Pivot

Faith+Lead
Pivot Podcast

COVID-19 forced church leaders to respond to a global crisis in the blink of an eye. In a moment with little information and much uncertainty, churches reinvented nearly every aspect of church. This moment has ignited imagination, created collaborations, launched experiments, and dreamed of new possibilities as the heroic efforts of leaders continue to lead ministry. The response to these challenges has been great, but there comes a time when responding is no sufficient. If the church is going to live into a new reality, it will need to pivot. Pivot invites church leaders to use the disruptive moment of COVID-19 to reimagine how they think about church, ministry, and leadership. Each week three veteran church leaders wrestle with making spiritual sense of this time, name how the Christian faith is a resource for navigating this moment in history, offer ideas on how church leaders can pivot toward the emerging future, and suggest practices for engaging others in this work. Pivot is co-sponsored by LEAD and Faith+Lead.

  1. SEP 5

    Episode 93: Beyond Church Growth Strategies: Is Innovation a Helpful Category for the Church? Part 2

    In this compelling follow-up episode, the Pivot Podcast dives deeper into the heart of church leadership and innovation. Dr. Andy Root, Dr. Michael Binder, and Dr. Dwight Zscheile challenge prevailing notions about church growth and effectiveness, proposing a radical shift in approach. Could the key to revitalizing ministry be found in doing less, waiting on God, and embracing uncertainty? Explore why slowing down might be the most innovative step a church can take, how to redefine growth beyond numbers, and what it means to cultivate the courage to ask difficult questions about God's activity. This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for leaders feeling burnt out or discouraged, inviting them to rediscover the heart of authentic, Christ-centered ministry in a rapidly changing world. SHOW NOTES: "The Congregation in a Secular Age," by Andrew Root | https://www.andrewroot.org/the-congregation-in-a-secular-age/ Find more about Andrew Root's book, "The Church after Innovation" | https://www.andrewroot.org/the-church-after-innovation/ "Leading Faithful Innovation" by Michael Binder, Dwight Zscheile, and Tessa Pinkstaff | https://www.fortresspress.com/store/product/9781506488769/Leading-Faithful-Innovation "Four Key Pivots the Church Must Make" | https://faithlead.org/about/framework/four-key-pivots/ "The Rise and Fall of American Growth," by Robert J. Gordon | https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691175805/the-rise-and-fall-of-american-growth?srsltid=AfmBOop2sj6p08skcsIp5yK-7-nmcXAWbgZgFcplJM43xqVg0rUOKY7T Download: Free sample chapter of Leading Faithful Innovation | https://faithlead.org/topics/faithful-innovation/ Listen to the Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1515600522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cDv3mtwlzTozjxcyYdFVj Join us on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithleadfromluther/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lutherfaithlead Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4dzZyWXbVgs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  2. AUG 29

    Episode 92: Innovation: Hype or Hope (1 of 2)

    Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today's changing religious landscape? In this episode (first in a two-part discussion), we dive deep into the concept of "innovation" in church contexts, exploring whether it's a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission. Dr. Andrew Root offers a critical perspective on adopting business-world trends, while the Rev Dr. Michael Binder and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile present a case for "faithful innovation." Their spirited conversation reveals both cautions and possibilities for churches seeking to thrive beyond traditional growth metrics. Discover insights on: The limitations of conventional church growth strategies Balancing faithfulness with adaptation in changing times Practices for deep listening and discernment in congregations Measuring ministry effectiveness beyond numbers Embracing uncertainty while remaining grounded in gospel truths Whether you're rethinking your church's approach to growth or seeking fresh perspectives on faithful ministry, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of church leadership in the 21st century. SHOW NOTES: Book: "The Church After Innovation" by Andrew Root Book: "Leading Faithful Innovation" by Michael Binder, Dwight Zscheile, and Tessa Pinkstaff Download: Spiritual Life Listening Tool Download: Free sample chapter of Leading Faithful Innovation Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8rKGLGi9jC0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  3. AUG 8

    Episode 89: Faith and Politics: How to Lead with Wisdom

    In this timely episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Dr. Alicia Granholm and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile tackle the challenging intersection of faith and politics with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza, a Luther scholar and expert in Christian ethics. As the United States faces a divisive election season, Anthony offers a grounding historical perspective and practical wisdom for church leaders navigating these turbulent waters. Explore how churches can foster meaningful political dialogue without falling into partisan traps. Discover the concept of affective polarization and its impact on congregations. Learn how to use Scripture creatively in addressing current issues and avoid common ethical pitfalls in political engagement. Anthony's insights, rooted in Luther's political theology, provide a roadmap for faithful civic participation that balances conviction with compassion. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or engaged congregant, this episode offers valuable guidance on living out your faith in the public square. Join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to approach politics with both biblical wisdom and neighborly love. SHOW NOTES:  Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza's Faith+Lead Academy course, Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics The Alban Institute at Duke Divinity School Anthony Bateza’s page: https://www.stolaf.edu/profile/bateza Luther’s “The Freedom of a Christian” Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gIy0-ftac8o See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
4.7
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

COVID-19 forced church leaders to respond to a global crisis in the blink of an eye. In a moment with little information and much uncertainty, churches reinvented nearly every aspect of church. This moment has ignited imagination, created collaborations, launched experiments, and dreamed of new possibilities as the heroic efforts of leaders continue to lead ministry. The response to these challenges has been great, but there comes a time when responding is no sufficient. If the church is going to live into a new reality, it will need to pivot. Pivot invites church leaders to use the disruptive moment of COVID-19 to reimagine how they think about church, ministry, and leadership. Each week three veteran church leaders wrestle with making spiritual sense of this time, name how the Christian faith is a resource for navigating this moment in history, offer ideas on how church leaders can pivot toward the emerging future, and suggest practices for engaging others in this work. Pivot is co-sponsored by LEAD and Faith+Lead.

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