Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

Mikaela Shiffrin. Vincent Zhou. Joe Burrow. Queen Elizabeth. Kyle Mullen. All of the above people were in the news over the weekend. Some are likely more familiar than others.  Their names, whether familiar or not, are a small part of their story. Their relationships, life focus, talents, and heritage add to their story. Some were born into their roles, others trained for their roles, and one was seeking a new role.   Every day, as leaders and Jesus followers, you are writing a part of your story. Your story has twists and turns, ups and downs, and more “plot twists” than most of us care to admit. But, more importantly, the life you’re leading is leaving a legacy.  The question is this, “Is that legacy filled with hope?”   Episode 216 explores leaving a legacy of hope. First, we explore how several well-known individuals are leaving a legacy. Then, we turn our attention to the “ordinary heroes” in our lives that form and shape us. Finally, we invite you to reflect on your own legacy and the people shaping you

As we continue our focus on “Hope Throughout the Year,” this month we’ll be exploring hope and relationships. At the end of 2021, Gallup International found that global hope and happiness were decreasing around the world compared to 2020. It appears this is mostly fueled by fears of economic instability and the global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly still impacts the world’s hopes, fears, and expectations. Here’s what Gallup International found at the end of 2021: 38% of the world’s population now think that 2022 will be better than 2021 28% expect a worse year 27% believe 2022 will be the same as 2021.   As you consider your relationships with friends, acquaintances, relatives, and neighbors, it seems that 4/10 people are looking forward to 2022 with hope. We started to wonder, what are the characteristics of relationships filled with hope? Here’s the reality. No two relationships are the same. Here are a few characteristics that began to emerge as we explored scripture and reflected on relationsh

Reason 3: Discipling You to Lead with Hope You’re a Christ-centered leader. You’re also a Jesus follower.  As we focus on hope throughout the year, we are creating this to be a resource for leaders in their walk with Jesus. Hope Throughout the Year is a place where we’re asking questions about the intersection of faith and daily life, where we’re inviting you to live into the beliefs you talk about, preach about and teach about; and, where we’re practicing the means of grace - works of piety and works of mercy.  The Means of Grace Being a follower of Jesus is impossible without God’s grace. God comes to us, saves us, provides for us, and holds us close in the way God chooses. You and I neither choose the ways God brings about our transformation nor command God to make us Jesus followers.   Yet, we can choose to use those means of grace that have consistently been used by God to draw us toward him. Unless we develop the ways God has provided, we will not produce the fruit of discipleship or experience the joy

We’re on week 2 of 3, walking through the reasons we’re focusing on hope throughout the year. Today, we want to talk about the second reason we’re focusing on hope throughout the year. It’s simple: we want to help you offer weekly reminders of God’s presence and power. As Christ-centered leaders, sometimes the very thing we forget to do is focus on the one who called us, equips us, and walks with us.  So, if we can be a reminder of God’s presence, in the form of a story, God sightings, asking questions, and encouraging you to pay attention to God, we will.  The pattern of the devotional we’re putting together, Hope Throughout the Year, is intended to guide you through paying attention to God’s presence and power. At the very same time, we’re seeking to share hope.  Today, the podcast walks through a sample devotion to help you experience God’s presence and power for yourself by following a simple pattern:  Read Reflect Respond Return We’re focusing on Matthew 16:13-17, specifically where Jesus asks, “Who do y

Encouragement looks different for different people.  Some people respond to a written word or a phone call. Others to a card or a text message.  For some, it’s simply your presence. Last week, we introduced the 3 reasons for this year-long focus on hope.   Hope throughout the year is designed to do the following: 1) To provide hope-filled encouragement for Christ-centered leaders 2) To remind you of God’s presence and power  3) To disciple you to lead with hope Along the way, we’ll have guests share their stories of hope.  Hope-Filled Encouragement This week, we’re exploring the first goal: to provide hope-filled encouragement for Christ-centered leaders. Just for kicks, Sara looked up the definition of encouragement and guess what it said? The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. The action of giving someone:  Support Confidence  Hope When we talk about giving you these things, really what we’re talking about is offering or sharing. If you’re not a willing participant, it’s hard to rece

Happy New Year!  It’s hard to believe we’re already in 2022, but here we are. Today, we’re introducing the big theme for LeaderCast for 2022 and what's guiding Hope Throughout the Year. Our Mission At the beginning of every podcast episode, you hear us say, “resources for Christ-centered leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of courageous, christ-centered leadership.” That’s the focus for the podcast and our work together. There is Always Hope The last 22 months have added a whole new level of challenge to your leadership. It was already difficult at times. But, in 2020, you had to pivot without warning. You’ve poured your heart and soul into leading others. You’ve given God your best. And still, you may be facing discouragement and frustration. Christian hope is not fleeting wishful thinking. It’s also not pie in the sky dreaming. Christian hope is grounded in the love of God we know in Jesus and our belief that the worst thing is never the last thing. After all, we are resurrection people. I

Merry Christmas! You’ve likely heard the familiar passage from Luke 2 several times the past couple of weeks. So as we conclude the year with, Love is a Big Deal, here are a few reminders why love is a big deal…especially this time of year. Love enters the world in a messy chaotic manger. Love comes to us as a baby.  Love arrives in an unlikely place. Love comes to us as a baby of traveling parents. Love shows us the way to depend on the faithfulness of others. Love announces joy to the world.  Love guides us toward the skeptics and ordinary workers. Love surrounds itself with unlikely companions. Love is born in the midst of obedience. Love is a big deal.    The message of Christmas is the reminder that in the midst of unimaginable circumstances the savior of the world is born. As you continue your celebration of Emmanuel, God with us, may you be reminded that God loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it.    Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!   Big Question for the Week: Why is love

When you think about joy, what comes to mind? Join Tim and Sara for three reasons “Joy is a Big Deal” and experience the wonder of a child alongside moments of learning from everyday life.  When you pause to read again (or listen again) to the scripture’s account of the witnesses to the birth of Christ. It was filled with all sorts of emotions.  Can you imagine being in the fields, tending to your sheep, and an angel showing up with a message for you?  Read the scripture again:  8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9 The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They sai

In a world where violence continues to be normalized, trauma is accelerating at an exponential rate, and wholeness is being co-opted by self-help gurus, we need a little peace! No, we’re not talking about “peace and quiet” or calm. While those things are good, the Prince of Peace offers a more robust experience of peace.  Episode 208 explores four reasons “Peace is a Big Deal.” 1. Peace is a big deal because it accompanies God’s presence  The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. -Psalm 27:1-2 & 13-14 Peace is a big deal because it helps us face reality with calm and confidence.  Peace is a big deal because it’s the promise of God.  For to us a child is born, to us

Last week as we began our journey of advent, we started exploring why God with us, the incarnation, is a big deal. And, in turn, asking the question, what is the truth and consequence of this season for Christ-centered leaders?    This week, explore why hope is a big deal for Christ-centered leaders.   There are at least three reasons hope is a big deal, especially this time of year.    First, hope is a big deal because it encourages us. Explore Isaiah 40:29- 31 and be reminded that our hope comes from Christ. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that hope is meant to encourage us and there is no greater encouragement than what we experience in Jesus Christ.    He gives strength to the weary     and increases the power of the weak. 30  Even youths grow tired and weary,     and young men stumble and fall; 31  but those who hope in the Lord     will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;     they will run and not grow weary,     they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31   Second, hope anim

Advent is upon us. This is a season of preparation. It’s a season of anticipation. Throughout December we'll explore the question, "What’s the big deal about advent for Christ-centered leaders?"  This episode bridges the gratitude theme from November with our focus for December centering around the incarnation. What's the Big Deal About Advent? Part of the reason Advent is a big deal is it offers many reasons to be grateful. We are grateful that God is with us. We are grateful for the promised hope being realized. We are grateful that Jesus changed the way people interacted, confronting division with peace. We are grateful for the journey of Mary and Joseph that modeled what ushering love into the world looks like.  The epistle reading from the lectionary this week even pointed to gratitude. The author is giving God thanks for their love and faith. Listen to the prayer that emerges from this passage...  1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and re

This week, as you gather around the dining room table, kitchen table, card table, or hospital table with the people you love to celebrate Thanksgiving, know that we’re giving God thanks for you.  While this week is hyper-focused on the American holiday of Thanksgiving, we want to remind you of something that occurs more frequently (for most) than annually.  When we come to the table to celebrate Holy Communion, the liturgy of the Great Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to participate in the mighty acts of God. The liturgy recalls, affirms, invites, and celebrates.  During Episode 205, Tim and I walk through portions of the liturgy. It is a reminder that while we may move through the liturgy quickly, there are many moments to pause and give thanks.  As you listen, reflect, and give thanks this week, perhaps the Great Thanksgiving will be a reminder of that “outward sign of an inward grace” available to you throughout the year.  Wishing you and yours a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you!

We all know we should be grateful for what we’ve been given, whether it’s an experience or a tangible gift. But, hard situations can make gratitude difficult. Today we have three reminders for being grateful in hard, or difficult, situations.    Explore three psalms alongside four reminders (that double as prayers) to guide you through difficult seasons and practice gratitude.    First, explore Psalm 30.  In this psalm, we experience David who is overwhelmed with gratitude because of God’s saving work in his life. David called out to God for help and God responded. David recognized he couldn’t emerge from where he was without God and God answered.    David had only one response: Thank you, God. This is a complete response. Sometimes, those three words are all you can muster. Pray these words. Repeat these words. Cry out to God with the words.    Second, turn to Psalm 32.  When you’ve done something or people have treated you in a way that you feel as though there is no return, turn to Psalm 32 and David’s res

What scripture reminds you to practice gratitude?  Join Tim or Sara this week as they explore five scriptures that lead to five reasons Christ-centered leaders need to teach gratitude. Will the scripture that came to mind be included in this episode? Read more and listen to Episode 203 to find out. From a boy with fish to Jesus and Joshua, you’ll hear scripture that reminds us of God’s presence, encourages you to take a 25,000-foot perspective, and that God’s in the restoration business.  If you know you should be grateful, but don’t always practice gratitude, here are five reasons to practice, and teach gratitude. Before reading any further, what are your reasons for teaching and practicing gratitude?  Here’s our top five list. Listen to the episode to explore the corresponding scriptures that each of these reasons comes from.  Five reasons to Teach and Practice Gratitude. Reminders of God’s goodness are all around us. God’s goodness invites a response of gratitude. God is in the restoration business. Leade

Is an “attitude of gratitude” enough?  Before you answer, consider the source of your gratitude. If your gratitude is circumstantial or based only on feelings, what happens when the circumstances around you are hard? Do you simply stop being grateful? We hope not. As Christ-centered leaders, God is the source of our gratitude. As such, regardless of circumstances, God’s goodness is present. That’s why gratitude is essential. Once we decide we need to practice gratitude and want to practice gratitude out of response to God’s goodness, we’ve started the journey of gratitude.  One Journey of Gratitude We agree we need to be grateful. We discipline ourselves to be grateful. We keep it up as a disciplined habit, whether we feel like it or not. It becomes a joy—we are thankful for the privilege. We’re nurtured by a relationship with God that responds to God’s goodness with gratitude. As a leader, you have the opportunity to model for others something more than an attitude of gratitude. You have the opportunity to

“Why don’t they follow the rules?”  If you’ve ever heard this question asked about immigration, join Scott Hicks, Immigration Attorney and Pastor, for Episode 201. Scott’s deep faith and grace-filled perspectives guide you to explore:  the myths about immigration how a culture of fear is perpetuating these myths how faith informs our response to immigration.  Then, explore with Scott how a shifting landscape is inviting a local congregation to innovate and connect as a community through technology.  Myths About Immigration Scott explores the myths perpetuated by lack of knowledge and media that keep individuals on a long waiting list that can last from 7-50 years. Additionally, he shares how long-term and recent history continues to perpetuate practices that are racist.  Culture of Fear When it comes to conversations about immigration, Scott explores how fear has informed the debate in congress. From threats of violence to “stealing jobs” the culture of fear around immigration has created a system that is e

Episode 200. Wow.    Beginning places are important. Your starting point as a leader is important. But so is the journey. Pausing to take stock of where you’ve been and where you’re going is an important part of being a Christ-centered leader.    It seems like another lifetime that Tim & I sat in the District Offices in Dublin, Ohio with sound pads all around us recording the first episode on my old Apple laptop. While the District Offices have now moved, we’ve both taken on different or additional roles, and we no longer record the episodes in person (we didn’t do it for long), the podcast is going strong at Episode 200!    As I (Sara) write this, I’m not sure I thought we’d stick with it for 3.5 years, let alone get to Episode 200. If you’ve watched anyone or anything grow, you know the feeling!  But, here we are: “We Should Do a Podcast About That” comes at a great time when we’re exploring the importance of history and context in leadership.    There are a couple of new things in this episode. One at

The missional identity of a local congregation is essential to embrace the people in your local context. This week, Karen Cook will encourage you to lead in ways that connect the local church's unique identity to its mission field.  We explore church mergers, the different life stages of a local congregation, and the importance of knowing your unique missional identity. At each juncture in the conversation, Karen offers a nugget of wisdom for leaders. For congregations nearing the end of life, Karen reframes the conversation to remind us that the legacy a church leaves can extend beyond the life of the church. It takes intentionality, knowing your unique identity as a congregation, and the courage to step into difficult conversations.  Karen’s passion for ministry with people shines through as she reminds leaders that we have to get out of the church building and meet people where they gather. If you’ve gotten comfortable in mid-life as a congregation, it’s time to get outside the doors of the church, meet th

Where is the first German-speaking Methodist Church located? No, we’re not asking a random trivia question. It’s a question about history.    Listen to Episode 198 and get the answer. For now, we’ll tell you this: it’s probably not located where you think.    This month, we’re diving into the importance of history and context in leadership. To get us started, we explore the history of one local congregation that earned the name First German Methodist Episcopal Church. And, literally, it was the first German-speaking Methodist Church in the world.    Through this one story, you’ll hear why exploring the enduring threads of history is essential to leaders. Then, you’ll get to explore what to do when the history of a local church isn’t positive or it doesn’t sync with the current climate surrounding the church.   Finally, we’ll offer questions to help you explore your community and identify the history and context that is essential for current leaders.    Write it Down/Talk it Out What are you doing to understa

Leadership as service is a selfless, loving way to lead. In the context of the Christian community, when a leader focuses on service, Jesus is the one we are serving.  But, there is one thing that gets in the way of leadership as service. What is it? Entitlement.    Before you dismiss the fact that you’re not “entitled” or don’t occasionally behave in ways that are entitled...pause for a minute and listen to this short episode.   We offer several scenarios that are more common in the church than we care to admit. Each one, in different ways, points to entitlement. The hope is a few minutes of reflection will help you reorient your heart, soul, and mind to Jesus. On that journey, you’ll continue to live into being a leader who serves.    What is entitlement? Sometimes entitlement is obvious. Often, the small things we say or do can (un)intentionally place self-importance above service.    Here’s how we’re defining entitlement in this episode: you think it’s your right, your prerogative to do or have something.