Talking Church

Hosted by River Valley Network

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Episodes

201

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Talking Church is a podcast hosted by River Valley Network that discusses trends in the church and culture. In each episode, you will learn from ministry leaders on a variety of subjects, develop your leadership skills and break new growth barriers!

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60 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 20050 min

From Administrative Assistant to Senior Executive Pastor

In this episode of Talking Church, Logan Ketterling sits down with Lisa Seaton, Senior Executive Pastor at City First Church, to talk about what she’s learned from 20 years of serving at the same church. Lisa started as an administrative assistant and, over the years, grew into her role today as Senior Executive Pastor. She shares some of the lessons she’s learned along the way about staying faithful, growing as a leader, building healthy teams, and continuing to say yes to what God puts in front of you. 00:00 From Administrative Assistant to Senior Executive Pastor 05:30 Growing Into Leadership 08:00 How to Last in Ministry 12:39 Why Church Growth Takes Time 16:26 Learning to Lead From the Second Chair 20:26 Turning a Pastor’s Vision Into Action 28:26 Building a Healthy Church Staff Culture 34:40 Giving Feedback Without Micromanaging 37:58 What Makes a Leader Keep Growing? 39:57 Burnout, Boundaries & Becoming a Healthy Leader Want to connect with Lisa? https://www.instagram.com/lisamarieseaton https://www.cityfirst.church/speakers/lisa-seaton/

August 18, 2026Episode 19952 min

Secrets to a Healthy Staff Culture

Pastor Rob Ketterling sits down with Logan for a raw look at staff culture — starting with the toxic, siloed churches Pastor Rob worked at early in ministry, and what those experiences taught him about building something better. They cover longevity, the new four-year commitment for staff, the "First Four" mentoring program, and River Valley's seven staff values, from "speak life, bring lift" to "honor in all directions."

July 7, 2026Episode 1981 min

An Update from Talking Church

Hey hey! The wait will be worth it! Talking Church is taking a short summer break before returning on August 18th with brand-new episodes! Thanks for your continued support & we can't wait to be back!

June 23, 2026Episode 1971 hr 11 min

Central Vs Campus: Managing the Multisite Leadership Tension

In this episode, Logan sits down with Caleb Moore and Maddie Bennett to unpack the real tensions between central teams and campus teams in a multisite church. They talk through unity, collaboration, accountability, feedback, and the relational work required to lead well across multiple locations. Whether you serve at central, on a campus, or lead in any multi-location organization, this conversation offers practical wisdom for managing tension without losing trust. Watch to watch Logan's teaching? See it here: https://vimeo.com/1202643403/9e39ae2e31?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

June 9, 2026Episode 1961 hr 1 min

Why He Left His MegaChurch? | Dillon Baker "The Protestant Gentleman"

In this episode, Logan sits down with Dillon Baker, also known as The Protestant Gentleman, to talk through his journey from campus ministry and non-denominational church life into a deeper exploration of church history, Protestant identity, and the marks of a biblical church. Together, they discuss the strengths and tensions of modern evangelical and megachurch models, including questions of church governance, sacraments, unity, tradition, and how Christians should think about disagreement within the body of Christ. It’s a thoughtful and honest conversation that invites pastors and church leaders to reflect on what the church is called to be while still pursuing humility, charity, and unity in Christ.

May 26, 2026Episode 19542 min

A Message to Religious Minnesotans

Pastor Logan sits down with U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya for a candid conversation about faith, politics, and the issues shaping Minnesota and the nation. They discuss religious freedom, abortion, gender ideology, public safety, free speech, and the role faith plays in leadership and public life. It’s an open, honest discussion about the issues many Christians and Minnesotans are thinking about heading into this election season. Listener Discretion Advised: Please note that this conversation includes several sensitive topics including abortion, trauma, gender identity, and references to explicit protest behavior. These subjects are discussed seriously and respectfully, but parents may want to preview the episode before listening with children present.

May 12, 2026Episode 1941 hr 4 min

Brandi Carrano | The Exploding Church Europe Didn't Expect

In this episode, Logan sits down with Brandi, Co-Pastor of International Church of Barcelona, to unpack the surprising growth of a church in one of Europe’s most secular cities. From being told “don’t get your hopes up” to seeing every gathering, group, coffee shop, and act of service become an outreach, Brandi shares how God is reaching locals, expats, and people from over 100 nations. This conversation is a challenge to stay low, love people authentically, and turn everyday moments into opportunities for mission.

April 28, 2026Episode 19355 min

Dick Foth | How to Tell Better Stories

Dick Foth is a master storyteller, and in this conversation he breaks down what makes stories so powerful. Logan and Dick explore why people are wired for story, how stories create trust, and why the best communicators learn to pay attention to their own lives. It’s full of insight for anyone who wants to communicate with more warmth, clarity, and depth.

April 14, 2026Episode 1921 hr 37 min

A Rare Somali Christian's Radical Conversion

In this episode, Pastor Abdi shares the remarkable story of his conversion from Islam to Christianity and the persecution that came with it. From his early years in a strict Muslim context to the moment he publicly confessed Christ, his testimony reveals the cost and beauty of following Jesus. He also offers wisdom for how the church can faithfully love, understand, and reach Muslim neighbors today.

March 31, 2026Episode 1911 hr 14 min

Brent Silkey | Building Grit as a Leader

In this episode, Brent Silkey shares how faith, discipline, and grit have shaped both his leadership and his life, from running his first marathon to completing seven marathons on seven continents in one week. He opens up about the preparation, resilience, and spiritual conviction it takes to stay steady in the long game, especially when the mission is bigger than personal achievement. Brent also talks about leading with purpose, bringing others along in the vision, and using endurance as a platform to fight human trafficking and raise support for freedom. This conversation will challenge you to embrace hard things, lead with courage, and stay faithful to the calling God has placed in front of you.