Transforming Mission Leadercast With Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

This week our discussion centers around worship, exploring the purpose of worship, key elements of worship planning, and the impact of preferences on worship services. As a reminder, worship is centered on connecting with God and living out God's love in everyday situations. Important aspects like music, liturgy, and the need for a collaborative approach to worship planning are discussed, along with tips for avoiding common pitfalls like disruptive announcements. Special Sundays and the importance of following the liturgical calendar to tell the story of God's love are also addressed. Listen to Episode 328 at https://transformingmission.org/328  TimeStamp for Worship: Crafting Authentic Experiences 00:31 Understanding the Purpose of Worship 03:14 Planning Worship Services 05:24 Addressing Worship Wars and Preferences  07:51 Elements of Worship: Music and Liturgy 10:17 Team-Based Worship Planning 14:57 Special Sundays and Liturgical Calendar 21:57 Avoiding Distractions in Worship 27:01 Conclusion and Sending F

As we continue the Ministry Masterclass series, this week we’re focusing on leadership. We’ll look at an exploration of leadership influences and how their teachings have shaped our leadership. We’ll look at the habits and experiences that fuel effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, generosity, and daily reflection. Then we turn our attention to identifying and developing emerging leaders, highlighting qualities like humility, lifelong learning, and genuine care for others. Leadership is based in relationships. Explore the four needs of followers (trust, stability, compassion, and hope) and how leaders can meet these needs to lead effectively. The episode concludes with wisdom on maintaining spiritual and mental health for leaders and a benediction encouraging listeners to share the love and encouragement they've received. Listen to Episode 327 at https://transformingmission.org/327 TimeStamp for Cultivating Christ-Centered Leaders 00:27 Influences on Leadership 02:37 Habits and Exp

Creating and Implementing a Discipleship Pathway: Insights and Practical Tips In Episode 326, we dive deep into the crucial subject of discipleship. This week's episode focused on faith formation. You might call it discipleship or disciple-making. Whatever language you use, we’re focusing on what it means to help people become and deepen their relationship with Jesus by being a followers of Jesus. If you’ve been with us for any length of time, you know we’ll highlight the congregational disciple-making pathway called HOPE, which stands for Hospitality, Offering Christ, Practicing the Faith, and Engagement. Tim and Sara discuss the importance of having a defined pathway for making disciples, addressing both the necessity of the pathway and how it can be embodied within a church setting. They emphasize the significance of relational and faith-oriented approaches to disciple-making over mere programmatic efforts. Through several questions and examples, we’ll share how reflection and storytelling play pivotal rol

Welcome to a new series, entitled 'Ministry Masterclass.' This month we’re celebrating Tim’s 50+ years of leadership as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Sara’s inviting Tim to share his wisdom about five key topics for ministry: mission, discipleship, leadership, worship and preaching and the church. We’ll cover each topic in a separate episode. This episode features an in-depth interview with Tim, exploring the core mission of the church and how to lead ministries effectively. The conversation covers the importance of a Christ-centered mission, aligning church activities with God’s work, and the critical role of spiritual health in leadership. Tim shares personal stories and insights on fostering a mission-focused culture within congregations and discusses strategies for pacing change and maintaining focus amidst challenges.  Next week, we’ll explore the topic of discipleship. Listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/325 TimeStamp for Mission - A Ministry Masterclass 00:40 Introducin

Weeds and Seeds of Ministry: Breaking Free from Status Quo Episode 324 shares the seventh weed and seed of ministry. You’re invited to get beyond the weeds - the hurdles like overwhelm, fear, and isolation, we’ve termed as 'weeds.' Instead, let’s focus on solutions called 'seeds.' The seeds promote growth and effective leadership. This week’s 'weed' is the 'status quo shamrock', while the 'seed' is 'Celebration Cypress,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's presence. Join us as we look at real stories, practical tips, and reflections to help leaders move beyond the status quo and lead dynamic faith communities. Listen to episode 324 at https://transformingmission.org/324 TimeStamp for Status Quo Shamrock and Celebration Cypress 00:17 Understanding Weeds and Seeds 01:01 This Week's Weed: Status Quo Shamrock 02:09 Challenges of the Status Quo 03:51 Real-Life Example of Status Quo 09:18 Introducing the Seed: Celebration Cypress 11:06 Implementing Celebration Cypress 14:33 Real-Life Exa

The 'weeds' and 'seeds' in leadership and ministry. Weeds symbolize the obstacles that hinder effective leadership, while seeds represent the positive approaches and practices that promote growth and effective leadership. The episode focuses on the weed 'Know It All Narcissus' which represents individuals with a fixed mindset, unwilling to learn or listen, and contrasts this with the seed 'Lifelong Learner Lily', symbolizing leaders who recognize their continuous need for learning and growth. Through this metaphor, the podcast provides insights into overcoming leadership challenges by embracing a growth mindset, listening, and learning from others to effectively serve communities and foster a movement of Jesus followers. Listen to Episode 323 at https://transformingmission.org/323 TimeStamp 00:29 The Basics of Weeds and Seeds 01:09 Diving into This Week's Weed: Know It All Narcissus 03:14 Exploring the Fixed Mindset of Know It All Narcissus 07:12 Introducing Lifelong Learner Lily: The Antidote to Know It All

Anything Goes Anemone and Pathway of Palms We’re on the fifth episode of examining the challenges (weeds) and positive practices (seeds) in ministry leadership. You can find previous episodes on the show notes page. 'Weeds' are obstacles like fear, time constraints, and isolation. These are things that can hamper growth and effectiveness in leadership. This week the focus is on 'Anything Goes Anemone.' This particular weed highlights the issues with unfocused busyness and lack of connection to mission within church activities. Conversely, 'seeds' are empowering practices that foster successful leadership and growth. 'The Pathway of Palms' is the seed for this episode. This seed represents a discipleship pathway aimed at guiding individuals in their faith journey more fruitfully and intentionally. Throughout the episode, practical advice is offered on moving away from the 'Anything Goes' mentality by aligning activities with mission-focused questions and fostering focused discipleship through engagement, servi

The 'Center of Attention Snapdragon' and 'Mission Myrtle' are the weeds and seeds we explore in this episode. The episode discusses the concept of 'weeds' in ministry, which are obstacles like overwhelm, fear, isolation, and becoming too self-focused, that hinder leaders from fulfilling their divine purpose. These weeds can choke out effectiveness and need to be identified and replaced with 'seeds,' which are practices or mindsets that promote healthy ministry and leadership. The center of attention snapdragon is self-centered. The invitation is to shift from self-centric leadership to mission-centric, through self-awareness, humility, and intentionality in keeping Jesus at the center of ministry. By asking probing questions to keep the focus on the mission of spreading Jesus’ love and teachings. Join us this week and be reminded that Jesus is the center of all we do. Listen to episode 321 at https://transformingmission.org/321 TimeStamp for Center of Attention Snapdragon and Mission Myrtle 00:25 Understandin

In episode 320, 'The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry: Micromanaging Millet and Trusting Thyme,' hosts Sara and Tim explore the concept of 'weeds' that hinder leadership effectiveness, such as micromanagement, and 'seeds' that promote growth, like building trust. They discuss how micromanaging, often rooted in insecurity or a lack of self-awareness, can disempower teams and hamper ministry. Conversely, they highlight 'trusting thyme' as a leadership approach centered on authenticity, vulnerability, and patience, which nurtures trusting relationships and empowers teams. The episode is filled with practical insights and stories to help leaders reflect on their practices, overcome the 'weed' of micromanagement, and cultivate the 'seed' of trust for effective ministry leadership. Listen to Episode 320 at https://transformingmission.org/320 Time Stamp 00:23 Understanding Weeds and Seeds in Ministry 02:00 Diving into the Weeds: Micromanaging Millet 02:22 Characteristics and Consequences of Micromanaging 04:33 Personal E

In Episode 319 of the Transforming Mission podcast titled 'Weeds and Seeds of Ministry, Part Two,' the hosts dive into the concept of 'weeds' that can hinder ministry effectiveness, such as overwhelm, fear, and isolation, and how 'seeds' can serve as solutions to these issues. The episode emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing these challenges through equipping others, building trust, and adopting practices that fuel effective ministry. Specificall, this week, Tim and Sara look at the 'Orchard of Overwhelm.' It is introduced as a metaphor for the busy and demanding aspects of ministry life, alongside strategies for moving towards the 'Equipping Olive Grove,' where leaders can foster an environment of empowerment and growth. The discussion includes practical advice on self-awareness, delegating responsibilities, and leveraging one's strengths in ministry. The podcast aims to equip leaders to lead a movement of Jesus followers by navigating the balance between the challenges ('weeds') and opportu

Episode 318 starts a new series on the podcast, 'The Weeds and Seeds of Ministry.' Join us to look at things that get in the way of ministry effectiveness and things that fuel missional impact. This episode draws from biblical parables regarding seeds. Using the analogy of weeds and seeds, let’s explore the challenges (weeds) and solutions/responses (seeds) ministry leaders face. Join us as we explore the necessity of recognizing and addressing obstacles such as overwhelm, fear, and isolation (weeds), and advocates for adaptive leadership and trust-building (seeds) to foster growth and effectiveness in ministry leadership. We’ll look at the first weed and seed by comparing and contrasting Cookie Cutter Crocus with Leadership Lavendar. Yes, we’re having a little fun with these names. The overarching goal of the series is to aid leaders in identifying and overcoming challenges ('weeds') while nurturing positive, growth-oriented practices ('seeds'). Listen at https://transformingmission.org/podcast https://trans

Episode 317, 'Resurrection Choices', explores the theme of resurrection as a metaphor for leadership and personal growth. In this Easter season episode, the hosts discuss how the concept of resurrection symbolizes the possibility of new life and hope emerging from failure and setbacks. They introduce a three-step process inspired by Brene Brown's work on resilience, consisting of the reckoning, the rumble, and the revolution, to help individuals learn from failures and reinvent themselves. This process involves acknowledging emotions, challenging assumptions, and writing a brave new ending to our stories. Through this discussion, the episode emphasizes the power of self-awareness, the importance of emotional honesty, and the transformative potential of the resurrection in both leadership and everyday life. Listen to Episode 317 at https://transformingmission.org/317 Time Stamp for Resurrection Choices 00:00 Introduction to Resurrection Choices 00:48 The Essence of Resurrection: New Life and Hope 02:24 Embraci

 Episode 316 of Transforming Mission’s podcast, titled 'A Week of Choices,' guides listeners through a scriptural journey for each day of Holy Week. Starting with Monday before Easter and culminating on Easter Sunday, the episode features daily scripture readings from the Gospel of John, accompanied by thoughtful prayers. These readings and prayers reflect significant events from Jesus's arrival in Bethany to his resurrection, aiming to provide insights and comfort. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on the themes of service, betrayal, sacrifice, and resurrection, promoting a deeper understanding and connection with the story of Holy Week. Listen, read, reflect, and respond to the scripture and prayer shared in this episode at https://transformingmission.org/316  TimeStamp for Episode 316: A Week of Choices 00:32 Monday: The Beginning of Holy Week John 12:1-11 03:38 Tuesday: The Greeks Seek Jesus John 12:20 - 36 06:27 Wednesday: The Betrayal Foretold John 13:21-32 08:46 Thursday: The Last Supper and

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