Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

Explore the concept of integrity and integration in the church and its impact on the world. How does living out one's faith in everyday life point to integrity? What does loving God and neighbors have to do with leading with integrity? Join us for this conversation and reflect on the importance of integrity in transforming lives and communities. Listen and read more at https://transformingmission.org/308 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:27 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership 00:52 The Role of the Church in the World 01:32 Living Out Faith Beyond the Church Walls 02:42 The Impact of Personal Faith on Others 05:56 The Concept of Holiness and Being Different 07:06 The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Love Neighbor 07:54 Integrating Faith into Everyday Life 14:28 The Role of Prayer and Scripture in Faith Integration 19:54 Living Out the Name of Jesus 22:29 Conclusion: The Church as a Launching Pad

In this episode, we look at 3 ways to stay focused on our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world. The mission serves as the guideline for making decisions and spurring people to action. On examining Matthew 28:16-20, we see a refocus on our primary task, that is, to create disciples who will further make disciples. We discuss three (or perhaps four ;) ways to ensure that the mission remains central to our leadership, and we explore the importance of modelling, setting expectations, and focusing on Jesus. We also consider the implications of the Methodist Church's historical 'general rules' and conclude that returning to our roots and refocusing on our mission may be the best way forward in current chaotic times. listen and read more at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Read the blog mentioned at the start of the show at https://transformingmission.org/blog 00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement 00:17 The Importance of Mission in Leadership 00:53 Three Ways to Keep Mission at

Can you use ChatGPT in ministry? Yes, you can. You'll hear a variety of ways in which you can effectively utilize ChatGPT, including generating sermon topics, formulating questions, testing the clarity of your communication, drafting social media posts, planning, summarizing sermons, generating sermon titles, creating templates, and getting a start on analyzing community needs and trends. Throughout the discussion, you'll hear us stress the significance of discernment, being specific in your requests, and maintaining healthy boundaries when using technology Listen at: https://transformingmission.org/podcast   

We're kicking off the new year with the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of ministry. Explore what AI is and how it's already integrated into our everyday lives. Look at the implications for the future, especially in ministry. Finally, reflect on a discussion about potential ethical concerns, the impact on personal privacy, and biases that could arise with AI use. Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/305

In this final episode of the year, contemplate the birth of Jesus from a new perspective. Join us to reflect on the basic message of the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2, focusing on the involvement of shepherds and women to underscore God's message of inclusivity. The main theme of the episode is 'seeing', an act marked by awareness and recognition rather than mere looking. You’re encouraged to rediscover your faith, move towards trust, surrender, service, and continually return to the grace at the heart of your belief. May you be surprised by the unanticipated people being the first to see Jesus, and stay receptive and experience the power of incarnation. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, invoking listeners to consider what new experience God may lead them toward in the coming year. Listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/304 Listen to more episodes in this series at https://transformingmission.org/podcast   TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction and Episode Context 00:26 Rethinking the Birth of Jesu

In episode 303 of the podcast, Tim and Sara discuss rethinking the birth of Jesus, using Marcus Borg's phrase 'seeing Jesus again for the first time' as a jumping-off point. They explore the story of the annunciation to Mary, the power of the Incarnation, and Mary's reaction to the news she received from the angel Gabriel as a testament to encountering the divine in the midst of the ordinary. They engage with questions and uncertainties about Mary's unique situation and discuss how these moments of divine disruption can serve as a way for us to see Jesus again for the first time. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/303 Listen to other episodes in this series at https://transformingmission.org/podcast   TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 Rethinking the Birth of Jesus 01:20 Seeing Jesus Again for the First Time 02:54 Reading the Scripture: Luke 1, verses 26 through 38 04:31 Interpreting the Scripture: Mary's Encounter with the Divine 08:35 Mary's Response and the Essence of Discipleship 09:06

In Episode 302 of the podcast, hosts Sara and Tim explore the theme 'Rethinking Your Focus', in the context of Advent. During this conversation, you’ll be encouraged to shift your focus from your personal experiences and desires to the teachings and actions of Jesus. Scriptural references, particularly to the self-giving life of John the Baptist, underscore the message of refocusing toward a bigger, God-driven mission that places serving others at the forefront. The hosts invite listeners to share how they are refocusing on Jesus this Advent season. They also look critically at commercialism and self-centeredness, considering how a redirection toward God's grand story might provide a more meaningful lens for life. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/302 Listen to other episodes in this series at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Invitation to Engage  01:22 “Rethinking Life?!?”...An Advent Series 02:42 Exploring the Concept of Life 04:01 The Role of John the Baptis

In episode 301 of the Transforming Missions podcast, Tim and Sara dive into the second episode of their series, Rethinking Advent. They explore the concept of Advent as a time of conscious preparation and invitation into a deeper, spiritual experience of Christmas. Using the metaphor of a journey across a bridge, they emphasize the necessity of slowing down and savoring the moments leading up to Christmas. By considering the role of John the Baptist as a bridge between the old and the coming reality, they discuss how prioritizing introspection, prayer and scripture can lead to transformation and enrich the Advent season. They caution against rushing through preparations and propose a practice pattern of read, reflect, respond, return.   0:00 Episode 301: Rethinking Preparing for Jesus 00:22 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Rethinking Advent: The Bridge Metaphor 01:36 The Importance of Preparation 03:52 Personal Story: Crossing the Bridge 06:35 The Role of John the Baptist 07:11 Scripture Reading and Reflection

The 300th episode of Transforming Mission's podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the Advent season, focusing on the original intent of Advent as a time of waiting and preparing for not just the birth of Jesus, but also the second coming of Jesus. Tim and Sara, discuss the concept of hope and hurt, and how both realities intermingle during the spiritual preparation of Advent. Listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/300 Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9

Four Marks of A Missional Church emphasizes the transformation from traditional views of the church to a dynamic, relational, and missional understanding. It challenges leaders to rethink church as an active, loving community, deeply embedded in everyday life and relationships, partnering with Jesus in a mission of love and hope. Read more & listen to Episode 299: https://transformingmission.org/podcast Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9  

In this episode of the Transforming Missions podcast, we invite leaders to shift their focus from mere church attendance to fostering deeper engagement within their congregation. We discuss fostering an environment that nurtures meaningful participation beyond mere attendance. We also discuss what engagement aids in faith communities, exploring the concept in the early Christian communities. This episode emphasizes that engaged people in the Church understand its purpose, have opportunities to grow and develop their faith, and enter into meaningful relationships with others who care about them. Tune in as we share useful insights on leading a movement of Jesus followers and establishing thriving faith communities in today's world. Read more & listen to Episode 298:  https://transformingmission.org/podcast  Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9  

We’ve added a new feature to the podcast page and want to hear from you! Head over to https://transformingmission.org/297 and respond to the question: What does "being the church" mean to you? In this episode, explore the concept of "being the church" and what it truly means to be a Christ-centered leader in today's world. You'll discover five powerful reminders that challenge the conventional idea of merely attending church. Tim and Sara delve into the essence of mission, the significance of worship, and the role of the church in serving the local community. We explore and emphasize that the church is not a static building; it's a dynamic, living, and breathing community of faith. The church is the body of Christ. If you're looking to equip yourself and others to be the church in its truest sense, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you live out your faith in action. Don't miss this compelling conversation on becoming the evidence of the resurrection in the world today. Tune in to E

Episode 296, "One Way for Disciples to Make Disciples" explores the importance of relationships as the starting point of spiritual formation. As mature disciples come alongside others newer to the faith, engage in conversation, prayer, and reflection, everyone deepens their faith. You'll hear a definition for discipleship in the United Methodist tradition, and delve into topics such as prayer, scripture, spiritual practices, relationships, and discovering your gifts and purpose. The overall message is that as a disciple, you have the power to make disciples, and the conversations shared in this episode serve as a starting point for you to deepen your faith and engage in meaningful relationships with others. Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/296 Find the topics and sample questions on the show notes page above.

In Episode 295, Tim and Sara delve into the significance of discipleship, emphasizing that it outweighs membership in a church setting. They explore three compelling reasons why discipleship should take precedence. The podcast episode emphasizes that discipleship should be at the forefront of a church's mission, as it goes beyond membership to cultivate genuine relationships with Jesus, personal growth, and the transformative power of becoming disciples who actively make other disciples. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/295

Are you a Christ-centered leader looking to enhance your skills and lead with grace and humility in today's challenging public discourse? In this episode, hosts Tim Bias and Sara Thomas delve into the art of effective and Christ-centered leadership in the midst of turbulent conversations. Continue Reading and Listen to Episode 294 at https://transformingmission.org/294

Episode 293, Rethinking: Three Guidelines for Christ-Centered Leaders, offers three invaluable guidelines for rethinking, encouraging you to think like a scientist, define your identity by values, and seek diverse perspectives. The importance of nurturing relationships, guarding against overconfidence, and committing to continuous learning are also highlighted. This episode equips you with fresh insights and practical approaches to navigate the dynamic landscape of church leadership, fostering renewal, and effectiveness in your role as a Christ-centered leader.  Listen at https://transformingmission.org/293 Other episodes mentioned include episode 292. Listen here: https://transformingmission.org/292

Episode 292 explores a critical aspect of leadership that might just transform the way you view your role as a Christ-centered leader. If you're wondering why habits and norms can sometimes hold us back as leaders or why it's so challenging to admit when you've changed your mind, then this episode is for you. Explore with us an excerpt from Adapt Grant's Book, Think Again, then turn to three examples of norms in the church that we may need to rethink. Then, be challenged to consider your own context and leadership. What needs rethinking? As you consider rethinking your leadership, keep in mind that it's not about the size of the congregation or the building; it's about the lives you touch and the relationships you build along the way. Your leadership journey is uniquely yours, and it's a journey worth embracing with an open heart and a willingness to rethink, adapt, and grow.  Explore Further: For more resources related to this thought-provoking episode and a link to Adam Grant's book "Think Again," visit the

Explore the transformative power of faith and community in this podcast episode. Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by Christ-centered leaders and discover practical ways to rekindle your love for Jesus, engage with your community as a mission field, and actively teach the ways of Jesus in your everyday life. Gain valuable insights and actionable steps to revitalize your faith and make a lasting impact on your church and community. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace a new approach to leadership and become an instrument of love and peace in your mission field. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/291

In Episode 290 of LeaderCast, Sara and Tim engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the declining attendance in churches, particularly within the context of the United Methodist Church. They explore the reasons behind this decline and its implications for modern church leadership. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

Are you ready to navigate change as a Christ-centered leader? Episode 289 is here to equip you with practical tools and inspiring stories. Discover how to build meaningful relationships, understand your community's unique culture, and live out your faith in your everyday life. Join the conversation today Hosted by Tim and Sara, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories that empower leaders to adapt, connect, and lead with love. Listen at https://transformingmission.org/289