Talking Church: Recent Episodes
River Valley Network
Talking Church is a podcast hosted by River Valley Network that discusses trends in the church and culture. In each episode, you will learn from ministry leaders on a variety of subjects, develop your leadership skills and break new growth barriers!
Episode 85: Pastor & Evangelist Micah Macdonald sits down with Logan to talk about social media's presence in the next generation, and the positives it can have onyour ministry. They also discuss standing for what is right online, and how we can best pastor through social media!
Episode 83: As a young pastor in the ministry, how can you adecquately lead up to your lead pastor or manager? How do you bring up ideas in a healthy and respectful way? It can be difficult to manage that diachotomy, and this teaching answers so many more questions! Pastor Logan taught this breakout session a few months ago at River Valley Conference 2023!
Episode 82: The one and only 81 year-old Martha Tennison joined us for this week's episode live at General Council 2023! Martha discusses her testimony, history in the ministry as she pastored alongside her husband and now on her own, and her teachings on healing. There is endless wisdom to receive from Martha!
Episode 81: Live from General Council 2023 in Columbus, Ohio! Pastor & author of Parable Church, Mike Burnette, discusses leadership, the growth he's experiencing in his church, and the power of God. Logan and Mike also discuss the Barbarians to Bureaucrats. Mike Burnette is the Lead Pastor of LifePoint Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Episode 80: One of River Valley's own elders, Thomas Panikkar, took the time during our last all staff meeting to share what God put on his heart for faith needed in ministry, the posture us ministers and leaders need in ministry, and insight from his time in ministry.
Episode 79: Our Next Gen Pastor Terry Parkman and our Lead Youth Pastor Gabi O'Rourke sit down for a discussion with Logan about AI in the next generation, in the church, and within our youth ministires as next generation leaders. How do we pastor these students through an AI generated reality? How can AI actually be used for the Kingdom of God?
Episode 78: Dr. Preston Sprinkle and Logan discuss their biblical view on homosexuality, how to approach the rise of the LGBTQ community, and our role as Christians to come alongside those struggling in this tension.
Episode 77: Pastor Rob Ketterling dives into his thoughts on our church-wide Seek Week, where we sought after more of the Holy Spirit. He discusses his thoughts on the gifts of the Spirit, healings, miracles, and so much more!
Episode 76: Isabel Ketterling, Logan's grandmother and Pastor Rob's mother, joins Talking Church for a special episode! Logan and Isabel discuss her testimony, how she found Jesus, starting River Valley with Pastor Rob, praying over Justin Bieber, and more incredible stories!
Episode 75: We are thrilled to share with you one of our breakout sessions from River Valley Conference 2023! "A Dream Within a Dream" breaks down the relationship of a lead pastor having vision within his church, and the team members who steward that vision while dreaming of goals themselves. Pastor Rob Ketterling, Ryan Williams, and Aaron Johnson share their stories within realizing how to steward someone else's vision, while the leader champions other dreams that fit alongside the mission of the organization. We encourage you to listen along with your team members!
Episode 74: Levi Lusko and Logan catch up on life, chat about how to deal with criticism, Levi's friendship with Craig Groeschel, and how he keeps himself and his team moving forward with creativity. Levi Lusko is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Life Church in Montana, as well as a renowned author & speaker.
Episode 73: The one and only Nathan Finochio is back at it again with Logan on this live-recorded episode from River Valley Conference! Nathan and Logan chat about last week's discussion with Dr. Tennison, Nathan's perspective on navigating the hot topics of today's world with the platform he has, and much more. When Nathan drops in, it's always a blast! Listen in now!
Episode 72: We recorded a live podcast at our Conference with Nathan Finochio & Dr. Allen Tennison! We knew having these two great minds come together to discuss major topics of debate within our world would be so informative, edifying, fun, and electric. It was definitely the highlight of our time at Conference, and we know this conversation will bless you as well! Listen now!
Episode 71: Pastor Herbert Cooper, lead pastor and one of the speakers at River Valley Conference 2023, joins in on this special episode that we filmed live at our Conference lobby just several days ago! Check it out now!
Episode 70: Cade Thompson, christian musician and songwriter, discusses what is was like to sign a record deal as a teenager, the challenges that he faced then, and the lessons that God taught him through starting his career so young. What was it like to hear himself on the radio back then? What are some of the thoughts and heart behind the songs on his newest album? Cade breaks down these questions and so much more!
Episode 44: We are so excited to have Terry Parkman join us again for today's episode on what it truly means to disciple this next generation. Pastor Terry explains that our world today is post modernism, post church, and post truth. This means that culture today is moving from facts and truth and toward feelings, personal desires, and sin to be their truth. In the world's view, it doesn't matter what the facts say, because you can just create your own truth. The next generation is getting taught to live this way, and we need to be equipped to truly minister to them!
Episode 43: Happy Thanksgiving Week! We wanted to take this week to highlight a conversation that Pastor Logan and Pastor Rob had about Pastor Rob's latest book, "Keep the Change." Pastor Rob shares his heart behind writing the book and the lasting impact that it will have on you and your team. We are praying that you have a safe and relaxing week, enjoy family and friends, and eat some great food as we thank God for all that he has given us!
Episode 42: Pastor Rob has been leading River Valley for well over 25 years. He has seen many changes in his staff, from healthy transitions to unhealthy transitions. In this episode, he breaks down all that he has learned from hiring and firing from his time in ministry. Hiring someone is an exciting and large step to take, as the people we hire in ministry are responsible for ministering to our congregations. Having to let people go is another challenge, and Pastor Rob speaks to it all as he has seen many challenges in this area of leading an organization!
Episode 41: We have a very special guest to introduce to you all today! Portia Allen has been in ministry for 12 years and leads alongside her husband Clinton here at River Valley Church. She has had the opportunity to speak in Minnesota and across the country and is passionate about uplifting and empowering people. As a pastors kid from Texas, she has a deep love for the church. Portia's passion for equipping and helping the church is very powerful. Her time with us in this episode will be very helpful as your church navigates culture's most pressing questions.
Episode 40: Dr. Allen Tennison, a seasoned pastor & professor at North Central University, sits down for a conversation around what it means to be a pastor. Dr. Tennison beautifully explains the importance of both biblical and theological literacy, and how having this knowledge will benefit your church, your enrichment in God's heart, and how you can be best prepared to answer today's most difficult questions.
Episode 39: Here at River Valley, we have a local outreach ministry called Serve Our Community. Vicki Hernandez is our pastor who oversees Serve Our Community, and we are so blessed to have her join us for this episode! Pastor Vicki breaks down the heart behind serving our community, the work it takes to coordinate and plan these events, and what pouring out does to the community and the church alike. When we give with our own time and energy, it is amazing what God does to our hearts and to the community that receives it as well!
Episode 38: Pastor Charlotte Gambill joins us today as we talk about recognizing the call of God on your life, and jumping into it with faith and joy. Charlotte Gambill is a renown author, speaker, and teaching pastor at Church of the Highlands, as well as building Life Church in the UK and the US. Pastor Charlotte discusses her experience in finding her calling, and the testimony on her life as it came to stepping out in boldness to be obedient to the Lord's guidance. She also dives into leadership, the Queen's passing, and so much more. Grab onto the wisdom and experience that Charlotte has to share today!
Charlotte's Website: https://www.charlottegambill.com/
Episode 37: Our Lead Care Pastors, Mark & Pam Johnson, sit down with us this week to discuss Pastoral Care. Pastors Mar & Pam balance Care ministry so well, and it can be challenging when dealing with the most difficult seasons in many lives. Here at River Valley, our Care pastors are not the only pastors who carry the weight of Care ministry. We are all called to care and minister to our congregation in moments of hardship, and to always know who your source is the only way to point people to who their source is. Mark & Pam break down their experiences, advice, and what their goals are when caring for individuals. This is a great resource for all pastors, as we will all continue to walk through tough seasons with people. Listen now and prepare to fill up a note page!
Episode 36: We are very honored to be joined by Pastor Oneka Mcclellan for this week's episode! Pastor Oneka shares her and her family's exciting journey in ministry. As they left something so secure in being the Executive Pastors at their old church, to go launch a new church, she explains the thoughts, emotions, and faith it took to obey the Lord's calling on their lives. Stepping out in faith is not easy, and Oneka talks about holding onto the Lord as you take each step!
Episode 35: Welcome back to Talking Church! We are joined today by Pastor Gabi O'Rourke, our Lead Youth Pastor, and Andrew Snead, our Lead Go Kids Pastor, who break down their areas of Next Gen Ministry, and how we run our Next Gen play here at River Valley. Gabi & Andrew dive into the similarities and differences of their ministries, and they share the practical side of their ministries, as well as what is on their minds as they look toward the future of Next Gen ministry that lies ahead of us!
Here is the link to the "We Are" resources that Pastor Andrew discussed in the episode! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v85zm9updl0byds/AAD7Tm46jfwbjWylIy1vsitja?dl=0
And here is the link to our Kids Ministry Resources on Open Network! https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/categories/303-elementary
Episode 34: Logan and Pastor Rob sit down to discuss the season of uncertainty that we all are feeling right now. With inflation rising, the country at odds, and various markets falling, it can be difficult to find the courage to continue running the mission that God has called you to do. Pastor Rob shares the various "crises" that he has had to lead through over the years, and how we can practically prepare for them. Listen now with your key leaders, and prepare you and your church for all that the world will try to throw your way!
Episode 33: Listen in this week as Nathan Finochio and Logan dive deep into theology, the Bible and how our beliefs in it differ in culture's beliefs today, and how that relates to pastoring through these times with topics that can be difficult to navigate. Nathan gives clear insight on staying biblically literate as we navigate these questions that our world is asking, and why following the instructions of the Bible is the best way to live. Grab some friends and we pray this episode blesses you as you navigate through these topics in your life!
Episode 32: This week's episode is very special, as evangelist and author John Bevere joins us to discuss the danger of compromising your conscience, accountability, work-ethic, and John's greatest goals in ministry. John articulates the responsibility that we have of listening to your conscience, and we pray that this conversation blesses you and your ministry! Listen now, and invite some friends or coworkers to listen with you!
Episode 31: Services are such a crucial aspect of many of our ministries. Whether it be a Sunday service for your congregation, a worship service dedicated to seeking after God, or a big Christmas Eve service where families gather together under candlelight. Services are important, and much ministry happens before, during, and after service time. Aaron Johnson, our Local Creative Pastor, and Caleb Moore, our Production Lead, break down what goes through their minds as they map out each service here at River Valley. They discuss the audience, the worship moments, the unity needed between all working parties, and so much more. Listen as they share on their passion for service moments, as this influences your incredible services to come!
Episode 30: On today's episode, we are joined by two of our 500 missionaries! Our "bullseye" at River Valley is to send out 500 missionaries from our church into the field. Our heart is global, and we are living to reach the lost! This family is passionate about reaching the buddhist world, and they share their testimony of their calling, their road to the field, the support they need, and the realness of what it feels like to be on the field. Listen now & join us in prayer as we learn about world missions, and pray for God to move in your congregation's heart!
Episode 29: River Valley Church's newest campus pastors Kaleb & Autumn Graham join us from Maple Grove, Minnesota, to discuss their journey to launch our newest campus in this past year! Maple Grove opened in the Spring of 2022, and the preparation leading to that date was nothing short than dedication, tenacity, and boldness, all covered by prayer. Has God given you the dream to plant a church or launch a campus someday? Listen and learn from these amazing pastors who are walking out that path now!
Episode 28: Pastor Rob Ketterling joins us again for a conversation on running efficiently in ministry while finding Godly rest. Resting as a Christ follower should be different from the world's interpretation, and for those in the ministry, resting should definitely look different. Logan and Pastor Rob discuss method's of rest that haven't worked, and they share the ways that do work for them now in their current seasons of life! Join in as we better ourselves for tomorrow by resting in the right ways today!
Episode 27: Dr. Barnabas Mtokambali joins us for today's episode all the way from Tanzania! Dr. Barnabas is the leader of the Assemblies of God Tanzania, and he doesn't just have a vision to plant churches, but he is well n his way to plant 40,000 churches throughout Tanzania and Africa. As he breaks down his passion, his call, and his journey, ask yourself, what visions will God make a reality through me?
Episode 26: Tune in on today's episode of Talking Church! We are very honored and excited to welcome our guest this week, Pastor Chris Hodges! Lead Pastor of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, Pastor Chris is here to talk with us about his perspective on the American Church today, how we can grow into being "seeker sensitive," and where he sees us as the church heading in the years ahead. Don't miss this episode, and let this bless you today!
Episode 25: We are very excited to share with you all one of our highlighted breakout sessions from this past year's River Valley Conference! Our Executive Pastor of Local ministries at River Valley, Pastor Kirk Graham, shared his teaching on what it's like to be "on" in ministry. People are wired differently, and have different levels of communicating, but we believe that whether you are introverted or extroverted, you can still bring your best self when it comes to your ministry as you work with your team, congregation, and the community to help bring lift and encouragement to all! This episode would be great to listen to with your team, pastors, and volunteers, as you learn how to use your individual strengths to bring joy and build lift in your church!
Episode 24: One important aspect of operating a church involves the buildings where you are located! River Valley Church's lead executive pastor, Chris Book, and River Valley's director of infrastructure, Lou Hernandez, help break down the importance of maintaining the facilities in which the church operates. They discuss some of the building projects that River Valley has had to tackle, some of the building purchases that we had to manage, and the spaces that we rent in and how we make the most of those facilities as well. We also get to hear insight on what facilities that they look for when discerning which locations work well when River Valley has planted new campuses! Tune in and get your pen and paper ready!
Episode 23: Pastor Rob Ketterling joins us again as we dive into an incredible conversation about what healthy accountability looks like. We look into accountability with your spouse, family, elders, staff members, your congregation, and more. There is so much happening in our world today, as the enemy is throwing everything at us to try to trip us up, and we need to be equipped with the armor of God in order to stay on mission for Jesus! We hope you feel inspired, informed, and ready to live with accountability in place!
Episode 22: We have a very special guest with us this week on Talking Church! Pastor Dominic Yeo, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Singapore & Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre, joins us to talk about how he built his church with a Kingdom mindset. Trinity Christian Centre is one of the top missions giving churches in the world, and Pastor Dominic gives practical insight on how to cultivate this level of generosity in your own church, no matter your location or your size!
Episode 21: Sit in for a conversation with Pastor Rob Ketterling and Pastor Kirk Graham as we discuss how River Valley operates as a multi-site church. Hear about our experiences, and exciting insight for you and your team. Whether you are a big church, a small church, or already multi-site, this episode will inspire you and give you practical tips on how to run a healthy church that lives as one church, in multiple locations!
Episode 20: Today we are joined by Pastor Zeus Vital and Pastor Morgan High, our Shakopee Campus Pastor and Associate Campus Pastor! We are diving into how they operate their campus, the responsibilities of the staff, and the leadership values that Zeus and Morgan implement on their team. Take notes and get ready to hear these amazing pastors share how they lead together!
Episode 19: Every one of us will face a crisis and run into things that we did not plan for at some point. In this episode, Pastor Rob shares how he lead through the unexpected passing of one of our campus pastors. Listen and learn how he was able to focus, minister and lead through this crisis.
Episode 18: This week we are talking with Brandon Murphy, COO at Engiven, Inc., about cryptocurrency and its relationship to the church. Brandon breaks down the process of someone giving cryptocurrency to the church, as well as the many benefits that result in accepting crypto as a method of generosity.
Episode 18: Pastor Terry Parkman, River Valley's Next Gen pastor, joins us for a second time to further the conversation of the next generation, culture today, and the church. Pastor Terry explains the dynamics of culture today, and how we as a Church can steward what God has given us to reach future generations for Jesus.
Episode 16: We are joined by Clynt Reddy & Clinton Allen to talk about River Valley's journey of diversity and belonging.
Episode 15: River Valley's Discipleship Director, Connor Ketterling, joins us on Talking Church. He shares about how River Valley has adjusted our approach to discipleship ministry and best practices to connect your people to their next step in their faith.
Episode 14: Pastor Lindsay Willis, River Valley's Global Project Associate Pastor, joins us on Talking Church. We discuss sending our best onto the mission field, how we prepare missionaries through the MAP Program, and our heart to send out 500 missionaries. To view the River Valley DiscipleU courses, please click this link: rivervalley://app-link/content/ContentSeriesContentItem:b5bc7f10-d9d5-4088-a7d2-6f30d0f33e2e
Episode 13: Pastor Rob Ketterling kicks off season two sharing about the supernatural miracle God did through River Valley's 2021 Miracle Offering and Kingdom Builders giving! Above and beyond the tithe, River Valley gave $10,416,135.00 with over $8 million going to world missions! We wanted to share the miracle of what God did and what we saw this year that took us to another level of generosity!
Join us at our Generosity Accelerators! https://www.rivervalleynetwork.org/generosity/
Episode 12: As we close out the year, Pastor Rob Ketterling shares reflections on 2021 and wisdom on how to set a vision and goals for 2022.
Episode 11: Today we are joined by New York Times bestselling author of Win the Day, Pastor Mark Batterson. It is hard to stop bad habits, let alone create new good habits. Mark shares about practical ways to Win the Day. One step at at time in the same direction can lead you to achieving the goals and dreams set before you.
Episode 10: Today on Talking Church we are joined by New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Preston Sprinkle to discuss sexuality, gender, and the Church.
Episode 9: River Valley's Next Gen Pastor, Pastor Terry Parkman, joins us on Talking Church. He shares about the changing landscape of ministry with our next generation, Gen Z. Pastor Terry shares how we as pastors need to adapt our ministry style to ensure we connect to the hearts and needs of Gen Z.
Episode 8: Let's talk staff development! River Valley's Director of Operations, Clynt Reddy, and HR & Development Specialist, Keith Peterson, join us on Talking Church to discuss River Valley's staff development journey. They share practical and thought provoking ideas to apply to your own team.
Episode 7: Bianca Olthoff joins us on, Talking Church, to discuss the power and necessity of resilience in ministry.
Episode 6: Lead Pastor of River Valley Church, Pastor Rob Ketterling, joins us again on, Talking Church! On this episode, Pastor Rob shares insight on how team building is a puzzle, not a tower.
Episode 5: On this episode of Talking Church we are joined by Pastor Kirk Graham as he shares practical encouragements to create a lifting culture in your church. He shares about how you can work in ministry, uphold your values and call to care for people, while also having a ton of fun.
Episode 4: Join us on Talking Church with our Global Pastor, Justin Mack, as we discuss the current state of missions in the church and a new idea we piloted at River Valley called "Virtual Global Teams."
Episode 3: Whether you have a "consistent brand" as a church or not, you still have one. Join us on Talking Church to hear about why having a brand for your church is important, even when Jesus is our number one.
Jimmy & Irene Rollins Marriage Ministry: https://www.twoequalsone.com/
River Valley Conference: https://www.rivervalleyconference.com/
Episode 1: Join us on Talking Church as we hear from the Lead Pastor of River Valley Church, Pastor Rob Ketterling. In this episode, Pastor Rob shares about the top challenges pastors are dealing with right now, ways to navigate them, and how to transition from eco mode to sport mode this fall.
Talking Church is a podcast hosted by River Valley Network that discusses trends in the church and culture. In each episode, you will learn from ministry leaders on a variety of subjects, develop your leadership skills and break new growth barriers! New episodes drop Tuesdays, starting September 28th. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!