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Rev Dr Mart Thompson from Concordia Seminary in St Louis shares with us his experience growing ministry servants through the Specific Ministry Pastor Program (SMP). SMP is a four year distance education program for students to prepare to become pastors with the help of a local mentor-pastor who has been trained in coaching. Mart also shares his insights and experience with coaching and growing people. To learn more about SMP go to https://www.csl.edu/academics/programs/specific-ministry-pastor-smp/ and you may contact Rev Dr Thompson at thompsonw@csl.edu For coaching or other information you can find us at http://scottgress.com and scottgress@me.com. You can also sign up for more information about the LCMS coaching network at https://1cb9d3-4baf.icpage.net/lcms-coaching-network

This is the second of two rebroadcast episodes with Rev Tony Durante. (If you’ve missed the first part please go back and find it and listen to it after you hear this part) In this rebroadcast he shares with us the details of how to not just lead events but grow and disciple people during that event or activity. He differentiates between relationships that determine ministry approaches and pursuing approaches or programs that one hopes will develop relationships. You may contact Tony at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Plantation Florida at 954-473-6888 extension 101 or tdurante@oursaviorplantation.org Contact us if you want to explore leadership coaching by going to http://scottgress.com or emailing us at scottgress@me.com

In this rebroadcast of the first of a two part interview, Tony shares his history and development as a believer. Then he shares some of the lessons he learned on the mission field and how they can transfer to the local mission field. Tony shares how some of his ministry practices developed and touched so many lives including how he has used prayer as a ministry and outreach tool. Tony relates a key Bible passage in reaching those who are unchurched and some important approaches which flow from that passage. It is amazing how Tony introduces how evangelism and outreach can actually be low stress, non confrontational, caring and based in love. Tony spends considerable time helping us understand the foundation, the strategies and the practical approaches to working with people in community based servant evangelism where relationships can grow including a relationship with Jesus. This is what being a coaching leader who grows other people is all about and demonstrates so much of what we seek to share with others. Contact Pastor Tony at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Plantation Florida at 954-473-6888 extension 101 or tdurante@oursaviorplantation.org

Dr Jane Fryar joins the podcast to share with us from her great experience as an author, leadership scholar and servant of the church. She shares her clear understanding of leadership and how it grows out of one's identity. Then she helps us with a clear explanation of servant leadership, the subject of her wonderful book of the same title. Other subjects addressed range from recruiting leaders and what is needed to do that well to how one can really help people who are growing as new leaders and gives practical advice. Towards the end she speaks in her gentle wisdom to both "the sons and daughters of God" about what is helpful in encouraging people, especially women. You may contact Dr Fryar through her email janefryar@gmail.com The Coaching Leader Podcast is a podcast about coaching, leadership and leading through coaching. It is our joy to grow people for ministry especially in the areas of leadership, discipleship and teamwork. We do this through coaching, consulting, coach and leadership speaking and training. You may learn more at our website: http://scottgress.com

Dr. Sam Voorhies recently served as the Executive Director and Chair of the Center for Biblical Leadership and a professor of leadership in the PBA MacArthur School of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Sam holds a Ph.D. in International Development Education from Florida State University, M.A. in education from Wheaton College, a B.A. degree in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University, and is the author of several articles and publications on leadership, international and community development. He has spent 30 years in international cross-cultural leadership and management in both global corporate industry and in NGO (non-government organizations) humanitarian work, he has worked in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim covering some 75 countries.   Sam’s roles have focused on strategy, senior leadership, organizational change and development along with board governance, supporting organizational growth and change for the World Vision International Partnership (a global partnership of 100 offices with 40,000 staff and global budget of $2.7 billion). He last served as Global Director for Leadership and Organizational Development. In episode 46, Dr Sam Voorhies presented on leadership. Today he graciously joins us for an interview where he not only shares his story, filled with God's grace and provision but also the leadership lessons he has learned along the way. Among the things he touches on are: Leadership is a team sport and just as growing in Christ is not done in a vacuum, neither does leadership development happen in a vacuum. The purpose of being a leader is developing other leaders and leaders are made, not born. You are invited to grow your leadership through the work that he begin with Palm Beach Atlantic University through https://www.centerforbiblicalleadership.com/lifework/ And your are invited to read the article he co-wrote with Dr Lane Cohee, guest in episode 39 at https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/64438356/christian-business-review-2020-leadership/14 Contact us if you would like to strategize how you can grow in your leadership or help others to grow: http://www.scottgress.com 

Reggie McNeal joins us on the podcast for a two part interview. In this the second part Reggie talks about the critical need for customized people development - the shifts we need to make and why. Then he gives some inspiring examples to guide us and encourage us. If you happened to miss the first part of this interview go back to episode 47 and check out his description of church centric vs kingdom centric ministry and leadership. You can reach out to Reggie at his website @ http://reggiemcneal.org and listen to more at his Reggie McNeal podcast. For leadership coaching, coach training and consulting you can contact us at contact us at scottgress.com

Reggie McNeal Pastor, church planter, denominational executive, leadership coach (we like that part), author of 10 books, numerous article, speaking engagements, blogs, podcasts, Sr Fellow for Leadership Network joins the podcast. In this first part of a two part interview, Reggie shares with us kingdom centric ministry and leadership as opposed to church-centric ministry. This is a powerful distinction that sets our focus toward God's preferred future and ministries that touch the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than just hoping people will show up at the church. What is required is nothing short of a culture shift for it to happen in our churches and grow people. It will involve three things: The first is the story or narrative, next is the scorecard or what we pay attention to, and finally stewardship.  Reggie also addresses many of the misconceptions or false assumptions about church and ministry that gets in the way of really making a difference in people's lives for both time and eternity.  In the next episode Reggie will focus in on what it takes to develop people as disciples and leaders. You can learn more about this through his books and contact him through his website at reggiemcneal.org  

We are please to present, with permission, a recording of Dr Sam Voorhies presenting on Leadership from God's Perspective to the Pam Beach Mens group from June 23, 2021. Here he speaks about the importance of Christian character and competencies in leadership. He also shares about a wonderful leadership development program at Palm Beach Atlantic University called Life Work Leadership. You can find more information at https://www.centerforbiblicalleadership.com/lifework/ It is a partnership between the Center for Biblical Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University and the National Christian Foundation of Palm Beach. It is an eight month leadership experience to engage professionals on issues they face in their business and personal lives. Sam Voorhies has recently served as the Executive Director and Chair of the Center for Biblical Leadership and a professor of leadership in the PBA MacArthur School of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Sam holds a Ph.D. in International Development Education from Florida State University, M.A. in education from Wheaton College, a B.A. degree in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University, and is the author of several articles and publications on leadership, international and community development. He is passionate about working with leaders, their teams and organizations to achieve exceptional performance. His goal is to build leadership and organizational capacity, enabling leaders and their teams to become, and achieve, more than they thought possible. With more than 30 years of international cross-cultural leadership and management experience in both global corporate industry and in NGO (non-government organizations) humanitarian work, he has worked in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim covering some 75 countries. Sam’s roles have focused on strategy, senior leadership, organizational change and development along with board governance, supporting organizational growth and change for the World Vision International Partnership (a global partnership of 100 offices with 40,000 staff and global budget of $2.7 billion). He last served as Global Director for Leadership and Organizational Development.  

In this episode I share some of my own personal development and how my thinking grew, and also some of the great research about leadership development. We conclude by sharing what this means for practical efforts at growing leaders for ministry. Let us know what this content brings up for you and reach out to us. We look forward to how we may be helpful. scottgress.com and scottgress@me.com

Executive Director of Coach Approach Ministries Brian Miller leads us in thinking through the differences between mentoring and coaching. He shares some of the pitfalls and temptations of mentoring and some pro tips in order to be the most helpful in developing people. You can find Brian at https://coachapproachministries.org Reach out to us at scottgress.com for a strategy session to talk about growing people for ministry in the areas of leadership, discipleship and teamwork. We take a coach approach to working with you and your ministry or organization. This means greater collaboration and customization for you which leads to less time wasted.

Rev Dr David Luecke brings the rare educational background of not only a Masters of Divinity but also a Masters of Business Administration plus a PhD in Organizational Behavior. He has taught at Washington University, Valparaiso University and Fuller Seminary. In 1990, Dr. Luecke received a call to plant a new Lutheran church in a suburb of his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He saw it as a great opportunity to practice what he had been teaching. He has been a member of the American Psychological Association for fifty years. In this, the second episode of the interview with Dr Luecke, he addresses what he calls the Behavioral Science perspective which is the subject of his PhD in Organizational Behavior. He speaks to the sociology of the New Testament and the Reformation as compared to today. He addresses the psychology of spiritual temperaments which he emphasizes is necessary to know how to lead people to Jesus. Dr Luecke shares his wisdom through his blogs and free ebooks available on his website whathappenem.church. He can be reached to continue the dialogue at dsluecke@aol.com

What did you learn from Lent, Holy Week and Easter? How can you get better faster? For you, your team and your ministry or organization? There is a better pathway to Leadership development and it is through intentional reflection and action learning. Watch the YouTube video of this bonus podcast episode here:              https://youtu.be/RDrjaoDydr0            Download the free reflection tool here: http://www.scottgress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Reflection-Tool-Lent-Holy-Week-Easter.pdf Reach out to us and let us know how we might be helpful and supportive for your leadership development. scottgress@me.com    

Rev Dr David Luecke brings the rare educational background of not only a Masters of Divinity but also a Masters of Business Administration plus a PhD in Organizational Behavior. He has taught at Washington University, Valparaiso University and Fuller Seminary. In 1990, Dr. Luecke received a call to plant a new Lutheran church in a suburb of his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He saw it as a great opportunity to practice what he had been teaching. He has been a member of the American Psychological Association for fifty years. In this, the first episode of the interview with Dr Luecke, he addresses what he calls the management perspective. As a former professor of Church Management and Strategic Management he brings a rich perspective that at its core is practical and missional while caring for the individual leader. Dr Luecke shares his wisdom through his blogs and free ebooks available on his website https://whathappened.church  He can be reached to continue the dialogue at dsluecke@aol.com  Stay tuned for the second episode of this interview where he stretches our thinking as he presents the Behavioral science perspective. There he will break down the wisdom and insight of St Paul for his first century hearers and how it should impact how we interact with our culture and society today. Reach out to me for a free 30 minute strategy session to think through your next steps in leadership. Scottgress@me.com or http://scottgress.com

Dr. Jonathan Grenz is the Dean of both the School of ministry and the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a pastor, professor of leadership with a PhD from Biola University. He is the co-author of Synergistic Collaborations: Pastoral Care and Church Social Work. Which explores a collaborative model blending pastoral care and social work. https://www.amazon.com/Synergistic-Co...​ He is president of the We Are Life Board of Directors - a foundation making an impact to those in Colombia and recently refugees from Venezuela. https://wearelife.foundation​ He may be contacted at Jonathan_Grenz@pba.edu In this podcast he explores the difference between "leadership" and "leader" and addresses some very practical ways in which leadership development and team development can occur. His insightful views actually flip the script on how to bring about healthy productive organizations. His emphasis on strengthening and growing leaders to greater maturity will make a difference in your church, ministry or organization. Our time concludes with some additional information and insight from Dr Grenz around the themes from his book on strategic collaboration and his fascinating work in Colombia where the social service supports church and ministry and touches lives. Thank you Dr. Grenz for your modeling, your work and your time with us through the podcast!

Dr Lane Cohee is Associate Dean of the Rinker School of Business and a Senior Fellow of PBA’s Center for Biblical Leadership. This follows a 30-year career in the defense and aerospace industry. He spent seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, holding positions in the areas of engineering and product acquisition management. Lane holds a B.S., United States Air Force Academy; M.B.A., University of Redlands; M.Eng., University of Colorado; Dr.B.A., Rollins College. His research interests focus on organizational development, strategy, leadership and operations, with an emphasis on project/program management. As a business practitioner, Dr. Cohee served as executive committee chair for both emerging talent development and program management.  He also served as an adjunct faculty instructor in the field of project management at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University from 2008-2009. Dr. Cohee has been an active member in congregations within the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) He has written The Disquieted Soul - paths of discovery and deliverance Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Disquieted-Soul-Paths-Discovery-Deliverance/dp/1625861338/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+disquieted+soul&qid=1611764619&sr=8-1  From living lives of restless discontent, souls who over-analyze, over-worry, over-perform, and over-protect. They are the souls running as fast as they can, trying to escape their own unhappiness. (Read more about this at disquietedsoul.com ) In this episode of The Coaching Leader Podcast we talk to Lane about the wonderful article he wrote with his colleague from Palm Beach Atlantic University, Dr Sam Voorhies for the Fall 2020 Christian Business Review entitled Leading From Within…Modeling Biblical Transformation https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/64438356/christian-business-review-2020-leadership/14 In our dialogue and in the article, we go deep into what self leadership is, what it means and how it intersects with our sinful nature. Then how it intersects with the emotional triggers of shame and pride and their related dysfunctions of disapproval avoidance and approval addiction. Dr Cohee also goes into what is needed and helpful in dealing with these and other related issues in leadership. You can contact Dr Cohee through his website disquietedsoul.com

Moving into 2021 with awareness and intentionality. 2020 has had its effect on us and will also impact how we engage 2021. Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong shares with us what he has encountered in his work of counseling in 2020 in addition to serving those who have experienced a natural disaster and/or other critical events. He helps us to be more self-aware of what is going on in ourselves and our people so that we can be more intentional in leading into 2021. You can contact Rick Armstrong at LCSFL.com and rrarmstrong@lcsfl.com Connect with us at scottgress.com and scottgress@me.com for leadership coaching and consulting as you make plans to engage 2021 with greater intentionality.

A pandemic makes leading even more difficult. Coaching can help, and leading through coaching can be especially helpful. In searching for a guest to teach us about this, we remembered the wisdom shared in our fourth episode with pastor, Master Certified Coach and President of Coach Approach Ministries, Chad Hall. So today is a rebroadcast of that episode. Reach out to me at scottgress@me.com or 561-542-4472 if you would like to experience a sample coaching session and explore what that may look like for yourself, your team or your ministry or organization. We are also a resource for your coach training needs. Our website is scottgress.com.  

With this episode we welcome Dan Willmann to the podcast. Dan became a Campus Crusade for Christ staff member in 1984 with the Campus Ministry at the University of Nebraska. He served as the director of Greek ministries (fraternities and sororities) for four years and then did the same at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. In 1990 Dan moved to Chicago to become a Field Representative for the JESUS Film Project (JFP) where he served for 6 years engaging high capacity ministry partners by raising money. A few years later Dan was asked to move to Southern California to provide leadership for JFP’s national team of major donor reps. After serving with the JESUS Film Project for 20 years he transitioned to the President’s office where he served for a year as the Director of Development for Global Church Movements. Dan was appointed the vice president of Global Fund Development in 2011. He now serves as an internal consultant with Cru. We first got to know one another at the church where we worshipped in Jr High school. It has been fun to periodically connect and see what God has been doing in one another's lives. If you would like to connect with Dan to further the dialogue you can email him at dan.willmann@ccci.org

In this episode we welcome Dr Enid Conley.  Dr Conley has had a significant career in law enforcement and education and mentoring. As a native American woman, she also shares a valuable perspective that brings great wisdom to the podcast. She shares her perspective on not only law enforcement in the troubled times that we live in but also her lessons learned in leadership. She emphasizes the value of being fluid as she says. This impacts our assumptions and inferences about situations and people. Then what comes along with that is the process of continual growth where she talks about how this can be learned and one can grow in the ability to be fluid. As a mentor to doctoral students she speaks to the growing edges she helps students to work through that are helpful for us to know as well. Then at a time in this country that is growing so aware of racism, she as a native American she shares what is really going on in this community. She speaks to the realities of racism and abuse and bias that exist today and needs to be addressed both personally and legislatively. We are so grateful for her being so willing to share her time and her perspective at this time. You may contact her for further dialogue at wwolvespak@aol.com Connect with us at scottgress.com and scottgress@me.com We offer leadership coaching for individuals and churches, team coaching and coaching for discipleship. and training for all of the above.

With this the 34th episode of The Coaching Leader Podcast, we are joined by Rev. Bart Day. He is the President and CEO of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, a company with 2 Billion dollars in assets. We learn about Bart's journey and lessons learned along the way including his experience with coaching. Bart welcomes you reaching out to him either through his email - Bart.Day@LCEF.org or by telephone 314-885-6300. We look forward to any way in which we may be helpful as a speaker, trainer, consultant and leadership coach. If you would like to explore what it means to receive leadership coaching, contact us at scottgress.com or scottgress@me.com.