In this mini-episode, I take a stab at answering my first question: Ben, you talk about new expressions of church and innovation, but don’t you think that there is still a place for more traditional churches? Or are you saying they have the same fate as Blockbuster video? 

Notes:

*For the context of this question, check out episodes 7 & 8 (episode 8 explains the strange Blockbuster Video reference).

*Warning: I reference a movie you just might have rented from Blockbuster in the late 90's.

Have a question of your own:

-Message me on Twitter at @benkattwa

-Email me at [email protected]

A neighborhood disaster and the loss of loved ones have me in a season of grief. Whether you are in a season of grief at the moment or not, check out this episode in which I reflect on why it is so critical for us to welcome grief in our lives and communities, share stories from my neighborhood church's encounters with grief, and introduce four practices that help church plants and neighborhood faith communities become places that welcome grief.

Resources:

Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff

Innovation seems to be happening in every industry as game changers like Uber and Airbnb and Rover (look it up) continue to emerge. But what about innovation in the church? In this episode, the second of a four part series on the idea of rePlacing Church, I get nostalgic about Blockbuster video and explore what the interplay between institution, innovation, and incarnation means for the future of the church.

 

Also, you can now SUBSCRIBE to the rePlacing Church Podcast on iTunes here! Please leave a review, give it some stars, and pass it on to a friend!

 

Resources:

Incarnate by Michael Frost

Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World by Alan Roxburgh

Anything by Annie Dilliard

It's no secret that conventional, institutional forms of church are in decline. But at the same time, innovative, yet simple neighborhood church expressions are emerging everywhere. In this episode, the first of a four part series on the idea of rePlacing Church, I explore what the story of the Tower of Babel has to teach us about these simultaneously existing realities and give some encouragement to those who are boldly following the Spirit's leading to join God's activity of renewing of all things in their particular neighborhoods.

Church plants and neighborhood church expressions of all kinds often have big hopes for community and "mission", but our ability to truly grow in both of these areas depends on our capacity to name and navigate conflict. In this episode I talk about Master of None, the Tunnel of Chaos, and the Transfiguration as I explore why it's tempting to ignore conflict and identify 3 practices to help faith communities begin to acknowledge the presence of conflict.

In which I explore how things like Spanish currency, Beyonce's "Formation," and massages might be telling us it's time replace the language of "Making Disciples."

In which I examine how stories from a 1960's ad campaign and visits to the wilderness teach us how to tend to our hearts.

In which stories about Laquan McDonald, Henri Nouwen, and a morning jog explore how movements for change depend on your neighborhood church, which depends on your heart.

Some thoughts on the fear of our time, Xenophobia; how we can respond to it with hospitality; and a glimpse of a newly forming neighborhood church in Everett, WA.