212. Unlearning Old Paradigms for Kingdom Leadership, with Terry Walling, author of Unlikely Nomads

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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Terry Walling is Founder and President of Leader Breakthru and the author of Unlikely Nomads.
In this episode, Terry Walling shares about people he calls “nomads.” They love Jesus, but they don’t love the more traditional expressions of the church. They want to be part of the church, but the way most of our churches are structured isn’t life-giving for them.
Terry and I reflect together on what a “nomad” is, what “nomads” are longing for, and how churches like yours and mine can love and bless “nomads” as they seek to live out their love for Jesus.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Terry Walling expresses his passion for mentoring leaders who are willing to take risks within the kingdom.
• He reflects on his own transformation from pastor to leadership development expert during a significant transition period.
• Walling shares humorous anecdotes from his pastoring days, particularly while presiding over the church his parents attended.
• Terry Walling discusses the shift from traditional programmatic church models to environments that foster safe and meaningful community connections.
• Terry Walling believes that church expressions are changing, with "Unlikely Nomads" capturing this evolutionary process.
• Walling advises the church to unlearn old paradigms and embrace new ones to stay relevant and effective.
• He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for community interaction over adherence to traditional programmatic structures.
• The concept of a "bridging church" is presented as a means to help individuals reintegrate into their local communities.
• Terry Walling speaks about "unlikely nomads" within the church who seek a more profound journey with God and authenticity in their faith.
• He discusses the challenge of transforming church structures and the need to focus on personal renewal before organizational change.
• Terry Walling proposes that a shift towards personal discipleship can lead the way for structural transformations within the church.
• Markus Watson and Terry Walling hosts highlight the gradual, faithful process required for becoming more genuine followers of Jesus.
• They discuss the relevance of learning from those who have left the church to gain a broader understanding of faith and community.
• Walling and Watson emphasize the importance of not forcing individuals to conform to existing church expressions, but to have open conversations.
• The conversation delves into the difficulties church leaders face when adapting to evolving congregational expectations and societal shifts.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINK:

• Terry Walling:
  • Leader Breakthru
  • Podcast - The Nomad Chronicles
• Books mentioned:
  • Unlikely Nomads, by Terry Walling
  • Stuck, by Terry Walling

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