Dents in the Darkness

The Northeast Collaborative
  • 5.0 (25)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Our enemy loves to isolate pastors and leaders from great resources and teammates. We provide practical resources to guide you on your journey to overcome isolation while leading and launching healthy churches across Northeast America!

  1. FEB 10

    Discipling the Next Generation - Shane Pruitt

    On this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Shane Pruitt to talk about the critical issues facing today’s young people. While this generation is navigating significant challenges, there is also real hope in what God is doing in and through them. In our conversation, Shane shares insights from his book Not My Jesus, addressing how our culture often reshapes Jesus into our own image—and why restoring the biblical Jesus is essential for authentic discipleship. We also explore practical ways to disciple and minister to the next generation with truth, clarity, and compassion. Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). With more than 20 years of ministry experience as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor, Shane brings deep wisdom and practical insight. He is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Shane and his wife, Kasi, live in Texas with their five children.       Books & Bible Studies  Not My Jesus – Bible Study Book with Video Access – 8-week study on reclaiming truth and rejecting cultural versions of Jesus: Lifeway listing: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/not-my-jesus-teen-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005850065  Reaching Generation Alpha: A Ministry Guide for Discipling the Church Beyond the Screen — upcoming book by Shane Pruitt & Shelly Melia (ministry to young children/Gen Alpha): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reaching-generation-alpha-shane-pruitt/1148263529     The GenSend Podcast – equipping leaders to reach, disciple, and mobilize the next generation (official GenSend podcast hosted in part by Shane Pruitt): https://www.gensend.org/leader-resources/

    38 min

  2. JAN 13

    Celebrations of 2025 and What’s Ahead in 2026 - NEC Leadership

    In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, host Michael Schooley (Converge Northeast & the Northeast Collaborative) is joined by NEC President- Pastor Dan Nichols of Grace Christian Fellowship (Cortland, NY) and Justin Bleuer of Berean Bible Church for a conversation centered on the Northeast Collaborative (NEC). Together, they reflect on key celebrations from the past season, the stories of encouragement God is writing across the Northeast, and what is coming in 2026. This episode also unpacks the heart behind NEC—why collaboration matters, how churches are stronger together, and the long-term vision for seeing healthy, gospel-centered churches planted and strengthened throughout the region. If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing to Dents in the Darkness, leaving a review, and sharing it with a pastor or church leader in the Northeast. New episodes released monthly.

    39 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Longevity in Ministry — Q/A with Dr. Crawford Loritts

    In this special episode of Dents in the Darkness, we bring you a live Q&A session with Dr. Crawford Loritts from the Northeast Leaders Summit 2025. Dr. Loritts shares wisdom on perseverance, spiritual resilience, and what it takes to be a leader who finishes well in ministry. This conversation is rich with decades of pastoral experience, honest reflections, and practical encouragement for anyone called to lead. Why longevity in ministry matters now more than ever The foundational habits that sustain pastors and leaders How to navigate discouragement, criticism, and seasons of doubt The importance of character formation over platform building What Crawford has learned after a lifetime of preaching, shepherding, and leading Encouragement for younger leaders stepping into ministry today Dr. Crawford Loritts was the main stage speaker at NLS 2025 and is a respected pastor, speaker, and leadership mentor who ministers across the country. He is the author of numerous books, including the influential Leadership as Identity. His decades of ministry experience have shaped a powerful voice for leaders seeking to remain faithful for the long haul.

    28 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    Developing Worship Leaders - Mike Seay (Multiply Group)

    In today's episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Mike Seay, Worship Consultant at the Multiply Group, to talk about the intentional development of worship leaders. Drawing from his experience in both local church leadership and national coaching, Mike unpacks practical strategies for identifying, equipping, and releasing worship leaders who are spiritually grounded and musically skilled. Whether you're a lead pastor, worship pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation will give you tools to build a worship leadership pipeline that lasts.  What You’ll Learn: Why developing worship leaders is more than just teaching music How to create a culture of spiritual formation in your worship team How pastors and worship leaders should partner together. Practical systems for mentoring and multiplying leaders Common mistakes churches make when building worship teams How Multiply Group partners with churches to raise up worship leaders  About Our Guest:Mike Seay serves as a Worship Consultant with the Multiply Group, helping churches across the country develop sustainable systems for worship ministry.  Resources & Links: Learn more about the Multiply Group: www.multiplygroup.org Connect with Mike Seay on Instagram: @mikeseay

    46 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Business as Mission - Matta Rizkallah

    Join us for a conversation with Matta Rizkallah, founder and CEO of Manufacturing Automation Systems (MAS), as we unpack what it means to live out Business as Mission in the industrial automation space. Matta shares how his company began not only to serve market needs but to actively engage global mission initiatives and community transformation—all from Painted Post, New York. Key themes include: How to build a kingdom business. How MAS integrates innovation, social impact, and Christian values into its mission  The challenges of being a business leader. How the church can help business leaders in their kingdom pursuit. Ongoing faith-based projects: building a school in Ghana and partnering with organizations like NuVenture Nepal and Potter’s Hands Foundation Manufacturing Automation Systems LLC This episode is ideal for mission-minded entrepreneurs, church leaders, and Christians seeking to connect their daily work with eternal purpose Manufacturing Automation Systems, Inc. – automation & robotics company providing engineered solutions to industries including defense, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing Empire State Development+1 Books on Business as Mission - https://businessasmission.com/library/books/

    38 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    A Leadership Conversation - Pastor Derek Sanford

    If you're a pastor feeling the weight of leadership, you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Derek Sanford, lead pastor of Grace Church in Erie, PA, and founder of the Grace Leadership Institute, to talk about leadership. Derek shares practical, time-tested wisdom on multiplying leaders, creating healthy team dynamics, and leading for the long haul without burning out. This episode is packed with insight for pastors looking to build sustainable leadership structures, raise up others, and stay faithful over decades—not just seasons.  In This Episode:  Why teams matter (and how to build one) Building Leadership Longevity. How to identify, develop, and deploy emerging leaders Strategies for longevity in ministry and avoiding burnout The role of vulnerability and humility in healthy leadership Derek’s book: ⁠Untapped Church: Discovering the Hidden Potential of Ordinary People in Your Church Sign up for the Northeast Leadership Summit

    36 min

  7. 08/11/2025

    A Vision for Church Health - Stephen Hay

    In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we talk with Pastor Stephen Hay, Vice President of Church Health with Anago Partners—an organization dedicated to helping churches flourish. Stephen shares practical and spiritual insight on how churches can move from where they are to where God is calling them: places of vitality, health, and kingdom impact. Whether your church is stuck, struggling, or seeking greater clarity, this conversation offers hope and a roadmap forward. What You’ll Learn: What it means for a church to flourish How to move from survival to Kingdom effectiveness The common challenges in church health and renewal How Anago Partners comes alongside pastors and leaders A powerful resource: Leading Change—a guide to help churches navigate transition and growth intentionally

    32 min

  8. 07/08/2025

    Releasing Children from Poverty in Jesus’ Name - Matt Wilson (Compassion International)

    In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Matthew Wilson from Compassion International to explore how this powerful ministry is changing the lives of children and families around the globe. You’ll hear the heart behind Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name, and how the organization partners with local churches to provide not only physical needs like food, healthcare, and safety—but also spiritual hope through the gospel. Whether you're a church leader, a sponsor, or just curious about how you can make a difference, this conversation will stir your heart and expand your vision for Kingdom impact. What You’ll Learn: The story and mission of Compassion International Why partnering with local churches is key to sustainable transformation How Compassion supports the mind, body, and soul of each child Real stories of children going from surviving to thriving A sneak peek into our upcoming trip to El Salvador!

    37 min
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5
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About

Our enemy loves to isolate pastors and leaders from great resources and teammates. We provide practical resources to guide you on your journey to overcome isolation while leading and launching healthy churches across Northeast America!

Information

  • Creator
    The Northeast Collaborative
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Northeast Collaborative