Various Thoughts From Dennis Shaw

In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw explores the human tendency towards self-centeredness through the lens of David Foster Wallace's famous "This is Water" commencement speech. Drawing on Wallace's metaphor of two fish unaware they're swimming in water, Dennis discusses our default human setting: seeing ourselves as the absolute center of the universe. The podcast challenges listeners to become aware of this innate perspective and intentionally choose to see beyond our own immediate experience. Dennis weaves together insights from theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Richard Rohr to illustrate how personal transformation requires "unlearning" our ego-driven perspectives. Mirroring Wallace, Dennis emphasizes that we have a daily choice: remain trapped in our self-centered default mode or actively cultivate empathy, connection, and a broader understanding of our interconnectedness. Using examples ranging from marathon training to global perspectives, Dennis argues that mindfulness is about r

Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, as he engages in a compelling conversation with clergy leader Michael Smith of the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. In this episode, they explore the critical themes of Soul Care and self-care for clergy and lay leaders within the church. Dennis and Michael share their personal experiences and insights into finding harmony between vocational responsibilities, personal life, and spiritual well-being. The discussion highlights the challenges clergy face in balancing their roles as leaders, parents, spouses, and individuals. They emphasize the importance of not only managing church growth and leadership but also nurturing one's own soul and identity beyond the clergy role. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the episode offers a roadmap for clergy to prioritize their well-being while effectively serving their congregations. For anyone involved in church leadership or seeking inspiration to maintain a healthy balance in life, thi

This is a rebroadcast from 2023! In this episode of Mindful Leader, host Dennis Shaw revisits a 2023 conversation with Thomas Risager, a pastor in the Danish United Methodist Church who is a candidate for the Episcopacy in the Nordic and Baltic Central Conference in early April.   They explore the unique religious landscape of Denmark, where a small percentage of the population attends church despite the majority being church members. Thomas shares insights on how Danish churches are adapting to modern challenges, employing music, especially gospel choirs, as an evangelism tool to connect with the community. Through anecdotes and heartfelt dialogue, this episode offers a profound look at the evolving role of the church in a secularized society and the innovative ways in which faith leaders are fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection in today's world.

Welcome to Mindful Leader. Your host is Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, as he delves into the topic of leadership within the local church. In this two episode conversation, Dennis talks with Dr. Lucy Hogan, Professor Emerita of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Several sites with summaries of Dr. Hogan's distinguished credentials are:  Wesley Theological Seminary Working Preacher Ministry Matters Last week (on Podbean) is here.   Dennis and Dr. Hogan discuss the importance of community, highlighting that being prophetic is not a solitary journey but one engaged in communal fellowship, challenging status quos, and offering hope. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflection, the episode urges leaders to embrace empathy and imagination, cultivate courage, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide their prophetic voice. Whether tackling social concerns or offering a pastoral approach to preaching, the episode e

(Scheduled for release on February 24, 2025.  This is for subscribers.  Bon appetite.) Welcome to Mindful Leader. Your host is Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, as he delves into the topic of leadership within the local church. In this two episode conversation, Dennis talks with Dr. Lucy Hogan, Professor Emerita of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Several sites with summaries of Dr. Hogan's distinguished credentials are:  Wesley Theological Seminary Working Preacher Ministry Matters Dr. Hogan shares her insights on leading prophetically in today's interesting times, underlining the importance of speaking truth to power. The conversation explores how both clergy and laity can engage in prophetic leadership, drawing on examples from church history and modern-day scenarios. The episode starts with a reflection from the headlines in January, 2025. It highlights inspiring stories and challenges faced by leaders who

(This is an early release of Mindful Leader, I do that occasionally.  Official release will be February 17, 2025 but this is this week's podcast!) Welcome to the Mindful Leader podcast hosted by Dennis Shaw, a retired elder from the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. This episode, features Dr. George Thompson, and we focus on leadership development in local churches. Dr. Thompson shares insights from his extensive experience and his book Church on the Edge of Somewhere. exploring the dynamics of church identity, leadership, and the societal influences on congregations. (The grid that Dennis and Dr. Thompson discuss is shown at the bottom of these show notes.)  Through engaging dialogue, Dr. Thompson and Dennis discuss the significance of understanding congregations as distinct entities, and how leaders can navigate the complexities of church dynamics. The conversation delves into adaptive leadership, empathetic marginality, and the importance of moving beyond conventional paradigms to ins

In this episode, we  delve into the theme of improving the capacity of local churches, using the UMC Mountain Sky Conference as a case study. This is a continuation in part of a conversation Zach and I had in September (HERE). Please share if this resonates with you! Joined by guests Gayla Jo Slauson (Mountain Sky Co-Lay Leader), Mark Calhoun (Wyoming District Superintendent), and Zach Bechtold (Pastor, Bozeman (MT) UMC), the conversation explores how church dynamics can be a mix of tradition and innovation. Zach hosts the discussion and I join the panel for discussion.  We share insights into leadership roles, with a focus on collaborative opportunities and how lay-led churches can grow and thrive. A continuation to work on clearly emerges.   The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of church management, like finances and resources, and the importance of keeping focus amid distractions. With perspectives from both rural and urban churches, the panelists discuss the challenges and opportunities wi

(Note:  Look in the links below for a bonus episode:  the entire, unedited interview.  Excellent Resource!) Welcome to Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw and focused on helping lay and clergy leadership in the local church.   In this episode, we delve into the realm of health and wellness with guests Steve and Tracy Reinhard. Steve, retired United Methodist Clergy, and Tracy, a Certified Health Coach, join forces to foster greater well-being among individuals and communities. The episode explores the potential influence of church leadership on promoting health, emphasizing the importance of leaders embodying vitality and progress. Steve shares his journey from retirement to renewed energy, inspired by a holistic health approach, shedding light on the scriptural grounding of self-care. Tracy discusses the transformation achievable through cultivating foundational health habits. Her personal success story underscores the life-changing impact of embracing lifestyle changes over mere dieting. Together, they st

This is a Bonus episode.   It is the "unedited" version of Steve, Tracy and my conversation on health, wellness and biblical principles on Mindful Leader. Rich!  A deep and worthwhile dive! Note:Average weight loss on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® is 12 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.  OPTAVIA makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with OPTAVIA results from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Please see the OPTAVIA Income Disclosure Statement (https://optavia.me/IDS) for statistics on actual earnings of Coaches. The edited version is HERE.  

Join host Dennis Shaw on the Mindful Leader podcast as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bruce Birch, retired Dean Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary. Together, they delve into the concept of exile and its impact across generations. Bruce Birch shares profound insights on the challenges faced when familiar foundations of life are questioned. Through this dialogue, listeners are invited to reflect on the resilience needed to navigate these "exile times." The entire PODCAST is HERE and on your podcast service.  

(This podcast is scheduled for normal release on January 27, 2025.  It is ready NOW and can be shared. A reward to subscribers and those looking for the podcast on their service. A transcript is HERE. The Transcript Service provides the recording, so if you desire, you can listen while you read. (I won't get a count of you logging on, but ... )) Join Dennis Shaw, host of Mindful Leader, in a compelling conversation with Dr. Bruce Birch, retired Dean Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. In this episode, they delve into the profound theme of exile as depicted in the Bible and its relevance to today's world. Dr. Birch's expertise in Old Testament and Biblical Theology sheds light on the historical and emotional aspects of exile. He explores how the concept of exile has molded responses in times of crisis, offering hope and a path to renewal. Through stories from the Biblical era to modern-day challenges, Dr. Birch discusses the importance of turning towards God's new paths, embracing chang

Welcome to this episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw. Scheduled for official release on January 20th but, as is my practice once ready, can be listened to by various subscribers!  The episode features Brandon Harris, the Chief Operating Officer at Generis. Brandon shares his unique journey from studying engineering to embracing a call to ministry, and how his path eventually led him to a leadership role at Generis. Throughout the discussion, Brandon elaborates on Generis' mission to assist churches with stewardship and generosity, helping them fund their visions effectively. He explains how his personal experiences in ministry revealed the importance of discussions around faith and money, underscoring the integral role of generosity in discipleship. Brandon offers insight into overcoming challenges in leadership, emphasizing the value of community and connection among church leaders. By shifting from scarcity to a mindset of generosity, church communities can unlock greater potential and drive imp

Welcome to the Mindful Leader podcast, hosted by Dennis Shaw. In this episode, Dennis explores the importance of diversifying your leadership toolkit beyond the single 'hammer' approach. Emphasizing adaptability, he shares insights from his military and pastoral leadership experiences, highlighting the value of using personal education and experience to empower both laity and clergy in local church settings. Dennis discusses the transition of the podcast focus from resource management to a broader perspective on leadership, with a particular emphasis on humility and self-awareness. He reflects on his own journey and the significance of being a 'jack-of-all-trades' in leadership to effectively tackle various challenges using carpentry to plumbing and beyond as leadership metaphors. The episode also covers plans for the future of the Mindful Leader podcast, including increasing the frequency of episodes, incorporating more lay voices, and exploring topics beyond the Methodist tradition to engage a wider audienc

Welcome to Mindful Leader with your host, Dennis Shaw. In this episode, we're delving into leadership from a military perspective, featuring insights from Rob Abbott, a retired Marine and licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg, and two of his students -- pastors, Jeremiah Harris and Bryson Lilly. They share their experiences in leadership development through immersive battlefield staff rides, uncovering valuable lessons on trust, communication, and self-awareness. Discover how history, particularly significant Civil War battles like Gettysburg and Antietam, becomes a powerful tool for teaching modern leadership skills. Our guests highlight the importance of understanding "the why" behind leadership actions, fostering trust within an organization, and developing a fingertip feel for effective decision-making. Whether you're in a corporate setting or leading a church community, these transferable skills and principles will help you build a more complete leadership toolbelt. Listen for practical advice on bec

Join Dennis Shaw on this episode of Mindful Leader as he engages in a compelling conversation with Amanda McDow, pastor at Los Angeles First United Methodist Church. Explore the unique challenges and creative solutions involved in leading a church without a traditional building in urban Los Angeles. Mandy shares her experiences and the progressive vision of LA First, highlighting innovative approaches to ministry that adapt to the diverse needs of the community. Learn about the congregation's efforts in providing ministry and support in unconventional spaces and the significant impact they are making without a permanent structure. This episode delves into the importance of understanding and aligning with the values of a community, navigating expectations, and fostering inclusivity in faith leadership. Dennis can be reached via email HERE.  

Welcome to the latest episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw. Join us for an insightful conversation with Al Strauss as we explore the changing landscape of church leadership and the importance of adapting to modern challenges. Al shares his thoughts on the financial pressures facing churches today, including rising insurance costs and the need for strategic property management. Gain a deeper understanding of how churches can rejuvenate their mission by focusing on ministry rather than maintaining outdated buildings. Discover inspiring examples of churches successfully transforming their spaces to better serve their communities, and learn how this shift can lead to a more sustainable future. Dive into leadership strategies that can help churches navigate these complex issues, ensuring their ministry remains vibrant and relevant in an ever-evolving world. Join us as we discuss the intersection of tradition, renewal, and innovation in church leadership.

Join host Dennis Shaw on Mindful Leader as he engages in a profound conversation with Ryan Canaday, an elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. Ryan shares his transformative journey from darkness to recovery, revealing how his personal struggles with addiction led him to create a welcoming space for those seeking healing and hope. Through Free Recovery Community, Ryan provides a sanctuary for addicts, their loved ones, and spiritual refugees, offering a path to redemption and connection with God. In this episode, Dennis and Ryan explore the importance of reaching out to those in need, breaking the stigma around addiction, and the role of churches in supporting recovery efforts. Ryan's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the belief that we are all in this together. Tune in to discover how embracing our scars can lead to a more compassionate and inclusive ministry, embodying the teachings of Jesus in today's world. Share this Podcast with others i

Welcome to the latest episode of Mindful Leader, hosted by Dennis Shaw, a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. This episode dives into a profound discussion with Rebecca Simon-Peter, also an elder in the Mountain Sky Conference, about her upcoming book, "Believe Like Jesus," scheduled for release on November 4th, 2024. Rebecca shares her insights on the concept of apostleship, inviting listeners to move from discipleship to apostleship by believing like Jesus, not just in Him. Through an engaging conversation, she explores how this shift in belief can empower individuals to achieve greater things in partnership with God, emphasizing the inseparable unity between humanity and divinity. The episode also touches on Rebecca's work in ministry through Rebecca Simon-Peter Coaching and Consulting, and her program, Creating a Culture of Renewal, which aims to transform local churches. Join us as we explore the rich themes of unity, faith, and leadership, and discover how to app

In this episode of "Mindful Leader," host Dennis Shaw engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bishop Karen Oliveto, reflecting on her transformative journey as the first openly LGBTQ bishop in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Oliveto shares insights into the challenges and triumphs faced during her tenure, highlighting the pivotal moments surrounding marriage equality and the evolving understanding of LGBTQ inclusion within the church. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the seismic shifts that occurred post-General Conference 2019 and how the church community responded to the controversial decisions made. Bishop Oliveto candidly discusses the personal and professional tolls she experienced and the resilience required to lead amidst adversity. Tune in to explore the themes of grace, love, and community as Bishop Oliveto and Dennis Shaw navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive church. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling a

(Words that are bold and underlined are hyperlinks to something whiz bang.) My conversation this podcast is with Kristi Kinnison, the Executive Director of the Methodists Helping Methodists Foundation.  Kristi has a fourteenth anniversary as the Executive Director this month (October, 2024).  Her earlier Mindful Leader podcast was a joyful ode to Wesleyanism (HERE.) and, as of October 2, 2024, it was the most listened to Podcast on ML. Kristi can be reached from resources HERE.   We mention a national foundation "type" Board Kristi was/is on and that is HERE.   I am trying to do two podcasts a month.  Life is a little complicated right now, but if you have any thoughts -- my email is dennis@mantuan.org and I welcome email.  Fire away! If you desire a transcript, send me a note and I will get you a PDF.