Shows
In the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 11 with Bishop WilliamstonNavigating Adaptive Leadership and Spiritual Resilience with Bishop Delores Williamston
In this engaging episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Bishop Delores Williamston, the Bishop of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Williamston shares her journey as a military veteran, a clergy leader, and a grandmother, discussing her adaptive leadership style and the challenges faced by the church during turbulent times. She emphasizes the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, finding joy despite adversity, and the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry. The conversation is enriched by Bishop Williamston's...
2025-05-1251 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 10 Adam HamiltonIn the Sandbox with Reverend Adam Hamilton: Adaptive Leadership and Evolving Ministry
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups have an inspiring conversation with Reverend Adam Hamilton, the founding pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leewood, Kansas. Adam, a best-selling author and influential leader in modern United Methodism, discusses the nuances and challenges of adaptive leadership, the importance of embracing change, and reflecting on the wisdom gained through his years in ministry. The discussion touches on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the challenge of balancing care...
2025-05-0557 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 9 with James HowellAdaptive Leadership and Authentic Ministry with Rev. Dr. James Howell
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Rev. Dr. James Howell, senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, to discuss leadership, wisdom, and his experiences. Dr. Howell shares insights from his ministry journey, touching on the challenges of adaptive leadership, the importance of authenticity, and building trust within a community. They explore themes of awe, travel, and the enduring practices of Christian faith. Rev. Howell highlights his latest book 'Everywhere is Jerusalem' and reflects on his perspective towards ministerial mistakes, adaptive...
2025-04-2851 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2, Episode 8 with Mark FeldmeirSummary
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox', hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups engage with pastor and author Mark Feldmeir, exploring themes of leadership, faith, and community in a rapidly changing world. Mark discusses his unique leadership approach in a diverse congregation, the impact of the pandemic on church dynamics, and the importance of clarity in values. He shares insights on progressive theological conversations, the role of prayer, and the challenges of leading a large church. The conversation also touches on personal growth practices and innovative outreach initiatives, culminating in lighthearted questions that reveal Mark's personality and passions.
Takeaways
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2025-04-2240 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2 Episode 7 with April CaspersonNavigating Theological Education and Inclusive Leadership with Rev. April Casperson
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Reverend April Casperson, an ordained deacon in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and Director of Enrollment Management at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO). They discuss the evolving landscape of theological education, particularly the shift to high-flex and online models in response to the pandemic, and the importance of accessibility and inclusive leadership. April shares insights on the challenges faced by seminary students, the role of technology, and her passion...
2025-04-1447 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2 : Episode 6 with Bishop JungAdaptive Leadership and Spiritual Resilience with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups sit down with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Episcopal leader of the West and East Ohio Conferences of the United Methodist Church. They discuss adaptive leadership amidst challenges, the significance of faith and resilience, and Bishop Jung's journey from South Korea to leading in Ohio. Bishop Jung shares personal anecdotes about his spiritual practices, community engagement, and vision for the church. The episode also delves into his love for nature, classical music, and his...
2025-04-0446 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox Season 2:Episode 5 with Rev. Dan JacksonAdaptive Leadership and Fresh Expressions: A Conversation with Dan Jackson
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups interview His Holiness, Dan Jackson. The discussion covers Dan Jackson's extensive leadership experience, particularly in the Florida Annual Conference where he served as the district superintendent and was instrumental in developing hundreds of fresh expressions. They delve into adaptive leadership, the importance of evaluating and evolving church programs, and innovative funding strategies for new church starts. Dan also shares personal anecdotes from his career, his transition to retirement, and his involvement...
2025-03-2838 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox, Season 2:Episode 4 with Lisa YebuahIn this episode of 'In the Sandbox where Creativity and Utility Meet,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups engage in a deep, insightful conversation with Reverend Lisa Yebuah, the dynamic lead pastor of the Southeast Raleigh Table. They explore topics ranging from adaptive leadership during the pandemic, collective discernment, and the significance of unlearning hierarchical church models. Reverend Lisa shares her experiences and insights on trusting one's instincts, the importance of listening to the still small voice of God, and how focusing on black church traditions enriches their predominantly white congregation. She delves into the challenges and rewards of...
2025-03-2557 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox, Season 2:Episode 3 with Emanuel CleaverAdaptive Leadership and Evolving Church with Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups sit down with Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III, the senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Dr. Cleaver discusses the challenges and strategies of adaptive leadership in the modern socio-political landscape, the decline in church attendance, and the importance of evolving worship practices. He emphasizes the need for evaluating and changing traditional practices, including Sunday school, to meet current needs. Dr. Cleaver also touches on the role of the church in social activism...
2025-03-1845 minIn the SandboxIn the Sandbox, Season 2, Episode 2 with Duane AndersNavigating Adaptive Leadership with Reverend Duane Anders
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups are joined by Reverend Duane Anders from the Cathedral of the Rockies. They explore Duane's leadership journey, his unapologetic vocal stance on the gospel and inclusion, and his innovative approaches within the church. Duane recounts experiences from his trip to Palestine, his adaptive leadership during the pandemic, and the collaborative initiatives between churches. The episode touches on profound topics including racial tensions, politics, and finding common ground despite differences. A light-hearted speed round at the end adds a bit...
2025-03-1039 min
In the SandboxIn the sandbox Season 2 Episode 1 with Magrey deVegaEpisode 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...
2025-03-0355 min
Breaking Thru the NoiseEpisode 63 - Digital Discipleship with Rachel Billups & Matt RawleToday, Mark and Charla have a fantastic interview with Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle. The conversation centers around digital discipleship and how they help pastors and churches through their new platform Hub4Innovation. Matt and Rachel discuss the Hub as a place for pastors to experiment and play with new ideas and to fail safely and hopefully forward toward innovation success. Rachel shares that a great use for digital space is for prayer, i.e. hosting a prayer group in the metaverse. Matt leans in and unpacks the idea that our digital and social tools are most effective when used...
2024-12-1552 min
In the SandboxIn the sandbox Special Episode with the Bearded TheologiansEpisode Description:
In this week’s episode of In the Sandbox, Matt Rall and Rachel Billups welcome the dynamic duo behind The Bearded Theologians, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold. It's a conversation that blends deep theological reflection with humor, friendship, and a bit of nerddom. From Xbox theology to reclaiming lost words of faith, this crossover episode is packed with inspiration and laughs.
Discover the story of how two pastors turned a typhoon-filled mission trip into a nine-year podcasting adventure. They share their journey of exploring faith, fostering creativity, and creating safe spaces for theological conversations.
Whether you're here for th...
2024-12-0845 minIn the SandboxIn the sandbox Special Crossover Episode with Make it HappenIn the sandbox Special Crossover Episode with Make it Happen by Hub4Innovation
2024-11-201h 09In the SandboxIn the sandbox episode 8 with Todd RossnagelEpisode Title: Cultivating Curiosity in Communication with Todd Rossnagle
Hosts: Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups
Guest: Todd Rossnagel, Chairman of UMAC, Director of Communications for Louisiana, and Wilco Enthusiast
Episode Overview:
In this engaging episode of In The Sandbox, hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups welcome Todd Rossnagle, a leading voice in church communications. Todd shares his journey from traditional communication methods to innovative approaches, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and storytelling.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Todd Rossnagle:
Background: Todd's extensive experience in church communications.
Personal Tidbits: His passion for Wilco and his unique approach to communication.
Embracing Curiosity...
2024-08-0653 minIn the SandboxIn the sandbox episode 7 with Deandre JohnsonThe Power of Curiosity: A Conversation with Reverend DeAndre Johnson
In this episode of 'In the Sandbox,' hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups invite Reverend DeAndre Johnson from Memorial Drive United Methodist Church to explore the profound beauty of curiosity and its role in faith, worship, and the experience of God. DeAndre shares his journey, rooted in various Christian traditions, and discusses how curiosity can lead to transformative spiritual experiences. The conversation touches on how different generations approach faith, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of humility and collaboration in cultivating a meaningful religious life. The...
2024-07-3140 minIn the SandboxIn The Sandbox Episode 6 with Lisa GreenwoodJoin us this week as we talk with Lisa Greenwood, President of Wesleyan Impact Partners, who dedicates her time and calling to developing leaders for the church and beyond!
2024-07-0940 minIn the SandboxIn The Sandbox Episode 5 with Jason MooreJoin us this week as we sit down with Jason Moore, one of the leading voices informing the Church and AI.
2024-05-3042 minIn the SandboxIf you missed it—In The Sandbox Episode 1—What Is In The SandboxWhat is In the Sandbox? How do we move from curiosity to innovation? Grab your shovel and join us in the sandbox for our very first episode!
2024-05-2056 minIn the SandboxIn The Sandbox Episode 4 with Sabrina ShortJoin us this week as we talk to Sabrina Short, entrepreneur, visionary, and leader!
2024-05-1740 minIn the SandboxIn The Sandbox Episode 3 with Ashley Boggan and Chris HeckertJoin us as we welcome Dr. Ashley Boggart and Chris Heckert in the sandbox!
2024-05-0138 minIn the SandboxIn The Sandbox Episode 2 with Joe KimIn this episode we interview Pastor Joe Kim from Seattle, who has an interesting take on curiosity!
2024-04-2437 min