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In this dynamic episode, we explore the Pentagon framework with Eun K. Strawser, acclaimed author, pastor, and consultant. Eun invites us to reimagine leadership and the diversity of gifts that body of Christ needs to thrive. We also explore how these gifts can be applied in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of equipping the church to serve the community rather than just itself. Grab a notepad because this episode is full of rich insights!

Need a refresher on the Pentagon Lifeshape?
Watch a short video by Paul Maconochie and download the Pentagon Lifeshape at uptick.org/PentagonLifeshape.

Meet Eun K. Strawser
Dr. Rev. Eun K. Strawser is the co-vocational lead pastor of Ma Ke Alo o (which means "Presence" in Hawaiian), non-denominational missional communities multiplying in in Honolulu, HI; the CEO of Iwa Collaborative; a community physician at Ke Ola Pono; and an executive member of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) with 20 years’ experience in both local and trans-local church planting work at executive levels.

Prior to transitioning to Hawaii, she served as adjunct professor of medicine at the Philadelphia College of Medicine and of African Studies at her alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania (where she and her husband served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) after finishing her Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Dar es Salaam.

She is the author of Centering Discipleship: A Pathway for Multiplying Spectators into Mature Disciples (IVP) and You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone: the Power of Sharing Leadership (IVP). She and Steve have three seriously amazing children.

Information taken from www.iwacollaborative.com/about.

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To learn more about Uptick, find us at uptick.org or follow us on IG at @uptickleaders.

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In this episode, host James Wilson Jr. speaks with Kenny Daniel, the operations and pastoral director at CrossRoads Camp to explore The Semicircle Lifeshape. They discuss how rhythms of work and rest are crucial for healthy leadership that can go the distance. Kenny shares his journey from pastoral ministry to camp leadership, emphasizing the value of moments over metrics and the need for godly optimism in challenging times.

If you're curious about learning more Kenny's work and the CrossRoads camp, visit www.crossroadscamp.com.

For a refresher on the Semicircle Lifeshape, visit www.uptick.org/Semicircle to watch a short video by Brittney Rossie and download the Semicircle Lifeshape graphic.

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To learn more about the work of Uptick, our cohorts, or any of the tools we engage here, check us out www.uptick.org.

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In this episode, Shanicka House takes us on her journey of learning to hear and respond to God’s voice through the Circle Lifeshape. Together, we dig into Kairos moments and the many surprising ways God speaks. As both a mom and an entrepreneur, Shanicka brings a refreshing perspective on trust, obedience, and communal discernment in living a Jesus-shaped life.

Need a refresher on the Circle Lifeshape?
Watch a short video by Cheryl You and download the Circle Lifeshape at uptick.org/TheCircle.

Meet Shanicka House
Shanicka Vail House is a devoted wife to Worship Pastor Chris House and proud mother of Raegan Leigh, Rhian Elise, and rainbow baby, Raine Christiann Ruth. A graduate of Valdosta State University, she is the founder of My TransParent (MOM)ents, where she encourages and equips moms through her ministry of transparency, and The MTM Store – an online store selling faith-based apparel. Shanicka also founded The R.U.T.H. Foundation for Women supporting mothers in need, and most recently launched That’s Bible For Kids, teaching families the importance of instilling God’s Word in children.

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If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review and share with a friend.

To learn more about Uptick, find us at uptick.org or follow us on IG at @uptickleaders

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We’re back for Season 2 and we couldn’t be more excited! This season comes with some fun changes, including a brand-new voice on the mic: welcome our new co-host, Van-Neisha Johnson! Together, we’ll be diving into conversations with Christian leaders from every corner of the Uptick community. Our theme this season? Family & Friends.

Kicking things off, we sit down with Josh Hayden to talk about what it really looks like to lead with spiritual integrity, embrace vulnerability, and find resilience in the tough seasons of life.

Need a refresher on the Triangle Lifeshape? Watch a short video by Vernon Gordon and download the Triangle Lifeshape at www.uptick.org/triangle.

Meet Josh Hayden
Josh Hayden is an Uptick alum and the Director of Remissioning with `Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years, Josh has worked and led ‘remissioning’ trainings in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School. Josh is the author of Remissioning Church: A Field Guide to Bringing A Congregation Back to Life (2025), a new release in the Missio Alliance & IVP Book Series. The Haydens live near Richmond, Virginia.

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Just in time for all our 2025 plans and resolutions, the Uptick team brings us a timely conversation to get us right for the year. In this episode, the Uptick team discusses ways to order our lives (and calendars) for rich abiding with Jesus and fruitfulness for his Kingdom.

Follow us on Instagram at @uptickleaders. To get connected with our work, visit our website at uptick.org

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James is joined by Paul Maconochie and Becca Bennick. This episode explores how the gift of prophecy can be practiced in our ministry today and what pitfalls to avoid to express this gift in a faithful Jesus-shaped way.

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James is joined by podcast regular, Paul Maconochie and first-time guest, Becca Bennick. This episode explores how the gift of prophecy can be practiced in our ministry today, and what pitfalls to avoid to express this gift in a faithful Jesus-shaped way.

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In this episode, James, Paul and Archie explore The Circle, a simple but powerful tool and practice for hearing and responding to God's voice.

For more information about Uptick and tools like this, check out www.uptick.org.

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