

Church is Changing: Episode 71 – Joe Graves
Apr 3, 2025
In this dialogue, Joe Graves, pastor and planter of Cityview Church in Columbus, shares insights from his journey in urban church planting and his book, The Progressive Planter. He discusses the evolution of church planting since the 1990s, highlighting new opportunities amid changing demographics. Joe emphasizes the need for inclusive faith communities that foster healing and connection, addressing both the challenges of merging congregations and the struggles of autistic pastors seeking acceptance. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability and vulnerability in modern spiritual spaces.
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New Era Advantages in Planting
- Church planting now benefits from less institutional presence, offering fresh opportunity.
- New approaches with different tools compared to past generations make it a great time to plant.
Ex-Evangelicals Seek Healing Church
- Many new church members are ex-evangelicals seeking a different faith expression.
- These members bring diverse views and need healing, requiring a listening posture.
Emotionally Healthy Church Concept
- Emotionally healthy churches honor individual faith journeys without coercion.
- They embrace mental health realities and empower people to make their own choices.