The Center for Transforming Engagement Podcast
Center staff hosts conversations about changes that serve a common good — and a higher good.
We talk with ministry leaders, counselors, academics, practitioners, and more to learn about how change happens as we pursue transforming engagement. Each season explores a single aspect of transforming engagement.
Characteristics of Toxic Church Culture with Dr. Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
In toxic church cultures such as Mars Hill or Willow Creek, the marks include narcissism, fear, institution creep, false narratives, loyalty culture, celebrity culture, and a focus on leadership culture. On the other hand, tov cultures are characterized by empathy,...
Intersection of Art, Expression, and Theology in the Modern Western Church with Dr. Chelle Stearns
What if we shifted away from using artistic expression as a transactional or manipulative tool, solely flowing from the stage to the congregation?
Challenging the Traditional Megachurch Model; How to be the Church in Our Own Neighborhoods with Dr. Dwight Friesen
This conversation challenges the traditional megachurch model, which often relies heavily on attracting new members for economic prosperity. Instead, it encourages us to explore how to be church in our current contexts and locations.
Creating Psychologically Healthy Spaces within Faith Communities with Dr. Doug Shirley
Our conversation explores strategies for creating psychologically healthy spaces within faith communities, emphasizing the importance of two-way dialogue, accountability, openness, and honesty.
Constructing Non-Violent Churches within Evangelical Culture with Dr. Joel Aguilar
This week, host Joel Kiekintveld is joined by Dr. Joel Aguilar to talk about how we can construct our churches in a non-violent way by looking at scripture through the lens of the forgiving victim.
Intersection of Whiteness and the Power Dynamics within Evangelical Church Culture with Dr. Ron Ruthruff
When examining the story of Mars Hill, there exists an underexplored theme of race and Whiteness. In his book "After Whiteness," Dr. Willie Jennings defines Whiteness as the embodiment of a self-sufficient man who embodies possession, mastery, and control. Driscoll's...
Patriarchy and Mutuality; Creating Inclusive Faith Communities with Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman
The discussion revolves around the exposed vision of Mark Driscoll, former pastor of Mars Hill, which revealed a patriarchal and toxic theology concerning the roles of men and women.
Deconstruction, Disillusionment and Rebuilding Community with Joel Kiekintveld
How does deconstruction relate to addressing the pain, anger, and disillusionment experienced in the wake of the fall of trusted leaders and churches like Mars Hill? Dr. J. Derek McNeil sheds light on the cyclic process of deconstruction and rebuilding at the institutional level, within our communities, and in our own faith journeys.
Organizational Identity Season Epilogue | Podcast Season 03, Episode 06
In this final episode of our podcast series on Organizational Identity, co-hosts Dr. J. Derek McNeil and Kate Rae Davis, MDiv, revisit the many rich conversations they’ve had with our guests this season and highlight some of the key takeaways for leaders,...
Organizational Identity with Bishop Melissa Skelton | Podcast Season 03, Episode 05
This week we’re talking to Bishop Melissa Skelton, who currently serves as Bishop Provisional for the Diocese of Olympia. In our conversation, we look at understanding the identity of your church, not only at the level of your local congregation but within your...
