Discussion Questions: 1. How does commodifying individuals in society and in the church go against the principles of valuing people beyond their societal roles and consumption patterns? 2. In what ways do you see the dangers of reducing people to their purposes and activities in today’s culture? 3. How do you think fame intersects…
Q&A: 1. According to Tom Sine, what are two past ways of thinking that hinder our ability to see the future? 2. In what ways does the Enlightenment and individualism impact our understanding of faith and community? 3. How does the quote from Tom Sine highlight the perspective of middle class white folks in…
Discussion Questions: 1. How have stories influenced your own spiritual formation and growth? 2. Are there any stories or narratives that you have accepted without critically examining them? How might this impact your faith? 3. How can the church create space for sharing and hearing each other’s stories? Why is this important for spiritual…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:32 Being vulnerable is crucial for leading churches through change. Stay open to correction, empathize with others, and reflect on yourself. Security in relationships is essential. 00:03:27 Leaders need three types of relationships: partners (who care more about the mission than themselves), friends (who care more about the person than the mission), and…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does the concept of being the “wrong person” for the job resonate with you in your own life or leadership roles? 2. Do you agree that salvation is about becoming the person God meant us to be? Why or why not? 3. What are some common interferences that prevent us…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:31 The Church Leadership Institute teaches adaptive leadership for a changing world. People resist change because they fear loss of the familiar. Letting go feels like abandoning family. We must prepare for an unfamiliar future. 00:04:00 The Lord’s Supper is a foretaste of the future wedding feast; we should focus on the future…
Discussion Questions: 1. How can churches effectively identify adaptive challenges and bridge the gap between the church and the community? 2. In what ways can churches listen to the hopes, longings, dreams, and joys of the community they serve? 3. Why is it important for churches to pay attention to changes in the community…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:01:43 The pandemic and political division have caused church and familial splits when people refuse to accept differing views. This goes against the teachings of Jesus to break down divisions. The church needs to focus on reconciliation rather than creating more divisions. 00:05:07 Jim Harrington on the Leader Journey Podcast, where Jim asks…
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Overworked preacher seeks rest, struggles with burnout in ministry. 00:04:19 Book inversion: Prevent burnout in ministry, become high capacity leader. 00:08:51 Control isolates; false sense of reality. 00:14:37 Control linked to childhood affects leadership negatively. 00:18:37 Avoid entanglements that dampen your flame. 00:23:21 Depend on Lord, choose right people, seek freedom. 00:26:01…
The official podcast of:
As featured in:
These are not… what you signed up for!
These are not… supposed to consume all your energy!
These are not… why the church exists!
This guide will help:
A message that feels like good news for you, your people, and the world.
Participation with God in the healing of the world.
Life and leadership from a place of deep union with Jesus.
Believe me…
I know how hard church leadership can be.
Here’s the good news…
You don’t have to flounder. You can feel confident knowing that your leadership and your ministry are making a difference!
Invite me to speak to your team, your church, or even for one-on-one coaching.
I’ll help you and your organization live your calling so that, together with God, you can heal the world.
In an ever-changing world, it’s really hard to know how to be a church that makes a difference. When we’re at a loss, church leaders often imitate other churches.
But that doesn’t work because every church’s context is different!
Flourishing churches don’t imitate other churches. But healthy church leaders do help them engage in these seven practices.
How many of these are you doing?
“Markus Watson knows from experience that without a compelling vision, churches instinctively turn inward. But without the capacity to trust each other as a healthy and courageous community, the most enthusiastic mission-driven congregation settles for becoming a spiritual country club for the baptized. An excellent and engaging communicator and a wise and resilient coach, Markus Watson is the kind of consultant, speaker, coach and leader who can inspire a community and its leadership to be their very best selves.”
Dr. Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains and Vice President and Chief of Fuller Leadership Platform at Fuller Theological Seminary
“Markus is an outstanding teacher, group facilitator, and peer coach. His teaching style is upbeat, light-hearted, and disarming even when approaching topics that stretch and challenge his audience. I highly recommend him.”
Pastor Jason Coker, Senior Pastor of Oceanside Sanctuary
“Markus is a leader of profound character who has a passion to serve the Body of Christ and the world around him. He is a gifted communicator and able to clearly convey substantive thought in a way that is easy to comprehend. It is always a pleasure to work with him.”
Micah Lunsford, Director and Founder of Resonance: A Theological Journal
“Markus is a solid preacher who shares God’s word in practical ways that people can apply to everyday life. He enjoys developing leaders by unpacking the God-given dreams placed inside them that need to get out to benefit the world. He loves guiding leaders through a dynamic process of discovery and development through. I encourage you to contact Markus and begin the journey together!”
Dr. Nate Landis, Founder and President of Urban Youth Collaborative, San Diego
“Markus leads those around him with a passion that is uplifting, encouraging, and unparalleled. His ability to articulate his stories of real life experiences, intertwined with his messages, keep you leaning forward in your seat, engrossed in his words, wanting to hear more.”
Jimm Greer, Founder and CEO of UMTR2ME (You Matter To Me), suicide prevention organization
