Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

You can find show notes for this episode at transformingmission.org/026 Leaders are courageous. The challenges of our contexts and the resistance we may encounter necessitate courage.  As a leader, you help make something happen. While others curse the darkness, you light a light.  First, you have to practice. You have to manage your fear. You have to take the steps that require discipline to stay the course and keep you and others focused on the mission at hand.  

Find show notes for this episode and a one page summary of the difference between adaptive challenges and technical issues at https://transformingmission.org/025 When we seek to lead people through adaptive challenges, we're faced with another challenge...what type of leadership will we offer? In this episode, we distinguish between the fundamental and normal state of leadership. The challenge of leading people through adaptive challenges is it feels like we're building a bridge as we walk across it.  We explore examples of the normal and fundamental state of leadership and invite you to consider how you're leading others. Need a primer on the difference between technical problems and adaptive issues? Download the one-page summary at https://transformingmission.org/025 Mentioned in this Episode GET ON THE WAITLIST: Back to the Basics While we didn't say it directly in this episode, our journey of leading others through adaptive challenges and technical issues has come with the help of trusted colleagues and c

Find show notes for this episode and a one page summary of the difference between adaptive challenges and technical issues at https://transformingmission.org/024 When we treat adaptive issues as if they are technical problems, we have misdiagnosed the issue. Often, this leads to more challenges and even complicates the path forward. In this episode, we have a conversation about leadership in the local church and what it sounds like to address adaptive challenges. We also explore what might happen if the same issue is dealt with as if it were a technical problem. Need a primer on the difference between technical problems and adaptive issues? Download the one-page summary at https://transformingmission.org/024 Mentioned in this Episode GET ON THE WAITLIST: Back to the Basics While we didn't say it directly in this episode, our journey of leading others through adaptive challenges and technical issues has come with the help of trusted colleagues and coaches. Along the way, they've introduced us to two books we f

You already know backpacks and file cabinets both hold stuff. But, what do backpacks and file cabinets have to do with leading a movement of Jesus followers?  Find show notes for this episode at TransformingMission.org/023  In this episode we talk about: File cabinets storing information about Jesus. Backpacks going with us on a daily missional adventure with Jesus. The challenge is, it can be easy to treat personal, daily disciplines of discipleship like a file cabinet. Gather it and store information that never leads to transformation. Two rhythms we follow and some of the challenges we face as followers of Jesus. Daily discipleship or faith development is like a backpack. It takes us on daily adventures with Jesus. It's a constant companion that shows wear and tear, holds memories and dreams and a few essential things we need every day. We pick up where we left off in Episode 022, this time focusing on personal disciplines. Following Jesus is an every day adventure.   Examples of Daily Disciples  Sara

Show notes and resources mentioned in this episode at TransformingMission.org/022 Sometimes there are life forming experiences that weave a thread through many years of life, leadership, and faith. In this episode, we hear the story of one of those times - from one person. "She did WHAT?" is not just a question you might ask about the first story Sara shares. It is a question about living as followers of Jesus. You'll hear stories that may leave you saying, "She did WHAT?" and stories that take you into the heart of the city. In the end, we'll introduce a group experience that offers the opportunity for every day mission trip. And end with how current events continue to weave a thread through scripture, service, and celebration. You can get on the waitlist for our next group experience, Back to the Basics, here.    

You can find show notes for this episode at transformingmission.org/021 HOPE IS EVERYWHERE Leaders create a climate and an atmosphere of hope. Perhaps that’s why we ask, “Why is everyone talking about hope?” As people who seek to have “forward-looking faith” we are people of hope. Faith makes new beginnings possible. The new beginnings are the practice of living hope. There are four things people of hope believe: 1) The future will be better than the present 2) I have the power to make the future better than the present 3) There are many paths to my goals 4) None of the pathways are free of obstacles. The first two beliefs are about outlook and agency. The third and fourth beliefs are about mental flexibility. People of hope do not have a fixed mindset. People of hope have the mental flexibility that allows them to learn, adapt, change, and respond to the obstacles you face. Without the above, we lack the momentum hope needs to take a central place in our life and leadership.      Hope is needed in our time b

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/020 Episode 020: Let Me Tell You a Story When it comes to communicating with a group of people, how do you prepare? Are you a verbal or written processor? In this episode, Tim and Sara have a conversation about the different ways we go about preparing to share with others. Sara tends to write to think through a process or idea. Tim tends to talk about what he is preparing to get to the essence of his message. These are two different ways to approach a similar task. We'll break down the why, how, and what of a message and share a few examples of recent opportunities to communicate - while poking a little fun at ourselves along the way!  Whether you're writing a blog, preparing a sermon, or trying to lead others through a meeting, our communication brings our story - and more importantly - God's story, to life. Everything we communicate in the life of the church is about leading people to live into God's mission of making disciples of Jesus Chr

Find show notes for this episode at transformingmission.org/019   When was the last time you planned something and it went EXACTLY as you thought? If you said, "Never," you're in good company. As leaders, we have the privilege of introducing new initiatives, encouraging change, or guiding others toward deepening their commitment to the mission. But, we'd be less than honest if we said our vision always unfolds exactly as we planned. Where are you facing a barrier in ministry? What are the alternate pathways to proceed? Whether resources (financial, people, time, etc.) are unavailable or there is a resistance to moving toward the goal you're working towards, as a people of hope, we must understand alternate pathways. People of hope seek, develop, and explore alternate pathways to goals. You claim the agency needed to accomplish a goal and work toward the mission. This creates momentum that results in hope. So what happens when you hit a roadblock? Or resistance comes? You might feel frustrated. Or, perhaps lik

Are you leading in a place that is exciting and future focused? Or maybe you’re experiencing the routine of attempting to create momentum for the future...and ministry just seems hard. Whether you’re in a season that is focused on the bright future ahead of you or are experiencing something less hopeful, this episode has something for you. As a leader, you have the opportunity to create hope. No, you won’t create hope on your own - none of us can do that! In this episode, we offer you three ways you can create hope and share several examples from ministry when we were challenged by hope and overflowing with hope. Resources from this Episode: story shared from Shane Lopez, Making Hope Happen Episode 015, 016, 017 also cover the needs of followers. Become a LeaderCast Insider Want to be the first to know when a new episode is available? Click to become a LeaderCast Insider with one simple step!

You can find show notes for this episode at transformingmission.org/017 What do you need to provide stability? Teeter-totters, or is it a see-saw? I'll spare you the debate that unfolded on Facebook about this very question. Instead, this episode takes us to the playground for an example of stability. As we explore the third need of followers (listen to episode 015 to explore trust & episode 016 to learn more about compassion.) The final episode will feature hope, look for it on August 14.  We'll go on a journey into the three reasons stability is important to followers and how to create stability when everything around you seems to be changing. Tim and Sara talk about their experiences with change, give a couple of outlandish examples of stability, and offer a reminder of where our stability comes from in the life of the local church. As a leader, you create stability in specific ways. Or, you destabilize things. We'll distinguish between change and instability and guide you toward leading others well. 

Show notes for this episode can be found at transformingmission.org/016 What does COMPASSION have to do with leading others? Well, it's the second need of followers. The first need of followers is Trust. (See Episode 15).  Tim and Sara look at a common scenario in local church leadership and ask the question, how do we show that we care? And, why does it matter? Turns out, people to say they have someone who cares about them are more engaged and productive. In the life of a local congregation, that productivity may best be described as effectiveness. Said plainly, how are disciples making disciples.  We explore the Four Spaces of Belonging and look at each space as it relates to compassion and care in the local congregation. The episode ends by asking you to consider why compassion matters.  

You can find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/015 If the first need of followers is trust, how are you building trust within the local church? As a pastor or leader in the congregation, people are looking to you to set the foundation for trusting relationships. In this episode, we outline four reminders about trust. You may be interested in two other blog posts that touch on a similar topic:  Why do people follow? Trust: The Most Valued Commodity in a Work Environment Trust and the Executing Talent Themes - an Exploration of 9 CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) talent themes and how they build trust.   

Show notes for this episode can be found at: transformingmission.org/014 Are you a disciple? In this episode, we explore six characteristics of a disciple. Briefly, a disciple of Jesus is someone who: 1) Embraces the mission If our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world, embracing the mission involves helping people become more like Jesus. 2) Practices the Faith This is embodied in the heart, mind, and work of Christ. 3) Is in a Relationship with Christ, a Christian community, and their local context Here we talk about the three-fold relationships that exist. You might find it easier to remember it this way: the Up, In and Out relationships. 4) Is Present Being present is about living an integrated, authentic life. 5) Serves with Others  Here you ask the question, what can we be doing that no one else is doing? We also explore the simplest act of service EVERYONE can do. 6) Embraces their Local Context Knowing and embracing the local context around the local church. Remember, a

  You can find show notes: https://transformingmission.org/013 How are you caught up in the movement of God? There's your big question for this week! How are you caught up in what God is doing in your life, community, and relationships? In this episode, we don't hold back. Sara and Tim get passionate (ok, mostly Sara gets passionate) about where the church needs to change. We explore the nature of the church and throw a tough question your way about how the church is failing. We remind you that the mission of God is lived out in our neighborhoods, just beyond the church doors. And, we remind you that being sent people, commissioned people, is how we live into God's mission...whatever the circumstances are around us. And, yes, God's sending you out to get the Word out. So...where is God sending you today? Let us know in the comments section. Be the First to Know Want to know when a new episode is available? Click here to become a LeaderCast Insider. Mentioned in this Episode David Bosch, Transforming Mission W

LeaderCast Show Notes Find show notes at https://transformingmission.org/012 Who are you in a relationship with that is changing your life? You might be thinking, "Well, I know the answer should be Jesus." Yes, that's true. But, are there people you're serving with who are changing your life, too? If not, maybe it's time to start. In this episode, Tim and Sara make a distinction about a popular activity that is a strategy for serving in local schools and being in transformational relationships with others. They take you deeper into an experience with a local school that left some asking, "What do we tell the kids when they ask, why are we here?" Listen in to hear the answer. And if you're not already doing so, it's time to start asking the question, "What can we do to be helpful?"   Mentioned in this Episode PREVIOUS EPISODES Explore Episodes 007, 008, 009, 011 How to listen Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes/iPhone Podcast app Listen on Google Play Music Listen on Stitcher Listen on Soundcloud Subscribe vi

Find a Freebie for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/011 There's no putting your toes in the pool to test the water this week. We're jumping in and reminding you of Episode 7, Episode 8, and Episode 9 and the stories we shared. All so we can sort through the seven missional questions. Tim and Sara share the ups, downs, and reminders of exploring the seven questions to find focus and clarity. As a reminder, you'll need the skill of deep listening, the attitude of humility, and a big picture view of the mission of God. We'll dive deeper into an example from a previous episode and shine a light on how naming God's presence helped us clarify our engagement in the community.   This Week's Download Sorting the Themes from the Seven Questions Mentioned in this Episode PREVIOUS EPISODES Explore Episodes 007, 008, 009

Find show notes at https://transformingmission.org/010 We’re keeping show notes to a minimum for this episode. We simply want to remind you as followers of Jesus to be people of hospitality, offering Christ as you practice the faith and engage with others. Here are several resources you may find helpful. Pray for our elected and appointed officials as well as how you will lead others. Here are instructions to contact your Senators. Currently, 48 Senators support the Keep Families Together Act, S. 3036. Here are instructions to contact your Representatives You may also wish to explore Matter A-B- and express concern that Matter A-R-C-G- has been overruled. This is the portion that allowed “married women in Guatemala who are unable to leave their relationship” to be considered a legal social group. When Mr. Sessions overturned this, it barred virtually all domestic violence victims from seeking asylum in the United State. It also set a new precedent for implementation of policies that continue to separate ch

  Who is God inviting you to be in this time and place? We become who God created us to be in relationship with others. This episode covers questions six and seven of the seven missional questions. This episode will help you begin to take steps to follow where God is leading by connecting with the people and organizations around our community. In this episode, we introduce two questions. One about relationships and one about partnerships or collaboration. These questions may help you begin to see overlap with the previous five questions. (Listen to Episodes 007 and 008) You'll hear the story of relationships within two local congregations that led to lives being transformed and communities being changed - and it might not be the people you expect. This Week's Download Relationships and Collaboration Worksheet Mentioned in this Episode PREVIOUS EPISODES Explore Episodes 000 - 008 Previous Questions in this series: Episode 007: Setting the Foundation with Purpose & Presence Episode 008: Bridging the Need

    This Week's Download Mission Field, Assets and Needs Worksheet. What can we do that no one else is doing? What might happen if the above question became a prayer: "O God, what do we need to be doing that no one else is doing?" Listening for the response to that prayer may just lead you into your mission field. In this episode, we talk about identifying your mission field, the assets of your community and the needs of your community. No, we're not inviting you to another meeting to answer more questions. We're inviting you to get outside the walls of the church building and explore the community where God has placed you. We'll explore identifying your mission field from a personal and congregational perspective and share stories about how the mission field helps us build relationships to know the needs and assets of our community. No - this isn't one more thing to do. It's an opportunity for your life to be shaped as a follower of Jesus. Mentioned in this Episode PREVIOUS EPISODES Episode 007 DOWNLOADS Mi

Find show notes and a download at https://transformingmission.org/007  Where have you experienced God's presence in the last week? Looking for a little more of a challenge? Where have you experienced God's presence in the past day? How about the last hour? Or maybe it's been a while since you've really stopped to think about where God is moving in your midst. As leaders, our awareness of God's presence and a deep understanding of our purpose are foundational to being followers of Jesus. These two elements set the foundation for leading vital, life-giving opportunities a movement of Jesus followers to emerge. In this episode, we introduce two questions. One about our purpose and one about presence. As you'll hear, we refer to both of the questions as first questions - oops! But, maybe it's not an oops. Both of the questions are foundational to leading people to follow Jesus. We'll practice counting above two in our next episode! ;) These questions aren't intended to be answered once and left on a file on your