Ministry Mondays: Recent Episodes
ministrymondays
We talk about what kinds of gifts people should consider buying for their ministers for Christmas.
The Game Chris Couldn't Remember: https://www.amazon.com/VINCI-Bang-Dice-Game/dp/B00DH8D0HC/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/144-3101623-3657355?pd_rd_w=KLHak&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_p=7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_r=VY34626D3ACGP77VRQKA&pd_rd_wg=bntno&pd_rd_r=ac84c753-f051-4f67-97e1-ffaedff6519c&pd_rd_i=B00DH8D0HC&psc=1
Recommendation: https://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/selected-guest-posts/2021/11/dales-colossal-christmas-catalog-conferment-for-churchmen-aka-my-annual-gift-list-for-preachers
We look at the recent Barna report on ministers leaving the ministry, and make some suggestions on how congregations might work to stem that tide.
Paul and Chris have their kids "spin the wheel" and share about their experience (up to this point) as the children of ministers.
We talk about some of our favorite portrayals of Christianity and/or Christians in media. With an eye toward looking at the flip-side next week.
We discuss an Easter Weekend camp Jordan recently directed, our history with camp Hensel, and our general ideas about the goals we have in directing camp.
With Jordan out for the week, Chris and Paul talk about preacher things. Specifically, why we tend towards preaching exegetically instead of topically. We also point out some instances in which topical preaching may be called for and even beneficial in the life of an exegetical preacher.
We talk about something that happened in pop culture! Please forgive the delay in this episode arriving, as it was miss-scheduled when uploaded last week!
We talk about deconstruction, differentiate between general deconstruction and catastrophic deconstruction, and our understanding of what leads to either/both.
We talk a bit about how we navigate members of our congregations/youth groups dating one another; the positives, negatives, and unknowns of these relationships; and the ways we've seen this play out in our own congregations.
Chris interviews Jake Doberenz about entrepreneurship, creativity, and knowing when to let a project die in Ministry.
We explore the question of what might happen in our ministries and homes if we were to meet an untimely end. What plans do we have in place, and how does that relate to stewardship.
Paul and Jordan discuss the problems (and benefits) they see in the Pastor Model employed by many churches today.
We talk with Michael about his experience as a single man in ministry and how the church might work with single ministers.
We sit down with friend of the show, Michael Welch, to discuss his experience growing up as the child of a minister. This is part one of the interview, with a second part to follow next week.
Recommendations:
Big Chair Bible- https://www.amazon.com/chair-bible-Samuel-David-Goliath/dp/0996974504
Bible Project App- https://bibleproject.com/app/
Tolkien and Faith- https://www.amazon.com/Tolkien-Faith-Essays-Christian-Middle-Earth/dp/B09FBX6RD9
No Stones- https://www.amazon.com/No-Stones-Redeemed-Sexual-Addiction/dp/083083740X
Keeping the Sabbath, Taking A Sabbatical- https://christianchronicle.org/keeping-the-sabbath-taking-a-sabbatical/
We look at Chris' favorite parable: The Prodigal (Lost) Son.
Recommendations: Christmas With The Petersens- https://petersenband.com/product/christmas-with-thepetersens/
10 Lessons In Productivity and Brainstorming From The Beatles- https://medium.com/fluxx-studio-notes/10-lessons-in-productivity-and-brainstorming-from-the-beatles-ea14385e27a4
Faith for Exiles- https://faithforexiles.com
After feeling a bit aimless for a week, we found ourselves quite excited to begin a look at the parables. This week we do a little overview of our relationship to and thoughts on the parables in general. We also discuss some of our favorite parables in brief.
Look forward to the coming weeks as we dig deep into how we might go about teaching these parables.
This week we change up our format a bit by covering not one, but SIX topics! We hope you enjoy this more light hearted episode as we work to change things up just a bit.
YouTube Illustration Videos: Birth Of A Tool- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nojb-gFH4&t=259s Pay It Forward- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw0Lvr4eK-k Everything Skit- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8vL3cN1fRc
Recommendations: Evidence That Demands a Verdict- https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-That-Demands-Verdict-Life-Changing-ebook/dp/B01MYP99J3/
Paul and Jordan talk thankfulness as we move into a season of thanksgiving.
Recommendations:
If... Questions For The Game of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questions-Game-Life-Evelyn-McFarlane/dp/0679445358/
Jordan spends some time reflecting on the last year and what ministry and podcasting means for him moving ahead.
In the first of three episodes leading up to our one year anniversary, Chris reflects on the previous year and shares his thoughts and intentions for 2022.
Recommendations: https://yearcompass.com
We discuss crisis management and the approaches our congregations have (or maybe don't) to working through crisis situations.
Recommendations:
Out of the Silent Planet- https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Planet-Space-Trilogy-2003-03-11/dp/B017WQJRE4/
The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook- https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Worst-Case-Scenario-Survival-Handbook/dp/B0032FO5CE
Paul and Jordan record in person together for the first time ever as they reflect on a week at the Harding University Lectures for 2021.
What in the world are we doing?!? No, really, we want to tell you a bit about what we're doing at the moment.
Recommendations:
Priceless- https://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Straight-Shooting-No-Frills-Financial-Wisdom/dp/0977489590/
Identity Theft- https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Theft-Thieves-Leadership-University-ebook/dp/B0030CHFCG
We've been listening to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill over the last few weeks, and our behind the scenes conversations have revolved around a number of celebrity minister falls. We talk about the pitfalls and dangers of intermarrying celebrity and faith.
We wrap up by looking at Jude's encouragement to the early Church and the doxology at the end of his letter.
We look at the main discourse of the book of Jude, discuss its relationship to 1st Peter, the expanded works of Jewish literature, the Spiritual Realm, and how Jude's teachings might prepare us for what to expect from false teachers.
We talk about three of our favorite Psalms, their impact on us theologically, how we relate to the psalms over all, and more.
The work of ministry should never be a solo operation. Fortunately for us, we've got people! We talk a bit about the many people who serve in ministry that may not always be noticed.
Paul and Chris discuss various aspects of missions and their relation to our ministries.
Recommendations:
Meal Train- https://www.mealtrain.com
Blue Letter Bible App- iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blue-letter-bible/id365547505
Blue Letter Bible App- Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.blueletterbible.blb
Church Politics. Usually it's a term associated with everything bad about being in ministry, but there are ways in which politics can and should be viewed positively. How have we navigated Church politics ourselves, and what's our advice for maintaining a healthy approach to Church politics?
We talk about planning events! While many ministers got into ministry for the opportunity to share the gospel; help people grow in their faith; and encourage people towards deep and meaningful relationships with Jesus, few of us ever considered how much of our work would looke a bit like event planning. We talk about the balance of event planning and daily ministry, the kidns of events we're called on to coordinate and help plan, and how to delegate well.
Recommendations:
Future Preachers' Training Camp- https://www.bearvalleycofc.com/future-preachers-training-camp
The Christian Minister's Manual- https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Minister%C2%92s-Updated-Expanded-DuoTone/dp/0784733619
Paul and Jordan talk about lending a hand to ministers in need during the summer months.
What is fellowship? Why is it hard? How can we be better at it? Why isn't our fellowship what it should be in anyway?
We look broadly at the meaning and misunderstandings about fellowship from our perspective in ministry.
We talk about the seasonality of ministry from the standpoint of our current ministries.
We discuss Jesus' statements regarding the greatest commands and spend some time reflecting on what these commands mean to us, and particularly some of our struggle in holding fast to these commands.
Recommendations: The Unseen Realm- https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Realm-Recovering-Supernatural-Worldview/dp/1577995562
Ministry Safe- https://ministrysafe.com
Lifeline Screening- https://www.lifelinescreening.com
We talk about the intersection of our ministries and our role as fathers.
Recommendations: They Smell Like Sheep- https://www.amazon.com/They-Smell-Like-Sheep-Leadership/dp/1582292973
The Emotionally Healthy Leader- https://www.amazon.com/Emotionally-Healthy-Leader-Transforming-Transform/dp/0310494575
Faithlife Free Book of the Month- https://auth.faithlife.com/v1/users/autosignin?returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Febooks.faithlife.com%2Fcookies%3FreturnUrl%3D%252Ffree-book-of-the-month&authorizationHeader=OAuth%20oauth_consumer_key%3D%226B777BE27964DE778A14229372251ECC9492340C%22%2Coauth_nonce%3D%22a1af54dcf46a44cd8d27f6c99ed4d1ab%22%2Coauth_signature_method%3D%22HMAC-SHA1%22%2Coauth_timestamp%3D%221624256803%22%2Coauth_version%3D%221.0%22%2Coauth_signature%3D%22njSVPw9EGqIO7%252BYtazeQKCcQiis%253D%22
We discuss some thought concerning mental health, ministry, and the understanding or lack there off in the Church today.
Articles: Misconceptions About Mental Health- https://www.centerpointfl.org/blog/2019/7/10/4-misconceptions-about-mental-health-in-the-church
4 Myths Too Many Christians Believe About Mental Health- https://www.relevantmagazine.com/life5/quarterlife/4-myths-too-many-christians-believe-about-mental-health/
Factors that impact one’s mental health: 1) Spiritual, 2) Environmental, 3) Biological
Recommendations: Encountering John- https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-John-Historical-Theological-Perspective/dp/0801049164 Calm App- https://www.calm.com
Summer finds Jordan VERY busy, so we've got a guest host for the month of June! Meet our buddy, Kyle Sapp.
Recommendations: UnChristian- https://www.amazon.com/unChristian-Generation-Really-Christianity-Matters-ebook/dp/B009YJMHBI Surprised By Hope- https://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Hope-Rethinking-Resurrection-Mission-ebook/dp/B0010SIPOY Makings Small Groups Work- https://www.amazon.com/Making-Small-Groups-Work-Leader-ebook/dp/B000SEUXXM
We talk about some of our favorite illustrations, why we use them, and some things to avoid in employing illustrations.
Everyone who grew up in the Church (except Chris) had one, and as ministers, we all find ourselves involved in the planning and execution of them. How do our various congregations do Senior Sunday? What advice would we give on planning one and making it meaningful?
Recommendations: ESV Study Bible- https://www.amazon.com/ESV-Study-Bible-Bibles-Crossway/dp/1433502410 Bethlehem Road- https://www.amazon.com/Bethlehem-Road-Guide-Michael-Whitworth/dp/098851219X A Handbook On Leadership- https://thechristianfamilybookstore.com/proddetail.php?prod=966353145
We talk about how we find refreshment, and rest in our ministries. We talk about our hobbies, retreats, and the support of other ministers.
Recommendations-
Becoming Mrs. Lewis- https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Mrs-Lewis-Improbable-Davidman-ebook/dp/B07BB5PSJF Better- http://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/better-1
We talk about "the next phase" of our ministires. Where do we see ourselves headed? What's the horizon on our positions? How do we anticipate ministry changing in the next ten to twenty years?
Recommendations: The Bible Project Romans Videos- Part 1 Part 2 Directions For The Road Ahead- https://www.amazon.com/Directions-Road-Ahead-Stability-Churches/dp/0966353102 Beyond The Verse- https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Verse-Discovered-Reading-Bible-ebook/dp/B07QQNHWCM
We interview our good friend and colleague Mike Kouba about the intersection of Pastoral and Clinical Counceling, how to know when to refer, the relational effects of a counceling relationship, and many other insightful thoughts.
Recommendations: Man's Search For Meaning- https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 Authorized- https://www.amazon.com/Authorized-Misuse-King-James-Bible-ebook/dp/B078WG2LHX Church Reset- https://www.amazon.com/JESUS-FILES-AUDIO-CD-DEWAYNE-BRYANT/dp/0979635616 Arab Christian Ministry- http://arabchristianministry.org
We conclude our series on the book of Ruth with some talk about sandels, scoundrels, and saviors. Here's our look at Ruth chapter 4.
Recommendations:
Leading the Lord's Worship- https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Lords-Worship-Jack-Boyd/dp/B009HDW4MS
Anchors in Troubled Waters- https://www.amazon.com/Anchors-troubled-waters-survive-crises/dp/0801008069
The Universal Story- https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Story-Genesis-1-11-Transformative/dp/1683590716
In our third installment on the book of Ruth, we talk about naked feet, extraordinary righteousness, and commitment to God's law.
Recommendations:
How Should We Then Live?- https://www.amazon.com/Should-Then-Live-LAbri-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B00IFG0AD8
Vines- https://www.amazon.com/Vines-Expository-Dictionary-Testament-Words/dp/0785250530
Epic- https://www.amazon.com/Epic-John-Eldredge/dp/0785288791
We look at chapter 2 of the book of Ruth and explore the themes of kinship, God's provision, and how the startling end of the book of Judges informs our reading of the book of Ruth.
HouseToHouse.com The Bible Project Podcast- https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/
We decided it's time for us to delve deep into an entire book from scripture, so we're giving the book of Ruth four weeks of careful thought and discussion.
Recommendations Step Bible- www.stepbible.org Lies My Preacher Told Me- https://www.amazon.com/Lies-My-Preacher-Told-Testament/dp/0664265715
We continue our guest host series, this time with Paul and Jordan interviewing guest host Jennifer Tolbert, children's coordinator at the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ. Jen shares about what life is like in the trenches of children's ministry!
Recommendations: Wisdom For Your Marriage- https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Your-Marriage-Devotional-Proverbs/dp/B08NWTCVKQ A Christian Manifesto- https://www.amazon.com/A-Christian-Manifesto/dp/B00629BYQM 7 Family Ministry Essentials- https://www.amazon.com/Family-Ministry-Essentials-Childrens-Ministries/dp/0781412978 Mission Bible Class- https://missionbibleclass.org
This week Chris interviews friend-of-the-show Steve Haney. The two discuss Steve's bivocational work as both a Youth Minister and Bible Teacher. Steve provides some interesting insightst into the intersection of these two works!
Recommendations: The International Children's Bible- https://www.christianbook.com/icb-bible-soft-leather-look-brown/9780785238805/pd/238805?event=EBRN A Family Guide To Worship- https://www.amazon.com/Family-Worship-Guide-Handbook-Christian/dp/1946849782 Northwest School of Discipleship- https://www.nwschoolofdiscipleship.com
We talk a bit about our wives and their roles in our respective ministries. We also briefly discuss other couples we've seen involved in ministry.
Recommendations: Love and Respect- https://www.amazon.com/Love-Respect-Desires-Desperately-Needs-ebook/dp/B004MYFQ3Q The Unity Project- https://www.oregonchristianconvention.org/events/the-unity-project-2
We talk about the "other half" of Philippians 4's list of 8 things to think on.
Recommendations:
Who Moved My Cheese- https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Mazing-ebook/dp/B004CR6AM4 Mere Christianity- https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-Lewis-Signature-Classics-ebook/dp/B002BD2UR0 Orthodoxy- https://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Illustrated-Centennial-Chesterton-Book-ebook/dp/B06XZS153H
We talk about the first four things Paul tells us we aught to "think on" in Philippians 4.
Recommendations:
Helping Your Struggling Teenager- https://www.amazon.com/Helping-Your-Struggling-Teenager-Parrott/dp/0310234026 A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness- https://www.amazon.com/Tale-three-Kings-Study-Brokenness/dp/0842369082Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No…- https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310351804
Conflict exists within the Church. We can either acknowledge it, or we can ignore it. We talk about our own experiences with congregational conflict, and some observations we've made as both ministers and members of various congregations.
It's Not About the Nail- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWcEhtg7W3s
Recommendations: Not Off Limits- https://www.amazon.com/Not-Off-Limits-Questions-Church/dp/0891123555 A Snoodle's Tale- https://www.amazon.com/Veggie-Tales-DVD-Snoodles-featuring/dp/B0035QHOHI You And Me Forever- https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Forever-Marriage-Eternity/dp/0990351408
In this week's episode we talk about songs that have been influential in our lives as ministers and in our walk with Christ. We also spend some time talking about the relationship between worship and our roles as teachers in the Church.
Recommendations: Radical by David Platt https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream-ebook/dp/B0036S4C9I A View of Worship https://aviewofworship.com Hearing John's Voice by M. Eugene Boring https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Johns-Voice-Insights-Preaching/dp/0802875467
We continue our discussion of the joys of unexpected realities of ministry, this week with a little more of a serious bent, but still with the intent of keeping it mostly conversational and light.
The One Year Book of Hymns https://www.amazon.com/One-Year-Book-Hymns/dp/1496428269 The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today https://www.amazon.com/Church-Christ-Biblical-Ecclesiology-Today/dp/0802841899 Gospel Reset: Salvation Made Relevant https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Reset-Salvation-Made-Relevant/dp/1683441141
This week is a looser and more laid back look at the parts of ministry that surprised us and came without much warning or expectation. What are some things no one ever told us about ministry before we were in ministry?
We share some of our more humorous stories about being interviewed by congregations, and offer some thoughts on what the Church can do to improve the process in many cases.
Recommendations:
iGrow- https://www.focuspress.org/product/igrow-2/ Go Curriculum- https://www.gocurriculum.com Erasing Hell- https://www.amazon.com/Erasing-Hell-about-Eternity-Things-ebook/dp/B0054QAY8I
We talk about burnout signs, symptoms, and solutions.
Recommendations:
GoodNotes https://www.goodnotes.com An Introduction to the New Testament https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-New-Testament-D-Carson/dp/0310238595 The State of Pastors https://shop.barna.com/products/the-state-of-pastors?variant=32146659916
We talk about congregational care in our current contexts and roles, especially as it applies to what we've learned in the unique climate of 2020.
Recommendations:
The Case for Christ- https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christ-Journalists-Personal-Investigation/dp/0310345863 The New Psalter- https://gracemusic.us/psalter/ Bible Hub- https://biblehub.com/
The guys talk about their "process" for preparing sermons and lessons.
Recommendations:
The Christian Scriptures: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Scriptures-McGahan-Publishing-House/dp/1951252004 The Ramblind Disciple: https://theramblingdisciple.blogspot.com The Center For Parent/Youth Understanding: https://cpyu.org
We talk about Christmas, Advent, Liturgical Calendars, and most importantly the intention required in making decisions about how to observe or not observe these particular elements of this time of year in Church Leadership.
Recommendations:
The Last Battle- https://www.amazon.com/Last-Battle-C-S-Lewis/dp/006447108X
Plugged In- https://www.pluggedin.com
We interview our first guest, Jacob Hawk. Jacob is the Young Adults minister at the Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas Texas. He shares with us his own thoughts on many of the questions we discussed in last week's episode, "Where Are The Young People".
This is the second version of this interview to be uploaded, as there were a couple small technical issues in the first version. Thanks for understanding!
Recommendations: David: The Divided Heart https://www.amazon.com/David-Divided-Heart-Jewish-Lives/dp/0300188781 Jordan: What's So Amazing About Grace https://www.amazon.com/Whats-So-Amazing-About-Grace/dp/0310245656 Paul: Roadtalk Podcast https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/road-talk-jacob-hawk-Eepi6hyc3Ul/
The guys look at recent statistics from the Barna Group on faith retention, post graduation commitment, and the markers that suggest how we can best ensure our youngh adults continue to value the assembly of Christ's church after their youth group years.
Recommendations: You Lost Me Sticky Faith Growing Young
The Jenkins Institute- http://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com
We discuss the blessings, difficulties, positive and negative outcomes of ministering through a season of pandemic.
Recommendations:
http://www.greakbible.com https://practicingtheway.org/unhurrying-with-a-rule-of-life/workbook
Three Episodes in, and we're already to our first Holiday Episode! In this short episode we talk about a few things we're thankful for, our Holiday related recomendations, and BBQ. You have no idea how much food talk we cut for the sake of your sanity. Thanks for listening!
Paul, Jordan, and Chris talk about mentors, mentoring, and unique mentoring situations.
Jordan, Paul, and Chris discuss their ministry history, their current context, and how they came to know one another.