Talking Transformation with Matt Bird
By Cinnamon Network International
Talking Transformation with Matt BirdJan 13, 2021
#37: Phil Inglis - Cinnamon Faith Action Audit in Illawarra, Australia
This weeks podcast was recorded in late 2020 when Matt Bird spoke to Phil Inglis, Salvation Army Wollongong, Australia and Co-Lead, Community Engagement, #TogetherForTheIllawarra, our local partner on the first #CinnamonFaithActionAudit to take place in Australia. On the 25th November 2020, Cinnamon Network Australia, in partnership with Together for the Illawarra, announced the results of the Cinnamon Faith Action Audit for the Illawarra region of New South Wales. LISTEN to gain great behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to conduct a Faith Action Audit.
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
#36: Nic Mackay - First Faith Action Audit in Australia
This week's podcast is an interview with Nic Mackay, National Director of Cinnamon Network Australia. The conversation reflects on the recent highly successful #FaithActionAudit which was conducted in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. This CFAA was groundbreaking for Australia - LISTEN to find out more about Nic and Cinnamon’s work in Australia and why the CFAA was groundbreaking for Australia.
A great conversation, full of insights and encouragements.
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#35: Dave Barker - Serving And Listening To A Community
This week's podcast is an interview with Dave Barker, a pastor in Folkestone who has helped run a Cinnamon Faith Action Audit in his town and is now working closely with local authorities to meet the needs of his community.
In this episode he tells Matt about the doors that opened to the church after the Faith Action Audit, how the church has served people during the pandemic and how he thinks the church's role will change after Covid-19.
A great listen, full of insights and encouragements.
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#34: Dusan Beredi Bera - Radical Solutions For Addiction
This week Matt talks to the Dusan Beredi Bera, a pastor in Novi Sad, Serbia. They discuss Dusan's journey to faith and his incredible story of meeting God and becoming free from an addiction that threatened his life.
In the challenging and inspiring interview they also talk about the work of Dusan's church, helping people in addiction to discover God's life-changing love.
To find out more about Dusan visit
http://www.phz.rs/onama.php
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#33: Dr Vladimir Ubeivolc - Frontline Stories In The Fight Against Human Trafficking
This week's Talking Transformation is an incredible listen as Matt talks to Dr Vladimir Ubeivolc, a pastor in Moldova who is working in a country where human trafficking is tearing apart families and communities.
His church is involved in work with people at risk of being trafficked and people who have been trafficked, listen as he tells stories of challenge and stories of hope.
Moldova is the poorest nation in Europe, yet this podcast shows us how much we can learn from Dr Vladimir and his team about empathy, education and transformational action.
To find out more about Dr Vladimir visit
http://bol.md
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#32: Niky Dix - Health, Healing & Online Courses
This week Matt talks to Intentional Health's CEO Niky Dix about attitudes toward health and how her organisation has grown as online training has grown exponentially during Covid-19 lockdown.
The pair also talk about how the present opportunities to resource churches far and wide, and how churches can meet huge local demand for community health solutions, especially as people emerge from the pandemic.
To find out more about Niky and Intentional Health visit
https://www.intentionalhealth.uk
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#31: Alfonso Schilder - Stories Of Transformed Lives
This week on Talking Transformation Matt talks to Alfonso Schilder, a minister at Mount Hope Kingdom Life Christian Church to hear stories of lives that have been transformed by the rehab program run through the local church.
We can talk about initiatives and programs without hearing how individual lives have been changed, today Alfonso shares stories of people who have experienced the love of Jesus and seen radical life transformation.
To find out more about Alfonso visit
http://mounthope.co.za
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#30: Revd Paul Cowley MBE - Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest
This week Matt talks to the Reverend Paul Cowley MBE, part of the HTB leadership team in the UK about his life story and experiences ministering to those in his local area and in prisons across the UK.
Paul talks to Matt about the importance and impact of getting involved with actions, not just words, and how the church can provide vital infrastructure to communities in times of need.
To find out more about Paul visit
https://caringforexoffenders.org/who-we-are
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#29: Miro Toth - The Evolving Story Of The Church In Slovakia
Today we welcome Miro Toth onto the Talking Transformation podcast as he tells us about the church in Slovakia and how God is moving in Eastern Europe.
He talks with Matt about the past, present and future of the nation, with encouragement and inspiration for all those who lead in their communities.
To find out more about Miro visit:
https://www.instagram.com/equippersbudapest
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#28: Shola Oladipo - A Healthy Church & Healthy Community
Today Matt talks to Shola Oladipo, the CEO of Food For Purpose, a pioneering charity that is helping Black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) communities access culturally relevant nutritional information.
They talk about the spiritual need for physical health, how the health of church leaders has an impact on members of the church and how BAME communities face particular health challenges.
Educational and entertaining, Matt and Shola have a fascinating and fun conversation on the podcast today, take a listen.
To find out more about Shola and Food For Purpose visit:
https://foodforpurpose.org
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#27: Nick Scott - Making Unity A Priority
In this episode of Talking Transformation Matt talks to Nick Scott, a pastor in Perth, about the importance of spending the time to build relationships beyond the borders of your own church community.
Nick shares stories of the work done by church leaders to foster unity and to put God's bigger picture at the heart of their vision. An inspiring listen.
To find out more about Nick and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church visit:
https://mounties.org.au
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#26: Daniel Singleton - Faith & Politics Together
In this week's episode of Talking Transformation Matt talks to Daniel Singleton, the National Executive Director of FaithAction in the UK.
They discuss the relationship between faith and politics and share lots of practical advice on how churches and faith groups can impact public life for good.
To find out more about Daniel and FaithAction visit:
https://www.faithaction.net
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#25: Annelize Els - Helping People Find Work In South Africa
This week on Talking Transformation Matt Bird talks to Annelize Els about Key Connection, a ministry in South Africa that helps people between work develop the skills and connections necessary to get a job.
Not only that, the project looks into the wellbeing of all the people involved, helping them discover their worth and their why as they prepare for job interviews and opportunities.
An inspiring listen on a project that is ready to replicate across South Africa and beyond!
To find out more about Key Connection and Annelize visit:
https://www.doxadeo.org/faerieglen/key-connection
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#24: Lars Due-Christensen - Steps To A Life Of Freedom
This week on the Talking Transformation podcast Matt talks to Lars Due-Christensen, one of the team behind the http://stepscourse.org project which is currently replicating in churches across Denmark and the UK.
Matt and Lars talk about the course and how it is helping people to discover a fuller life in God's freedom.
To find out more about Steps and Lars visit:
http://stepscourse.org
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
Sponsorships: o
#23: Ruth Frampton - Church On The Telephone
On Talking Transformation this week Matt Bird talks to Ruth Frampton, who shares her story of serving her community through the coronavirus.
Ruth tells Matt about doing church on the telephone as a way to connect with elderly and vulnerable people across the six churches she looks after in rural Devon. Full of warmth and practical insight, this is an amazing example of innovating using traditional means.
To find out more about Ruth read this story:
https://exeter.anglican.org/home-service-a-hit-as-more-than-80-dial-in-for-telephone-church
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#22: Peter Mayrick - What The Church Is Learning Right Now
This week Matt Bird talks to Peter Mayrick, the Director of Australian organisation Partners In Ministry.
In the episode they discuss how the church and church leaders have rapidly adapted to the coronavirus as Peter shares what he is learnings from church leaders across Australia.
Full of insight, ideas and encouragement, this is a great resource for church and ministry leaders. If you are inspired by what you hear in the podcast today head to http://cinnamonnetwork.com/coronavirus to read about some of the amazing and creative ways churches around the world are meeting needs during this time.
#21: Kamielah Wedel - Doing Something Right Now To Keep Everyone Safe
This week Matt Bird talks to Kamielah Wedel from New Birth Winners Church in Cape Town and discovers how they went from hearing to doing in a matter of hours using an idea from Cinnamon Network International's Coronavirus Response Toolkit.
Hear how volunteers from the church created masks and hand sanitisers and gave them out to those in the poorest parts of their city in this inspiring episode.
Could your church serve the community in a new way during the pandemic? Head to http://cinnamonnetwork.com/coronavirus to read about some of the amazing and creative ways churches around the world are meeting needs during this time.
#20: Thomas Christensen - Drive-In Church
For this episode of Talking Transformation Matt Bird talks to Thomas Christensen, a Danish pastor who is running a drive-in church during the coronavirus lockdown.
Listen to the way his church have worked with local authorities to create an innovative and safe way for people to meet in their cars. In the episode he also talks about how the idea has spread across Denmark, helping the church's message to reach more people during lockdown.
To find out more about Thomas and Open Church visit:
https://www.facebook.com/openchurchcph
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#19: Josh Carter - Church On The Radio
On Talking Transformation this week Matt Bird talks to Josh Carter about how he has made the church visible in a time of government lockdown due to the coronavirus.
Josh talks to Matt about his church on the radio and offers a unique perspective to all church leaders currently working out how to pastor online.
To find out more about Josh and Academy FM visit:
https://www.academyfmfolkestone.com
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#18: Mark Riessen - Physically Distant But Socially Inclusive
On this week's Talking Transformation Matt Bird talks to Mark Riessen about a mindset of connection during the disruption of the coronavirus. The episode is packed with ideas on how we create inclusive spaces online and in our communities while keeping to our government-guided physical distancing.
Mark and Matt also talk about the future of our church gatherings and what possibilities lie beyond COVID-19...a fascinating listen.
To find out more about Mark and Churches of Christ in South Australia and Northern Territory visit:
https://www.churchesofchrist-sa.org.au
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#17: Matthew Murray - The Pizza Pastor
On this episode of Talking Transformation Matt Bird talks to Matthew Murray, a pastor who is staying connected to his community during the coronavirus by delivering takeaway food to them!
Listen to the creative way he is pastoring the community in this conversation and using the money he is earning to support the church's foodbank.
To find out more about Matthew and Renew Church visit:
https://www.renewchurch.co.uk
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
** Episode Update **
Shortly after recording this interview one of the members of Matthew's church (Renew Church, Uttoxeter) passed away after a battle with Covid-19. The Cinnamon team extends our heartfelt love and prayer to the family, church and community.
#16: Neil Smith - Turning A Sanctuary Into A Supermarket
This week Matt talks to Planetshakers pastor Neil Smith to hear the amazing story of how they have turned their church building into a free food pantry for those in need during the coronavirus.
Listen to the episode to hear how this church is on mission in an innovative way and get practical advice on how your church can imagine ways to serve during the coronavirus.
To find out more about Neil and Planetshakers visit:
https://www.planetshakers.com
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#15: Jaap van de Poll - The Online Listening Ear
This week Matt talks to Jaap van de Poll who is part of the Cinnamon Network Netherlands team. Jaap is working on a project that helps his church meet the needs of those feeling isolated and alone in his community.
The project is called The Online Listening Ear and is a response to the coronavirus and the impact it is having on people.
Listen to the episode and learn about this amazing and simple idea. As with all Cinnamon Recognised Projects, it is designed to be shared and spread across churches. Please use it to help your community!
To find out more about Jaap follow him on social media:
https://twitter.com/jaapvdpoll
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon Network International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#14: Angie Campbell - A Church's Response To The Coronavirus
This week's Talking Transformation guest Pastor Angie Campbell leads a church in Cambridge that is mobilising to help meet the needs of those who are vulnerable in their community, church and city.
In this episode Angie talks to Matt about C3's attitude and actions as they have responded to the rapidly changing situation with the coronavirus. It is a vital, encouraging listen for all.
It should also be noted that this conversation was recorded a few days before it has been published, and the church have amended their approach in line with the UK government's latest advice on reduced movement.
To find out more about Angie and C3 visit:
https://thec3.uk/
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#13: Mildred Talabi - Door To Door Kindness
This week Matt talks to communications expert Mildred Talabi to find out how she is serving those at need in her community as the UK deals with the coronavirus.
In the podcast they talk about the simple, yet powerful, act of connecting a street so that the vulnerable can be helped, encouraged and reminded that they are not alone.
The conversation was started by this article: http://cinnamonnetwork.com/coronavirus
Do get in touch with us to tell us how your church and your community are responding in this moment.
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#12: Berti Dosti - The Power Of Serving Together
This week Matt talks to Pastor Berti Dosti to find out how the church in Albania is thriving.
In his conversation he learns more about the church's commitment to working together, with each other and the local government, to serve those most in need in their community. Berti also tells us about the nation and his hopes for Cinnamon Network Albania.
To find out more about the Pastor Berti Dosti visit:
http://wayofpeace.al
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#11: Bishop Mosa Sono - Preaching The Gospel With Good Deeds
This week Matt sits down with Bishop Mosa Sono to find out how Grace Bible Church in South Africa are impacting schools and the lives of children through their transformative work.
It's an inspiring and humbling listen as Bishop Mosa Sono talks about Soweto's past and the radical difference people of faith can make to their environment.
To find out more about the Bishop and Grace Bible Church visit:
http://gracebiblechurch.org.za
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamonnetwork.com
#10: Paul Lloyd - A Transformational Church In A Transforming City
This week's Talking Transformation guest Pastor Paul Lloyd leads Victory Outreach Manchester, a church that believes in transforming lives whether you are a doctor, a footballer or a recovering drug addict.
Paul shares advice about working with people on the margins of society andtalks to Matt about the church's history and how Manchester is changing. A fascinating listen.
To find out more about Paul and Victory Outreach visit:
https://www.vomanchester.org
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#09: Gail Cameron - Individual Change Is Cultural Change
This week's Talking Transformation guest Gail Cameron is the CEO of Kids Hope, an organisation that helps the local church mentor and support vulnerable children in schools across Australia.
She talks to Matt about the impact an hour a week can have on the life of one child, and how one child's transformation can impact an entire community.
To find out more about Gail and Kids Hope visit:
https://www.kidshopeaus.org.au
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#08: Sian Wade - If I Want To Talk To The Church, Who Do I Talk To?
This week's Talking Transformation guest Sian Wade talks to Matt about Lincoln Active Faith Network, an organisation set up by churches from the city of Lincoln after the leader of the council asked them this question:
"If I want to talk to the church, who do I talk to?
Listen to hear Sian tell us stories of how the church responded and partnered with their city in this fascinating conversation.
To find out more about Sian and Lincoln Active Faith Network visit:
http://lincoln.activefaithnetwork.com/
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#07: Matt Boulton - Going To The Roots Of A Problem
On this episode of Talking Transformation we meet Matt Boulton and talk about what Circuit Breakers is doing to address the rising rates of domestic violence in Australia.
Matt shares the pragmatic and powerful call to work with, and listen to, the perpetrators of domestic violence in order to educate and prevent harm. He also shares his heart for getting tools to people before they need them, acting pre-emptively to improve families and relationships.
A great project and a great listen.
To find out more about Matt and Circuit Breakers visit:
http://www.circuitbreakercourse.net
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#06: Mikael Wandt Laursen - Building A Relationship With Politicians
This week on Talking Transformation we explore the relationship between church and state in Denmark with Mikael Wandt Laursen. Mikael is the leader of FrikirkeNet, an organisation that represents the free church in Denmark to politicians, media and the population.
In the episode Mikael discusses how he has built relationships with politicians, connected them with church leaders and been able to showcase the work of faith communities across Denmark. He also shares with Matt his tips for connecting with extremely busy people and his heart for civic transformation.
To find out more about Mikael and FrikirkeNet visit:
https://frikirkenet.dk/
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#05: My Enemy & My Friend
On this episode Matt speaks to a Jewish Rabbi and a Palestinian Christian to learn about the radical power of listening to others, forming relationships without borders and demonstrating Christ-like empathy for others.
Both Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger (Director of International Relations for Roots/Judur/Shorashim) and Sami Awad (Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust) give incredible insight and profound challenge in this unmissable episode!
Read about Rabbi Hanan at: https://www.friendsofroots.net
Find out more about Sami at: https://holylandtrust.org
For about Matt and the work of Cinnamon International please visit: http://cinnamoninternational.com
#04: Lloyd Cooke - Opening Doors with a Faith Action Audit
Lloyd joins Matt on the Talking Transformation Podcast to discuss his experience of running a Cinnamon Faith Action Audit in Stoke-On-Trent, a city in the middle of England.
The results of the audit surprised the local authorities and the church, as neither realised that faith was doing so much good in their city. After the audit was published new opportunities to work together arose as many in authority realised that the collective impact of the church on the city was - and still is - remarkable.
To find out more about Lloyd and Saltbox visit:
https://saltbox.org.uk
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#03: Tops de Jager - Adopting A Police Station
When a church needed a jail location for a videoshoot (yes, you read that correctly) they called the local police station and asked to use a cell. That simple moment was a catalyst for a transformational project that connected the church to the local police force and eventually led to radical change for an entire community.
Listen to Matt talk to Tops de Jager from Doxa Deo church in Pretoria, South Africa as he talks transformation on the latest Cinnamon International podcast.
Find out more about Tops and Doxa Deo visit:
http://:doxadeo.org
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com
#02: Heidi Singleton - Taking A Project To The Nation
In this episode of Talking Transformation, Matt Bird talks to Heidi Singleton about the journey of taking Peaced Together from her local church to churches across the nation. Heidi shares her story, her insights and encouragements for leaders looking to replicate a project.
Find out more about Heidi and Peaced Together visit:
http://www.peacedtogether.co.uk
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
#01: Paul Bartlett - Thank God It's Monday
In the first episode of Talking Transformation, Matt Bird and Paul Bartlett discuss the power of the local church to engage communities and the challenge to make Monday the most important day of the week for believers.
Find out more about Paul, the leader of Lighthouse Church in Wollongong using the links below:
https://adifferentlight.com.au
https://tgim-movement.com
Find out more about Matt and Cinnamon International at:
http://cinnamoninternational.com