Discipleship Conversations Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Jeremy Hoover, Cheryl Russell

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell are joined by Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines, lead pastor at Trevecca Christian Community and author of "Pastor as Midwife." Dr. Songer Gaines shares her unique perspective on how midwifery, one of the oldest vocations, provides a timeless and powerful metaphor for leadership that centers on service, empowerment, and following the lead of others. Reflecting on her research and experiences, Shawna discusses how midwives’ practices of supporting and empowering mothers can transform pastoral leadership, moving away from a centralized, leader-focused model to one that is collaborative and Spirit-led.

 

Listen in to gain an understanding of how pastors can adopt a de-centered leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of following the congregation's needs, encouraging active participation, and cultivating a supportive community. Shawna's reflections challenge the conventional leadership culture, offering a fresh, theologically grounded perspective that redefines success in ministry. Join us for an enriching conversation that delves into the themes of new creation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the practical steps pastors can take to embrace a midwifery model of leadership in their churches.



Shawna Songer Gaines is a follower of Jesus, lover of books, runner of mediocre ability (at best), fan of gluten-free bakeries, wife of a hilarious pastor/theologian, mother of marvelously dramatic children, pastor of a uniquely diverse and intergenerational congregation, author of some books and Bible studies, and neighbor in the curiously creative city of Nashville. She currently serves as
the lead pastor at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene, a congregation in the heart of Nashville, on the University campus. Shawna and her husband, Tim, have a passion for learning from and pouring into the next generation of leaders in the church. She earned her B.A. from Point Loma Nazarene University, M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and D.Min. from Lipscomb University.

 

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Discipleship Conversations as we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as he shares his vision for helping individuals recognize their vocations as integral parts of God's mission. Drawing from his extensive background in theology and practical ministry, Chris unveils the significance of vocational formation in today's rapidly evolving world. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to embrace your unique calling in God's grand
narrative of redemption and restoration.

Dr. Christopher Cobbler was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada, and currently resides in Michigan with his wife and three children. He and his wife, Kahra, have been immersed in many faith traditions; he values the intersectional aspects of his journey and passionately desires to see communities in the church and academy become a sign, instrument and foretaste of the kingdom of
God. Chris graduated from Alberta Bible College, Rochester University and most recently with a Doctoral Degree from Lipscomb University. He is the Dean of
Vocational Formation and the Director of the Center for Vocational Formation at Abilene Christian University, Dallas.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe
and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Join hosts Tiffany Dahlman, Steven Carrizal, and Jeremy Hoover in the latest episode of "Discipleship Conversations," where they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issue of church decline and the innovative ways that some Christian faith communities are responding. The hosts engage with an article by Chris Flanders from Mission Alive's Reimagining Church series titled: “Kainos Koinonias: How Innovative Faith Communities Embody the Missio Dei.” In the article, Chris challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's missional calling in ever-expanding cultural contexts. As
churches grapple with rapid change, and also seek to partner with God in redemptive mission, this episode considers what questions churches are asking, and how they are adapting to try to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Join us as we contemplate the future landscape of church and faith, recognizing the diverse expressions emerging in response to the call of the Kingdom. In a world where the Kingdom comes near in various forms, the discussion prompts us to reimagine our understanding of church and embrace the innovative spirit driving the Missio Dei forward.

Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Alive Newsletter to read more from the Reimaging Church series and to receive new posts each
time they are published.  

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized
communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Are you a Christian parent with an emerging adult child that is choosing a different faith than you expected? Are you an emerging adult discovering spiritual renewal as you find a path to faith and spirituality apart from the tradition of your youth? Many Christian families are experiencing a change in their family faith dynamic as emerging adults discover their own path to faith and spirituality. On this episode of Discipleship Conversations, we talk with guests Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor, a father and son navigating a shift in familial faith. Listen in as they share their experience about how they are navigating these changes, finding common ground, and moving closer to one another in the process.



Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to ⁠media@missionalive.org⁠. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at ⁠www.missionalive.org/media⁠. Intro and outro music is by ⁠audionautix.com⁠. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at ⁠www.missionalive.org⁠.

It is the season of Advent! Check out our latest podcast episode as hosts Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Cheryl Russell, and Jeremy Hoover, discuss Advent and what it has meant to them personally and in their ministries. Whether you're a seasoned
Advent enthusiast or new to the tradition, we invite you to listen to this "Discipleship Conversation" as we consider the meaning of Advent, share personal stories, and discuss the timeless themes of the season.



Advent isn't just about lighting candles or following traditions; it's about finding hope in Jesus, creating balance in the holiday chaos, and bringing warmth to your life and community. It is about discovering how a Christ-centered Advent propels us forward and invites us to partner with God in making the world a better place in the present. We hope that our candid discussion will resonate with you, especially if you are seeking a season of reflection, hope, and anticipation.



Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!



Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized
communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.



Episode Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash

Walking the Camino de Santiago, as Kevin & Shelly Huddleston did (see Season 5 Episode 10), is a big undertaking. But what if we could see pilgrimage and the lessons of pilgrimage in the everyday of our lives. In this episode, the hosts have a roundtable discussion about finding and implementing pilgrimage in our ministry contexts.