This eposide was a lengthy attempt to synthesise a number of thoughts and frameoworks in an effort to explore what kind of spaces those who have found themselves outside conventional local church community. It starts is a brief update on things personally and moves through stages of faith, deconstruction, change theory, modernity, postmodernity and metamodernity. I then explore some thoughts and concepts around the kind of metamodern expressions of faith after deconstruction, midlife, and crisis. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts.

Are we experience the emergence of a new kind of Christianity? If scripture is not the central authority in a Christian's life, who or what is the authority?

I recorded some thoughts on the other side of publishing an article titled: I believe the Christian Church is ripe for a significant split (and it is AI-assisted).

https://davidtensen.com/i-believe-the-christian-church-is-ripe-for-a-significant-split-and-it-is-ai-assisted/

A few days back someone asked me if I would ever go back to working at a church and if I were to lead a Christian church community, how I would do it.

This impromptu episode covers some of the core components I'd include... as you might guess, they aren't 'normal', or 'common', or necessarily 'popular' - but they are really important to me.

It's been a little while. My eldest turned 21 recently. She's doing great, but is that because of me and her mum?

Some may argue that parenting success can be accurately judged based on children's achievements and behaviors. I argue it's far more complex than that and share how I judge my parenting.

I also share a bit about a recent trip to Japan.

I'm still here! I have just been writing, books, thesis etc. Also, moving through lots of grief and loss in my chaplaincy work.

As always, connect with me best via www.davidtensen.com

This is a reading of a recent blog article by the same title. It was too popular and important to people to keep in writing, so here it is on the podcast.

Find this on Youtube, my blog, substack, linkedin and facebook

This is an audio extract from an interview/converation that I (David) had with Tara boothby on her Youtube channel "Sojourn Psychology With Tara Boothby"

The first 17 minutes we talk about the Collective Wisdom Academy and local church,

then at around 17:00 we speak about different cultures, ADHD, my new book and things that impact on our spiritual formation as we move through life.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXmhwxVLrK4

It's full of goodness! Tara is a wealth of joy and wisdom.

Also mentioned:

For more info on the Collective Wisdom Academy:https://collectivewisdomacademy.com/The Theology Summit this May 19-22, 2025, in Canmore, Alberta, is 80% full. Don't miss out, register today:

https://sojo.ca/resources/theology-summit-canmore-may-2025/

In this episode, I talk with Felicia Murrell about the art of deep listening and her personal journey from childhood invisibility to becoming a spiritual companion. We explore how her early experiences of feeling unseen shaped her path to becoming someone who creates sacred space for others to be heard.

Felicia shares candidly about her transition from traditional ministry roles to spiritual companioning, and how this shift reflects a deeper understanding of presence and wisdom. Our discussion touches on parenting adult children, the annual family tradition that keeps their bonds strong, and the complexities of healing from childhood parentification.

This interview is full of moving moments including when Felicia discusses how she approaches parenting adult children, plus shares of her relationship with her mother and the liberating realisation that helped her find peace. She also offers insights into why some struggle with listening, linking it beautifully to our human fears of being truly seen.

About Felicia:

Website: feliciamurrell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicia.murrell.9

About Felicia's latest book:

In this episode, I explore the six stages of faith from Janet Hagberg and Robert Gulich's book 'The Critical Journey'. Drawing from my personal experiences and nearly three decades of working with people in the faith space, I break down how our faith journey evolves through Recognition of God, Life of Discipleship, Productive Life, Journey Inward (including The Wall), Journey Outward, and Life of Love.

Through stories and insights, I explain why some get stuck at certain stages, how religious institutions often excel at the first three stages but struggle with the later ones, and what propels us forward in our spiritual growth. I share my own decade-long wrestle through The Wall - a pivotal point where our old ways of relating to God no longer work.

This framework offers valuable insights for anyone questioning their faith, feeling stuck, or sensing a call to something deeper. Whether you're serving actively in ministry, deconstructing your beliefs, or seeking authentic spirituality, understanding these stages may just help your path forward.

Critical Journey - Stages of Faith Overview PDF

Further Reading

Journey through The Life Model - my favorite developmental framework and the most valuable tool I've discovered for raising children. This exploration highlights the critical stages of maturity - from infant to elder - and why understanding these life stages is crucial for personal growth and community wellbeing. Learn why some adults struggle with relationships, how modern parenting philosophies may be holding us back, and what it truly means to become an elder in today's society.

Whether you're a young adult finding your way, a parent seeking wisdom, or someone interested in leaving a lasting legacy, this episode offers profound insights into the journey of human maturation and the vital role of authentic elderhood in our modern world.

Resources Mentioned

LifeModelWorks

Overview worksheet

As always, I love and value your feedback. Email me ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠, leave a comment or find me on socials.

Find more of my writings and resources at www.davidtensen.com/quicklinks