The Embedded Church Podcast

How does a church signal to residents of the community that this is a place where they can belong? In episode 4, Pastor Jamison Galt, who leads Resurrection Church Clinton Hill, discusses his diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, and the dynamic environment that has contributed to the way his church has developed their own pursuit of identity and mission.

Have you ever asked your neighborhood what their dreams are for their place and their families? In Episode 3 Nathan and Kristi Ivey of Sojourn Church Midtown discuss the mercy ministries that have grown out of asking that question. From activities as simple as trash clean-up to dog washes, they have found unique ways to be a presence in their neighborhood of Shelby Park.

What does it mean to read and value the vernacular of the local community when it comes to mission? In Episode 2, we talk with Thurman Williams, the pastor of New City Fellowship: West End in St. Louis, MO. He shares about his personal journey from growing up in a mostly suburban church community to living and ministering in the heart of urban communities in Baltimore and now St. Louis.

Does the coronavirus pandemic prove the futility of ministry in walkable communities? In Episode 1 of Season 2, we bring back Keith Case from Season 1 to discuss how the coronavirus both challenges and validates the embedded church.

How can a church leverage its geographical location to bless the community that surrounds it? In episode 12 we wrap up Season 1 by talking with Sara Joy Proppe, co-host for The Embedded Church Podcast, about her educational and consulting work with Proximity Project. Proximity Project is built on the conviction that the church, as an institution and as individual members, has a unique and important role to play in exemplifying the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ incarnate to the world around us. The mission of Proximity Project is to help churches serve the common good by stewarding the built environment of their neighborhood.

What are the patterns and practices that a church can adopt to engage their neighbors? In episode 11 we talk with Karen Wilk about the missional practices she leads as a minister within her neighborhood community and as a leader for the Abundant Community Initiative in Edmonton, Alberta. She discusses what it means to foster a 'go and be' approach with those living in proximity to her home.

What does an embedded church look like in a rural or small town setting? In episode 10 we talk with Matt Canlis who is the Pastor of Trinity Church about walking as a pastoral practice that began during his time serving as a parish assistant and pastor in Scotland. Matt is also a filmmaker who documented this experience with ministering in a small Scottish parish in the movie Godspeed.

What happens when a church experiments with different ways of being the gathered church week by week? In Episode 9 we talk with Renee and James B Notkin who are the co-pastors of Union Church in Seattle. Union Church worships in a traditional format a couple of Sundays per month. On other Sundays they meet in small groups or are engaged out in their communities.

How does a church engage in vital ministry in the context of commercial buildings? In Episode 8 we return to Richmond, VA, to talk with Chris Barras who is the Pastor of Area 10 Faith Community in a thriving and diverse part of Richmond known as Area 10. Chris's church meets in the historic Byrd Theater and has started a couple commercial enterprises in the district.

What distinguishes an embedded church from a regional church, an insular church, or other geographic models? In Episode 7 we meet Nathan Carter who is a pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Chicago. Nathan discusses how Immanuel Baptist reflects the characteristics of an embedded church, while also sharing about the unique challenges his church has faced with regards to parking and city zoning requirements.