In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Mako Nagasawa, exploring themes of faith, community, and restorative justice. Mako shares his journey from a background in technology and ministry to founding the Anastasis Center, which focuses on teaching restorative justice and healing through a Christian lens. The conversation delves into the importance of listening to God and others, the role of emotions in understanding God's love, and the upcoming Constant Connection conference aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God. Mako emphasizes the need for community practices that embody the gospel and invites listeners to explore resources on early Christian theology to enrich their faith journey.

--

Mako Nagasawa Bio

Mako Nagasawa is the founder and executive director of The Anástasis Center, a center for Christian Education and Ministry, committed to proclaiming the restorative justice of God, the healing atonement of Jesus. Mako lives with his family in Dorchester, MA, as part of an intentional community house. Before launching The Anastasis Center, Mako served with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship for 13 years and has degrees from Stanford University and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary.

--

Links: 

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Nick Benoit, the creative director of Wonder Hunt, a nonprofit dedicated to storytelling in faith. They explore Nick's journey from a creative child to a professional in ministry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, listening, and creativity in faith practices. The conversation delves into how stories can foster empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to God, while also discussing the role of music and cultural engagement in shaping one's faith journey. Nick shares insights on how Wonder Hunt aims to resource churches with creative storytelling tools, ultimately inviting individuals to experience God through narrative.

--

Nick’s Bio - Nick Benoit is the Creative Director for Wonderhunt, a nonprofit that tells great stories, and gives them away to serve the church. They create incredible videos that provoke people to pause, get curious, & start looking for the things that help us live lives of beauty, richness, and meaning.

As a performer, writer, and director, Nick has spearheaded artistic projects and teams for more than 15 years, creating art that blends filmmaking, live performance, and storytelling, work that’s been seen by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Most recently, Nick was the creative director of Willow Creek where he spent 6 years imagining and producing unique artistic expressions to inspire, move, and mobilize diverse audiences toward action and introspection.

Nick lives near Chicago with his wife, Karen, and their three kids.

--

Links:

https://www.wonderhunt.co/

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Vincent Bacote, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to explore the complex themes surrounding empathy, particularly in the context of the church and society. They discuss the rise of the 'war on empathy' narrative, the implications of empathy in political and social discourse, and the diverse voices within the Black Evangelical community. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, understanding, and engaging with diverse perspectives to foster growth and transformation within faith and community.

--

Vince Bio -

Dr. Vincent Bacote is a Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.

He is the author of Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology (2020), The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life (2015), The Spirit in Public Theology: Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper (2005), and has contributed to books including On Kuyper (2013), Aliens in the Promised Land (2013), Keep Your Head Up (2012) and Prophetic Evangelicals(2012).

He is a regular columnist for Comment Magazine and contributes to other magazines, including Books and Culture, Christianity Today, Think Christian and re:generation quarterly, and journals such as Christian Scholars Review, Urban Mission and the Journal for Christian Theological Research.

He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Christian Ethics.

--

Links:

Documentary - https://pages.christianitytoday.com/black-evangelicals-documentary-lp

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages in a deep conversation with Pastor Robbie Cansler about her journey in ministry, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges faced by women in church leadership. Robbie shares her experiences of navigating barriers, the significance of creating space for women's voices, and the power of community and hospitality in fostering a supportive church environment. The discussion also highlights the need for diverse perspectives in biblical scholarship and the role of storytelling in understanding scripture. Robbie's book, 'She Leads,' serves as a resource for exploring women's roles in faith and encourages communal engagement with scripture.

--

Robbie Cansler Bio: Ordained elder in the church of the Nazarene. Pastors the Mission Church of the Nazarene Hammond, IN. Married to Mac, and mother of 4 kids. Conference director for Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy. DMin student at Northern Seminary, studying Women, Theology, and Leadership. Author of “She Leads: God’s Intent for Women in the Church”. In her spare time, she likes to read and be outdoors as much as possible.

--

Links

Book - She Leads: God’s Intent for Women in the Church

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Fitzgerald, co-founder of Imagine Life Ministries. They explore the vibrant spiritual life at Bethel Church in Redding, California, discussing the importance of listening to God, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges of experiencing the supernatural in a modern context. Dr. Fitzgerald shares his journey of discovery, emphasizing the need for an incarnational presence in ministry and the transformative power of community and coaching in revitalizing faith. The conversation highlights practical insights for cultivating a deeper connection with God and each other.

--

Andy Fitzgerald Bio - Dr. Andy Fitzgerald is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Imagine Life Ministries.   Imagine Life Ministries is a Leadership and Coaching ministry that brings vibrant spiritual life to the Church by renewing our minds and exchanging beliefs.  Previously, he was a lead pastor and church planter in the San Francisco Bay Area.  He has a doctorate degree in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary. He is married to his wife, Jenny, for 25 years. Together they have four children, and they live in Redding, CA.   

--

Links:

https://imaginelifeministries.org/

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Jeff Holsclaw to explore the intersection of attachment theory and spiritual formation. They discuss how understanding attachment can enhance one's relationship with God and foster community connections. The conversation delves into the importance of listening, attunement, and the challenges faced by younger generations in a disembodied digital world. Practical strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence and secure attachments within faith communities are also shared, emphasizing the need for gratitude and integration of emotional practices.

--

Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is an author of multiple books, is a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary where he and Cyd co-lead a Doctor of Ministry program, co-host of the Attaching to God podcast,

 Geoff and his wife Cyd founded the Center for Embodied Faith which is working to anchor the soul through attachment-based, neuroscience informed, and Jesus- centered tools for discipleship and spiritual formation.

With Cyd Holsclaw, Geoff is the co-author of the new book Landscapes of the Soul: How science and spirituality of attachment can move you into confident faith, courage, and connection

--

Links:

https://www.embodiedfaith.life/

Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

There are great things coming in Season 2 of The Future of Faith podcast with loads of amazing guests and Greg Arthur serving as host.

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

After a full season of deep dives, bold conversations, and powerful insights, it all comes back to one thing: relationships.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the season—what’s working in ministry, what’s changing, and why listening and engagement are more important than ever.

One thing is clear: younger generations aren’t looking for just another sermon—they’re looking for sanctuary. They want a place to be heard, to belong, and to build trust with people who genuinely care.

Lessons from the Season:

🤝 Relationships drive faith formation. Ministry isn’t about content—it’s about connection.

🎧 Listening is ministry. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is be present and pay attention.

🌱 Engagement with younger generations is essential. Youth want authenticity, not authority. They trust people who make the effort to connect.

💡 Curiosity opens doors. Asking questions, showing interest, and making space for real conversations changes everything.

🚀 Don’t overthink it. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. Start small. Be consistent. Show up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 Why relationships matter more than ever in ministry

🟠 How younger generations are looking for spaces to belong

🟢 The power of listening as a ministry tool

🔴 Practical steps to foster meaningful connections

🟣 How data can shape smarter ministry decisions

Where Do We Go from Here?

As this season closes, the question isn’t what’s next for faith?—it’s what’s next for you? Ministry, leadership, and connection don’t just happen in big moments. They happen in small, intentional, everyday actions. Let’s start there.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

What’s your biggest takeaway from this season? We’d love to hear it! Email us at [email protected]. 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

Here’s the hard truth: Institutional trust is collapsing. Across industries, organizations, and yes—even faith communities—people are putting less faith in institutions and more in individuals.

So, what does that mean for ministry? It means relationship-centered faith leadership isn’t optional—it’s the future.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston unpack the data behind the decline in institutional trust and reveal why listening is the key to rebuilding it. When people don’t trust organizations, they turn to personal relationships—and trust is built one genuine conversation at a time.

Trust Is Built, Not Assumed

🛠️ Listening with intent is the foundation of real trust. You can’t fake it. People know when they’re truly being heard.

📉 Institutional trust is at an all-time low. People trust individuals they know more than titles or organizations.

❤️ Relationships > Authority. Trust doesn’t come from a position of power—it comes from shared experiences, honesty, and consistency.

🌍 Ministry must be relationship-centered. People stay connected when they feel seen, known, and valued—not because of an institution’s reputation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 How listening builds trust within faith communities

🟠 Why people trust relationships more than institutions

🟢 The importance of feedback in maintaining trust

🔴 How leaders can create spaces of belonging in a low-trust world

🟣 Why trust is gained slowly but lost quickly—and how to protect it

Where Do We Go from Here?

This episode wraps up the season with a powerful look at the future of faith in a world where trust is earned, not assumed. If you care about leadership, ministry, or the future of faith communities, you don’t want to miss this one.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Got insights on trust in faith communities? We’d love to hear them! Email us at [email protected]. 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

We all know listening is important. But let’s be real—most of us think we’re great listeners when, in reality, we’re making a few key mistakes that shut conversations down fast.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down five major listening mistakes that can wreck trust, stall faith formation, and make people feel unheard. (Plus, they throw in a bonus tip about when laughter can backfire!) Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they reveal how true listening goes beyond just being quiet—it’s about creating a space where real dialogue can happen.

The 5 Things Not to Do When Listening:

❌ Don’t judge. Judgment kills openness. If people sense criticism, they’ll shut down.

🙅‍♂️ Don’t give unsolicited advice. Just because you can fix it doesn’t mean you should. Ask before offering input.

⏸️ Don’t interrupt. Cutting someone off signals that their words don’t matter as much as yours.

📵 Don’t look at your phone. Distraction = disrespect. Be present.

🧐 Don’t make assumptions. Jumping to conclusions keeps you from truly understanding.

🎭 Bonus Tip: Be careful with laughter! Even well-intended chuckles can send the wrong message in serious conversations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 Listening without judgment fosters deeper connections

🟠 Unsolicited advice can alienate instead of helping

🟢 Interruptions make speakers feel unheard and unvalued

🔴 Phone distractions break trust and engagement

🟣 Avoiding assumptions leads to better understanding

🟡 Why laughter can be tricky in serious discussions

Want to Be a Better Listener?

If you want to improve your listening skills and build stronger faith communities, this episode is a must.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Have a listening fail (or win) to share? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your story! 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission