Future Christian

In this conversation, Professor Alison Milbank discusses the concept of the parish and its importance in the life of faith. She shares her experiences growing up in the Church of England and the changes she has witnessed due to secularization. Milbank emphasizes the significance of the parish as a local community that brings together people of different ages and cultures. She also explores the threats to the parish, including the i...

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic continues her conversation with Elizabeth Schrader Polczer for the second part of a groundbreaking conversation on biblical scholarship. Continuing from last week, Elizabeth delves deeper into her research on the Gospel of John, Papyrus 66, and the evolving understanding of Mary Magdalene's role in early Christianity. She explores the textual instabilities around the names Mary and Martha, revealing...

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic welcomes Elizabeth Schrader Polczer to talk about her groundbreaking work in biblical scholarship, particularly in how we see and understand Mary Magdalene and the Gospel of John.  Elizabeth discusses the textual instabilities around the names Mary and Martha in John 11, visible in Papyrus 66, revealing intriguing insights and controversial edits that challenge traditional interpretations. She share...

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic welcomes back Alexander Lang for a deep and insightful conversation. Alex, a former PCUSA pastor, has transitioned from church ministry to a technology business aimed at fostering meaningful relationships. The discussion centers on Alex's recent experiences since leaving his pastoral role and delves into the themes of his new book, "Restored: Spirituality for the 21st Century Rationalist." Alex shar...

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic welcomes, Christopher Dawes, a veteran worship leader and musician in Canada.  Chris discusses the challenges and pressures faced by church musicians and the unique role they play in worship. The conversation also explores the individuality and isolation experienced by church musicians and the need for better relationships between musicians and ministers. The conversation delves into the role of mus...

In this joint podcast episode with Vicars' Crossing and Future Christian, Kevin, Rob and Martha talk about why as busy pastors leading churches they carve out time to be part of hosting podcasts. What are the conversations that the church needs to be having? What has been difficult for the church to talk about? What do we see as the value of making time and space for conversations with different voices from a variety of perspective...

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shares about the Covenant Project, which aims to increase participation and decision-making in the church, the Church Narrative Project, which focuses on changing the narrative of the church to be more inclusive and anti-racist, and the Proclamation Project, which equips clergy with preaching resources. She also talks about the impo...

In this episode, Loren and Martha review the highlights of the season and discuss three broad themes: pastoral health, individualization versus connection, and leading change. They play clips from interviews with Kinsie Tate, Jonathan Foster, Ted Smith, Tessa Pinkstaff, Doug Powe, Scott Thumma and more to explore these themes. They discuss the challenges clergy face in dealing with their own issues while ministering to others, the ...

With the continued decline of churches and denominations, many pastors and church leaders are facing a future filled with doom. In this conversation, Brian McLaren discusses his new book Life After Doom and how the four possible scenarios for the future of our world mirror the reality of institutional church: collapse avoidance, collapse rebirth, collapse survival, and collapse extinction. McLaren emphasizes the need for pastoral c...

In this conversation, Tessa Pinkstaff and Dwight Zscheile discuss their book, Leading Faithful Innovation. They define faithful innovation as the adoption of new or ancient practices that help the church connect more deeply with God, each other, and their neighbors. They emphasize the need for leaders to create an environment where the Holy Spirit can lead and for the church to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. They also d...

With the breakdown of institutions and denominations, faltering also are the credentialing methods  for pastors and clergy. In this conversation, Jonathan Foster joins the show to talk about Open Table Network, a clergy network that provides credentialing and support for pastors, chaplains, and counselors who have been excluded or marginalized by their faith traditions. With culture moving away from "big tent" institutions to affin...

University Chaplain and Professor Nichole Torbitzsky joins the show to talk about her work with college students, how they are  engaging and identifying with Christianity, and what are the biggest "stumblingblocks" for students as they consider faith. She also discusses as Open and Relational / Process theology, the importance of community and spiritual connection for young adults, and the challenges faced by college students in fi...

Across American Christianity, there is a shortage of clergy, and this is exacerbated by financial struggles, housing issues, and the emotional toll of being a pastor. In this episode, Carol Howard joins the show to talk about challenges and trends in clergy health. She also explored the impact of these trends on younger clergy and the need for the church to invest in clergy support. Howard also shares from her book Wounded Pastors,...

Its no secret that the church as an institution in America is undergoing great change, and with it the role and function of clergy. In this episode, Ted Smith joins the show to talk about the history of formal theological education in the United States, the transition from the standing order to voluntary associations as the primary sociological gathering model, the professionalization of ministry, and the emergence of denominations...

So, you're trying to sustain a church for continued health... while also disrupting the status quo... impossible, right? Not so, says Pastor and author Doug Powe. In this episode, we talk about his book Sustaining While Disrupting, emphasizing the importance of thinking like an outsider, taking risks, and putting aside convictions. Doug makes his case from the stories of the early church in Acts.  He also addresses the challenges o...

Churches and individuals are facing a time of division and uncertainty, as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, political discord, and changing beliefs about God. In this episode, Mark Feldmeir delves into the realities of leading a progressive congregation in a conservative community, the innovative responses to the pandemic, and the denominational shifts within Methodism. Mark also shares insights from his book, 'Life After God...

In this episode, Ryan Panzer and Jake Doberenz join Loren and Martha to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the church. They share examples of how they are currently using AI in ministry. They also discuss the potential and possibilities of AI, including its role as a tool for helping to articulate faith stories and as a productivity booster. The conversation also highlights the importance of preaching and teaching, ...

In this conversation, Liz Cooledge Jenkins shares her journey from growing up in a Mainline Protestant church to exploring conservative evangelicalism and eventually returning to Mainline Protestant communities. She discusses the reasons why many people leave mainline contexts for evangelicalism and the challenges she faced within evangelical churches. She shares insights from her book, 'Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's ...

Is your church seeking to advocate for affordable housing? In this episode, Jessica Dominguez joins the show to talk about her work helping churches develop land for housing and what churches can do, big and small to make a difference. Beginning with a 20-year career in public education to a pivotal role in shaping Denver's housing priorities, Jessica recounts the moment that ignited her mission to combat housing insecurity, a call...