Vibrant conversations between ministers, church leaders, and scholars, brought to you by the staff of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry at Abilene Christian University. The Siburt Institute’s mission is to equip church leaders and help churches thrive. Topics include contemporary issues facing churches and church leaders, as well as ways that scholarship can inform church leadership.
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David Kneip and Candace Nicolds talk about the opportunities and challenges that have come from individuals joining congregations through the live-streaming of worship services. They discuss Candace's work at the Brookline Church of Christ (Boston, MA), conversations among leadership, and theological implications of pastoral care for online congreg…
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Henry Zonio: The Importance of a Multicultural Perspective in Children’s Ministry - Part Two
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Jennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally a…
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Henry Zonio: The Importance of a Multicultural Perspective in Children’s Ministry - Part One
33:19
Jennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally a…
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David Kneip and Rivers Rich discuss ministry searches from the perspective of a minister who was just hired on staff at a church. Rivers talks about his experience of searching for a minister position after he graduated from ACU. He gives a unique point of view for both those who are on a search committee and those looking for a position.…
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David Kneip and Robert Oglesby discuss ministry searches, specifically focusing on Robert's work with churches and leader groups. Robert shares about the ways that he helps churches navigate the current shortage of ministers, shares stories of searches gone well and poorly, and provides tips for churches to conduct their searches more wisely and ef…
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Jennifer Schroeder talks with Traci Smith and David Csinos about how to incorporate intentional faith practices within families, why it is so important even at a very young age, and how churches and ministry leaders can better support their families in this pursuit. Traci and Dave are active scholars and leaders in the field of children's ministry …
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David Kneip and Olivia Nabb discuss ministry search processes. Olivia is a recent graduate of ACU's Graduate School of Theology, and at the time of recording, she had been interviewing with several churches but had not yet found a position. She provides important insights for church leaders as they seek to do their searches well, specifically from …
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David Kneip talks with Josh Stephens and Warren McNeill, two members of a recent search committee at the Monterey Church of Christ in Lubbock, about the process of searching for a minister. They discuss ways to do a search well, practices to avoid, and the importance of depending on God throughout the process. During the podcast, Warren and Josh ta…
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David Kneip and Missy Taylor discuss her story of entering ministry in middle age, with the goal of encouraging those volunteering in churches who may be sensing a call into ministry.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip talks with Sierra Gustafson and Anna Moser, two children's ministers in Churches of Christ, about the importance of sabbaticals in ministry. They discuss preparing for and entering into sabbaticals, exiting sabbaticals and re-entering ministry, and the challenges of conversations with leaders and ministry partners. Resources discussed i…
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David Kneip and Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby talk about the very current topic of trauma, how prevalent it is in our world and our churches, and things ministers need to know and can do to help.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Steve Hare discuss why it's important for churches to talk about bodies, sex, and desire. Not a "how-to," this episode encourages church leaders to be proactive in helping their congregants build solid theology around the body.siburtinstitute
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Jennifer Schroeder and Dana Kennamer discuss the spirituality of children and key elements that are essential in fostering the spiritual formation of children in churches.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Josh Kingcade discuss Josh's first year as a preacher after many years in other kinds of ministry. The podcast includes reflections on and recommendations for church leaders involved in ministry transitions.siburtinstitute
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Jennifer Schroeder and Cheryl Russell discuss the transformative nature of dialogical preaching, where the pulpit becomes a meaningful dialogue between the minister, the congregation, and the message. Explore with Cheryl how dialogical preaching can inspire, challenge, and unite churches and listen as she talks about her church's experience with it…
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David Kneip and Kaley Ihfe talk about the challenges that face ministry wives, as well as some ways that the Lavish HOPE ministry is seeking to support, nourish, and refresh them.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Alan Howell from Mission Resource Network talk about the changing face of missions in our world, along with resources that MRN has to offer churches and missions workers.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Catherine Spiller talk about challenges that churches face in ministering to individuals with disabilities, as well as opportunities for facilitating full participation in worship on the part of all congregants, especially those dealing with disability.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Stacey Losher talk about ways that ministry residency can help congregations equip, grow, and send out new ministers, as a response to the challenges churches are having in finding individuals to hire.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip, Laura Callarman, and Ian Shelburne talk about the Eden Center for Regenerative Culture and Spirit-led opportunities for intentional community.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Casey Lankford talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of a current member. This is the fourth and final podcast in a series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Josh Jackson talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of a former member. This is the third podcast in a four-part series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Houston Heflin talk about the ongoing work of the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative, from the perspective of the current director. This is the second podcast in a four-part series about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Randy Harris talk about the Contemplative Ministers' Initiative and its founding as part of a series on CMI.siburtinstitute
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Jennifer Schroeder and Holly Allen talk about her passion for intergenerationality and her new book, Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community, and Worship.siburtinstitute
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Shelby Coble and Chris Flanders talk about the persistent notions of honor and shame, even in our Western culture, and how those matter for church ministry.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Suzie Macaluso talk about ways that the sociology of religion can help ministers and church leaders serve their churches and lead more effectively.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Royce Money talk about Charles Siburt's ministry and legacy, as well as the founding of the Siburt Institute.siburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Brad East talk about the benefits of theology and the challenges of technology for ministerssiburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Wes Crawford talk about Carl Spain's historic 1960 speech as well as how churches can move forward in race relationssiburtinstitute
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David Kneip and Carson Reed talk about the minister shortage facing churches today. They offer opinions on what is adding to this shortage and ways churches can address this issue.siburtinstitute
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Ashley Lankford, Robert Oglesby, and Dudley Chancey talk about contemporary challenges in youth ministry. Robert teaches in ACU’s Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, and he serves as the director of the Center for Youth and Family Ministry. Dudley is a professor of youth and family ministry at Oklahoma Christian University, and he directs O…
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Ashley Lankford and Beth Robinson discuss the current challenges ministers and mental-health professionals face in helping adolescents deal with anxiety. Beth is a long time counselor, writer, and professor who now teaches at Colorado Christian University.siburtinstitute
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Ashley Lankford and Amanda Box continue their conversation about conflict, communication, and church leadership. Make sure to listen to Part 1 as well!siburtinstitute
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Ashley Lankford and Amanda Box discuss the challenges of communicating in times of conflict. Amanda is a long time teacher and minister who is the self-proclaimed communication evangelist at Box Communication, Incorporated.siburtinstitute
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Jennifer Schroeder and Daniel Rodriguez discuss Hispanic ministries in churches and beyond, including the consideration of new models and perspectives. Daniel is a professor of religion and hispanic studies and one of the deans in Pepperdine University’s Seaver College.siburtinstitute
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Ashley Lankford, Jennifer Schroeder and Shannon Rains discuss the value and importance of ministry to children.siburtinstitute
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