Future Christian

Meghan Hatcher on how your church can foster innovation

How can churches foster innovation and reinvent their ministry in today's changing world? Meghan Hatcher, the Director of the Innovation Laboratory at the Center for Youth Ministry Training, joins the pod to share ideas. Meghan talks about her personal experience of taking a break and returning to the church. She also explains the purpose and approach of the Innovation Lab, which aims to help faith communities reinvent ministry models across the whole church. Meghan emphasizes the importance of creating psychological safety and fostering inclusivity within churches. She also discusses measuring ministry effectiveness, the value of buy-in and democratized leadership, and supporting churches dealing with affiliation challenges. 

Meghan Hatcher currently serves as the director of the Innovation Laboratory, an initiative of the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Science in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in community engagement from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The thread that runs throughout Meghan’s academic and professional experiences is the power of story to knit communities together around a collective vision. She is a graduate of The Life Stories Institute in Washington, D.C., and has a tremendous passion for guiding individuals to reflect on their personal stories and the timeless stories of faith. Meghan has served rural, urban, and suburban congregational settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, innovative ministry development, youth ministry, new church development, and community engagement. Meghan makes her home in Austin with her spouse Corey.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

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Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

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I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

 

The Most Viral Article on Clergy Burnout: Alexander Lang on the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry

Do you remember that viral post about pastoral ministry? In this episode, we welcome the author of that piece, Rev. Alexander Lang, an ordained pastor and author. Martha Tatarnic hosts the conversation, and they discuss Lang's background and key points from his article, especially the emotional toll of being a pastor and the challenges of maintaining a declining institution. They also explore the challenges pastors face in navigating their personal emotions while fulfilling their pastoral duties. Lang believes the church is currently searching for its soul, having lost sight of what truly matters. His hope for the future is that the church can embrace God's unconditional love and return to the work of the gospel.

Rev. Alexander Lang is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who worked in church ministry for 20 years. Alex is the author of Restorative Faith, a book that recasts Christianity in a new light for the 21st century skeptic. Alex also hosts the Restorative Faith Podcast, which blends history, science, culture and scripture into thought provoking episodes. Alex’s interests include independent film, electronic music and deep conversation with people who question, doubt and want to dig into the most complex issues we face as humans. When he’s not working on books or the Restorative Faith Movement, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

https://religionnews.com/2023/09/11/meet-the-pastor-behind-that-quitting-the-church-essay/?fbclid=IwAR0kjMgf5y1WLKg8Fw2FXy9hN3Wah8OrxH9ClDWzvjswgtJ7dc-5elg0jhU

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

 

Melissa St. Clair on Churches Building Affordable Housing with Heart

As more churches explore the opportunity of affordable housing, Rev. Melissa St. Clair shares the journey of developing her church's property. In this episode, we talk about the dream for Heartside Hill and its evolution over time, fundraising efforts and partnerships for the development of Heartside Hill, and how they built relationships with existing neighbors and gained community involvement. Melissa also shares the importance of connecting the project to the church's mission while also offering advice for pastors and churches in similar situations of transitioning church land.

Rev. Melissa St. Clair has served Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Collins, CO, since January 2013. She was called to succeed the congregation's founding pastor, Jeff Wright. After two years of serving as Associate Minister, she was installed as Senior Minister in January 2015. Melissa was ordained in 2008 at her home church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA, where her immediate and extended family still reside. Her Master of Divinity is from Eden Theological Seminary (St. Louis, MO).

Melissa currently serves as Moderator for the Central Rocky Mountain Region and has previously served as chair of the Board of Stewards for the Center for Faith and Giving. She is an alumna of the Bethany Fellows and a graduate of Leadership Northern Colorado. She currently serves on the Leadership Team of the Ecumenical Circle of the Bethany Fellows. Melissa loves running the trails and camping the mountains of Colorado. She and her spouse, Ben, recently moved to the foothills of the Front Range where they savor the mountain views and the gravel road that gets them there. Her passion for affordable and attainable housing has grown out of their love for where they live and a desire to live in a sustainable, inclusive community.

Laura Stephens-Reed is the clergy coach Melissa references in the show. She helps clergy and congregations navigate transitions with faithfulness and curiosity and can be contacted at www.laurastephensreed.com.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Why Ally Henny isn’t giving up on the church

These days, it seems like everyone is walking away from church. Not so for Ally Henny, who discusses in this episode the potential of the church and why she hasn't given up on it, despite its flaws and challenges. She believes that the church has a unique role in providing a sense of community and support, especially for marginalized groups. Ally also emphasizes the importance of the church in addressing social justice issues and making a positive difference in the world. Looking towards the future, Ally suggests that the church should focus on serving communities and actively engaging with the needs of society. She believes that the church has the potential to be a force for good and transformation, but it requires intentional action and a willingness to listen and learn from others.

Ally Henny is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. She completed her MDiv from Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in race, cultural identity, and reconciliation, and she hopes to lead a church someday. Ally has been leading conversations about race on her social media and blog, The Armchair Commentary, since 2014, and her posts reach millions each month. She is a proud Chicago Southsider.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Casey Tygrett on the Journey of Faith and Transformation

What is the role of restlessness in our life of faith? In this episode, Casey Tygrett joins the pod to talk about how suffering can be a teacher, the changing images of God, and the impact of the pandemic on spirituality. Casey emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from spiritual directors or counselors and encourages listeners to embrace restlessness as an opportunity for growth. Casey also touches on the shifting dynamics in churches during the pandemic and the concept of purpose and trust in God.

Casey Tygrett is an author and spiritual director living in the Chicago area. He oversees the spiritual direction practice at Soul Care (www.soulcare.com), and is the author of three books including The Practice of Remembering: Discovering the Place of Memories In Our Spiritual Life and The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality for Unsettled Seasons. He is also the host of the “Restlessness is a Gift” podcast. Casey’s passion is helping people pursue Jesus’ way of spiritual transformation in the midst of everyday circumstances. You can find more information about and resources from Casey on his website: www.caseytygrett.com or on social media (@caseytygrett). 

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Craig Greenfield on the importance of cultural understanding in church planting and transformation

Craig Greenfield joins the show to talk about his journey of unpacking his cultural baggage and seeing the gospel through new eyes while living in Cambodia. He emphasizes the importance of communal practices in his faith, particularly in his Christian community in Vancouver. Craig also discusses his book "Subversive Mission" and reframes the roles of apostles, prophets, and evangelists as catalysts, allies, and seekers. He highlights the importance of cultural understanding and local ownership in community transformation. 

Social entrepreneur, activist and author, Craig Greenfield is passionate about God’s heart for the world’s most vulnerable. Craig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International, a fast-growing movement of young Christians reaching the world’s poorest children. A storyteller and inspirational speaker, Craig’s passion is to amplify the voice of the poor, communicating God’s heart for the least in churches, conferences and colleges around the world. Craig is happily married to Nay, a Cambodian-New Zealander and they have two young children: Jayden and Micah.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Marcia McFee on how worship design and ritual artistry can shape the future of the church

In times of uncertainty and change, we already have everything within us to transform and adapt, says Dr. Marcia McFee, a professor, worship designer, author, preacher, and ritual artist. In this episode, Dr. McFee talks about the connection between worship and justice and her concept of a "metamorphosis moment" in the post-pandemic transition. Dr. McFee emphasizes the importance of curiosity, imagination, and adaptability in shaping the future of the church. She also explores the need for flexible worship options, reimagining church spaces, and integrating theology and symbolism into physical and virtual sanctuaries. 

Dr. Marcia McFee is a professor, worship designer, author, preacher and ritual artist. Drawing on a first career in professional dance and musical theater and equipped with a Master's in Theology and a PhD in Liturgical Studies and Ethics, she understands the role of any worship artist in the church as that of creating extraordinary portals through which communities journey with the Spirit. She is the author of The Worship Workshop, Spiritual Adventures in the Snow, and most recently Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship for Unforgettable Messages. Find out more about her Worship Design Studio liturgical resources, Elevation Retreat, and Ireland pilgrimage.

The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Geoff Mitchell on Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Starting New Churches in the Christian Church (DOC)

Geoff Mitchell joins the pod to discuss his experiences in leading and guiding churches, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. Geoff emphasizes the importance of creating vibrant and transformative churches that are deeply rooted in the power of the gospel. He also explores the unique aspects of leading churches within this denomination and how they contribute to the overall mission of spreading the message of Christ.

Geoff Mitchell is Senior Minister at Lindenwood Christian Church, where his goal is to help people discover a life that does more than leave them exhausted and disillusioned. A native of Kentucky, Geoff grew up on the Mississippi River in Keokuk, Iowa. He spent 13 years in Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University. He is currently working on his dissertation to complete to his Doctor of Ministry.  He has served churches in Fort Worth and Keokuk. He has also started two new congregations, in Aledo, Texas and suburban Chicago.

As a note to listeners, this episode was recorded live, in person at the conference hall of the General Assembly of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Live from General Assembly: Exploring the Future of the Christian Church (DOC)

In this special episode of the Future Christian Podcast, recorded live from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Loren Richmond Jr is joined by guest Dennis Sanders to delve into the current state of the denomination and the unique challenges faced by local congregations.

Together, they explore the pressing need to support and sustain existing congregations, recognizing the vital role they play in today's society. The discussion also delves into recent updates to the denomination's bylaws, highlighting the importance of staying informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of the church.

Dennis and Loren also touch on the topic of incorporating pop songs into worship services, examining the potential benefits and challenges of bridging contemporary culture with traditional practices. They emphasize the significance of prayer and theology in guiding congregations towards a deeper understanding of their faith and the role of the church in advancing the gospel.

Throughout the conversation, the importance of dialogue, relationships, and understanding is underscored as essential tools for navigating divisive issues within the church. Loren expresses his concern about declining numbers and the need for a compelling narrative to revitalize the denomination, sparking a thought-provoking reflection on the future of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

 

Future Christian is supported by:

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'

Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

The Most Impactful Conversations from Season 13

In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes guest Martha Titanic, an Anglican priest and author. They discuss various topics including the importance of diverse perspectives, the role of social media in engaging younger generations, the tension between community care and church growth, and the need for discernment and prayer when navigating the future. 

Throughout the episode, Loren and Martha mentioned several impactful conversations they had with various guests. From the insights shared by authors like Ferguson and Packard to practical advice on bi-vocational ministry from Eric Hoke, it's clear that the Future Christian Podcast is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. The episode ends with a powerful message of hope and the transformative power of the gathered body of Christ. Despite the challenges within the church and the polarization in society, Loren and Martha encourage us to have faith and work

Martha Tatarnic is the lead priest of St. George’s, a thriving downtown Anglican church in St. Catharines Ontario. Martha writes a regular blog for the Anglican Church of Canada, which can be found at medium.com. She is the author of The Living Diet:  A Christian Journey to Joyful Eating, an exploration of our relationship with food and our body through a Christian perspective and also her second book, Why Gather? The Hope and Promise of the Church.  Find out more about her at https://marthatatarnic.ca

Loren Richmond Jr. is a mission-driven leader with a unique combination of experience in church, nonprofits and affordable housing, holding an MBA with a Nonprofit emphasis and a Master of Divinity. As a servant leader, Loren possesses a calm, focused, and credible demeanor that empowers staff, along with a systems-driven and efficient approach to managing operations, fostering productivity even in heavy workloads. Loren's lifelong commitment to learning and diverse skill-sets enables visionary solutions to current and future organizational challenges, while his entrepreneurial approach has transformed organizations.

https://ihelppastorsgetjobs.thinkific.com/ Use code 'futurechristian'

The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.