Upward Together Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dave Scott
Dave and Chris have spent the majority of their lives and ministries in small churches. They are convinced that Kingdom influence is determined by the work of the Spirit through devoted lives, not the size of the ministry. So whether you describe your ministry leadership as small or large… this podcast is our way to partner with you on this journey of life, leadership and ministry.
As a leader you bring a unique contribution to those around you where you live, work, and play. Are the folks you influence vibrant and full of life? The guys talk about ways you can "flow with rivers of living water" to those you interact with.
Dave & Chris talk about a challenging topic for most of us leaders as well as for the teams we lead: how we might create a growth culture even if there is resistance to change. Growth is necessary to advance our mission. They offer some ideas to consider.
The guys conclude this series with some more ideas that may help you on this aspect of your journey. Staying on your mission is vital for a variety of reasons. They invite you to be intentional and practical as you navigate your job and your mission.
Dave & Chris conclude this series with a helpful topic of how we can live on mission when our job does not fulfill our calling. Sometimes our jobs only use a small percent of our gifts/God-given experiences. Their insights may help you stay on mission.
Dave & Chris talk about ways we can measure the positive impact of habits that we're practicing and see how they are moving us toward living our mission in greater ways. We all want to level up our influence and the metrics we use can assist us in this.
The guys talk about various aspects to healthy rhythms that can contribute to helping us stay more focused on our mission and our unique contribution to our organization.
The guys continue to discuss why focusing on your unique contribution to the organization is best for you AND the group you are serving. Focus is hard and there are many who would distract you from your primary contribution. Stay focused!
Dave & Chris are back! They discuss why there is a gap between episodes (Dave's cancer treatments) and some lessons learned from this experience. These lessons apply both to life & leadership.
The guys start a new series of discussions about the value and power of staying on our God-given mission. We desire to live impactful lives. Staying focused on what matters most will help us do this.
The guys talk about one of the most difficult things to give your team - the authentic you. Giving your team a glimpse into your growth and development seems risky. You'll be glad when your team joins you in growth & development as people and influencers.
The guys continue this topic of what we as leaders provide for our teams so that we can be more effective at our mission. This episode focuses on the challenges and power of having a growth culture. They also suggest a few action steps.
The guys talk about a significant element of multiplying our influence and productivity - empowerment of our team members. There are many upsides and a few tensions we must face as we resource and release our team to do their work.
Dave & Chris talk through some of the ways thorough communication can be a powerful tool to connect with your team. These are vital at all times and especially during chaotic and transitional times like now.
The guys chat about how powerful our presence is in the lives of our team especially when we are in times of chaos. The power and promise of God's presence is courage-building, so yours can be as well.
The guys continue the discussion about your influence on your team. This time they talk about hope. What it is and how it can impact your team. Hope influences how they are as people at work as well as how they perform their responsibilities.
Dave & Chris discuss some of the vital things your team needs from you as the leader. In seasons of chaos our team looks to us for direction and stability as we move forward together. On this podcast, let's begin with the end in mind.
Dave & Chris wrap up this discussion on keeping our inner self full of the good things we want to influence others with. They talk about things that can drain our buckets and ways to stop the leakage.
They guys talk about how people experience us is often the result of what fills our hearts & minds spilling out of us. They discuss how we can fill ourselves with the things that will lead to the kind of impact we want to have on those we encounter today.
The guys finish this series by talking about some ways your impact can endure. Understanding and seeking to bring your unique contribution to kingdom work is one way they suggest you make a long-term difference.
The guys continue to talk about how we can enhance our ability to finish well by "show and tell." Show in our lives how God's promises embolden us to take bold action and then tell folks the source of this courage.
They guys talk about some ways they think a godly character enhances our ability to finish well. And then they offer a couple of ways that, if habitualized, will unlock transformation into greater Christ-likeness.
Dave & Chris discuss what it looks like to empower someone through a mentoring relationship. They land with some vital ways mentoring helps us finish well as we walk with God and in our kingdom efforts.
The guys offer another vital practice that will help keep you on track to finish well as a leader and influencer. They suggest a practical process that will keep you engaged and motivated to maintain this learning posture.
Dave & Chris talk about how discipline is the path to freedom. There is no greater joy than to have the freedom to live out our calling from God with an attitude of playfulness. They suggest that disciplining our minds is a key practice to this end.
Dave & Chris continue their discussion on various habits that increase our ability to finish well. Today they talk about why renewing our inner life is vital to finishing well. They also suggest a couple of ways to level up our relationship with God.
The guys talk about the power of considering how God has been shaping us for this time of influence we are in. This can give us a long-term view of our ministry as well as bolster our courage as we understand how much He loves those we lead by growing us.
The guys talk about how powerful pictures of our former self and future self can be. They suggest that our past should be a launch pad toward our future. And they advocate for having a clear & compelling portrait of who you are working to become.
Dave & Chris discuss why courageous and bold action will move you to the next level as a person and a leader. Yes, it will be terrifying at times. All innovation and forward movement will push you to the limit... and that is where growth occurs.
The guys suggest that answering & acting on this question is vital to your growth: What if I can never achieve the transformation I desire outside of a few significant relationships? They then point you to key action steps to move to the next level.
The guys talk about resilience... some ways that it's countercultural as well as some ways to strengthen it. They suggest that resilience is like a muscle and that if we practice specific exercises we will strengthen our influence.
Dave & Chris talk about the importance of recognizing what our perspectives are since they are the lens through which we assign value and meaning to our experiences. Awareness of the lens through which we view life colors how we see self, others, and God.
The guys talk about how certain rhythms, when practiced consistently, help us experience personal growth and increased traction in the lives of those we seek to influence in our leadership roles.
The guys discuss how those who are most free from entanglements that slow them down are able to quickly respond to the impulses of God to serve others and live their kingdom calling. They offer some ideas to move toward greater freedom and joy.
Dave & Chris talk about how our creative output is an act of stewardship of the gifts and experiences God has given us. And as a result, this hard work of creating is a powerful tool to assist us in our quest to influence others for the cause of Christ.
The guys talk about the benefits of holding the perspective that life often does not go as we expect or plan. Near the top of this list are that we prepare appropriately and therefore are calm when others around us are otherwise.
Dave & Chris talk about how vital it is to see how all aspects of our lives are linked together. When one arena of our lives improves it helps the others. The reverse is also true.
Dave & Chris talk about some observations of life & leadership coming from some 35 years of leadership Dave has experienced. They believe that what unlocks growth is the transition from 'I need help' to 'I want help'.
The guys conclude this series by discussing a question that will help you assess whether a decision you get to make can be made quickly. Though there are other elements, answering this question will assist you in being more decisive in your leadership.
The guys talk about the power of a prophetic voice to increase the influence we have. They use 1 Cor. 14 as the basis for what this kind of voice does. They also suggest some ways to deepen relationships to open the door to this kind of impact.
The guys discuss how the leader sees or perceives things differently and usually before his or her followers. Being out in front often gives the leader a unique perspective. How do you utilize this point of view to enhance your influence?
Dave & Chris go back to square one when it comes to the foundation of consistent influence as leaders. They chat about why this is essential and offer suggestions to help you move forward in your self leadership.
Dave concludes his process of doing a quick check up. The big idea is this: What does success look like for you in this season of life? What about in the next season of life? Then create habits that will move you toward that description.
A little over a year after his move to CO, Dave takes some time to walk you through how he has processed where he is and where he wants to head towards. He will show you his thinking when it comes to the 3 steps of Reflect, Adjust, and Advance.
The guys talk about why and how we need to be aware of our inner voice and ways to corral it. This very personal conversation will have a powerful impact on our leadership and the level of courage we will muster as we seek to advance God's kingdom.
The guys talk about how lacking a game plan can have a negative impact on our leadership. Most of us have served under a leader with no strategy and know the frustration it can cause. Listen with the ears of one of your team members.
Dave & Chris bring up a touchy topic - feelings. We all have them. As an influencer what we do with our feelings has a significant role in how we impact our followers. Handle them well and bingo! Mishandle our feelings and watch out!
The guys talk about a phrase that so many of us use in normal conversations: "I try to...". They have a unique view on this utterance. What if saying this is often a cover for meaning, "I probably won't...". They invite you to try to not be challenged.
Dave & Chris talk about how small compromises can have a large impact on those we seek to influence for Christ. As leaders we probably want to be aware of where and how we are diluting our impact. What will it take for you to lead with no compromise?
The guys talk about the voices of the folks around you who can distract you from living all in on your high calling from God. They offer their viewpoints and some suggestions for filtering the potentially harmful talk coming your way.
The guys talk about what might be going on inside of us when we are distracted by the success of others. Along with looking at the heart of the matter, they also give a few antidote possibilities to help you with this distraction.
Dave & Chris launch this series discussing: What distracts us from the clear expression of our calling? They go to the heart of the matter. What's under our common frustration when we get pushback from our leading?
Dave & Chris invite you to reflect and then address what it might take for you to go to the next level of health in your vocation. They offer some key questions and suggestions to motivate and move you to greater influence at work.
The guys invite you to reflect on how strong you are as a leader. You are the standard most of those you influence will rise to. What questions and habits will help you get stronger emotionally? Of course, the guys have some suggestions here for you.
Dave & Chris conclude this series talking about the necessity of embracing pain in the process of growth. Pain is a great revealer of both the good and not-so-good within us. They offer some benefits of developing a growth mindset.
The guys continue on the topic of changing as a leader. The objective to the become more like Jesus so we can have more influence for our kingdom work. This change will include losing some things so we can possess what will help us live our calling.
The guys begin a new series about the ways God tends to change us. In this episode they start with the assumption that you as an influencer want to grow. They suggest a couple of ways to start the process.
The guys conclude this series wondering: what might it be like if we as leaders let go of the results and just did the life and stuff God called us to? What impact might this have on the people around us?
Dave & Chris talk about a foundational idea: God wants to change the world (the people around you) primarily through WHO you are and then what you do. Here they discuss what might happen if we lived with the authority Jesus has given to His followers?
Dave & Chris talk about a foundational idea: God wants to change the world (the people around you) primarily through WHO you are and then what you do. They discuss some ideas of healthy rhythm of connecting with Jesus for personal growth.
Dave & Chris talk about a key element to being proactive, especially when it comes to the larger projects you get to tackle in life or work. The point: when you look back on your week you can clearly say, 'I accomplished these things - my agenda.'
The guys continue the conversation and ultimately ask: What if we gave God space to show up each week as we explored new networking opportunities, new things we attempt, or while we learned new things? How might that mindset impact our week?
Dave & Chris talk about some strategies to help you approach your week. These ideas will give you some considerations to get the most of how you invest your time and efforts on what is most important to you.
Dave & Chris conclude this series with some thoughts on increasing your capacity to launch others in to positions of influence. One of the keys is how you develop your ongoing relationship with those you raise up and release in to leadership.
The guys talk about ways we might increase our capacity to be creative. Creativity is not just for a few, it can be ours when we choose to focus on certain mindsets, skills, and add lots of courage to play with ideas.
Dave & Chris continue their conversation about growing our ability to increase our influence in the lives of those we lead. They talk through several ways that have been helpful for them to grow in their relational capacity.
The guys talk about some why's and how's to grow our ability to go after and gain new thoughts and ideas and concepts. As leaders it's essential for us to grow in this way as we seek to influence others in an ever-changing & complex world.
Dave & Chris begin a series of conversations talking about the necessity for the leader to grow their inner life so as to expand their influence. Growing our emotional capacity, albeit challenging, must be tackled, and they suggest to do it first.
Dave & Chris begin a series on how we as leaders can increase our influence by doing things to increase our capacity. Today they make a distinction between managing our time vs. our energy. They invite you to focus on what you have the most control over.
The guys finish this series on Transitions by talking about what it looks like and feels like to enter into the rhythms and culture of a new context for life and leadership. They believe that knowing what you are up against is key to transitioning well.
The guys talk about the middle stage of transitions - wandering. They draw on insights gained from Bridges about some of the thinking & feeling that happens in this uncomfortable stage. They land with practical steps while you are in this space.
Dave & Chris talk about what is happening when we venture through transitions in life & leadership. They approach this from insights gained from William Bridges. The key - will we embrace or resist transitions?
Dave & Chris talk about the power of having people in our lives who do not see the world as we do. It's interesting how God does a deeper work in us as we navigate friendships with real people who have real differences of opinion on important matters.
The guys muse about: What if God has strategically placed people around us to strengthen us and grow us? Then what might it take for you to utilize these resources God has provided for you to fulfill your calling to make a positive difference?
The guys talk about the importance of reflecting and recalibrating our lives and leadership (ministry). They strongly recommend you have some conversations where you reflect, recalibrate, and then get busy to get better!
The guys talk about the implications of shifting our perspective about the leaders in our church and community by asking: What if these leaders were key resources God has provided to grow us, our ministry, and its impact in on our community?
Dave & Chris talk about the benefits of having a mentor who influences us (and how you might find one) as well as having a protege you get to build in to. Following this pattern modeled by the Apostle Paul will keep you 'all in' as you live your call.
Dave & Chris talk about two vital relationships from which our influence flows - our relationships with both Jesus and our spouse. These are the most intimate friendships we have and they determine to kind of impact we have on others.
Dave & Chris talk about what is the foundation to moving to the next level of your health - your mindset. They talk about why it's important as well as giving a few practical ideas on how to grow your mindset to lead you to level up in your health.
The guys talk about why finding a good rhythm is essential for our overall health and longevity of leadership influence. The point is it is during rest that our bodies recover and grow stronger. So they suggest: work hard - rest well.
The guys talk about why a healthy nutrition plan is essential to your long-term vitality and living your God-given calling to be a positive influence for Jesus. They offer simple suggestions to help you take your health to the next level.
Dave & Chris talk through some ideas of taking the health of our bodies to the next level. Since most of us don't like exercise, they suggest a helpful way to approach the task of improving your physical health.
The guys talk about an important aspect of how we interact with those around us - Responding vs Reacting. If we are to continue to increase our traction in the lives of those we seek to influence, we might want to use these skills to do so.
Dave & Chris talk about some key ways to ignite something inside those we lead. When we can awaken the sleeping giant in our people our role changes significantly. No longer must we motivate them, for they are already motivated. We get to stoke the fire in them that the Lord has sparked in to life.
The guys think a key to being a forward-looking leaders is to possess an attitude of openness to possibilities that are outside of my experience. Being curious and asking 'What if..?' questions are good ways to gain this posture.
One of the key traits of leaders people are willing to follow is that the leader is forward-looking. So the guys talk about what a sanctified imagination is and offer a couple of key questions to help you develop your imagination.
Dave & Chris talk about the power of being agile as a leader in a context that is characterized by uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and volatility. Healthy flexibility will afford us a greater influence on those we lead.
Dave & Chris talk about the potential upsides and downsides of being a leader who is decisive. When we choose to be courageous and act on what we are convinced is God's vision for our ministry, then HOW we lead others becomes very important.
Dave & Chris talk about the power of listening to connect deeply with those we are seeking to influence. They also suggest a few key skills to practice in order to help draw out what is going on inside those we are talking with.
Dave & Chris talk about some of the obstacles and benefits of giving followers authority to serve and influence as God has designed them to do. They speak of the leader's inner struggles and the joys of the newly empowered.
Leader, what if you are the thermostat of your organization? Today the guys talk about one of the key attitudes/actions we can possess in order to increase our influence as a thermostat... the practice of discipline.
The guys talk about some of the unintended consequences of having an unclear vision for your ministry or organization. They suggest that if you want to have greater influence on your followers you will need a clear and compelling vision.
The guys continue their series on Leadership Busters discussing how emotional distance can hinder our influence on those we seek to lead. People change because their hearts are reached - and we reach their hearts with empathy and emotional intelligence.
Dave & Chris talk about the ways in which our influence is hindered when we as leaders are inconsistent. They also recommend some things for you to consider to take your consistency to the next level which will also take your impact to new levels.
The guys talk about some ways we might be hindering our leadership influence on our people and organization. Setting new and other leaders loose can be a bit scary, but it's necessary. How might you overcome this Buster?
The guys talk about how as leaders we can unwittingly decrease our influence on others when we subtly show disrespect. They give some insights on all-to-common disrespectful behaviors and invite you to choose respectful actions.
The guys talk about how the transition time between Christmas and the new year can be a time of recovery when we choose to worship. They share a couple of lessons learned from the Magi traveling to bow before the baby Jesus.
The guys invite you to take some time to reflect about what it means that God inserted Himself into your story of leadership and faith. Luke 2 tells us that Mary pondered and treasured what God was up to. They think it would be a good for you as well.
When we say 'yes' to God's invitation to live for Him we can be sure the circumstances of life will rarely go as we anticipate. Look at what happens to Mary & Joe at the time of Jesus' birth. The guys suggest an adventurous spirit at times like this.
The guys ask: How might it impact your encounters this holiday season if you entered them expecting God to do something amazing both practically and spiritually? Careful.. God might surprise you with how He chooses to show up!
What might it take and look like in your life during this busy holiday season to be generous with what you are good at - with your super power that God has given you to influence others for Jesus? This is being generous with what is truly valuable.
This season seems to be a time that magnifies our inner reality - whether great joy or deep sorrow and pain. Yet we have the privilege of speaking life to all those we encounter this season. The guys suggest ways to be filled with grace to give grace.
Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool to help us live the life of influence we leaders seek to have. Dave & Chris remind you of some of God's 'why's' and suggest simple practices to improve your gratitude game.
During the holiday season, one of the best gifts we can give others is to be present. We believe God is arranging a lot of divine appointments for you this season. So we invite you to walk into holiday gatherings with a sense of expectation.
The first job of the leader is to lead self. We hold this as a conviction because we believe that our positive influence flows from who we are. Therefore our priority should be developing who we are in our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies (Mark 12).
Dave & Chris talk about how stress can give us tunnel vision so that we miss out on what is going on around us in the lives of those next to us and what God might be up to. They suggest ways to de-stress so we can be in the moment during the holidays.
Dave & Chris invite you to add habits that will optimize your influence. So take your impact to the next level by adding key practices that will deepen your connection with others as you go about your days... and then watch what God does through you.
There's something about "middle of the road" or mediocre that is unsettling for leaders... and for good reason. We've answered the call of God to make a positive difference through our influence. Here are some ideas to optimize your impact.
As a leader, it seems like everyone wants a piece of your schedule & life. If you relent, you'll soon feel frustrated, swamped, and exasperated that you can't fulfill your calling. Here are some ideas to help you set & guard your time & agenda.
Dave & Chris talk about the gift God gave His church... You! With this privilege comes the responsibility to guard our lives as we influence the folks around us. The ones who stand in the gap for His church might want to be prepared for this calling.