Transforming Mission LeaderCast with Tim Bias & Sara Thomas Tim Bias & Sara Thomas

In episode 301 of the Transforming Missions podcast, Tim and Sara dive into the second episode of their series, Rethinking Advent. They explore the concept of Advent as a time of conscious preparation and invitation into a deeper, spiritual experience of Christmas.
Using the metaphor of a journey across a bridge, they emphasize the necessity of slowing down and savoring the moments leading up to Christmas. By considering the role of John the Baptist as a bridge between the old and the coming reality, they discuss how prioritizing introspection, prayer and scripture can lead to transformation and enrich the Advent season. They caution against rushing through preparations and propose a practice pattern of read, reflect, respond, return.
 
0:00 Episode 301: Rethinking Preparing for Jesus
00:22 Introduction and Welcome
00:37 Rethinking Advent: The Bridge Metaphor
01:36 The Importance of Preparation
03:52 Personal Story: Crossing the Bridge
06:35 The Role of John the Baptist
07:11 Scripture Reading and Reflection
09:14 The Value of Slowing Down
12:05 The Spiritual Work of Advent
12:46 Practical Ways to Prepare for Advent
14:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Listen at https://transformingmission.org/301 Find more podcasts at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

The 300th episode of Transforming Mission's podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the Advent season, focusing on the original intent of Advent as a time of waiting and preparing for not just the birth of Jesus, but also the second coming of Jesus. Tim and Sara, discuss the concept of hope and hurt, and how both realities intermingle during the spiritual preparation of Advent.
Listen to this episode at https://transformingmission.org/300
Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog
Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9

Four Marks of A Missional Church emphasizes the transformation from traditional views of the church to a dynamic, relational, and missional understanding. It challenges leaders to rethink church as an active, loving community, deeply embedded in everyday life and relationships, partnering with Jesus in a mission of love and hope.
Read more & listen to Episode 299: https://transformingmission.org/podcast
Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog
Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9
 

In this episode of the Transforming Missions podcast, we invite leaders to shift their focus from mere church attendance to fostering deeper engagement within their congregation. We discuss fostering an environment that nurtures meaningful participation beyond mere attendance. We also discuss what engagement aids in faith communities, exploring the concept in the early Christian communities.
This episode emphasizes that engaged people in the Church understand its purpose, have opportunities to grow and develop their faith, and enter into meaningful relationships with others who care about them. Tune in as we share useful insights on leading a movement of Jesus followers and establishing thriving faith communities in today's world.
Read more & listen to Episode 298:  https://transformingmission.org/podcast 
Read the blog: https://transformingmission.org/blog
Get our weekly communication: https://transforming-mission.ck.page/5618f6c6b9
 

We’ve added a new feature to the podcast page and want to hear from you! Head over to https://transformingmission.org/297 and respond to the question: What does "being the church" mean to you?
In this episode, explore the concept of "being the church" and what it truly means to be a Christ-centered leader in today's world. You'll discover five powerful reminders that challenge the conventional idea of merely attending church. Tim and Sara delve into the essence of mission, the significance of worship, and the role of the church in serving the local community.
We explore and emphasize that the church is not a static building; it's a dynamic, living, and breathing community of faith. The church is the body of Christ. If you're looking to equip yourself and others to be the church in its truest sense, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you live out your faith in action.
Don't miss this compelling conversation on becoming the evidence of the resurrection in the world today.
Tune in to Episode 297 and start your journey toward being the church and embracing your mission as a Christ-centered leader.
Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/297
What does "being the church" mean to you? Let us know at the link above.
 

Episode 296, "One Way for Disciples to Make Disciples" explores the importance of relationships as the starting point of spiritual formation. As mature disciples come alongside others newer to the faith, engage in conversation, prayer, and reflection, everyone deepens their faith. You'll hear a definition for discipleship in the United Methodist tradition, and delve into topics such as prayer, scripture, spiritual practices, relationships, and discovering your gifts and purpose. The overall message is that as a disciple, you have the power to make disciples, and the conversations shared in this episode serve as a starting point for you to deepen your faith and engage in meaningful relationships with others.
Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/296 Find the topics and sample questions on the show notes page above.