In the Sandbox

Hub4Innovation
In the Sandbox

find out more at Hub4Innovation.org

  1. 3D AGO

    In the Sandbox Season 2:Episode 5 with Rev. Dan Jackson

    Adaptive Leadership and Fresh Expressions: A Conversation with Dan Jackson In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups interview His Holiness, Dan Jackson. The discussion covers Dan Jackson's extensive leadership experience, particularly in the Florida Annual Conference where he served as the district superintendent and was instrumental in developing hundreds of fresh expressions. They delve into adaptive leadership, the importance of evaluating and evolving church programs, and innovative funding strategies for new church starts. Dan also shares personal anecdotes from his career, his transition to retirement, and his involvement in leadership development. The episode concludes with a fun lightning round and a prayer. 00:00 Welcome to In the Sandbox 00:42 Introducing Dan Jackson 01:10 Dan's Journey and Leadership 02:23 Adapting to Change 02:49 Challenges During COVID-19 04:37 Fresh Expressions in Florida 07:22 Evaluating Church Programs 14:25 New Church Development Strategies 20:15 Introduction to mLab and Women Pastors 21:19 Restructuring Church Financing in Florida 23:00 Challenges and Successes in Church Funding 24:24 Adaptive Leadership and Fresh Expressions 26:53 The Impact of Dinner Churches 29:10 Collaboration and Innovation in Ministry 30:19 Retirement and Personal Reflections 33:21 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Questions 36:33 Conclusion and Contact Information Find Rev. Dan Jackson: Website: revdanjackson@icloud.com About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

    38 min
  2. 6D AGO

    In the Sandbox, Season 2:Episode 4 with Lisa Yebuah

    In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups engage in a deep, insightful conversation with Reverend Lisa Yebuah, the dynamic lead pastor of the Southeast Raleigh Table. They explore topics ranging from adaptive leadership during the pandemic, collective discernment, and the significance of unlearning hierarchical church models. Reverend Lisa shares her experiences and insights on trusting one's instincts, the importance of listening to the still small voice of God, and how focusing on black church traditions enriches their predominantly white congregation. She delves into the challenges and rewards of leading a faith community that is deeply collaborative and body-centric. Reverend Lisa also talks about the necessity of addressing ideologies within the church, rather than just differing opinions, and the importance of creating new ways of showing up in ministry. The episode concludes with thoughtful reflections on the need for grace, flexibility, and the continuous unlearning and relearning required in contemporary pastoral leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:38 Lisa Yebuah's Journey and Adaptive Leadership 05:22 Collective Discernment and Community Dynamics 09:23 Embracing Humanity and Overcoming Constructs 15:16 Navigating Leadership and Community Challenges 23:13 The Role of Trust and Authority in Ministry 27:21 Guiding Principles and Community Engagement 30:37 The Role of a Pastor: Inviting vs. Instructing 32:59 The Power of Collective Faith 36:33 Navigating Leadership and Ideologies 39:53 Challenges and Masks of Tomorrow's Church 49:51 Hot Seat Questions: Fun and Personal Insights 54:59 Final Thoughts and Blessings Find Lisa: IG: https://www.instagram.com/petite_pastor/ Website: https://seraleightable.org/southeast-raleigh-table-home/about-us/ About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

    58 min
  3. MAR 18

    In the Sandbox, Season 2:Episode 3 with Emanuel Cleaver

    Adaptive Leadership and Evolving Church with Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups sit down with Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III, the senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Dr. Cleaver discusses the challenges and strategies of adaptive leadership in the modern socio-political landscape, the decline in church attendance, and the importance of evolving worship practices. He emphasizes the need for evaluating and changing traditional practices, including Sunday school, to meet current needs. Dr. Cleaver also touches on the role of the church in social activism and community involvement, particularly in addressing local injustices. He shares his personal practices for maintaining peace and balance, including a strict observance of the Sabbath and participation in a supportive pastoral group. The episode concludes with a light-hearted lightning round and a prayer for continued guidance and support for Dr. Cleaver's mission. 00:00 Introduction to the Sandbox Podcast 00:40 Meet Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III 01:26 Challenges of Modern Church Leadership 03:30 Adapting Church Practices for the Future 06:05 The Role of Sunday School in Modern Times 10:00 Evolving Church Models and Community Engagement 13:50 Hybrid Worship and Online Community 17:41 Social Activism and Community Needs 20:53 Future Challenges and Adaptive Leadership 24:15 Police Department Control in Kansas City 26:34 Reflecting on Historical Practices 27:11 Reimagining Church Leadership 28:09 Unlearning Traditional Christianity 29:42 The Role of Belief and Action in Faith 33:45 Maintaining Peace and Support as a Pastor 35:39 The Importance of Sabbath 39:00 Fun and Lighthearted Questions 43:39 Closing Thoughts and Prayer Find Dr. Emanuel Cleaver: Website: https://www.ecleaver3.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorECIII Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaveriii/ X: https://x.com/drec3 About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

    46 min
  4. MAR 10

    In the Sandbox, Season 2, Episode 2 with Duane Anders

    Navigating Adaptive Leadership with Reverend Duane Anders In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups are joined by Reverend Duane Anders from the Cathedral of the Rockies. They explore Duane's leadership journey, his unapologetic vocal stance on the gospel and inclusion, and his innovative approaches within the church. Duane recounts experiences from his trip to Palestine, his adaptive leadership during the pandemic, and the collaborative initiatives between churches. The episode touches on profound topics including racial tensions, politics, and finding common ground despite differences. A light-hearted speed round at the end adds a bit of fun and personal insight into Duane's character. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Meet Reverend Duane Anders 01:07 Duane's Journey and Achievements 01:47 Creating Inclusive Spaces 04:24 Adaptive Leadership in Action 05:08 Navigating the Pandemic 08:35 Innovative Worship Services 10:50 Challenges and Pivots 14:12 Prophetic Leadership and Social Issues 14:44 Solidarity Trip to Palestine 19:47 Surviving and Thriving Amidst Adversity 20:20 The Importance of Being Informed 20:37 Loving Your Enemy and Not Becoming Them 21:23 Navigating Controversial Topics in Congregations 22:12 Collaborative Leadership and Adaptive Strategies 26:14 Embracing Tension and Cognitive Dissonance 29:29 Inviting People into the Messiness 33:59 Speed Round: Fun and Lighthearted Questions 37:19 Final Thoughts and Prayer Find Duane: X: @DuaneAnders Website: cathedraloftherockies.org About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question: “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

    39 min
  5. In the sandbox Season 2 Episode 1 with Magrey deVega

    MAR 3

    In the sandbox Season 2 Episode 1 with Magrey deVega

    Episode Summary In this powerful Season 2 premiere of In the Sandbox, Matt and Rachel sit down with Rev. Magrey deVega to explore the challenges and beauty of adaptive leadership in uncertain times. From navigating political tensions to leading through multiple congregational identities, Magrey shares insights on how to remain grounded in faith, practice non-anxious leadership, and reclaim beauty as an act of defiance in the face of fear and uncertainty. Through laughter, deep reflection, and unexpected moments (including a surprise Rickroll and a near-miss bathroom disaster), this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways for leaders and everyday disciples alike. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Four Congregations in One: How leadership evolves in shifting seasons 🔹 The Control Test: What you can actually control in uncertain times 🔹 Prayer as a Leadership Anchor: Magrey’s evolving pre-sermon prayers 🔹 Adaptive vs. Technical Leadership: Knowing when a situation requires deep transformation rather than a quick fix 🔹 The Role of Beauty and Music in Leadership: The incredible story of a symphony composed in a Nazi prison camp 🔹 The Danger of Toxic Positivity: Sitting with grief and lament instead of rushing to "fix" things Memorable Quotes: 🗣️ “Spiritual practices are not just about doing—they are a way of being.” 🗣️ “Sometimes the most faithful act of leadership is just sitting with people in silence.” 🗣️ “Beauty is an act of defiance in the face of oppression.” Resources & Mentions: 🎵 Quartet for the End of Time – Composed by Olivier Messiaen in a Nazi prison camp 📖 Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger – Leadership in uncharted territory 📖 The Bible Year – A church-wide practice during COVID Fun Segment: Rapid Fire Questions 🔥 If Magrey’s preaching style were a fast food restaurant, it would be Culver’s—accessible yet surprisingly substantial. 🔥 His walk-up song for preaching? Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. 🔥 His ultimate movie sermon illustration? Empire Strikes Back—because everyone has to confront their fears to discover their true self. 🔗 Find Magrey Online: Hyde Park UMC: HydeParkUMC.org Facebook: @MagreydeVega Instagram: @MagreydeVega BlueSky: @MagreydeVega 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: In the Sandbox is available on iTunes, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!

    55 min
  6. In the sandbox Special Episode with the Bearded Theologians

    12/08/2024

    In the sandbox Special Episode with the Bearded Theologians

    Episode Description: In this week’s episode of In the Sandbox, Matt Rall and Rachel Billups welcome the dynamic duo behind The Bearded Theologians, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold. It's a conversation that blends deep theological reflection with humor, friendship, and a bit of nerddom. From Xbox theology to reclaiming lost words of faith, this crossover episode is packed with inspiration and laughs. Discover the story of how two pastors turned a typhoon-filled mission trip into a nine-year podcasting adventure. They share their journey of exploring faith, fostering creativity, and creating safe spaces for theological conversations. Whether you're here for their insights on rhythm and rest or just to find out why Sk8er Boi is the ultimate karaoke choice, there's something for everyone. Grab your shovel and join us in the sandbox as dreams take flight! What You’ll Hear: Origins of The Bearded Theologians: From Facebook banter to the Philippines, how Matt and Zach started their podcasting journey. The Power of Friendship: How their bond fuels creativity and theological exploration. Reclaiming Words: A thoughtful discussion on rescuing and redefining hijacked Christian terms like evangelism. Finding God in the Ordinary: How sharing where they see God at work brings new life to their conversations. Balancing Hustle and Rest: Insights on the spiritual discipline of taking a step back. Speed Round Fun: Hot dogs or tacos? And yes, someone Googled “How tall is Big Bird.” Key Quotes: “Creativity isn’t born in the hustle—it’s born in rest.” “Connectionalism works when it’s rooted in relationship.” “We want to show what healthy theological conversations look like—unscripted, real, and full of love.” Resources and Links: The Bearded Theologians: Website | Instagram | Facebook Hub for Innovation: Website | Email Next Steps: Subscribe to In the Sandbox for more creative conversations. Follow The Bearded Theologians for their weekly episodes and insights. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little faith and fun in their day.

    45 min
  7. In the sandbox episode 8 with Todd Rossnagel

    08/06/2024

    In the sandbox episode 8 with Todd Rossnagel

    Episode Title: Cultivating Curiosity in Communication with Todd Rossnagle Hosts: Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups Guest: Todd Rossnagel, Chairman of UMAC, Director of Communications for Louisiana, and Wilco Enthusiast Episode Overview: In this engaging episode of In The Sandbox, hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Todd Rossnagle, a leading voice in church communications. Todd shares his journey from traditional communication methods to innovative approaches, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and storytelling. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to Todd Rossnagle: Background: Todd's extensive experience in church communications. Personal Tidbits: His passion for Wilco and his unique approach to communication. Embracing Curiosity in Communication: Todd discusses the importance of questioning the status quo and finding innovative ways to communicate. Example: Transition from printed newsletters to digital communications. Navigating Change and Innovation: Overcoming resistance to change within a cultural and technological context. Practical advice on shifting from traditional methods to modern, effective communication strategies. Storytelling in Communication: The power of storytelling in engaging audiences. Real-life examples of impactful stories in church communications. Effective Communication Tools and Strategies: The importance of using multiple tools and channels for communication. Personal anecdotes on how Todd determines the best medium for different stories. Balancing Technology with Traditional Methods: The value of handwritten notes in the digital age. Combining old-school and modern methods for maximum impact. Curiosity Beyond Church Work: Todd shares how he maintains curiosity in his personal life, including his love for photography and music. Fun Segment: Rapid Fire Questions Todd's favorite hobbies and pastimes. Dream gadget and ideal coffee companion. Wilco songs he’d take to a desert island. The actor he’d choose to play him in a movie. Takeaways: The importance of curiosity in both personal and professional communication. Practical tips for church leaders on how to innovate their communication strategies. Insights on balancing multiple communication tools to reach a diverse audience effectively. Links & Resources: Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church Louisiana Now Podcast Shoving Wilco Podcast Contact: Email: hub4innovation@gmail.com Website: Hub4Innovation.org Thank you for listening to In The Sandbox. Join us next time for more conversations where creativity and utility meet. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

    53 min

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    find out more at Hub4Innovation.org

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