Church is Changing
Church is Changing
We bring you stories of hope and resilience from leaders around the world who are engaging the gospel message in new ways. We interview thought leaders who bring wisdom about the changing cultural landscape and its implications for faith formation. If you are a church leader looking for practical ideas and new ways of approaching church in the 21st century, this podcast is for you.
About the Hosts:
Beth Estock
After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.
She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at www.bethestock.com
Paul Nixon
Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21stt Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at www.epicentergroup.org.
About the Hosts:
Beth Estock
After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.
She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at www.bethestock.com
Paul Nixon
Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21stt Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at www.epicentergroup.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 45min
Church is Changing: Episode 85 - 2025 End of Year Recap
Reflecting on the year, Paul and Beth tackle the challenges of mixed congregations amid political shifts. They emphasize the power of love and prophetic witness in ministry. Tone and kindness are vital as they discuss modeling gospel conversations. Community-centered ministries are attracting those seeking guidance, and they highlight the role of gifted lay leaders amid clergy shortages. The conversation encourages adaptability for each generation while focusing on meaningful community impact beyond mere attendance.
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
Church is Changing: Episode 84 - Marcia Peddicord
Church is Changing: Episode 84 - Marcia Peddicord by Church is Changing
Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
Church is Changing: Episode 83 - Christie Latona
Church is Changing: Episode 83 - Christie Latona by Church is Changing
15 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 31min
Church is Changing: Episode 82 - Lindsey Joyce
Lindsey Joyce, Pastor of Grace Church of Logan Square, leads a cooperative parish in Chicago emphasizing shared ministry and neighborhood solidarity. In the discussion, she tackles the challenges posed by ICE raids and highlights her congregation's supportive role in response. Lindsey distinguishes between collaborative and cooperative models, advocating for the latter as a means to strengthen local church dynamics. She shares insights on building community relationships, adapting cooperative practices, and the importance of having a clear mission for effective ministry.
Dec 4, 2025 • 35min
Church is Changing: Episode 81 - Jean Carlos Diaz
Church is Changing: Episode 81 - Jean Carlos Diaz by Church is Changing
Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Church is Changing: Episode 80 – Isaiah Park
In this episode Paul Nixon interviews Isaiah Park, the newest member of the Path 1 team. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss (among many topics) the nature of evangelism in the 21st century, the idea of “attractional church,” and partnering with the Holy Spirit.
Paul and Isaiah are working together to offer the revised Launchpad training this winter for teams starting new ministries and churches.
Sep 17, 2025 • 33min
Church is Changing: Episode 79 – John Jones & Shared Plate
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews John Jones who leads Shared Plate, a food ministry based in a local church in Southern California. We explore how participants, volunteers, and the host church are experiencing transformation in connection with this ministry.
Aug 6, 2025 • 32min
Church is Changing: Episode 78 – Turning Sacred Land into Sacred Shelter
In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful intersections of faith and justice today: the movement to repurpose underutilized church land for deeply affordable housing. Our guest, Rev. Julia Nielsen, is a leading voice and practitioner helping congregations navigate the complex—and sacred—work of turning their property into homes for those in need.
Julia walks us through the step-by-step process of developing housing on church land, shares the common roadblocks and myths that hold churches back, and offers practical advice for communities just beginning to explore this path. She also casts a bold, hope-filled vision for the future of this ministry—and why it matters now more than ever.
Whether you’re a church leader, a housing advocate, or simply someone longing to see faith communities respond to the housing crisis with love and imagination, this conversation will inspire and equip you.
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
Church is Changing: Episode 77 – Funding the Future: Church Trends and Transformation with Kay Kotan
In this episode, Beth Estock sits down with renowned church consultant and coach Kay Kotan to talk about the evolving landscape of local church funding. From declining tithes to rising creativity, Kay shares trends she’s seeing across the country and practical ways churches can adapt. They explore topics like revitalization, empowering lay leaders, and the importance of clarity and accountability in shaping a sustainable future. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about what’s next for the church, this conversation is packed with wisdom and hope.
Jul 9, 2025 • 39min
Church is Changing: Episode 76 – Stacey Piyakhun
In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Stacey Piyakhun, Director of Multiplication for Horizon Texas Conference. Their conversation focuses on the ways that church planting is morphing in the 2020s.
