   At one moment in our conversation, Amy pauses on the idea of kinesthetic awareness. In her role as Rosie Red, Amy’s capacity to express emotion without saying a single word is what creates an experience for guests. You’ll hear how listening is integral to creating a space for others to experience rest, relaxation, and play.  The take-aways from this episode are endless: from improv to listening to kinesthetic awareness, and much more.    Write it Down/Talk it Out What does fun look like for you in this season of life? What has the last year taught you about rest, relaxation, and play? What did Amy’s example of kinesthetic listening teach you about the importance of listening and expressing emotion?  Try having a conversation where your response is, “Yes, and…” 

Episode 181: The Work Behind Play - A conversation with Amy Burgess

Where do those three things fall on your priority list?   If you’re like many people these are the first things that fall off our priority list when busyness creeps in. Did you know that 35% of Americans don’t get 7-9 hours of sleep a night? Or that  77% of the US workforce does not take all the paid time off they earn in a year?   As we continue exploring characteristics of courageous leaders, during June and July you’re invited to focus on the themes of rest, relaxation, and play.    Today, we acknowledge what gets in the way of rest, relaxation and play. We’ll talk about control, excuses, communication and relationships as we explore three common barriers to rest and relaxation.    Throughout these next two months, the podcasts will take on a variety of forms. Some weeks, we’ll have guests, other weeks, it will be short conversations between Tim and Sara, and still other weeks it will be an invitation to rest, relax or play. Next week, look forward to a fun-filled conversation with Amy Burgess, a teacher, choreographer, executive director, and mascot in MLB. Amy has the privilege of bringing Rosie Red to life for the Cincinnati Reds.    In other words, it’s summertime. It’s time to experience a new rhythm, take a step back, and have some fun.    Write it Down/Talk it Out How do you rest?  What do you find relaxing?  What is fun (play) for you? What did 2020 teach you about rest, relaxation and play? What will you continue doing as a result?  

Episode 180: 3 Barriers to Rest Relaxation and Play

Holy Moments. You’ve experienced these moments.  Time stands still. You’re overcome with the presence of God. You might even question whether the moment is really happening. You’re standing on holy ground (ok, in this case, we were sitting, recording a podcast).  Holy moments can’t be crafted, predicted, or rehearsed. They simply unfold. And when they do, you experience a connection to a community that you haven’t experienced before. In episode 179 we experienced one of these moments - and we hope you will too. Listen and consider what has changed about church and community in the last 30-47 years (yes, 47 years, not 45 or 50 -lol). Explore the shift from “come to church” to “get out of doors” and how one of us first experienced God beyond the church walls.  Then consider how our aspirational values can confuse us and our inability to accurately assess diversity - if we are in majority, the tendency is to overestimate our diversity.  So where do we begin? Begin with the desire to learn and grow. Perhaps you’ll have a conversation about a book. Here are two of April's suggestions: Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown Then, listen to the stories of people around you. If you are white, ask someone who is a person of color, with whom you have a relationship, to tell you their story. Then, LISTEN. No commentary is necessary. The only thing needed is curiosity. April offers a wonderful example of how to enter into these conversations. She also offers an abundance of grace, reminding us that we’re not always going to get it right.  Holy Moments Finally, in the experience of a holy moment, we talk about everything from letting go of expectations, being right and what being fully seen can feel like. We name fear and explore how to remove any barrier that stands between a person and an encounter with God. Yes, the barriers can take the form of doubt, worry, fear, expectations, unwritten rules, perceptions, and stereotypes. How then, do Christ-centered leaders remove these barriers, let go of the filters and expectations to create space for people to encounter the holy.  You see, your story intersects with God’s story. In those holy moments, we not only encounter God but we experience Christ in one another - even online.  Write it Down/Talk it Out Who do you want to invite into a conversation as a result of “being aware of things in a new way?” What recent experiences of God (personal or by others) point to transformed lives and community? What is a transformation story you can share? For example, it can be simple as the transformation from self-centered to God-centered thought last Tuesday after a meeting. Think about daily life, current responsibilities, personal experiences, ongoing learning, etc. What is being transformed in your life? In ministry? In the local church?  Talk it Out What is your hope for the church in the next 10 years as it relates to diversity and inclusion? What barriers exist in the community that are stopping people from encountering God? How will you find out? 

Episode 179: Holy Moments - Part 2 of a Conversation with April Casperson

If you want to build community, or deepen community connections, join us for Episode 178 as we seek to model grace-filled, curious conversation about topics we can sidestep in our communities.  Episode 178 is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with April Casperson. April serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the West Ohio Conference. April shares grace-filled wisdom about community, relationships, and yes, diversity. Her role is to help people work better across difference.

Episode 178: Any Difference that Makes a Difference Part 1 A conversation about Community with April Casperson

If you’ve been a part of a community, you’ve likely experienced conflict within that community. Sometimes our differences are easy to explore together. At other times, the conflict leads to division. The challenges to leaders during these seasons are great.  But, if you’re willing to reimagine who God is inviting you to be, you just might experience the emergence of a new community. Our conversation this week with Chris Wiseman explores how he’s leading a congregation that experienced conflict by reimagining what it means to be a Christ-centered community. Conflict and division are complex topics. Today, you’ll hear Chris share how listening and conversation are essential to decision making.  You’ll also hear stories about different modes of communication facilitated community. No surprise, those modes of communication were NOT determined by the positional leader. Instead, the needs and abilities of the community guided their modes of communication.    Finally, Chris offers reminders for leaders about the importance of nurturing community connections beyond the local church.  Write It Down and Talk it Out Where do you need to put the heart back in your leadership? In other words, where do you need to be more courageous? (Write) Often we’re told what we can’t do. What can you do today to be the leader your community needs? (Write) If the local church where you worship ceased to exist, would the surrounding community notice? Why or why not? (Write/Talk)   Why are we calling it Write it Down and Talk it Out Allison Fallon reminds us, “A regular writing practice, which can start out with something as simple as 5 minutes a day for 4 days in a row, can help you to get your thoughts down, sort through a decision-making process, alleviate anxiety, recognize patterns in your life that are causing you pain, tell a story, and communicate with people in your life who are important to you.” We don’t know a leader who doesn’t need that. So consider grabbing a notebook or opening a google doc and writing out your responses to the questions above marked “write.” The questions marked “talk” are intended to prompt conversation with a group or team. Remember, conversation involves both listening and talking. Listen more than you talk if you want to explore these questions with others. Need help? Contact us.  We can help you prepare to lead the conversations OR help you facilitate the conversations.

Episode 177: Reimagining Community After Divisive Conflict - A conversation with Chris Wiseman

What is community? Community is about the inter-relatedness of people.  In other words, it starts with relationships. It’s about belonging to something larger than ourselves. Community helps people say, “I am a valued part of this body and have contributions to make”. When we see ourselves as a part of a community, we think about how we are related to Christ, people in the congregation, and the people who live near us in our geographic location.  3 Aspects of a Nurturing Community Connection Contribution Care Read more on the show notes pages at https://transformingmission.org/176 Know someone who would benefit from listening to this episode? Share it!

Episode 176 - Three Aspects of a Nuturing Community

At the intersection of Jesus, accountability, and corporate life is our guest, Courtney Hilbert. Add Courtney’s passion for leading youth, writing Christian fiction, baking and you find a woman of integrity who embraces accountability in the workplace, church, and in the ministries she leads. If you’ve ever wondered how faith and corporate life integrate, Courtney provides stories and examples to guide the way. She shares how faith and church leadership impact her role in a marketing agency and pauses at a familiar acronym you may have forgotten about.  Further, Courtney reminds us that expectations set the foundation for accountability. From corporate examples to the local church, you’ll hear about missteps and course corrections you can make around accountability.  You’ll even hear us pause for a reminder about executive amnesia and the differences between the church and corporate accountability. Then, Courtney reflects on her choices as a manager and how her learning informed a new way of living. With grace and clarity, Courtney shares her growth as a leader and how “good girl syndrome” gets in the way of accountability.  Finally, you’ll hear how Courtney leads a team of people to create a culture of feedback where individuals can thrive. You’ll be reminded of the importance of in the moment to leadership.  With examples from church, corporate retail, and agency leadership, Courtney invites you on a journey to become a leader who holds integrity and accountability at the center of who God is inviting you to be.   Mentioned in this Episode Courtney’s Website Books by Courtney Girls of Summer - Coming May, 28, 2021 Other books by Courtney Bible John Jakes Karen Kingsbury Shakespeare   Here are three questions to consider What expectations do you have for individuals on your team? When will you communicate those expectations? Return to the JOY acronym. As you consider your leadership, What does Jesus want? What do others need? What can you do or not do to help? What’s getting in the way of life-giving accountability? Should-isms? Amnesia? “Good girl or good boy” syndrome? 

Episode 175 Interity and Accountability in Church and Corporate Leadership A Conversation with Courtney Hilbert

Insights and resources for Christian leaders to deepen your relationship with Christ, the congregation and your local community. The church and your community need you to lead. LeaderCast covers faith topics that trip us up, hold us back, and guide us forward…all so you can lead a movement of Jesus followers.

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Transforming Mission LeaderCast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

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