In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) sits down with Martha Brown to explore the evolving nature of church leadership and spiritual community.

With decades of experience in traditional church settings as an elder’s wife and ministry leader, Martha shares her journey into micro church life and what she’s learned.

Jon and Martha discuss the challenges and blessings of moving from a structured, institutional church to a simpler, more relational expression of faith.

This conversation is about reimagining the Church—not as a polished program, but as a people gathered around Jesus.

[00:00] - Intro

[01:11] - Would Martha Do It All Over Again?

[04:01] - What’s It Like to Step Back from Leadership?

[07:22] - Expectations vs. Reality About Micro Churches

[14:52] - Finding Healing and Safety in Micro Church

[20:30] - Challenges of Being in a Micro Church

[23:33] - Is Consumer Christianity Putting Us to Sleep?

[30:12] - From Spotlight to Shared Space: The Pros and Cons of Micro church Leadership

[38:11] - Lessons from Years in Micro Church

[41:06] - What Relevance Does Micro Church Have in America?

[46:13] - Divine Gravity: What Really Pulls Us Together?

[50:15] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

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#MicroChurch #HouseChurch #Deconstruction #ChurchReimagined #MissionalLiving #FaithJourney #AuthenticCommunity #UnpolishedChurch #ChurchWithoutWalls #SpiritualHealing #SimpleChurch #ModernDiscipleship #ChurchPlanting #BelmontLofts #RepurposedChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchTransition #churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #churchbeyondsunday #christiancommunity #importanceofchristiancommunity #whyweneedchristiancommunity #christianfriends #community #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories #jesuslovesme #biblestory #marthabrown

Why I Believe Micro Churches Are So Relevant Today w/Martha Brown

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) sits down with Dr. Douglas Jacoby to explore how followers of Jesus can navigate faith in a shifting cultural landscape.

From mega-churches to micro-communities, Dr. Douglas reflects on the evolution of church life, the rise of Christian nationalism, and what it means to live generously and faithfully across cultures.

Together, Jon and Dr. Douglas unpack practical wisdom for young Christians, the role of the Holy Spirit, and how to influence others through the gospel—without coercion.

This conversation is about rediscovering the Church as a living body and embodying Jesus’ kingdom in a divided world.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] - Intro

[03:09] - Then and Now: Faith Through the Years

[05:15] - Reasons for Shift Towards Small Churches

[08:03] - Journey Through Disillusionment to Purpose

[13:11] - Wisdom for Young Christians Seeking to Live Whole and Holy Lives

[16:35] - The Role of the Holy Spirit Today

[22:25] - Rediscovering Church as a Living Body, Not a Schedule

[25:27] - Navigating Church Life Across Cultures and Convictions

[28:18] - Living Generously: Faith Over Fortune

[31:24] - Christian Community in a Divided Culture

[36:52] - The Power of the Gospel: Influencing Others Without Imposing

[39:10] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

Ambiguity, Faith, and the Future of Church Community w/Dr. Douglas Jacoby

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) unpacks what Paul’s words about “seeing dimly” in 1 Corinthians 13 have to say to us today.

While often quoted at weddings, this passage speaks directly to how we handle spiritual gifts, theological certainty, and relational tension within the church.

Drawing from his pastoral experience, Jon challenges us to reflect on the ways we might be assuming clarity we don’t actually have—and how that impacts our communities, conversations, and convictions.

From theology and politics to everyday discipleship, this episode invites us into a more humble, Christlike posture in how we see and relate to one another.

[00:00] - Intro

[00:06] - Seeing Through a Dim Mirror

[03:17] - Certain Enough to Be Humble

[05:00] - How Clear Is Your Mirror? Rethinking Theological Certainty

[07:08] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) has a conversation with Jon Laughinghouse and Wes Williams, pastors who share the remarkable story of how their church merged with another, acquired a 120-year-old building, and then felt led by Jesus to sell it and move into micro church expressions.

In this episode, they unpack the journey, the challenges, and the lessons learned as they followed God’s call into a new way of being the church. If you’re considering micro churches or sensing a shift in your own church community, this episode is for you!

Chapters:

[00:00] - Intro

[01:08] - The Start and The Journey to Microcurches

[05:20] - What Happened to the Church Building After Selling It?

[07:57] - What Came Next on The Journey?

[10:11] - What Led to the Shift Toward Micro Churches

[19:13] - Friction Points: The Hard Truth About Church Transitions

[22:25] - The Realities of Church Rebuilding

[27:23] - Smaller, Simpler, Deeper: The Unexpected Wins of Micro Church

[34:08] - Sunday in Belmont Church

[40:30] - The Do’s, Don’ts, and Warnings Before You Join

[45:35] - Five Years Just to Be Ready for Micro Church

[49:00] - One Final Piece of Advice

[51:43] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#MicroChurch #HouseChurch #Deconstruction #ChurchReimagined #MissionalLiving #FaithJourney #AuthenticCommunity #UnpolishedChurch #ChurchWithoutWalls #SpiritualHealing #SimpleChurch #ModernDiscipleship #ChurchPlanting #BelmontLofts #RepurposedChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchTransition #churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #churchbeyondsunday #christiancommunity #importanceofchristiancommunity #whyweneedchristiancommunity #christianfriends #community #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories #jesuslovesme #biblestory

Are Micro Churches Conducive for Discipleship?

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) explores what it means to wean disciples off of consumer church culture. Drawing from his experience leading a micro church in Asheville, Jon unpacks how traditional church setups often encourage passivity—and how shifting into different environments, like living rooms, parks, and community spaces, can invite deeper participation and spiritual formation. From roundtable gatherings to catch mics and shared service projects, Jon challenges us to rethink what it really means to be the Church in the world today.

[00:00] - Intro[00:23] - Can We Break Free from the Consumer Church?

[03:13] - Changing the Environment to Change the Disciples

[05:15] - Ask Yourself: Where Is Jesus Calling You to Give?

[07:09] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world.

If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #churchbeyondsunday #christiancommunity #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories

Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) has a conversation with Perrie Keeve, Lead Evangelist of a 300-member at The Columbia Church of Christ, who stepped into leadership during the upheaval of COVID. In this episode, Jon and Perrie discuss how the church faced an identity crisis and transitioned from a traditional Sunday-focused model to a rhythm of house churches centered around communion, discipleship, hospitality, and community service.

Jon and Perrie dive deep into the realities of post-COVID church life, the dangers of spiritual complacency, and how to shift power away from centralized leadership toward the priesthood of all believers. If you are a church leader, small group facilitator, or someone longing for a more intimate, missional, and healthy church experience, this episode is for you!

[00:00] Intro

[01:50] Balancing Big and Small Church Expressions

[05:10] The Power of Human Contact in the Christian Community 

[13:23] What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Healthy?

[16:06] How Christ’s Example Shapes Church Structure

[20:10] Do House Churches Meet on Sundays? 

[23:17] Challenges of Sunday Worship in House Churches

[26:02] What Does a 300-Person 'Nuclear Family' Really Mean?

[32:28] Advice for Church Leaders Looking to Create Change

[36:54] Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #churchbeyondsunday #christiancommunity #importanceofchristiancommunity #whyweneedchristiancommunity #christianfriends #community #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories #jesuslovesme #biblestory

In this episode of UNpolished Church Podcast, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) explores how the early Church model offers a powerful antidote to today’s culture of isolation. From Genesis to Pentecost to Acts 2, Jon looks at God’s design for community, the role of small church expressions, and why microchurches may be the future of the Church in the West.

[00:00] Intro

[00:56] Loneliness: The Epidemic the Church Can’t Ignore

[04:10] When Church Feels Lonely: The Challenge of Modern Structures

[06:24] Small Churches as the Future of the Church in the West

[08:34] Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #christiancommunity #christianfriendship #community #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories #biblestory #mentalhealth #howtoovercomeloneliness #howtocopewithloneliness #howtostopfeelinglonely #feelingalone #stopfeeling #lonely #anxiety #selfimprovement #depression #loneliness #personaldevelopment #icantstoptheloneliness #howtodealwithloneliness #lonelinessepidemic #maleloneliness #isolation

This is one of the most commonly asked questions around micro churches.

Jon Sherwood  (https://www.jonsherwood.com) has a conversation with Ally Alley, an expert in early childhood education and a member of the leadership of the micro church network. In this episode, Jon and Ally Alley explore the most common question related to microchurches - how to approach children’s worship and how to include children in this organic and intimate environment.

Jon and Ally Alley discuss the practical approaches to including children in community worship, how to truly include them, and make them active members of microchurch life. If you are part of a micro church or if you are thinking about the possibilities of how your community can better serve the children, this episode is for you!

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

[00:00] Intro 

[01:08] How has the role of kids in microchurches evolved? 

[05:28] More than babysitting: how should we minister to kids in microchurches? 

[08:30] Bridging the gap: helping non-religious families feel at home in micro churches

[12:45] Worship with kids around? How micro churches navigate the challenge 

[20:15] From toddlers to teens: creating a flexible approach to kids in micro churches 

[25:37] A story of how children absorb more than we think in micro churches

[32:10] What challenges still remain for kids in microchurches?

[36:25] Worshiping together: why micro churches transform family faith dynamics

[39:43] What’s God revealing about children’s ministry in micro churches?

[45:18] Outro

#microchurch #housechurch #church #churches #christian #christianity #community #jesus #god #biblestories #bible #biblestoriesforkids #jesuslovesme #biblestory #kidsbiblestories #biblesongsforkids #biblesongs #kidschristiansongs #christiansongsforkids #kidsbiblesongs #kidsbible #christiankids #kidschurch

Jon Sherwood discusses how passing the Christian faith to children has shifted in micro churches, and his own life. Rather than outsourcing to a children's ministry program, or youth ministry staff at church, the call of Jesus is that parents and their Jesus communities would primarily influence their children to see, experience, and be formed in the faith .

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcastsubscribe⁠⁠

#microchurch #housechurch #church #churches #christian #christianity #community #jesus #god #biblestories #bible #biblestoriesforkids #jesuslovesme #biblestory #kidsbiblestories #biblesongsforkids #biblesongs #kidschristiansongs #christiansongsforkids #kidsbiblesongs #kidsbible #christiankids #kidschurch

Jon Sherwood brings the network leadership and pastoral team on UNpolished to talk about what we have left behind from our traditional church expressions and the things we have gained in our micro church expressions. Along the way we discuss some of our favorite memories, continuing hurdles, things we need to learn, and why is it that in a crisis we tend to stock up on toilet paper?

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcastsubscribe⁠

#UNpolished #microchurch #housechurch #church #christian #christianity #churchgrowth #ministry