Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/081 Explore the five conversations you need to have with individuals if you want to celebrate the way God is using them in daily life. Where to begin? We encourage every leader to ask the question, "Where have you witnessed God's presence today?" The intentionality of this question forces us to pause, reflect, and celebrate God's presence in daily life.  Define Celebration How do we define celebration? No, we don't mean cake, ice cream balloons, and party invitations. While those celebrations are fun, they're not the celebration we're talking about. If you want to celebrate the leaders on your team, celebrate by naming God's presence. As individuals and as a team, the practice of naming where/how God is showing up and showing off in your life is a foundation of faithful leadership. What about the Hard Times? As a reminder, in Episode 080 we explore celebrating even when it's difficult. With the above definition in mind, you're encouraged to n

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/080 There are times it is easy to celebrate. A celebration can come easy when you're looking forward to a birthday, anniversary, or milestone of a loved one or colleague. But how do you celebrate - and what should you celebrate - when things get tough?  We've identified three times it can be difficult to celebrate. While not exhaustive, these ideas will help you gain insights on where to focus and what to celebrate when, at first glance, celebrating seems difficult, or even inappropriate. Specifically, we discuss responding to a crisis, dysfunction and division, and diversity and differences. Along the way, you'll get reminders about how to make hope happen, stay focused on Jesus, and celebrate the way God is moving in your midst. Let Us Know For now, will you tell us one thing? What is God doing in your life that you have the privilege to be a part of today, tomorrow, or in the next week? Send Us Your Response Celebrate God's presenc

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/079 What do a brawl at a baseball game, denying our mistakes, and armor have to do with leadership? We’re glad you asked. In Episode 079 of LeaderCast, Tim and Sara explore how ministry leaders, pastors, and ordinary people can become a wholehearted, influential leader. When it comes to professional sports, church leadership, and even daily life, most of us have a “go-to” response. And sometimes that response is not kind, loving, let alone Christian. But, it can be. Our invitation to you is simple: become a wholehearted leader. Note: we didn’t say it was easy. But, wholehearted leadership is fairly simple to understand. Wholehearted leadership is about cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to integrate our thinking, feeling, and behavior. It’s about putting down what Brené Brown calls armor. Then, we can pick up all of the pieces of what makes us who we are - the good, bad, and ugly - as well as the messy, complex and admirable.

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/078 Are You a Leader Who Listens? In the midst of the chaos and distractions, leaders who listen focus on relationships. In other words, leaders learn to listen by engaging in the ongoing practice of listening.  They listen to God, the church, and the local community. In this episode, we'll explore listening to God through scripture, prayer and the community. Tim and Sara answer the questions, "Why listen through the scripture? And what are we listening for?" Through stories and examples, we give you five big ideas that leaders listen for as they engage the scriptures, in prayer, and listening to the community.  By listening to God, to the congregation, and to the community you can and will become a leader who listens.  When you listen, you are better equipped to assist the congregation to live out their faith, to love and serve in the community as well as where they live and work. There is a great need for leaders who listen. Interested in l

You can find show notes for this episode at https://TransformingMisison.org/077 Listening is a skill. It's also an art. Listening invites us to be present to the person or people who are speaking. As a result, listening necessitates an investment in a relationship with people.  Tim and Sara explore two big ideas in this podcast: 1) What does Scripture have to say about listening? 2) Why don't we listen? We offer four passages of Scripture from the Old and New Testaments that remind us that God shows us the importance of listening. Then, we turn to five reasons we don't listen. Tim also wrote an article where he touches on the five aspects of good listeners. Read "Is Anybody Listening?"   Interested in learning the skills you need to lead with courage? Complete this simple form and let us know you're interested in Dare to Lead. we'll keep you updated about opportunities for you to become a brave leader and create courageous cultures.   Have you listened to previous episodes? Integrity Episdoe 074: Integrity -

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/076 Integrity - Part 3 Do you know your values? If you can't name two personal values and the behaviors associated with them, this episode is for you. If you can name two personal values, this episode is also for you. A central part of integrity is practicing your values. In this episode, Sara and Tim explore three values we see professed in the church that the body of Christ struggles, at times, to embody. We'll talk about love, integrity, diversity, and community. Then, we explore one of Tim's values and how he's wrestling, reflecting, and seeking to live into that value around the humanitarian crisis with children at the border. We wrap up the episode reminding you that you have a choice to live into your values. Choosing to practice your values is a choice. So is choosing not to practice your values! Remember, integrity is choosing courage over comfort, choosing what is right over what is fast and east, and practicing our values not just

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/075 Fast and Easy? Think about the last time you took a road trip and found yourself stuck in traffic on the interstate. How did you respond? Did you immediately pull out your phone, open Google Maps or Waze and look for a different route? Did you see if there was a way to sneak around on the shoulder to the nearest exit to find a route around the stopped traffic? Were you frustrated? Did you wait patiently until cars started moving? (Good for you for being among the 1% of patient individuals in the world!) All of us, at some point, have tried to take a route around stopped traffic. Whether it was the wisdom of a navigation app or your own intuition, most of us look for the fastest way to get somewhere. Unfortunately, when it comes to leadership, going fast isn't usually going to yield results, especially when it comes to integrity. Choose Integrity Integrity is choosing courage over comfort, choosing what is right over what is fun, fast an

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmisison.org/074 While courage gets a lot of air time in many places, over the next three episodes Sara and Tim walk through how courage is a teachable skill. If you want to lead into the future, let's lead with courage. Part of building the capacity to lead with courage comes from becoming a leader of integrity. Integrity is all about integration. It's about making something whole. So instead of separating the parts of your life like a piece of pie, we're inviting you to lead and live with integrity. Here are a few questions we're asking ourselves and offer to you: Are you leading as a mission-driven, kingdom leader? Are you choosing courage over comfort? Or, do you find yourself backing down from the moments you're invited to lead with courage? Yeah, we know what that's like. While we don't have courage mastered, we do know that choosing courage over comfort is one of the important elements of living and leading with integrity. We also know it takes p

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/073 Kingdom Leadership Consider this question for a moment: Is there a difference between the leadership that focuses upon the kingdom of God and the leadership that focuses on the institution?  Episode 070, 071, and 072 explored your grace story - the experiences of God that shape our faith and lead us into ministry. Today, we build on those discussions and focus on kingdom leadership. First, we offer a few reminders about the kingdom of God.  Then, we look to the kingdom of God in the New Testament.  We ask a big question: Is there a difference between the kingdom of God and institutions we call denominations and what does that mean for leadership? "Begin with the church and the kingdom may or may not be recognized. Begin with Jesus and the church becomes an instrument to participate in the kingdom of God by pointing people to reminders that God reigns. The purpose of the church is to give the world a glimpse of the kingdom, to

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/072 Your grace story is one that continues to unfold, inviting you to become more of who God created you to be. In this episode we explore our grace stories and the journey toward sanctification. As a leader, your story informs how you lead. How are you making intentional decisions about growing to be more of who God created you to be?  While our journeys may start in different places, we all are invited to be at home with God. Explore this idea and the implications for your leadership in Episode 072. Are you a LeaderCast Insider? Be the first to know when a new episode drops. Sign-up here. Subscribe to Transforming Mission's LeaderCast in your favorite podcast player.    Time Stamp 1:35 What is Sanctifying Grace? 3:55 Sara's Grace Story 7:19 Relationships are at the center of our Christian journey 13:29 The journey of sanctification 19:26 You are called from grace to grace 20:14 What sanctification is NOT 23:50 Questions to Consider as Leade

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/071 What's your grace story? We all have one. Whether it is decades old or just forming, God's grace is at work in your life. We started with stories around prevenient grace Episode 070. In Episode 071, we explore stories around justifying grace. Stated simply, justifying grace is the moment God's grace becomes real to us, inviting us to turn in the direction of God's love. Tim shares several stories from his life to explore the meaning and purpose of justifying grace. Then, we invite you to explore the question, "What is the importance of justifying grace to leadership?" Let us know your response to that question! Next Steps Become a LeaderCast Insider - be the first to know every week when a new episode of LeaderCast goes live. You'll also get links to the resources for each episode!

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/070 Grace Stories We all have a grace story. Some of our stories are decades old and some of our stories are just forming. In today's episode, we explore our grace stories. Specifically, we help you explore your grace stories as they relate to prevenient grace. Now if you're thinking, "What does the word, prevenient even mean?" You might be in good company!  Suffice it to say, prevenient grace is the grace that comes before we're aware of it or recognize our need for it.  We share stories about how we've experienced God's prevenient grace at work in our lives to help you reflect on God's prevenient grace in YOUR life.  Then, we ask, what impact does prevenient grace have on leadership? Never considered that question. Join us for Episode 070 of LeaderCast! Next Steps Become a LeaderCast Insider - be the first to know every week when a new episode of LeaderCast goes live. You'll also get links to the resources for each episode!

You can find show notes for this episode at https://TransformingMission.org/069 What are you Planting? We will reap what we sow, or harvest what we plant.  Daily living involves a constant choice in regard to living a life of grace. Although it is not always clear, the choice ultimately is between our self-indulgence and our self-surrender. The character of our leadership reveals the choice we make. In this final episode focusing on Galatians, we help you explore your relationship with Christ, the congregation and your local community. We'll offer tools and resources to help you take the next step as a leader. At the same time, when this episode is first published, many local congregations and pastors are in transition. As pastors move to new congregations, as congregations say goodbye and hello to pastors, here's an opportunity to be mindful of what you are planting. Everything we share is applicable to pastors and local church leaders not in transition, too. As you listen to Episode 069, we'll help you cons

You can find show notes for Episode 068 at https://TransformingMission.org/068 Galatians 5 leads Paul deeper into contrasts between the flesh and the spirit. As leaders, we can contrast the focus of our leadership between leadership shaped by a career or leadership that is shaped by character. Another way to think about it is the difference between selfish and selfless leadership.  You'll learn the implications of each type of leadership and be encouraged to hold up a mirror for the people around you to see who God created them to be. When we keep our focus on Jesus, the grace God offers to each person becomes an expression of the Spirit.  

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/067 In Galatians 4 we discover Paul’s understanding that we become children of God by God’s grace and not by our heritage or birth.  As we are shaped and formed by God’s grace, we begin to see every person as God created them to be. We look beyond the Law to grace. Once Paul sees grace as a relationship with God, this relationship formed and informed his ministry.  It is a matter of becoming who God created him to be. Here are five questions we use to help you become the kind of leader others want to follow as we look at Galatians 4. What are the circumstances surrounding the situation? These are the facts. Do not include opinions here. Only include the things that are objectively true and can be affirmed by anyone. What are my thoughts about this situation? Often these are opinions and stories you're telling yourself. What are you feeling? Name your feelings in one word. What actions are you taking? Explore your inaction as well. What resul

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/066 Spotting Strengths Galatians 3 contrasts the Law and the Spirit. But, who is Paul in this chapter, especially as a leader?  In this episode, we'll help you see what we see as Paul's strengths for disciple-making.  Focus on You But, first, let's focus on you. Leaders need to be self-aware. Leaders need to know "What makes you, you?" "Where might you need to partner with other leaders to get things done?" You're invited to consider these questions as we explore Paul's leadership in Galatians 3. Download the Worksheets for Episode 066: Galatians 3 - Spotting Paul's Strengths for Disciple-Making Get the Five Clues to Unlock Your Talents! Background Definitions Strengths are the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance in a specific activity. Talents are naturally recurring patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that can be productively applied. HOPE Below, you'll find previous episodes of LeaderCast exploring the

Find show notes for this episode at https://TransformingMission.org/065  In This Episode This week we’re diving into the second chapter of Galatians, looking to the letter to explore lessons for leadership. Chapter 2 of Galatians is a twisting, turning, confronting whirlwind of rhetoric from Paul to the people of Galatia. We'll share the four movements of embrace, point to verses in Chapter 2, and leave you with a question to think about and act on. The Galatians and false teachers and even some of Paul’s brothers in Christ were having a hard time navigating things they thought were opposites. Here are just a few:  Law v. Gospel Works v. Faith Jews v. Gentiles Torah v. grace Paul says no way - the God I know in Jesus says in stretching out my arms on the cross, I’m embracing you. These are not concepts that are competing and they certainly aren't about division. The reality is...What the world seeks to divide, God seeks to unify.  Hold those challenges in mind as we step into Episode 065 of LeaderCast. Miro

Find show notes for this episode at TransformingMission.org/064 Sign-up for Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians, Gospel of Grace   Navigating Competing Values Holding the tension between two important values is never easy - especially for leaders. In this episode, we explore the tension in Galatians 1 between the Law (or rules) and grace.  Using stories from the everyday experience of driving, we identify three insights for leaders to navigate competing values. 1. Stay focused on the main subject. In Galatians, Jesus is our focus. 2. Own your own story. 3. Celebrate what is essential and what is emerging. Tim Bias and Sara Thomas unpack these three insights to help you lead others to follow Jesus. After listening to the podcast, consider the following: What is Paul’s letter to the Galatians teaching you about grace, Jesus, and being a follower of Jesus? What 3 ground rules guide you in holding the tension between what is essential and what is emerging? Become a LeaderCast Insider  Navigate to our podcast p

You can find show notes for this episode at TransformingMission.org/063 In Part 2 of this short series on core values, we're talking personal values. Part 1 (Episode 062) covers congregational core values. Each episode stands alone while serving as a partner. Are You Walking Your Talk? What are your values? You only have one set of values. You can’t separate work values from personal values. Said differently, you can’t separate your role as a spouse, parent, or friend from those of a pastor or follower of Jesus. Not sure all of the roles you fill in life help you live into your values? Not to worry. You may not be alone. LeaderCast is here to help! In this episode will help guide you through a three-step process to claim your personal values. First, download the Personal Core Values Companion Guide. It will help you narrow down your core values to two primary values. Then, as you listen to this episode hit pause and complete the rest of the worksheet. In This Episode We’ll walk through a three-step process:

Find show notes for this episode at TransformingMission.org/062 Today we're having a conversation about congregational core values and identifying the behaviors that define the core values. For many congregations, we think we're clear on what we value, but the reality is, the values aren't supported by behavior. As a result, individuals and teams are uncertain how to support and live into the values. Often our values are what lead us to stand up, speak up, and step up. Our values can propel us to be courageous. But, without clarity of values, it’s unlikely that we’ll walk our talk. As you listen, consider the skills you learned in Episodes 055-061 about rumbling with vulnerability. Like any conversation, you'll want to build a container and define what will help people actively participate in the conversation.  We'll talk through three steps to help you get clear on your congregational core values. As always, we offer insights and stories to help guide you on your leadership in the local church.   Next Steps