Future Christian

Dr. Scott Thumma, a researcher with 30 years of experience in studying congregational life and denominational shifts, discusses the rise of megachurches and the challenges smaller congregations face. The growth of non-denominational churches and the decreasing importance of denominational identity are examined. Dr. Thumma emphasizes the need for congregations to adapt to societal changes and technology, particularly highlighted by the pandemic's impact on religious practices. The episode concludes with insights into the work of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research on contemporary religious trends.

Justin Anthony, rector of Chingford (UK) parish, joins Martha Tatarnik to challenge the concept of leadership within the church. They explore the lack of clarity surrounding leadership, the impact of Hollywood and American culture on its perception, and the challenges faced by the Church of England. They also discuss dissenting voices, the hope and resilience of Christianity, and their favorite Bible studies on the book of Revelation.

In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Michael Graham, co-author of The Great De-Churching about his journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to a more gospel-centered faith. Graham shares his transition from a focus on end times and culture wars to a tradition that emphasizes the core of the gospel and its implications for life. He discusses the importance of Bible study, healthy discipleship, and interdenominational cooperation, reflecting on his own spiritual practices and the vitality of engaging with non-believers. The conversation also explores the unique religious landscape of the United States, the church's role in society, and the effects of online worship. Michael Graham is program director for The Keller Center. He is also the executive producer and writer of As In Heaven and has written a forthcoming book entitled The Great Dechurching. He received his MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He is a member at Orlando Grace Church. He is married to Sara, and they have two kids.   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

Guest host Martha Tatarnic leads a conversation with Dr. Amy Frykholm, senior editor at the Christian Century magazine. They discuss the role of media in serving the church, their personal faith journeys, and the mission of the magazine. The conversation also covers the redesign of the magazine, the themes of the Future Christian Podcast, and Dr. Frykholm's hopes for the future of Christianity.  Amy Frykholm is a senior editor at The Christian Century magazine. Her most recent book is Wild Woman: A Footnote, the Desert, and My Quest for an Elusive Saint. She hosts the In Search Of podcast. www.amyfrykholm.com; @amyfryk.    Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.    

In the final episode of Season 14 of the Future Christian Podcast, guest host/co-host Martha Tatarnic joins Loren Richmond Jr. to reflect on the season's highlights and broader themes.  The conversation includes a discussion on the church's role in a secular age, why sacred space matters, and the importance of maintaining wonder and awe in faith. They also touch on the grief of church closures and the future of theological education. And, in this season of Advent, they discuss the importance of Advent traditions. Stay tuned for the upcoming "Martha season," a special run of episodes over winter break hosted by Martha Tatarnic.    Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.    

Historically, the church has a tendency to colonize as a means to achieve growth. To break that dynamic, new models need to emerge. Enter DisciplesNEXT, a methodology from Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez and the New Church Ministry Team of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In this conversation, we talk about how the model emerged, how it seeks to be different from previous models, and what are the "ecclesial minimums" or "faithful marks" of what it means to be a church. He also emphasizes the importance of deep listening, dialogue, and considering diverse community inputs in shaping the future of the church. Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez serves as the Minister for New Church Strategies for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Jose also created a ministry as an Incubate participant with the National Benevolent Association called StoryWagen. Additionally, he is co-planter of Multi Nation Christian Church, which is the largest and only Haitian Ministry in the Midwest for the Disciples of Christ and along with planting MissioKC Church. Co-vocationally, he is an endorsed Protestant Chaplain, at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph, Missouri and a chaplain with Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He has served in different capacities in ministry from the regional level to local congregations by bringing innovative and entrepreneurial ideas about the shifting paradigm of church. His mixture of talent, tenacity, and experience has helped him in all contexts of ministry, which was recognized by the Air National Guard in 2016 by awarding him the Samuel Stone award.   https://newchurchministry.org/introducing-impact/ https://newchurchministry.org/about/disciplesnext/   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.    

What's the Future of Theological Education? In this episode, Rev. Ulysses Allen, the Director of Recruitment and Retention at Phillips Seminary joins the show to talk about the challenges faced by seminarians, including student loan debt and limited job opportunities. Despite these challenges, Allen highlights the importance of seminary education in providing a foundation for engaging with difficult texts, understanding oneself better, and  preparing people to walk with people during their toughest life moments. Allen also talks about the various non-traditional programs and endeavors at his seminary in order to meet the changing needs of non-traditional students. Rev. Ulysses Allen is the Director of Recruitment and Retention and Candidate for the Doctor of Ministry in Homiletics at  Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK. He truly enjoys helping prospective students map out their journey in theological education in the Christian Tradition. His short term goal is to complete his Doctor of Ministry which has an emphasis in Homiletics by the spring of 2025. His long term goal is to continue my pursuit in higher education as a Director, start a non-profit organization geared towards athletic chaplaincy, and become a senior pastor of a church. My philosophical mantra is it's better to serve than be served. Ulysses serves on multiple non-profits boards and at his church.   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.    

Andrew Root, expert in theology, discusses the crisis facing churches today - the lack of belief in God. He explores the three stages of secularism, challenges pastors face in a secular age, and the importance of reimagining faith and action. Root emphasizes the need for churches to focus on proclaiming God's story and the transformative power of God's actions.

In this episode, Dorcas Chang-Tozun joins the show to  talk about her personal faith journey, her thought-provoking book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul, and her profound insights on social activism. Dorcas passionately emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the unique experiences of sensitive individuals within the realm of activism, urging listeners to broaden their understanding of what constitutes effective social change. Furthermore, she delves into the complex interplay between anger and social transformation, sheds light on the concept of resilience, and underscores the utmost importance of self-care in sustaining one's commitment to making a difference.  Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, communications consultant, and former Inc.com columnist. She is the author of multiple books including  Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways (June 2023). Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, and dozens of other publications in the US, Asia, and Africa. She serves as the editorial director of PAX, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of BIPOC contemplative activists and is a high school instructor of social innovation at Valley Christian Schools. Dorcas has nearly twenty years of experience as a nonprofit and social enterprise professional. She served as the first director of communications for d.light, one of the world's leading social enterprises, and has provided communications consulting for social-benefit companies around the world. She and her entrepreneur husband have been married for eighteen years and have two young sons. Future Christian is supported by: Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.    

David Emery joins the show to talk about why church structure is a significant obstacle in the church, as it can stifle the openness and potential for growth. He emphasizes the need for the structure to align with the vision and direction of the church, rather than becoming a hindrance. He also highlights the importance of theological humility and the willingness to listen. Emery also talks about his hopes for the future of Christianity, why he thinks there is a need for humility in mainline contexts, and why love and service to others continues to drive his ministry focus. Rev. David Emery has served as Lead Pastor of Harvard Avenue Christian since March of 2020. David is a passionate preacher, compassionate pastor, and adept leader whose understanding of the Gospel and vision for the church help our congregation fulfill its mission to live and love like Jesus. David has a reputation for growing churches, reaching new people, and transforming lives in every church he has served throughout his ministry, which includes congregations in Arkansas, Texas, and Kentucky. He holds a B.A from TCU, and Master’s of Divinity from Vanderbilt. If you were to ask David what his favorite scripture passage is, he would tell you: “Whatever I’m preaching on this week!” An avid runner and multiple marathoner, when David isn’t on the trail or in the pulpit, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their children and grandchildren.   Future Christian is supported by: Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.