Field Notes for Transformation

Ep 3: Unlocking Creativity: Innovation, Leadership and Ministry with Len Wilson

Summary
In this conversation, Len Wilson shares insights on creativity, its decline from childhood to adulthood, and the importance of fostering a creative environment in leadership and ministry. Wilson emphasizes the need for safe spaces for creativity, the vulnerability involved in creating original work, and the importance of personal discipline in nurturing creativity. In this conversation, Lindsay and Len explore the themes of creativity, leadership, and innovation within ministry. They discuss the importance of recognizing one's own creativity, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the evolving nature of ministry in response to cultural changes. Len shares insights on navigating the creative process, emphasizing the need for perseverance through challenges and the value of collaboration in fostering new ideas.
 
Takeaways
Creativity is not limited to the arts; it encompasses original ideas with value.
Leaders should foster safe environments for creative expression.
Team-based solutions are essential in addressing complex problems.
Innovation in ministry requires understanding cultural shifts.
Encouragement from others is vital in the creative journey.
 
Episode field note: 
The key to the creative process is to keep going. Trust the process, and if you believe the idea is God-given, persevere through the difficulties. While the final product may never match the lofty vision you started with, it will still reflect the faith, effort, and creativity poured into it. 
 
Resources and links:
Len’s website: lenwilson.substack.com/
Books mentioned by Len: https://www.inviteministries.org/authors/len-wilson/
Follow SLI: @spiritualleadershipinc
This episode is brought to you by Spiritual Leadership, Inc
Head to spiritual-leadership.org to take a look at resources for ministry leaders. 
 

Ep 2: The Ministry of Connecting People with Leanne Burris

Summary
In this conversation, Lindsay and Leanne explore the transformative power of ministry and leadership. Leanne shares impactful stories from her work at The Bridge, emphasizing the importance of connecting people to God's love and the mission of building disciples. They discuss the challenges of community transformation, the significance of empowering individuals' gifts, and the necessity of creating a culture of growth. Leanne reflects on her evolving understanding of leadership, the importance of teamwork, and the critical need for rest and reflection in ministry. The conversation concludes with insights on embracing vulnerability as a leader and the future of ministry.
 
Takeaways
The mission of ministry is to connect people to God's love.
Creating disciples of Jesus involves intentional relationships and community.
Vulnerability in leadership fosters a safe space for others.
The future of ministry may require new approaches and adaptability.
 
Episode field note: Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
As leaders, we are often tempted to hide the hard parts of our own transformation, fearing it will disqualify us in the eyes of those we lead. But if the mission is transformation for the sake of the gospel, we cannot separate ourselves from the process. We must live out the very change we ask of others.
Resources and links:
Leanne’s website:  www.thebridgegulfcoast.org
Follow SLI: @spiritualleadershipinc
This episode is brought to you by Spiritual Leadership, Inc
Head to spiritual-leadership.org to take a look at resources for ministry leaders. 

Ep 1: Creating Space for What? with Bryan D. Sims

Summary
In this conversation, Bryan D. Sims discusses the importance of creating space for authentic discipleship within church environments. He emphasizes that many churches struggle due to a lack of genuine disciples of Jesus and outlines practical steps for leaders to foster healthy environments that encourage spiritual growth. The discussion also touches on the future of leadership in ministry, advocating for humility, collaboration, and a focus on abiding in Jesus as the key to fruitful ministry.
Takeaways
 
 
Creating environments that foster transformation is crucial.
Practical steps can help create healthy environments for growth.
Leaders must model vulnerability and accountability in their teams.
Shared leadership is essential for overcoming challenges.
 
 
Resources and links:
 
Bryan’s website: https://www.bryandsims.com/
 
Bryan’s new book: Creating Space: Cultivating Environments of Jesus to Thrive and Multiply
 
Follow Bryan: @bryansims
 
Follow SLI: @spiritualleadershipinc
 
This episode is brought to you by Spiritual Leadership, Inc
 
Head to spiritual-leadership.org to take a look at resources for ministry leaders.