Try Tank Podcast

In this episode, Lorenzo Lebrija interviews Margaret Marcuson about sustainable ministry, the importance of setting boundaries, self-care, and managing burnout in church leadership. They explore practical strategies for clergy to lead healthier, more balanced lives while fulfilling their calling.

Margaret Marcuson helps clergy get lighter and less burdened by their ministry so they can have more influence with less stress. She works with leaders from over 20 denominations across North America as teacher and coach. She is the author of Leaders who Last (2009) and Money and Your Ministry (2014). She has taught since 1999 in Leadership in Ministry, a family systems workshop for clergy. An American Baptist minister, she served as pastor at First Baptist Church, Gardner, MA for 13 years. She lives in Portland, OR, where she sings in two choirs. Check out her new book, Sustainable Ministry: How to Lead (and When to Nap).

Links:

New book available now: Sustainable Ministry

Get a checklist for sustainable ministry: margaretmarcuson.com

Key Topics:

• Burnout and over-functioning in ministry
• Setting healthy boundaries without abandoning calling
• The role of spiritual practices in self-care
• Family systems and their impact on leadership
• Strategies for clergy to manage stress and expectations

Keywords:

ministry, clergy burnout, self-care, boundaries, leadership, church, spiritual practice, family systems, over-functioning, sustainable leadership

In this episode, Father Lorenzo Lebrija talks with the Reverend Dan Kline and Reverend Jessie Thompson from St. Paul's in the Desert, Palm Springs, California. They share their journey of revitalizing a small congregation emerging from the challenges of the COVID pandemic. With a remarkable approach to church growth, spiritual formation, and lay leadership, Dan and Jessie discuss how they successfully doubled attendance and fostered a vibrant community. The conversation dives into effective church growth strategies, including the importance of empowering lay leaders and engaging the community. Dan and Jessie also emphasize the significance of being deeply rooted in prayer and how this foundation has influenced their leadership style and the congregation's spiritual life.

Key Topics Covered:

• Church growth and revitalization strategies
• Community listening and engagement
• Spiritual formation and leadership
• Innovative church practices and programs
• Empowering lay leaders and volunteers

Resources Mentioned:

• Their Church Website: https://stpauldesert.church

What might the church look like ten years from now?

In this episode, Lorenzo Lebrija welcomes Loren Richmond Jr.—pastor, chaplain, consultant, author, and host of the Future Christian Podcast—for a conversation about twenty predictions for the future of the church. Inspired by futurist Jane McGonigal's work on imagination and forecasting, Loren reflects on the demographic, cultural, economic, and institutional trends shaping Christian communities in the decades ahead. 

The conversation explores everything from volunteer-led congregations and the decline of denominational structures to the future of seminaries, church buildings, worship practices, and clergy leadership. Loren argues that while the gospel itself remains unchanged, the structures surrounding church life are already evolving—and leaders must learn to distinguish between the essentials of faith and the methods used to express it. 

Together, Loren and Lorenzo discuss church buildings as community assets, the rise of bivocational and itinerant ministry, creative nonprofit structures, changing worship patterns, and why imagining possible futures is a critical leadership skill. They also wrestle with questions of technology, virtual church, Christian nationalism, denominational identity, and the enduring hope that the church will continue to exist and adapt in every generation. 

Together they explore:

•  Why church buildings may become community hubs 
•  The future of denominations and denominational identity 
•  Seminary education and clergy formation in a changing landscape 
•  Worship trends, tradition, and authenticity 
•  Technology, virtual church, and digital ministry 
•  Creative nonprofit and social enterprise models 
•  How leaders can prepare for the future today 

Resources Mentioned

• Imaginable — Jane McGonigal
• The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive — Loren's book
•  Future Christian Podcast 
• https://lorenrichmondjr.substack.com/p/ten-ways-church-will-be-different
• https://lorenrichmondjr.substack.com/p/ten-more-ways-church-will-be-different

Connect with Loren

•  The Church Nerd (Substack) 
•  @lorenrichmondjr on social media platforms 

In this episode, Father Lorenz Lebrija talks with Sarah Holler, an Episcopal priest and spiritual director from Charlotte, North Carolina. Together, they explore the concept of "When God Gets Real," a podcast that invites individuals to share their transformative experiences of faith—those moments when God becomes undeniably present in their lives.

Sarah shares her journey of creating this podcast, inspired by the power of storytelling found in platforms like TED Talks and The Moth Radio Hour. She discusses the courage it takes for people to open up about their faith experiences, revealing the profound impact these stories have on both the tellers and the listeners. Through her work, Sarah has discovered that sharing personal narratives of faith not only rekindles one's own spirituality but also encourages others to reflect on their own encounters with the divine.

This episode delves into the diversity of faith stories and the common threads that connect them, highlighting the importance of community and the sacredness of sharing one's testimony. As listeners are encouraged to think about their own moments when God became real, the conversation underscores the transformative power of vulnerability and connection in faith.

Takeaways

• Sharing personal faith stories can be a powerful act of vulnerability that fosters deeper connections within community.
• Reflecting on moments when God became real can rekindle one’s faith and encourage others to explore their own experiences.
• Storytelling is an essential part of human experience and can serve as a means to articulate and share the presence of God in our lives.
• Creating spaces for open dialogue about faith can help normalize conversations around spirituality and testimony.
• Embracing the diversity of faith experiences enriches our understanding of God’s work in the world.

Keywords

When God Gets Real, storytelling, faith, spirituality, community, testimony, Episcopal Church

In this episode, Father Lorenzo Lebrija talks with the Reverend Dr. Kyle Oliver, the new director of Hope Exchange, a groundbreaking storytelling initiative from Virginia Seminary. As they discuss the vision behind Hope Exchange, Kyle shares his passion for harnessing the power of storytelling to explore faith and spirituality in innovative ways. This program, part of a Lilly Endowment grant cycle, aims to connect diverse communities through shared narratives, emphasizing the importance of personal stories in understanding God and belonging to a faith community.

The two discuss how Hope Exchange plans to create spaces for storytelling festivals, foster connections among individuals, and develop resources for church leaders to effectively engage their congregations. Kyle reflects on the transformative impact of storytelling, not just for those within the church, but for anyone curious about faith. The conversation touches on the challenges of articulating spiritual experiences and the necessity of listening to the stories of others, highlighting the richness that such exchanges can bring to both personal and communal faith journeys.

Takeaways

• The Hope Exchange initiative seeks to elevate storytelling as a means of engaging individuals with faith and spirituality.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for building relationships and understanding within faith communities.
• Creating spaces for sharing personal narratives can foster deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
• Church leaders are encouraged to embrace storytelling as a vital component of ministry and outreach.
• Listening to and valuing the stories of others is essential for nurturing community and spiritual growth.

Keywords

Hope Exchange, storytelling, faith, community, spirituality, Lilly Endowment, church leadership, narrative

In this enlightening episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija engages in a profound conversation with the Rev. Richard Carter, of St. Martin in the Fields in London. With over two decades of experience in urban ministry and a rich background as a member of the Melanesian Brotherhood, Richard shares the journey of founding the Nazareth Community—a movement centered on a sevenfold rule of life that emphasizes silence, service, scripture, sacrament, sharing, staying, and Sabbath.

The discussion explores how Richard's commitment to contemplative prayer and community life has transformed the way people engage with spirituality in the bustling heart of London. He reflects on the importance of being present in a fast-paced world and how gratitude can serve as a form of quiet resistance amidst anxiety. Richard's insights highlight the power of vulnerability and connection across diverse backgrounds, illustrating how the Nazareth Community fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the richness of spiritual life.

Keywords

Nazareth Community, contemplative prayer, urban ministry, spirituality, gratitude, community, silence, service

Takeaways

• The Nazareth Community offers a sevenfold rule of life that integrates contemplative practices into everyday urban living.
• Silence is foundational for listening and spiritual growth, encouraging deeper connections with oneself and others.
• Acts of service and community building are essential for fostering inclusivity and belonging.
• Gratitude serves as a powerful response to anxiety and a means of recognizing the goodness in our lives.
• Spirituality is not separate from the world; it is deeply intertwined with our everyday experiences and interactions.

In this thought-provoking episode,Lorenzo Lebrija talks with futurist Bob Johansen to delve into the concept of a "BANI world"—characterized by being brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible. Their discussion challenges listeners to rethink the language we use to describe our current reality and the implications it has for leadership and community.

Bob shares insights from his extensive experience at the Institute for the Future and emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate adaptability and clarity in an era where traditional frameworks like VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) no longer suffice. The conversation explores how faith can be a powerful asset in navigating uncertainty and how leaders who learn quickly will thrive in these chaotic times.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to frame the future positively, embracing bendability in the face of brittleness, attentiveness amidst anxiety, and interconnectedness in an incomprehensible world. This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for faith communities and beyond.

Keywords

BANI world, leadership, adaptability, faith, community, uncertainty, futures thinking

Takeaways

• The BANI framework offers a new lens to understand the complexities of modern life.
• Leaders must be adaptable and willing to embrace uncertainty rather than seek rigid certainties.
• Faith can provide a foundation for resilience in unpredictable times.
• Building relationships and community is essential for navigating anxiety and fostering hope.
• Interconnectedness and diverse perspectives are crucial in addressing the challenges of a BANI world.

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.