Shows
2026-01-1232 min2025-11-2433 min
The Starting Well PodcastLearning Your New Church's CommunityAs you begin serving in your new church, it is essential to recognize that the church's history is deeply tied to its community. Therefore, if you want to start well, you'll need to learn about the church's community. On this episode, Jason Lowe is joined by Eric Allen, who provides several practical and strategic suggestions for doing so.This episode is based on the article, "Learning Your New Church's Community," written by Eric Allen. Other resources mentioned in this episode include:NAMB's Community Demographics ReportSeed To OaksThe Externally Focused Church by Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw
2025-11-0632 min
2025-07-2238 min
Pastor to Pastor with Dave StoneBuilding the Best Church for Your Community with Rick RusawFar too often the focus of a church is internal, meaning that a great deal of emphasis is placed on the number of people and activities inside. Join host Dave Stone as he sits down with pastor Rick Rusaw as they discuss the importance of having an externally focused churches that are interested in getting people out into the community. Click here to sign up for a free Focused Pastor account! Check out Rick's ministry, Spire Network. We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to lea...
2025-04-1545 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchThe Peaks of Paradox | Retaliation: One Don’t & One DoMessage by Rick Rusaw. https://lbcc.org
2025-03-1032 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchThe Peaks of Paradox | Peaceful RelationshipsMessage by Rick Rusawhttps://lbcc.org
2025-02-1032 min
DadAwesomeDA366 | Training Dads, Leading Fatherhood Initiatives, and Restoring the Value of Fatherhood (Ron Hauenstein)Ron Hauenstein, leader of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative, shares how fatherhood training can strengthen families, churches, and communities. With heartfelt stories and eye-opening facts, he'll inspire you to take simple, practical steps to combat fatherlessness and create a lasting impact in your community. Key Takeaways Changed dads change everything. If you feel led to start a fatherhood organization, ask people whether they think programs to support fathers are important, and you'll get an overwhelming response. Around 75% of people consider fatherlessness to be a serious issue. As a dad, you occupy a space in yo...
2025-01-2337 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchReversed Thunder | Outward, Inward, UpwardMessage by Rick Rusaw. https://lbcc.org
2024-07-0131 min
Foothills Church Boise- Sermon of the WeekFather's Day at Foothills - w/ Guest Speaker Rick RusawCelebrate Fathers day with us by listening to our guest speaker, Rick Rusaw, tell us about what is keeping us from living the story that God has planned for us!
2024-06-1831 min
2024-05-0632 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchThe Way Season 3 | When the Rooster CrowsMessage by Rick Rusaw. https://lbcc.org
2024-02-2627 min
Jump Start Ministry Essentials ReimaginedBecoming an Invitational Church with Pastor Freddy TamesIn this episode, we answer the question, "How can my church become more invitational?" Pastor Freddy Tames leads Christ Church En Español in Independence, Missouri. Resources A New Kind of Leader: What You Believe Can Open a Door for a Kid or Teenager's Future by Reggie Joiner And the Church Actually Changed by N Graham Standish Faith for Exiles by Mark Matlock and David Kinsman Faith for the Curious by Mark Matlock - Releases August 2024 Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell Hospitality & The Other by Amos Yong It's Just a Phase - So D...
2024-01-2319 minJump Start Ministry Essentials ReimaginedConnecting with Kids and Youth with Rev. Mona CandeaIn this episode, we answer the question, "How can my church connect to kids and youth in our community?" Rev. Mona Candea is the Associate Director for Missouri Conference Next Generation Ministries. Resources A New Kind of Leader: What You Believe Can Open a Door for a Kid or Teenager's Future by Reggie Joiner And the Church Actually Changed by N Graham Standish Faith for Exiles by Mark Matlock and David Kinsman Faith for the Curious by Mark Matlock - Releases August 2024 Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell Hospitality & The Other by Amos Yong...
2024-01-2318 minJump Start Ministry Essentials ReimaginedBuilding Community Connections with Rev. Po'ese VatikaniIn this episode, we answer the question, "How can my church strengthen its connection with the community?" Rev. Po'ese Vatikani is the lead pastor of Carrollton UMC in Carrollton, Missouri. He was the 2023 winner of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy. Resources A New Kind of Leader: What You Believe Can Open a Door for a Kid or Teenager's Future by Reggie Joiner And the Church Actually Changed by N Graham Standish Faith for Exiles by Mark Matlock and David Kinsman Faith for the Curious by Mark Matlock - Releases August 2024 Generation Alpha by Mark...
2024-01-2318 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchDecember 31, 2023 | Rick Rusaw | If the World is Ending a Week From Tuesday...Message by Rick Rusawhttps://lbcc.org
2024-01-0232 min2023-05-0134 min
SpirecastPurpose Based Goal Setting with Rick Rusaw & Kasey Husen | SC 49Every leader knows the importance of goals. Frustration in the goal-setting process is also something every leader has probably experienced.
Rick Rusaw and Kasey Husen explore a goal-setting framework that not only gets results but helps you connect with a deeper purpose. Stop leaving your goals up to chance and learn more about this helpful framework in today's Spirecast!
2023-01-1028 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchJanuary 1, 2023 | Who Will You Be in 2023?Message by Rick Rusaw.https://lbcc.org
2023-01-0130 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchNovember 13, 2022 | The Way | John 5:18-47Message by Rick Rusaw.https://lbcc.org
2022-11-1330 minSpirecastHow to say 'NO' as a Pastor with Nikomas Perez & Rick Rusaw - SC 40Something is not right. The witness of the church in North America is eroding. Many Christians are alarmed by the decline in church attendance and seek a culprit. Too often, we point the finger away from the church, make culture the enemy, and build walls between us and others. But our antagonism and enemy-making are toxins that further eat away at our witness. Is there a better way?
Tara Beth suggests we cast down the idolatrous false images of God to recover a winsome picture of a kingdom of abundance and goodness. We can be sustained by p...
2022-10-3027 minSpirecastLeadership Through Tragedy Forum - SC 36Navigating your own feelings about the recent violent tragedies is challenging.
Helping the people in your church process these events are even more difficult. In this special episode of #spirecast, Rick Rusaw hosts a conversation with Drew Sherman, Rusty George, and Dr. Paul Alexander that will give you some guidance on how to process your own feelings and best support your church through these difficult events.
2022-10-2524 minSpirecastLeaders Need Leaders: Finding Community with Rick Rusaw and Matt Regan - SC 35Church leadership is challenging. Trying to lead from a place of isolation is unsustainable. In this episode of #spirecast, Rick Rusaw and Matt Regan explore how to take steps to build a leadership community and the opportunities the Spire Network has created to make that easier for you.
2022-10-2522 minSpirecastHow to Lead When You’re Not in Charge with Jodi Hickerson & Bart Rendel - SC 28Leading when you're not in charge is all about focusing on what you can control. Hear Jodi Hickerson explain this in her #spireconference talk and then join Bart Rendel and Rick Rusaw to get practical steps for your ministry!
2022-10-2431 minSpirecastRemaining Faithful in Ministry for the Long Haul (Part 2) | Dave Stone & Rick Rusaw - SC 23If you've felt close to burnout in ministry you're not alone. In his #spireconference talk Dave Stone unpacks how he navigated those difficult waters and how you can be equipped to prepare your heart to stay strong in ministry.
2022-10-2433 minSpirecastRemaining Faithful in Ministry for the Long Haul (Part 1) | Dave Stone & Rick Rusaw - SC 22In ministry, it can feel like the valleys are deeper and the mountaintops are few and far between. Join Dave Stone and Rick Rusaw as they recount the first part of Dave's #spireconference talk when he lays the foundation to understand what it takes to remain faithful in ministry.
2022-10-2433 minSpirecastActivating Team Leadership with Ashley Wooldridge & Rick Rusaw | SC 20The Church is enamored with leadership, but we often have a misguided understanding of what effective leadership requires. Join Ashely Wooldridge with Rick Rusaw to engage with him around his #spireconference talk on Activating Team Leadership.
2022-10-2033 minSpirecastThe Leader's Heart for Moving Forward | Kyle Idleman, Rick Rusaw & Chris Jefferson | SC 12To survive in a changing world, leaders must continue to advance into the future. The Church has a supernatural ability from God to be equipped to advance. Listen in to the first part of Kyle Idleman's talk from the 2020 #spireconference where he unpacks how church leaders can be fueled by God's supernatural power. Then join Rick and Chris for actionable steps for your ministry context!
2022-10-1126 minSpirecastThe Future of the Church After a Pandemic | Carey Nieuwhof & Rick Rusaw | Spirecast Ep. 9Could you use some help leading the future direction of your church?
Carey Nieuwhof addresses the 3 disruptive trends he unpacked at the 2020 #spireconference and offers some ways your church could leverage this cultural moment.
2022-09-2344 minSpirecastBuilding a Team in a Difficult Environment | Jordan Rice, Brian Hunt & Rick Rusaw | Spirecast Ep. 8Every church goes through difficult seasons, but challenges never leave churches off the hook from the great commission.
Jordan Rice shares valuable principles to continue to build a team in a difficult environment from his talk at the #spireconference. Rick Rusaw and Brian Hunt follow up after the talk to help you take your next steps in building the team that God wants to use to unleash a movement in your context.
2022-09-2327 minSpirecastBeing a Multi-Ethnic Church (Interview with Efrem Smith) - Spirecast Ep. 2What does it take for your church to reflect the multi-ethnic reality of New Testament churches? In this episode of #spirecast we rebroadcast Dr. Efrem Smith's interview from the #spireconference. After the rebroadcast, Rick Rusaw and Brad Tate address your biggest questions on how to move toward being a multi-ethnic church.
2022-09-2330 min
LifeBridge Christian ChurchApril 24, 2022 | Our Failures are not FatalMessage by Rick Rusaw.https://lbcc.org
2022-04-2531 min
The Embedded Church PodcastAdam Ward on Sharing the Stories of a PlaceIn this episode, Eric and Sara Joy talk with Adam Ward about his podcast, For Columbus, based in Columbus, Ohio. Unlike other podcast hosts who aspire to expand their audience as far as possible, Adam is happy to limit his reach to those who love and serve Columbus. In this podcast, Adam shares stories about leaders serving God’s kingdom in a local setting.Most Christian leaders are too busy with their own ministries to pay attention to other things that are happening in their own backyard. The For Columbus podcast addresses that problem by providing an ea...
2021-07-2731 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchJune 13, 2021 | Paradise Lost: Paradise FoundMessage By Rick Rusaw, on June 13, 2021. https://lbcc.org
2021-06-1427 min
The Giving Leader PodcastRick Rusaw- The Externally Focused LeaderJoin in as Rick Rusaw, bestselling author of The Externally Focused Church, joins Phil for a conversation to dissect ministry and leadership as we emerge to a post-pandemic world.
Rick Rusaw served as the Lead Pastor at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado, for over 25 years, seeing the church’s attendance grow to more than 5,000 across three campuses. His passion for the church’s engaging and serving its communities have been at the heart of not only leading LifeBridge but also assisting churches worldwide to see beyond themselves. LifeBridge has found effective ways to partner in their comm...
2021-06-0344 min
Messages Archive - LBCCParadise Lost: Fig LeavesMessage By Rick Rusaw on May 02, 2021.
The post Paradise Lost: Fig Leaves first appeared on LBCC.
2021-05-0300 minLifeBridge Christian ChurchParadise Lost: Fig LeavesMessage By Rick Rusaw on May 02, 2021.The post Paradise Lost: Fig Leaves first appeared on LBCC.https://lbcc.org
2021-05-0326 min
The Church Digital PodcastEP093: Rick Rusaw & The Standard of Church as PlatformThe idea of Church as Platform has been resonating for a while here at The Church Digital. Through recent blogs & podcasts we’ve been unpacking this idea of the church (not providing a service, but instead finding success in empowering others to do ministry). It’s not about our organizations reaching people, but about our organizations training disciple-makers to reach people.
Today on the podcast we’re bringing in Rick Rusaw, former Lead Pastor at LifeBridge and one of the early innovators in this idea of Church as Platform. Rick gives some of the history, some of the ba...
2020-09-081h 01The Embedded Church PodcastDiscovering Neighborhood Dreams as a ChurchIn this episode, we interview Nathan and Kristi Ivey about the work they have done and continue to do through Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, KY. With backgrounds in finance and government, they bring a unique lens to their former and current roles as Pastor and Director of Mercy Ministry. They have come to recognize that an important part of neighborhood engagement and mercy work involves asking neighbors what their hopes and dreams are for their neighborhood. A simple place to start, but so easily overlooked. They share about the lesson they learned from doing a neighborhood festival the "...
2020-06-1647 min
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The Worship Circle PodcastFoundation of Trust, an interview with Rick Rusaw and Tim FootIn this interview, Todd talks with former Lifebridge Church pastor Rick Rusaw and Tim Foot of Slingshot Group about their 17 years of ministry together as lead pastor and worship pastor. They explore the concept of building the relational trust needed to work together as a unified team.
http://www.worshipcircle.com
2019-08-2058 min
Westway Christian Church's PodcastThe Neighboring Life - Part 2 StayA portion of the message features an audio clip from the DVD, The Neighboring Life by Rick Rusaw and Brian Mavis
2018-06-1037 min
Westway Christian Church's PodcastThe Neighboring Life - Part 2 StayA portion of the message features an audio clip from the DVD, The Neighboring Life by Rick Rusaw and Brian Mavis
2018-06-1037 min
Westway Christian Church's PodcastThe Neighboring Life - Part 1 What Matters MostBased from the implications of the Greatest Commandment, this series is inspired by the book of the same title, The Neighboring Life by Rick Rusaw, Brian Mavis, Kvin Colon and Krista Petty.
This also greatly compliments our mission of helping our neighbors find their way back to God.
There is a part of the message that has an audio excerpt from The Neighboring Life DVD.
2018-05-2739 min
Westway Christian Church's PodcastThe Neighboring Life - Part 1 What Matters MostBased from the implications of the Greatest Commandment, this series is inspired by the book of the same title, The Neighboring Life by Rick Rusaw, Brian Mavis, Kvin Colon and Krista Petty.
This also greatly compliments our mission of helping our neighbors find their way back to God.
There is a part of the message that has an audio excerpt from The Neighboring Life DVD.
2018-05-2739 min
Calvary Nexus Sunday SermonsLove God & Neighbors Conference - Session 1 Learn from experienced practitioners about the importance of rediscovering the Great Commandments to love God and your neighbors, some of the blessings, and the challenges and ways to overcome those obstacles.Rick Rusaw is the Lead Pastor at LifeBridge Church in Longmont, Colo. During his leadership, LifeBridge has become a strong community partner both locally and globally to provide mentoring for at-risk kids, foster care, and serving opportunities. These partnerships have increased community engagement and grown the church to more than 3,500 in attendance. Through his experiences, Rick has been led to assist churches and denominations worldwide develop...
2017-09-2342 minCalvary Nexus Sunday SermonsLove God & Neighbors Conference - Session 1 Learn from experienced practitioners about the importance of rediscovering the Great Commandments to love God and your neighbors, some of the blessings, and the challenges and ways to overcome those obstacles.Rick Rusaw is the Lead Pastor at LifeBridge Church in Longmont, Colo. During his leadership, LifeBridge has become a strong community partner both locally and globally to provide mentoring for at-risk kids, foster care, and serving opportunities. These partnerships have increased community engagement and grown the church to more than 3,500 in attendance. Through his experiences, Rick has been led to assist churches and denominations worldwide develop...
2017-09-2342 min
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith“Love Your Neighbor As Yourself”: God’s Community In ActionKristin Schell, (author of the Turquoise Table) and Rick Rusaw and Brain Mavis (authors of The Neighboring Church) give us insight into what it really means to live out Jesus’ great commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” with practical and life-changing ways we can create community where we live and expand God’s kingdom from our own front yards. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
2017-06-2930 min
2016-10-2334 min
Kingdom RootsThe Neighboring Church (Conversation with Rick Rusaw)- KR 24
What if the Church got better at the two things Jesus said mattered most?
If the Church is going to thrive in this changing world a pivotal thing is going to be being a good neighbor. Rick Rusaw and Lifebridge Christian Church have been on a journey to love God better through actually loving their literal neighbors. Rick gives some practical advice on how churches can better equip congregations to get to know and love the people they live near.
Suggested Resources:
The Neighboring Church by Rick Rusaw and Brian Mavis (https://goo.gl/14w7h2)
The Externally Focused Church...
2016-08-0230 min2015-07-1934 min
Exponential PodcastThe Good Hood: Loving Your Neighbors Part 1In this 2012 Exponential podcast, Brian Mavis, Eric Swanson and, Rick Rusaw speak about why it is important for the church to love the community. If your church could only be good at one thing, then it better be good at the thing that matters most to Jesus. What would your community look like if all Christ-followers were living out the Great Commandment? What could you do to get everybody to strive to be the best neighbors their neighbors have ever had? How could you help them in meeting the needs and dreams of the community? How could you structure church...
2013-03-1446 minExponential PodcastThe Good Hood: Loving Your Neighbors Part 2In this 2012 Exponential podcast, Brian Mavis, Eric Swanson and, Rick Rusaw speak on how important it is for the church to love the community. If your church could only be good at one thing, then it better be good at the thing that matters most to Jesus. What would your community look like if all Christ-followers were living out the Great Commandment? What could you do to get everybody to strive to be the best neighbors their neighbors have ever had? How could you help them in meeting the needs and dreams of the community? How could you structure church...
2013-03-1451 minExponential PodcastHow to Partner with Your CommunityIn this 2012 Exponential podcast, Brian Mavis, Eric Swanson and, Rick Rusaw speak about how to partner with your community and get the most out of your assets. Single parents, the hungry, at-risk kids, the homeless, the elderly, the poor, foster kids, the sick, public servants, schools, and more. There are so many people and places where your church can get involved. How do you know where to start and focus your efforts? Furthermore, should you create a new program or should you partner with someone in the community? Discover how to match your church's giftedness with your community's needs and...
2013-03-0659 minExponential PodcastIf Your Church Vanished, Would Your Community Care?In this 2012 Exponential podcast, Brian Mavis, Eric Swanson and, Rick Rusaw speak about how to make a church that the community values. Thousands of churches will close their doors this year in America. Many churches will not close, but they aren't making a difference. The guiding question of Externally Focused Churches is "If my church vanished, would my community care?" Unfortunately, for most churches the answer is "No." Oh sure, the people who attend those churches would care. But the city leaders wouldn't care. The schools wouldn't care. The business leaders and the community's non-profit agencies wouldn't care. The public...
2013-03-051h 01Exponential PodcastPlanting an Externally Focused Chruch - Part 2In this Exponential 2011 podcast, Rick Rusaw explains how all around the world, churches have been shifting from being internally focused to being externally focused. This workshop will focus on the best practices and practical ideas that have shaped this movement of community transformation.
2011-08-2955 minExponential PodcastPlanting an Externally Focused Chruch - Part 1In this Exponential 2011 workshop, Rick Rusaw, Eric Swanson, & Brian Mavis speak on how church planters can instill missional/externally focused values and create community buzz in the pre-launch. What are key strategic decisions that will determine whether your plant is going to be the best church for the community?
2011-08-0559 minExponential PodcastRaising Disciples Who Live on LoanExponential 2010 Workshop with Rick Rusaw. Raising Disciples Who Live on Loan.
2010-05-0454 min
Sermons from First Church of God, St. Joseph, MI (video edition)Life on Loan: Writing Your Story"How will God use your story?" Today is the start of the "Life on Loan" series, a church-wide study using the book "Living a Life On Loan" by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson and examining the crossroads in our lives and the story of which you are a part.
2008-04-0700 min
Sermons from First Church of God, St. Joseph, MI (audio edition)Life on Loan - Writing Your Story (Week 1)"How will God use your story?" Today is the start of the "Life on Loan" series, a church-wide study using the book "Living a Life On Loan" by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson and examining the crossroads in our lives and the story of which you are a part.
2008-04-0700 min