The CLB Forge Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Nilsen
Welcome to The CLB Forge, the podcast of CLB North American Mission. Co-hosts Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen equip you and your church with the right tools for mission engagement, ministry leadership, and multiplying disciples. Join us for training, interviews, and stories from the North American mission field.
Low Anthropology with David Zahl, a Joint Podcast with GFG and BW
In this episode, Grace for the Grind and Beautifully Woven team up to interview David Zahl.
David Zahl is the author of the book “Low Anthropology.” He is passionate about communicating deep theological truths in a way we can all understand.
In this podcast, David shares why he wrote the book. We talk about what anthropology is and how our understanding of that frames the way we see the world and people. We talk about why a high anthropology divides but a low anthropology unites and how this helps us love our neighbor.
“Low Anthropology” is the book WMCLB is using for our cohorts this fall. It was also one of the books that was given as a resource to all of our leaders at the Elevate youth convention.
https://mbird.com
https://mbird.com/shop/books/low-anthropology/ (Link to the book, you can also find it on Amazon.)
https://clbforge.org/all-podcasts/
wmclb.org
"Live Podcast with Grace for the Grind and Beautifully Woven.
Karen, Heather, Dan and Mike sit down at Biennial 2024 for our first live podcast event! In this episode we field questions from our live audience on the spot. The questions ranged from “what are our most embarrassing ministry moments?”, “are the Stenberg’s hoping for another baby?”, “does God control everything in my life and if so does that mean I can’t make my own decisions?”, to “what are some things we do to build healthy culture in our churches?”
We have a lot of laughs as well as a few serious thoughts on this episode.
A big thanks to O’Crepe who catered our event!
WMCLB Website: https://www.wmclb.org
Oh Crepe Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094325597247"
Grace for the Grind: https://clbforge.org/all-podcasts/
Daniel and Mike sit down with Terry Foss for a three part mini-series discussing 6 stages of burn out.
www.Likewiseworship.com
Books mentioned in this podcast:
Dr Wes Beavies - Let’s Talk About Ministry Burnout
Steve Cuss - Managing Leadership Anxiety
Christopher Ash - Zeal Without Burnout
Daniel and Mike sit down with Terry Foss for a three part mini-series discussing 6 stages of burn out.
Books mentioned in this podcast:
Dr Wes Beavies - Let’s Talk About Ministry Burnout
Steve Cuss - Managing Leadership Anxiety
Daniel and Mike sit down with Terry Foss for a three part mini-series discussing 6 stages of burn out.
Books mentioned in this podcast:
Dr Wes Beavies - Let’s Talk About Ministry Burnout
Steve Cuss - Managing Leadership Anxiety
Dan and Karen sit down with church planters Carl and Emily Juhl to talk about what life and ministry look like for them in Lincoln, ND.
There were audio difficulties while recording this episode.
Daniel and Mike chat with Sean McDowell and Mark Johannesen about one of the tracks being offered Saturday June 8th for the day of equipping in conjunction with the 2024 biennial conversation concentrating on “Partnering in Mission”
In this episode Daniel and Mike sit down with Elroy to pick his brain about Bivocational ministry.
Our first ever cross over podcast with our sister podcast Beautifully Woven! Karen and Mike sit down and talk with Carol and Ashley from Bloom to hear more about their ministry and how it is impacting women in their area.
https://bloomforwomen.org/
Daniel and Mike chat with Brandon Pangman, Director of North America Missions, about the importance of utilizing the events your church is offering to invite people to future events in order to continue building community.
In this episode Daniel Ryan and Mike discuss Easter. What do their service look like, how are they different from other services (if at all), and what are some important things to look out for. What have you done in your church during Easter that you’ve seen have an impact?
In this episode Daniel Ryan and Mike discuss Holy Week and all the events encompassed during that busy time. What activities does your church do to celebrate this important week in the church calendar?
In this episode Daniel Ryan and Mike discuss what outreach event their churches do during Easter. We’d love to hear what your churches do during this holiday season to interact with the community around you.
In this episode Daniel Ryan and Mike discuss what event their churches do during advent. They talk about shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lenten service. What season activities does your church do during Lent?
Articles mentioned in this podcast.
https://www.1517.org/articles/bringing-a-heifer-to-church-a-different-perspective-on-ash-wednesday
Daniel, Ryan, and Mike talk all about the importance of rest. With this in mind Grace for the Grind will be taking a break for the month of December. We will see you all with new episodes in January.
Books Mentioned in this episode: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!!!
What is it like to transition in ministry? Mike and Ryan sit down with Jon Ronnevik, as he reflects on his transition from a church he loves to a new opportunity that God has called he and his family to.
Books mentioned in this episode:
A Change of Pastors ... and How it Affects Change in the Congregation by Loren Mead
Saying Goodbye: A Time of Growth for Congregations and Pastors by Edward White
Ryan and Mike sat down with Kristina Barkey to discuss the difficult topic of human trafficking. Kristina along with a number of others led a conference on this subject at Hillside last month. This podcast highlights what took place during the conference and the impact they pray it will have moving forward.
Daniel and Mike talk with Brad Hoganson, President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, about his new podcast endeavor. After listening to this episode, be sure to head over to their page and give it a listen also!!!!!
Daniel Ryan and Mike talk all about planning for Christmas, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Adam. Which services do you have at your church? What do you look forward to the most?
Daniel Ryan and Mike talk all about planning for advent. What are your plans? What new things would you like to try? Let us know in the comments
Daniel and Mike interviewed Matt Rieniets and Paul Fauquet about the block party their church, Rock of Ages, held to build community with their neighbors in Seattle, Washington.
In this episode Daniel, Ryan, and Mike talk all about the many missional opportunities we have going into the thanksgiving season. We’d love to hear how your church celebrates Thanksgiving and what events you do to love on your neighbors.
In this episode Daniel, Ryan, and Mike discuss the outreach opportunities our churches have around Halloween. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear how your church gets out in the community during this season.
In today’s episode we broadcast the seminary opening service. Roger Olson brings the Word and President Larson installs the new seminary President Dr. Troy Tysdal.
WMCLB Special Episode
Karen and Barbara jump into talking about studying scripture in context. This is a great thing to understand whether you are leading a study or reading scripture on your own.
Barbara also shares about how impactful reading through the whole Bible has been on her life. She lets us know about an app that has a reading plan to help you read through the whole Bible. Link here:
Bible.com
WMCLB Special Episode
Karen talks with Barbara about Leading a Bible Study. What to look for when choosing a study, what aids to help in leading and how to disciple and engage new leaders in Bible Study. It's not always easy but it's worth it!
WMCLB Special Episode
Karen Stenberg interviews Michael Natale and Daniel Stenberg to talk about law and gospel in preparing a Bible Study.
WMCLB Special Episode
Our “Leading a Bible Study” podcast series has been dropping each Tuesday! This is our first episode where Karen Stenberg interviews Alexa Fraser. We talk about where to get started, why Alexa started this project and why it’s important to get together to study God’s Word.
Dan and Ryan interview newly engaged couple Ellie and Matthias who will soon be heading into the Chadian mission field.
Ryan, Dan, and Mike continue on with their Law Gospel series this time discussing Evangelism.
Ryan, Dan, and Mike continue on with their Law Gospel series this time discussing visiting people.
Dan and Ryan talk to Paul and Alexa Fraser about their call to the mission field in Japan.
Dan and Mike speaks with Dan Venberg who shares the exciting news that the Lutheran Brethren will continue to send missionaries to Japan.
Kjirsti, Karen and Lindsay reluctantly join Ryan, Daniel and Mike for an anniversary episode.
Dan and Mike talk with Dr Daniel Berge, New Testament professor at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary to get all the available details regarding the A.A Peterson Lectureship.
Dan and Mike chat with Brandon Pangman, the new Director of North American Mission (NAM) to hear his vision and passion for his new role.
Dan and Mike have a conversation with Bruce Stumbo as he prepares for his thirds (and final?) retirement. We discuss what it’s like to retire but never fully leave ministry.
Dan and Mike sit down with Roger Viksnes to talk all about the upcoming Rooted gap year program launching at Tuscarora.
For more information check out their website: https://www.tuscarora.org/rooted
Dan and Mike sit down with Karen Stenberg, co-director of women’s ministry, to talk about the new video series the WMCLB will be offering.
Ryan, Daniel, and Mike continue on in their series discussing Law and Gospel. In this episode they focus on Exegisis. What is it? And how can we utilize it effectively to further the Kingdom of God.
Daniel, Ryan, and Mike start a new series on Law and Gospel. In this episode they lay a foundation to build off of.
In this episode Dan and Mike interview Jeremy Wilson, the pastor at the LB church in Nampa, Idaho, all about the exciting week planned for this summer at the Lutheran Brethren Church of Nampa Family Bible Camp!!!
In this episode Mike and Ryan talk with Greg Anderson about Inspiration Point: their many ministries and what the transition was like to their new location.
In this episode Mike and Ryan talk with Andrew Carlson about Hastings Lake Bible Camp and their ministry there.
In this episode Mike and Ryan talk with Adam, Jennifer, Kari about what’s happening at Warm Beach this summer.
In this episode (recorded at Tuscarora) Ryan and Mike sit down with Lindsay, Pete, and Sara to get a glimpse into the ministries offered at Tuscarora.
In this episode Dan and Ryan talk with the Kittelson’s about their ministry in Taiwan and get some helpful pointers from them as they prepare to retire and return to the states.
In this episode Dan, Mike, and Ryan have a discussion on culture. What is church culture and why should we be aware of it?
In this episode Dan, Mike, and Ryan talk about the name change and then have a conversation about community
Daniel, Mike, and Ryan record the quickest podcast in the history of the Forge to give you an year end update.
In this episode we say thank you and bye for now to Lindsay Rosado, Luke Kjolhaug, Sara Pensyl. They have each been a valuable asset to our podcast family and we will miss them very much. We hope you enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.
A.A. Peterson Lectureship
Panel discussion and workshops with Pastor David Foss and Pastor Luke Kjolhaug.
A.A. Peterson Lectureship
Panel discussion and workshops with Pastor David Foss and Pastor Luke Kjolhaug.
Convention Session
Rev. MARK JOHANNESEN
In this seminar we will examine the opportunity before the church to give the next generation opportunities to lead. We will examine how this happens as seasoned leaders mentor younger leaders and allow them to lead in their churches. The session will conclude with a panel discussion from some of our churches who are giving away the church to the next generation.
Convention Session
Rev. JASON ROGNESS
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” we’ve heard this time and time again. And nearly every Christian would agree that this is the mission Jesus gave his disciples and us. The question is not what he called us to, but how he equips us to do it. In this workshop we will look at Jesus’ calling to us and why it matters in the world today. We will also be equipped with tools at the ready, so when the opportunities come in the promised plentiful harvest, we will be prepared and ready to not just share the Gospel, but have conversations that matter and begin relationships that will have eternal impact.
Convention Session
DORIE FINK
What does it mean to be a part of God’s family? What does the body of Christ look like across age spans and geographical lines? We will look briefly at intergenerational ministry and explore examples of the many varied ways this can happen. Then we will look specifically at a free, short-term curriculum developed for the CLB that helps connect churches—and people of all ages — with the Lutheran Brethren denomination and international missions.
Convention Session
Dr. EUGENE BOE
When were you justified? When were your sins forgiven? Join Dr. Boe in exploring how the Scriptures speak to these and related matters.
Convention Session
Rev. BEN HOSCH
Current Ministry Challenges and Opportunities in Taiwan
Taiwan is a global leader in microchip technology, but also home to 15,000 temples and strong traditional religious beliefs. Taiwan has religious freedom and some large churches, but only 3.3% of the population is Evangelical Christian. Taiwan has a growing pool of intellectual leaders, but also a large unreached, grassroots, working-class population. How is LBIM focusing on evangelism and outreach in response to these demographic shifts in Taiwan?
In this episode listeners will get to hear about how the CLBA in encouraging and sponsoring an awesome opportunity for youth workers to attend the ORANGE conference
For more info go to https://clba.org/blog/2022/05/01/orange-conference-23
For more about the Orange Conference go to https://theorangeconference.com
https://clbforge.org/podcast/
Convention Session
Pastor FORREST ERICKSON & JOEL ERICKSON
Equipping Elders to Disciple the Church: A Team Approach to Shepherding
The New Testament shows that elders, carefully chosen and vetted according to Scriptural qualifications, have been called by the Holy Spirit to shepherd Christ’s church. When adequately equipped and given the opportunity to rise to the level of their calling, elders become effective disciple-makers who graciously and humbly enrich the spiritual life of the congregation.
Convention Session
Gretchen Ronnevik
From the sexual revolution, to debate over Biblical womanhood, women returning to the workplace, the homeschooling movement among Christians, to the #MeToo movement: inter-generational discipleship of women has become harder and disjointed, and distance is often created between women and their pastors. It often leads to either a workaholic participation in church, or complete disengagement. We’ll talk about these various challenges to the goal: getting the gospel to women, and discipling them in sound doctrine.
Dr. Allan Bjerkaas shares with Mike and Ryan about the LB Discipleship Institute, an online form of training for disciples and leaders. This program allows disciples to learn at their own pace and with the support of mentorship or cohorts.
Convention Session
Pastor TONY ROGNESS
What is the posture of a disciple maker? Sometimes it is hard to know how to approach the role of disciple-maker, but the posture we start from can make all the difference. Join us as we explore the foundations of our approach to making disciples, starting with our own place in this process, using the imagery from Psalm 1.
Mike and Luke interview new Seminary faculty Joel Christenson.
For more information visit www.LBS.edu
Mike and Luke interview new seminary professor Clint Knutsson.
For more information on the seminary visit www.LBS.edu.
Mike and Luke interview new seminary professor Clint Knutsson.
For more information on the seminary visit www.LBS.edu.
Dan and Ryan talk about the 2022 Elevate Youth Convention and share interviews with students about their experiences. You can learn more about Elevate at http://www.elevateyc.org
What Business does a Businessman have to do with the Business of the Church?
It can be challenging for a lay person sitting in the pew of his/her local church to feel connected or valuable to the body of churches that make up the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. But individual ownership and engagement is vital to the health of not only the local congregation but to the greater Church. This seminar will provide a lay person’s perspective and experience in the blessing of intentionally engaging the mission of the Church.
Mike and Ryan talk about ways to empower new leaders in your church ministry:
- Prepare new leaders
- Guide your leaders
- Care for your leaders
- Make room for new leaders
Dr. JOEL C.
120 Years in China: LBIM and the Power of Mission Partnership
In this workshop, we will survey the 120-year history of CLB mission work in China as an example of what partnership in mission can look like across many decades and generations. While the specific forms of partnership may change across time, the underlying spiritual principles of oneness and fruitfulness whenever we enter into koinonia with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ remain constant.
Description:
Mike and Ryan talk about how to handle disagreements in a team setting:
- Know your conflict styles
- Know how to use structured decision-making processes
- Know how to navigate conflict
Learn more about the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument here:
https://kilmanndiagnostics.com/overview-thomas-kilmann-conflict-mode-instrument-tki/
This was the first-ever live recording of the podcast with audience participation at the 2022 CLB Biennial Convention! Luke, Dan, and Ryan interview members of the cohorts that took place this past year.
Mike and Ryan talk about how to have a healthy elder board (or other type of leadership board). Listen as they talk about these six principles:
- Know the type of board you have
- Communicate clearly
- Keep healthy boundaries for yourselves
- Keep learning together
- Avoid unhealthy leadership models
- Don’t stay forever
Special Air - New WMCLB Beautifly Woven Podast
Mission is a pretty big deal, and here at WMCLB we believe mission starts in our homes, communities, and our churches, both overseas, and here in North America. God is calling each of us to join Him in His mission. So what could that look like for us? Mary Anderson joins Karen as they discuss the WMCLB Value: Together in Mission.
https://www.facebook.com/WMCLBWoven
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautifully-woven/id1620630693
Special Air - New WMCLB Beautifly Woven Podast
Relationships can be hard and messy. Building relationships across generations even more so. Amy joins Karen to discuss how the blessings and fruit of authentically sharing struggles, difficulties, joys and victories is so incredibly worth it, as they explore the WMCLB Value: Together in Life.
https://www.facebook.com/WMCLBWoven
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautifully-woven/id1620630693
Special Air - New WMCLB Beautifly Woven Podast
God’s Word is the foundational truth upon which we stand. We value equipping and training women to study the Word alone, or in groups, as women together. Karen sits down with Gretchen to talk about WMCLB's value "Together in the Word". They discuss how God's Word intersects with daily life, and the importance of a Law/Gospel perspective. https://www.facebook.com/WMCLBWoven
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautifully-woven/id1620630693
Special Air - New WMCLB Beautifly Woven Podast Co-Presidents of WMCLB, Karen Stenberg and Barbara Heggland sit down and talk about Women's Ministries in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Join Karen and Barb as they discuss where Women's Ministries has been, and what the Vision is moving forward. https://www.facebook.com/WMCLBWoven
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautifully-woven/id1620630693
Dan and Ryan talk with author Greg Finke about his book “Joining Jesus—Show Me How.” Listen as they discuss how Jesus discipled his followers, how God changes us when we disciple others, and how we can start down the path of disciple-making.
Greg will be a speaker at the CLB’s Biennial Convention on June 11. Find out more information and register here: https://www.clba.org/bc22/
Mike and Ryan talk with children’s ministry directors Sabrina Rodriguez and Shana Bronson about the importance of VBS and summertime children’s ministry, ways to make the most of these opportunities, and how to bless those who are serving in ministry with you.
Luke and Ryan talk with author Greg Finke about five simple and effective mission practices that any Christian can engage in to be a part of God’s redemptive work in their communities.
Greg will be a speaker at the CLB’s Biennial Convention on June 11. Find out more information and register here: https://www.clba.org/bc22/
Mike and Ryan talk with retired Air Force Chaplain Colonel Mike Heuer about the role of a military chaplain, the nature of their ministry, and how you can minister to military families in your church and community.
Join all six co-hosts for a light-hearted reflection on the past 50 episodes and a chance to get to know them a little better.
Mike and Ryan talk with author Greg Finke about his book “Joining Jesus on His Mission” and how Christians can experience freedom in thinking differently about their calling to be a part of God’s redemptive work in their communities.
Greg will be a speaker at the CLB’s Biennial Convention on June 11. Find out more information and register here: https://www.clba.org/bc22/
WMCLB has a new limited series podcast that is launching on April 25th! Karen Stenberg joins Mike and Dan to tell us more about what is going on with Women’s Ministries, and what we can expect in this exciting new podcast.
Ryan and Lindsay talk to Dr. Veum, Mike Hussey and Mike Natale about a new position at the Seminary.
Dan and Luke interview Alan Johnson, pastor of Regeneration Church in Sammamish, Washington. Alan is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction.
Ryan and Mike get back together with Jon Wright to discuss building a generosity culture in your church.
Daniel and Mike get together with Professor Pribbenow and a group of seminarians who recently returned from Chad to give them a chance to share about how their trip has impacted their ministry.
Luke and Mike sit down with Associate Director of North American mission (NAM), Ryan Nilsen to talk about NAM’s church planting strategy moving forward.
Daniel and Mike sit down with Nick and Brittany Olson for the first of many Forge “after dark” episodes to talk about their church planting assessment and church planter’s boot camp experience.
Mike and Ryan talk about ways to effectively involve your teams in decision-making, as well as how to delegate effectively. 1-Empower teams through decision-making authority 2-Be clear about when you want to empower an individual in decision making or involve the whole team 3-Set up your meetings with processes and behaviors that encourage structured decision-making
Resources Mentioned:
Nominal Group Technique https://asq.org/quality-resources/nominal-group-technique
Teams that Thrive by Ryan Hartwig and Warren Bird
Lindsay and Ryan talk with CLB North American Mission Director Nick Mundis about 6 principles ministry leaders can practice to engage in strategic leadership:
1-Self-leadership
2-Serving/Leading others
3-Being a follower
4-Transformational-servant leadership
5-Non-anxious presence
6-Self-differentiated leadership
Find out more about North American Mission at:
https://clbforge.org
Luke and Ryan talk with Mark Johannesen, Shawn Bowman, and Conan Hirsch about Mark’s ministry consulting and coaching youth workers to advance their church’s youth ministry.
Find out more about this ministry at https://www.clba.org/youth-ministry-mentors/
Mike and Ryan discuss ways that you can lead a healthy team: 1-Have a Clear Purpose 2-Build the Right Team
3-Care about Your Team Members
4-Lead by example
5-Have a Clear Way to Make Decisions Together
Resources mentioned:
The Unstuck Group
Theunstuckgroup.com
Teams that Thrive by Ryan Hartwig and Warren Bird
Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne
High Impact Teams by Lance Witt
SMARTER GOALS
https://michaelhyatt.com/how-to-set-goals-youll-actually-achieve/
Mike and Dan talk with Pastor Brandon Pangman about CLB North American Mission’s Elevate Youth Convention, happening July 11-15, 2022. Find our more about Elevate at http://www.elevateyc.org
Luke and Ryan talk with Jonathan McKee about how to build a strong team of volunteers and how you can have a positive impact leading and blessing the volunteers in your ministry.
You can find Jonathan at BecomingScreenWise.com
Mike and Ryan launch the latest series on the show—all about teamwork. Pick up skills and knowledge that will help you as a team leader or team member. In this episode Mike and Ryan talk about the different types of teams, boards, and different types of authority and how to use them effectively.
Hosts: Mike Natale
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
For life-planning episode
Life Domains Assessment
https://a80787fe-c8a0-4eee-b729-4ed222cafcf1.usrfiles.com/ugd/a80787_253452de430c46e09b889771ed092c42.pdf
Luke and Ryan talk with therapist Michael Titterness about how COVID has impacted people around the country. Learn about some of the mental health and relational challenges created by the pandemic and how you and your church can help others in your community.
Find Michael at https://www.michaeltitternesscounseling.com
Lindsay and Ryan talk with leadership expert and author Hans Finzel about the importance of leading change in the church, some of the reasons why it is so challenging, and ways you can help lead change in your church.
Find out more about Hans at https://hansfinzel.com and on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/HansFinzel
Sara and Lindsay talk to Brad Hoganson, President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, about the history of Hillcrest, his own Hillcrest story, and the mission of equipping Christian students to make a significant impact on a changing world.
Find out more about Hillcrest at ffhillcrest.org
Sara and Mike sit down with two current Lutheran Brethren Seminary students, pastor Dave Martin and Sergeant Isaac Petric, from Pilgrim LBC in Mentor, OH to talk about their experience with distance learning.
Hosts: Sara Pensyl and Mike Natale
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Mike, Ryan, and Mark Johannesen talk with author Jonathan McKee about the impact of technology and social media on families and students, and how we develop healthy habits and good conversations about social media.
Jonathan McKee is the keynote speaker at the 2021 CLBA Youth Worker Continuing Education. The first 40 youth workers to register will receive a FREE copy of Jonathan’s book, Parenting Generation Screen. Register here: https://www.clba.org/youth-worker-training-at-the-2022-biennial-convention/
You can find Jonathan at BecomingScreenWise.com
Check out Mark Johannesen’s book review of Jonathan’s newest book: https://www.clba.org/parenting-generation-screen/
Dan and Mike talk with Ryan about how to make shifts in your ministry to move from too much internal focus on those already a part of the church to develop an appropriate amount of external focus on those who are not yet part of the church.
Mike and Daniel sit down with Pastor Mike Hussey from Sidney Lutheran Brethren Church to discuss the internship the church is offering there. This opportunity is allowing the next generation of pastors to receive further practical education while working on their seminary education.
The full podcast team hosts the show together for the first time! The team celebrates their 75th episode with a fun series of on-the-spot questions that will help you get to know them.
Ryan Nilsen and Mike Natale are joined by Dr. Eugene Boe, Research Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, to talk about what we celebrate on Reformation Day and how it has impacted the church and the way we understand the gospel to this very day. You can find out more information about the Lutheran Brethren Seminary at https://www.lbs.edu
Dan and Ryan talk with church planter Jason Rogness, whose church is focused around disciple-making in a unique way. Hear how his ministry and how you can take some next steps in your discipleship journey.
Lindsay and Mike talk with Ryan about how to make shifts in your ministry to reduce the amount of unspoken expectations that circulate in your church leadership. They talk about ways that your church can shift towards capturing how you work together in writing.
Mike and Ryan visit with Nathaniel and Carrie Szobody as they share about their call to missionary work in Chad, their day-to-day work in this ministry, and how their missionary practices in Africa relate to the missionary work in North America.
Mike and Ryan talk with John and Christy Olson about their ten-year ministry serving an English-speaking congregation in Taiwan. Listen as they share about the unique challenges of this ministry as well as what they’ve learned that can benefit everyone engaged in ministry in North America.
Hosts: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Mike and Sara talk with Ryan about how to make shifts in your ministry teams so that they can avoid some common challenges and work together in a healthier way.
5 Ways You Can Help Shift Your Committees into Teams:
1-Keep responsibility, and delegate authority
2-Build ministry leadership teams with people who will be carrying out the ministry.
3-Beware of making your church organization too complicated
4-Encourage your teams to do life together
5-Model healthy team leadership yourself
Hosts: Sara Pensyl and Mike Natale
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Mike & Ryan talk with CLB President Paul Larson about his discipleship experiences, what has shaped his leadership, and his vision for the future of the CLB. You can find out more about the CLB by visiting clba.org
Mike & Ryan talk with Christa Jahr and Nick Mundis about the new CLB Forge website. The Forge is the home of the CLB Forge Podcast. It is also the new Communication and Vitality Resource Distribution Hub for the North American Mission department of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. It includes all kinds of resources to connect, equip, and encourage our North American mission field into a network of Disciple-Making congregations.
Check out the website at clbforge.org today! You can submit a resource, sign up for the e-newsletter, or subscribe to the Forge podcast.
Dan and Mike talk with Matt and Christina Smith, missionaries preparing to serve in Chad. Hear about their call to ministry and how they’ve handled major challenges that changed their plans.
Dan and Ryan talk with vision-casting and planning consultant Andrew Estes about what is vision is for church, how to create vision for your church’s future, how to collaborate with other leaders in your church to do this, and some of the benefits of vision for your church.
Find out more about Andrew and his ministry at visionclarity.org
Hosts: Dan Stenberg and Ryan Nilsen
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Sara and Ryan talk with Jon Wright from Generis about how to create a healthy team culture in your church.
Find out more about Generis at www.generis.com
Resources mentioned:
High Impact Teams by Lance Witt
Hosts: Sara Pensyl and Ryan Nilsen
Editing: Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Mike and Dan talk with Ryan about how ministry leaders can make the shift from simply doing ministry to equipping and empowering others in the church to do ministry together.
Scriptures referenced:
Exodus 18:13-27
Acts 6:1-7
5 Ways to Make the Shift from Doing to Equipping:
1-Delegate ministry
2-Delegate leadership decisions
3-Disciple others
4-Hire staff to lead teams, not to execute
5-Prepare people for your absence
Hosts: Dan Stenberg and Mike Natale
Editing: Elsie Nilsen and Ryan Nilsen
Producers: Mike Natale and Ryan Nilsen
Mike and Ryan share a webinar hosted by North American Mission featuring CLB children’s ministry leaders Sabrina Rodriguez, Mandi Iverson, and Jenilee Bigaouette. Check out the insights that include preparing for the unique challenges of the coming fall as well as great children’s ministry leaders principles that you can apply anytime.
Mike and Dan interview church planter Kristian Anderson. Kristian is in a pre-launch residency preparing for planting a church in the Boston area in partnership with Cultivate New England and CLB North American Mission. Hear about his call to church planting, why he sees it as critical to our mission in North America, and the excitement and challenges for what lies ahead.
Find out more about Kristian and Cultivate New England at https://www.cultivatenewengland.org.
Check out Kristian’s story at the CLB North American Mission page about this project: https://www.clba.org/boston/.
Mike, Dan, and Ryan talk about the need for many Christians in North American to see themselves not just as evangelists but as missionaries—crossing invisible barriers to bring the gospel into a different context. They talk about 5 ways your church can make the shift from evangelist to missionary.
Sara and Lindsay talk with Brent Barkey and Lauren Listor about practical ways that your church can improve its online presence.
Dan and Ryan talk with Dave and Sonja Narvesen, missionaries to Chad. Listen to their story and hear about how their missionary practices and lessons learned apply to all of us in the North American Mission field.
Lindsay and Ryan talk about the differences between the “gathered” and the “scattered” church and discuss ways that the church encourage members to be the church even when we are not gathered together.
Book Recommendations:
Imagine Church: Releasing Whole Life Disciples by Neil Hudson
Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock
Mike and Dan interview Rachel Roy, Director of Music Ministry at Mount Bethel Church in Mount Bethel, PA, and have a conversation about Rachel’s worship leadership experiences and insights.
Mike and Ryan interview Stacia Systma, Junior High Youth Coordinator at Triumph LBC in Moorhead, MN, about her experiences in youth ministry. Find out more about Triumph and Stacia’s youth ministry at triumphlbc.org
Mike and Sara talk with Ryan about the concept of shifting the mindset of church members from a “social club” to a “mission outpost” mentality. They discuss this concept as defined by missiologist Reggie McNeal as well as four ways your church can make the shift from social club to mission outpost. Books Referenced:
The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
The Present Future by Reggie McNeal
Mike and Ryan interview Pastor Andy Olsen about his recent sabbatical. Hear why sabbaticals matter for pastors, how they benefit churches, and how you can begin to explore this renewal experience for your pastor and church.
Mike and Ryan re-broadcast a webinar featuring Pastor Erick Sorensen on different ways to have meaningful conversations about faith. Follow Erick at https://www.pastorerick.org
Mike and Ryan interview writer Gretchen Ronnevik about her new book Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted. You can find Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted on Amazon and 1517.org
Download Chapter 1 free at https://www.raggedbook.org
Mike and Ryan celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast, play listener calls, answer questions, and share exciting news about the future of the podcast.
In a special collaborative episode with Word of Life Podcast, Mike and Ryan talk to Pastor Jason Lang and Student Ministries Director Nick Olson about their ministry in southern Minnesota, including the expansion to an online campus and a second physical campus. Jason and Nick also share about the development of their church’s podcast and its role in the life of the church. Check out the Word of Life podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-word-of-life-podcast/id1538834857
Check out Word of Life at: https://wordoflifemn.com
Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is on leading change effectively. Ryan and Mike discuss why change is necessary in a church, why it is often difficult, how healthy change is often sabotaged, and how you can effectively lead change in a challenging environment
Books mentioned in today's show:
Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald
Change Is Like a Slinky by Hans Finzel
Leading Change in the Congregation by Gilbert Rendle
John P. Kotter on What Leaders Really Do by John P. Kotter
Leadership on the Line by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linksy
Mike and Ryan talk to LBS professor Dr. Eugene Boe about The Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism. Listen to hear how this instructional discipleship tool came to be, how it has developed over time, and how you can make the most out of it for yourself and your family today.
Learn more about Lutheran Brethren Seminary by visiting www.lbs.edu
You can order copies of Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism from the CLB at https://www.clba.org/product/explanation-of-luthers-small-catechism/
You can find out more about the CLB smartphone app here: https://www.clba.org/mobile-app/
Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is on developing and maintaining functional organization structures for your church. Ryan and Mike discuss the problems that can arise around the way churches are organized, why the structure of the church matters, and how to create effective organizational structures for ministry.
The books mentioned in today's show:
Teams that Thrive by Hartwig and Bird
The Equipping Pastor by Stevens and Collins
Mike and Ryan talk to missiologist and LBS professor Dr. Gaylan Mathiesen about what mission is for the church, why it matters, and how you can influence your church to engage in God’s mission.
Learn more about Lutheran Brethren Seminary by visiting www.lbs.edu
Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about vision. Ryan and Mike unpack what vision is, why it matters, and how to cast vision for your church. Books mentioned in this episode:
Advanced Strategic Planning by Aubrey Malphurs
Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger
Mike and Ryan have a conversation with Rev. Dean Rostad, President of Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute, about his leadership of a growing discipleship movement they call “The 72.” Hear how Dean got the school involved, how churches have joined the movement, and how you can be a part of it. CLBI.edu
The72.ca
Books mentioned in this episode:
Joining Jesus on His Mission
Seeking Gods Kingdom
Being a People of Prayer
Seeking God's Face
Mike and Ryan talk to veteran youth workers Michael Titterness and Beau Sibuma about their experiences in youth ministry. Listen to their story and advice here. From this Episode:
MichaelTitternessCounseling.com
@M.c.foodspedition on Instagram for Beau
Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about emphasizing, guiding, and leading your church’s engagement in evangelism and mission.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer
Ignite by Nelson Searcy
The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
Tactics by Gregory Koukl
Mike and Ryan talk with pastors Jason Lang, Marty Valder, and Mark Johannesen about the short term mission trip to Mexico they lead annually. Hear how they got involved, how they’ve seen God transform lives, and how your church can be a part of it. www.borderlessmidwest.com
www.borderlessmission.org
www.clb.org/category/clb-youth/ - Mark Johannesen's blog
Mike and Ryan have a conversation with missionary Ben Hosch about his ministry in Taiwan and what he’s learned in his experiences overseas.
Learn more about CLB International Mission at https://www.clba.org/lbim/
Mike and Ryan covers common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about making the most of your time of worship. You can find the LB Seminary lecture mentioned in the episode, "The Sermon in the Secular Age" by Matt Popovits at https://www.lbs.edu/pedersen-lectureship/
Mike and Ryan have a conversation with Dan Venberg, Director of CLB International Mission, about what it is like to be a global missionary, why we need to send missionaries around the world, and what we can learn from global missionaries to better serve our own mission field in North America.
Learn more about CLB International Mission at https://www.clba.org/lbim/
Mike and Ryan talk to Dr. Daniel Berge, Professor of New Testament Theology at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, about his “New Testament Survey” course—that YOU can take—at the LB Discipleship Institute.
Check out the LB Discipleship Institute at https://www.lbdiscipleshipinstitute.org
You can find out more about LBS at https://www.lbs.edu
Check out Daniel’s podcast—Embracing the Word, Reaching the World at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-the-word-reaching-the-world/id1350571452
Mike and Ryan continue the “church on track” series and cover common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about developing and encouraging healthy spiritual transformation amongst the members of your church family.
Mike and Ryan talk with Jon Wright from Generis about how to create culture in a church—specifically six steps to take in creating a culture of generosity:
1-Define
2-Teach
3-Model
4-Decentralize
5-Measure
6-Celebrate
Find out more about Generis at generis.com
Mike and Ryan talk with Pastors Ryan Nordlund and Keith Wolderich about Grace LBC's ministry to a neighboring community. Hear their story about how their desire to reach into other communities led to a thriving kids program and the beginnings of a new church, as well as how they learned from mistakes and setbacks along the way. Catch a vision for how your church can expand its ministry!
Find out more about Grace at https://www.gracelbc.org
Mike and Ryan start off the next part of the “church on track” series which covers common “breakdown” areas—parts of our ministry that require frequent attention, evaluation, and changes in order to keep them functioning well. Today’s topic is all about developing and maintaining healthy leadership dynamics.
Mike and Ryan talk with Pastor Brandon Pangman, Director of Elevate Youth Convention. Brandon shares about his history with the convention, the new name, how he has seen God do transformational work through Elevate, and how your youth ministry can start getting involved.
Find out more about Elevate at http://www.elevateyc.org
Mike and Ryan cover the last two "derailing" factors that can lead your church off track. Derailer #6 is mission drift--losing sight of the mission of the church and being guided by other priorities. Derailer #7 is ignoring 7 common breakdown areas in which churches in plateau or decline need to address.
Mike and Ryan talk with Nick Olson, Director of Student Ministries at Word of Life in LeSueur, MN, about ministry with Gen Z. Learn about who this generation is, how COVID has affected them, and how you can best engage them in your church.
You can find Nick at https://wordoflifemn.com
Dr. Jeff Seaver, Rev. Mark Johannesen, and Rev. Mike Natale share in a webinar how congregations can care for their pastors. Listen to learn ways you can care for your pastor during COVID, ways that you can care for your pastor at any time, and catch the Q & A with webinar guests.
Mike and Ryan continue their "church on track" series and discuss another derailing factor that impacts churches--the effects of anxiety in a congregation. Listen to how anxiety affects churches and how you can minimize the damage and respond in a healthy manner.
You can find Peter Steinke's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-L-Steinke/e/B001JS2ZJG
Hear from Daniel and Karen Stenberg, Aage Larsen, Roger Viksnes, Gwen Little and Missy Sorensen as they share what it’s like to attend Pastors’ School—a five-day retreat provided by Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center for Eastern Region CLB Pastors every year.
You can find out more about Tuscarora here: https://www.tuscarora.org
Check out our very first bonus episode of the show--Pastor Shawn Bowman talks about how he incorporates evangelism into everyday life and ministry--even during COVID--and encourages viewers to do the same. We want you to hear this message so much that we pulled this episode out of the regular schedule to bring it to you as soon as possible!
You can find Pastor Shawn at http://www.findvictory.org
Mike and Ryan have a conversation with Jon Heppner about his experiences and reflections growing up as a PK--a Pastor's Kid. Listen as Jon shares advice for lay leaders on how they can be a blessing to their pastor's family.
Mike and Ryan interview their wives, Lindsay Natale and Kjirsti Nilsen, about their discipling relationship sometimes called spiritual friendship. Hear the story of how they got started in this co-mentoring friendship and how it has blessed them.
AND enjoy the laughs!
Ryan has a conversation with Sara Pensyl about her reflections on management and leadership and their role in ministry settings.
Sara is the Program Manager at Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center in Mount Bethel, PA. You can find out more about Tuscarora here: https://www.tuscarora.org
Mike and Ryan are joined by Dr. Gene Boe, Research Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, to talk about what we celebrate on Reformation Day and how it has impacted the church and the way we understand the gospel to this very day.
You can find Lutheran Brethren Seminary at https://www.lbs.edu
Ryan and Mike interview Rev. Elroy Vesta about his experiences turning to a long-known ministry tool during the COVID pandemic: the telephone. Hear the story about how Elroy used his phone to care for parishioners, pastors, and business partners--how it's blessed him, changed him, and how it's impacted others.
Mike and Ryan continue their "church on track" series and discuss another "derailing factor" that can unintentionally lead your church off course: success. Mike and Ryan talk about how success can impact a church in a negative way, how to use successes to continue to move forward, and how to deal with failure when trying something new.
Mike and Ryan interview Gretchen Ronnevik and Katie Koplin about their new podcast, Freely Given, and have an extended conversation about law and gospel and the dangers of legalism and antinomianism.
You can kind Katie and Gretchen's podcast at https://freelygiven.libsyn.com/introducing-freely-given or wherever you find your podcasts.
Gretchen blogs at http://gretchenronnevik.com
Katie blogs at https://lovedinspiteofself.com
Mike and Ryan continue their "Church on Track" series about keeping your church on the right track--and today talk about a "derailing factor" that can throw you off course: failing to understand how the size of your church affects the way you need to work together. These dynamics can keep you from growing or even cause your church to shrink. Understanding these factors can help your church position for growth.
The book mentioned in today's episode is The In-Between Church by Alice Mann.
Mike and Ryan interview Dr. Brad Pribbenow, Academic Dean at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Listen as Brad shares leadership lessons he's learned along the way and describes the mission of the seminary.
Brad's book referenced in today's episode is Prayerbook of Christ: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christological Interpretation of the Psalms
You can find Brad's blog at https://bradpribbenow.wordpress.com
You can find Brad's LBS podcast, Embracing the Word, Reaching the World, at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-the-word-reaching-the-world/id1350571452
In today's episode, Mike and Ryan continue their "Church on Track" series by talking about the second "derailing" factor: forgetting the six primary functions of the church.
Mike and Ryan discuss the importance of evangelism, assimilation, worship, leadership, teaching, and care--as well as what happens when some of these functions are neglected.
Books by Gary McIntosh referenced in today’s episode:
- Staffing Your Church for Growth
- There’s Hope for Your Church
- Taking Your Church to the Next Level
Meet our newest editor, Elsie!
Enjoy a great conversation with Lindsay Rosado, Manager of Ministry Advancement for Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center. Lindsay shared about the impact Tuscarora had in her discipleship journey as well as leadership lessons she has learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our conversation focused on dispelling common myths about stewardship and sharing some basic pointers for how to begin to incorporate stewardship principles into your ministry.
The interview with Lindsay begins at 12:19
You can find out more about Tuscarora by visiting https://www.tuscarora.org
Mike and Ryan begin a new series: "Keeping Your Church on Track." In this series they are first talking about factors that can "derail" a church or take them off-track from their primary calling. Today's first topic is life stage. The life stage of your congregation impacts how you engage in ministry. At every stage in the life cycle the church responds differently to change, leadership development, new ministry, discipleship, and community engagement. Understanding your life stage helps your church to navigate it better.
The resource Ryan references in the episode is The Hidden Lives of Congregations by Israel Galindo.
Mike and Ryan have a conversation with guest Tom Planck, Chief Catalyst of Healthy Growing Churches, about the ways he forecasts that churches will thrive in the "new normal" of ministry mid-pandemic and post-pandemic.
You can find Tom at https://healthygrowingchurches.com
Author, blogger, and soon-to-be podcaster Gretchen Ronnevik shares with Mike and Ryan about her mentoring experiences and her gospel mentoring program.
Dr. Allan Bjerkaas shares with Mike and Ryan about the LB Discipleship Institute, an online form of training for disciples and leaders. This program allows disciples to learn at their own pace and with the support of mentorship or cohorts.
Crisis Response Coordinator Kari Janusz explains crisis response planning to Mike and Ryan and why it is a vital way for churches to serve their communities.
Meet Rev. Troy Tysdal, CLB Director of Communications & Prayer and Editor-in-Chief of Faith & Fellowship Magazine. Hear his story as he shares leadership insights he's learned along the way.
Church Planter Erick Sorensen shares about his spiritual journey, how he became a church planter, and what he's learned along the way planting a church in an urban center.
Pastor Roger Viksnes shares about his 2:22 Discipleship Cell Group model of disciple-making. Hear how he got started, what he's learned along the way, and how you can get started with this same method.
Minneapolis Pastor Andy Larsen shares about his experiences in his community during protests just blocks from where George Floyd was killed. Hear his story and the lessons he has learned.
Pastor Danny Bronson prepared for years to serve on the mission field in Chad, but not long after reaching his mission field he wound up in a different one: North America. Hear his story along with helpful insights for everyone engaged in ministry in North America.
Pastor Tony Karlik shares his experiences pastoring and serving his community in the greater NYC metro area during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Co-hosts Ryan Nilsen and Mike Natale discuss 7 key principles for leading healthy, effective change in your ministry setting. Follow these tips to help make your next change process smoother.
Brooklyn NYC Pastor Andy Olsen shares his experiences and lessons learned from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mike and Ryan introduce themselves, explain the show's name, and talk about the show's focus on mission engagement, ministry leadership, and multiplying disciples.