Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

In episode 315 of the Transforming Mission podcast, we look at Mark 11, focusing on the anticipation of Palm Sunday, the nuances of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the journey through Lent toward Holy Week. Unlike the other gospels, Mark's account omits certain details, such as the triumphal nature of the entry and the presence of palm branches, offering instead a unique perspective on hope and preparation for the Resurrection. Listen to explore the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our hope, especially as Christ-centered leaders guiding others through the Lenten journey. Stand with hope amidst tension of Holy Week and be faithful to Jesus. After all, celebrating Palm Sunday is really a focus on Jesus' transformative presence.   Time Stamp for Episode 315 The Choice to Stand with Hope 00:10 Exploring Mark 11 in Anticipation of Palm Sunday 00:45 A Deep Dive into Mark's Gospel and the Triumphal Entry 01:33 Scripture Reading: Mark 11, 1-11 03:04 Observations and Insights on Palm Sunday from Mark 05:2

We’re looking at John 12 and the broader narrative of John's Gospel to explore the theme of discipleship and the invitation to follow Jesus. The initial invitation 'come and see' was extended to the first Jewish disciples in John 1. Now, in John 12 the same invitation is extended to Greek-speaking would-be disciples. As the disciples examine Jesus' response to these seekers, emphasizing the necessity of full commitment to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for true discipleship. Join Tim and Sara as they reflect on the implications for Lent, drawing parallels between Jesus' teachings and the journey of Lent as a period of deeper understanding and commitment to faith. John 12 is a beautiful invitation to come and see, expanding Jesus’ mission and reach. The universal call to discipleship urges each one of us to consider what it means to draw close to Jesus and live out our faith in the contemporary world. Read More and Listen at https://transformingmission.org/314 TimeStamp for The Choice to Follow Jesus (Jo

Episode 313, 'Perceptions that Shape your Choices,' explores the critical role of choice in Christ-centered leadership, especially during the Lenten season. The hosts, Sara and Tim, discuss how leadership is more than a position of power; it's a series of deliberate choices that reflect one’s character and influence. When you examine John 3:14-21 to understand Jesus's teachings on love, belief, and eternal life, it helps us see that leadership choices are grounded in the selfless love exemplified by Jesus. Tim shares a story about a man named Joe to illustrate the importance of actionable love and the impact of choices on leadership effectiveness. The episode encourages leaders to lead by example, showing God's love through their actions and decisions. TimeStamp for Transforming Mission Podcast Episode 313 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Topic 01:00 Exploring the Concept of Leadership as a Choice 02:18 Reading and Discussing John 3:14-21  04:35 Deep Dive into the Meaning of Love in the Scripture 06:28 E

In this episode, Sara and Tim discuss John 12:13-22 where Jesus overturns tables in the temple. They interpret it as a call for transformation, highlighting the choice presented: either adhering to the institutional trappings of religion or opening oneself to the movement of God. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on the influence of the church, the intertwining of Jesus and institutional structure, and urge listeners to recognize where absolutes may limit their experiences of Jesus. They emphasize that the Word was made flesh in Jesus, challenging the religious system of his day. The episode is aimed at guiding listeners to examine their beliefs and practices and encourage transformative choices that deepen faith.  TimeStamp 00:00 Introduction to the Episode  00:52 Setting the Scene: The Scripture for the Week 03:23 Understanding the Importance of the Temple 04:46 Jesus' Disruption of the Temple 05:55 The Choice: Trusting Jesus or the Institution 07:41 The Challenge of Transformation 10:58 The Role of the

During Lent, we're looking at the choices presented to us as leaders. The choice this week comes in the form of love. Look at 'cost of discipleship' and the choice to embrace the cost of love. Tim and Sara discuss a passage from Mark's Gospel, which conveys Jesus anticipating His death and resurrection. They focus on the concept of 'cost,' which is not just financial but can impact character, relationships, decision-making and is not always negative. The significance of embracing cost in Christianity, often perceived negatively in modern society, is highlighted. Listen to explore the associations in culture with the avoidance of pain or struggle, which contrasts significantly with Jesus' message. Jesus invites us to reflect on the choices Jesus made and the costs Jesus embraced, asserting that following Jesus does not lead to negative outcomes but rather a positive impact on the world. The episode concludes by challenging listeners on their readiness to embrace the cost of love as Christ-centered leaders. Lis

In episode 310 of the Transforming Missions podcast, Tim and Sara explore the journey of Lent, beginning with the Gospel passage for Sunday, Mark 1:9-15. The discussion focuses on the theme of choices that Jesus makes in the wilderness and the relevance for today's Christian leaders. The temptation to go for expediency and quick solutions versus taking the path of righteousness and authenticity is emphasized. The hosts challenge leaders to make intentional choices that align with God's will, even when difficult. The episode is a reflection on leadership, temptation, and our identity as children of God, offering insights for those on the Lenten journey. You can listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/podcast TimeStamp 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:12 Beginning the Journey of Lent 00:26 Exploring the Scripture: Mark 1, 9-15 02:14 Jesus' Baptism and Time in the Wilderness 04:15 The Significance of Jesus' Choices in the Wilderness 05:00 The Temptation of Expediency 08:44 The Impact of Our

Do you know what makes you amazing? Join us to focus on your strengths and unique abilities as we explore the idea of embracing one's uniqueness and living out our purpose, using examples and scripture references along the way. Do you know your CliftonStrengths and how they empower and animate your ministry? We'd love to partner with you and your leaders to help identify and leverage your strengths in leadership. Contact us at connect@transformingmission.org to learn more. Listen to this episode and read the show notes at https://transformingmission.org/309   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:24 Exploring the Concept of 'What Makes You Amazing' 01:32 Understanding Your Strengths and God's Creation 03:05 The Power of CliftonStrengths Tool 05:36 The Uniqueness of Your Strengths 08:19 The Role of Leaders in Harnessing Strengths 10:26 The Importance of Embracing Your Unique Abilities 12:20 Understanding Your Role in God's Mission 16:07 The Impact of Understanding Your Strengths 17:32 Conclusion: Embrace Your A

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.