Transforming Engagement: The Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Women in Ministry - New season with Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman and Jenni Wong Clayville Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a new season of Transforming Engagement: the Podcast! For the next few episodes, we're talking about women in ministry.

Each season, we focus our conversations on a single topic and take a deep dive into learning its complexities by inviting perspectives from diverse backgrounds and expertise.

In this series, we will explore women in ministry with a diverse group of women leaders. We will discuss the path to ministry, discern the way forward, challenges and triumphs, mental health, gender and leadership, and much more.

We hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and practical—whether you are a woman in ministry, a leader from any marginalized background, or if you're passionate about empowering all of God's people to lead and serve in the ministry they feel called to.

In this first episode, you'll get to know our co-hosts, Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman and Jenni Wong Clayville, who are both experienced ministry leaders, advisers, and champions for their fellow women in the field of ministry. We can't wait to get started!

Listener Resources:

If you are a woman in ministry seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, click below:

https://transformingengagement.org/womeninministry

Reflections on the Christ & Cascadia 2024 Gathering with Dr. Kate Rae Davis May 14, 2024

Show notes

Join us for a special bonus episode as Dr. Kate Rae Davis reflects on the theme of the inaugural Christ & Cascadia Gathering held last month. Ministry leaders from diverse contexts across the Pacific Northwest convened to explore what makes ministry unique in the Cascadia region.

Despite facing distinct challenges, there was a prevailing sense of hope and resilience—a shared belief that collaboration and innovation could spark new life even in the face of adversity.

One of the biggest takeaways was a collective desire for connection. Plans are already underway for the next gathering in 2025, where the focus will shift to meaningful engagement with scripture in community settings.

If you're looking for a place to connect, learn, and be inspired, sign up to receive emails when the date and location are announced at christandcascadia.com/newsletter .

Christ & Cascadia | Rev. Ron Werner Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Rev. Ron Werner, Jr. joins Dr. Kate Rae Davis to share his take on ministry in Cascadia and how the musical and cultural influences of the Pacific Northwest have shaped his identity and approach to leadership.

Rooted in Oregon since 2005, Ron is the founding Director of Together Lab, where he weaves together people of faith and fierce love to cultivate leader-full movements and ministries.

The conversation highlights the shift from traditional church-centered approaches to community engagement to a more decentralized and collaborative model. Ron emphasizes the importance of embracing the margins and engaging with diverse communities beyond institutional boundaries. He shares insights from his experience working in grassroots movements and community organizing, emphasizing the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and relational engagement.

Join us as we consider:

The challenges of navigating cultural shifts, especially in areas where skepticism towards institutions is prevalent.
The evolving role of faith communities in facilitating collective empowerment and social change.
A vision for creating inclusive spaces that honor diverse perspectives and experiences, particularly in the realm of youth ministry.

Wherever you're listening from, we hope these conversations inspire reflections on how you're serving in your own context.

Christ & Cascadia |Tim Soerens Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Join us for an enriching conversation with Tim Soerens, co-founding executive director of The Parish Collective, as we explore the distinctiveness of ministry in the vibrant Cascadia region. From its breathtaking landscapes to its unique cultural fabric, Cascadia offers a fertile ground for holistic neighborhood flourishing.

In this episode, you'll discover:

The essence of holistic neighborhood flourishing and its significance in fostering thriving communities.
How the Parish Collective is catalyzing change and innovation in ministry by imagining the common good together.
The transformative power of place-based ministry and the importance of cultivating a deep ecological sensibility.
Reflections on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Cascadia compared to other regions.
Insights into the upcoming Inhabit Conference, a gathering that celebrates stories of renewal, reconciliation, and innovation in everyday church life.

Whether you're a pastor, entrepreneur, artist, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about community engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights into reimagining church and community in the Cascadia region and beyond.

If you'd like to continue this conversation, we invite you to join us this April in the Seattle area for the Christ & Cascadia Gathering and the Inhabit Conference!

The Christ & Cascadia Gathering on Thursday, April 25, is an official pre-conference event for the Inhabit Conference on April 26-27. We hope you'll plan to join us for both events this spring. You can register for both events at a discounted rate at: https://www.parishcollective.org/inhabit-2024

Christ & Cascadia | Rev. Melissa Skelton Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

As we continue our conversation about the distinctiveness of ministry in the Cascadia region, we're joined by Rev. Melissa Skelton. Currently serving as the Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Olympia, Melissa shares her journey from the East Coast to the Cascadia region, offering a wealth of insights into the distinct cultural and environmental differences she encountered along the way.

In this episode, you'll:

Embrace Nature's Influence: Delve into how the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cascadia region, from majestic mountains to fierce oceans, shape our perceptions and enrich our human experience.
Navigate Cultural Nuances: Learn to appreciate and navigate the unique cultural differences between regions, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding in ministry and community engagement.
Discover Innovative Ministry Models: Melissa shares examples of innovative ministries like the St. Hildegard Sanctuary and Salal and Cedar community, where art, trauma sensitivity, and Indigenous perspectives intersect with liturgical practices, redefining traditional notions of church and spirituality.
Reflect on Congregational Fundamentals: Consider the practices that form the backbone of thriving congregations, including well-crafted liturgy, impactful preaching, robust pastoral care, diverse prayer forms, and engaging formation opportunities rooted in a rich Christ-centered identity.

Join us as we discuss new possibilities for ministry and community engagement in the Cascadia region and beyond.

Christ & Cascadia | Rev. Emily McGKinley Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

In this season, we're exploring the unique tapestry of the continental Pacific Northwest, known as the "Cascadia" region, and how it shapes ministry. Today, we're joined by Rev. Emily McGinley, who shares her journey from the Midwest to San Francisco and the cultural and religious differences she's encountered.

You'll gain insights into:

Understanding Cultural and Religious Contexts: Rev. Emily's experience transitioning between regions highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural and religious contexts in ministry.
Intersectionality in Ministry: Rev. Emily talks about how her Asian American identity influences her ministry, emphasizing the need to recognize and honor various aspects of identity within the context of faith.
Engaging with Contemporary Issues: Discover how to approach complex contemporary topics like A.I. from a theological perspective, fostering discussions that encourage critical thinking and exploration of their relevance to spiritual beliefs.
Balancing Idealism with Realism: Reflect on the delicate balance between idealism and realism in ministry, considering how to hold onto a vision for positive change while navigating practical challenges and limitations.

No matter where you're listening from, we hope these conversations spark reflection on your own ministry context.

To our neighbors throughout the Cascadia region: Mark your calendars for April 25th and plan to join us for our inaugural Christ & Cascadia Gathering. More details can be found at christandcascadia.com/gathering.

Christ & Cascadia | Rev. Dr. Forrest Inslee Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a new season of Transforming Engagement, the Podcast!

On this podcast, we are dedicated to exploring how each of us can serve God and neighbor in our unique communities and contexts. This season, we're inviting you into our extended backyard - the unique tapestry of the continental Pacific Northwest, defined by its watershed, and known as the "Cascadia" region.

Here, ministry takes on its own distinct flavor. This season, we're asking: What sets Cascadia apart from other regions of the US and Canada? How do those differences shape our ministries, and how do leaders here understand their role in shaping those ministries?

We're kicking off this season with a conversation with Forrest Inslee, who brought the Christ and Cascadia journal into The Seattle School. Forrest is a professor who is involved in faith-based environmental education and advocacy nonprofit called Circlewood. He also hosts a podcast for that Circlewood called Earthkeepers, which focuses on helping Christ followers to integrate creation care into everyday faith practices.

Join us as we explore:

Geographical influences and human-nature relationships that uniquely shape the culture in this region
Cultural norms including the suspicion of tradition, desire for independence, and a more flexible approach to faith practices compared to other regions.
The challenges and opportunities in building community, including "The Seattle Freeze"
The future of faith in this region, including non-traditional church structures, emphasis on authenticity and spirituality over religious dogma, and incorporation of nature into religious practices.

Wherever you're listening from, we hope these conversations inspire reflections on how you're serving in your own context.

Youth & Campus Ministry Burnout | Season Epilogue Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

As we close this season on Youth & Campus Ministry Burnout, host Rose Madrid Swetman is joined by Kate Rae Davis to engage in a reflective conversation, highlighting key insights and common themes discussed throughout the season.

The season has unfolded a spectrum of challenges faced by those in youth and campus ministry, ranging from the struggles of maintaining work-life balance to the emotional toll of guiding young individuals through pivotal life stages. The discussions also presented the unique challenges presented by the post-2020 landscape, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already demanding roles of ministry leaders.

We encourage you to revisit each episode from this series, sharing the wealth of knowledge not only with fellow youth ministers but also with decision-makers such as elder boards, pastors, and denominational leaders. By doing so, we aim to foster a collective effort in reshaping our approach and creating a renewed vision for supporting youth and campus ministry leaders in their crucial work with young people.

We hope this season has not only shed light on the challenges but has also provided hopeful paths forward, and we invite you to continue to be part of this transformative dialogue.

Listener Resources:

If you are a Christian leader or pastor seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, click here.
NEW: Get our latest free resource, Disillusionment with Ministry: 4 ways to renew your purpose in the midst of disappointment.
Download the free Clergy Burnout Report
Download the Youth Pastor Compensation Report, 2023 from The Youth Cartel, as referenced in today's conversation

Youth & Campus Ministry Burnout | Kurt Rietema Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Kurt Rietema joins us with over 14 years of experience leading missional journeys for Youthfront, an almost 80-year-old youth ministry organization, that focuses on camps, youth worker training, and community development.

Kurt shares his personal journey, including his time living in Mexico and to his current neighborhood in Kansas City with a high percentage of undocumented immigrants. His work involves youth social entrepreneurship, immigration advocacy, and housing/lending partnerships for immigrants.

The discussion dives into the challenges of living in the same neighborhood where ministry is conducted, and navigating the complex and often enmeshed relationships that can contribute to burnout or experiencing vicarious trauma.

The episode addresses establishing boundaries to protect well-being without being too rigid and the necessity of playing the long game in ministry by incorporating sabbaticals.

Kurt also shares more about his recent book, To Mend the World, co-authored with Jason Lief. The book challenges traditional models of youth ministry, emphasizing that old paradigms are no longer effective. Kurt discusses the limitations of conventional approaches, such as Wednesday night youth gatherings, and highlights the need for a shift towards more strategic and sustained mission work. The book seeks to elevate the understanding of mission, advocating for its incorporation into everyday life and promoting engagement in God's redemptive work in the world.

To Mend the World by Jason Lief and Kurt Rietema is available now wherever books are sold.

Each week, we ask our guests to highlight an organization doing good work. Kurt shares the work being done by Abara Borderland Connections, an organization seeking narrative, systemic, and personal change through Border Encounter Experiences for groups across the country.

Youth & Campus Ministry Burnout | Megan DeWald Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

"So often in youth ministry, we think that it's our job to do ministry at young people. Sometimes we're doing youth ministry for them, but what we really encourage people to think about is how do we do ministry with them?" -Megan DeWald

This week's guest is Megan DeWald, the director of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. With two decades of experience, Megan highlights the gap between the calling of youth ministers and the overwhelming job descriptions they receive. She points out the mismatch between traditional job expectations, like organizing events, and the actual work needed to address today's youth challenges, such as mental health crises and political issues.

The episode reveals the broken state of the current youth ministry system and stresses the importance of aligning the job with the critical work of caring for and guiding young people through their challenges. Megan discusses the added pressures on youth workers, including isolation and competition, emphasizing the need for a fundamental reevaluation of the youth ministry system to better serve ministers and the youth they aim to support.

This episode is an invitation to a new imagination and innovation for what youth ministry can be today – and reminds us to pull up chairs for the youth that these churches hope to serve.

Each episode, we ask our guest to call our attention to an organization that is doing good work. Megan highlights two projects:

Log College Project is an 18-month program that brings the best of Princeton Theological Seminary to your region. We help Christian congregations design, test, and implement new models of ministry, with teenagers at the design table.

Beaufolio Studios is a creative art house hosting collaborative workshops and consulting relationships, utilizing creativity and theological reflection to "create creators" at the intersections of sacred art, human-centered design, and restorative equity.

We encourage you to check them out and support their work if you feel led.

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