In this episode, Kurt is joined by Rev. Robin LaBolt, pastor of United Church of Christ, Florida. She is a self described rabble-raiser, cage rattler, and challenger, who believes we can all live together in peace and harmony. Listen as she shares some of her experiences going into a new church that has experienced some level of success but has its own challenges, and the importance of active listening.

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] Kurt introduces today's guest — Rev. Robin LaBolt

[2:23]  What has Robin's experience been going into a church that has experienced some success but also some struggles in the past? How do you go in and make your own mark on the ministry, while being true to yourself?

[4:06]  Was Robin born with great listening skills or was it something she had to work on?

[5:49] As a pastor, it's critical to let the conversation go where it is going to go, and not worry about what your response is going to be.

[7:28] Robin recognizes that she is not the expert. She doesn't have all the answers and isn't afraid to communicate that to members of her congregation.

[8:30] Kurt and Robin discuss what it's like to be a pastor of the UCC, where people have often had different religious experiences before.

[11:12] When you take over at a new or established church, who's going to come into your office first and what does that mean?

[13:25] What should you say in a case where you're new to a church, and you're being approached by people in the church who want to keep their power, or are looking to get power?

[15:14] It is important to remember that the way someone describes events playing out may or may not be true, but their feelings are always accurate.

[18:24] As her church grows, what kind of challenges and issues does Robin face?

[21:47] Something unique about Robin's church, and churches in Florida, in general, is that everybody is from somewhere else, so they can afford to be more gracious and open to each other.

[24:43] How much credit or blame does the pastor take for the growth or decline of the congregation? How does Robin get people to realize the role that they play?

[27:38] Robin comments on the importance of the laity versus the ordained.

[29:45] Robin shares some advice for someone thinking about becoming a pastor — find a good mentor, whose leadership and pastoral skills you admire, and learn from them, and be who you are.

[32:54] What is one thing about being a pastor that Robin wishes people realized?

Mentioned in This Episode:

God’s Business

God’s Business on Facebook

God's Business: Making Church Leaders Less Stressed and More Effective by Leveraging the Experience of Others, by Kurt M. Glacy