Field Notes for Transformation

Ep 8: Transforming Leadership Through Experience with Stephanie Faulkner

Summary
In this conversation, Lindsay and Stephanie Faulkner dive deep into the transformative journey of leadership, spotlighting the power of trust, communication, and cultural awareness. Stephanie opens up about her personal leadership experiences, sharing both the hurdles and triumphs of building meaningful relationships and creating a nurturing environment. Stephanie also explores how faith shapes leadership and the crucial role of self-care in sustaining long-term impact.
Takeaways
Leadership is not a fixed trait but an evolving journey, shaped over time by lived experiences, challenges, and growth.
Trust and communication are the bedrock of any transformative leadership. They create the space for authentic connections, foster collaboration, and pave the way for meaningful change and progress.
Cultural differences play a pivotal role in shaping leadership dynamics. Understanding and respecting these differences can unlock deeper relationships, bridge gaps, and foster an environment where diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions.
Faith serves as a powerful guiding force in leadership.
 
 
Field Note
There is balance between self-care and selflessness, emphasizing that while it's important to take care of oneself, it’s equally essential to remember that life and leadership isn’t solely about individual needs. Stephanie referenced Wesley's Covenant Prayer from his covenant service, a tool she uses to remind herself of her confidence in both her identity and her purpose.
Resources and links:
Stephanie’s non-profit Nueva Vida: nuevavidaguatemala.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 7: Building a Movement of Belonging with Jacob Armstrong

In this conversation, Jacob Armstrong shares his journey of founding Providence Church, discussing the vision behind the church, the hurdles faced in church planting, and the importance of engagement over attendance. He emphasizes the need for leaders to evolve, the significance of creating environments for discipleship, and the challenges of creating a culture that fosters belonging. Jacob also reflects on the barriers that keep people disconnected from the church and offers practical advice for leaders to focus on mission.
Takeaways
Creating a culture of discipleship is essential for church health and growth.
Focusing on the mission helps prevent a closed-loop culture.
Identifying and empowering new leaders is crucial.
 
Episode field note:
Emphasis on the importance of deepening personal relationship with Jesus.
 
Resources and links:
Jacob’s website: https://prov.church/
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 6: Creating Irresistable Environments with Taylor Foley

In this conversation, Taylor Foley shares his journey and passion for creating healthy organizational cultures, particularly within church environments. He emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and resilience in building a vibrant culture. Taylor discusses the challenges faced in shifting culture, the role of leadership, and the necessity of measuring cultural health. He also highlights the significance of aligning values with growth and navigating resistance to change. Ultimately, he expresses hope for the future of ministry and encourages leaders to embrace their role in cultivating a positive culture.
 
Takeaways
Creating irresistible environments is essential for engagement.
Leaders must set the tone for their teams.
Aligning values with actions is key to cultural integrity.
 
Episode field note:
Reframing leadership as an opportunity rather than an obligation transforms culture.
Rather than seeing responsibilities as a checklist, embrace the mindset of “I get to do this”. Lean into people, set the tone, and cultivate an environment where growth thrives.
 
Resources and links:
Taylor’s website: egracechurch.com
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 5: From Fixed to Flourishing: Embracing Identity, Action, and Growth in Leadership with Matthew Hartsfield

In this conversation, Matthew Hartsfield shares his journey of embracing transformation and the importance of identity in leadership. He discusses the intersection of pastoring and coaching, emphasizing the need for a growth mindset and psychological safety in creating effective teams. Hartsfield reflects on his early mistakes in leadership, advocating for a culture of transformation through clarity, consistency, and community. He concludes with insights on the future of leadership, highlighting the necessity of adaptation while maintaining a focus on core values and identity.
 
Takeaways
Every individual and organization has an identity issue that must be addressed before transformation can occur.
A growth mindset is essential for both pastoring and coaching.
Psychological safety is the key factor that differentiates effective teams from ineffective ones.
Leaders should avoid the heroic solo leadership model and embrace collaboration.
Coaching is about asking the right questions and empowering others to find their own answers.
Episode field note:
Field Note: The Power of Forward Motion
Momentum is a leader's greatest ally. When you're stuck or afraid to act, the key is simple: start something.
 
Resources and links:
Matthew’s website: https://www.bayhope.church/
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 4: From Pastor to Coach: A Journey of Leadership with Jorge Acevedo

In this conversation, Jorge Acevedo shares his journey from nearly four decades in pastoral ministry to becoming a leadership coach. He discusses the evolution of his calling, the importance of transitioning from heroic solo leadership to generative team leadership, and the essential qualities that contribute to resilient and vital ministries. Jorge emphasizes the need for experimentation, sustainability, and the role of personal growth in effective leadership. He also highlights the significance of facing pain for growth, identifying bright-eyed leaders, and cultivating a deep walk with God as foundational to future ministry success.
 
Takeaways
Vitality in ministry requires clear focus and processes.
Experimentation is key to adapting in ministry contexts.
Building adaptive teams is necessary for future challenges.
A deep walk with God is foundational for leadership.
 
Field Note: Lead from Surrender
True leadership begins with surrender. Cultivate your walk with God daily, embracing the easy yoke of Jesus rather than bearing the weight of outcomes.
 
Resources and links:
Jorge’s website: https://www.jorgeacevedo.com/
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 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.