In the Sandbox

In the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 11 with Bishop Williamston

Navigating Adaptive Leadership and Spiritual Resilience with Bishop Delores Williamston In this engaging episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Bishop Delores Williamston, the Bishop of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Williamston shares her journey as a military veteran, a clergy leader, and a grandmother, discussing her adaptive leadership style and the challenges faced by the church during turbulent times. She emphasizes the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, finding joy despite adversity, and the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry. The conversation is enriched by Bishop Williamston's reflections on her African American church upbringing and her methods of maintaining personal resilience, including Sabbath rest and hobbies. Together, they explore what it means to lead with faith, adapt to changing contexts, and inspire community engagement. The episode concludes with practical advice for clergy and laity on sustaining joy and optimism in their ministries. 00:00 Welcome to In the Sandbox 00:41 Introducing Bishop Delores Williamston 02:32 Leadership and Adaptive Ministry 03:52 Challenges and Generational Gaps in Ministry 06:22 Take Up Your Mat and Walk 10:41 Finding Rest and Sabbath 14:06 Dealing with Adversity 18:39 Joy and Optimism in Ministry 23:46 Humor and Improvisation in Ministry 26:00 Authenticity in Faith and Improvisation 26:49 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the United Methodist Church 27:22 Formation in the Black Church 28:09 The Power of Songs in the Black Church 29:30 Personal Journey and the Influence of the Black Church 35:40 Awakenings in the Church 39:22 Community Engagement and Music Education 44:21 Rapid-Fire Questions with Bishop Williamston 49:41 Closing Remarks and Prayer Find Bishop Williamston: Website: https://www.la-umc.org/about-our-bishop About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/hub4innovation

In the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 10 Adam Hamilton

In the Sandbox with Reverend Adam Hamilton: Adaptive Leadership and Evolving Ministry In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups have an inspiring conversation with Reverend Adam Hamilton, the founding pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leewood, Kansas. Adam, a best-selling author and influential leader in modern United Methodism, discusses the nuances and challenges of adaptive leadership, the importance of embracing change, and reflecting on the wisdom gained through his years in ministry. The discussion touches on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the challenge of balancing care with personal limits, and his hopes for the future of church leadership. Adam also reflects on maintaining authentic connections with his congregation, even amid criticism, and emphasizes the significance of humility and adaptability in effective leadership. The episode concludes with a 'hot seat' segment where Adam answers rapid-fire questions about his life outside ministry, providing a personal touch to an insightful conversation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:22 Understanding Adaptive Leadership 03:57 Personal Growth and Leadership Wisdom 07:20 Navigating Change and Challenges 11:41 Caring for the Congregation 19:56 Handling Difficult Decisions 30:21 Handling Criticism as a Leader 30:59 Historical Examples of Leadership Challenges 32:20 Personal Experiences with Criticism 34:59 Dealing with Disappointment and Guilt 38:42 Adapting to New Realities in Ministry 45:05 The Role of Technology in Modern Ministry 47:06 Fun and Personal Insights 53:19 Closing Thoughts and Resources Find Reverend Adam Hamilton: IG: @revadamhamilton X: @RevAdamHamilton Website: https://resurrection.church/staff/ About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

In the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 9 with James Howell

Adaptive Leadership and Authentic Ministry with Rev. Dr. James Howell In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Rev. Dr. James Howell, senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, to discuss leadership, wisdom, and his experiences. Dr. Howell shares insights from his ministry journey, touching on the challenges of adaptive leadership, the importance of authenticity, and building trust within a community. They explore themes of awe, travel, and the enduring practices of Christian faith. Rev. Howell highlights his latest book 'Everywhere is Jerusalem' and reflects on his perspective towards ministerial mistakes, adaptive leadership, and the power of love and vulnerability in ministry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:44 Leadership in the Trenches 03:16 Building Trust and Personal Capital 10:51 Navigating Criticism and Mistakes 14:16 The Importance of Friendship in Ministry 20:09 Balancing Tradition and Innovation 25:13 Daily Practices for Effective Leadership 26:23 The Importance of Discipline 26:59 The Role of Reading in Clergy 27:13 Theological Reflections on Leadership 29:37 Travel and Its Impact 35:13 Experiencing Awe and Wonder 40:33 Rapid Fire Questions 47:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

In the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 8 with Mark Feldmeir

Summary In this episode of 'In the Sandbox', hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups engage with pastor and author Mark Feldmeir, exploring themes of leadership, faith, and community in a rapidly changing world. Mark discusses his unique leadership approach in a diverse congregation, the impact of the pandemic on church dynamics, and the importance of clarity in values. He shares insights on progressive theological conversations, the role of prayer, and the challenges of leading a large church. The conversation also touches on personal growth practices and innovative outreach initiatives, culminating in lighthearted questions that reveal Mark's personality and passions. Takeaways - Mark Feldmeir emphasizes the importance of clarity in leadership. - Navigating diverse congregational beliefs requires vulnerability and openness. - Post-pandemic, congregations have experienced natural sorting based on values. - Engaging in progressive conversations can attract like-minded individuals. - Rethinking traditional theological constructs can lead to deeper understanding. - Prayer can be redefined in a relational context with God. - Proactive leadership is more effective than reactive responses to issues. - Core values of a church should guide its community practices. - Innovative outreach can strengthen community ties and engagement. - Personal growth practices are essential for effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Conversation 01:03 - Exploring Leadership in a Diverse Context 04:30 - Navigating Change Post-Pandemic 07:51 - Engaging in Progressive Conversations 10:17 - Rethinking Prayer and Theological Constructs 13:11 - Leadership in a Large Church 16:53 - Proactive vs. Reactive Leadership 19:20 - Core Values and Community Practices 22:45 - Innovative Outreach and Community Engagement 23:15 - Learning from Mistakes in Leadership 28:07 - Personal Practices for Growth 31:30 - Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives 34:29 - Fun and Lighthearted Questions 39:35 - Closing Thoughts and Prayer Find [GUEST]: IG: https://www.instagram.com/markfeldmeir/ Website: https://www.markfeldmeir.com/ About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org

In the Sandbox Season 2 Episode 7 with April Casperson

Navigating Theological Education and Inclusive Leadership with Rev. April Casperson In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Reverend April Casperson, an ordained deacon in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and Director of Enrollment Management at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO). They discuss the evolving landscape of theological education, particularly the shift to high-flex and online models in response to the pandemic, and the importance of accessibility and inclusive leadership. April shares insights on the challenges faced by seminary students, the role of technology, and her passion for fostering diverse and future-ready faith leaders. The episode also touches on the intersection of ecology and theology at MTSO, and the significance of creating supportive environments for students of all ages and backgrounds. The conversation concludes with a fun rapid-fire round and a prayer for April's continued success and impact. 00:00 Welcome to In the Sandbox 00:46 Introducing Reverend April Casperson 01:43 The Evolution of Theological Education 02:47 High Flex Learning at MTSO 04:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Education 10:14 Commitment to Ecological Sustainability 13:24 Balancing Accessibility and Academic Rigor 22:56 Supporting Diverse Leaders in the Church 25:04 The Role of Deacons in Modern Ministry 28:07 Discussing Seminary Choices 28:31 Questions for Prospective Students 30:22 Encouraging Older Students 34:07 Challenges in Ministry 37:23 Aha Moments at MTSO 39:59 Rapid Fire Questions 44:42 Conclusion and Farewell Find April: Website: https://www.abingdonpress.com/authors/april_casperson/ About Hub4Innovation: The Hub4Innovation is a place where leaders are given permission to experiment, innovate, and take bold steps towards the future of the church. We encourage leaders to break through barriers, make risky moves, and play with the question, “What if?” Join Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, thought leaders and spiritual movers, on the “In the Sandbox” podcast, where they are interviewing leaders of the faith, and exploring bold and innovative new ways to lead and make big impact on our communities. Find us on: Instagram: @hub4innovation Website: hub4innovation.org