movement, pioneering centralized administration to remove bottlenecks for local parishes, and embedding church plant assessments directly into the ordination track. From launching a groundbreaking ministry to the unreached deaf community in St. Augustine to pioneering new ground in Miami, this conversation is an encouraging look at how communal discernment, localized coaching, and an apostolic band of brothers and sisters can sustain a planter's soul in the messy, high-and-low reality of ministry.In this episode:• Communal Discernment in Assessment • Centralizing Administration to Scale Movements • Harvesting Potential via Ordination Pipelines • The Lifeline of an Apostolic Bandand more!
and waiting are actually necessary gifts for your future congregation.Some of what you'll hear in this episode:• The Vulnerability of a Residency: How transitioning from a university professor to a church intern intentionally stripped away professional identity, forcing a deeper reliance on value found solely in Jesus.• Discerning the Demographics vs. The Heart: Moving past mere demographic cost-benefit analyses on paper to engaging in prayer walks, fasting, and developing a gut-level compassion for nominal believers.• The Blessing of Godly Authority: Embracing a posture of humble submission under bishops and canons, and recognizing why a season of waiting is a strategic gift rather than wasted time.• Engaging the Whole Family in Kingdom Risk: Navigating a major relocation by involving young children in discernment, prayer, and witnessing God’s financial provision firsthand.
model and explains why the secret to long-term multiplication is acting less like a corporate franchise and more like a patch of Midwestern hostas.
lead to the most fulfilling season of your ministry? In this episode, host Molly Ruch sits down with Jon Beadle (Canon for Church Planting in the Western Gulf Coast) to pull back the curtain on the gritty, beautiful reality of planting a church. From the spiritual work of literally driving around a city to find where your heart breaks, to the devastating day your dream church dies so that God’s church can be born, Jon shares raw, hard-earned wisdom from over two decades in the trenches. Whether you are currently planting or just starting to discern the call, this episode is a refreshing, non-anxious reminder that while the lows of church planting are low, the grace-filled highs are worth every single stacked chair and vacuumed rug.In this episode:• Driving around until your heart breaks.• When your dream church must die• Why grit matters as much as vision• Dangers of planting a church aloneand more!
What happens when your strategic plans for church planting are completely upended by organic growth and answered prayers? In this episode, host Molly Ruch sits down with Fr. Kevin Jones, chairman of the church planting committee for the newly forming Yellowstone Missionary District. Kevin shares the remarkable story of how seven to eight years of persistent, intentional prayer culminated in an explosive season of growth—launching five new church plants across the Mountain West in a single year. From transforming a defunct country club into a consecrated sacred space to establishing a massive outreach ministry for local high schoolers, Kevin offers a refreshing, candid look at the freedom, agility, and joy found in following God's lead into the harvest field.
. Whether you are a new church planter or a seasoned rector, this conversation will challenge you to listen to the Word—and your neighbor—with fresh ears.George is the Canon for Church Planting for the Diocese of Canada, rector of Messiah Ottawa, and principal of Ryle Seminary. He has been a key leader in the missional endeavors of the Anglican Church in North America for over three decades.
in a waiting room for future growth. In this episode, Karl Vaters joins us to flip the script on small church ministry.Karl is the author of The Grasshopper Myth, Small Church Essentials, and Designing the Church. He produces resources specifically designed to help small churches find their purpose and thrive in their unique contexts.
The Rev. Dr. Gerald McDermott joins us for this episode to discuss the deep roots of Anglican spirituality and liturgy, and the riches it provides our lives today. He explores the many church fathers who influenced Anglican theology and the writing of our liturgy, from Augustine and Benedict to Anselm and Hooker. Join us for this fascinating dive into our Anglican heritage and how this history can strengthen and enrich our lives and ministries.
In this episode we're joined by Deborah Tepley who was recently named the COO of the Anglican Church in North America. Dan and Deborah discuss her new role and her persepctive on the future of the province. She also shares about her background, her introduction to Anglican worship and the role of liturgy in urban church planting. Join us for this great conversation!
In this episode our director Molly Ruch hosts and interviews Anna Friedrich, Arts Pastor at Church of the Cross in Boston. Molly and Anna discuss their Easter Vigil, artistry and creativity in liturgical worship and evangelistic opportunities through it.
In this episode Dan interviews Kris McDaniel, lead pastor at Trinity Anglican Church in Atlanta, GA. Kris came from a more non-liturgical background, serving in Vineyard churches before being drawn to the Anglican Way and the liturgy. He and Dan discuss that transition, how it happened, how those around him responded and how it now informs his thoughts on evangelism and church planting.
The Reverend Canon Wes Jagoe, Director of Chapel and the Trophimus Center at Trinity Anglican Seminary(TAS) joins us for this episode of season 9. Wes and Dan discuss TAS and his role there, his upbringing, military career, and more, and how Anglican liturgy has affected each area. In particular Wes shares about his vision for liturgy in the process of educating and forming seminary students and future church planters.
Dan Marotta, founding rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia joins us for this episode. He shares his personal spiritual struggles during seminary, where academic knowledge of Christianity didn't translate into personal spiritual growth, leading him to discover the transformative power of liturgy. His book 'Liturgy in the Wilderness' reflects on how structured, repetitive prayer can re-engage one's heart with God and help bridge the gap between belief and practice. The conversation explores the concept of the Christian life as a "wilderness" journey and the role of secularism in modern Christian anxiety and diminished imagination. Dan challenges the common notion that beliefs come first and habits follow; instead, he suggests that habits often precede and influence beliefs. And he describes how liturgical prayer can offer a solution by helping Christians engage in formation from the outside in, focusing on practices that open individuals to God's transformative power.
In this episode Dan is joined by Peter Lebhar, a church planter preparing to start a church in Tampa, Florida. In particular Peter discusses how he and his wife are incorporating liturgy into their family life and discipling their children, as they prepare for their third child and prepare to church plant.
In this episode host Dan Alger introduces our ninth season, which will have a special focus on liturgy and how it relates to church planting in the Anglican context. He discusses the significance of liturgy as "the work of the people," rooted in scripture and designed to offer right praise to God. The conversation features Fr. Ben Sharpe, a longtime church planter, and Canon Missioner for West Virginia and Appalachia in the diocese of Christ Our Hope. Ben shares insights on how liturgy connects worship in the church to heavenly worship, highlighting its role in both glorifying God and edifying the faithful. He proposes that liturgy provides a framework for worship that moves beyond personal feelings, allowing for a deeper, more consistent engagement with faith. For all the details listen to the whole conversation.
In the last episode of Season 8, Canon Dan is joined by Fr. Tony Melton to talk about bold, traditional, and sacramental church planting. This conversation will encourage and challenge you to consider what it means to boldly take our tradition outside the walls of our churches. Also: We are hosting a virtual conference on October 9th and 10th, The Optimistic Horizon: Navigating the Great Dechurching. Learn more and register at always-forward.com
In this episode, Canon Dan is joined by Julie Lane Gay to discuss her upcoming book, "The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer." Julie, a writer and trained horticulturist, explores the impact of the Book of Common Prayer on her daily life. She shares how the BCP serves as both a personal and communal guide to prayer, making liturgical practices accessible and enriching for the everyday believer. The conversation emphasizes the prayer book’s role in helping Christians navigate their faith with grace and understanding, highlighting its practical applications and the comfort it offers in daily Christian living.Make sure you check out Julie Lane-Gay's book, The Riches of Your Grace (IVP, 2024).Living in the Book of Common Prayer
In this episode, Canon Dan Alger discuss the significant role of writing in church planting with Alastair Sterne, an experienced church planter and author based in British Columbia, Canada. Alastair shares his journey from becoming a Christian to founding his own church, emphasizing how writing—from newsletters to blogs and books—has been integral to building community and facilitating spiritual growth. The conversation also covers practical tips for improving writing skills and the impact of writing on personal and theological development.
In this episode, our very own Janie Williams hosts a conversation with Vandi Melton and Kirstin Magnuson. Delving into the intricacies of planting a church alongside one's spouse, they candidly explore both the joys and trials encountered along the way. They offer valuable insights and practical wisdom applicable to anyone, whether directly involved in church planting or not.
In this episode, Canon Dan Alger and Brandon Walsh delve into the significance of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurialism in church planting. They discuss the importance of equipping individuals for vocational ministry, the benefits of sacramental theology, embracing the risk of failure, as well as confronting fears associated with launching new initiatives. It’s a great conversation that we know you’ll find helpful!Additionally, a friendly reminder: If you're in need of great quality clergy shirts with an impeccable fit, visit our friends at Hook & Shepherd (hookandshepherd.com). Use the code AF10 for a $10 discount on your first purchase.
In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a helpful conversation with Bishop Dan Gifford of the Anglican Network in Canada. They talk about the role and purpose of bishops, the benefits of episcopal governance for church planting, as well as how bishops can advocate for church planting. Just a reminder: This season of our podcast is brought to you by the generous support of our friends at Trinity School for Ministry, the Anglican seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. They share our dedication to form Christian leaders for mission and we're grateful to partner with them. You can learn more about their programs at www.tsm.edu.
In this episode, Canon Dan Alger connects with our friend Daniel Yang (World Relief). Daniel is well acquainted with the world of church planting, having planted churches himself and also through his time at The Send Institute at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Daniel is a friend of Anglicanism, and we asked him to give his perspective on the strengths and potential weaknesses of our church planting movement.
In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a captivating conversation with Jim Salladin from Emmanuel Anglican Church, NY. They delve into the dynamics of urban centers, discussing their beauty, brokenness, and the profound wonder and awe inherent in proclaiming the gospel within cities. This conversation offers great insights into the challenges and opportunities of urban ministry. Just a reminder: This season of our podcast is brought to you by the generous support of our friends at Trinity School for Ministry, the Anglican seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. They share our dedication to form Christian leaders for mission and we're grateful to partner with them. You can learn more about their programs at www.tsm.edu.
This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Jon Thompson, a pastor and author based in Ontario, Canada. They talk about the role of perseverance in church planting (and ministry in general), and how our understanding of calling can fuel us to press on. Make sure you check out Jon's new book Perseverance, as well as his other books: Convergence, and Deliverance.Are you in the market for comfortable, light-weight, dri-fit clergy shirts? Check out our friends at hookandshepherd.com. Use the code 'AF10' for your first purchase. You'll support Hook & Shepherd's good work, you'll get great shirts, and you'll also support our work at Always Forward, as we will receive $25 per order as an affiliate. It's a win, win, win.
This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Kevin Harlan from Made to Flourish (madetoflourish.org). Delving into the intersection of daily work realities and spiritual formation, they explore the significance of integrating these aspects into all our endeavors. The discussion also sheds light on the advantage of a well-crafted residency program to shape the next generation of leaders, pastors, and church planters.If you want to explore how to develop a Residency within your church, we are offering an exciting opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 27-28th. Discover more about our Residency Builder event at www.always-forward.org under events, and be part of the movement towards cultivating impactful leadership.
Welcome to Season 8 of the Always Forward Podcast! In this episode, Canon Dan speaks with Seth Cain about how to navigate a call to church planting—the questions one needs to consider on a personal level as well as what questions need to be explored on an organizational level.
Season 8 of the Always Forward Podcast is just around the bend. In this preview episode, Canon Dan shares about some updates to our podcast, our new partnership, topics we will cover this season, as well as some upcoming events. We can't wait to share this season with you!
Here a bonus episode of the Always Forward Podcast! Listen in on a conversation between Canon Jeff Bailey and Rev. Claude Atcho, Vicar of Church of the Resurrection in Charlottesville, VA, and author of the Reading Black Books (available everywhere books are sold).In this engaging dialogue, Jeff and Claude delve into the profound ways our Anglican heritage ignites perseverance, the significance of immersing oneself in the local context, the enduring importance of joy as the cornerstone of our mission, and so much more. You're in for a treat—don't miss this episode!
On this special unscheduled episode of the Always Forward Podcast Canon Dan speaks with Fr Jason Hill, planter at Kingsfield Mission in Maui, Hawaii. Learn how this young church plant is helping with relief efforts in the wake of the tragic wildfires and how you can support this sister church plant as they bring hope amid the flames.
Find out more about Kingsfield Mission and GIVE to their relief efforts on their website at www.kingsfieldmaui.com
Two Canons for Church Planting, Tuck Bartholomew and Jim Salladin, had a conversation around Tim Keller's life and legacy. Both were directly influenced by Dr. Keller's ministry and had plenty to share on this closing episode of Season 7.
Church planting is inherently a sacramental work--so how do we reclaim that sacramental work? Dr. Hans Boersma, keynote speaker at our upcoming Always Forward Conference in September, joins the show to discuss. You can get more details on the conference at www.always-forward.com/af-conference-2023.
How can we assess the health and state of our plants...before it's too late? Jim Griffith joins the show to discuss.
Recently the Global Anglican Future Conference convened in Kigali, Rwanda. Dan shares how church planters can navigate their work with the variety of issues swirling about in the international Anglican Communion.
How are the rich traditions of liturgical worship a gift to the work of starting new churches? Shawn McCain joins the show to interview Dan Alger on his new book, Word & Sacrament: Ancient Traditions for Modern Church Planting
Anxiety doesn't just exist within us; it exists between us. Rev. Kris McDaniel, rector of Trinity Anglican Church in Atlanta, joins the show to discuss family systems theory and how it applies to church planting.
Anxiety doesn't just exist within us; it exists between us. Rev. Kris McDaniel, rector of Trinity Anglican Church in Atlanta, joins the show to discuss family systems theory and how it applies to church planting.
How do spiritual disciplines or practices shape our lives and work in church planting? Fr. Aaron Damiani joins the show to discuss.
Hear the story of a church planting movement that's taking shape in West Virginia from Canon Ben Sharpe.
Your church is full of people who are NOT in full-time vocational ministry like you are. So how can we as church planters faithfully empower our parishioners in their vocational callings? Dr. Nathan Hedman joins the show to discuss.
What do the numbers really say about the Church? Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, joins the show to talk current trends and statistics.
What does it look like to follow a call into church planting? Chase Edgar, Vicar (lead planter) of Church of the Ascension in Anderson, SC shares his story. Interviewed by Seth Cain, Canon for Church Planting for the Diocese of the Carolinas.
What if church planting looked as simple as loving our neighbors as ourselves? Rev. Jamie Sosnowski, lead planter of the Parish Church at Habersham in Beaufort, SC joins the show to tell his story of planting in a community where everyone knows your name.
Is liturgy missional? Or are the two somehow opposed? Shawn McCain returns to the show to talk about how mission and liturgy are inextricably linked.
What can it look like to be Black and Anglican, both in America and globally? We're grateful @_revcameron, lead pastor at @emanspart, lent his expertise and experience in an important conversation about cultural heritage, ethnic identity, and Anglican church planting.
The phrase "Word and sacrament" is thrown around a lot in Anglican circles. But what does it really mean? Canon Dan explains.
Leaving the community you love. Planting during a pandemic. Enduring early struggles. But through it all, faithfulness to Jesus and his call.
Kempton Jackson's stepped off the frontlines of ministry to give a plenary session at this year's Always Forward Conference, sharing a word from Luke 10.
It's hard to plant without the right people. But how do you gather them to pack up and follow you into the vision of your church? The Rev. Canon Todd Simonis joins to show to talk about gathering your launch team.
Dan chats with author and leader J.R. Briggs for a fresh perspective on Anglicanism—from the outside looking in—to help us as church planters see more clearly.
In our desire to strategically target cities over the past few decades, many church planting efforts have made the unfortunate mistake of overlooking rural areas. This week we chatted with Joshua Nelson, director of the Spalding Society, about rural church planting--why it matters and how it can be done successfully.
At this year's Always Forward Conference Dan got to sit down with our keynote speaker Dr. Curt Thompson, MD, to talk a little more about navigating trauma and shame in church planting--both within ourselves and the people we serve.
Curt is a psychiatrist and author of several books, including The Soul of Desire and The Soul of Shame. He's also the host of the Being Known podcast.
Jed Roseberry joins us to talk about the necessity of forming (and being formed by) sacred space in our church planting efforts.
After a two-year hiatus, we are back! Dan explains where we've been over the break, where we're going and what you can expect.
This week, Dan and Molly chat with Christine Warner from the Matthew 25 Initiative about race, justice, mercy, and what that looks like from the perspective of a new church planter AND in the ACNA as a whole.
On the latest episode of the podcast, Dan and Molly are addressing how to stay in it for the long haul in their latest FB Live! session. In a time of burnout, how do we find perseverance?
This episode of the podcast is the audio taken from a recent talk given by The Rev. Canon Dan Alger about how to think through strategic planning in regards to ReGathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should be considered? Who should be involved in those decisions? Is there one right way?
On this episode, The Rev. Canon Dan Alger talks with Bp. Steve Breedlove on the sacrament of Communion in a virtual world. How does it work? What has the College of Bishops said about it? What can church planters do?
On this episode, The Rev. Canon Dan Alger takes just a few minutes to encourage church planters during one of the most important weeks of the Church year that will most certainly look different than it has before.
On this episode, The Rev. Canon Dan Alger talks with The Rev. Karen Miller, LCSW(Anglican priest and Licensed Therapist) about how to recognize and handle anxiety and depression during these uncertain times.
What a couple of weeks it's been. It's hard to know where to begin. The Always Forward team is remembering you daily in our prayers.
Canon Dan Alger takes a few minutes to encourage everyone during this time while also giving some practical advice during this global pandemic.
We never thought we'd have to record this one-- but here it is!
We wrap up the official podcast for Season 4 with a discussion about how Advent and other liturgical occurrences can impact a church plant. Dan and Shawn discuss their experiences and share some thoughts about how to encourage your church through this, often uncelebrated, liturgical season. Enjoy!
We're almost to the end of Season 4 and Shawn McCain gloriously returns to take up his co-host chair! Our duo talks about branding and why it is more important than you think and offer some helpful tips about how to do a lot with a little. Enjoy!
Season 4 is rolling right along and on episode 3 we are joined by special guests Alex and Fr. Stephen from the Word & Table Podcast. Word & Table has been doing excellent work in both the Anglican and podcasting worlds for a couple of years now and there is a lot to talk about. Enjoy!
Welcome back to Season 4 of The Always Forward Podcast! Dan is without his normal co-host Shawn on this one, but he brings in an amazing guest on the topic of administration, Jessie Meriwether. The two chat about the importance of investing in administration and when a church should look in that direction. Enjoy!
The Always Forward Podcast is back! We kick off Season 4 of the show with Dan and Shawn updating what's been going on in their worlds before talking about promising changes that are coming to the show. They spend the bulk of the episode tackling an intriguing question that Shawn proposed to Dan in a recent conversation. Enjoy!
Justin Reed-Smith joins Dan and Shawn once more on the Always Forward Podcast. This time tackling the idea of hospitality and its place in evangelism. Justin also explains the Minster Model of church planting and how it is impacting the work of the Diocese of Western Anglicans. And don't worry, Shawn didn't know what "Minster" was either.
From Willy Wonka to purpose statements to community vision - Dan and Shawn talk about these oft-criticized foundational elements. How can they be of use? And where do some of the pitfalls within them lie?
What role does beauty play in forming and creating your church community? Should it play a role?! If so, how? We talk with Gary Ball, church planter in Asheville, NC about the idea that beauty is not just decorative, it is formative.
Dan and Shawn talk through some common pitfalls that we experience as Anglicans as well as how we can address these blindspots to better relate to one another and our calling to be disciples of Christ.
Sessions from the Always Forward 2018 Conference. Pastor Kris McDaniel provides a template for our own formation with God as well as how we can form and mentor young men and women who are coming up after us.
Sessions from the Always Forward 2018 Conference. Daniel Yang, Director of the Send Institute, provided a global perspective on our approach to church planting.
Sessions from The Always Forward 2018 Conference. Bp. Stewart Ruch, shared his passion for church multiplication and cautioned attendees with the need to resist cultural pressures.
Sessions from The Always Forward 2018 Conference. Canon Dan Alger, welcomed attendees to the conference, reminding them of both why and how we plant churches within our Anglican context.
Dan and Shawn talk through their top theology and practical books for use when planting an Anglican church.
Dan and Shawn geek out a bit (ok, really it's just Shawn who does the geeking out) with Dr. Eric Geiger as they discuss his take on leadership development and organizational structure in the church.
S2E8 - "Planters at a Pub on a Podcast: Matters of Mission" by Dan Alger & Shawn McCain
Church planting is not just an urban adventure or for the overseas mission fields. Rural America is in need of the Gospel and church plants to bring it to them. Dan and Shawn chat with Fr. Victor Shreffler about his experience, insight, and prayers for rural church planting in this episode of the Always Forward Podcast.
Shawn and Dan are back! Shawn's family has grown by one child and Dan is finalizing his dissertation. It's been an exciting time for these two gents and they're excited to be back for the Spring session of the Always Forward Podcast.
For this first episode, Jenny Noyes, Executive Director for New Wineskins, joins us to talk about the importance of mission...even in a new church plant.
Molly Ruch shares her perspective with us on the role of community in church planting as well as the role of the church planters wife.
Bishop Todd Hunter joins us to share his passion for engaging with the world around us and how the organization, The Telos Collective, seeks to reignite Anglican passions to reach our contemporary culture.
Tish Warren, author of the book Liturgy of the Ordinary, joins Dan and Shawn this week to talk about finding worship in our daily, average lives. And how does that impact church planters when the reality of the mundane tasks hit home?
Dr. William Cavanaugh joins Dan and Shawn, well really mostly Shawn as he totally nerds out, for a conversation about the Eucharist, it's practicality, and how it relates to the missional church.
Dan and Shawn kickoff Season 2 of the Always Forward Podcast with an open and honest discussion about the challenging dynamics of our current culture. As church planters, Christians, and leaders, how do we respond to and engage our communities?
In our final installment of the Summer Sessions, Dan and Shawn sit down to chat with the Very Rev. Chip Edgar about one of Shawn's favorite subjects: Mission and Liturgy. There's a lot to unpack here, so we have a feeling Chip may be back for another conversation in the future.
With a deep voice and a heart for the Lord, you're going to love listening to this conversation with Justin Reed-Smith as he shares his experiences in church planting.
When you're recording a podcast live at an event, sometimes you end up with unplayed, but very welcome guests. Get ready to have some fun as you listen in on our conversation with two members of our provincial leadership, Jack Lumanog and Alan Hawkins.
Dan got to sit down with one of his church planting "heroes", Aaron Burt, and talk about his call to plant and experience planting in the pacific northwest. If you haven't had the chance to get to know Aaron Burt yet, you're going to want to after listening to this enlightening, encouraging, and very entertaining conversation.
Recorded live at the ACNA's Assembly 2017, we sat down with our new friend "from across the pond," Lee McMunn and talked about some of the commonalities and differences that we experience in church planting in North American and England.
In anticipation of the upcoming Assembly, Dan and Shawn revisit the powerful sermon given by Fr. Aaron Damiani during our gathering together last year.
Father Lee Nelson shares his wisdom and insight with us as we seek to understand the purpose and value of Catechesis in our lives as Anglicans and church planters.
Dan sits down with his good friend and colleague, the Rev. Can. Greg Goebel, to learn more about Greg's writing and some resources available to church planters and "Rookie Anglicans" alike.
Eddie Kirkland joins us to share his journey from being a music worship leader in a large evangelical church to an Anglican church planter.
Dan and Shawn discuss the importance of understanding and embracing the Sacraments; like Scripture, when you get out of the way and let it speak for itself, it works. God has power there.
Dan and Shawn sit down with fellow church planter, Aaron Damiani, to talk about his new book, The Good of Giving Up.
In this episode Shawn and Dan compare their lists of the top five mistakes church planters make.
Dan and Shawn sit down with Fr. Jonathan Warren to talk about Church Planting According to The Church Fathers.
Dan and Shawn chat with Dr. Joel Scandrett of Trinity School for Ministry about the Weber Center, Sacraments and the Liturgy.
Dan and Shawn interview Fr. Matthew Olver and discuss liturgical theology in church planting.
In this episode we discuss how Anglicans understand mission, and are joined by Bp. Todd Hunter.
In this episode we discuss Anglican ecclesiology with Bishop Stewart Ruch of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest.
In this Casting the Question segment we answer the question, "Can anyone plant a church?"
Introducing the Always Forward podcast, hosting the conversation on sacramental, missional, Gospel-centered, Anglican church planting.