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 Christian
Michael Chan on Faithfulness in a Time of Collapse
How does one lead faithfully in a time of collapse? Michael Chan joins the pod to talk about an article he co-wrote with Dwight Zscheile. In this conversation…
- Future Christian
Why Gather? with Martha Tatarnic
In many mainline church contexts, pastors and leaders often spend countless hours wishing things were different and worrying about what's next. Anglican…
- Future Christian
Jonathan Foster on the Path of Reconstruction
Having served in local churches his entire life, Jonathan Foster had a startling realization: most Christians don't love themselves. Seeing so many Christians…
- Future Christian
Freda Sampson shares about the Black Church
Forged in the furnace of U.S. segregation, the Black Church is the pillar of African American communities across the country. As such, it has a powerful…
- Future Christian
Ryan Burge on Myths about Religion and Politics in America
Many of the things we think we know about religion and politics in America simply aren't true, says Ryan Burge, and he has the data to back it up. As a…
- Future Christian
Freeing Congregational Mission with Hunter Farrell
Between the historical baggage of colonialist mission endeavors of the past and the consumer-oriented "selfie mission" focus of present day, many churches and…
- Future Christian
Impolite conversations in the church with Brian Kaylor
In these days of increasing political polarization and hyper-partisanship in church, Brian Kaylor joins the show to talk about why he doesn't think pastors…
- Future Christian
Thom Schultz on When God Left the Building
Year after year, thousands of churches across America are closing. Churches that were once the heart and soul of their communities are now shrinking both in…
- Future Christian
Jason Porterfield wants you to Fight Like Jesus
In these times of contentious struggles over important issues, how can we fight like Jesus? Author and peacemaker Jason Porterfield joins the show to talk…
- Future Christian
The Holy and the Hybrid with Ryan Panzer
Covid-19 accelerated the digital reformation for the church as countless ministries were forced to re-evaluate and re-examine their strategies and methods…
- Future Christian
Lorenzo Lebrija wants you to learn How To Try
In many churches, innovation and experimentation is avoided, often due to a fear of failure. Author and Episcopal Priest Lorenzo Lebrija joins the pod to talk…
- Future Christian
Faithful AntiRacism with Christina Barland Edmondson
Growing up as a child, Christina Edmondson believed there were not that many white Christians in America, because the people she saw couldn't be connected to…
- Future Christian
Caleb Lines proclaims the Great Digital Commission
While the Covid-19 pandemic forced many churches to join the digital revolution, many have failed to accept the "Great Digital Commission." Believing that…
- Future Christian
Deconstructing Church Planting with Nick Warnes
For the last 10-20 years, church planting has become formulaic and systematized, as large church planting organizations brought corporate practices and values…
- Future Christian
Missional Church Real Estate with Dominic Dutra
As more churches struggle post-Covid, many are looking at how their building and property can support their flagging budgets. Yet, according to real estate…
- Future Christian
Rediscovering Vitality with Sean Chow
Far too often, churches are asking other to risk their discomfort - shouldn't churches be willing to risk their own discomfort for the sake of others? In this…
- Future Christian
Why Christian Ethics matter with David Gushee
In a time in which countless church leaders have cast aside Christian ethics in the pursuit of power, David Gushee believes that Christian ethics still matter…
- Future Christian
Daniel Steigerwald on the pitfalls of starting a new church
It's vital that new churches and communities of faith are started in order to carry the faith on to future generations, yet church planting has never been…
- Future Christian
Jeffrey MacDonald on why part time clergy is plenty for churches
In many church and clergy circles, part-time is considered the "kiss of death," the dreaded sign that the church has thrown in the towel and is circling the…
- Future Christian
Amy Butler is still invested in faith and the church -- here’s why
"The church can break our hearts more often than it does the gospel work of healing us" says pastor Amy Butler, who in being the first woman to serve at 3…
- Future Christian
When Everything is on Fire, with Brian Zahnd
Deconstruction has been the buzzword in progressive Christian contexts for the last 5+ years, yet often times that deconstruction looks more like an angry…
- Future Christian
The Revolution in Church Economics is already here - with Mark DeYmaz
As with many things in our society, Covid accelerated the revolution in church economics that was already coming. Mark DeYmaz joins the pod to share from his…
- Future Christian
Dan Stringer is Struggling with Evangelicalism
Evangelicalism has been in a season of conflict and turmoil as seemingly unending scandals and controversies have rocked the space. As an uneasy insider…
- Future Christian
Do I stay a Christian? with Brian McLaren
Do I stay Christian? A question countless pastors, church leaders, and followers of Jesus could never have imagined themselves asking, yet when confronted with…
- Future Christian
Phiwa Langeni talks about the ”E” word (Evangelism)!
Evangelism, the "E" word is often one of the most dreaded conversation topics in many mainline and progressive church communities. Rev. Phiwa Langeni, a…
- Future Christian
How to Grow Your Church with Tracy Barnowe
Numerical church growth in mainline churches is often seen as problematic or even impossible. Pastor and author Tracy Barnowe joins the pod to talk about…
- Future Christian
Paul Nixon & Craig Gilbert on Launching a New Worship Community
In this time of disruption and decline among mainline denominations, it's vital that efforts be made to start new churches and worshipping communities…
- Future Christian
Church After... with Anna Mitchell Hall
For the last 2+ years, pastors and church leaders have wondered what church after Covid would look like. While there are some conclusions to be drawn, in many…
Future ChristianChristian Minimalism with Becca Ehrlich
From tiny houses to Marie Kondo, Minimalism has a strong counter-cultural following against the endless onslaught of consumerism. Author and educator Becca…
- Future Christian
Rich Lewis on Sitting with God
We all have so many demands and distractions that it is hard to take time away for ourselves to spend with God. Rich Lewis joins the pod to talk about the…
- Future Christian
Terry Wildman on the First Nations Version Bible
Terry Wildman joins the pod to talk about the First Nations Version, a new translation of the Sacred Scriptures by and for Native North Americans. In this…
- Future Christian
Jeya and Daniel So describe third culture leaders
Jeya and Daniel So join the pod to talk about what is a third culture leader, how to develop them, and the gifts they bring. Jeya and Daniel believe that…
- Future Christian
Tonya Avent talks about True Victory
American Christianity seemingly has built-in assumptions that God is only honored in victories. Writer and author Tanya May Avent joins the pod to talk about…
- Future Christian
Neuro-Ecclesiology with Jessie Cruickshank
"Dreamcrusher" and fellow Coloradan Jessie Cruickshank joins the pod to talk about about Neuro-ecclesiology. In this off-the-cuff conversation, we talk about…
- Future Christian
Thomas Jay Oord describes Pluriform Love
Love is perhaps, one of the most overused and misunderstood words in the English language, especially when it comes to God. Theologian Thomas Jay Oord, author…
- Future Christian
Elizabeth Hagan on what it means to be a Brave Church
With all the controversies of the past few years, many churches have sought to avoid difficult conversations and tough topics. Pastor and Author Elizabeth…
- Future Christian
Robert Douglas talks Missional Discipleship
Discipleship is something we all like to talk about but don't all agree on what it actually means. Robert Douglas, author of the book The Missional…
- Future Christian
Jake Doberenz on working for a church that doesn’t fit your theology
Pastors often find themselves working in churches that don't fit with their own personal theology. Jake Doberenz joins the pod to talk about what keeps him in…
- Future Christian
How to Heal our Divides with Brian Allain and Adam Thomas
Recent times have put a spotlight on the inequities, systems of oppression, and deep divisions in our society. Much has been written that acknowledges and…
- Future Christian
Riley Pickett describes Fury & Grace
Lent is often misunderstood as simply being about giving up meat, chocolate, or some other pleasure in the name of spiritual growth. Rev. Riley Pickett joins…
- Future Christian
Sustaining Grace - with Scott J. Hagley, Karen Rohrer and Michael Gehrling
The biggest challenge to new church start leaders is sustainability. But, these problems are not for church planters to solve alone says Scott Hagley, Karen…
- Future Christian
Lori Tapia talks about when inclusivity excludes
Inclusion often comes at the cost of excluding others, says Rev. Lori Tapia. In the interview, Lori talk about understanding church beyond simply faith…
- Future Christian
JJ Peterson talks marketing for churches
Churches and nonprofits often struggle trying to figure out how to "market" themselves, often lamenting that they are the "best kept secret" in town. Marketing…
- Future Christian
Nick Warnes talks progressive church planting
Moving through Covid and into the future, a key question church leaders must figure out is what church planting will look like in the days ahead. Nick Warnes…
- Future Christian
Heather Thompson Day on when It’s Not Your Turn
Have you ever found yourself outwardly celebrating the big accomplishment of a friend, but inwardly bemoaning that you haven't reached your own goals and…
- Future Christian
Jose Martinez and the power of story
The power of story--especially sharing your story and hearing the stories of others--is both profound and sacred. Jose Martinez, creator of the StoryWagen…
- Future Christian
Loren Richmond Jr takes some time to share his story
We turn the mike around this episode and talk to the host of the show, Loren Richmond Jr! Interviewed by Paul Romig-Leavitt, the intro voice and one of the…
- Future Christian
Shane Claiborne talks guns and peacemaking
Shane Claiborne joins the show to talk guns and peacemaking. In the episode, we talk about gun idolatry in American, the reckoning we still have to face due to…
- Future Christian
Stephen Lewis and Matthew Wesley Williams describe Another Way
Are you discerning your own purpose, accompanying others on their path, or leading organizational change? Stephen Lewis and Matthew Wesley Williams, authors of…
- Future Christian
Gabriel Gordon describes a Participatory Theology of Biblical Inspiration
Gabriel Gordon joins the pod to talk about his book God Speaks: A Participatory Theology of Biblical Inspiration. In our conversation, Gabriel talks about what…
- Future Christian
Steve Ringelspaugh talks new digital ministry strategies
Steve Ringelspaugh joins the pod to talk about how technology is helping churches impact their community and spread the love of God. Steve shares the story of…
- Future Christian
Richard Stearns wants you to Lead Like it Matters to God
Richard Stearns joins the pod to talk about his new book, Lead Like it Matters to God. In the conversation, we talk about how success can become an idol, the…
- Future Christian
HL Hix talks about The Gospel
H.L. Hix joins the pod to talk about his recent project, The Gospel, a new translation seeking to weave into one narrative all the canonical and non-canonical…
- Future Christian
The Many Are Here to talk about worship - Part 2
The Many, a worship band featuring Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michele, Hannah Rand, and Lenora Rand, join the show to talk about their music and share their…
- Future Christian
The Many are Here to talk about worship - Part 1
The Many, a worship band featuring Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michele, Hannah Rand, and Lenora Rand, join the show to talk about their music and share their…
- Future Christian
Chris Benek talks techno-theology and Christian transhumanism
Chris Benek joins the pod to talk techno-theology, Christian transhumanism, and the biggest challenges and opportunities for churches as they make use of tech…
- Future Christian
Bruce Reyes-Chow defends kindness
Bruce Reyes-Chow joins the pod to talk about the importance of kindness, explains how its different from being "nice," and navigates the complexity between…
- Future Christian
Carla Leon describes Spiritual Enterprise
Carla Leon joins the pod to talk about social - or spiritual as she likes to call it - enterprise, how she sees spiritual enterprise as a "new religion" for…
- Future Christian
Rachel Pieh Jones shares how Muslim friends led her closer to Jesus
Since the tragic events of 9/11, many Americans-and especially Christian Americans-have looked at Muslims as different and perhaps even dangerous. In this…
- Future Christian
Cameron Trimble talks about planting progressive churches
Pastor, author, and consultant Rev. Cameron Trimble joins the pod to talk about the work of Convergence, the ministry she leads, what progressive church…