About the Guest:
Justin Elafros is a pastor and the Senior Director of Adult Discipleship at The Village Church in the Dallas Fort Worth area. With a robust background in spiritual leadership and adult discipleship, Justin is also an accomplished author, co-writing the book "The Art of Leading Community" with Jared Musgrove. His leadership and ministry focus on community building within the church and fostering deep, transformational relationships among congregants.
Episode Summary:
Jared and Justin Elafros, Senior Director of Adult Discipleship at The Village Church. Jared and Justin delve into the dynamics of walking with God, the vital role of community in spiritual growth, and the nuances of leading courageously in various facets of life. Justin shares personal anecdotes and transformative seasons from his journey, offering listeners a blend of wisdom and practical advice.
Throughout the episode, key themes such as exilic discipleship, the importance of forming deep relational networks within church communities, and the adaptive nature of leading a congregation are explored. From personal leadership within the family to the broader task of shepherding a diverse church body, Justin and Jared articulate the complexity and beauty of faith-based community leadership. They also discuss their collaborative work on "The Art of Leading Community," providing valuable context and insights that underline the book's purpose and impact.
Key Takeaways:
Dynamic Relationship with God: Justin emphasizes that a relationship with God is dynamic and mysterious, encouraging believers to embrace deeper communion that goes beyond traditional practices.
Importance of Community: Deep work over time in the community is essential for spiritual growth and transformation.
Exilic Discipleship: Adapting discipleship practices to view Christians as cultural exiles can enrich the spiritual journey and the church's mission.
Leading Courageously: Leadership involves not having all the answers but believing in and working toward a vision collectively.
Integration and Mystery: Integrating art, beauty, and mystery into one's spiritual life can profoundly affect personal growth and community impact.
Notable Quotes:
"Life with God is dynamic, always moving, and it's not static. It's more like an adventure." — Justin Elafros
"The church had been so structured around Sunday morning. We don't even know the pieces that exist." — Justin Elafros
"The less relational your church is, the less transformational your church is." — Justin Elafros
"Releasing control in ministry allows others to grow and use their God-given gifts." — Justin Elafros
"I am done trying to figure out if things are good or bad in my life; I'm allowing God to be God." — Justin Elafros
Resources:
Books Mentioned:
"The Art of Leading Community" by Justin Elafros and Jared Musgrove
"Sacred Fire" by Richard Rohr
"The Critical Journey" by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich
"Dark Night of the Soul" by Gerald May
"Mistborn" Series by Brandon Sanderson
"Stormlight Archive" Series by Brandon Sanderson
Apps:
Dwell App: An audio Bible app used by Justin during his walks with God.
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Produced by The Good Podcast Co.
