Microchurches

This week we are kicking off a new series where we hear more stories from people doing mission in a microchurch setting, but specifically looking at the network model. In this episode we sit down with Joel Repic of Greenhouse Network, where he shares the development of their  network, the movements that have branched out from it, and the ways they’ve continued to grow and adapt according to the needs of their missionaries.

Brian Sanders, a notable figure in microchurch philosophy and author of related resources, joins Tomy to discuss the vital topic of expansion in microchurches. They explore how true growth isn't just measured by numbers, but by spiritual and communal development. The duo emphasizes the balance between welcoming newcomers and sending out mature disciples. They also touch on the emotional challenges of sacrifice, the importance of nurturing connections, and the evaluation cycles necessary for healthy microchurch growth.

Brian Sanders, an author focused on microchurches and community practices, dives into the pivotal phase of codification. He discusses how leaders identify effective practices after experimentation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core values while adapting outreach methods. The conversation touches on the significance of persistence in community building and the need for balanced success metrics tailored to unique environments. Sanders also highlights the cyclical nature of growth, underscoring renewal as essential for avoiding stagnation in microchurches.

Brian Sanders, author of 'Microchurches', joins the discussion on the critical phase of iteration in microchurch development. He highlights the significance of embracing a mission-driven identity, where both successes and failures contribute to community growth. The conversation dives into the spiritual battle missionaries face, encouraging bravery in non-Christian spaces. Sanders also emphasizes a learning mindset, viewing failure as essential for personal growth, and the importance of feedback in assessing ministry impact. It's a rich exploration of resilience and community in faith.

Brian Sanders, an expert on microchurches, dives into the transformative ideation phase of establishing these communities. He shares best practices for answering the call to start a microchurch and highlights the critical role of commitment in turning ideas into reality. Sanders discusses the connection between personal calling and community engagement, along with navigating justice and grace in community work. He encourages listeners to shift from ideation to action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in faith-based initiatives.

To conclude the Missionary Journey series, we are joined again by Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens as we dive into experimenting, pivoting, and persevering. In this episode, you will hear about why missionary peers are so critical to these last phases of the journey of a missionary, and the ways that these moments of failing and pivoting continually bring us to a place of humility and dependence on Jesus.

Stacy Gaskins, a mission specialist, and Jeremy Stephens, an experienced community leader, explore the dynamic of discovering one’s calling in a Christian context. They discuss how God invites individuals to start new missions, emphasizing the organic formation of church communities as people respond to such calls. Personal stories highlight the importance of resilience and community support in navigating divine guidance. The conversation encourages listeners to engage in spiritual experimentation and embrace their unique roles in serving marginalized communities.

Stacy Gaskins, a contributor to missionary journeys, and Jeremy Stephens, an expert on liminal moments, dive into the dynamics of faith and growth. They discuss how micro churches can create supportive spaces for spiritual breakthroughs. Key themes include the tension between worldly influences and faith, the necessity of listening during spiritual awakening, and the importance of humility in leadership. They also explore the role of Jesus's lordship in personal struggles and the value of embracing discomfort for authentic connections.

Stacy Gaskins, an advocate for microchurch leaders, and Jeremy Stephens, an insightful missionary strategist, explore the transformative Missionary Journey. They dive into how the initiative began as a study of perseverance among microchurch leaders. The duo discusses the essential role of microchurches in nurturing personal growth and the importance of creating supportive environments for spiritual encounters. Listeners also gain insight into the emotional challenges missionaries face and the resilience required to navigate their journeys.

In this episode of Microchurches, we continue in our conversation with Jeremy Stephens about the foundations of what a microchurch is. To conclude this series, you will learn about suffering within the missionary journey, and the ways that it brings us into intimacy with Jesus while simultaneously reminding us to surround ourselves with other missionary peers to journey with us. Resources mentioned: Underground’s Missionary Toolkit