Episode 246: “When did the church put pastors on trial.” The Thomas Oord story

Standard

On July 11th, 2024, Religious News Service published an article about Professor Thomas Oord, a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Oord was put on trial for his openness to dialogue with the church about affirming the LGBTQ+ community. This not only led to a trial for charges against Oord, but ultimately led to his dismissal, revoked membership, and an open letter published in Newsweek.

Scott and Micah discuss both articles and break down some of the interesting twists and turns that this story unveils.

Religious News Service Article: https://religionnews.com/2024/07/11/prominent-queer-affirming-theologian-facing-trial-by-church-of-the-nazarene/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8UyJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQbbiUHVjB90-yOCCS9OzdTV52JUo_1iTqfREq0_Z6-4ekVOumkBd62rQA_aem_U9q7QvJMI-WgM8gxzubgNw

Oord’s Newsweek Open Letter: https://www.newsweek.com/defrocked-church-found-guilty-do-not-feel-sorry-1947556

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 245: Questions and Reactions to the Church of God Interim Director Position

Standard

The Church of God has been going through a leadership transition in its search to find the next person to be the General Director of the movement.  Last, Week the COG ministry Council and Search team released a job description for an Interim Director.  On this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the role of the interim director, and what influence the director has, and share our questions and hopes we have for the individual who will be nominated for this position.

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 244: Challenges returning to Ministry after a Hiatus

Standard

In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss the challenges pastors face when returning to ministry after taking some time away.  We discuss those challenges and some of the cultural messaging that make returning pastors hesitant to jump back into ministry.

Episode 243: Scott’s Two Year Anniversary at BUMC

Standard

In this episode, Micah interviews Scott as he completes his second work anniversary at Bexley United Methodist Church.

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 237: Interview with Jordan West

Standard

In this episode, Scott and Micah interview Jordan West, a Worship leader at North Park Church in Meridian Mississippi.  Jordan shares his calling to ministry, the highs and lows of his ministry journey, and his experience of leading worship in various sizes of churches.  We also discuss the joys and challenges of leading worship in small, mid-size, or large churches and how one’s heart will determine success in ministry.

In our Stories Gone Wild segment, we share random people knowing who you are, dealing with internet issues, and easter egg helicopter drops going wrong.

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 236: Is Full-Time Ministry a Viable Career?

Standard

In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss if Full-Time Ministry is a variable option as a career. We discuss the changes within church culture that make it hard for new ministers to find full-time work, the pay structure for most mid-size to small churches, and how denominational support from the national and state levels can help or harm the growth of equipping churches to have full-time ministers. In our Stories Gone Wild segment, we share birthing stories to celebrate Micah’s new addition to his family!

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 234: Navigating Design Flaws in Church Buildings

Standard

Have you ever looked inside a church and realized there was a flaw in its architecture? As a church leader, have you tried to do a remodel or campaign and realized there are many more structural problems to deal with than first conceived? In this episode, Scott and Micah discuss from their experience some design flaws they have dealt with, and the various ways to meet those challenges.

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 233: Navigating Various Youth Participants

Standard

As our society continues to capture our attention, it can be difficult for youth workers to have every youth participant attend every youth event.  Sometimes it can become annoying as the pressure to have a visible and vibrant youth group becomes a source of contention with the congregation and leadership.  Scott and Micah explore the pressures and how to make honest connections with the busy lives of modern youth.

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners.  We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance.  If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 232: Leadership Transitions – When is the time to transition?

Standard

In this second episode on leadership transitions, Scott and Micah discuss when it is time for leaders to think about transitioning out of their ministry context. When most church leaders are ready to transition, it is usually too late and the after-effects can be divisive. We explore the intricate details and share our Stories Gone Wild!

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners. We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance. If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast

Episode 231: Leadership Transition: Carelessness

Standard

In this two-part episode, Scott and Micah discuss the topic of carelessness when it comes to leadership transitions.  Most people can identify some of the big reasons leadership transitions fail, but what about the small moments that can have major consequences?  We explore the minute details and share our Stories Gone Wild!

The Scott Stedman Podcast is made possible by support from our listeners.  We thank listeners like Patty and Scott whose support goes to this podcast’s continual growth and maintenance.  If you want to support the podcast, go to the link below. https://ko-fi.com/thescottstedmanpodcast