Experiencing Jesus Through Reflection and Relationships

You are invited to join a new series focused on intentional discipleship and transformation through Jesus. The episode explores the importance of reflecting on daily experiences to encounter Jesus and foster spiritual growth. Sara shares insights from her research, revealing that transformation occurs in moments of reflection rather than the duration of mission activities. You'll be guided through a weekly practice of engaging with scripture, posing reflective questions, and considering where you see Jesus in your relationships.

This week, the focus is on Matthew 28:16-20 and the central question, 'Where did you experience Jesus in your relationships?' Expect to hear stories and experiences that highlight God’s presence in everyday life, and be encouraged to participate actively in this transformative journey.

Listen to Episode 339: Everyday Transformation - Embracing Jesus in Our Relationships at https://transformingmission.org/339

Timestamps

00:48 The Importance of Reflection in Transformation

03:27 Invitation to Join the Eight-Week Journey

04:21 Weekly Format and Daily Reflections

05:55 Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:16-20

06:36 Exploring Questions from the Scripture

11:25 Personal Reflections on Experiencing Jesus

21:53 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Rise Above: Crucial Conversations

Welcome to episode 338 of the Transforming Mission Podcast! In this episode, we explore what it means to have crucial conversations—those delicate discussions where different opinions and significant relational investments are at play. We ask key questions like, 'Am I ready to sit next to you rather than across from you?' and 'Are we willing to put the problem before us, rather than between us or slide it towards the other person?' Drawing wisdom from the teachings of Brené Brown, we adapt these lessons to help you navigate important discussions with care, courage, and compassion. Discover practical strategies to establish trust and vulnerability, tackle implicit biases, and positively acknowledge others' strengths. Listen and learn how to align your head, heart, and mouth for productive and meaningful conversations.

Listen to Episode 338 at https://transformingmission.org/338

TimeStamp for Episode 338 Rise Above - Crucial Conversations

00:14 Defining Crucial Conversations

01:21 Preparing for Crucial Conversations

02:20 Question 1: Sitting Next to You

05:07 Question 2: Putting the Problem Before Us

06:16 Shame and Blame in Conversations

18:14 Question 3: Acknowledging Strengths

27:24 Question 4: Power Dynamics and Bias

29:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Explore how your relationship with Jesus can guide you to rise above cultural divisiveness, focusing on nurturing righteous relationships within the church and community. Understand the importance of spiritual disciplines, scripture interpretation, and the greatest commandment to love God and neighbors.

The conversation addresses the misuse of scripture, the need for generosity, forgiveness, and how to model Christ's love in everyday interactions. Gain insights on balancing being right with being in relationship and learn practical steps to lead Christ-centered lives amidst today’s challenges.

Listen to Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships at https://transformingmission.org/337

Read more from Tim on Baptism: https://www.transformingmission.org/preparing-for-mission-being-about-gods-business/

TimeStamp for Episode 337: Rise Above - Nurturing Righteous Relationships

00:13 Exploring Relationships with Jesus, Church, and Community

01:16 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines

01:53 Scripture and Its Role in Our Lives

04:22 Challenges in Rising Above Divisiveness

05:43 The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Neighbor

12:49 Living Out Love and Generosity

21:31 Forgiveness and Leadership

25:19 Concluding Thoughts

“RIse Above With Your Words” explores how Christ-centered leaders can influence their communities through the integrity and alignment of their words and actions. Join us as we discuss the spiritual and cultural importance of cohesive speech and behavior, referencing Biblical teachings from Ephesians and the example of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Health is an important contributor to our words and actions. Consider various aspects of health to ensure effective leadership and communication. The discussion emphasizes the significance of healthy social interactions and how leaders can model God’s love and grace in today’s divisive cultural climate.

Listen to Episode 336, Rise Above with Words at https://transformingmission.org/336

TimeStamp For Episode 336

00:38 The Power of Words in Leadership

01:59 Biblical Insights on Speech and Actions

03:23 Paul's Teachings on Speech

05:51 Practical Applications for Christ-Centered Leaders

11:53 The Importance of Holistic Health

20:28 Daily Practices and Final Reflections

Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope In episode 335, The Sweet Spot of Hope, discover how the intersection of future aspirations and present actions creates a 'sweet spot of hope.'

Learn how to balance your ability to shape the future with the understanding of your limits. Engage in a reflective experiment on recent accomplishments and future possibilities, understand the importance of agency, and learn to navigate feedback and naysayers. Explore the role of the church in fostering hope and examine concrete steps to engage your community effectively.

Don't miss insightful discussions on entitlement, passivity, and actionable steps for cultivating hope and resilience.

Transform your leadership and vision by finding and leveraging hope. Read show notes and find resources at https://transformingmission.org/335

TimeStamp for Episode 335: The Sweet Spot of Hope

00:13 Exploring the Sweet Spot of Hope

01:16 A Leadership Experiment

02:49 Overcoming Negative Thoughts

03:56 Hope Killers: Entitlement and Passivity

07:36 The Role of Feedback in Leadership

11:22 Connecting with the Community

13:38 Contrasting Hope and Wishful Thinking

22:38 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

26:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes

In episode 334, Is it Optimism or Hope?, the hosts discuss the critical differences between optimism and hope, emphasizing how Christian leaders can facilitate and empower hope among their followers.

They highlight the distinct role of agency in hope, sharing personal anecdotes and the story of Admiral Stockdale to illustrate the concept. The conversation underscores the importance of self-awareness and compassionate leadership in navigating obstacles and fostering a hopeful and proactive community.

The episode concludes by reinforcing that true hope requires action and that Jesus exemplifies the ultimate model of hope through love and compassion.

Listen to Episode 334 and read more show notes at https://transformingmission.org/334

Episode 334 Time Stamp

00:13 Defining Optimism vs. Hope

00:56 The Role of Leaders in Facilitating Hope

03:26 Navigating Obstacles and Barriers

05:32 Personal Stories and Examples

16:16 The Stockdale Paradox

21:43 Characteristics of Hopeful People

23:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, dive into why hope is a fundamental driver of life's most desired behaviors and outcomes. You'll learn how hope influences simple actions and outcomes like showing up, boosting productivity, enhancing well-being, and even improving health.

Explore the fascinating correlation between hope and mortality, and envision how the church can be a beacon of hope in the community. Discover the power of setting goals and participating in communal activities like Holy Communion as ways to foster hope. Join this journey of understanding the significant impact of hope on our lives and leadership.

Listen to Episode 333: Why Hope Matters at https://transformingmission.org/333

Episode 333 - Why Hope Matters Time Stamp

00:12 The Power of Hope in Daily Life

00:32 Behavior 1: The Importance of Showing Up

02:48 Behavior 2: Boosting Productivity Through Hope

04:01 Behavior 3: Enhancing Well-being with Hope

04:48 Behavior 4: Hope and Good Health

05:38 Behavior 5: Hope and Longevity

06:46 Hope in the Church and Community

07:39 The Role of Goals in Cultivating Hope

09:18 Hope and the Resurrection

13:28 Conclusion: Living a Life of Hope

What is nexting? No that’s not a typo. The concept of 'nexting' is a practice of hope that involves anticipating and planning for the future. Explore how hopeful vision and emotional intelligence can guide church leaders in navigating their leadership.

Whether you’re working on a new sermon series, seeking to engage your community, and/or creating supportive environments for discipleship, we have the ability to cultivate hope. Hope is a characteristic unique to us as humans.

Quite literally, we are hardwired for hope. How can this mental faculty unify and energize communities? Listen to explore the practical applications of hope, its impact on overcoming challenges, and how thoughtful leadership and strategic pathways can cultivate an optimistic and proactive church culture.

Listen to Episode 332: Nexting - The Practice of Hope at https://transformingmission.org/332

Time Stamp for Episode 332: Nexting - The Practice of Hope

00:57 The Concept of 'Nexting'

02:44 Hope and the Human Brain

04:17 Hope in Leadership and Community

09:06 The Contagious Nature of Hope

10:23 Practical Applications of Hope

13:26 Hope in Challenging Times

18:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections