Growing Together

Programs create meetings, but only people build trust. The most important ministry-pipeline intervention may be a mature Christian who listens, opens Scripture, offers honest feedback, and keeps showing up. Our churches need mentors who walk alongside with those who are considering ecclesiastical vocations. 

Related Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7324a1.htm

The Cultivating the Next Generation Episodes are based on research and material written by me, Chris Vogel, with AI assistance in organizing and developing an initial draft. All conclusions, applications, and final editorial decisions are my own.

Stats show Gen Z is attending, active, and engaged in church, yet participation does not automatically lead to theological depth, spiritual confidence, or obedience. If we are to meet the future demand for pastors and planters, we need to consider a practical response that develops Christian workers. 

Related Links:

https://research.lifeway.com/2026/09/01/pastors-report-growing-attendance-but-fewer-unchurched-newcomers/?utm_campaign=fy26_research_general_2026-press-releases&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=lifeway-newsroom&utm_content=awareness_pastors-views-reaching-non-christians-young-adults

https://mbcpathway.com/2026/09/03/pastors-report-growing-attendance-but-fewer-unchurched-newcomers-according-to-lifeway-research/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jonathan+haidt+anxious+generation&adgrpid=187113493580&hvadid=779548804542&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9018819&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=5320144086902274828--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5320144086902274828&hvtargid=kwd-2271484891161&hydadcr=8954_13872990_21630&mcid=be60f76565933532acd2474548564ed0&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_3982yeizb_e

https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/faith-after-the-pandemic-how-covid-19-changed-american-religion/

The Cultivating the Next Generation Episodes are based on research and material written by me, Chris Vogel, with AI assistance in organizing and developing an initial draft. All conclusions, applications, and final editorial decisions are my own.

How do we help people move from confusion to clarity—not by rushing in with advice, but by listening well and asking the right questions? In this episode of Growing Together, Chris talks with Vincent Tauriello about his new book, Drawing Out the Heart: Theological Foundations for Sound Coaching Practice. Built around Proverbs 20:5, Vincent explores coaching as a deeply biblical way of loving our neighbor—drawing out what lies beneath the surface, reflecting the character of God, and helping people discern what is happening in their own hearts.

Teología para la Vida is a Spanish-language podcast from MNA Hispanic Ministries, sharing Scripture-faithful content with Hispanic churches across the U.S. & Latin America, believing deep theology leads to greater understanding, deeper worship, and joyful obedience. We’ll be talking with Luis Garcia, pastor of Iglesia Presbiteriana Corpus Christi, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, who hosts the podcast Teología para la Vida.

To learn more visit: https://www.hispanicministry.org/podcast 

Often, when a church endures trauma and loses leaders and members, there may be no other choice but to close the doors. One option to consider is replanting where a church reverts to mission status, has the presbytery form a provisional session, and begin again. This is the path that Hope Presbyterian in Bloomington, IN took as they became King’s Cross. While challenging, this is a great opportunity for a new life.

American chaplains serve in diverse contexts: military, healthcare, correctional, educational, and even corporate contexts, blending compassion and counseling, to meet people where they are, often in their most vulnerable moments.

How easy is it to welcome the newcomer to your church? How soon can they feel at home? If the newcomer is a South Sudanese Pentecostal church, we might recognize it can take some time. Friendly Hills Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, NC, opened its doors and hearts to The Great Commission International Church. In time, the pastor, John Nyuon, desired to be a Presbyterian and bring his church into the PCA. Listen to this wonderful story of how one church can reach the world that is coming here.

To live is to endure change. As pastors, we are agents of change, yet we are personally averse to change. When life’s transitions come, we are often ill-equipped to adjust. Whether pastor or parishioner, we need to navigate the phases of transitions, whether ending and beginning a new call, changes in our families, or stepping out of our vocation. Our conversation with Vincent Tauriello looks at best practices when facing transitions in life.

Learn more about Vincent's Coaching services at www.bydesigncoaching.net/.

Evangelism leads to discipleship, and discipleship should lead to new leaders. The health of a church's leaders, particularly the ordained leaders, is an essential task. Jon Stoddard, in West Jordan, UT, has written a book helping pastors to think biblically about equipping leaders.

You can purchase the book, Lead My Sheep, in the PCA Bookstore.

The next 10 years will bring significant shifts in ministry, society, demographics, and technology. How will the PCA navigate these changes? Looking Forward Together is an event to equip young leaders to not just react to these changes but to proactively shape the future of our denomination. On this podcast, we will be joined by Harrison Ford and Marissa Bondurant, who are part of the planning team and will speak at this event, as we discuss why people should attend. 

Learn more: https://pcamna.org/millennial-summit/ 

Register: https://brushfire.com/mna/lookingforwardtogether/598277