Church is Changing: Recent Episodes
Church is Changing
We bring you stories of hope and resilience from leaders around the world who are engaging the gospel message in new ways. We interview thought leaders who bring wisdom about the changing cultural landscape and its implications for faith formation. If you are a church leader looking for practical ideas and new ways of approaching church in the 21st century, this podcast is for you.
About the Hosts:
Beth Estock
After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.
She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at www.bethestock.com
Paul Nixon
Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21stt Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at www.epicentergroup.org.
In this episode Paul Nixon interviews Isaiah Park, the newest member of the Path 1 team. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss (among many topics) the nature of evangelism in the 21st century, the idea of “attractional church,” and partnering with the Holy Spirit.Paul and Isaiah are working together to offer the revised Launchpad training this winter for teams starting new ministries and churches.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews John Jones who leads Shared Plate, a food ministry based in a local church in Southern California. We explore how participants, volunteers, and the host church are experiencing transformation in connection with this ministry.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful intersections of faith and justice today: the movement to repurpose underutilized church land for deeply affordable housing. Our guest, Rev. Julia Nielsen, is a leading voice and practitioner helping congregations navigate the complex—and sacred—work of turning their property into homes for those in need.Julia walks us through the step-by-step process of developing housing on church land, shares the common roadblocks and myths that hold churches back, and offers practical advice for communities just beginning to explore this path. She also casts a bold, hope-filled vision for the future of this ministry—and why it matters now more than ever.Whether you’re a church leader, a housing advocate, or simply someone longing to see faith communities respond to the housing crisis with love and imagination, this conversation will inspire and equip you.
In this episode, Beth Estock sits down with renowned church consultant and coach Kay Kotan to talk about the evolving landscape of local church funding. From declining tithes to rising creativity, Kay shares trends she’s seeing across the country and practical ways churches can adapt. They explore topics like revitalization, empowering lay leaders, and the importance of clarity and accountability in shaping a sustainable future. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about what’s next for the church, this conversation is packed with wisdom and hope.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Stacey Piyakhun, Director of Multiplication for Horizon Texas Conference. Their conversation focuses on the ways that church planting is morphing in the 2020s.
What does it take to turn a declining church into a thriving center of love, justice, and belonging? In this episode, host Beth Estock sits down with Rev. Jane Voigts, pastor of United Methodist Church of Palm Springs. Since 2018, Jane has guided her congregation through a remarkable season of renewal – launching life-giving ministries like weekly hot meals, an affordable housing project, and vibrant small groups that deepen connection and spiritual growth.Jane shares how she has cultivated a culture of hope and engagement in the heart of the desert through a comedic lens. This conversation is full of practical wisdom and deep encouragement for anyone longing to reimagine what the church can be.The episode ends with a heartfelt blessing for all who are walking the path of transformation in their own faith communities hopefully with a caftan.
This week on Church is Changing, we talk with Amber Baker – a pastor, spiritual director, and Dinner Church pioneer in Morgantown, West Virginia. Amber has started five dinner churches around Morgantown, each unique but all are LGBTQIA+-affirming communities of seekers. This collective includes firefighters, people in recovery, strippers, and folks carrying church hurt – all around the simple power of shared meals and Jesus’ stories. She’s reimagining faith in bold and hopeful ways. Don’t miss this conversation about courage, creativity, passion and what church can become.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Rodrigo Cruz, executive assistant to the bishop in the Georgia Episcopal Area. Our topic is ministry with immigrants in America in a time of deportation without due process. This is a powerful conversation.
What if the unraveling we see in the institutional church isn’t a problem to fix — but a sacred invitation to a new way of being? In this deeply honest and hopeful episode, host Beth Estock is joined by three extraordinary women — Elaine Heath, Angie Wolle, and Rebecca Przybylski — for a soulful conversation about the shifting landscape of Christian leadership and the emergence of the Divine Feminine in this time of disintegration, grief, and profound transformation.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Joe Graves, pastor and planter of Cityview Church in Columbus, Ohio about the new face of urban church planting and the adventure of merger with a host church in its last stage of life.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews the church development directors of Baltimore Washington and Western North Carolina Conferences of the UMC: Bill Brown and Rob Hutchinson. The topic: the changing signs of church vitality in the 2020s and what should we now measure?
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Anne Borsage of South Georgia about how the Spirit is moving in Methodism in the Deep South, after half the churches in the area disaffiliated. The surprise in her answer is a wave of new house churches!
In a time of deep division, the unraveling of our national institutions, and the undeniable uncertainty within our congregations, how do we, as Christian leaders, stay rooted in the way of Jesus – and hold fast to our prophetic witness?Today, we’re honored to be joined by Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol – a wise, courageous, and deeply spiritual pastoral leader serving at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in the heart of Washington, D.C. From the shadow of the Capitol, she brings us stories of hope, challenge, and what it means to lead with both conviction and grace in a city where faith and public life constantly collide.To learn more about Donna and her ministry, visit mvpumc.org.
In this episode of Church is Changing, Paul Nixon explores the ways that AI is rapidly changing the way we go about ministry. He interviews Pastor Tom Arthur of Sycamore Creek UMC in Lansing, Michigan, along with Tom's friend and tech resource David Smith. This is one of Paul's favorite conversations. So amazing are the potential applications for helping us with our work, from preaching to ministry design.
Are you feeling stuck? Are the things that used to work no longer working? Are you questioning the future of the church as we know it? Then this conversation is for you!Listen in on this conversation from Portland, Oregon – a post-Christendom area of the United States that is a harbinger for the rest of the country in terms of the changing landscape of the church.Erin Martin left her role as a DS in the Portland Metro area to serve a local church during Covid lockdown. She shares how immersing in the grief of a dying institution led her to new life for herself and her local congregation. You can find out more about Fremont UMC at fremontumc.orgIn our conversation Erin refers to 2 books:•Jesus, Jubilee, and the Politics of God’s Reign by Christian T. Collins•Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira
In this episode of Church is Changing, Paul Nixon interviews the Rev. Katie Philips of The Vine UMC in northern Virginia. The Vine is host of a monthly gathering called Improv Church, using improv comedy as a vehicle for celebrating Gospel. Beyond this particular program of the Vine, the larger focus of this conversation is about Ministry as improv – or what Katie calls improv theology. For more about the topics explored, check out Katie's website improvtheology.com.
Dan Pezet is district superintendent in Charlotte, North Carolina, with urban, suburban, and rural churches. Paul Nixon considers this district a microcosm of American Methodism east of the Rockies. In this episode, Paul poses many of the same questions to Dan that he and Beth Estock explored in the year end episode of 2024. This is a conversation about emerging trends in American congregational life.
What is possible with twelve elderly people in an old church building? Listen to this conversation with Wayne Grewcock, who led this group of bright-eyed people to reimagine sacred community online. Listen to Shoreline’s origin story and the impact this ministry is having as it ripples out on multiple platforms.Click here to learn more about Shoreline Methodist Community: https://www.facebook.com/shorelinemethodistcommunity
In this final episode of 2024, Church is Changing hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock reflect on trends and issues of parish ministry that marked the year now ending.
In this episode, host Paul Nixon interviews two young German United Methodists, Samuel Lacher and Moritz Mosebach. Samuel and Moritz reflect on shifts happening in German Methodism that are leading to more success in engaging young adults. The key is a re-emphasis on encounter – an idea as old as the Gospels and prominent in evangelism theory across the ages.
How does transformation happen? Anna Hoesly and Stori Long would say – one story at a time, especially when you believe that everything that is needed can be unearthed and nurtured through listening deeply to our sacred stories in community.If you are interested in the inherent simplicity in building beloved community through story, you won’t want to miss this conversation!Click here for more information on Storyline Community PDX: https://www.storylinecommunitypdx.org
In this episode, host Paul Nixon interviews two pastors who have helped birth new, vital UMC congregations after predecessor churches disaffiliated from the denomination. David Teel of North Alabama and Karen Jones of South Carolina share what they have learned on their planting journeys!
What would you do if you had five grieving people and an entire church campus as your canvas for starting something new? Listen to my hope-filled and energizing conversation with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth LeMaster, pastor at Sedona United Methodist Church in Arizona.The church has a beautiful campus set against the red rocks, but ended up with five members after the season of disaffiliations. Elizabeth talks about the importance of prayer and deep listening as the foundation for flourishing in ministry against the odds.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Jessica Taylor, Associate Director of Fresh Expressions United Methodist (FXUM). Paul and Jessica explore the basics of the FX movement, ponder the difference (or lack of difference) between Fresh Expressions and new churches. Jessica comes to ministry as a laywoman, a 20-something, a young mom, and a person who came to faith as a young adult. She has a lot to teach those of us who have been at ministry for a good while.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Rev. Sam Parkes, the new pastor of FUMC Mesa, Arizona, about the challenges of getting started in a new pastoral appointment in the 2020s.
Who doesn’t like Asian food? Why not gather Asian American and Pacific island second generation young adults to eat spicy Asian food as a way to create communities of radical acceptance, solidarity, and hospitality?Meet Danielle Buwon Kim, an ordained elder in the North Texas Conference who leads a AAPI focused dinner church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area called KA:LL. Listen in as she shares the importance of this bi-weekly gathering that enjoys Asian food, exposes and heals AAPI invisibility, and reclaims Christian faith for the NONEs and DONES and everyone in between. You can find out more about this community at kallcommunity.org.
In this episode of Church is Changing, Paul Nixon interviews co-host Beth Estock about a new ministry of her church: community dinners. Why would a church throw a community-wide dinner where there is absolutely no recruiting for church participation? Among the many reasons, it is making Joseph United Methodist Church in northeastern Oregon a legend on the community grapevine!
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Rev. Claire McNulty Drewes of Longmont, Colorado on how her church rebounded so significantly after the pandemic, more than doubling in the last two years. Her analysis defies many old instincts and assumptions. In the conversation, Claire references the book "The Adept Church" by Doug Powe Jr.
How did an aging suburban church in decline become a community hub of resilience and new life? Listen to this interview with Keren Rodriguez, pastor of Aloha United Methodist Church located less than 15 miles from downtown Portland, Oregon.Rodriguez is on the front line of providing housing for the houseless in the parking lot of the church called Safe Rest Village. And that is only the beginning! Listen to how she has built trusting partnerships with government, non-profits, churches, and diverse communities in her neighborhood. She shares the courageous conversations she has had with the church and surrounding neighborhood about fear, death, and new life.You can contact Keren Rodriguez at alohaumcpastor@gmail.com. Click here to learn more about Safe Rest Village: https://youtu.be/rI11vnGG94U?si=elmpt3JucEFgcrY1.
How did an Olympic paddler end up starting a worldwide ministry on the banks of the Nantahala River? Wayner Dickert worked for 30 years at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina before asking his boss if he could start a little worship service on the bank of the river. Now 18 years later, Wayner will be retiring as the pastor of River of Life Ministry. If you are interested in the cross section of outdoor adventuring and faith community development, this podcast is for you! To find out more go to nantahalariveroflife.org. You can also find them on Facebook at River of Life: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122781707743338.
In this episode, host Paul Nixon interviews Dr. Andrea Smith, planter pastor of West UMC in Lake Norman, North Carolina, a church that has morphed with nimbleness ever since it was planted. A focus of the conversation is related to a digital children's ministry that grew out of the pandemic and has continued to develop, as they seek to engage an ever-changing population of American children.Click the link to learn more about Amped online children’s ministry: https://www.youtube.com/@amped.online
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Northwest Texas DS Felicia Hopkins on her experience through disaffiliation of 80 percent of her churches. Hopkins also discusses moving onto a season of planting and creativity in West Texas.
If you refuse to lead a dying church, this conversation is for you! Paul Nixon has recently revised his best-selling book "I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church" for the new cultural context in which we find ourselves.In this episode, he offers six choices that churches and church leaders need to make in order to thrive in our post-Covid world. They include the following: choosing life over death; choosing community over isolation; choosing fun over drudgery; choosing bold over mild; choosing frontier over fortress; and choosing now rather than later.The book will be available on May 15. You can also host a book party in person or online by contacting Paul at paulnixon@me.com. Learn more at epicentergroup.org.
Bring your notebook to this conversation with Nigel Pimlott as he shares some of his reflections from over 40 years in cutting edge ministry in the UK. Pimlott also offers some pithy and subversive one-liners that could be pondered for years. He is the former learning, development, and leadership trainer and coach for the Methodist Church of Great Britain. Pimlott is a man of deep faith, a trail blazer and mentor, and a holy agitator for new forms of faith community. In this conversation, he talks about the patterns and trends of faith formation and offers some ideas for its future. You will be amazed at how his experience tracks with what is unfolding in mainline churches in the United States. You can reach him through Facebook at facebook.com/nigel.pimlott.5.
What do coffee roasting, Howard Thurman, and people with criminal records have in common? Listen to our conversation with Dustin Mailman, who leads Deep Time, a new ministry anchored at Trinity UMC in West Asheville, North Carolina.To find out more or purchase some coffee go to deeptimeavl.org. To contact Dustin Mailman directly, email dustin@trinitywavl.org.
In this episode, host Paul Nixon interviews Dr. Candace Lewis, who leads Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Candace has served as a church planter, led the Path 1 team resourcing United Methodist church planters globally, worked as a district superintendent, and now leads an institution preparing pastors for the twenty-first century. Paul asks her about an evocative address she gave to the FXUM gathering entitled, "We Can Do Hard Things." This address received an extended standing ovation. And we share it with you here (it is keynote number 4): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrfcxQiIjpMRGAZQ36P15yHkEm7I3OuO3. Paul and Candace share a robust conversation on where church is going in the coming years.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Patricia Peña of the Path 1 team. Patricia focuses on diversity in new ministry development in the UMC. Paul and Patricia discuss the future of ethnic ministries in the UMC, after so many churches disaffiliated.
In this episode, Paul Nixon and Beth Estock explore the concept of Edgewalking. Edgewalking church leaders have one foot firmly within the church, typically with strong core convictions and Christology, even as they engage with people beyond the church, gaining wisdom of perspective that helps the church in its mission. Beth and Paul are convinced that this Edgewalking concept is core to effective spiritual leadership in the 2020s. To learn more about Edgewalkers, see the 2006 book Edgewalkers by Judi Neal, and the daily meditation by Richard Rohr's team, written by Victoria Loorz, entitled Edge Walking.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Rodrigo Cruz and Nora Colmeneras of NETT Church near Atlanta. They discuss what they are learning about multicultural church and about church recovery from the pandemic season.
Does your church space sit empty during most of the week? Do you dream about it being used for the common good but don’t know how to begin? Listen to Beth Estock’s conversation with Cindy Thompson, Executive Director of Boundless Impact – a nonprofit that equips faith communities to build bridges into their community through creating pathways for equitable economic empowerment.Click here for more information on ImagineHub. https://www.boundlessimpact.org/imaginehubHere are some of Cindy’s favorite book suggestions:•Doing the Math of Mission by Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle•Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelley•Jesus on Main Street by Dave Kresta•Recovering Abundance by Rev. Andy Stanton-Henry•Flood Gates by Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey•Faith-Rooted Organizing by Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel
In this episode of Church is Changing, Texas Conference church developer Melissa Maher visits with Paul Nixon about why addiction recovery groups were so resilient during the pandemic, even as churches struggled. It is a conversation full of surprises. But if you know much about twelve-step rooms, you will not be surprised that they are more proficient than many churches in terms of convening engaging and transformational community.
What if you got eight people together to give four hours a week and donate $50 a month to a new kind of ministry in your community? This is how INSPIRE began – that and a lot of listening to the neighborhood and God.If you have a great idea but not enough time or resources to make it happen, listen to this conversation with Barry Sloan, pastor at INSPIRE in Chemnitz, Germany, and you, too, will be inspired!
What does a peace corps volunteer with a culinary degree do when she is called into ministry? If you are a foodie with a heart for food justice, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Alyssa Densham, pastor of Provision Church Nova – a new Methodist Faith Community in Northern Virginia. In this episode, we talk about how a ministry can develop sources of support. This includes gathering gifted teams of people and multiple funding streams.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Kevin Johnson, Director of Children's Ministries at Discipleship Ministries. Kevin has a bigger picture of the emerging face of children's ministry than perhaps any other person in the UMC. Paul wanted to learn from Kevin how churches who have lost so many of their young families can take action to reengage with children.
How well does your congregation know your community? And why is this important in a post-Christendom culture?Luke Edwards, a United Methodist minister with a background in social work, is a cultivator of new forms of church in Western North Carolina as the associate director of Church Development. He is the author of “Becoming Church: A Trail Guide for Starting Fresh Expressions.” He has a newsletter called "The Listening Church" that you can find on Substack. Luke offers practices to help any faith community develop the capacity to listen to God, each other, and their neighbors. He helps us to see the importance of moving from solution centered programs to contemplative listening as a way to build loving community. In our conversation we delve deeper into how you can lead your community through a Spiritual Listening Process.Find Luke online: thelisteningchurch.comCheck out Luke’s book, “Becoming Church” here: freshexpressions.com/becomingchurch
What do you do when your church building is falling down and you have no money for repairs? Pierceton UMC in Indiana just put their building up for auction!In this episode of Church is Changing, we explore some funky spirit-lead things happening in Warsaw, Indiana with Carolyn Kern – a passionate, innovative pastor in a two-point charge. She offers a master class on how to get involved in the community – from partnering with a brewpub to leading cardio drumming classes. You won't want to miss this conversation!You can find out more at facebook.com/PiercetonUnitedMethodistChurch/
In this episode, host Paul Nixon interviews Michael Beck, the director of FXUM (Fresh Expressions United Methodist). Paul and Michael explore the changing face of church and look at why and how Fresh Expressions are reaching so many Americans who would seldom wander into a church building.
Suzanne and Michael Katschke lead Heritage UMC in Madison, Alabama, a relatively young church that was hit hard by the pandemic, losing about half their weekly participants. Yet, they have built back, in large part due to a community sports ministry, with many games played on open fields on their church property. This episode explores how to build relationships with kids and families post-pandemic - a group conspicuously absent in many churches.
In this episode, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock reflect on trends that have set in with churches post-pandemic, and look at ways that churches are adapting to a very different era of ministry.
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, host Paul Nixon takes us to Lexington, Nebraska to meet three United Methodists: a pastor, a high school principal, and an HR director at a meat processing plant. This is an amazing conversation on loving our newest neighbors in the USA, as about eighty percent of the plant workers are immigrants from forty nations!
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews retired clergywoman Margie McNier, who at the age of 83, just planted Amarillo United Methodist Church. This is a story of a woman who saw every United Methodist church in her community disaffiliate, including a place where she had served on staff. This story should inspire us all about what is possible when disaffiliation occurs, as well as what is possible simply when God's call settles upon our hearts and minds.
Rebecca Anderson co-pastors two churches with Vince Amlin – an inherited church in the morning and a new start church on Sunday afternoons. She offers a unique perspective on the changing landscape of church – its structures, communities, and worship. Gilead Chicago got its start before COVID-19 as a community that tells true stories that saves lives, throws great parties, and worships beautifully. This new ministry is supported by the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ. Anderson oozes passion for creating spiritual community in refreshing ways. Join us for this conversation.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Justin Cason, pastor of an online church based in Indiana. Justin has been working with Paul and with Mission Insite in the creation of a heat map website (www.heatmap.church) where folks can upload information about new and innovative ministries they are a part of, and where they can find connection to others doing similar work across America.
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Pastor Donna Sokol of Washington, D.C., about ever-changing ministry in a downtown context, working with eclectic people in an environment where organized religion is increasingly seen as suspect. Donna is co-author with Roger Owens of A New Day in the City: Urban Church Revival.
This Easter season, Paul Nixon gathered four pastors from four western conferences in The United Methodist Church whose churches shared some powerful things in common. These churches live a different narrative than so many in this season where church sanctuaries are mostly emptier than pre-Covid and where disaffiliation troubles are distracting from the work of local ministry. These churches are remarkably different in terms of the communities they serve, but they all are growing as they discover the power of the Christian good news in the lives of their people and neighbors.
In this episode, Paul Nixon visits with Salina, Kansas pastors Nick Talbott and Eric Meyer, who are partnering two churches with Kansas Wesleyan University to totally revision their church’s ministries. Their work offers an example of a twenty-first century paradigm shift that is breathing new life into United Methodism in Salina and far beyond.
What do we have to unlearn in order to show up to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our midst? How does leadership shift when moving into a "new wineskin" church? How can we use the art of discernment to inform ministry engagement? These questions animate this conversation with Ray Altman. Ray is from North Central San Antonio in the Rio Texas Annual conference. He is a United Methodist pastor of the New Wineskins Micro Church Movement.You can find out more about New Wineskins at https://discovernewwineskins.org. You can contact Ray directly at rayjaltman@gmail.com.
How do ministries with Native Americans reveal how traditional evangelism and new church starts orient out of a colonial approach to ministry? And what does that call into question about how we "do" church or even if church really matters?Listen in on this engaging conversation with Rev. Dr. Allen Buck, pastor of Great Spirit United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon. Allen is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and is also the director of the Circle of Indigenous Ministries for the Greater Northwest area of the United Methodist church. You can find out more about Great Spirit at greatspiritpdx.com.
Nicole Reilley has done all sorts of things in ministry over the decades, with one continuous theme: everything she has touched has tended to thrive, including her suburban Los Angeles congregation during the pandemic. In this episode of Church is Changing, Paul Nixon interviews Nicole on what she is seeing and learning in the 2020s.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Andy Fishburne, the Discipleship and Spiritual Formation Officer for the Methodist Church in Britain. We explore some new models for making discipleship tangible and practical for modern people. For more information on Fishburne's work: www.methodist.org.uk/discipleship.
In this New Year's episode of Church is Changing, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock explore the big picture of the changes they saw globally in church life in 2022.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Beth Estock interviews Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, recently elected bishop in the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC and appointed to serve the Greater Northwest Area that includes the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. In this podcast we move from the complexities of 21st century living to the simplicity of the core of the Gospel with the idea that innovation begins as a metanoia. This change of perspective unfolds through attending to relationships both in and outside the walls of the church. In essence, Bishop Bridgeforth invites us to look through the lens of honoring the love languages of the people we meet as a way to partner with the unfolding of God’s preferred future.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Beth Estock talks with Brittany Isaac, the superintendent of the Lake North District in the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church. Brittany cut her ministry teeth as a scrappy church planter for the third site of Urban Village in Chicago twelve years ago. Now into her last full year as a district superintendent, she shares her perspective on what is needed both structurally and spiritually to support innovation and thrive in the Babylon of our day.
On this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon converses with both Kenda Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary and Michael Beck, Executive Director of Fresh Expressions United Methodist (FXUM). In this far-ranging conversation, Paul explores emerging trends in the Christian faith community with two leaders who work on the innovative front lines.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Mike Baughman, who works with innovation related to United Methodist Higher Education and Ministry. Paul asks Mike to reflect on his years as founding pastor of Union Coffee in Dallas. He reflects on the opportunity for the UMC to partner with emerging leaders who have out-of-the-box notions of church.
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews a German United Methodist pastor, Bernd Schwenkschuster. Bernd planted a new church in Metzingen, Germany a decade ago - one of about 15 planted in by United Methodists in the Southern Germany Conference in recent times. Why are United Methodists planting successfully in a very secular culture such as Germany? There are things to learn here for Americans and others who may think that planting is impossible in current cultural conditions.
In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Elaine Heath, former dean of Duke Divinity school, author/expert on neo-monasticism and Abbess of Spring Forest Farm in North Carolina. This conversation offers great insight into the contours of the emerging 21st century church.
Rachel Gilmore is one of those high capacity leaders that has been there and done that. She seems to bring life to everything she touches.She started out as a church planter in Virginia then moved on to the Path 1 staff where, among other things, she birthed The Field Preachers podcast that has now morphed into this podcast.She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she continues to form faith communities as well as serve as the Director of New Faith and Vital Faith Communities.In this high energy episode, she offers an overview of what she is seeing in the changing church today and how she is adapting to her changing context.
In this episode of Church is Changing, we cross over the pond to Hull, England in the Yorkshire area to hear about the Kairos movement with Liane Kensett. Liane is a Contemplative at heart who offers an organic life-giving approach to starting new faith communities. If you are interested in learning about how to form faith communities with folks who want nothing to do with the existing church paradigms and vice versa this podcast is for you.
To find out more about the Kairos Movement go to kairosmovement.org.uk.
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, Pastorista Christine Potter in Wichita, Kansas, describes to host Paul Nixon the life of a church based in a coffee shop.
In many respects, we have moved into a season of perpetual crises, unlike any time in recent history for much of the world's people. In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock discuss the challenge of new ministry paradigms and strategies to match the changing life conditions in which people live.
This conversation is rooted in an article Paul Nixon published, which can be accessed here:
https://paulnixonepicentergroup.blogspot.com/2022/07/ministry-in-season-of-perpetual-crisis.html
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Justin Cason of Indiana Conference, who has planted a digital campus of Monticello UMC with over 600 participants accumulating in two years. Listen to find out how one church is moving far beyond live-streaming to community building and discipling online!
What would it be like to start a church in the wild, literally? In this episode of Church is Changing, listen to Beth Estock's inspiring conversation with Corey Turnpenny, pastor of Church in the Wild in Windsor, New York. Their church gathers outside at a camp and retreat center with a mission to care for the earth. Corey has intuitively reoriented her leadership from top-down to community informed, from knowing it all to deep listening with a curious heart. Through the depth of people's nature-based spirituality, Corey says, "I am learning about the future of the church."
In this episode, Paul Nixon visits with Dawn Canham, who leads the Lantern Methodist Church in Raynes Park, a suburb of London, England. Lantern Church has developed a community arts program touching hundreds of people, and in so doing, has created a rich neighborhood in which the church can find root. We spend much of the time pondering the ways that worship can engage and come alive for people the way live theater still does. The West End theaters are packed post-Omicron and the churches are still mostly empty. What’s up with that and what can we learn?
Could British Central Halls be a ministry model whose time has come again? What would it be like to be the hub of activity in city and town centers out of which ministry flowed in all directions? How can we reclaim the gifts of being “friars” in community?
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, listen to Rev. Ian Rutherford, pastor at Manchester Central Hall, share the beauty of this old form coming back to life for sustainable civic engagement at all levels.
For more information about Ian and the ministry of Manchester Central Hall, visit http://www.centralhallmcr.org.uk.
In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Mike Whang, a church planter near Houston, Texas. Mike is pastor of Oikon UMC, a church that is focused on small group engagement and discipleship. For more about Oikon, visit www.oikonhtx.org.
On this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, Bo Sanders, pastor of Vermont Hills UMC in Portland, Oregon, shares his worship experiments of decentering the broadcast, one-to-many form of 20th century worship and reconfiguring the worship space to support that. Sanders is also passionate about creating a seamless hybrid worship experience. Find out what he has discovered during these last three years.
To discover more about Sanders and his ministry, visit https://vermonthillsumc.org. You can also find his public theology site at https://bosanders.wordpress.com.
On this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, we are joined by author Jason Moore. Moore is author of the book Both/And, which explores the new ways we gather people for worship in the 2020s. Moore lives near Dayton, Ohio and has worked for two decades resourcing churches in terms of worship design. To learn more about Jason, or to invite him to your judicatory or your church, visit midnightoilproductions.com.
The pandemic not only affected churches; it also impacted the recovery community. Out of a need for connection, Tracey Hume, a deacon in Newcastle upon Tyne in England, started an online twelve-step group that has become an online recovery church. In this episode of the Church is Changing podcast, Hume shares what she has learned as a leader and how this church movement continues to grow and adapt. You can contact Tracey Hume at deacontraceyhume@gmail.com.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Sean Davis, music director, and Isata Jalloh, children and youth worker, at Edmonton Methodist Church in the north suburbs of London. Davis and Jalloh discuss how the church is pivoting powerfully toward serving community in all of its ministries rather than just focusing on church members and families. This conversation is all about breaking through our mental boundaries about who are our core constituencies in church programming.
Hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock reflect on the ways that the pandemic has pushed Christian leaders to a burnout point, and talk about how they can care for themselves so that they will be ready to lead into 2022.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Daryn DeZengotita of Dallas about the creation of community-building space, especially as we repurpose oversized church buildings in the wake of the pandemic.
As rural America continues to undergo massive economic and demographic shifts, rural churches are uniquely positioned to provide community leadership. Leading a rural congregation requires a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these communities, as well as a strong theological and community-focused identity. Rev. Allen T. Stanton describes how in establishing this identity, rural leaders can build meaningful ministry. His three indicators for vital ministry offers hope as well as a pathway for renewal.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Lexi Hernandez, church planter of a community in North Carolina called Serve Co; along with Rev. Mark Stennett of Leeds, United Kingdom. Mark, Lexi, and Paul explore ideas related to digital ministry and agree that it is only just warming up within the global church.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, Kathi McShane and Karen Kehlet of Los Altos UMC in California join host Paul Nixon to unpack a new paradigm for discipleship development that can work with Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) folks.
How does transformation happen? In this episode of Field Preachers, Matt Johnson tells us what he has discovered as the Executive Director and Founder of Abundant Life Recovery Housing Network, a ministry of Suncrest UMC in Morgantown, West Virginia. He shares his growing edges as a leader, the gift of failure, and what he has learned through the 12-Step process. For more information about this ministry, visit abundantlifehousing.org.
Author Elaine Heath, retired Dean of Duke Divinity School, shares with us about her contemplative approach to pioneering new ministries like Neighborhood Seminary and Spring Forest Farm. We talk about the feeling of fragility and unfinished-ness that is inherent in doing pioneering work, whether in developing new faith communities or new forms of theological education, and how this feeling can actually be a helpful animator as to how we show up in the world. Join us for this rich exploration into the depths of contemplative leadership.
Are you wondering how to invite your preschool families to engage with your church community? Are you trying to figure out how to experiment with new ways of being church in a "we tried that twenty years ago" culture? Beth Evers, pastor of University UMC in Fort Worth, Texas, shares a few of her hard won leadership gems as she tells us about Wiggle Church and Funkytown Music Academy.
In this episode of Field Preachers, host Paul Nixon interviews Rai Jackson, pastor of The Well and the Bridge, two young faith communities in Washington DC. Paul and Rai talk about how young adult culture is shifting, even since March of 2020, and the amazing possibilities of enhancing ministry with digital connections.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, host Paul Nixon interviews Rev. Jonavern Lungub, pastor of Abu Dhabi United Methodist Church. You may have had no idea that Methodism is spreading on the Arab Peninsula in the twenty-first century. Jonavern Lungub shares the details!
How do you build a community of faith in a post-modern, post-Christian context? In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, John Helmiere, the Convenor of Valley and Mountain UMC in Seattle, Washington, shares how his core values helped him to create a vibrant faith community as a parachute drop planter and what he learned through the process. For more info on his church visit valleyandmountain.org.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock interview Melanie Tubbs, a rural UMC pastor in Arkansas whose online platform surpassed 18,000 followers in the past year.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock interview church planters Rai Jackson (The Bridge and The Well in Washington DC) and Kris Sledge (Journey Harrisburg, PA) about how the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted their ministries in the past year.
How do you listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry? In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, Dave Shaw, a ministry pioneer and cultural change curator in Nottingham, UK, shares how God has directed his life and ministry in some “highly unusual” ways.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, Paul Nixon interviews UMC pastors Wendy Hudson and Tom Arthur about how the COVID-19 season inspired a radical paradigm shift in how their churches gather.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock interview Pastor Andrew Lau of Markham, Ontario, exploring how his church (Cornerstone Christian Community Church) became one of the most profoundly multi-ethnic congregations in North America.
In this episode of Field Preachers, host Beth Estock interviews Ali Mansfield, Pioneer and Community Outreach Worker in Horrabridge, England. Listen in as she shares a change of heart that totally transformed her approach to ministry and what has happened since then.
In this episode of Field Preachers, we visit with Jason Moore and Roz Picardo, authors of “From Franchise to Local Dive: Multiplying Your Church by Discovering Your Contextual Flavor.” The topic: customizing ministry strategies to the local context.
In this episode of Field Preachers, hosts Paul Nixon and Beth Estock interview Nathan Webb, planter-pastor at Checkpoint Church, a digital community created for "nerds, geeks, and gamers." Nathan explores practical ways of building community online, and not simply uploading content.
After 60 episodes as host of the Field Preachers podcast, Rachel Gilmore is moving in to a new ministry appointment. In this episode, we ask her what she had learned speaking with so many ministry pioneers.
Abigail Browka is a church planter from Upper New York who developed an app that has had hundreds of downloads since it launched a week ago. In this episode of Field Preachers, hear about her journey and how you can utilize the app, Everyday Sanctuary, in your local faith community.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
What does it mean to de-colonize the church? And what will this Lenten study look like? Join host Rachel Gilmore to learn more about this training that will launch in February.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Wendy Hudson and Mike Baughman are leaders in The United Methodist Church when it comes to innovative fundraising. On this week's episode of Field Preachers, join us to hear their tools and tips for funding church plants during this season of COVID-19 and beyond.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Stuart Murray Williams is a veteran church planter, author, and founder of Urban Expression which trains and equips church planters in the UK. On this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, he'll share his journey of planting and insight into what it is like to plant in post-Christendom.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Mark DeYmaz is the leader of the largest organizations for training and equipping multiethnic church plants. In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, he'll share his journey and talk about the resources that Mosaix has to offer.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
On this day before Thanksgiving, join host Rachel Gilmore in some "Romper Room" moments of gratitude for the hard and holy work you are doing for the kin-dom of God.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Stephanie Hand is a Path 1 strategy team member from the Western North Carolina Annual Conference. In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, she discusses the importance of intercultural awareness for pastors and church planters and reviews some of the tools that can help us grow in this area.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, Jennie Edwards Bertrand, a planter in the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, discusses her journey in planting Hope Church and how they have adapted during this season of COVID-19. She also shares ways to create generosity and stewardship in millennial and Gen-Zers who are a part of your faith community.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
On this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, three church planters from Virginia talk about their experience planting churches connected to larger United Methodist churches in their area.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
What is a cooperative parish and how can it lead to new faith communities? Listen to Scott's story from Western Pennsylvania.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Sean Peters is a seasoned church planter who is now building a faith community in a marginalized neighborhood in Florida. Listen in as he shares his powerful story with us in this episode of the Field Preachers podcast.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Tom Arthur was appointed as the second pastor of a church plant in the Michigan Conference. On this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, he and host Rachel Gilmore engage in a dual interview to explore the joys and struggles of leading church plants.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this week's episode of Field Preachers, we'll continue our conversation with female church planters and include the #MeToo movement in church planting.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Before COVID-19, a group of female church planters from all five jurisdictions gathered together for a roundtable discussion on the reality of church planting as a woman. Listen in to learn more about the joys and struggles we've experienced.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
This week we'll reflect on our final two sessions on the Digital Church Planting Training. Bill Couchenour shared about micro-churches and Rachel Gilmore summarized the process for launching a new faith community during this time of COVID-19.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
This week we heard from Tyler Sit and Christine Hides. We also learned a lot about how to budget for an online faith community and what an online children's ministry looks like. Listen in to hear more.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this week's episode of Field Preachers, you'll hear about Tony Arnold and the online discipleship he offers at his online-only faith community out of Christ Church in Virginia. Jasper Peters of Belong Church in Colorado will also share about effective online communication and how pastors can be allies in the Black Lives Matter movement.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
This week we heard from Jason Moore and Mark DeYmaz and learned a lot about online worship, entrepreneurial church planting, and the importance of multi-ethnic faith communities. Listen in to hear some of the main takeaways from the session from host Rachel Gilmore.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
This week we kicked off our Digital Church Planting Training with over 200 people from four countries and over 34 different states. Host Rachel Gilmore will share a brief summary of the speakers who presented and the top takeaways that might be helpful to church planting in your own context.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Luke Edwards is one of the first presenters in our Digital Church Planting Training which starts next week. Listen in on today's podcast to learn more about his story of starting Fresh Expressions in Western North Carolina.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
COVID-19 is surging in states like Texas, so as we pray for those struggling during this pandemic, let's also celebrate the stories of lives being transformed as new faith communities are planted. In this episode of the Field Preachers podcast, we'll hear from one of the most effective female planters in the UMC, Karen Horan, who now serves as the church developer in the Rio Texas Annual Conference.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Robby Rockey started as the communications director of a church plant in Virginia Beach and is now the executive pastor. They have used social media to recruit over 50 volunteers a week so they can provide groceries for over 1,000 people every Wednesday. Listen in to learn more about the do's and don'ts of social media right now.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Why start house churches and how do you start them? Join us for this week's episode of Field Preachers as we hear from some local United Methodist house church planters from Virginia and New York.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
How do you start an online church? Are house churches the next major movement in United Methodist Church planting? Join us for this week's episode to hear about the resources that Path 1 is creating to help you in these adaptive times.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Brandon Wrencher is a church planter in Greensboro, NC, who will share what a de-colonizing approach to church planting looks like as practical action steps are shared to help us all approach church planting in an intentionally anti-racist way.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
On this episode of Field Preachers, we hear from some of the leading practitioners in Fresh Expressions US about how we cultivate relationships online and start online Fresh Expressions during this season of social distancing.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Olu Brown and Adam Weber lead some of the largest church plants in the UMC. Join us for a discussion on how they are strategically planning worship and avoiding burnout during this season of COVID-19.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
These are uncertain and difficult times. How can we find entrepreneurial revenue streams as church planters that are both missional and monetized? Join us for an interview with Dr. Jay Moon, a professor of Church Planting and Evangelism and the director of the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics at Asbury Theological Seminary to hear more about his insights into entrepreneurial church planting.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this special episode of Field Preachers, we sit down with a panel of United Methodist pastors leading historic African American churches in Philadelphia to hear more about the history of their congregation and the ongoing struggles they face with racism in our nation. In light of recent events in the news, our voices advocating for equality and racial reconciliation are perhaps more important now than ever.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
How do we create engaging worship during this season of COVID-19 without burning out? Join us for a powerful discussion with Matt Miofsky and Jason Morriss who share from their experiences on this episode of Field Preachers.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Ashley Allen and Tony Arnold both planted online-only faith communities years ago. How did they do it and what tips do they have to offer those of us who are rapidly adapting to online ministry? Listen to their stories and suggestions in this week's episode of Field Preachers.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In West Ohio, a church planting cohort has designed an online worship service that is transforming lives. Join us for a panel discussion with members of their cohort, their church developer, and Bishop Palmer. This is an episode you don't want to miss.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
This week's episode of Field Preachers is a two-part dialogue with Susan, a church planter outside of Manhattan, and Brendan, a planter in New Jersey. Join us as we hear about their initial approach to planting a faith community up north. We have a special second segment on what it is like to be in ministry in areas that have become epicenters for the spread of COVID-19.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
We are joined by Paul Nixon on this week's episode of Field Preachers. Paul is a church planter, coach, author, and director of church multiplication at Path 1/Discipleship Ministries. Join us as he shares about the free “RE-Launch” resource that Path 1 is offering to churches who are beginning to think about what church life will look like after COVID-19.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Owen Ross is a former Peace Corps volunteer and church planter who currently serves as the church developer in the North Texas Annual Conference. Despite the kind of technical difficulties we've all faced, in this episode Owen and Rachel compare their time in the Peace Corps to the new culture that planters and pastors find themselves in now with digital and online ministry.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
George Acevedo and Michael Beck are United Methodist pastors in the Florida Annual Conference and are some of the leaders in our denomination when it comes to Fresh Expressions. They have just released a book called "A Field Guide to Methodist Fresh Expressions" that is a valuable resource for our church today. Listen in on this week's episode where they share about their experiences in the local church, as well as whether it's possible to start a virtual fresh expression during this season of social distancing.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
How do we stay spiritually and emotionally strong during this time of social distancing? Join us for a special COVID-19 podcast with licensed counselors Jeff and Jessica Jennings as they offer suggestions for church planters and pastors trying to serve and lead their faith communities through this challenging time.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
How can we use social media as a tool for evangelism, especially during our season of social distancing? Join us this week as we hear from Rev. Dr. Martin Quick who literally wrote a book on the subject.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
You can't start or grow a church by trying to copy what others are doing. It's important to know your local context as you seek to connect with others. Join Roz Picardo and Jason Moore for this week's podcast to hear more about finding your church's local flavor and how to connect with the community while practicing social distancing because of the Coronavirus.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Matt Johnson is a church planter in West Virginia who just completed a dissertation on "Redeeming Failure" in church planting. Listen in to learn more about some of the reasons church plants fail and how we can fail forward.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
If someone brought "weed brownies" to your church potluck, would you accept them? How do we establish loving and healthy boundaries with those in our faith community? Listen to this week's field preacher story to find out.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Adam Weber planted the largest United Methodist church in recent history at Embrace in Sioux Falls. He humbly shares his story and suggestions for how to share the good news of Jesus with those who are "spiritually drowning and asking for help."
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Listen to this week's Preacher Story to learn about the difference a young child made in the life of this church planter and the faith community.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
From an early age, this planter was on a journey to find a place to belong. God used his desire to create a new faith community that is diverse, inclusive, and social justice-oriented so that everyone can find a spiritual home. Join us this week for an incredible conversation with Jasper Peters of Belong Church in Colorado.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this special “Preacher Story,” we learn how a button at a gay pride parade is a game changer for this church planter.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this week's episode of Field Preachers, Matt Miofsky, pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis, Missouri, answers questions posed by others in the church planting world to learn about his innovative approach to planting.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In this week's episode of Field Preachers you will hear from a female church planter who was pregnant while planting.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Have you ever had a "holy angst to stop climbing the suburban ladder?" Join us for this week's episode of Field Preachers as we hear from Christian Coon, co-planter of Urban Village Church which continues to transform lives in and around Chicago, Illinois.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Let's face it, churches are struggling to bring young adults into church. In this week's episode we'll hear about how a church plant's mission to serve those experiencing homelessness led a college-aged woman to the waters of baptism.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
The new year is almost here, so we have another special podcast for you this week. Our host, Rachel Gilmore, will share some of the new shifts or changes to expect in church planting in the United Methodist Church in the coming year. Listen in and share your comments with us!
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Merry Christmas Eve! Join us for a special episode of Field Preachers where we learn about the planting journey of Stacey Piyakhun, which began one Christmas Eve in Melissa, Texas.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Sometimes the most powerful stories of hope and togetherness come from the most unlikely places. In this episode of Field Preachers' "Preacher Stories," you'll hear about a medical crisis in the life of a young boy and the impact it had on those around him.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
What would it be like to plant a church as a clergy couple? On this week's episode of Field Preachers, we'll hear from Sara Ewing-Merrill, who planted a church with her husband over a decade ago in Portland, Maine.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Sometimes our first impression of someone is not the lasting impression they leave with us. Listen to this story of a planter who was surprised at the end of worship to find a perceived foe was really a supporter of his ministry.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Tim Ward was an associate pastor at a large church for six years before planting the first multi-site of that church in Reston, Virginia. He turned a painful experience in church as a child into a positive and life-giving opportunity for others to be a part of a faith community that has grown into the largest multi-site ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference. Listen to learn more about his incredible story.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Church planting isn't easy, and even though we want to help transform the lives of others with God's love, sometimes it comes at a price. Listen to this latest story from a field preacher about the challenges and joys of being faithful to the call of God.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
What do you get when you add a bartender, comedian, and pastor together? Jerry Herships! He's a dynamic church planter in the Mountain Sky Conference who planted "After Hours Denver" a decade ago. Listen to his amazing story on our latest episode of Field Preachers.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” This week’s podcast is part of our “Stories from the Field” series where we gave a church planter a microphone, an audience, and 7 minutes to tell us a story we will never forget. This particular story is about an unexpected date night that opened the field preacher’s eyes to see his community, artistic expression, and himself in a new way.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In March of 1739, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, engaged in "field preaching" for the first time after being encouraged by his friend and fellow preacher George Whitefield. Instead of preaching his sermon from a pulpit, Wesley went out from the church and preached in the open air to those who didn't have the time or money to sit in a pew and hear the good news. Thousands of people, mainly those struggling with poverty, came to hear him preach that first week and the revival of Methodism was born as the good news became real in the hearts of those who heard about God's love and grace.
Church planters are modern day "field preachers" who go out from the established church into the community where they proclaim good news to those who need it most. This podcast is a series of interviews and stories from modern-day Methodist field preachers who will make you laugh, cry, and think more deeply about how and where we are called to share God's love and grace.
In August of 2019, a group of 14 United Methodist "veteran" church planters gathered in Chicago with one agenda: to build relationships. Church planting can be lonely and isolating, so these three days were a chance to reconnect to each other, to God, and to their shared call of starting new faith communities. While we were together, we recorded a roundtable discussion on the difference that General Conference 2020 might have on these new churches. While no one knows exactly what will happen at General Conference, we do expect to further explore the United Methodist stance on homosexuality with regards to same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQIA clergy. We will also look at our very existence as one United Methodist church and discern the best way to be the church moving forward in these uncertain times.