Advertise on podcast: Center for Congregations Podcast

Rating

★★★★★

from

28 reviews

Description

Your congregation is important, and we know that leading and serving in congregations is hard work. Join current and former Center for Congregations consultants Dr. Terrance Bridges, JC Campbell, Abby Miller, Shellie Riggs Jordan, McKenzie Scott Lewis, Ben Tapper, Matt Burke as they interview thought leaders and experts to encourage, inspire and help you find the right information and resources to address your congregation's needs. Center for Congregations staff will share what they're learning through work with congregations. Speakers, authors and congregational practitioners will share their stories and best practices to help your congregation thrive. The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by CfC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of the CfC. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at 866.307.2381 or [email protected].

Unlock Center for Congregations Podcast podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Center for Congregations Podcast podcast

Helping People Find Joy in Their Work

2026/11/04

The Center for Congregation's own Ryan Robinson, Executive Director of Talent and Culture, joins Patrick and Matt to discuss the importance of HR practices in congregational life and how doing it right provides freedom and vitality. Resources A Pastor's Toolbox 2: More Management Skills for Parish Leadership by Paul A. Holmes (book) The Church Network (organization)

Strangers in a Strange Land

2026/10/21

Weanne Estrada, Mental Health Specialist at ADRA International, joins JC and Matt to talk about the challenges immigrants face when settling in the US and what congregations can do to help. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian organization serving all over the world. Resources The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Reintegrating Faith into The Nations Approach to Homelessness (article) Welcoming the Stranger (book/curriculum) World Relief (organization)

The Human in You

2026/10/07

Janell and Aaron Lane, Co-founders of Courageous Healing and Courageous Living join Shellie and Matt to talk about Trauma Informed Ministry. The source of trauma and how it manifests in people is often misunderstood. Aaron and Janell will help you understand what trauma is and how to create a compassionate and caring community to welcome those who have been hurt. Resources My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem (book) Trauma-Informed Therapy Explained (article)

Your Specific Neighbor

2026/09/23

Brett Meyer, CEO of Neighborlink, joins JC and Matt to talk about the impact of meeting the basic needs of those in your own neighborhood. Neighborlink is a national program that helps connect those who need some help with those who are able to help. Resources Neighborlink (organization) When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (book) Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Wayne Gordon and John Perkins (book) Father Joe's Village (organization)

Listening for The Gifts of The Other

2026/09/09

Seminary Presidents Rev. Dr. David Mellott of Christian Theological Seminary and Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary join Elise and Matt to talk about current trends in theological education. Regardless of your denominational background and educational pathways, this conversation will provide a useful window into the "in-between" space of congregational life and religious study and training.

Homelessness Is Complicated

2026/08/26

William Wubbenhorst, Non-Resident Scholar for the Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) at Baylor University, joins JC and Matt to talk about the issue of homelessness and the findings of an 11-city study. The contents of this study are illuminating and William's expertise provides solid advice and support for congregations seeking to help their communities. Resources Assessing the Faith-Based Response to Homelessness in America: Findings from Eleven Cities (Report) The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Evidence, Practice, Policy (book) When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (book) Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (website) Family Promise (organization) Open Table (organization) Religious Freedom to House the Homeless (article) Disrupting Homelessness: Alternative Christian Approaches by Laura Stivers (book) The Other Philadelphia Story (book)

Five Cups of Coffee a Week

2026/08/12

Dr. Josh Packard joins John and Matt to discuss Sacred Listening; a tool that can help your congregation develop deeper relationships and community. Dr. Packard's background in Sociology and his personal faith combine in this set of practical tools and stories. Resources Future of Faith (website) Dr. Packard's website Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research While You're Doing It by Howard Becker (book) Learning to Speak God from Scratch by Jonathan Merritt (book) Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling by Edgar Schein (book)

The Place(s) Where It Happened

2026/07/29

Pastor Dave Fox and Pastor Eric Lehman from The Bridge Community Church in Decatur, Indiana join Shellie and Matt to talk about the impact of pilgrimage on their congregation. They co-led a pilgrimage to Turkey to see sites along Paul's missionary journeys and the cities mentioned in Revelation. Resources Rediscovering the Spiritual Practice of Pilgrimage (article) Christian Expedition (organization) Bible Collection: The Apocalypse (movie) The Bridge Community Church (website) The Bridge Community Church (Facebook) The Bridge Community Church (Instagram)

Junk Food vs. Whole Food

2026/07/15

Dr. Elise Erikson Barrett, the President of the Center for Congregations, joins Shellie and Matt to talk about her past experience with organizations who work with congregations, the present challenges and future hopes. Resources Hartford Institute for Religious Research (organization) The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu (book) Future of Faith (organization) Rooted Good (organization)

Seeing What's in Front of You

2026/07/01

Will Mancini joins Shellie and Matt to talk about how congregations can best develop vision for their specific context. Will Mancini is a former pastor, author and consultant with decades of experience in congregational life. Resources frunfree.co (organization) Will Mancini's website The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman (book) 7 Laws of Real Church Growth (toolkit)

Loyalty And Unity Are Not The Same

2026/06/17

Dr. Kilen Gray joins JC and Matt to talk about conflict in congregations. Dr. Gray believes that, far from being a negative, conflict is actually something that can strengthen an organization. Resources Dr. Kilen Gray's website Dr. Kilen Gray's Facebook Bates Memorial Church Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict by George Bullard, Jr. (book) Center for Healthy Churches (organization)

Your Facility Tells Who You Are

2026/06/03

Nathan Parr, Facility Stewardship Specialist at Smart Church Solutions, joins JC and Matt to talk about the importance and prioritization of facility maintenance. Nathan shares his practical knowledge garnered from working with hundreds of congregations on facility management. Resources Smart Church Solutions (organization) Smart Church Solutions YouTube Page (video) Smart Church Solutions Facebook Page (website) Nathan Parr's Email: [email protected] Navigating the Church Facility Journey (video) The Master's Plan for Church Design and Construction by Rodney James (book) Entrusted: A Guide to Intentional Church Facility Stewardship by Tim Cool (book)

Vitality: From Swamps to Reservoirs to Canals

2026/05/20

Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., joins Kara and John to discuss how relational and resource connections can lead to vital congregations and communities. The conversation includes the importance of continual learning for leaders, assessing your own congregation and how to navigate some of the major cultural shifts that have occurred. Resources The Adept Church by Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr. (book) Sustaining While Disrupting by Dr. F. Dougls Powe Jr. (book)

Signs of Burnout

2026/05/06

Patrick Riecke joins Miriam and Matt to discuss burnout. Patrick shares from his personal experiences and public studies to shine a light on this under-discussed issue and what to do about it. Resources Burnout Test (website/assessment) Patrick Riecke (website/organization) R3 Restoration (organization) Psychology Today (website) Mental Health America (website/organization) Moving Church Volunteers from Burnout To Their Best Fit (podcast/video) Warning Signs of Burnout and How to Prevent It (article)

Reimagining Vitality: Ministry to Older Adults

2026/04/22

Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler joins Shellie and Matt to talk about ministry for and with aging adults. Dr. Gentzler has been focusing on and working with congregations with older adults for over thirty years. His wisdom will inspire and challenge you to see this ministry with different eyes. Resources Age Friendly Congregation Certificate from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Encore Ministry Foundation (organization) Dementia Small-Group Study from Encore Ministry Foundation (curriculum) Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr (book)

Podcast reviews

Read Center for Congregations Podcast podcast reviews

5 out of 5

28 reviews

★★★★★

Greg Pimlott 2023/10/15

Great podcast!

The Center for Congregations podcast has become one of my go-to podcasts recently. I appreciate the wide range of topics and the expertise of the gue...

★★★★★

Archer56 2023/09/15

Really hits home

I just listened to the episode “Focusing on health, not size.” It really hit home. As pastor of a small church, I recognized myself in much of what wa...

★★★★★

Ideation53 2022/05/02

Very helpful resource

The Center for Congregations’ podcast is just one more tool they use to help congregations to explore what God wants them to become. I’m a fan!

★★★★★

The Other Pastor Stanley 2021/10/31

A Truly Useful Congregational Resource

This podcast is an incredible resource for all church leaders, whether clergy or laity. By this point (Oct. 31, 2021), they have an episode on almost ...

★★★★★

WWFB 2021/03/30

Amazing resource

Center for Congregations is an Indiana-based organization that provides live workshops in the faith-based setting. Check it this podcast for plenty of...

★★★★★

wendyevv 2020/10/24

Center for Congregations Podcast

Useful info, ideas and support for congregational leaders from people who really get what it’s like!

★★★★★

Harmonizer91 2020/09/23

Refreshing, Edifying

This podcast weaves insights from vibrant faith communities, encouragement, and fresh ideas. Didn’t know I needed this healthy forum and dope transiti...

★★★★★

McArchie 2020/09/21

Excellence

As with basically everything CFC does, they have done this podcast with excellence. Matt Burke is one of the more genuine and knowledgeable people on ...

★★★★★

James@War 2020/09/09

Helpful, thoughtful resources

I heard of the Center for Congregations from a pastor friend, and they have been helpful to me. When I heard they had a podcast, it definitely merited...

check all reviews on apple podcasts