On this special edition of the Learn and Lead Podcast, we are taking a break from our regular programing to highlight some important conversations happening on the Faith and Race Podcast.

In a conversation that highlights churches in rural areas, Rev. Allen T. Stanton describes the challenges and opportunities facing churches in small town America and the unique position they have as potential agents of change within their communities.

“Churches do not get healthy and then do mission; churches get healthy by doing mission.” Check out this conversation with Rev. Dr. Michael Beck on Fresh Expressions and how you can form a new faith community in places where people are already gathering in contemporary culture.

Have you ever wondered, “What is this Enneagram thing I hear my friends, family and coworkers talking about?” Perhaps you know about the Enneagram already and are looking for a deeper dive conversation and resources to live and lead more faithfully into the calling God gave you. In this episode, Beth and Jeff McCord dig into all things Enneagram including the theological discussion behind the Enneagram.

A “3” on the Enneagram, mom to two toddlers (one with autism), serving two churches, and a daily rhythm of rippin’ and running’ to get it all done, Charity hit the floor. Literally. After what she describes as an “emotional heart attack,” she began a journey to find herself again and start living into the true purpose and calling God gave her while helping others to do the same.

Freddy and his wife Yuri along with their three children answered Gods call to leave Cuba and start a new Hispanic church in Kansas City.

Learn the first steps to becoming a multicultural leader and practical ways you diversify leadership teams in your church.

What if you had a filter that would help you create a more effective planning and decision-making process for fulfilling your mission? Rev. Dr. Barry Winders, a United Methodist ordained elder in the Missouri Conference, talks about what he has learned in his 50 years of ministry and how to improve your decision-making with core ideas and initiatives through The Mission Filter.

Nikki Lerner is a singer, author, speaker, and culture coach based in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. She spent over 20 years leading and building a successful multicultural creative department of over 150 people in an organization of over 4,000 people. A professional musician since the age of 19, Ms. Lerner is classically trained and has a degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. She uses music and creative arts as a tool to bring people together cross-culturally and share a message of unity and reconciliation in a unique and powerful way that lectures, how-tos, sermons, or books just cannot accomplish.

What do you do when you hit rock bottom? When you've lost all that matters in your past and your future to addiction? Courtney Trankle grew up an army brat and became addicted to drugs in her teen years. She spent 25 years using and trafficking drugs in Missouri before she landed in prison. In this episode, you’ll hear about Courtney's journey of addiction and how God gave her Beauty for Ashes and is using her story for His glory.