Talking Church

Hosted by River Valley Network

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Episodes

206

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Nov 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

November 3, 2026Episode 20448 min

How Healthy Churches Turn Vision Into Action

How can church leaders identify what's working, fix what's not, and create lasting impact? In this episode of Talking Church, Logan sits down with River Valley Church's new Executive Pastor, Ben Klock, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing church leaders. Turning great vision into lasting results. With years of experience in church leadership, coaching, and organizational development, Ben shares practical insights on how churches can identify broken systems, uncover the root causes of recurring problems, and build processes that actually work. Together we unpack why churches often move on to the next big initiative instead of evaluating what's already in place, how to create healthy accountability without discouraging your team, and why the smallest details can make the biggest difference in ministry.

October 13, 2026Episode 2031 hr 17 min

The Biggest Mistake Churches Make with Young Adults

In this special crossover episode of Talking Church and YoungAdults.Today, Logan sits down with Josiah and Micah Kennealy to discuss the future of young adult ministry and what it takes to raise up the next generation of church leaders. Together, they explore the difference between gathering crowds and making disciples, the importance of mentorship, and why young adults are searching for community and purpose. They also unpack the growing influence of AI, the power of generosity, and how the Church can remain rooted in biblical truth through a rapidly changing culture. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or young adult, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to invest in the next generation. Want to connect with Josiah and Micah? https://www.youngadults.today/ https://www.instagram.com/youngadults.today --- https://www.instagram.com/josiahkennealy/ https://www.instagram.com/micah_kennealy/

September 29, 2026Episode 20254 min

What Pastors Can Learn from a Catholic Archbishop

In this episode, Logan sits down with Archbishop Bernard Hebda for a conversation about faith, leadership, and what Christians can learn from one another across traditions. Archbishop Hebda shares his journey from Harvard and Columbia Law School to the priesthood, his years working at the Vatican, and his perspective on the Holy Spirit, Christian unity, and the growing hunger for faith among young people. It’s an encouraging conversation about following God’s call and keeping Jesus at the center.

September 15, 2026Episode 20148 min

The Leadership Lessons I Wish Every Pastor Knew

In this episode of Talking Church, Pastor Logan sits down with Pastor Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, to talk about some of the leadership principles that have shaped his life, ministry, and the way he leads people. Chris shares why he focuses on growth instead of goals, how he protects what matters most on his calendar, why great leaders learn to see the potential in people, and the importance of having principles that guide you when pressure comes. They also talk about building strong teams, knowing what to say no to, finding your people, dreaming bigger, and creating space to slow down in the middle of a busy life. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, Dream Team leader, or simply someone who wants to grow in the way you lead, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you can put into practice. Want to connect with Chris Hodges? https://www.instagram.com/pastorchrishodges https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/about/leadership

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.