ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Elders Connell and Rhonda Hollins will discuss Christian marriage and relationship counselling which is rarely addressed in adequate ways in many assemblies. They are based in Chicago and run Me to We Talk podcast.

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TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

1.40 Is Christian marriage being overlooked in the Church? Marriage based on functioning disfunction – based on TV, Reality shows etc? Address the marriage ceremony and not the transition? Excited about the wedding day, not about the marriage.

3.52 What made them start a relationship ministry. Pre-marital classes. More questions than answers. Marriage – God’s first ministry. Classes were more religious than understanding modern issues. Some Christian ministers were not equipped.

7.08 Real marriage counselling case-study.

10.58 Who did they learn from about marriage?

14.30 Is it ok to be unequally yoked with a life partner?

19.16 the tests in a relationship

22.16 Is it OK to disagree as a couple?

24.07 Like milk, there needs to be an expiration date on arguments

24.26 Do they only work on Christian marriage counselling or non-Christians too?

26.47 The trend for single people attending relationship classes.

28.08 Is there a line they would draw or subjects which would not be broached in relationship classes.

30.10 Non-Christian relationship counselees understanding Christian principles on sex before marriage. No condemnation.

34.18 Leaders – what can they learn about relationships for their own assemblies?

39.00 Relationship consultancy to other leaders in the Church available from Elders Connell and Rhonda

LISTEN TO - ME TO WE TALK Podcast

https://metowetalk.com

Minister Madge Obaseki

madgeobaseki.com

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to the healthy church growth show podcast ep. 56. This is the last in this present series of the podcast until the beginning of August. You will hear interviews I recorded earlier this year with Andy Frost, from Share Jesus international on resources he has developed for churches to approach evangelism easily.

So, over the past few weeks, I have been talking about engagement of your staff and volunteers, why this important and what aspects you should be focusing on.

Last week in ep. 55 I discussed:

1. The PURPOSE OF A PERFORMANCE REVIEW?

2. WHO’S A PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR?

3. WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING OUT A PERFORMANCE REVIEW?

The recording is in the link for this week’s show notes.

To continue the subject of performance review today I’ll discuss the other subjects to consider.

4. HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD A PERFORMANCE REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE

5. HOW TO AGREE WHAT IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES ARE NEEDED

6. HOW TO RECORD WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD A PERFORMANCE REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE

In my time spent in human resource management, performance reviews were usually carried out on a 6-monthly basis. This period gives time for the member of staff or volunteer an opportunity to reflect and work on any issues which came up in the review. So, by the time the next review came round, the manager or team leader with the member of staff could discuss the impact of any changes over the last 6-months. I suggest 6 months is a good guide to aim for.

HOW TO AGREE WHAT IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES ARE NEEDED

Agreeing what improvements are needed in a performance review can sometimes be a bone of contention. Some of the reasons for this might be a new managers or team leader who may not be used to conducting a review. If you are in this position, I suggest you study the examples of Jesus reviewing his disciple’s actions, reactions, and responses to assignments. He often asked them questions. The best performance review sessions enable the member of staff or volunteer to address the issues raised, by asking them a question.  For example, you could ask, “How do you feel you performed?” “What would you do differently?” When you ask open ended questions like that, you allow the staff or volunteer to address issues rather than you telling them what they’ve done wrong which Cn cause conflict.

HOW TO RECORD WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

A template either printed or on a computer will have:

· the name of the member of staff or volunteer

· the department

· the date of the review

· date of the last review if there was one

· what actions were agreed from the last review (if this is relevant)

· improvements which have been made.

If you would like a template for a performance review, email [email protected] and we’ll send you one.

LINKS

madgeobaseki.com

Engaging Church Staff & Volunteer PERFORMANCE REVIEWS ep. 55 - https://anchor.fm/healthy-church-growth-sho/episodes/Engaging-Church-Staff--Volunteer-PERFORMANCE-REVIEWS-ep--55-e12o26k

FULL TRANSCRIPT

As a natural progression to developing relationships, today I’m covering staff & volunteer development, specifically their progression in the role they are carrying out. As usual this series are practical. I suggest you get your pen and note pad to take some notes! Also, if you have people who report to you, share the link to this episode with them so they can listen.

As far as team & staff development goes, you might be familiar with the terms one-one, feedback, evaluation, or performance review. If you’re not familiar with those terms, a performance review is where you talk with an individual on a regular basis about their performance.

Staff and volunteer development has always been an important matter to address. But, in these uncertain times, it’s even more important to ensure we keep our staff and volunteers engaged and willing to contribute to our overall goals. As a biblical reference I suggest studying Ephesians 4: 12.

There are many advantages to providing staff and volunteer development. If a review is done well, your staff or volunteers can see how they started in their role in your ministry, church or business and what progress they’ve made over time. An evaluation or performance review provides a road map showing what worked, and what improvements are needed. It’s a great opportunity to honour people’s efforts and provide guidance which are also motivating factors. This is especially important where people are volunteering because as a performance review can act as a non-financial motivator. Another advantage in carrying out a performance review, is you’ll find out about people’s hidden gifts and talents. Their gifts and talents may differ from the role they are carrying out in your church. You might find through a review that they are better serving in another department or role such as leadership! An added value for your volunteers is the skills they learn in your church or ministry might be transferrable and can be added to their resume.

There are 6 points to get the best from your staff and volunteer performance review. I’ll only cover 3 in this episode.

Today I will discuss:

1. The PURPOSE OF A PERFORMANCE REVIEW?

2. WHO’S A PERFORMANCE REVIEW FOR?

3. WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING OUT A PERFORMANCE REVIEW?

· The performance review is for ALL staff and volunteers. That is from ordained and un-ordained leaders, any staff level and all volunteers.

· Basically, everyone should have a performance review. I recommend every six months as it provides an opportunity to address any issues identified and make adjustments before the next review.

· The person who manages the staff or volunteer or you oversee a department, would ensure you programme a review on a regular basis.

Next week I will discuss:

4. HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD A PERFORMANCE REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE

5. HOW TO AGREE WHAT IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES ARE NEEDED

6. HOW TO RECORD WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW

LINKS

madgeobaseki.com

Ep. 54 Developing Relationships - https://anchor.fm/healthy-church-growth-sho/episodes/Engaging-Staff-and-Volunteers-DEVELOPING-RELATIONSHIPS-ep--54-e126drb

What’s this episode all about?

Continuing the series on engagement of Church staff and volunteers this week, Minister Madge Obaseki digs deeper She discussed leaders intentionally developing relationships with staff and volunteers to get to know them for successful engagement which can impact the achievement of mission, objectives and strategies in local churches.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to ep. 54 of the HCGSP. In Episode 53 I started a new series on staff & volunteer engagement. I talked about Pastoral Care. If you missed that episode why not go back & listen, the link is in the show notes. Engagement as far as staff & volunteers is much broader than Pastoral Care.

For example, part of my corporate business career was in HR and in particular organisational development. Whether you are running a business non-profit or a local church, successful engagement means your people feel passionate about what they do and are committed to the organization's vision, mission objectives & strategy.

But how do you harness that enthusiasm and passion? I think it’s simple really, get to know them! Might sound obvious, right? But, you'd be that some really don't really know their staff or volunteers, their likes, dislikes, what motivates them, what their key skills are etc. Without that knowledge, it's difficult to know how you can harness their strengths to support your organisations goals and as importantly develop their skills & talents.

Here are some ideas for staff and volunteer engagement:
1. Carry out regular one-one i.e., evaluations where you discuss their progress, future ambitions, what their strengths and areas for development are. These sessions could take place every 6 months. I’ll be going into more detail about how to do a one-one evaluation successfully in episode 55.
2. Hold a staff retreat in person if possible
3. Have a social event for your staff and volunteers where you can all relax and unwind. It is amazing how much you get to know people in a social setting especially where food is involved!

If you want to keep in touch and get access to resource to help you grow a healthy church, visit madgeobaseki.com/contact

See you next week by God’s grace!

LINKS

Episode 52 – https://anchor.fm/healthy-church-growth-sho/episodes/Engaging-staff-and-volunteers-PASTORAL-CARE-ep--52-e11ooo7

Website  madgeobaseki.com/contact

WHAT IS THIS EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

Minister Madge Obaseki shares insights, knowledge and tips for better engagement with church staff and volunteers. Engagement is important to build trust and motivate staff and volunteers to work towards our mission, objectives and hence a healthier growing church. This is the first of a series addressing the importance of engagement. Different aspects of engagement will be addressed. The episodes will be deliberately shorter than normal so that listeners can use the audio to conduct team training and reflection on existing systems

1.10 What Nona Jones Head of Head of Faith Based Partnerships for Facebook says about engagement

1.35 What this new series in the podcast with the focus on i.e. engagement of staff & volunteers

1.44 The reason for the subject of engagement is that people are biggest asset.

2.15 This episode covers Pastoral Care for Staff & Volunteers from an engagement point of view.

2.22 Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover & the 1st black female Bishop to be installed in the CoE appeared in Episode 46 called Who ministers to the minister focusing on Pastoral Care

2.49 Why Pastoral care is essential for the well-being & engagement of our staff & volunteers. but overlooked in some quarters.

3.09 Why pastoral care is even more important during the pandemic.

3.59 Why a written system of Pastoral care is important

5.19 Just one leader responsible for pastoral care and the disadvantages and why it is reminiscent of Moses and Jethro.

7.35 no formal system in place and the challenges this brings up.

8.32 Reviewing pastoral care system with your congregation and the tools that can be used. Why it needs to be anonymous.

9.48 More tips on church staff and volunteer engagement.

LINKS

madgeobaseki.com

Episode 46 - Bishop Rose Hudson Wilkin - Who ministers to the minister? https://anchor.fm/healthy-church-growth-sho/episodes/Who-Ministers-to-the-Minister---Bishop-Rose-Hudson-Wilkin--Ep--46-ev4ph4

WHAT IS THIS EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

This conversation is with Chris Staron about his faith journey as a self-described Pharisee to fisher of men. He talks to Minister Madge Obaseki about how as Christian leaders we might unwittingly have an attitude of a Pharisee, and why this can impact our congregations.

TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

1.46 Chris Staron’s background as film producer, podcaster of the Truce Podcast, Thespian and Comedian (improv)

3.00 appealing to a non-Christian audience as a believer.

3.43 The Accidental Pharisee

4.50 Being relatable as a Christian believer.

5.17 Opportunities to evangelise in the public space.

6.00 Truce Podcast and why some of the subjects appear to be controversial.

8.06 What does the Pharisee approach look like?

9.36 Why Minister Madge Obaseki took her discipleship book off the shelf

10.45 The importance of communicating with people of different backgrounds and traditions and studying the bible for ourselves.

10.58 What took Chris Staron out of his own fundamentalist views. The importance of sharing Jesus to enlighten others.

12.50 What specific incident led Chris Staron from Pharisee to Fisher of Men. Sharing the gospel in a workplace situation.

16.33 Why some non-believers might be angry with Christians OR against the faith. The importance of simply listening to discern the reasons.

17.45 Examples of how biblical verses are miscommunicated or misunderstood which can lead to fundamentalism or wrong doctrine.

20.33 The importance of Church Leaders, pastors clergy, sharing all aspects of bible and the consequences for not doing so.

20.52 Is the pastor the font of all knowledge? Considering the empowerment of congregations i.e. discipleship.

23.21 Chris Staron quote – “It’s easy to think we control all the pieces, but the best way is to teach the pieces to take control”

24.19 Advice to leaders in the Church – on how to stop being a Pharisee.

25.14 The Truce Podcast and where to find it.

ABOUT CHRIS STARON

Chris Staron is the producer and host of the Truce Podcast, which dives deep into history to explore how as Christian believers we got here and how we can do better.

I'm also the writer/director of two feature-length films, "Bringing up Bobby" and "Between the Walls" (on Amazon Prime, Netflix, TBN, DVD). He is the author of the novel "Cradle Robber", and the young adult book "How to Survive a Money Making Summer". He is a content creator, and also worked a crew member on "The Bernie Mac Show", "Hell's Kitchen", and more.

LINKS

Truce Podcast - https://trucepodcast.com/

BOOK - Cradle Robber by Chris Staron - https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Robber-Chris-Staron-ebook/dp/B01M59BBPD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=cradle+robber+Chris+Staron&qid=1621848517&sr=8-1

Christian Films by Chris Staron

Bringing Up Bobby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EynY5e0eL3o

Between the Walls - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sInY_IMEnE

BOOK by Larry Osborne - Accidental Pharisees: avoiding pride, exclusivity, and the other dangers of overzelous faith.

AMAZON UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accidental-Pharisees-Avoiding-Exclusivity-Overzealous/dp/0310494443/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Contact Minister Madge Obaseki madgeobaseki.com/contact

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

This is a short episode to introduce the updated format of the show and the subjects that will be covered to help grow a healthy church.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to Episode Number 50! Another landmark! We celebrated our 40th Anniversary in March, quickly followed by my 1st year hosting this podcast and now we're at number 50! I've even got some bonus episodes out so I've actually done more than 50!

I appreciate all of you who've followed this podcast from the start and anyone who has just discovered it for young me.

This week I'm going to outline the next stage for the upcoming format of this podcast.

in ep. 51 you'll hear my conversation with Chris Staron and his journey from Pharisee to Fisher of Men. In modern terms a Pharisee is someone who is hypercritical and into the rules, the regulations first & foremost rather than relationships & humanity. Recent research suggest that the attitude of a Pharisee could influence people's decisions to stay in the Church. Listen to ep.51 if you're concerned about church retention problems.

In future episodes I'll be covering some practical subjects around engagement of staff & volunteers.

Interspersed with that I'll be talking to Anne Livingstone about her journey from New Age to Child of God. That episode will be useful if you've found people visiting your online services with little or no faith who've possibly dabbled with new age practices. Fascinating insights from Anne!

You'll also hear my conversation with Andy Frost of Share Jesus International who'll take us through some simple steps to kick start evangelism in our local churches.

I'll also be speaking to Elder Conell & Rhonda Hollis who are relationship experts who work with Churches to integrate this important ministry.

LINKS

madgeobaseki.com/contact

WHAT IS THIS EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

Minister Madge Obaseki speaks to Andy Peck from the Leadership Show at Premier Christian Radio, about her experience in designing training to address conflict in churches.

TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

3.01 Minister Madge journey to ministry

5.10 Common areas of conflict in the church – lack of or unclear communication mission, vision, objectives and values

7.26 Can there be conflict in a healthy church?

7.52 Principles for dealing with conflict in the church and biblical verses that addresses conflict.

9.41 An analysis of 1st Corinthians 1-3 which addresses divisions in the church and some of the causes of conflict.

10.41 The part doctrine and traditions can play in conflict and what the guiding principles should be from a biblical perspective. Using the pulpit to speak to a situation rather than dealing with the individuals involved.

14.43 Is there an issue with gender and conflict in the church?

16.57 Should Christians get involved in politics? Was Jesus a politician?

19.15 What sort of subjects does Minister Madge Obaseki address in a typical conflict management training session for the church?

How to contact Minister Madge Obaseki to deliver training for your church.

Case study example of a church management committee who were in conflict and the power of strategic administration.

LINKS

Enquiries about training and facilitation with Minister Madge Obaseki – madgeobaseki.com/contact

The Leadership Show with Andy Peck -  https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Sunday/The-Leadership-Show

WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ALL ABOUT?

This is part two of the outline of a real case study of a church Minister Madge Obaseki host of the Healthy Church Growth Show podcast worked with. They wanted to experience growth but was meeting some barriers. You’ll hear what some of those barriers were through recordings from a live event with staff of volunteers of the church assembly.

TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

1.11 – Context of the episode – the case study of a church Minister Madge has worked with

5.32 – Live recording of breakout group (edited clip) discussing main topics in the survey sent to all attendees. Nominating a group leader. Ideas shared from group members.

Digital church improvement suggestions

Small Group (hub group) leadership and practical ideas for engagement. Small groups and the opportunity for growth.

9.24 Viewing and following up online church visitors. Lack of dedicated team for following up church visitors.

9.43 Clip of feedback shared from each shared group.

12.05 Analysis for the church staff and volunteer event by Minister Madge.

LINKS

Episode 47 The work I do for churches (part 1) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-work-i-do-for-churches-minister-madge-obaseki-ep-47-part-1/id1453862091?i=1000518523211

Contact Minister Madge Obaseki - madgeobaseki.com/contact

WHAT IS THE EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

Minister Madge Obaseki talks about the work she does for churches by sharing some case studies of churches she has been commissioned by. You will hear extract of the training event and ideas you can use in your own local church. This is also the 1st year anniversary episode.

TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

1.0  1st year of Healthy Church Growth Show podcast

1.10 Testimony & encouragement

2.40 The purpose of the podcast, the pandemic and opportunities for the church

4.12 Part 1 what does a church consultant does.

4.37 The case study of working with a church who commissioned Minister Madge earlier in 2021.

5.06  The background of the local church I have worked with

5.20 Why the church leader approached Minister Madge & her research interest in retention problems

5.37 Leadership willing to get to the root of the problem and being authentic and consultation. The key information: Vision, Mission, Objectives and Values.

6.56  The proposal to work with a church, what does it involve?

7.26  Supplying anonymous surveys beforehand to gauge attendees and delegate needs perceptions and experiences.

7.42 How staff and volunteer retreats can be delivered in times of social distancing.

8.07  What support staff are included with each commission and the cost differential and what alternatives can churches utilise.

8.37 Communications with the team and senior leaders throughout the commission to ensure clear communications channels

9.19  How added value was provided by the consultant – recorded announcement to delegates and attendees

10.16  Using online platforms such as Zoom – the pros and cons

11.33  What you will hear in Part 2 of The work I do for churches in episode 48

ABOUT MINISTER MADGE OBASEKI

Minister Madge Obaseki is Director of Grow The Church Now where she serves as a church consultant. She is host of the Healthy Church Growth Show and she is an author.

She is known as the Healthy Church Growth advocate. That is because she is committed to facilitating our collective mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Her background in corporate organisational development, training delivery and Human Resource management has prepared her to serve in full-time ministry which she has been doing for over 28 years.

Her specialism is retention challenges in the church. She provides services to churches and ministry including strategic reviews, training delivery, facilitation for staff and volunteer events and staff and volunteer retreats and mentoring for leaders. The objective is to assist church assemblies and ministries to ultimately achieve healthy sustainable growth. She works with churches small and medium no matter the denomination in the USA and UK and has travelled to speak at events for church leadership on her specialism church retention challenges.

She holds a degree in Ministerial Theology, a post-graduate in Management and she is CIPD and ILM accredited.

LINKS

Minister Madge Obaseki website - madgeobaseki.com/contact

Example of a church previously worked with - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-26-leading-through-a-crisis-church-new-norm/id1453862091?i=1000495202381

Episode 40 – Healthy Church Growth Show 40thepisode special - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-40-celebrating-40-episodes-healthy-church-growth/id1453862091?i=1000510916884

WHAT IS THIS EPISODE ALL ABOUT?

We talk to Bishop Rose about pastoral care from a clergy perspective in these challenging times. We discuss why clergy need to be intentional of looking after their well-being so they can look after others more effectively.

ABOUT BISHOP ROSE HUDSON-WILKIN

Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin is made history in 2019 as the 1st black female Bishop to be ordained in the Church of England. She is also the 1st black woman to be installed as the Bishop of Dover. She was formerly Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and continues to serve Her Majesty The Queen of England as a vicar/chaplain.

SUMMARY OF TRANSCRIPT

2.56 Announcement of Healthy Church Growth Show Podcast 1st anniversary

5.08 Bishop Rose Leadership Challenges across denominations during the Covid pandemic

9.36 Ensuring, leaders, clergy, pastors receive pastoral care to be able to cope with difficult times The importance of building relationships, communication team meetings putting in place mechanisms staying in touch and being in tune knowing where your people are and what they're experiencing.

12.58 - Minister Madge - how to juggle varied needs. Finding time for self and balancing family, life etc.

Bishop Rose Diary management. Prayerful workers.

16.06 - 17.21 Who ministers to Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin? The importance of not assuming that it will just happen and being intentional. The definition of a Spiritual Director

20.24 Bishop Rose last word -  I do hope that those listening will make the time not only to care for others, but to care for themselves. I'm always reminded of that passage of scripture, Love the lord your God with all your heart soul, strength and mind. Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

Healthy Church Growth Show Podcast on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-church-growth-show-podcast/id1453862091

Minister Madge Obaseki Website  - madgeobaseki.com/videos