Connections Podcast

As we get close to Easter, we want to talk about the way Jesus changed us and how he continues to change us. Sarah and Jennifer share pieces of their unique stories and then talk about why they sometimes hesitate to share them. The stories are different but the thing they have in common is that Jesus pursued each of them, changed them, and continues to change them.  leaders.mops.org/share-jesus

 Disappointment, defeat, and frustration can seep into our souls and impact every part of our lives. Strong leaders are able to navigate those feelings without getting stuck in them.  Sarah and Jennifer give us six ways to deal with disappointment. If you are a MOPS leader, you can watch the webinar version of this and download a Building A Support Team Worksheet at leaders.mops.org/webinar. 

Join Jennifer Iverson and Sarah Ferraro as they talk about how to lead great discussions. Whether you are meeting online, in person, or some combination of the two, let's focus on engaging in meaningful discussions that lead to deeper relationships. 

Join Jennifer Iverson and Kelli Jordan as we talk about what we've learned and how we want to end this crazy year. 

Kelli Jordan and her guest, Tyler Jordan (a pastor at Connection Point Church in Raytown, MO) walk through very simple steps in how to pursue, practice and proclaim peace. Our world is filled with people who are desperate for peace. They are grasping for hope. And, if you are a follower of Jesus, you have what they need. You know where they can find peace and hope. You have good news. This podcast references MOPS' leader book, Proclaim Peace. . It is so relevant in our world right now, in this season and in this moment in history. You don't have to have the book to follow our conversation today but if you are a MOPS leader and want to get the book go to leaders.mops.org/proclaim-peace. If you aren't a MOPS leader but would like to read the book, you can order one at mops.org/store or click here to get a free download. I can't think of a better way to spend 30 minutes than listening to the story of peace and hope as it's given to us in scripture. Let's focus on how we can be how w

The BEST component of mothering together is that we all have something we can learn from each other. It is important, as the leader, to be awake and alert when a mom shares part of herself and her story. Kelli Jordan, Melodi Leih and Sherri Crandall dive into what it looks like to actually care for the moms in our space. Gain inspiration, practical tips, and resources you can start using right away. Visit leaders.mops.org/walk-alongside to find more. 

Join Sherri Crandall as she chats with Paulette Fryar, the 2020 Military Spouse of the Year. Paulette talks about her MOPS mom, MOPS mentor and Military Spouse life intersect. 

We know loneliness is an issue for moms and leaders. Even without a global pandemic, women can feel lonely even when surrounded by people. In this episode Sarah and Jennifer chat about what real connection looks like and why it is so important.Re-imaging MOPS Webinar: https://vimeo.com/440765174/1bcee292b1 The Comeback Tour: https://www.mops.org/biggestmopsmeetingever/ MOPS Membership: https://www.mops.org/get-started/trymops/ Mama Meetups: https://www.mops.org/mamameetups/ Leading Discussions Training: https://training.mops.org/courses/leading-discussion/ Max Lucado book, You Are Never Alone: https://maxlucado.com/ Scripture References: 1 Peter 4:8-10 and Isaiah 41:10

This year as leaders, we are focusing on the pursuit of excellence by pursuing God, pursuing others and pursuing growth. Today, we sit down with Pastor Darryn Scheske and his wife Loree and chat about what pursuing God looks like. I’ll give you a hint, it is not just another thing on your to do list! Darryn and Loree started Heartland Church, and interdenominational, multi-ethnic church in Indianapolis in 2001. Learn more about their mission at heartlandchurch.com.

Kelli Jordan welcomes guest, Dr. Jennifer Degler - a psychologist, life coach, and author who is passionate about helping people create healthy, successful relationships. Jennifer explains how our brains react to anxiety and gives us tips on managing it well. Hear more from Jennifer at JenniferDegler.com and watch free videos on sex, anxiety management and Bible studies at her Jennifer Degler Ministries YouTube channel or get free MP3 audio download of "Helping Your Stressed Out Brain Chill Out: Worry and Anxiety Management Techniques" available in the online Store at JenniferDegler.com. 

Are you struggling to move forward with planning for your MOPS year because so much is unknown? Jo Saxton is an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. She has dedicated her career to growing leadership teams around the world and empowering women to find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership. Jo talks about how the story you used to know has changed forever and she asks three questions that are important to consider as women, mothers and leaders. Then Kelli Jordan, Leadership Development Manager at MOPS, shares some great ideas for what you can be doing to move your group boldly into the next MOPS year. Visit leaders.mops.org/mops-connects for helpful tips. 

Sherri Crandall and our guest Francie Winslow agree that connecting with Jesus is the first step to being open to the ways God wants us to nurture our families. Francie talks about ways to manage our own feelings and gives practical tips that can strengthen our marriages. Find more from Francie, including her "Heaven in Your Home" podcast at franciewinslow.com. 

Pastor and MOPS friend Ed Ollie gives every leader a few things she can do to support her pastor. 

Join Jennifer Iverson for just a few minutes of encouragement. Spend five minutes and walk away with a few good ideas. 

Sherri Crandall chats with our guest Terri Conlin about the expectations we have for our life and parenting and the truth that it doesn’t always go exactly as planned. Parenting a child with special needs and can be disruptive and painful but God will meet you there.   Read More from Terri at www.whitepitchers.com. 

Meredith King and Sherri Crandall talk about how to manage expectations, create clarity and feed our faith in order to lead from a healthy place during the disruption we are all dealing with right now. Meredith King is the Executive Director of Integrus Leadership, an organization committed to advancing the Gospel through providing high-impact leadership and organizational development solutions for churches, church planting networks, and parachurch ministries across the United States. FInd more from her at meredithkingblog.com/

Join Pastor Ed Ollie and hear why he believes MOPS is a key strategy that will grow your church, reach your community and bring life change to families. Pastor Ed believes MOPS can be a stabilizing strategy in how you begin to reconnect with your community. Find the opportunity in the midst of the obstacles. 

Mentors have a unique opportunity to show up, speak up and stand up for women in their circles. How can we do that well during this unprecedented time in history? Sherri Crandall and Kelli Jordan talk about how mentors have to be ready to pray, pivot and reframe in order to mentor during the times we live in. 

Sherri Crandall talks with MOPS President and CEO, Mandy Arioto, about where the annual MOPS theme begins, develops and what it means to us. She is encouraging us to pray, own our leadership and embrace a joyful posture. This is the year we will Decide To Rise. 

Stacey Morgan is always ready with a crazy story from her own life; whether it be military deployments, carpooling, working for the Smithsonian, skydiving, taking roller skating lessons, or blasting her husband into outer space. Stacey is an Area Coach for South Texas and is married to NASA Astronaut Drew Morgan. She has a unique perspective on having more fun, fearing less and finding her people. You can learn more about Stacey on her blog: YearOfStacey.blogspot.com