Coaching For Interims

How to Run Effective Local Multi-day Mission Trips - Rev. Joe Motz. Episode 114

When planning your next multi-day mission trip, ever have someone grumble, “Why do we always have to go far away? Why don’t we do something local? Doesn’t our own community have needs too?” In this episode titled, “What We Learned about how to Run Effective Local Multi-day Mission Trips,” Rev. Joe Motz shares his innovative approach to creating local multi-day mission trips that really do change lives as measured by personal and community transformation, and a sense of relevance and connection within the church and wider community. For a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available. Reverend Motz discusses his innovative approach to local  multi-day mission trips; Initial challenges included finding organizations to serve and raising funds; Key role played by local government and business support; Success measured by personal and community transformation & fostering a sense of relevance and connection within the church and community; Trip details – planning, roles, and daily routines.

What Enabled My Congregation to Communicate Better in Moments of Tension - Rev. Alisa Dickhoff. Episode 113

When the tension goes up, do some people in your congregation speak in hurtful ways? Do others seem resigned to accept this bad behavior and its fallout of damaged relationships and poor quality communication? If so, listen in. In this episode titled, “What Has Enabled My Congregation to Communicate Better in Moments of Tension,” Rev. Alisa Dickhoff shares her direct experience with bully behavior in meetings, and what she and her leadership have done to foster healthy communication and keep it that way. For a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available. * Reverend Alisa Dickhoff's Approach to Conflict Resolution * Modeling Vulnerability and Encouraging Open Communication * Addressing Bad Behavior and Bullying in Church Committees * The Role of Leadership in Modeling and Training * Follow-Up and Continuous Support

Fostering Authentic Faith Using a One Room Schoolhouse Context – Rev. Marissa Rapoza. Episode 112

As a Sunday School teacher or youth group leader in a smaller congregation, do you feel stuck juggling 10-year-olds and 18-year-olds all together in the same room and wondering how to reach them all without overlooking anyone? If so, you're not alone—and you're not without options. In this episode titled, “Fostering Authentic Faith Using a One Room Schoolhouse Context,” Rev. Marissa Rapoza shares why she actually prefers having all the ages together, and how the curriculum she designed develops their critical thinking skills and uses the ages differences to advantage such that they spark each other’s learning and growth. For a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available.

Crucial Conversations and Interim Ministry - Rev. Doug Bixby. Episode 111

It seems that Settled Ministers and the Interim Ministers who preceded them don’t often have much to say to each other. Such conversations can be tricky, as expectations, turf, and egos all must be negotiated.  And yet, there are many benefits to be had. In this episode titled, “Crucial Conversations and Interim Ministry,” Rev. Doug Bixby, the settled Senior Minister at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, MA (UCC) and Rev. Jim Latimer, the Intentional Interim Minister who preceded him, share how they navigated their conversations and the specific benefits reaped by both of the pastors as well as the congregation’s ministry. For a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available.

Using A.I. in Church: How It Lightens My Administrative Load - Rev. Tom Hathaway. Episode 110

Is creating content to communicate about lots of different things around your ministry taking up too much energy? Do you wish you had more administrative support? If so, this podcast titled, “Using AI in Church: How It Lightens My Administrative Load,” is for you. Reverend Tom Hathaway, a solo pastor with no administrative staff support, shares his innovative use of ChatGBT to streamline church administrative tasks such as creating sermon teasers, event descriptions and Bible reading plans, thereby helping him to work more efficiently and stay focused on what he uniquely can do and does best.