When the burdens of life and ministry push you to your physical and mental breaking point, how can you lead yourself, let alone others? Dr Dudley's new book, Leading Through Storms: Successfully Navigating Ministry While Maintaining Your Mental Health, addresses that and more.Dr Geoffrey V. Dudley Sr. (PhD, Regent) is the founding and senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church, one of the fastest growing churches in the Metro East area of St. Louis, Missouri (O’Fallon, Illinois). Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Dudley began ministry at the age of thirteen, was ordained by the United Holy Church of America in 1986, and is a retired Air Force chaplain and lieutenant colonel. He is also the CEO of iLead Enterprises, a leadership development platform for staff and workforce development. He and his wife, Glenda, have two adult children who are both ministry leaders.Dr Dudley on IVPressLeading Through Storms: Successfully Navigating Ministry While Maintaining Your Mental HealthWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Putting Down the Shame of Mental HealthRecognizing the Breaking Point When in StormsPractical Steps to Cultivating Self-Awareness, Emotional Resilience, and Self-CareABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Geoffrey Dudley, Sr, is the founding and senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church in O’Fallon, Illinois. Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Dr Dudley began ministry at the age of thirteen, is a retired Air Force chaplain and lieutenant colonel, and also the CEO of iLead Enterprises, a leadership development platform for staff and workforce development.RELATED LINKS:

Jen Chen's book, Dim Sum and Faith, is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the joy and peace that comes from knowing you are lovingly crafted by God. It’s about seeing how our stories are a part of God’s continuous formation in our lives.Jenn Chen's new book: Dim Sum and FaithJenn Chen's websites: Summit Clear and Personal WebsiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Importance of food, family, and memoriesRevisiting the painful parts of our storiesThe truth of our storiesABOUT THE GUEST: Jenn Suen Chen is a spiritual director, speaker, and leader in the area of spiritual formation and crosscultural ministry. She is co-director of Summit Clear (with her husband, John), an organization focused on providing spiritual direction, mentoring, and leadership coaching for those in crosscultural work. She serves with Pioneers and spent twenty-five years living in Asia raising her family. Jenn and John have four adult children and live in the Pacific Northwest.RELATED LINKS:Jenn Chen's new book: Dim Sum and FaithJenn Chen's websites: Summit Clear and Personal WebsiteTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Jenn Chen02:46 - Dim Sum and Faith - importance of food, family, and memories03:11 - ...reminders of home and memories04:07 - ...where did we come from?05:19 - Identity Shaped by Cross-Cul

Josh has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.Book: Remissioning ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How and why congregations might be dyingRemissioning vs RevitalizingInside-out transformationABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of `Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings through `Iwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.RELATED LINKS:Iwa CollaborativeFirst Baptist Ashland VATIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:22 - Introducing Pastor Josh Hayden05:32 - How and why congregations might be dying06:04 - ...churches in survival mode06:21 - ...counting, not reflecting Jesus06:42 - ...want people to lead, but rarely invite or train up leaders07:16 - ...afraid of conflict, stuck in tradition07:45 - How Josh's journey influenced the writ

Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.Brandon's websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighborsMuslims might not have significant relationship with ChristiansHeart for Muslims as a ResourceABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered serviceHeart for Muslims TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:03:17 - Calling to minister to Muslims04:33 - Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors05:07 - ...seek out Heart for Muslims and tour a Muslim neighborhood07:30 - ...Vision and Mission trip07:55 - ...Muslims can be in the US for a long time and not have a significant relationship with a Christians12:55 - A Story of a Meaningful Relationship Illustrates the Power of Faithful Presence in Muslim Community20:05 - Engaging with Muslims during Ramadan25:10 - Getting involved with Heart for Muslims28:39 - HeartForMuslims.comDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.Brandon's websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim CommunitiesMost Effective Ways for Churches and Believers to Serve MuslimsHeart for Muslims as a ResourceABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered serviceHeart for Muslims TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:21 - Introducing Brandon03:25 - Calling to minister to Muslims04:39 - Journey from the Middle East to NYC and Approach to Ministry05:32 - ...interdenominational seminary05:43 - ...international students05:56 - ...studying abroad at Jerusalem University06:52 - ...teaching ESL at Bethlehem Bible College07:03 - ...connecting point on seeing all people as God's creation07:57 - ...the only difference was knowing Jesus08:39 - ...journey of repentance09:13 - ...began feeling a calling to serve full-time in the Middle East10:22 - ...heard of work with displaced Muslims in North America11:19 - ...neighborhood in northern New Jersey and it's like Palestine13:46 - ...very limited concerted effort to reach Muslims around NYC with the gospel14:11 - ...freedom to share the gospel in NY/NJ that's not available in the Middle East15:10 - ...protection for Muslims who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior15:34 - Executive Director of Heart for Muslims16:18 - ...vision for the future of the Heart for Muslims conference18:07 - The gap between the Christian and Muslim communities19:11 - Most effective ways for churches and believers to serve Muslims19:44 - ...lack of knowledge20:03 - ...focus on a particular

Carl Jamal dedicated his life to serving underserved communities, equipping churches, and empowering individuals through faith-based outreach.Our conversation today will center around effective urban ministry—how churches can serve inner-city communities with dignity, navigate challenges, and build lasting relationships. We’ll also explore Carl’s unique approach to ministry through hip-hop, prison rehabilitation, and youth outreach.Carl Jamal's WebsiteBook Link: Urban Missionary Survival GuideWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:People, Not ProjectsDo's and Don'ts of Urban MinistryRole of Urban Missionaries in the ChurchABOUT THE GUEST: Carl Jamal is a dedicated community leader and music educator who has overcome significant personal challenges to empower others. Finding refuge in music during a difficult youth, Carl relocated to Atlanta over ten years ago and committed himself to community outreach and charitable work, earning recognition as a respected leader and volunteer. His passion for hip hop fuels his impactful work in prison rehabilitation and youth outreach programs, where he teaches music production and fosters self-expression. Through his resilience and dedication, Carl shares his wisdom and skills, empowering marginalized communities and inspiring positive change.Born and raised in Baltimore, Carl Jamal faced many challenges in their youth as their mother struggled with addiction and father was absent. Despite these obstacles, Carl Jamal found hope and inspiration in music, channeling their faith and creativity into a pathway toward a brighter future.After relocating to Atlanta over ten years ago, Carl Jamal dedicated his life to community outreach and charitable work, becoming a respected local leader and volunteer throughout the nation. His passion for hip hop music inspired his life's work in prison rehabilitation, and Youth outreach where he teaches prisoners and at-risk teens the art and technical know-how of music production, writing, and engineering.Carl Jamal’s unique approach to hip hop education helped him pioneer a new way to reach and connect with local youths. His workshops and events encourage youth to unleash their creativity through hip hop as a means of self-expression an

Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring.Amy Williams' WebsiteWorth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s EyesAmy Williams on IVPressWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-MakingMeaningful Inclusion with At-Risk YouthLearning More from These Youths than Any Other GroupABOUT THE GUEST: Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring. As a certified gang intervention specialist, she heard God's call to move into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago's Humboldt Park community to be a "Hope Dealer" doing street outreach and walking life with young people on her block. Amy is project coordinator at New Life Centers, bringing in restorative justice programming to youth at juvenile prisons. Amy has been a youth pastor, a reentry coordinator, and a youth mentor and advocate. She is a graduate of both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and National Louis University. She resides in Chicago and loves salsa dancing and is a true beach baby.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:22 - Introducing Amy Williams05:42 - Amy's inspiration to work with high-risk youth06:42 - ...deepest pain can become greatest passion07:25 - ...pull for the underdog07:54 - Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making08:07 - ...evaluate ability to see people through the lens of God08:42 - ...seeing the value and worth of young people09:09 - ...God created them for a purpose09:48 - Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth10:13 - ...moving from being watched to being seen10:49 - ...inviting them into a space where they should already be invited to11:12 - Justice and Mercy11:37 - ...the call is to serve both the harmed and the harm-doer12:05 - ...spirit of mercy12:31 - ...not "What's wrong with you?" but "Wha

Dr Todd Korpi, author of AI Goes to Church, unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church.Dr Todd Korpi's WebsiteDr Todd Korpi on IVPressBook: AI Goes to ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:AI and the BibleTheological Ethics PrinciplesChurch Leadership Starting the Conversation on AIABOUT THE GUEST: Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope whose mission is to affect destiny by providing God’s Word to all the children and youth of the world. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. Todd is the author of Your Daughters Shall Prophesy and The Life-Giving Spirit as well as his new book, AI Goes to Church.RELATED LINKS:Dr Todd Korpi's WebsiteDr Todd Korpi on IVPressBook: AI Goes to ChurchTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Dr Todd Korpi01:32 - AI in the Bible?01:56 - ...AI and technology will challenge how Christians approach the Bible04:49 - ...How vs Why05:52 - ...Knowledge vs Wisdom06:45 - ...Stewardship of Creation08:07 - Human Relationship to AI Bots08:38 - ...human feelings and dynamics10:33 - ...look at our origin story - God created humans in His image16:03 - Theological Ethics Princip

Dr Todd Korpi, author of AI Goes to Church, unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church.Dr Todd Korpi's WebsiteDr Todd Korpi on IVPressBook: AI Goes to ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What is AI? What can it do and cannot do at the present time?Do churches hesitate in using AI and technology?How is AI technology currently used in the church?ABOUT THE GUEST: Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope whose mission is to affect destiny by providing God’s Word to all the children and youth of the world. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. Todd is the author of Your Daughters Shall Prophesy and The Life-Giving Spirit as well as his new book, AI Goes to Church.RELATED LINKS:Dr Todd Korpi's WebsiteDr Todd Korpi on IVPressBook: AI Goes to ChurchTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:40 - Introducing Dr Todd Korpi03:29 - Science fiction shapes journey to technology04:03 - ...science fiction conveys possibilities06:27 - ...read our culture in the present moment by the popular culture07:55 - Do churches hesitate in using AI and technology?

Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund co-authored a book, Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. It addresses a world where workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse with a timely guide for Christians navigating the modern faith-at-work landscape. Book: Working for Better (IVPress link)Book: Working for Better (amazon.com link)Wheaton CollegeWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Key Tensions of Faith at WorkInequalities Among MinoritiesRespecting Other Faiths Without CompromiseABOUT THE GUEST: Denise Daniels (PhD, Organizational Behavior, University of Washington) is Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College. Her scholarly interests include meaningful work, religion in the workplace, Sabbath, leadership, gender, and motivation. She has written over 50 academic articles and book chapters, and co-authored several books including, Working in the Presence of God (Hendrickson); Religion in a Changing Workplace (Oxford University Press); and Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work (InterVarsity Press). She is on the board of a fintech company and also serves on the board of the Theology of Work Project (theologyofwork.org).RELATED LINKS:Book: Working for Better (IVPress link)Book: Working for Better (amazon.com link)Wheaton College

Michael Huerter (PhD, Baylor University), a pastor at Holmeswood Church in Kansas City, Missouri, shares on addressing the online and in-person church in a hybrid church model.Book: The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online EraPastor Michael Huerter’s ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Exploring the church's relationship with the internetEngaging the in-person and online communities in the worship serviceBenefitting from social platformsABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Huerter (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor at Holmeswood Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where he leads worship and works to build community and connection. As a lifelong church musician and digital native, he is interested in engaging with and contributing to scholarship that bridges the gap between research and practical ministry.RELATED LINKS:Pastor Michael Huerter’s ChurchThe Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online EraTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Pastor Michael Huerter02:30 - Exploring the church's relationship with the internet06:07 - Important considerations for live-streaming07:59 - ..the church of the future may look different than what we are accustomed to08:16 - ...the vast majority of churches do not have the resources to create a live broadcast every week09:50 - ...the community is made of people in-person and online13:58 - Engaging the in-person and online communities in the worship service15:07 - ...involving people who join online in worship leadership17:20 - ...creating interactive moments in the worship service to invite conversation or reflection21:10 - Benefitting from Social Platforms21:25 - ...Focus on people, remember the hybrid nature of our world22:16 - ...How can we best minister t

Tracie Braylock,  a holistic nurse educator and wellness consultant, shares about coping with stress and her new book, Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry. Stress is not just a fleeting feeling; it's a silent disruptor, quietly eroding your peace, your health, and your capacity to enjoy life as you know it. Radical Relaxation is your guide to reversing this toxic cycle.Radical Relaxation on IVPressTracie Braylock's WebsiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What is stress and what does it do to the human body?Biblical Truths to understand in facing stressHow Churches Can Help Promote Wellness and Reduce StressABOUT THE GUEST: Tracie Braylock is a holistic nurse educator, wellness consultant, and the author of Radical Relaxation. As a former operating room nurse, she advocates for mind, body, spirit well-being, holistic wellness experiences, and liberating relaxation. Her work has been featured in the American Holistic Nurses Association New Beginnings magazine and Proverbs 31 Ministries.RELATED LINKS:Radical Relaxation on IVPressTracie Braylock's WebsiteTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes05:14 - What is stress and what does it do to the human body?05:24 - ...stress is subjective06:14 - ...stress needs to be addressed07:11 - Common signs and symptoms of stress07:21 - ..physical07:38 - ...emotional07:46 - ...spiritual07:55 - ...behavioral08:27 - Biblical Truths to understand in facing stress08:55 - ...biblical instructions are designed to protect us09:02 - ...reactions in the physical body09:26 - ...we a

Pastor Naeem Fazal shares about how fear sneaks into our lives as worry, uncertainty, or discouragement, clouding our vision for a brighter future. By following Jesus' example, Fazal paints a vivid picture of a life enriched by hope and perseverance amidst adversity.Ex-Muslim on AmazonTomorrow Needs You on IVPressPastor Naeem's Church - Mosaic Church WebsiteGuest is a frequent contributor, founder, co-founder to/of blog post linkWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Beauty in Healing and TransformationRecognizing and Navigating FearThe Need to Be NeededABOUT THE GUEST: Naeem Fazal is the founding and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in Kuwait. He came to the United States shortly after the Gulf War and had a supernatural experience with Christ that changed the course of his life. He was ordained at Seacoast Church in Charleston and is the author of Ex-Muslim and Tomorrow Needs You. Naeem and his wife, Ashley, have two children.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Welcome Back, Pastor Naeem Fazal02:11 - God Takes Naeem from a Fearful Past to a Beautiful Future03:07 - ...traumatic experiences03:59 - ..."No one needs me..."05:07 - ...a lie from the enemy05:48 - Beauty in Healing and Transformation06:16 - ...connection to what we feel is beautiful06:48 - ...the essence of beauty is love08:07 - ...we are created with love and are beautiful08:28 - ...religion vs perfect love11:07 - ...put a joy before you to endure your cross11:49 - Recognizing Fear12:07 - ... the symptoms of fear14:18 - ...needing to feel that you are in control

Pastor Naeem Fazal shares his story about how Jesus revealed Himself to a young, brash, Pakistani Muslim. But He didn’t just reveal Himself; He turned Naeem’s world upside down.Ex-Muslim on AmazonTomorrow Needs You on IVPressPastor Naeem's Church - Mosaic Church WebsiteGuest is a frequent contributor, founder, co-founder to/of blog post linkWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Ex-Muslim - testimony of encounter with ChristThree components to sharing the gospel with MuslimsCommon mistakes that Christians make in witnessing to MuslimsABOUT THE GUEST: Naeem Fazal is the founding and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in Kuwait. He came to the United States shortly after the Gulf War and had a supernatural experience with Christ that changed the course of his life. He was ordained at Seacoast Church in Charleston and is the author of Ex-Muslim and Tomorrow Needs You. Naeem and his wife, Ashley, have two children.RELATED LINKS:Heart for Muslims – link to specific page if mentioned in episodeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Naeem Fazal04:24 - Book: Ex-Muslim - testimony of encounter with Christ06:07 - ...treason08:03 - ..."intoxicated" with peace09:05 - ...God pursues humanity09:33 - ...demonic presence11:27 - ...brother tells him about spiritual warfare12:05 - ...only Jesus has authority over

Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring.Amy Willliams' WebsiteWorth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s EyesAmy Williams on IVPressWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-MakingMeaningful Inclusion with At-Risk YouthLearning More from These Youths than Any Other GroupABOUT THE GUEST: Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring. As a certified gang intervention specialist, she heard God's call to move into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago's Humboldt Park community to be a "Hope Dealer" doing street outreach and walking life with young people on her block. Amy is project coordinator at New Life Centers, bringing in restorative justice programming to youth at juvenile prisons. Amy has been a youth pastor, a reentry coordinator, and a youth mentor and advocate. She is a graduate of both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and National Louis University. She resides in Chicago and loves salsa dancing and is a true beach baby.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Amy Williams04:58 - Amy's inspiration to work with high-risk youth05:58 - ...deepest pain can become greatest passion06:41 - ...pull for the underdog07:10 - Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making07:23 - ...evaluate ability to see people through the lens of God07:58 - ...seeing the value and worth of young people08:25 - ...God created them for a purpose09:04 - Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth09:29 - ...moving from being watched to being seen10:05 - ...inviting them into a space where they should already be invited to10:28 - Justice and Mercy10:54 - ...the call is to serve both the harmed

Pastor Joshua Hayden has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.Book: Remissioning ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why the tried and true strategies for church growth not working so well anymoreCreative Destruction, Exegeting the Culture or Neighborhood, and Traditioned InnovationPatterns and Stages that a Church Might Experience in RemissioningABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of `Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings through `Iwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.RELATED LINKS:Iwa CollaborativeFirst Baptist Ashland VATIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:51 - Book: Remissioning Church02:11 - Don't export your God-given mission to others02:48 - Why the tried and true strategies for church growth not working so well anymore02:54 - ...what most churches are doing have not produced healthy disciples that produce the fruit of the Spirit03:28 - ...churches don't look much different from any other group04:30 - ...we have lost the missional impulse to know our neighbors06:40 - Major sections of the book: Creative Destruction, Exegeting the Culture or Neighborhood, and Traditioned Innovation06:59 - ...Creative Destruction08:36 - ...connected to Jesus (Matthew 16 : 24-25 - take up our cross a

Josh has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.Book: Remissioning ChurchWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How and why congregations might be dyingRemissioning vs RevitalizingInside-out transformationABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of `Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings through `Iwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.RELATED LINKS:Iwa CollaborativeFirst Baptist Ashland VATIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Josh Hayden04:49 - How and why congregations might be dying05:21 - ...churches in survival mode05:38 - ...counting, not reflecting Jesus05:59 - ...want people to lead, but rarely invite or train up leaders06:33 - ...afraid of conflict, stuck in tradition07:02 - How Josh's journey influenced the writing of the book08:39 - Established Church vs Church Plant10:10 - Exploring the book title: Remissioning Church10:59 - ...Remissioning vs Revitalizing14:01 - ...Remissioning was not a word that people were using regularly15:44 - ...Is it RE-missioning or re-MISSION-ing?18:29 - How does church leadership

Dr. Octavio Esqueda, full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, shares on how the gospel redefines masculinity. Dr Esqueda's WebsiteDr Esqueda's Website (Spanish)Dr Esqueda's BooksDr Esqueda on X.comWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Mother's Day vs Father's Day in ChurchesImportant Messages to HighlightCharacter, not CompetencyABOUT THE GUEST: Octavio Javier Esqueda is a full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He was born and raised in Guadalajara, México. He graduated with honors with a Licenciatura in Latin American Literature from the University of Guadalajara and two additional diplomas, one in Religion and Society and the second in Journalism. He graduated with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary and completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Angélica, have two children, Darío and Salma. Dr. Esqueda has several publications on theological education and Christian higher education, practical theology, and literature. Teaching is his passion, and he has had the opportunity to teach in several countries on different academic levels. He is an avid soccer fan.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr. Octavio Esqueda03:19 - Differences in Mother's Day and Father's Day Observances in Churches06:07 - How Churches Can Improve in This Area06:42 - ...elevate Father's Day like Mother's Day06:47 - ...two important messages that need to be highlighted07:06 - ......the mothers' affirmation come from being - her love is unconditional07:16 - ......when the fathers' affirmation comes from doing - it's never enough07:49 - ......many fathe

Pastor Drew Hyun explains how the Christian faith provides a lens through which we can understand the beautiful and disappointing world we live in, while offering the kind of promising hope we long for.Book:  Beautiful, Disappointing, HopefulHope Church NYC WebsiteDrew Hyun WebsiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Three Types of Books About ChristianityTension that Many Believers ExperienceThree Deep PracticesABOUT THE GUEST: Drew Hyun is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC, a diverse church with three locations in New York City. Drew is also the Executive Director of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, an organization that aims to transform church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed pastors and leaders. He regularly speaks at churches, conferences and college campuses throughout the United States and abroad. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Fuller Theological Seminary (DMin). Drew loves cities, ESPN, and naps, and finds it a restful Sabbath when all three come together. He resides in New York City with his wife Christina and their son David and daughter Avery. Drew is the author of Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful: How Gratitude, Grief, and Grace Reflect the Christian Story, available at  Amazon, Churchsource, or Barnes and Noble.RELATED LINKS:Hope Church NYC WebsiteDrew Hyun WebsiteEmotionally Healthy Discipleship Web

Carl Jamal dedicated his life to serving underserved communities, equipping churches, and empowering individuals through faith-based outreach.Our conversation today will center around effective urban ministry—how churches can serve inner-city communities with dignity, navigate challenges, and build lasting relationships. We’ll also explore Carl’s unique approach to ministry through hip-hop, prison rehabilitation, and youth outreach.Carl Jamal's WebsiteBook Link: Urban Missionary Survival GuideWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:People, Not ProjectsDo's and Don'ts of Urban MinistryRole of Urban Missionaries in the ChurchABOUT THE GUEST: Carl Jamal is a dedicated community leader and music educator who has overcome significant personal challenges to empower others. Finding refuge in music during a difficult youth, Carl relocated to Atlanta over ten years ago and committed himself to community outreach and charitable work, earning recognition as a respected leader and volunteer. His passion for hip hop fuels his impactful work in prison rehabilitation and youth outreach programs, where he teaches music production and fosters self-expression. Through his resilience and dedication, Carl shares his wisdom and skills, empowering marginalized communities and inspiring positive change.Born and raised in Baltimore, Carl Jamal faced many challenges in their youth as their mother struggled with addiction and father was absent. Despite these obstacles, Carl Jamal found hope and inspiration in music, channeling their faith and creativity into a pathway toward a brighter future.After relocating to Atlanta over ten years ago, Carl Jamal dedicated his life to community outreach and charitable work, becoming a respected local leader and volunteer throughout the nation. His passion for hip hop music inspired his life's work in prison rehabilitation, and Youth outreach where he teaches prisoners and at-risk teens the art and technical know-how of music production, writing, and engineering.Carl Jamal’s unique approach to hip hop education helped him pioneer a new way to reach and connect with local youths. His workshops and events encourage youth to unl