In this episode of the TryTank Podcast, we bring together two powerful lenses on Christian life today: the incarnational theology of the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells and the sociological insights of Dr. Josh Packard. Their conversation explores why God’s deepest desire is not to fix humanity, but to be with us—and why that shift in understanding might hold the key to renewing the Church in a low-trust, highly fragmented world.

From Sam’s well-known “eight dimensions of being with,” to Josh’s research on sacred listening and belonging, the episode uncovers how presence—not information, not programs, not expertise—is what truly transforms us.

This is a rich and hopeful reflection for anyone thinking about evangelism, discipleship, leadership, or what it means to rebuild trust in our time.

The voiceover introduction for this episode was created via AI.

In this episode, Lorenzo Lebrija talks with Doyt Conn, the dynamic rector of Epiphany Parish in Seattle. They discuss Conn's transformative journey in revitalizing a struggling church and share invaluable insights for new and seasoned leaders alike. From the importance of establishing trust and relationships to managing expectations in the first 90 days, Doyt provides practical advice that is both inspiring and actionable.

The conversation delves into critical aspects of church leadership, including the significance of effective preaching, the necessity of teaching challenging subjects, and the power of a unifying vision in overcoming conflict. Doyt emphasizes the relational nature of ministry and how building a community grounded in love can lead to spiritual growth and healing.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of church leadership while remaining focused on the core mission of serving others and fostering connection within the community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in their faith community.

Keywords

Leadership, community building, church revitalization, preaching, relational ministry, vision, conflict resolution

Takeaways

• The first 90 days are crucial for establishing trust and relationships within a new congregation.
• Effective preaching is essential for engaging the community and fostering growth.
• Teaching challenging subjects can galvanize the congregation and encourage deeper discussions.
• A strong vision can unify a church and help navigate conflicts.
• Building relationships is key to a thriving faith community.
• Adaptability and understanding the community's history can aid in revitalization efforts.
• Creating opportunities for connection through shared experiences fosters a sense of belonging.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Lorenzo Lebrija engages with Josh Packard to discuss his book "Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations." They explore the evolving understanding of generational dynamics, the significance of sacred listening, and the role of relational ministry in today's diverse society. The conversation challenges traditional paradigms and offers new insights for faith communities.

Keywords

Faithful Futures, generational dynamics, sacred listening, relational ministry, faith communities

Takeaways

• Generational containers are outdated and can be harmful.
• Sacred listening is a transformative act for young people.
• Belonging now precedes believing in faith communities.
• Social media's impact on spirituality is still evolving.
• Micro narratives help reconcile ancient traditions with modern realities.
• Relational ministry requires new tools in a diverse world.
• Trust has shifted from institutions to individuals.
• Faith communities must adapt to survive and thrive.
• The church should focus on relational, not programmatic, approaches.
• Josh Packard emphasizes the importance of accompaniment in faith.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija introduces a compelling keynote address delivered by Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre, a leading voice in contemporary Christian ethics, during the Faithful Futures Conference. 

In his keynote, Dr. De La Torre explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics, calling for a liberative ethical framework that centers the experiences and voices of the marginalized. Drawing from his deep roots in liberation theology, he challenges listeners to confront the moral implications of emerging technologies and the socio-economic inequalities they risk perpetuating. 

Dr. De La Torre critiques dominant Eurocentric ethical paradigms, highlighting how they often ignore the lived realities of race, immigration, and class. He warns of the systemic injustices that unregulated AI can reinforce and makes a passionate case for a community-based, justice-oriented ethic.

With scholarly insight and prophetic urgency, Dr. De La Torre calls on people of faith and conscience to engage AI not just as a technological issue, but as a deeply spiritual and ethical one. His keynote is a clarion call to approach the future with courage, creativity, and solidarity.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija continues his conversation with Matt Rogers, the vicar at St. Mark's in Grimsby, recorded at Windsor Palace in England. This second part delves deeper into the remarkable journey of revitalizing a church that once had a mere four attendees. Matt shares the innovative strategies he employed for church growth, emphasizing the power of social media and personal invitations that resonate within the local community. He candidly discusses the realities of church planting, including the necessity for adaptability, the significance of prayer, and the celebration of both challenges and successes along the way.

As Matt reflects on the first year of their church's revival, he reveals how they grew to a vibrant congregation of around 80 members, primarily through personal invitations rather than traditional marketing methods. The conversation highlights the role of the Alpha course in engaging newcomers and fostering connections among diverse groups, including families with young children. Matt also emphasizes the importance of excellence in worship and the value of building a strong, collaborative team environment.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija engages with Matt Rodgers, the vicar at St. Mark's Church in Great Grimsby, to explore the revitalization of a historically significant yet struggling church. Matt shares the inspiring journey of transforming St. Mark's from a dwindling congregation of four to a vibrant community of faith. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of planting a church in Grimsby, an area marked by economic hardship and low church attendance. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, innovative outreach strategies, and the role of invitation in fostering a welcoming church environment.

Matt reflects on the influence of Holy Trinity Brompton and the broader Anglican network in shaping his ministry approach, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a focus on mission over tradition. He candidly addresses the complexities of church revitalization in a diverse cultural landscape, including the importance of creating a space where all individuals feel accepted and valued, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and community in even the most unlikely places.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Josh Packard, the Director of Research at the Try Tank Research Institute and co-founder of Future of Faith. They explore the concept of sacred listening, a vital practice that emerges from a recent study highlighting its significance in faith formation. Dr. Packard shares insights on how listening can be an act of spiritual connection, emphasizing that the simple act of being heard can lead individuals closer to God. The conversation delves into the methodology of the study, which involved a nationally representative sample and in-depth interviews, revealing key findings about the traits of effective listening: being relatable, reliable, and genuinely curious. They discuss the barriers to listening and how these insights can inform ministry practices to foster a more inclusive and empathetic church environment. This episode is a call to action for faith leaders to cultivate a culture of sacred listening within their communities, transforming the way they engage with others and ultimately deepening spiritual connections.

Dr. Josh Packard is a leading expert in the spiritual lives of modern American youth and the sociology of religion. His work focuses on understanding the dynamics of faith formation and the emerging expressions of spirituality in contemporary society. Through his research, he aims to equip faith communities with the tools necessary to engage meaningfully with diverse populations and enhance their ministry practices.

For more resources on sacred listening and to explore the findings of the study, visit futureoffaith.org.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija welcomes back Gabe Cervantes, the Director of Scalable Foresight at the Institute for the Future, to delve into the concept of scalable foresight and its significance for the church. Gabe shares insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of futures thinking that involves everyone, not just a select few leaders. They discuss the key principles of scalable foresight, including the importance of collaborative thinking, the need to ask the right questions, and the role of a guide or Sherpa in navigating the complexities of future possibilities. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to identify signals of change and drivers of change, and how these elements can inform strategic planning within their communities. This engaging conversation emphasizes the necessity of challenging present-day assumptions and fostering a proactive approach to building a resilient future for the church.

Gabe Cervantes is a leading strategist in the field of foresight, working closely with organizations to enhance their ability to anticipate and respond to future challenges. His expertise in scalable foresight aims to empower individuals and communities to think creatively about the future and to engage in meaningful discussions that shape their paths forward.

In this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija welcomes the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco, to discuss the transformative power of Living Stories. This innovative preaching model shifts the sermon from a monologue to a communal act of storytelling and reflection, inviting congregations to co-create meaning through shared experiences. Peter shares insights into how this method fosters deeper connections within worship, enhances participation, and allows for a multisensory approach to scripture. They explore the practicalities of implementing Living Stories in diverse congregations, including the resources available for those looking to engage more fully with their communities. Additionally, the conversation touches on the intersection of Living Stories and artificial intelligence, highlighting how AI can both enhance and challenge traditional forms of preaching. 

Rev. Peter Levenstrong is the Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco and the creator of Living Stories Sermons, an innovative, Montessori-inspired preaching model that transforms the sermon into a communal act of storytelling and reflection. Through tactile storytelling and open-ended wondering questions, Living Stories invites participants of all ages to co-create the sermon, deepening spiritual connection and fostering intergenerational belonging. Peter is also the co-host of the AI Church Toolkit podcast, and he’s currently writing a theological manual on Living Stories Sermons to help congregations across the Church bring this transformative model to life.

Workshop sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvw2IRZYgVJYY7EZtz_iz7FXladoagZ5Ky-gx5KCG8rtVOZg/viewform

Newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/fAtQQZu/livingstories

Website: https://www.livingstoriessermons.org/

In this episode of the Tritank Podcast, Lorenzo Lebrija hosts Bob Johansen and Gabe Cervantes to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership, and faith. They explore how AI can augment human capabilities, the fears surrounding its adoption, and the importance of maintaining human connections in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation emphasizes a future-back approach to leadership, the role of AI in theological exploration, and the need for clarity and flexibility in navigating the complexities of modern faith communities.