What can we learn from the Fresh Expression movement’s novel approach to reaching people unlikely to attend church on Sunday mornings? Luke Edwards discusses a process of listening and relationship building that can lead to deepening discipleship and the formation of new, nontraditional worshipping communities.

Listen now on:

churchleadership.com | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

For anyone who wants to become a full-fledged podcast listener, here's what you need to know to get into it, from experts who know best.

“The Power of Storytelling in Ministry” featuring Jee Hae Song— Episode 103

How can storytelling impact your ministry? And how can you inspire others to share their stories? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff interviews Jee Hae Song who says we all have gifts for storytelling. She shares part of her story to inspire others to share how God works in their lives. Listen now. | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

“The Pandemic’s Real Impact on Clergy and Congregations” featuring Scott Thumma — Episode 102

How has the pandemic shaped the vitality and resiliency of congregations? Did it really prompt large numbers of pastors to leave ministry? Scott Thumma shares insights from ongoing research on the pandemic’s impact on congregational life and health. Listen now. | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

“Church Comes Home” featuring Dave Barnhart — Episode 101

The pandemic taught us that church happens in powerful and meaningful ways outside our buildings. Dave Barnhart describes how small, home-centered worshiping communities can connect with people who may never cross the threshold of your church. Listen now. | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

“Normalizing Next” featuring Olu Brown — Episode 100

How can church leaders embrace rather than fear the future? Olu Brown shares how leaders can “normalize next” and begin living their future now by engaging innovative thinking, creative partnerships, and hybrid strategies to fulfill their mission. Listen now. | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

“Positioning Your Church for Growth in a New Season of Ministry” featuring Tony Morgan— Episode 99

How can your church reach new people in today’s evolving ministry context? Tony Morgan shares trends, perspectives, and strategies drawn from his work with scores of congregations across the country and abroad. Listen now. | Read in-depth interview. | Watch podcast video on YouTube.

The Wesley Academy for Advanced Christian Studies — created in partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary — offers online courses and educational materials that are theologically rich and deep. Courses are appropriate for anyone, lay or clergy, and may be used to earn CEU credits and a certification in Advanced Christian Studies.

Registration is open for these upcoming courses:

Lewis Center video-based adult Christian studies encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection and are ideal for your congregation's online or in-person small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes. Studies include Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God, Changes Congregations Face, Journey through the Psalms, The Methodist Class Leader, In God’s Time, Simply Christian, Religion and Science, Serious Answers to Hard Questions, Leading Like Nehemiah, and more.