The Rally Point Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rally Point Ministry
Helping hurting people is complicated. If you’re a leader who sees hurting people in your ministry but doesn’t feel prepared to help - this podcast is for you.
Each episode, we’ll overcome difficult problems and equip you with the tools you need to help hurting people find healing. We’ll be joined by pastors, experts, and everyday leaders who are trying to make a difference. You’ll stop feeling overwhelmed when difficult situations arise - and people around you will experience healing and growth.
Visit www.rallypointmin.com/podcast to get access to resources mentioned in the show, or learn more about how you can help hurting people find healing.
The label, “Narcissist” has become a frequent accusation in our world today. But, what is the difference between the actual diagnosis and the way people use the phrase? Why is it important for leaders to consider how Narcissism effects people? How can you be prepared to work with people who have narcissistic tendencies?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we’re talking with Alex Schwaninger, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Accredited Team Coach. Together we're talking about popular misconceptions, how leaders can spot symptoms, and the best ways to respond to narcissism around you.
The role of medication in healing is a complicated topic. Most leaders don’t have a lot of experience talking about psychiatry, and there are a lot of misconceptions that people have about pharmacology. How should leaders think about using medication in the healing process?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast with Dr. Michael Tso, a family physician specializing in mental health care for over 20 years. Together we're discussing the role of medication and mental health in the healing process - and how leaders can wisely guide the people they serve.
Most leaders are aware of at least one person who has experienced a traumatic situation or may be living in chronic trauma. How should leaders care for people who are living in complicated situations? What happens when those leaders are committed to finding long-term solutions ? How can leaders serving in difficult places care for people the way Jesus did?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast with Dave Brecheisen, Catalyst with One Collective in Garfield Park - Chicago. Together we're discussing the impact leaders can make when they join a community long-term and walk alongside people in the middle of complicated situations.
If you’ve ever felt underprepared or disconnected in moments when you want to be present - this episode is for you. Many leaders feel overwhelmed by all the things they have to do. Many feel like they are running around at the last minute trying to put final touches on things, and end up feeling distant from the people around them. What would happen to your relationships if you were free to focus your attention on the people around you every time they are present? How can leaders use strategic planning to empower ministries and relationships to thrive?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Tim Downey, professor of Youth Ministry and Program Head for First Year Experience at Moody Bible Institute. Together, we’re discussing strategies leaders can use to free up their attention (and their calendars) for intentional ministry.
What strategies help when the lines society draws between right and wrong are blurred? How can leaders be a part of building trust and connection that leads to long term healing?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast with Paul Robinson, Deputy Head of Programs at CRED in Downtown Chicago. Together we're discussing how leaders can use navigate complicated situations, past trauma, and harmful stereotypes in order to help others.
Great news! We’re back. Over the last few months, the Rally Point team has taken a step back from our weekly podcast release schedule while we focused on a couple of major projects - including starting a counseling center here in the Chicago suburbs.
Starting today, we’re releasing new podcast episodes with some great guests, focused on equipping you to help hurting people. Our first episode with Paul Robinson about responding to Trauma will be live today - and we’re looking forward to sharing new episodes (and new resources) with you weekly.
So join us today on the Rally Point Podcast and be on the lookout for new emails as episodes release.
Stories are powerful. When used effectively, they can be tools with the power to connect and inspire - but if misused, can also cause harm. How should leaders think about using storytelling to create connection and inspire healing?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're joined by Dr. Bob Macrae, Professor of Youth Ministry at Moody Bible Institute and expert storyteller. Together, we're discussing how leaders can use storytelling to create a healing connection with any audience.
The truth is - many ministries struggle with caring for young women. There are a lot of reasons that play into this, but at the end of the day - young women are often stuck on the sidelines when it comes to strategy, programming, and access to pastoral care.How should ministry leaders respond?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Janell Wood, creator of the Finding Something REAL podcast. Together, we’re discussing the challenges leaders face when helping young women in ministry and advice for anyone looking to come alongside people who are wrestling with doubt.
Maybe you’ve found yourself looking around at the brokenness in this world - feeling stuck. There’s so much to be done, and in a culture with a deep focus on comfortability, it can be difficult to come to terms with the call that Jesus places on the people who follow Him. What does the Bible say about hurting people and our call to respond?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Dr. Dave Sanders, professor of Christian Ministries, Management and Leadership at Judson University. Together, we’re discussing the theology behind helping hurting people - and the challenges that leaders face in responding to the world around us.
For many leaders, the ideas of being mentored and mentoring others are central to the idea of healthy ministry. When you stop to think about the relationships that have had the biggest impact - who stands out? How can leaders create relationships that are impactful long-term?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Vaughn Perez, Director of Youth Ministry at Citylight Bennington. Together, we’re discussing some of the characteristics that distinguish the best mentoring relationships.
For many leaders, topics like trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder can be overwhelming. It can be hard to listen to people share about the difficult situations they have been through, and there’s a ton of pressure to say “the right thing”. How can you respond the next time you are trying to help someone who has been through a traumatic situation?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Dr. Tiffany Tajiri, clinical psychologist, veteran, and expert on the topic of PTSD. Together, we're talking about how ministry leaders can understand and respond to these difficult topics.
If you're a ministry leader, you know the struggle of balancing programming with relationships. Being intentional in discipleship while you're also planning your next message, next activity, or your 6-month calendar is a huge challenge. Often, there simply isn't enough time and programs can shift from focusing on relationship to just getting students in the door (or Zoom call). How do you get students to stop being consumers and start being disciples?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Paul Turner, founder of Disciple Project Ministries and a ministry leader with over 30 years of experience caring for students. Together, we're talking about how ministry leaders can create healthy environments for discipleship in their ministries.
Any ministry leader knows - getting the right person in the right role is challenging. Maybe you're faced with a deadline to fill a slot, are struggling to articulate your vision, or are dreading that conversation about "the right fit". What makes a good volunteer - what can you do to find them - and what does it take to equip them well?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Andy Klenke, pastor at Parkview Church and ministry leader with years of experience managing volunteer teams. Together, we're talking about how ministry leaders can overcome common volunteer challenges and set their ministries up for long-term success.
All parents and leaders have conversation topics that make them sweat. When it comes to discussing complex issues like social media, cultural changes, and sexual development - how can adults equip young people for success?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Jim Burns, President of HomeWord and leader in the field of family ministry. Together, we're talking about how ministry leaders can equip parents for these types of difficult conversations and prepare their kids for success.
Watching someone experience grief is extremely difficult. When a ministry leader sees someone in pain, they often feel pressure to respond in a helpful way, while experiencing a second-hand type of pain themselves. What's the right thing to say or do when people around you are experiencing grief?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're joined by Ed Hunter, a hospital chaplain with over 30 years of experience processing grief and loss. Together, we're discussing advice leaders can use to help those struggling to recover from grief.
Many people think of resilience as an individual characteristic. People talk about people having "grit," or being "tough." But - while researching the topic, Dr. Jim Dekker has discovered that resilience is primarily made up of three traits within a person. People who have these three things tend to be able to deal with adversity better than those that lack them. What are these factors, and how can you use them to create resilience in your community?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we are talking with Dr. Jim Dekker, Professor and Ministry Division Chair at Cornerstone University and an expert on the topic of resilience. Together, we're discussing factors ministry leaders should consider that foster resilience in their community.
Finding purpose and creating identity can be a huge challenge for families. For leaders and parents alike - creating environments where young people can develop their unique identities is difficult. Parents struggle to connect with their kids when they're apathetic, rebellious or all things in-between. How can you help the families find their purpose and stay on their mission?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we are talking with Jay Holland, a student pastor who's been supporting families for the past 20 years, and host of the Let's Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, we're discussing ways ministry leaders can help families have open conversations with their unique kids while staying on mission.
When it comes to theology and development, knowing the right thing to say at the right time can be difficult. For leaders and parents alike - understanding the unique challenges young people are facing in each developmental change is critical to helping them grow. How can you take big theological principles and communicate in a way young people can understand as they grow up?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we are talking with Elizabeth Smith, licensed therapist, theologian, and Field Chair of Education and Counseling at Moody Bible Institute. Together, we're discussing the factors that leaders need to consider for each of the main stages of development young people go through before 30.
These are the moments that keep you up at night - the situations that never have easy answers and sometimes hold life and death in the balance. Maybe you've faced something like this before, or maybe you're thinking ahead - trying to be prepared for when a difficult moment arises. As a leader, how can you support others and respond well when the stakes are high?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we are talking with Bernadette May, an expert with over 20 years of experience in mental health settings. Together, we're discussing the factors that leaders need to consider in the face of an emergency situation. Listening will help you understand part of the process that mental health professionals consider and better prepare you for the next time you're faced with a difficult situation.
All of us carry baggage. Maybe you recall a time when a person responded to you in a way that you didn't deserve, or remember a time when you met someone and it triggered emotions from your own past. What did you do? As a leader - not knowing how to address transference and countertransference in your relationships can be disastrous. How can you process difficult emotions in the moment and help others to grow?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're working through examples of transference and countertransference, plus giving practical advice you can use to be prepared for your next difficult conversation.
The dreaded 8-hour road trip in a cramped car, the memories of someone you miss, the complicated family situations, or the feeling of loneliness... these are a few of the reasons that the holidays are difficult. As leaders and as people, finding the right balance of boundaries and self-care is critical for staying healthy - but too often we avoid thinking about complicated moments until it's too late. How can you set yourself and the people you care about up for success in this difficult season?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're discussing the difficulties people face during this time of year, practical advice on boundaries as a leader, and advice anyone can use to survive the holidays. You'll feel prepared to lead others, and confident when a difficult situation comes up.
Picture the last argument you had... what role did you play? Often, conflict "casts" people in one of three roles: Hero, Victim, or Villain. Assuming these roles can take us out of the story we were created to be a part of and stick us in a cycle where we hurt ourselves and others. As a leader, it can be tricky to help others see the big picture and find a resolution to their conflict. How can we break hurtful cycles and restore health to relationships?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Courtney Wilson - a leader in the field of children's ministry for the last 20 years. Together we're discussing how you can break the cycle negative stories create, and how good stories can bring health back to your relationships.
The world around us is changing constantly. In the middle of a pandemic, this has become even more clear. Ministry leaders are often tasked with providing guidance, input, and wisdom - even in the middle of difficult times. Maybe today you feel the burden of preparing the next generation for constantly evolving challenges. There's a lot at stake - how do we set young people up to enter a world that's changing so quickly?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Chris Lash, Dean of University Ministry at Judson University. Together, we're discussing common challenges in this environment - and practical ways leaders can prepare young people to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The holidays can be stressful. Complicated relationships, mixed emotions, and this year - new challenges brought by a pandemic. For hurting people, the holidays often bring feelings of loneliness, sadness, or pain. As a leader, how do you support hurting people during this difficult season?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Tim Caffee, Pastor of Youth & Worship at Vineyard Church. Together, we're talking about some common problems people face during this season and practical advice leaders can use to support hurting people during the holidays.
For most leaders - caring for people with disabilities can feel complicated and overwhelming. There are a lot of opportunities to “say the wrong thing” - and thinking about how to set up a ministry to support people with different needs often leaves leaders with a lot of questions. How can you “open the doors” of your ministry to people with disabilities?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're joined by Pete Sutton, Director of Student Ministry at The Compass Church. Together, we're talking about how to get started and avoid mistakes, and we'll hear some general advice for any leader who wants to care for people with disabilities.
As a leader, maybe you've experienced how difficult it can be to make your ministry "fun enough" while creating space for people who are hurting to process their pain. It can be challenging to find the right mix - especially when time together is limited. How can you balance having fun and creating space for people to heal from pain?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're joined by Tito & Mollie Diaz, leaders from Rhiza church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Together, we're discussing Jesus' example, and how leaders can use this balance to connect with people deeply.
We all face the reality of burnout - no matter our experience or position. As a leader, the stakes are high. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or like you are carrying the weight of unrealistic expectations. How can you address burnout and restore health to your work?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're joined by Dr. Bob Macrae, Professor of Youth Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. Together, we're discussing challenges most ministry leaders face - and some practical ways you can avoid burnout and bring balance back into your work.
If you're a leader in your first year of ministry, you probably have experienced some awkwardness. Getting started can be challenging, and for most leaders that first year is filled with sometimes painful moments of growth. If you're an experienced leader, there are young leaders around you that need support. How can you support young leaders and set them up to last? If you're a new leader, how can you overcome the challenges you are facing?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Nathan Mann about his first year in ministry. We’ll be discussing solutions to common problems new leaders face early-on, and practical ways experienced leaders can help younger leaders navigate the challenges they might face in their first few years.
As the world around us becomes more divided, people are often asked to choose a side. Many of us are struggling to find a place to belong. As a leader, maybe you're feeling torn - trying to speak truth while maintaining a safe space for every person in your ministry to process their experiences. How do you set a group up for healing when every person and situation is unique?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're talking with Olivia Newbill about her journey - and discussing practical ways ministry leaders can value individuality while caring for a whole group. You'll learn from Olivia's experiences and be better prepared to care for students in your ministry.
Every leader who works with young people knows what it's like to see students in their ministry who just "don't fit in". Whether they're doing something that feels awkward, openly rebellious, or so shy you can feel the silence - connecting with these types of students can be challenging. How can leaders bridge the gap and help these isolated students connect?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're discussing how to "join the team" of those students. You'll be prepared the next time you're trying to connect with someone who's isolated - and students stuck on the sidelines in your ministry will get the support they need.
If you're a leader in ministry - you know how complicated relationships between kids and parents can be. There are strong emotions on both sides. How do you equip parents to connect when they feel like their kids are pushing them away?
Today on the Rally Point Podcast we're joined by Courtney Wilson - a leader in the field of children's ministry for the last 20 years. Together we're discussing how to navigate the tension that most ministry leaders feel in these types of situations, and practical advice you can give to help parents and students connect with each other.
All of us have faced new challenges this year - a global pandemic and the pressure of lockdown have pushed stress to new heights. People and families are struggling, and as a leader in ministry, maybe you're wrestling with how to respond. When others come to you for support - what do you say?
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're discussing strategies you can give to people dealing with that stress. With these tools, you'll feel more prepared to respond, and the people around you will be equipped to cope in healthy ways.
Every leader wrestles with moments of stress and complicated feelings - but what happens when that stress overlaps with trying to support others? Chances are, you've found yourself in this situation before. If you're not prepared personally, you can wind up doing more harm than good as you care for others.
Join us today on the Rally Point Podcast where we're discussing some simple skills you can use the next time you find yourself dealing with internal stress. If you put these skills into practice - you'll stop feeling overwhelmed when stressful moments happen, and your relationships will benefit.
Learn more or subscribe to get resources at rallypointmin.com/podcast
Maybe you’ve heard podcasts where the first episode is just the hosts talking about themselves - we didn’t want to do that, because this podcast isn’t about us - it’s about equipping you to support others. That said, it’s probably good to introduce ourselves, so in this short episode, you’ll hear from each of us (Bobby & Noah) and learn about the journeys that have led us to this place.
Helping hurting people is complicated. If you’re a leader who sees hurting people in your ministry but isn’t prepared to help - this podcast is for you.
Each episode, we’ll overcome difficult problems and equip you with the tools you need to help hurting people find healing. We’ll be joined by pastors, experts, and everyday leaders who are trying to make a difference. You’ll stop feeling overwhelmed when difficult situations arise - and people around you will experience healing and growth.