Shows / Future Christian
Future Christian
Future Christian explores church leadership, church renewal, and the future of Christianity through conversations with pastors, authors, theologians, and other faith leaders. Each episode offers practical wisdom and fresh ideas for navigating church decline, cultural change, ministry, and the challenges facing congregations today.
Episodes
Future ChristianTerri Hord Owens on building a connected Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shares about the Covenant Project, which aims to increase…
Future ChristianPastoral Health, Leading Change, and Building Connection: Martha & Loren highlight season 15
In this episode, Loren and Martha review the highlights of the season and discuss three broad themes: pastoral health, individualization versus connection, and…
Future ChristianBrian McLaren on Leading and Living after Doom
With the continued decline of churches and denominations, many pastors and church leaders are facing a future filled with doom. In this conversation, Brian…
Future ChristianHow to Lead Faithful Innovation in your church
In this conversation, Tessa Pinkstaff and Dwight Zscheile discuss their book, Leading Faithful Innovation. They define faithful innovation as the adoption of…
Future ChristianNew models of clergy credentialing: Jonathan Foster talks about the Open Table Network
With the breakdown of institutions and denominations, faltering also are the credentialing methods for pastors and clergy. In this conversation, Jonathan…
Future ChristianNichole Torbitzky talks campus ministry and what the next generation needs from church.
University Chaplain and Professor Nichole Torbitzsky joins the show to talk about her work with college students, how they are engaging and identifying with…
Future ChristianWounded Pastors: Carol Howard talks about the challenges clergy face
Across American Christianity, there is a shortage of clergy, and this is exacerbated by financial struggles, housing issues, and the emotional toll of being a…
Future ChristianTed Smith talks about the Past, Present, and End(?) of Theological Education
Its no secret that the church as an institution in America is undergoing great change, and with it the role and function of clergy. In this episode, Ted Smith…
Future ChristianDoug Powe on Sustaining while Disrupting
So, you're trying to sustain a church for continued health... while also disrupting the status quo... impossible, right? Not so, says Pastor and author Doug…
Future ChristianMark Feldmeir on Life after God (and Covid)
Churches and individuals are facing a time of division and uncertainty, as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, political discord, and changing beliefs about…
Future ChristianAI Faith Roundtable: Artificial Intelligence experts explore AI's role in Church
In this episode, Ryan Panzer and Jake Doberenz join Loren and Martha to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the church. They share examples of…
Future ChristianLiz Cooledge Jenkins talks 'Nice' Church Patriarchy
In this conversation, Liz Cooledge Jenkins shares her journey from growing up in a Mainline Protestant church to exploring conservative evangelicalism and…
Future ChristianJessica Dominguez on Mobilizing Churches for Affordable Housing
Is your church seeking to advocate for affordable housing? In this episode, Jessica Dominguez joins the show to talk about her work helping churches develop…
Future ChristianDave Boden on Belonging before Believing and Stirring Spiritual Curiosity
In this conversation, Dave Boden discusses the importance of reaching people beyond the church and the need for a fresh approach to evangelism and…
Future ChristianStressed Pastors Club: Kinsie Tate on Finding Balance and Hope in Ministry
Pastoral ministry seems harder than ever. Data shows pastors are increasingly feeling burnt out while churches are also less inclined to want to change. What…
Future ChristianWomanist Ministry: Irie Session talks Preaching, the Black Church Tradition, and Womanist Theology
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Irie Lynne Session, co-pastor of The Gathering Experience, a Womanist church in Texas, joins the show to talk about Womanism and how…
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Dea Jenkins on living into the purpose God has placed on our hearts
Do you believe you can accomplish what God has placed on your heart? This is the key question Dea Jenkins helps pastors and spiritual leaders through…
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Jay Kim on why digital tools don't bring spiritual transformation
Since Covid, most churches have whole-heartedly embraced digital. But what are the effects of the digital age on discipleship, community, and understanding the…
Future ChristianNavigating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition with Mark Elsdon
It's predicted by 2030, an estimated 100,000 church buildings will either be sold or repurposed. With this impending reality, Mark Elsdon asks a key…
Future ChristianUnderstanding the Impact of Societal Changes on Congregational Dynamics: Insights from Dr. Scott Thumma
In this episode, Dr. Scott Thumma discusses the evolution of congregational life and denominational shifts, drawing from 30 years of research. He reflects on…
Future ChristianJustin Anthony and Why Leadership is a Myth
In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, guest host Martha Tartarnic sits down with Justin Anthony, the rector of Chingford (UK) parish, to delve into…
Future ChristianMichael Graham on How Can the Church Navigate Societal Influences and Declining Participation
In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Michael Graham, co-author of The Great De-Churching about his journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to a more…
Future ChristianExploring the Intersection of Media and Faith: A Deep Dive with Amy Frykholm
Guest host Martha Tatarnic leads a conversation with Dr. Amy Frykholm, senior editor at the Christian Century magazine. They discuss the role of media in…
Future ChristianAre we asking the right questions? Season 14 Recap
In the final episode of Season 14 of the Future Christian Podcast, guest host/co-host Martha Tatarnic joins Loren Richmond Jr. to reflect on the season's…
Future ChristianJose Martinez on how ’Disciples Next’ looks to shape the future of the church
Historically, the church has a tendency to colonize as a means to achieve growth. To break that dynamic, new models need to emerge. Enter DisciplesNEXT, a…
Future ChristianThe Future of Theological Education: Perspectives from Ulysses Allen
What's the Future of Theological Education? In this episode, Rev. Ulysses Allen, the Director of Recruitment and Retention at Phillips Seminary joins the show…
Future ChristianAndrew Root on why Pastors are focused on the wrong crisis.
Most Pastors would agree that the American church in the midst of a crisis of decline, as lagging attendance, giving, and influence continue to cause havoc in…
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Sensitivity as a superpower: Dorcas Cheng-Tozun on embracing your unique qualities for effective social change
In this episode, Dorcas Chang-Tozun joins the show to talk about her personal faith journey, her thought-provoking book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul…
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Revitalizing Mainline Denominations: Vision and Direction in Church Leadership with David Emery
David Emery joins the show to talk about why church structure is a significant obstacle in the church, as it can stifle the openness and potential for growth…
Future ChristianFinding Healing and Redemption in the Midst of Church Closures with Gail Cafferata
Rev. Gail Cafferata was heartbroken when the church she pastored closed its doors. It may have been the right decision, but it led to a million questions in…
Future ChristianMidseason Review - Critiquing the Church is part of loving the church.
In this mid-season recap of the Future Christian Podcast, hosts Loren Richmond Jr. and Martha Tatarnic reflect on the topics and guests featured so far in…
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Scott Nelson shares the five Supply Lines Pastors need
Pastors and church planters need more support, but where should they look and what types of relationships should they seek? In this conversation, Pastor…
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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…
Future ChristianThe 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…
Future ChristianMelissa 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…
Future ChristianWhy 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…
Future ChristianCasey 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…
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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…
Future ChristianMarcia 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…
Future ChristianGeoff 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…
Future ChristianLive 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…
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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…
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Eric Hoke on why the Future of the Church is Bivocational and Co-Vocational Leaders
With declining church attendance and continued budget tightening, more and more pastors are struggling to earn what they need through a church job alone…
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Juan Sarmiento on The Importance of Institutions in an Anti-Institutional Era
Reverend Dr. Juan Sarmiento, Executive Presbyter of the San Fernando Presbytery, joins the podcast to talk about his role and perspective on clergy burnout. He…
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Everything you think you know about discipleship is wrong, with Jessie Cruickshank
What if the goal of the Christian life isn't how we behave or even how we believe, but how we love? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank joins the show to talk…
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David Anderson Hooker on the power of narrative in shaping your church’s future
In this episode, Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, founder and principal of Counter Stories Consulting, joins the pod to discuss the power of narrative. Dr…
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Matt Syrdal talks about Re-Wilding Christianity and Pursuing Passion Projects in the Church
Is managing the institution wearing you out as a pastor or church leader? Does Christianity feel too isolated for earth and creation? In this episode, we talk…
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Andrew Root on the Dangers of Self-Expression and Innovation Obsession in the church.
Are you feeling the pressure to constantly innovate and be competitive in both work and daily life? Do you ever wonder if this focus on innovation is truly…
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Navigating the Changing Landscape of Church with Todd Ferguson and Josh Packard
Trying to navigate the changing landscape of church? In this episode with Dr. Josh Packard and Dr. Todd Ferguson, we discuss their book Stuck and delve into…
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Life on the Road with Mark Dorn
The journey of following Jesus can be at times lonely, isolating, and unfulfilling. What if that's all part of the process? Counselor, professor, and author…
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Jack Shitama gives a Family Systems Perspective on the UMC split
Since pre-Covid times, the United Methodist Church has been embroiled in conflict and disagreement over human sexuality, resulting in the splits and…
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Rohadi Nagassar on how your church can Thrive
Everyone seems to be focused on the same thing, trying to re-vitalize and re-charge declining churches. But what if everything we're trying is emblematic of…
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Dawn Weaks on Breaking through to big change in your church
"Where does it hurt? And how can we help?" These are the words that led a small, dying church in Texas to Breakthrough! In this conversation with Pastor Dawn…
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The Pressure to Perform as a Pastor - with Paul Romig-Leavitt and Brian Davis
Pastors and church leaders often face the pressure to "perform," whether that means always appearing as spiritually confident, emotionally intact, or even just…
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Kimmothy Cole on creating Liturgy for all Bodies
Despite efforts to include and make space for diversity, churches often do the opposite through their language, spaces, and architecture. In this conversation…
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How to get your church Unstuck, with Sean Bublitz
When it comes to church growth and revitalization, church governance isn't a topic that often comes to the forefront. Yet, according to Sean Bublitz, poor…
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Aurelia Davila Pratt on being Spacemakers
The work of a good pastor or church leader, according to pastor and church planter Aurelia Davila Pratt, is to make space - to be a spacemaker. And while she…
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Spencer LaJoye shares why music isn’t the main point in church
Music isn't the main point in church, says singer and songwriter Spencer LaJoye, but churches need to decide what is. LaJoye joins the pod to talk about how…
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Dennis Sanders walks through the process of selling a building
So your church is struggling and maintaining an aging building is no longer feasible. What do you do next? Pastor Dennis Sanders shares about his own church's…
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Starting a progressive, mainline church with Jonah P. Overton
Church planting is the R & D arm of denominations, says pastor and church planter Jonah Overton. Having launched a new church, Jonah shares about the story of…