In this episode, we explore with Megan Bissell the evolving landscape of American Christianity and how faith communities can adapt to new challenges. We begin by discussing the latest data on "nones" (those with no religious affiliation) and Gen Z, highlighting the need for a shift in thinking within American Christianity. Megan shares why she believes faith should be viewed as "a conversation" and why relationships rooted in listening are essential for churches looking to reconnect with modern society. We then introduce the concept of Sacred Listening Tools to help foster meaningful engagement. We delve into the origins of this idea, its practical applications, and its three foundational roots. Lastly, we consider the future implications for Sunday worship and discuss how the role of pastors may need to evolve to better support deeper relationships and conversations within their communities.

Megan Bissell is the co-founder of Future of Faith and an applied sociologist and researcher who specializes in the lives of young people, relationships, and group dynamics. She has spent her career turning research into actionable insights that people can use to make a meaningful impact. She has extensive experience  in leading research, facilitating workshops and educational programs, and consulting with organizations who want to enhance their relational and organizational dynamics. ​Megan was previously Head of Research for both the Social Research Lab at the University of Northern Colorado and then at Springtide Research Institute. She served as the Vice President for Research at the National Catholic Educational Association. She has a B.A. and an M.A in Sociology. Megan lives in Greeley, Colorado with her family of creatives, where she has no choice but to be inspired by those around her.

Video: https://youtu.be/m3lrNSEWrwI

Website: www.futureoffaith.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-bissell-7b503713/

Episodes Referenced:

Rebekah Simon-Peter: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/amanda-udis-kessler-talks-progressive-christian-ethics/

Josh Packard: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/stuck/

Andrew Root: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/rooted/

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant

In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes Rebekah Simon-Peter, a passionate advocate for reconnecting spiritual leaders with their divine potential to co-create miracles. They discuss the importance of moving beyond mere church attendance to fostering deep spiritual growth and apostleship within congregations. She emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus from a Jewish perspective and how this can transform our reading of the New Testament. Loren and Rebekah also explore the challenges and opportunities for churches in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the need for spiritual depth and visionary leadership

Rebekah is passionate about spiritual growth and the communities it fosters. Over the last eighteen years, she has positively impacted thousands of leaders through her award-winning group coaching program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®. A dynamic speaker and master trainer, Rebekah has engaged and challenged audiences around the country. She is the author of many books including Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus (Market Square Books, November 6, 2024), Forging a New Path, and Dream Like Jesus. Rebekah is a wife, sister, daughter, foster mom, mentor, and friend. When she’s not hanging out with family, you can find her journaling, hiking on the mountain, at the gym, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. For more information about Rebekah Simon-Peter, call (307) 333-5990, email [email protected] or visit www.rebekahsimonpeter.com.

https://www.facebook.com/cultureofrenewal

https://www.instagram.com/rebekahsimonpeter/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahsimonpeter

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant

What does it look like to live ethically as a Progressive Christian? In this episode, Amanda Udis-Kessler explores ethics from a Progressive Christian context, emphasizing the importance of loving our enemies and the connection to generosity of spirit as she believes Progressive Christianity is about striving to follow Jesus's path and working towards building a beloved community. The conversation also touches on the complexity of human nature, with the capacity for both tremendous good and terrifying evil, and thus the importance of societal influences to shape our values and actions. Amanda also explores the relationship between the gospel and social programs, highlighting the importance of both spiritual and practical implications of the gospel. She suggests that churches can live out their faith by focusing on cultivating virtues and becoming laboratories of radical hospitality.

Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler is a sociologist, writer, hymnwriter, and sacred music composer. Pilgrim Press published her book Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing this past spring, and Anthem Press is about to release her book Cultural Processes of Inequality: A Sociological Perspective. Amanda is also a core contributor to the anthology A Liturgy for All Bodies: New Words for a New World, and the author of chapters in an additional 13 books. Amanda serves as the accompanist at her church, Vista Grande Community Church United Church of Christ in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and as a hymn text writer for the Rocky Mountain Conference of the UCC. She also develops and leads workshops on topics ranging from creativity to how white people can work against racism. She will lead a session on developing inclusive and antiracist liturgical materials at the 2024 UCC Musicians Association annual conference.

Her sacred music website https://queersacredmusic.com has over 150 free-use hymns and worship songs in score, recording, and video formats. Her writing website https://amandaudiskessler.com includes a repository of freely available chapters, essays, sermons, and liturgical materials. 

https://thepilgrimpress.com/products/abundant-lives-a-progressive-christian-ethic-of-flourishing-udis-kessler

websites and social media:

Writing: https://amandaudiskessler.com

Music: https://queersacredmusic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.udiskessler

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant

In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes Yolanda Solomon, the Director of Discipleship at Epiphany Church in Brooklyn, New York. Yolanda shares her journey in ministry, her love for the Knicks, and the importance of creating a reciprocal discipleship culture within the church. They discuss the challenges of modern discipleship, the pitfalls of fear, shame, and hatred, and the need for a long-term commitment to spiritual growth. Yolanda also provides insights on fostering a community where everyone can contribute to the discipleship process, emphasizing the power of mutual support and the Holy Spirit in transforming lives.

Yolanda M. Solomon is the director of discipleship at Epiphany Church in Brooklyn, New York, where she teaches and creates discipleship curriculum and resources. She has also worked in campus ministry at Columbia University in New York, where she was blessed to serve undergraduate students for seven years. Yolanda is a disciple of Christ, a Brooklyn native, and a lifelong Knicks fan, which richly fuels her prayer life. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

Buy her book here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/discipleship-as-holy-collaboration-helping-others-follow-jesus-in-real-life-yolanda-solomon/20713480?ean=9781514006191

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant

In this conversation, Martha Tatarnic welcomes Rob Hurkmans about his journey in ministry and the lessons he has learned along the way. They discuss topics such as their 20th anniversary of ordination, the faith context in which Rob was raised, his calling to ministry, and his current role at Trinity Streetsville. Rob shares his experience of being an idea person and the importance of slowing down and bringing others along in the process. They also touch on the challenges of personal investment in ideas and the influence of church growth literature. They also explore the role of liturgy in the church and the need for creative and inclusive forms of worship. Robert also shares his insights on leadership models, the need for contextual and collaborative approaches, and the importance of leading through change. 

The Reverend Doctor Robert Hurkmans is the senior pastor at Trinity Anglican Church in Streetsville, Mississauga. He is married to Sally and they have four daughters. Rob recently completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership Development from Tyndale University. Rob was ordained with Martha Tatarnic 20 years ago in the Diocese of Niagara.

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistance

Bishop Michael Pryse joins the show to share his perspectives on change and leadership in the Church from his three decades of experience in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. He has helped the church navigate change, particularly in becoming more inclusive of LGBTQ+IA individuals.  The conversation explores the challenges and pitfalls of the church, particularly in relation to the changing cultural context. It emphasizes the need to let go of the past and embrace new ways of being the church. The conversation also touches on the importance of inclusivity, engaging with newcomers, and breaking down denominational barriers. The hope for the future of the church includes being more conversant with science and technology, promoting equity, and fostering dialogue with people of other faiths.

Bishop Pryse leads the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. He attended Eastwood Collegiate and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Wilfrid Laurier University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in 1985. Ordained on June 7, 1985, he served as a pastor in various Ontario communities and later as Assistant to the Bishop of Eastern Synod. In 1998, he was elected Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Bishop Pryse is a strong advocate for Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. He co-chaired the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission and the Anglican Lutheran International Coordinating Committee. He has participated in numerous ecumenical and multi-faith delegations worldwide. Inspired by his grandfather's ministry among the Six Nations peoples and his own adoption experience, Bishop Pryse is committed to breaking down divisions within the human family. He has traveled extensively to support global justice, human rights, and inclusivity. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Wilfrid Laurier University in 2011 for his leadership in public, ecumenical, and multi-faith areas. Bishop Pryse and his wife Lois have four adult daughters and nine grandchildren and live in Kitchener, Ontario.

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistance

The conversation between Martha and Callie Swanlund covers Callie's journey in the Episcopal Church, the changes in her Christian experience, her current ministry context, and the inspiration behind her book 'From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout'. The discussion also delves into the challenges of clergy burnout, the pressure points for church leaders, and the importance of support systems and retreats. The conversation explores the concept of retreat as a means of self-care and the challenges of claiming personal needs. It delves into the SPARK framework, systemic issues in the church, and the future of Christianity. Callie Swanlund shares insights on fostering wellness for leaders and the importance of brave conversations. 

Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach who helps others know their belovedness and find their Spark. Her new book, From Weary to Wholehearted, is a restorative resource for overcoming ministry burnout. Callie is a creative minister and leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Her How2charist: Digital Instructed Eucharist film has reached Christians and curious individuals around the world, and her Wholehearted Wisdom movement invites others into deeper reflection and connection across social media. Callie is an Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow and has keynoted such conferences as: Kanuga Christian Formation Conference, Episcopal Communicators Annual Conference, and Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Annual Conference. She lives in Philadelphia with her co-dreaming partner Jeremy, their two tween/teen children, and a rescue pup named Rufus. www.callieswanlund.com | [email protected]

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistance

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic welcomes Jason Byassee to talk about church growth in a Mainline church context. Jason discusses the importance of churches embracing their own limitations and uncertainties. He emphasizes the need for churches to recognize that their only hope lies in the resurrection of Jesus and to be willing to give away their assets to those who can fill them. Byassee also highlights the significance of funerals in conveying the meaning of life and the role of the church in providing a message that is worth hearing. He explores the commonalities among thriving churches, including a willingness to try new things and a focus on character rather than charisma. Ultimately, Byassee encourages pastors to have hope in a God who raises the dead and to trust in the future of Christianity.

Jason Byassee is senior pastor of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, ON. He previously taught preaching and held the Butler Chair in Homiletics at the Vancouver School of Theology. He is author or editor of 20 books on Christian faith, biblical interpretation, thriving congregations, leadership, and church history. Learn more at www.jasonbyassee.com. 

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Danny Burton - Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

In this conversation, Professor Alison Milbank discusses the concept of the parish and its importance in the life of faith. She shares her experiences growing up in the Church of England and the changes she has witnessed due to secularization. Milbank emphasizes the significance of the parish as a local community that brings together people of different ages and cultures. She also explores the threats to the parish, including the influence of secularization and the rise of bureaucratic managerialism in the Church. Milbank argues for a return to the core activities of the church and a focus on mission and evangelism. They also discuss the significance of parish buildings as spaces for community engagement and the potential for the parish to address issues such as mental health, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Despite the challenges, she expresses hope for the future of Christianity and the resurgence of faithfulness.

Alison Milbank is Professor of Theology and Literature at the University of Nottingham, where she works in the field of religion and the arts. She has had a particular interest in horror fiction from Daughters of the House: Modes of the Gothic in Victorian Fiction in 1992 to God and the Gothic: Religion, Romance and Reality in the English Literary Tradition (2018). She has also published on Dante reception (Dante and the Victorians, 1998) and on fantasy and religion (Chesterton and Tolkien as Theologians: The Fantasy of the Real, 2007). She is also an Anglican priest, currently Canon Theologian and Priest Vicar at Southwell Minster, a cathedral and parish church in a small town near Sherwood Forest. In 2010, with Andrew Davison she wrote For the Parish: A Critique of Fresh Expressions and in 2023, The Once and Future Parish, with six lectures on the book available on you tube at https://www.youtube.com/@sshoxford5856/videos Associated with the Radical Orthodoxy movement, she co-edited Preaching Radical and Orthodox, with John Hughes and Arabella Milbank Robinson.

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Danny Burton - Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic continues her conversation with Elizabeth Schrader Polczer for the second part of a groundbreaking conversation on biblical scholarship. Continuing from last week, Elizabeth delves deeper into her research on the Gospel of John, Papyrus 66, and the evolving understanding of Mary Magdalene's role in early Christianity. She explores the textual instabilities around the names Mary and Martha, revealing how these edits might have been attempts to downplay Mary's significance as a central figure in the Christian narrative. Elizabeth discusses the viral reaction to her work, sparked by Diana Butler Bass's sermon at the Wild Goose Festival, and the challenges of navigating public and scholarly reactions to her theories. She also addresses how her findings resonate with John scholars and the broader implications for understanding women's roles in the church.

This is the second of a two-part episode, so go back and listen to the first half, which can be found in the show notes below.

Elizabeth Schrader Polczer is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Villanova University. She holds a doctorate in Early Christianity from Duke University, with a focus on textual criticism, Mary Magdalene, and the Gospel of John. Her research has been published in the Harvard Theological Review, the Journal of Biblical Literature, TC: A Journal of Biblical Textual Criticism, the Comparative Oriental Manuscript Studies Bulletin, and the Journal of Early Christian Studies. She is regularly invited to present her peer-reviewed research at churches and conferences internationally.

On Twitter/X: @libbieschrader

Part One

https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ushmm-16554d0

YouTube of Diana Butler Bass sermon 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSH-nfdh_S0&t=5s

Elizabeth's Album:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/libbie-schrader/16720802

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Theology Beer Camp

https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Danny Burton - Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer