Igniting Imagination

Welcome to Season 16 of the Igniting Imagination podcast! This season, Rev. Lisa Greenwood is joined by the Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle, author and consultant with The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas. In this introductory episode, they explore the creative potential within the chaos transforming today’s religious life. Rather than mourning the decline of traditional church structures, Lisa and Gil consider how disruption may be clearing space for new forms of faith and community to emerge.

Together, they will engage pastors, scholars, and community leaders in rethinking spirituality and leadership for a changing world, seeking not just to interpret the moment, but to glimpse the renewal it might hold.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle

Gil is a retired senior vice president and part-time consultant with The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas, and an independent consultant working with issues of change and leadershiGil Rendle is a retired senior vice president and part-time consultant with The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas, and also works independently on change and leadership in denominations. With deep expertise in organizational development, systems theory, and leadership, he has guided congregations and denominational bodies through planning and transformation. He is widely respected for his work with middle judicatory and national offices navigating complex change. Gil is the author of  numerous articles and monographs, along with twelve books, including: Doing the Math of Mission: Fruits, Faithfulness and Metrics (2014), Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World, (2018), and Countercultural: Subversive Resistance and the Neighborhood Congregation (2023). His latest monograph, Reimagining and Remapping the Religious Landscape: Chaos Before a New Ordering, is the foundation for this podcast season.

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this moving episode of Igniting Imagination, we explore the deep connections between faith, vocation, and community resilience in the wake of disaster. Our guest, Greg Richards, Managing Partner of Gregory A. Richards, P.C., demonstrates the transformative power of aligning personal gifts with a higher purpose as he helps his community recover from devastating floods. Greg reminds us that recovery is not a short-term project, but a sustained effort built on the collaboration of neighbors, congregations, and entire communities dedicated to rebuilding together.

Through his story, we see the importance of agency and the role of case management systems that restore autonomy and dignity to those most affected. 

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Guest

Greg Richards is a Board Certified Attorney and Managing Partner of Gregory A. Richards, P.C., holding dual certifications in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He serves the Texas Hill Country with a reputation for expertise, attention to detail, and a friendly, approachable style. Following the July 4th floods, he has used his legal and strategic skills to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. 

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this episode, we explore the devastating effects of recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and its profound impact on local communities. We sit down with Howell Ridout, Architect Emeritus, and Sarah Ridout Woolsey, Founder and Executive Director of The Impact Guild. They share personal stories and insights about the destruction and the ongoing recovery process. 

Their experiences highlight the vital role of neighborly support, as well as the essential contributions of local churches and organizations in driving long-term recovery. Rev. Lisa, Howell, and Sarah discuss the importance of sustained engagement from faith communities, not just in the immediate wake of disasters but throughout the healing and rebuilding journey. 

Want to become a climate ready neighborhood? 

• Climate Ready Neighborhoods: 
• Fieldguide: Your introduction to Climate Ready Neighborhoods.
• Community Connections Plan: A system to build deeper community.
• Climate Ready Resource Library: Spreadsheet of accessible links and resources to build community resilience.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Guests

Sarah Rideout Woolsey is the Founder & Executive Director of the Impact Guild, a San Antonio nonprofit connecting underutilized properties with neighborhood needs through community development. She has guided leaders in building sustainable social enterprises, leads Good Acres—a network of 118+ leaders addressing housing, workforce, and sustainability—and facilitates workshops across San Antonio neighborhoods. A Kerrville native, she serves on multiple boards and explores regenerative agriculture with her two daughters.

Howell Ridout, a native Austinite and fourth-generation Longhorn, earned his Architecture degree with High Honors from the University of Texas in 1974. While at UT, he co-led a thesis project to transform Austin’s River & Creek system into a Hike & Bike trail, which became the city’s Bicentennial Project and a defining feature of Austin. His career spanned architecture, marketing, and real estate development, including leadership at James Avery, where he guided brand strategy, corporate planning, and retail growth.

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, we reflect on the devastating floods that struck Kerrville, Texas earlier this summer. The disaster claimed lives, destroyed homes, and left the community reeling. Yet in the midst of loss, powerful stories of resilience, faith, and compassion shine through.

Host Rev. Lisa Greenwood speaks with guests Beth Palmer, Outreach Director of Kerrville First United Methodist Church, and Rev. David E. Payne, Senior Pastor of Kerrville First United Methodist Church. Both were on the front lines of the response. They share moving accounts of the chaotic first hours after the flood, the emotional and logistical challenges of leading in crisis, and how their church transformed into a hub of relief, recovery, and long-term support.

This conversation is both sobering and hopeful, a reminder of the church’s vital role in times of disaster.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Guests

Rev. David E. Payne is the Senior Pastor of Kerrville First United Methodist Church. David became the Sr. Pastor of KFUMC in July of 2017. He attended Asbury Theological Seminary and has also pastored at Los Fresnos UMC, Bee Creek UMC (a church he helped to start), and Harlingen FUMC. David is married to Lori (a former Special Education teacher), and they have two daughters, Sydney and Haley. David enjoys golf, downhill skiing, and enjoying the outdoors. 

Beth Palmer is the Outreach Director at the Kerrville First United Methodist Church and Light on the Hill at Mount Wesley. As Outreach Director, Beth’s main role is that of a connector; she links people to hope and needs to resources. Beth recruits and engages volunteers, organizes projects and events, provides education and training, mobilizes resources, collaborates and networks with other nonprofits, and writes, implements, and manages grants.

Beth and her husband Grant have been married over 41 years and have two awesome sons, one amazing daughter, two incredible daughters-in- law, and three absolutely delightful grandchildren! Beth and her husband Grant have been married over 41 years and have two awesome sons, one amazing daughter, two incredible daughters-in- law, and three absolutely delightful grandchildren!

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In the season finale of the Igniting Imagination podcast, co-hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler look back on a season devoted to reimagining ministry as a force for healing and transformation in the world. They reflect on the diverse voices and bold approaches shared throughout the season. 

One story that stands out is that of Tiffany Terrell, Co-Founder of A Better Way Grocers, whose work exemplifies a ministry grounded not in overt religious language, but in deep love, compassion, and a call to serve. Tiffany’s approach challenges traditional assumptions about what ministry looks like. 

Lisa, Amy, and Tiffany explore how leaders are reshaping what it means to do God’s work in the world, and they invite us to consider how faith can be embodied in subtle, yet profoundly impactful ways.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Tiffany Terrell is a visionary, community advocate, and social innovator committed to addressing health disparities and creating opportunities in underserved areas. As the co-founder of A Better Way Grocers, she leads initiatives that bring nutritious, locally sourced food and holistic wellness education directly to neighborhoods in need. Tiffany’s work is rooted in love, belonging, and shared dignity, sparking conversations and actions that inspire lasting transformation. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to compassion, courage, and the flourishing of every person.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:27 - Exploring the Shift in Church and Nonprofit Relationships

30:09 - Addressing Food Deserts and Community Health

41:18 - The Importance of Compassion in Feeding Ministries

44:24 - The Power of Grace in Community

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this moving episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Candice Wynn, founder and executive director of BOON (Born Out of Necessity), a national network reshaping discipleship for Black children and youth.

Candice shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey that led to BOON’s creation, a movement born from a gap she witnessed firsthand while serving in youth ministry. With BOON, she has created something bold and transformative: a village of "faith influencers" who are rooted in theology, culturally attuned, and devoted to nurturing Black youth in ways that traditional models have often overlooked.

This episode is a passionate call to pay attention, invest in the next generation, and recognize that it truly takes a village.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Rev. Candice Wynn is the Founder and Executive Director of BOON. She is not just leading a movement, she’s building the table where Black youth (18 and under) and their stories are considered sacred. As the Founder and Executive Director of BOON - The Black Next Gen Network, Candice leads a national effort to reframe Christian discipleship for Black youth by equipping faith influencers with tools that are self-reflective, theologically rooted, culturally relevant, and developmentally aligned. With over two decades of experience in ministry leadership, Candice has coached hundreds of youth leaders and is developing a research-driven discipleship framework for Black teenagers, expected to launch in March 2026 (framework for children to follow). Her work sits at the intersection of theological praxis, Black culture, and youth development. Through BOON, she is expanding how people view the lived faith of Black youth. Above all, Candice empowers faith influencers to recognize their influence and responsibility in the lives of youth.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:30 - What is BOON?

09:27 - The Birth of a Network: Addressing Gaps in Faith Support

26:00 - Understanding the Role of Influencers in Youth Development

35:23 - Legacy and the Next Generation

39:33 - Exploring the Essence of Faith Beyond Rituals

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

Faith and law can work together to heal communities.

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination® podcast, we explore the intersection of faith and law with Leslee Matthews, Founder and Managing Attorney of Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Leslee shares how her work at the intersection of legal advocacy and faith is transforming lives—especially in communities that have historically been overlooked or harmed by legal systems.

Through her story, we discover the unexpected power of building relationships with unlikely allies—even those once seen as adversaries—in the pursuit of justice and human dignity. Leslee challenges us to broaden our understanding of ministry beyond traditional walls and titles, inviting us into a more expansive, love-rooted vision of service.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Leslee Matthews, Esq., MSW is a Founder & Managing Attorney for Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Speak Out & Up Law is a legal empowerment law firm rooted in Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” As a social worker and attorney, Leslee is an advocate for social justice and passionate about connecting the community with resources. Leslee earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University and her Master in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating magna cum laude.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:06 - Introducing Leslie Matthews: A Voice for Justice

13:32 - Rooted in Faith: Justice and Compassion

26:27 - Finding Support in Difficult Times

34:21 - Embracing Love and Healing

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

Asset generation is more than a logistical task, it’s a sacred act of intention and imagination. It invites us to prayerfully consider: How can we steward our time, resources, and energy in alignment with what God has entrusted to us?

Our guest, Pastor Beverly Jenkins, President and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R), shares the power of vision, the necessity of structure, and the quiet discipline required to bring meaningful things into being.

Listen as Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Pastor Beverly Jenkins explore the sacred work behind strategy and execution, offering a vision for asset creation that is rooted in purpose, prayerful discernment, and trust in God’s timing.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Pastor Beverly Jenkins is a founder, ordained pastor, and innovator. She is the president and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R) and the co-founder and pastor of R&R Church in Dellwood, Missouri, serving the North St. Louis community by creating resources that lead to sustainable growth. Originally launched as a transitional home for those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, or past incarceration, R&R has since added a career development center, the R&R Church, and R&R Marketplace, a $20 million, 90,000-square-foot economic hub. The R&R Marketplace houses an addiction treatment facility, pharmacy, early childhood education center, bank, and restaurant, exemplifying the answer to Jenkins’ question: “How do we serve people better?”

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

08:11 - Innovative Ministry in St. Louis

15:37 - The Role of the Church as a Deployment Center

27:41 - Building Community Through Equity and Reconciliation

39:25 - Community Resilience and Future Visions

42:10 - Embracing New Beginnings in the Church

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

What if a wedding could be more than a celebration of love between two people—what if it could also be a catalyst for healing, dignity, and new beginnings?

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Mathews, the visionary CEO and Founder of The Andrée Collective, who is reimagining the wedding industry as a space for social transformation. Rooted in compassion and creativity, Samantha’s work empowers women who have survived trauma, especially domestic violence, by offering them meaningful pathways to employment, confidence, and connection.

Through her deeply human approach, beauty becomes more than aesthetics—it becomes a force for resilience. We talk about the values that fuel her mission, the sacred stories of recovery and hope woven into each event, and how something as personal as a wedding can ripple outward to change lives and communities.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Samantha Mathews MA, LPC, NCC, is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and founder of Andrée Collective. Sam discovered her passion for serving female trauma survivors at the start of her career in nonprofit fundraising with a domestic violence/sexual assault dual agency in North Carolina and has spent the last ten years gaining invaluable experience in the field while laying the groundwork for Andrée Collective. Since completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sam has worked tirelessly for the survivor population and towards her greater purpose: seeing women thrive. Sam is actively committed to serving the greater Philadelphia region through Andrée Collective as well as her involvement in church and education.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

08:01 - The Founding of Andrée Collective

16:02 - Dreaming of a Safe Future: The Role of Resources in Recovery

23:07 - New Models of Ministry

40:21 - Challenges and Solutions in Nonprofit Work

46:50 - Embracing New Possibilities

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Joshua Hayashi, CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Management Company, for a powerful conversation on what he calls Holy Disruption. Together, they explore how churches can reimagine their physical spaces—not as burdens, but as opportunities for transformation.

As congregations shrink and neighborhoods shift, Josh challenges faith communities to take a bold, data-informed look at their properties. What stories do these buildings still have to tell? What new life could they make possible?

This episode is a call to action: to see church buildings not as relics of the past, but as tools for justice, hospitality, and community renewal.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Ordained reverend, cultural champion, and connection maker Rev. Joshua Hayashi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Management Company (MMCo) in Honolulu, Hawaii, a business that promotes repurposing church assets and the power of cross-denominational collaboration. MMCo helps local religious communities thrive in novel ways by assessing their financial health, transformation readiness, and property potential, which then guides discussions on mission and property-development viability, as well as how to align church missions with neighborhood needs. Josh is also a school chaplain at Punahou School, helping students develop spiritual and ethical values inspired by their Hawaiian and Christian heritage.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

07:58 - Introducing Josh Hayashi and Mission Management

10:29 - The Intersection of Church and Community Needs

25:23 - Resurrection and Hope in Challenging Times

39:42 - Navigating Church Challenges and Discontent

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.