Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/101 Do you experiment? Perhaps it's with cooking a meal. Or maybe it's in trying a new workout routine? Or do you stick to what you know and work to get something to perfection before you share it? While those two questions seem far apart, most of us experiment when it feels safe to do so. Why? There are many reasons. Some of them include wanting to be liked, needing to be in control, long-held examples that it wasn't ok to be vulnerable. You might take a risk if the gym is empty. Then, you'll consider a new machine or exercise. Or, if it's just you and maybe your spouse, you'll make a meal you've never tried before.  When it comes to leadership, many of us take this to the next level, holding back on ideas, information, and resources that could be helpful to others until it's a "done deal." All of these examples are examples of the way we seek to protect ourselves from feeling vulnerable.  So, think about it. When was the last time y

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/100 We're at episode 100!  When the calendar turns to a new year, there's a whole lot of anticipation for the year ahead. It's a blank slate. For some, it's a welcome beginning to something new. Here's what we want to know: What new thing is God doing in your midst? Consider Revelation 21:5 "He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” The vision of Revelation 21 is something new. John is contrasting the new he sees with the old he has experienced.    So as we stand on the edge of a new year, a new decade, and dive into a new 100 podcasts, we invite you to celebrate something new. The courage comes not only with new beginnings but with letting go of the old.  The latter “what is new and distinctive” as compared with other things. Join us as we walk through a series of questions to help you consider what new thing God is doing in your mids

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/099 It's time for a moment of honesty. What feelings does Christmas bring up for you? In the midst of the joy, grief, sadness, excitement, ambivalence, hope, promise, nostalgia, and/or weariness, etc. do you have the courage to recognize God is with you? In this season where the message of Emmanuel, God with us, is being shared, do you have the courage to be vulnerable with God? Whatever you may be experiencing this Christmas, God is with you. The promise of God's presence doesn't dissipate with our feelings. Instead, God shows up, with open arms, waiting to embrace you.  That's the message of Christmas. God showing up and embracing the world. When God wanted us to know everything we needed to know about love, God did not write a paragraph, God wrote it in a person – Jesus.  When God wanted to make it clear how much He loved us.  God did not say it in a sentence, God said it in a Savior – Jesus  When God sent us the most important mes

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/098 Imagine for a minute you’re one of the shepherds interrupted by an angel in the midst of your night shift caring for your sheep. You receive a message that the Savior of the world has been born. But, before that ever registers, there’s a problem. You're terrified. The phrase “they were terrified” means both fear and flight, as in running away. The shepherds may have run the other direction in terror-stricken flight. They could have tried to outrun the angels. They could have tried to outrun God.  They could have run away from the good news, instead, they ran toward it.  What if the scripture read, "Don’t run away, I’m here to share something good with you not bad." Two times in one short passage we read something about fear. It’s the same word. When the angels respond, “Don’t be afraid” and when we read about the shepherds being afraid. Any guesses on what the Greek word is? phobeo - from which we get, phobia.  Yes, the question t

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/097 We don’t get very far in the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah before we read, “They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old.” (Luke 1:7)  How, then, did Elizabeth display courage? As we’ve shared, courage is a set of four teachable, observable, and measurable skills made up of rumbling with vulnerability, living into her values, BRAVING Trust and learning to rise.  Here are 5 ways Elizabeth is courageous. 1) Elizabeth has the courage to confront shame and disappointment. 2) She comes to a place where her courage is expressed in joy. 3) Elizabeth embodied courage by claiming her role. 4) She named what she needed.  5) Elizabeth navigates the messy middle and learns to rise. As you listen to the podcast, explore how the cultural expectations for Zechariah and Elizabeth meant they were shamed most of their adult lives. It’s still happening for some people today. So, while shame isn’

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/096 Advent is here. And with it, all the preparations for Christmas. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at a few people who appear in the story of Jesus’ birth and how they demonstrated courage. Today we’re beginning with Mary. And before you say, “what about Joseph?” we're exploring the Courage of Joseph on the Blog.  We're pretty sure if you've ever spent any time with an expecting mom and dad, excitement, joy, and wonder aren't the only emotions unfolding. To imagine the real-life experience of a young teenage girl who is pregnant and carrying the savior of the world...there was likely much more at stake. And it required Mary to have courage. Mary knew how to rumble with vulnerability.  She didn’t try to go it alone. She didn’t try to get rid of the uncertainty or discomfort. She didn’t say, "nah, I’m not sure I trust God or Joseph to go on this journey." And she didn’t overshare or disclose everything that was going on i

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/095 The practice of gratitude is very different from the attitude of gratitude. In this episode, we talk about how gratitude can transform lives if we actually practice it. When we practice gratitude we "do something" to be grateful.  Consider this: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward.  That's essentially the difference between an attitude of gratitude and the practice of gratitude. If you don't do anything with gratitude, it's a nice thought, but it doesn't go anywhere, let alone change anyone's life. One of the reasons we have a hard time practicing gratitude is the feeling of joy comes with vulnerability. When we're not willing to rumble with vulnerability, we have a hard time experiencing joy. Sometimes, we even go as far as forboding joy - dress rehearsing all the things that can go wrong the second something goes right and you're feeling thankful. Now, if yo

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/094 People were bringing babies to Jesus so that he would bless them. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. Then Jesus called them to him and said, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children.  I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.” - Luke 18:15-17 (CEB) What if the above scripture is about more than including kids? What if it is about helping kids become who God created them to be?  In today's episode, we explore the big idea that no one can "go it alone" - especially kids. You may desire independence or think you have everything figured out for yourself, but the reality is this: none of us can go it alone. We are literally hard-wired for connection. Part of why we don't develop relationships with people is because we fear vulnerability. As a reminder, vulnerability is the emotion we experience during ti

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/093 How can I be faithful at work? That's the question we're diving into this week. When you're confronted with the reality that the work you get paid to do has nothing to do with your faith, you may be wondering, "How can I be a Jesus follower at work?" "Being a Jesus follower is who you are, not what you do." But, it does mean learning to be courageous in the places that we work. First, we'll briefly remind you of the four skills that make up courageous leadership. Then we'll turn to rumbling with vulnerability in the workplace. No, we're not asking you to pick a fight.  We're inviting you to get curious and explore the emotion that you feel in times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. Once you're curious, building relationships with people is central to being a Jesus follower. Once people get to know your heart and know you care, it opens up all sorts of conversations about family, interest, and yes, even faith. We'll tal

You can find show notes and the Transformation Guide for episode 092 at https://transformingmission.org/092 What are the skills you need to follow Jesus? You might say: Knowing how to read the scriptures Learning how to pray Understanding your gifts so you can serve in the church and local community Absolutely, those are skills that we need. You might even call them spiritual disciplines.  But, today, we’re talking about one skill that undergirds prayer, searching the scriptures, serving in the local community, and sharing your faith with others.  No, it’s not determining whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert.  What do you need to open your heart and your mind to who Jesus is inviting you to be? It’s probably not something you’ve thought about in the context of following Jesus and it’s also something you’ve likely thought about as a weakness. What’s this elusive skill we’re talking about? Read more and listen to LeaderCast here. GET YOUR TRANSFORMATION GUIDE Download the Free Transformation Guide for

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/091 “A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” - Brené Brown From parents to spouses, from boardrooms to laundry rooms, from baseball diamonds to Starbucks coffee lines, from classrooms to courtrooms and everywhere in between, the world needs brave and daring leaders who not only have faith but follow Jesus - every day. In this episode, you'll hear three broad challenges of leading with courage. These include, but are not limited to, positional leadership, vicarious spirituality, and criticism "from the cheap seats." Be reminded, your purpose (Episode 088) and paying attention to God's presence (Episode 089) set the foundation for who you are as a leader. Said simply, who you are is how you lead. Add to these two foundational elements the importance of relationships (Episode 090) and the need for courageous, faithful leaders has

Does anyone have relationship challenges?  Sure you do. You’re human. Sometimes in relationships – whether individual relationships or within a group or team, there are barriers that get erected, stopping us from living into healthy, courageous relationships. What are these barriers? Armor. We just heard you ask, “Armor?” “Wait. We don’t live in medieval times.” You’re right. It’s a metaphor. Armor is a protective shield we all use to keep ourselves safe. But, instead of keeping us safe – our armor protects us from loving and being loved. It’s the protective shield you put up to stop yourself from feeling vulnerable. Sometimes you may use armor to hide. Ready to learn more?  Join Tim and Sara for an exploration of armor, courage in relationships, and four principles to consider as you seek to live and lead with courage. Make sure you grab the Transformation Guide for this episode, too!  

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/089 What distracts you from focusing on God's presence each and every day? Is it busyness?  Or is it the preoccupation with fewer financial and people resources than you want. Or maybe you're not clear about your purpose. Listen to Episode 088 for some help on that!  Maybe the place to start is by setting expectations. Are you expecting God to show up in your daily life? No guilt trips here. What's your honest answer? If the pace of life is such that you're paying attention to everything and everyone but God, it's time to pause. Despite what your calendar, bank account, or roster of volunteers may say, you are not alone. God is with you. If you're already saying, "Yeah, I know God is with me, but..." lean into this episode. You'll get four key elements to setting the foundation for following Jesus every day. Consider Genesis 32:22-32. It's a familiar story of Jacob wrestling with God and God giving Jacob a new name, Israel. That scripture inv

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/088 4 Elements to Leading and Living on Purpose If I were to ask you, as a Christ-centered leader, “What’s your purpose?” how would you answer? ...Would you have an answer?  Could you tell me the purpose, or mission, of your employer?  How about the church where you worship? Do you know the purpose of your local church? As people who follow Jesus, we need to keep Jesus at the foundation of everything we do  - our life, our work, our family, our friendships...EVERYTHING. The problem is, if Jesus is at the center of everything, it can mean you Jesus is not at the heart of anything. Or worse, we make excuses that we don't have the time, money, or know how to follow Jesus every day. In this episode, get ready to explore your life purpose and how it will help you navigate the key tasks and common threats, to a healthy, growing faith. Download the Transformation Guide. Leverage these Four Elements in your life and leadership TODAY. The four

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/087 Download the Transformation Guide for this Episode. Have you ever faced one of the following challenges? You realize you need to improve your self-awareness. But, you're also human. Like most of us, you overestimate your skills and gifts and underestimate the time it takes to use your skills. If you've ever confessed, “I may have thought of myself more highly than I ought,” you'll find you're in good company as we walk through this episode. You're not feeling equipped to live into your calling. Perhaps you've taken a spiritual gifts test, but never translated that into living into your vocation or calling Your skills don’t match your calling. In order for alignment to happen between your skills and calling, you need additional education or training. During this episode, Tim and Sara explore the above challenges so you can identify what your skills and gifts have to do with calling. First, we'll differentiate between skills and g

You can find resources for this episode - including a Transformation Guide at https://transformingmission.org/086  You are created by God. You are loved by God. You are called by God. Add to those three amazing truths the desire to be taken seriously, especially when you are sure you are living as God has created you to live, and you'll run into a mystery. One of the mysteries of life is this: When God calls, God speaks only loud enough for you to hear. The people around you usually don’t hear what you hear. As a result, we are often trying to make sense of our call within a culture of conflicting voices and within organizations that don't always know how to respond.  In this episode, we’re going to "Improve the Acoustics".  You will learn two big ways to improve the acoustics so you can hear and articulate God’s call upon your life. If you've found yourself wanting to discern God's call on your life, join us for this episode. We'll share stories about practicing listening to God, and taking the risk to step

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/085 "Clarity of call brings clarity of purpose" You are called by God. Whether you are serving in ordained or licensed ministry or a baptized participant in a local church, you are a child of God, called by God. Baptism is your call to ministry. For some, the call is to leadership. For others, it is to the priesthood of all believers lived out in families, businesses, and communities all across the world. Whether you serve within the church or care for your family and home, you are called. If you are employed in business, education, medicine, or service industries (just to name a few). You, too, have a calling. But to respond to God's calling, you need to be clear. Clarity of call brings clarity of purpose. In this episode, Tim and Sara offer three big questions (and a few clarifying questions) to help you revisit your call. We'll guide you through reflecting on who God is inviting you to be in this season of ministry while reflecting

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/084 Have you ever been on information overload? If you’ve ever written a sermon or put together a sermon series, you’ve likely been in this place. But, information overload can happen in school, in our families, in meetings, and even in Bible Studies. Sometimes, we fall down the rabbit hole of information and forget that what we’re looking for is transformation. This week, Sara shares a teachable moment from working on a Bible Reading plan “Following Jesus Every Day – Courageous Discipleship.” Continue Reading at https://transformingmission.org/084

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/083 Disciples of Jesus are called to lead an integrated life. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore two big questions that point to integrity in faith and life.  Christian leaders, these questions are essential to explore with other Jesus followers. As you seek to grow in grace, integrating your thinking, feeling, and doing is essential for focusing on God's presence. Read more on the show notes page at https://transformingmission.org/083 

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/082   Sara interviews four 26-30-year-olds living in Louisville, Kentucky. They're seeking to follow Jesus every day and do it with intention, grace, and hospitality. They also have their fair share of conflict. It's not something they avoid. Instead, they embrace conflict and stumble through it with love.  You'll hear why five adults decided to move into one house together, the challenges, conflict, and love that results. You'll also hear about tacos. Tacos that are "the worst tacos on the planet" or "the best tacos" - it just depends on the week. But really, it's not about the tacos. It's about creating a space for people to encounter the love of God. If you've ever asked, "How do we get young people to stay connected to the church?" This episode is for you. Or maybe you've said, "What are we going to do about the divisiveness going on around us?" This episode is for you. Or maybe you've uttered the words, "I need to find some friends my ag