Episode Summary
In this powerful Season 2 premiere of In the Sandbox, Matt and Rachel sit down with Rev. Magrey deVega to explore the challenges and beauty of adaptive leadership in uncertain times. From navigating political tensions to leading through multiple congregational identities, Magrey shares insights on how to remain grounded in faith, practice non-anxious leadership, and reclaim beauty as an act of defiance in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Through laughter, deep reflection, and unexpected moments (including a surprise Rickroll and a near-miss bathroom disaster), this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways for leaders and everyday disciples alike.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Four Congregations in One: How leadership evolves in shifting seasons
🔹 The Control Test: What you can actually control in uncertain times
🔹 Prayer as a Leadership Anchor: Magrey’s evolving pre-sermon prayers
🔹 Adaptive vs. Technical Leadership: Knowing when a situation requires deep transformation rather than a quick fix
🔹 The Role of Beauty and Music in Leadership: The incredible story of a symphony composed in a Nazi prison camp
🔹 The Danger of Toxic Positivity: Sitting with grief and lament instead of rushing to "fix" things
Memorable Quotes:
🗣️ “Spiritual practices are not just about doing—they are a way of being.”
🗣️ “Sometimes the most faithful act of leadership is just sitting with people in silence.”
🗣️ “Beauty is an act of defiance in the face of oppression.”
Resources & Mentions:
🎵 Quartet for the End of Time – Composed by Olivier Messiaen in a Nazi prison camp
📖 Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger – Leadership in uncharted territory
📖 The Bible Year – A church-wide practice during COVID
Fun Segment: Rapid Fire Questions
🔥 If Magrey’s preaching style were a fast food restaurant, it would be Culver’s—accessible yet surprisingly substantial.
🔥 His walk-up song for preaching? Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.
🔥 His ultimate movie sermon illustration? Empire Strikes Back—because everyone has to confront their fears to discover their true self.
đź”— Find Magrey Online:
Hyde Park UMC: HydeParkUMC.org
Facebook: @MagreydeVega
Instagram: @MagreydeVega
BlueSky: @MagreydeVega
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: In the Sandbox is available on iTunes, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!
