In this episode, Tim and Sara continue their journey through the movements of grace,this time focusing on justifying grace, God’s gift of new life. If prevenient grace awakens us to God’s presence, justifying grace is the moment we realize we’ve already been welcomed—fully, freely, and forever.

Anchored in Romans 5:1–11, this conversation explores how God’s grace moves first, reconciling us and setting us free to live as beloved children of God. Tim and Sara unpack how repentance isn’t a price we pay to receive grace but our “yes” to God’s “yes.” They explore what it means to stand in grace, to live from peace rather than striving, and to lead from love rather than fear.

Along the way, Tim shares a powerful personal story of discovering what it means to be chosen and loved—an image of the unconditional grace we find in Jesus. Listeners will discover five practical ways to live and lead from justifying grace: confession, communion, courage in conflict, gospel-centered preaching, and blessing others with love. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or follower of Jesus seeking renewal, this episode will remind you that grace isn’t earned—it’s received.

Because in Christ, the door is open, the welcome is real, and you already stand in grace.

--- Listen Now: https://www.transformingmission.org/podcast/episode-383-justifying-grace-gods-gift-of-new-life/

Scripture Reference:Romans 5:1–11 J

Theme: Justifying Grace – God’s Gift of New Life

Length:26 minutes

Episdoe 382 invites you to begin an exploration of God's grace in the Wesleyan tradition. That exploration begins with prevenient grace, the grace that goes before us, through the lens of John 1:1–9.

Long before we act, plan, or even believe, God is already at work. That’s the heart of prevenient grace. It reminds leaders that ministry isn’t about starting something new, but discerning how to join what God has already begun.

Through Scripture, Wesleyan theology, and personal stories, this conversation invites you to reframe leadership as an act of cooperation with God’s initiative. From the light that “shines in the darkness” to the relationships and moments where grace is already at work, this episode will help you see leadership through the lens of divine presence and participation.

Listen now and rediscover how prevenient grace transforms how you lead, serve, and live. Learn more at transformingmission.org/382

In this episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Sara and Tim unpack Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16 to help Christ-centered leaders rethink who’s at their “gate.”

Rather than a story about money, this parable challenges us to notice people at the edges of our leadership circles and respond before the “chasm” becomes unbridgeable. Drawing from their own experiences—everything from literal church parking-lot traffic patterns to ministry with people living with HIV/AIDS—Sara and Tim explore how churches and leaders unintentionally create “gates,” the fears that fuel them, and the ways we can open our neighborhoods wider.

You’ll hear practical questions to guide your week: Who is at your gate? What chasm is God calling you to cross? How can you amplify voices at the margins? Packed with Scripture, real-life stories, and a call to action, this conversation will equip you to see every person as made in the image of God and to lead with courage, compassion, and hope in a divided world.

Read more and listen to episode 381 at https://transformingmission.org/381

In this week’s episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara dive back into Luke 15:11–32, the parable most of us call “The Prodigal Son,” but Tim calls “The Running Father.” Together they talk about what it really means to lead with grace in a critical world.

As they unpack the story, you’ll hear why grace moves first, why it costs something, and how it keeps the way home open for people who’ve wandered off. You’ll also discover the trap of the older brother’s resentment — and why fairness isn’t God’s metric — plus why celebration itself is an act of grace. If you’ve ever felt unworthy, unappreciated, or caught in score-keeping leadership, this conversation will remind you: unworthy never means worthless.

Join Tim and Sara for a hopeful, honest look at how leaders can absorb the cost, resist resentment, and throw a party when grace shows up.

TimeStamp

00:53 Reading the Parable of the Prodigal Son

04:18 Discussion on the Younger Son's Actions

05:24 The Father's Grace and Leadership Lessons

08:59 Extending Grace in Leadership

14:23 The Older Brother's Perspective

18:00 Celebration and Final Thoughts

24:32 Conclusion and Benediction

People Over Programs: Lessons from Luke 15 In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus shares two parables that continue to speak to leaders today, the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin. On the surface, these are simple stories of something missing being found. But beneath that simplicity lies a challenge: God values people more than programs, systems, or even our best-laid ministry plans. Continue Reading at https://transformingmission.org/379

In this episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara explore one of Jesus’ teachings in Luke 14:25–33 - the call to count the cost of discipleship. What does it mean for leaders to put God’s priorities first in a world that often prizes convenience, comfort, and control?

Through practical stories, everyday analogies, and honest reflection, they unpack the difference between personal preferences and God’s priorities, the importance of alignment in leadership, and what cross-shaped leadership looks like today. Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or in your everyday relationships, this conversation challenges you to pause, do a “priority audit,” and rediscover what it means to lead faithfully in God’s economy.

Listen in and be encouraged to embrace the costly but life-giving path of discipleship.

Read more and listen at https://transformingmission.org/podcast

In Episode 377 of the Transforming Mission Podcast, Tim and Sara unpack Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32–34: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Together, they explore what it means to lead in God’s economy of abundance, trust, and generosity. This conversation contrasts the world’s economy of scarcity and possessions with God’s call to prioritize people, mission, and love. From church budgets to personal leadership decisions, Tim and Sara challenge us to examine what we treasure, because our hearts always follow. Listen in for practical steps to:

-Shift from fear to trust in leadership

-Recognize how budgets reveal our values

-Focus on people over possessions

-Lead with open hands and kingdom priorities

Discover how God’s economy shapes faithful leadership today. Read more and listen to episode 377 at https://transformingmission.org/377

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction and Scripture Reading

00:47 Comfort and Challenge of God's Economy

01:59 Contrasting God's Economy with Worldly Economy

03:45 Leadership in God's Economy

05:07 Trust and Resources in God's Economy

07:49 The Radical Trust in Jesus' Teachings

10:43 Treasures and Priorities in God's Kingdom

15:40 Practical Applications and Stories

Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us that the future isn’t a repeat of the past—God is making something new. In this episode, Tim and Sara explore what it means for leaders to release nostalgia, embrace God’s surprises, and trust the process of transformation. Through personal stories of moving, ministry transitions, and unexpected people stepping into leadership, they invite you to notice where God is already at work and join in. 🎧 Listen and be encouraged to see God’s new thing in your life and leadership.

Listen and read more at https://transformingmission.org/376