Episode 7: What Are You Reading?

Today's podcast does what most of our podcasts do - it goes down the rabbit hole of parish ministry.  The title might lead one to assume we are going to discuss our reading lists.  Of course, we share some books and topics.  However, the thrust of our conversation is how reading informs our ministry.  One of the main ideas that starts the conversation is the importance of imagination and discernment versus program-based ministry.  We delve into the tension of including the congregation in this process which can guide the direction of parish ministry.  We try to answer questions such as:

• As leaders are we trying to make the church relevant in people's lives?
• Are we creating space to help people find significance in community?
• What is the difference between relevance and significance?
• By including the congregation in dialogue or surveys are we as leaders falling into the trap of wanting to be liked versus leading from our core?
• Where do we keep the "complaints" box?
• Can we use what we read to guide us on the journey of ministry?
• Is our formation in seminary enough to inform us, or was seminary a long reading list?
• Do the direct experiences we have with the holy help guide us? 
• What ever happened to using mentors (and is Stuart really trying to become a Jedi Master)? 

We hope you enjoy it, as always we are continuing to experiment with the sound (so we apologize that Stuart is back in the barrel).  PLEASE LEAVE US YOUR COMMENTS.

PODCAST LINK

Podcast Notes:


Congregations Gone Wild

Article about Clergy Panel at Grace Church in Gainesville

For a full list Brian's reading list, go to his Good Reads Account.

For books Stuart is using and a bibliography on his doctoral thesis, go to the Mindful Church Blog.