Ben Tapper is an associate for resource consulting with the Center for Congregations. Ben has a passion for communal healing and restoration. He is also a consultant on CRG Chat and helps with social media.
Compassionate Response to Sexual Assault Survivors
Though the #MeToo movement has brought greater media attention to sexual assault, it is not a...
Podcast
S4 E5: Moving Forward - Anti-racism in Congregational Life
Kelly and Ben talk with Professor Drew Hart about the scope of antiracism work in congregations since the racial unrest of 2020.
Resources
Trouble...
Podcast
S4 B4: The Review - Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial
Ben and Abby explore Ben's visit to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama.
Resources:
...
Podcast
S4 B3: The Review-Facing Death: Learning from Kate Bowler
Abby and Ben reflect on several podcast interviews with Kate Bowler and explore what it means to face the gravity of life with grace and joy.
Resources
...
Podcast
S4 E3: Is Race The Real Problem?
Racial division is a current topic in many arenas of life. However, Rev. Wallace Butts asks the question "Is race the real issue here?" Matt and Ben talk with Rev....
Podcast
S4 B2: The Review - Can I Get Your Number? Unpacking the Enneagram
Abby and Ben discuss The Paths Between Us and talk through the reasons they find the Enneagram both useful and fascinating.
Resources:
...
Podcast
S4 E2: Providing Touch in a Touchless Time
Dee Dee (Deidre) Gray and Adrian Warren join Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can improve their digital presence.
Resources
...
Podcast
S4 B1: The Review - Learning from Mars Hill
In this fun bonus episode of the Center for Congregations Podcast, Ben and Abby discuss the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and explore what we can learn from it.
Podcast
S4 E1: 3 Big Questions
Kara Powell from Fuller Youth Institute joins Ben and Matt to discuss the new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.
Resources
...
Podcast
S3 E11: Ghosts
Riffing off of Charles Dickens' classic novel, Ben and Matt and Tim Shapiro, reflect on trends in the life of congregational ministry.
Podcast
S3 E10: Gloriously Out Of Place
Joe Johns and So Min Oo join Ben and Matt to discuss the relationship their congregations have built while celebrating their differences.
Resources
...
Podcast
S3 E9: The Joys of Evaluation!
Kelly Minas, the Center for Congregations' Associate Director for Evaluation, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of evaluation, metrics and analytics for...
Podcast
S4 E6: Navigating Grief and Lamentation
Matt and Ben talk with Chaplain Jon Swanson about what it means to explore the ways we manage loss and disappointment.
Resources
CRG-Strategic...
Podcast
S3 E7: Memento Mori
Rev. Sabrina Gray joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of end of life planning, and talks through how leaders can initiate those conversations within their community....
Podcast
S3 E6: Don't Be A Clergy Killer
Rev. Callie Smith and Dr. Rob Saler join Matt and Ben to discuss the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program. They unpack the importance of rest and renewal for both clergy...
Podcast
S3 E5: Who Are You? Marketing and Branding for Congregations
Manuel Corazzari joins Matt and Ben to discuss marketing and branding for congregations including the importance of knowing your unique identity.
Resources...
Podcast
S3 E4: Make It Personal
Pastor Javier Mondragon joins Ben and Matt to discuss the challenges and benefits of leading a multicultural congregation.
Resources:
Access the resources mentioned...
Podcast
S3 E3: Worship as the Work of the People
David Gungor joins Ben and Matt to talk about how worship is more than just singing together. He also discusses how Good Shepherd New York is an integrated community where the...
Podcast
S3 E2: Never-ending worship: Where preparation and inspiration meet
Shellie and Ben speak with John Ray from Light of the World Christian Church about all that it takes to plan a successful worship service. They discuss music as a specific...
Podcast
S3 E1: Stay Ready: Preparing to Prepare
Ben sits down with Aimee Laramore and Louise Jackson to unpack the ins and outs of strategic planning. They take you into the mind of strategic planning consultants and...
Podcast
S2 B2: The Review - Tips on Working with Tech Volunteers
Pastor John Stange joins Kate and Ben to explain the best practices for engaging with tech volunteers.
Links:
http://www.opensong.org/
Podcast
S2 E12: The Value of the Enneagram in Congregational Spaces
Enneargram writer, teacher and coach Leanette Pokuwaah joins Ben and Matt to talk about how the enneagram can be used well in congregational contexts. She also discusses the...
Podcast
S2 E11: The Marriage of Mental Health and Ministry
Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Clinical Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), sits down with Ben and Matt to...
Podcast
S2 E10: Storytelling that Changes the World
Musician, speaker and activist Propaganda joins Ben and Matt to discuss how storytelling is foundational to being human and to fostering change. They also also talk about his...
Podcast
S2 E9 Rural Congregations: A Story of Pain and Promise
Allen Stanton joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of congregations in rural communities. He highlights their work as anchor institutions while also addressing the...
Podcast
S2 E8: Getting Schooled on Interim Ministry
Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church and former interim pastor, joins Ben and Matt to unpack what it takes to have a successful...
Podcast
S2 E7: A Primer on Racial Equity
McKenzie Scott Lewis, the northwest director of the Center for Congregations talks with Ben and Matt about the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in seeking to...
Podcast
S2 E6: Fear and Anger: Christian Nationalism among Young Adults
PhD candidate Michael Rotolo joins Ben and Matt to unpack the research around Christian Nationalism as it relates to congregations and young adult engagement. Michael's...
Podcast
S2 E5: Courting Justice
Ben and Matt connect with Pastor Bere Gil Soto, lead pastor of Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana, to talk about what it's like to lead a multi-cultural and multi-lingual...
Podcast
S2 E4: Bring Your Whole Self
Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, one of the co-founders of the Prickly Pear Collective, joins Matt and Ben to discuss creating authentic community where everyone is encouraged to bring...
Podcast
S2 E3: Tech: It's Not as Complicated as You Think
Pastor John Girton joins Ben and Matt to talk about excellence in online worship experiences using technology. They also discuss what's next for congregations and the...
Podcast
S2 E2 Waving the Banner for Youth Ministry
In this episode Ben and Matt are joined by Center for Congregations director Shellie Riggs Jordan as they interview Mark Oestreicher (a.k.a. Marko) of The Youth Cartel. Marko...
Podcast
S2 E1 Wisdom to Start Your New Year
Aimee Laramore, lead consultant at AlLyd Solutions, joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of recognizing the assets your congregation has and the importance of using...
Podcast
S1 E8: What Went Right in 2020
Ben and Matt are joined by southwest director Wendy McCormick, northwest director McKenzie Scott Lewis and president of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro. Each guest...
Podcast
S1 E7 Exchanging Pews for Strollers
Victoria Sun Esparza joins Ben and Matt to talk about Human Centered Design and applying it in congregations. This process is a way for you to listen well to the needs of your...
Podcast
S1 E6 Agents of Unity
Bishop Grant joins Ben and Matt to discuss the importance of getting back to the basics of faith. He challenges faith leaders and congregations to remember to center the people...
Podcast
S1 E5 Whosoever
This week Ben and Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for congregations talk with Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Dr. Pollard shares with...
Podcast
S1 E4: Kicked Off a Cliff
Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes of the Double Love Experience joins Matt, Ben and Wendy to discuss what she's observed about rapidly changing systems in congregational life....
Podcast
S1 E2: Tapping into Experience with Tim Shapiro
This week Ben and Matt talk with the president of the Center for Congregations, Tim Shapiro. Tim shares his experiences as a senior pastor for 18 years and from his 18 years of...
Podcast
S1 E1: Where have all the young people gone?
Matt and Ben sit down with Science Mike to discuss the problems and possibilities with engaging young adults. Congregations across religious and denominational lines are...
Podcast
S1 E3: Do we have to hide our pain?
Hillary McBride joins Ben and Matt to talk about how congregations can be places of healing for those dealing with mental health issues. We explore Hillary's own experience...
Podcast
S3 E8: Forced Into The Water
Mike Palmer joins Ben and Matt to unpack emerging trends in education. They explore how these trends will affect religious education and congregational life moving forward....
Podcast
S4 E8: When Digital Ministry Is Not Plug-And-Play
Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo joins Ben and Matt to discuss digital ministry in congregational life. Roz is the co-author of Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age. In this interview...
Podcast
S4 E7: Remembering Our History In Order To Heal
Ben and Matt talk with Rev. Sue Park-Hur about the challenges facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They discuss the model-minority myth, the rise in...
Podcast
S4 E11: Beyond Feisty and Divisive: Caring for LGBTQ Youth
In congregations many have questions and concerns about LGBTQ+ issues. Regardless of your theological stance, it's important to know how to care for youth that may identify...
Podcast
S4 E14: Are You Seeing What I'm Seeing?
You likely deal with some kind of diversity in your congregational life. Whether that be ethnic, cultural, generational or some other kind of diversity. Wilisha Scaife believes...
Podcast
S4 E15: Suffering in Silence: Addressing Mental Health
First, the bad news: mental health issues exist in your congregation. The good news is that there are a wealth of resources and people who can help and a myriad of ways to...
Podcast
S4 E16: Invisible People: Multiculturalism in Your Community
Your community is likely more multicultural than you may realize. In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, we speak with Sandy Garcia of Amistad Cristiana...
Podcast
S4 E17: Be the Bridge: Spanning Cultural Gaps
As people of faith, we are often called to be cultural brokers within our communities by identifying gaps that exist, asking the right questions, and harnessing the power of...
Podcast
S4 E18: Clergy Are People Too: No, Really.
In this episode of the Center for Congregations podcast, Marty Sawyers of the Full Strength Network and John Opalewski of Converge Coaching share their experience and insight...
Podcast
S4 E22: Building Relationships: What We Can Learn from Congolese Christians
Ben and Matt spoke with Emmanuel about the ways that the Congolese Christian community is learning to adapt to life in Indiana. As they unpacked both the challenges and...
Podcast
S5 E3: Am I Allowed to Come In?
Marketer and Millennial Kaeli Sweigard joins Ben and Matt to talk about her journey into congregational life. Topics include what congregations need to know about how they...
Podcast
S5 E2: What Do YOU Mean by Community Ministry?
Aimee Laramore joins Ben and Matt to talk about community ministry. Topics include the nature of what the different definitions of congregation and community are, focusing on...
Podcast
S5 E1: Conversations about Race are Hard
The hosts of the Shades of Hope podcast, Pastor Jeff Krajewski and Rev. Dr. Clarence Moore join Ben and Matt to candidly discuss racial justice in congregations and in our...
Podcast
S4 E23: Ghosts of Congregations Past, Present and Future 2022 Edition
President of the Center for Congregations Tim Shapiro joins Ben and Matt to discuss what the Center for Congregations has seen in regards to trends, happenings and work in...
Podcast
S4 E19: Keeping it Beta: Innovation and Congregations
Congregations are a treasure of rich traditions: cultural, communal, historical and theological. But how do you keep tradition from turning into stagnation? This week we...
article
Who Should be at the Table?
This article highlight the various stakeholders who should be included in the decision-making...
software
Givelify
This free mobile app empowers congregations to offer online giving.
article
Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety
This article from the Council on American-Islamic Relations offers practical steps to protect...
article
Sexual Assault Response Teams: Coordinating Our Response to Sexual Assault (SART)
This online guide outlines the roles of Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) so congregations...
web resource
Theology Crawl
This online guide can be used to facilitate difficult conversations about faith and life.
book
The Cross and the Lynching Tree
This book draws a line between the central image of western Christianity, the cross, and the...
book
Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare
This book explores the relationship between the personal and public ministries of Malcolm X...
book
Witnessing and Testifying: Black Women, Religion, and Civil Rights
This book explores the unsung roles of women in the Civil Rights movement.
article
Updated
How to Lead Online Worship Without Losing Your Soul-Or Body
Written by a seminary professor, this article offers tips for leaders to keep in mind as they...
web resource
SDPC Resources for Coronavirus
Curated for Black clergy and lay leaders, this list of resources addresses justice and all...
web resource
The CARES Act and Your Nonprofit or Church
From a Mennonite financial institution, this web resource offers clear financial and legal...
article
5 Tips and Best Practices for Church Disinfecting Protocols
This article lists tips and best practices for disinfecting congregational buildings.
web resource
Racialized Trauma Course
This online course explains racialized trauma that stays in the body, especially as it relates...
article
Alternatives to Calling the Police
This resource page unpacks why a congregation might call police and highlights alternatives...
web resource
COVID-19: Racial Equity and Social Justice Resources
This list of racial equity resources sheds light on disparities and provides tailored COVID-19...
media
A Look Inside a Funeral Home during COVID-19
This video provides a deep dive into the logistical and emotional duress of Black people and...
organization
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault
A go-to resource for sexual assault response training, this organization provides information...
media
Do It For The Gram: An Enneagram Podcast
This Enneagram podcast explores the wisdom of nine personality types and helps us apply it to...
article
Resilient Church Leaders: Clinical Thoughts
This article helps leaders reflect upon personal mental health and professional limits to care...
organization
DOOR (Discover Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection)
This organization plans service trips to urban areas so teens can bond and learn about...
book
The Body Keeps the Score
This psychology-based book shares the prevalence of trauma, how it impacts the brain and the...
organization
Prickly Pear Collective
This faith-based, trauma-informed collective works at the intersections of community + church...
book
White Too Long
This book outlines the history of American Christianity and how it contributes to racial...
book
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America
This book explores James Baldwin's life and writings while offering tangible applications for...
organization
Jumakae
Jumakae coaches people to heal, uncover their story, and apply it to branding and marketing.
organization
Better Help
This mental health provider network offers online counseling for individuals, couples, and...
organization
TruCircle
This website helps people find a therapist of color for mental health counseling.
organization
EnneaStories
Consultant Leanette Pokuwaah uses the Enneagram framework to explore healing, personality...
book
Womanist Midrash
This Womanist theological commentary gives voice to the named and unnamed women in the Hebrew...
book
Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity
This book uses scripture and history to teach about ethnic identity, calling, and diverse...
article
Embracing Liminal Space
This article defines transitional liminal space and offers a high-level understanding of how...
article
How Can Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Be Helpful in these Transformative Times?
This article uses nonviolent communication to reflect on the problem of racism.
media
The 4 NVC Steps Made Simple
This video outlines basic steps and principles for nonviolent communication (NVC).
article
Nonviolent Communication: Confronting Racism with Compassion
This article unpacks some causes of racism and explains nonviolent communication as a...
article
Faith Online: Nonviolent Communication and Cultivating Empathy
This article articulates positive uses of nonviolent communication in online communication...
event
Cultivating Nonviolence, Harvesting Peace
This training prepares participants to respond to personal and societal conflict with...
media
Seeking God's Kingdom Through Nonviolent Direct Action
This video articulates ways Christians can use nonviolent direct action to stand against...
web resource
Nice White Parents
This 5-episode series reports racial injustices in school systems and how parents contribute...
organization
ReFocus Ministry
This organization helps faith communities foster intergenerational discipleship, providing...
book
Youth Ministry that Lasts a Lifetime
This book explores core youth ministry questions and provides a ministry model to equip youth...
organization
Womanist Leadership Institute
These online courses teach about Black women and their legacy of leadership in theology and...
organization
Interfaith America
This organization offers training and online learning to build interfaith leaders.
organization
Kingdom Solution
This small multimedia consulting firm helps congregations with marketing, media, and ministry...
person
Adrian Warren
Pastor Adrian Warren provides marketing and audio visual services to help congregations reach...
web resource
Stop AAPI Hate
This information hub advances equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism and...
organization
ReconciliAsian
This peace center equips leaders in Korean and Asian-American churches to act toward unity,...
organization
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
This “ museum without walls” presents innovative, community-centered experiences...
organization
Mission Possible Kids
Mission Possible Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit empowering kids to become agents of change.
book
Reaching Austin
This book tells the story of the beginnings of the New Life Austin church.
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