Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

You can find show notes for Episode 159 at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Each month throughout 2021, the podcast will focus on one theme. Episode 159 sets the foundation for everything that follows with a conversation around purpose.  Courage and Purpose We begin with the question, “Why is knowing your purpose essential to being a courageous leader?” This question helps us point to a bigger truth that our purpose is tied to who you are, that is, your identity. To clarify, no, we’re not talking about wealth, status, or power in terms of “who you are.” Knowing your purpose stems from self-awareness (hint-hint, a future theme) and being able to live out your purpose.  A phrase you’ll hear us say a lot in 2021 is this: who you are is how you lead. And, until you understand who and whose you are, it will be a challenge to identify and focus on your purpose.  Purpose and Conflict Purpose grounds us. It centers us. It sets our direction when conflict arises. When there is a lack of clarity around an organi

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/158 The end of the year is here! Wasting time or wishing time away doesn't serve anyone. But, 2020 was... Challenging Interesting Strange Chaotic Anxiety-producing Crazy Out of control Like no other year "Your description here" So as we come to the end of this year, we offer you two questions and a bonus question to review 2020. Whether the year started with great hopes and terrific plans that quickly got tossed aside or you're giving thanks for the technology you learned about in 2020, the calendar year is coming to an end. Our invitation is to reflect on these questions and the bonus question as you prepare for 2021. -What's gone well? -What have you learned about yourself and others? -For whom or what are you grateful? Know that we're giving God thanks for you even as we continue to manage the expectations for 2021!

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/157 What values ground your leadership? Once you can name those values, as a leader, you have a place from which decisions can be made. Without an understanding of your values, you may have a hard time making decisions.  With this in mind, our conversation today is with Chris Thompson. Chris is the Pastor of Selmer First UMC is Selmer, TN. Chris leads with the following five strengths: Connectedness Belief Input Maximizer Strategic In our conversation today, we explore how Chris uses his Belief talent to make decisions, build trust, offer hope, show compassion, and provide stability. We explore the thought that comes up often in Christian groups: Should everyone who is a person of faith have the Belief talent in their top 5 talent themes? Short answer: No! The talent theme may have connections to faith for people of faith with Belief in their top 5, but it is not a religious or faith-based talent theme (those don't exist).  Instead, t

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Follow the link to Episode 156. When was the last time you had a conversation with someone that extended past the surface pleasantries? If you’re having a hard time thinking about that experience, today’s episode just might remind you to hold space for a deep conversation.  Episode 156 is a conversation with Julie H. Richards. Julie is a Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist. Learn more about Julie’s therapy practice here. She explores the questions we ask on multiple levels while modeling what it means to hold space for others.  As you listen, you’ll experience a faithful guide with the tenacity to maintain hope even during the difficult moments. If you’re now thinking, “2020 has been one difficult moment after the next,” you now have another reason to listen. If you’re thinking, “I want 2021 to be different.” Again, you have another reason to listen.  Julie reminds us that the healing journey is not only worth it, bu

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast  

You can find show notes for Episode 154 at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Thoughtfulness comes in many forms. It can take the form of a text message to check-in, an extra 15 minutes on a telephone call, or doing something to help someone.  Mother Teresa said, “Thoughtfulness is the beginning of great sanctity. If you learn this art of being thoughtful, you will become more and more Christ-like, for his heart was meek and he always thought of others. Our vocation, to be beautiful, must be full of thought for others.” On this journey of becoming more and more Christ-like, you’re invited to be full of thought for others.  This week, you’ll experience this thoughtfulness in Beth Marshall. She shares how her Intellection talent theme guides her toward deepening relationships with others. You’ll hear examples of meeting people where they are and the importance of listening.  Want to build thoughtful relationships with others? Start by listening.  Clifton Strengths Mentioned in this Episode Ideation - Peop

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast You can find the Characters of Christmas mentioned in this episode at https://www.transformingmission.org/the-characters-of-christmas-an-advent-journey/  

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/152 Winning Others Over. For some, winning others over is as natural as putting one foot in front of the other. For others, it's a challenge. And for still others, they'd rather leave that role to someone else. Today we have a conversation with Barbara Fillion, a local and conference leader in the United Methodist Church, an advocate for women in politics, and a superstar at leveraging her number one talent theme, WOO (Winning Others Over). Barb shares how her deep and natural desire to find connections with others propels her to lead as a member of the Matriots, political campaigns, the local church, travel, and even in interactions with friends of her adult children. As you listen to today's episode, consider the questions below. Connect with Barb on Facebook and let her know you listened to this episode. Questions for reflection What connections do you need to intentionally nurture in this season of life and leadership? How are yo

You can find show notes for this episode, as well as the other episodes in this series, at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Look for Episode 150. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. And the Beautiful. That's a pretty good summary of life, isn't it? We're a combination of all of those elements in one marvelous human being. Today's episode features a conversation with Todd Richards, Associate Pastor at Scioto Ridge UMC. We talk about the daily leadership Todd provides as a worship leader, discipleship pastor, and partner in ministry. In each of the roles Todd fills, he's leading others towards building trust, offering hope, providing stability, and showing compassion. You'll hear how the ordinary elements of life, from gardening to praying with open hands, guide Todd in continuing to lead others well. Lean in and listen to how one leader models for others what is important - even when it's not easy. Questions for Consideration After listening to this episode, consider these questions: What good, bad, ugly, and beautiful things are happening in your midst.

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast  

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/148 Are you prone to action bias? Do you have an impulse to act in order to gain a sense of control over a situation and eliminate a problem? That's action bias. Or, do you tend to think about things, ponder them for a period of time, turn the idea over in your head, and contemplate different scenarios? If you said, "I do both." You're in for a treat today. Joe Graves is Co-Lead Pastor at Central City Church.  We have a conversation about leading with the Activator talent in the midst of a pandemic. Joe shares how the coronavirus has challenged how leaders build trust, show compassion, provide stability, and offer hope.  You'll hear Joe weave together his Intellection, Ideation, and Activator strengths to lead people not just to act on an idea, but to place their hope in Jesus Christ. Whether you're prone to action bias or contemplate ideas for weeks, lean into this episode that unites thoughtful action with faithful ideas.  Then cons

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/146

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

You can find show notes to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast Are you naturally competitive or collaborative? Often, that's the dichotomy presented - especially in the church. But what if there is a third way? What if you compete so that everyone wins? Doing so necessitates collaboration. Today, Tim and Sara have a conversation with Rachel Billups, Senior Pastor of Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Rachel leads with the following top five CliftonStrengths: Achiever Competition Futuristic Command, and Focus. Our conversation centers around how her Competition talent theme is fueling partnerships. Before you say, wait, it's that talent theme all about winning first place? Yes, here's how Gallup defines the Competition talent theme: People exceptionally talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests. Rachel turns this talent theme inside out, inviting people into partnerships so that th

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast What is the most courageous action you can take as a leader? Yes, we're really asking you. As you consider that question, listen to Episode 143 with Mariah Miskimen. Get ready to explore how her Clifton Strengths are intersecting with life, leadership, and maternity leave. She shares how her top five Clifton Strengths (Input, Intellection, Developer, Relator, and Empathy) helped her navigate the early stages of the pandemic as well as reminded her of the need to pause during this season of life. Your Gifts and Talents Maybe it's time for you to consider how some of your greatest gifts and talents. How are your top 5 strengths inviting you to pause and rest? Sometimes we need to turn our talents on their head to embrace what is best for our soul. Or, as Sara likes to say, "put your talent in time out." It's about a strategic, intentional pause and leaning into your other strengths. Mariah reminds us God is infinite. We are not.

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/142   Courageous conversations are not always easy conversations. But, they are the conversations that invite us to stay focused. As leaders, you continue to navigate a season with new obstacles continuing to emerge at regular intervals. I won't name all the obstacles you've faced this year, you know them well. But, I will remind you, as you continue to navigate this season, there is one thing that has not and will not change: a focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In episode 142, we have a conversation with Jenn Lucas, Senior Pastor of Church of the Saviour UMC in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jenn's top five CliftonStrengths are Strategic, Futuristic, Communication, Self-Assurance, and Relator. We talk about how the Communication talent theme guides her in building relationships, the challenges of inviting people to make commitments, helping people have faithful conversations about race, and addressing

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/141 Are you someone who is always trying new things? Or, would you rather stick with the patterns, habits, and rituals that currently define your life? You're likely a little of both. And, depending on the circumstances, you might be ready for an experiment or wanting to keep your routine in place.  Today, listen as Jason Wellman shares how he's helping others experiment in this season of ministry. He'll share how he's been encouraging others to try new things.  Jason's top 5 Clifton Strengths are Learner, Input, Belief, Achiever, and Intellection. Together these talent themes are guiding him to stay focused on the mission and vision of the local church. You'll hear how it's possible to stay focused on the purpose and adapt, experiment, and try again. Further, you'll hear how one local congregation is communicating and embodying their mission to make disciples - even with new technology.  As you listen, consider what new thing God is

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/140 Hope is not wishful thinking. For Marie Smith, "God is in every part of every step that I take." That's a deep, abiding hope. This episode of LeaderCast, we have a conversation with Marie about her top 5 CliftonStrengths (Woo, Positivity, Arranger, Communication, Includer.) Specifically, we focus on how her Positivity talent theme is fueling her leadership during this season. As you can imagine, someone with the Positivity talent theme is filled with contagious enthusiasm. Marie not only invites you into her life as a leader but helps you experience the beauty of this talent alongside her other dominant CliftonStrengths. You'll hear Marie weave together how she's focusing on four aspects of disciple-making during daily prayer online. And you'll experience how the natural way she thinks, feels, and behaves (her talent themes) bring prayer to life for her and those that join her online. Be encouraged as you experience the reality of