Church is Changing: Episode 83 - Christie Latona by Church is Changing

Church is Changing: Episode 82 - Lindsey Joyce by Church is Changing

Church is Changing: Episode 81 - Jean Carlos Diaz by Church is Changing

In this episode Paul Nixon interviews Isaiah Park, the newest member of the Path 1 team. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss (among many topics) the nature of evangelism in the 21st century, the idea of “attractional church,” and partnering with the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Isaiah are working together to offer the revised Launchpad training this winter for teams starting new ministries and churches.

In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews John Jones who leads Shared Plate, a food ministry based in a local church in Southern California. We explore how participants, volunteers, and the host church are experiencing transformation in connection with this ministry.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful intersections of faith and justice today: the movement to repurpose underutilized church land for deeply affordable housing. Our guest, Rev. Julia Nielsen, is a leading voice and practitioner helping congregations navigate the complex—and sacred—work of turning their property into homes for those in need.

Julia walks us through the step-by-step process of developing housing on church land, shares the common roadblocks and myths that hold churches back, and offers practical advice for communities just beginning to explore this path. She also casts a bold, hope-filled vision for the future of this ministry—and why it matters now more than ever.

Whether you’re a church leader, a housing advocate, or simply someone longing to see faith communities respond to the housing crisis with love and imagination, this conversation will inspire and equip you.

In this episode, Beth Estock sits down with renowned church consultant and coach Kay Kotan to talk about the evolving landscape of local church funding. From declining tithes to rising creativity, Kay shares trends she’s seeing across the country and practical ways churches can adapt. They explore topics like revitalization, empowering lay leaders, and the importance of clarity and accountability in shaping a sustainable future. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about what’s next for the church, this conversation is packed with wisdom and hope.

In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Stacey Piyakhun, Director of Multiplication for Horizon Texas Conference. Their conversation focuses on the ways that church planting is morphing in the 2020s.

What does it take to turn a declining church into a thriving center of love, justice, and belonging? In this episode, host Beth Estock sits down with Rev. Jane Voigts, pastor of United Methodist Church of Palm Springs. Since 2018, Jane has guided her congregation through a remarkable season of renewal – launching life-giving ministries like weekly hot meals, an affordable housing project, and vibrant small groups that deepen connection and spiritual growth.

Jane shares how she has cultivated a culture of hope and engagement in the heart of the desert through a comedic lens. This conversation is full of practical wisdom and deep encouragement for anyone longing to reimagine what the church can be.

The episode ends with a heartfelt blessing for all who are walking the path of transformation in their own faith communities hopefully with a caftan.

This week on Church is Changing, we talk with Amber Baker – a pastor, spiritual director, and Dinner Church pioneer in Morgantown, West Virginia. Amber has started five dinner churches around Morgantown, each unique but all are LGBTQIA+-affirming communities of seekers. This collective includes firefighters, people in recovery, strippers, and folks carrying church hurt – all around the simple power of shared meals and Jesus’ stories. She’s reimagining faith in bold and hopeful ways. Don’t miss this conversation about courage, creativity, passion and what church can become.