Church is Changing Church is Changing: Episode 75 – From Decline to Renewal: Rev. Jane Voigts on Church Transformation in the Desert
Jun 25, 2025
Rev. Jane Voigts, the vibrant pastor of United Methodist Church of Palm Springs, brings her unique touch to church transformation. She shares her journey of revitalizing a declining church with engaging initiatives like hot meal services and affordable housing projects. Jane also discusses the joy and community spirit of 'Caftan Tuesdays,' a playful tradition that blossomed during the pandemic. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of humor and creativity in fostering connection and hope in faith communities, ending with a heartwarming blessing for those on similar paths.
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Caftan Tuesday Origins
- Caftan Tuesday began as a fun pandemic-era tradition with Jane wearing a different caftan each Tuesday.
- It became a beloved community symbol and even led Jane to act as a local chaplain at a sandwich shop.
Practice Improvisational Faith
- Embrace improvisation and say "yes and" to life's uncertainties and opportunities.
- Faith and improv share rules that encourage openness and collaboration to discover new paths.
Strategic Planning and Pandemic Pivot
- Jane led church strategic planning focusing on outward mission like affordable housing and LGBTQ engagement.
- The pandemic proved an unexpected opportunity to advance these mission plans including hosting a homeless shelter.
