Future Christian

Future Christian Network
Future Christian Network
  • 4.7 (32)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Future Christian explores church leadership, church renewal, and the future of Christianity through conversations with pastors, authors, theologians, and other faith leaders. Each episode offers practical wisdom and fresh ideas for navigating church decline, cultural change, ministry, and the challenges facing congregations today.

  1. 4d ago

    Are We Thinking About Discipleship All Wrong? | Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz

    What does it actually mean to make disciples? And have churches been approaching spiritual formation in ways that overlook how people really grow and change? Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz join Loren to discuss their new book, Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science. Drawing on neuroscience, identity formation, and decades of ministry experience, they argue that discipleship is about more than learning the right beliefs or adopting particular behaviors. It's about who we trust, how we understand ourselves, and how our relationship with God shapes who we become. The conversation explores their approach to faith development, building on James Fowler's Stages of Faith. Rather than viewing spiritual growth as a ladder where each successive stage represents greater maturity, Jessie and Julia suggest that people at different phases of faith can experience healthy spiritual formation. Loren presses them on what this means for churches, particularly across mainline and evangelical traditions, and whether congregations can create space for people who understand and practice their faith differently. Together they explore: Why discipleship begins with trust and identity, not simply intellectual belief How our understanding of God shapes our understanding of ourselves What neuroscience suggests about how people respond under stress Why spiritual maturity isn't necessarily determined by one's stage of faith What mainline and evangelical churches can learn from one another about discipleship How churches can accommodate people at different phases of faith development The importance of forgiveness, repentance, and relational repair Jessie Cruickshank is a Harvard-trained expert in the neuroscience of transformation. She founded Whoology to equip churches and leaders worldwide in brain-based discipleship. Author of Ordinary Discipleship and a sought-after speaker, Jessie weaves story, science, and faith to inspire lasting change. She lives in Colorado, where she enjoys mountain adventures with her husband. Julia Schmaltz is a storyteller and leader with three decades of ministry experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Identity Exchange, equipping others to live fearlessly in their true identity. Julia holds a master's in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College and is shaping discipleship efforts across the globe. She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and three adult children.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 Their Book: Becoming Good News 🌐 Jessie's Website: www.whoology.co 📱 Socials: @juliacschmaltz  🎧 Episodes Referenced: Chuck DeGroat 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Jessie Cruickshank 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Brian McLaren    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Jessie Cruickshank, Julia Schmaltz, Becoming Good News, Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity Story and Science, Ordinary Discipleship, Christian discipleship, discipleship formation, spiritual formation, identity formation, Identity Formation Theory, faith development, stages of faith, James Fowler, Stages of Faith, neuroscience and faith, neuroscience and discipleship, brain-based discipleship, attachment theory, Christian identity, spiritual maturity, spiritual growth, faith and trust, Christian beliefs, faith formation, discipleship models, making disciples, church discipleship, church leadership, congregational leadership, mainline Christianity, evangelical Christianity, denominational differences, Christian unity, emotions and faith, emotional health, Christian forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, relational repair, Christian community, Hoology, future of the church, church renewal, future of Christianity, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    Are We Thinking About Discipleship All Wrong? | Jessie Cruickshank & Julia Schmaltz

  2. Oct 6

    Emily Belz on What Is Christian Higher Education Worth?

    What is a Christian college degree worth—and should its value be determined by how much graduates earn? Christianity Today senior news editor Emily Belz joins Loren to discuss the uncertain future facing Christian higher education--particularly regarding a new federal regulation would evaluate college programs based on whether their graduates earn more than people without the degree, potentially cutting off federal financial aid to programs that fail the test. Because ministry, theology, and religious studies often prepare people for lower-paying vocations, Christian colleges and seminaries could be particularly vulnerable.  They also discuss declining demographics, international-student restrictions, artificial intelligence, institutional closures, and the financial pressures forcing Christian colleges to reconsider traditional models of education. Emily argues that the future may depend less on finding one new model than on institutions understanding who they are, what they do well, and making decisions consistent with their mission.  Together they explore: Why Christian higher education is experiencing both growth and institutional closures How a new federal earnings test could affect seminaries and ministry programs Why measuring a degree primarily by graduates' income creates problems for ministry and other service-oriented professions How colleges may restructure programs to preserve access to financial aid The demographic and financial pressures facing Christian colleges Why institutional mission should shape how schools adapt How immigration enforcement is affecting pastors and congregations Emily Belz is a senior news editor. She has almost 20 years of experience in long-form feature reporting and writing in local, national, and international news. In addition to CT, she has written for The New York Times, World, Plough, the New York Daily News, The Hill, and The Indianapolis Star. She has won awards including one for feature writing from the Evangelical Press Association as well as the Zenger Prize. She lives in New York City.   Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Emily's writing: Christianity Today 🟧 Emily's Substack: @emilybelz 🌐 The article we discuss: Existential Threat 🎧 Episodes Referenced: John Hawthorne    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Emily Belz, Christianity Today, Christian higher education, Christian colleges, Christian universities, Christian seminaries, future of Christian higher education, future of Christian colleges, higher education crisis, Christian college enrollment, seminary enrollment, theological education, ministry education, ministry degrees, religious studies programs, federal student loans, federal financial aid, college financial aid, student loans, college affordability, earnings test, value of a college degree, ministry and money, Christian college closures, seminary closures, demographic cliff, higher education demographics, Bible colleges, Bible college closures, institutional sustainability, Christian institutions, church leadership, Christian leadership, vocational ministry, ministry training, immigration and churches, immigration enforcement, Latino churches, Christianity and immigration, Christian journalism, religious journalism, future of journalism, local journalism, Christianity Today journalism, journalism and AI, artificial intelligence and journalism, local community, future of the church, future of Christianity, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    Emily Belz on What Is Christian Higher Education Worth?

  3. Sep 29

    Does the Church Really Want the Truth? | Matthew Townsend

    What happens when the church becomes more concerned with managing its message than hearing difficult truths? Matthew Townsend joins Martha Tatarnic to discuss the role of journalism, truth-telling, and accountability within Christian institutions. Matthew served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 before leaving following a conflict over the treatment of confidential sources. Now a member of an Orthodox parish, he reflects on his experience in church journalism and the recent decision to end the Anglican Journal's journalistic independence and incorporate it into the Anglican Church of Canada's communications strategy. Martha and Matthew explore why churches need people willing to describe reality as it is, especially when institutions are anxious about decline or their future. They discuss journalism as a form of truth-telling, the relationship between accountability and institutional power, and why critical voices can contribute to better discernment even when they make leaders uncomfortable. Together they explore: What happened to the Anglican Journal's journalistic independence Why churches need truth-tellers and independent voices How institutional decline can intensify anxiety and message management Why progressive institutions aren't immune from failures of accountability The relationship between truth-telling, prophecy, and Christian faith Why the future of Christianity may require presence and stability rather than constantly seeking something new Matthew Townsend served as editor of the Anglican Journal, at the time a journalistic publication of the Anglican Church of Canada, from 2019 to 2021. Mistreatment of confidential sources prompted Matthew to leave his position, the denomination, and ecclesial work. Originally from Florida, Matthew and his family live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and worship at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church (OCA) in Halifax.   Mentioned Resources: 🌐 His Current Publication: southdartmouth.ca      Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Matthew Townsend, Anglican Journal, Anglican Church of Canada, Christian journalism, religious journalism, church journalism, journalism and Christianity, truth telling in the church, church accountability, institutional accountability, church leadership, congregational leadership, institutional church, church communications, church public relations, church transparency, independent journalism, Christian truth telling, prophetic voice, discernment, church decline, institutional decline, declining churches, anxious church, church anxiety, church institutions, Anglicanism, Anglican Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, Orthodox Christianity, church and power, colonialism and Christianity, Indigenous reconciliation, residential schools, church abuse, religious institutions, Christian leadership accountability, future of the church, future of Christianity, church renewal, faithful presence, Christianity and culture, Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic, Loren Richmond Jr.

    Does the Church Really Want the Truth? | Matthew Townsend

  4. Sep 22

    What Makes Ministry Sustainable? | Eric H. F. Law

    What if the most essential resource to make a ministry last isn't money--it's relationships? Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law returns to podcast to talk with Loren about why some of the most important resources for sustainable ministry aren't found in a budget. Sharing about his Holy Currencies framework, Law describes the six resources that help ministries become sustainable: money, time and place, gracious leadership, relationships, truth, and wellness. Drawing on decades of work with congregations, Law explains why relationships may be the resource churches most often overlook—and why listening to a community can be more important than launching another well-funded program. Together they explore: What makes a ministry sustainable Why money isn't necessarily a church's most important resource Listening to a community before deciding what it needs Moving from transactional service to genuine relationship Developing ministries that aren't dependent on one leader Knowing when it's time for a ministry to change or end The Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law is the founder of the Kaleidoscope Institute, which provides resources to equip leaders to create diverse and sustainable communities. Since his retirement from being the Executive Director, he continues his support of the Kaleidoscope Institute as its Innovator.  He has been a consultant and trainer for over 30 years working with religious and not-for -profit organizations across the U.S.A., and Canada.  Besides creating effective anti-racism training and curricula for building inclusive sustainable communities, he had successfully created a curriculum for incubation of sustainable and impactful projects addressing economic, social, spiritual, mental and physical wellness - from initial idea to launching innovative and sustainable action plan.  He is the author of over 12 books including Holy Currencies, Fear Not: Living Grace and Truth in a Frightened World, The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb, and  Inclusion:Making Room for Grace.  He is singer-songwriter-recording artist, an Episcopal priest, a photographer and a playwright.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: Holy Currencies 🌐 His Website: Kscopeinstitute.org 🎧 Listen to his music: erichflaw.hearnow.com 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Eric Law    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Eric H. F. Law, Holy Currencies, sustainable ministry, sustainable church ministry, ministry sustainability, church sustainability, church resources, church finances, money and ministry, funding ministry, relational ministry, relationship building, church and community, community engagement, missional ministry, missional church, church leadership, congregational leadership, gracious leadership, leadership development, ministry burnout, clergy burnout, Sabbath and ministry, church volunteers, volunteer leadership, church renewal, church decline, congregational vitality, church outreach, community partnerships, listening to the community, transactional ministry, church innovation, Kaleidoscope Institute, Holy Currency Exchange, Drawing on Holy Currencies, Fear Not, future of the church, future of Christianity, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    What Makes Ministry Sustainable? | Eric H. F. Law

  5. Sep 15

    The Church as Community Hub | Loren Richmond Jr.

    In this special episode, Martha Tatarnic interviews co-host Loren Richmond Jr. about his new book, The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive. Loren shares what inspired the book—including a visit to a small Canadian church serving migrant farm workers—and how years of conversations on Future Christian helped shape his thinking. At the heart of the book is a simple question: What if church buildings were understood not simply as places Christians gather, but as resources entrusted to congregations for the flourishing of their neighborhoods? Together they explore: What inspired The Church as Community Hub How Future Christian conversations shaped the book Why mission—not institutional survival—must come first Starting small and experimenting rather than looking for a magic bullet Why reimagining church property can be an act of hope What it means to equip congregations not necessarily to save the church, but to be the church Loren Richmond Jr. is a pastor, chaplain, and nonprofit leader. He is the director of development and programming for Green Room Leaders, as well as a cofounder and cohost of the Future Christian Podcast. His Substack is The Church Nerd. Richmond has worked in five Christian traditions, and he holds an MDiv from Phillips Seminary and an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Hope International University. He lives in Thornton, Colorado. Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: The Church as Community Hub 🌐 His Website: lorenrichmondjr.com 📱 Socials: @lorenrichmondjr 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Chad Brooks 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Michael Graham 🎧 Episodes Referenced: John Cleghorn 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Grace Pomroy 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Bob Jaeger 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Mike Cosper    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Loren Richmond Jr., The Church as Community Hub, church as community hub, church buildings, church property, church building reuse, reimagining church buildings, underused church buildings, church property ministry, church and community development, community hub model, neighborhood ministry, community engagement, church leadership, congregational leadership, church renewal, church decline, declining churches, future of the church, church innovation, missional church, church mission, adaptive ministry, church partnerships, sacred space, noncommercial community space, stewardship of church property, church buildings and mission, neighborhood flourishing, mainline Christianity, Martha Tatarnic, Future Christian Podcast

    The Church as Community Hub | Loren Richmond Jr.

  6. Sep 8

    When Your Wounds Become Your Identity | Derwin Gray

    What happens when the wounds we've experienced begin to define who we are? Dr. Derwin Gray—former NFL player, founding pastor of Transformation Church, and author of It’s Time to Heal—joins Loren to talk about trauma, healing, identity, and the transforming power of the gospel. Drawing from his own experiences of childhood trauma, Gray describes how he learned to identify the lies shaping his life and replace them with a new identity rooted in Christ. Gray argues that churches must take abuse, religious trauma, and destructive leadership seriously while also distinguishing those experiences from the ordinary conflict and friction that inevitably occur within Christian community. Healing requires honesty about what happened—but our wounds do not have to become our identity. Together they explore: Why Christianity isn't simply about “sin management” Trauma, neuroplasticity, and what Gray calls “Christ behavioral therapy” Why woundedness can become an identity The difference between serious church abuse and ordinary church conflict Forgiveness, reconciliation, and healthy Christian community Why no political party should become synonymous with Christianity And, naturally, whether Russell Wilson belongs in the Hall of Fame—and Derwin's surprisingly optimistic prediction for the Carolina Panthers. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), one of the fastest growing churches in America. TC is a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community near Charlotte, NC. Pastor Derwin and his wife, Vicki, have been married since 1992 and have two children: daughter, Presley, and son, Jeremiah. He is a bestselling author of several books including Lit Up With Love, The Good Life, Limitless Life, God, Do You Hear Me?, Building a Multiethnic Church, and How to Heal Our Racial Divide. Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book:  It's Time to Heal 🌐 His Website: derwinlgray.com 🌐 Transformation Church: transformationchurch.tc 🎧 His Podcast: Transforming the church 📱 Socials: @derwinlgray    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Derwin Gray, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, It’s Time to Heal, Christian healing, healing from trauma, trauma and Christianity, church hurt, healing from church hurt, religious trauma, Christian identity, woundedness and identity, forgiveness and healing, reconciliation, Christian mental health, faith and therapy, post traumatic growth, cognitive behavioral therapy and Christianity, Transformation Church, Christian leadership, pastoral leadership, political polarization and Christianity, church and politics, MAGA and Christianity, evangelicalism and politics, future of evangelicalism, American Christianity, multiethnic church, N.T. Wright, John Wesley, NFL and Christianity, faith and football, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    When Your Wounds Become Your Identity | Derwin Gray

  7. Sep 1

    When Church Growth Becomes Idolatry | Andrew Root

    What happens when the church’s desire for growth becomes a form of idolatry? Andrew Root returns to Future Christian to discuss his new book, Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry. Root argues that churches across the theological spectrum have become captured by a logic of escalation: more people, more resources, more innovation, more relevance, more affirmation. The problem is that there is never a point when we can finally say, “Enough.” Drawing connections between the worship of Baal in the Old Testament, modern capitalism, and contemporary church growth, Loren and Andy explore what churches believe will actually save them. They discuss Root’s categories of “techno-optimists” and “identitarians”—two groups that may appear opposed but can share the assumption that the church will survive if it can simply accumulate enough of the right kind of capital. Together they explore: When church growth becomes a form of idolatry Why churches struggle to ever say “enough” Techno-optimists, identitarians, and competing visions of church renewal Why money can function as more “real” than God in church decision-making The relationship between economic prosperity and American Protestantism Why the church keeps trying to recover its golden age Prayer, confession, and discerning where God is actually at work Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline, When Church Stops Working, and The Church After Innovation. Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies. Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book:  Baal and the gods of more 🌐 The Iowa Preachers Project: iapreachers.org 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Andrew Root, Baal and the Gods of More, church growth, church growth movement, church growth and idolatry, theology of church growth, church decline, future of the church, Protestant decline, mainline church decline, church innovation, church renewal, theology of the cross, ministry in a secular age, Hartmut Rosa, logic of escalation, capitalism and Christianity, capitalism and church growth, money and ministry, church finances, techno optimism, identity politics and church, identitarianism, Christian identity, law and gospel, Christian ministry, pastoral leadership, congregational leadership, American Protestantism, church attendance decline, Ryan Burge, Luther Seminary, practical theology, future of Christianity, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    When Church Growth Becomes Idolatry | Andrew Root

  8. Aug 25

    You Are Not Enough—and That’s Good News | David Zahl

    What if being told “you are enough” isn’t actually good news? David Zahl, founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries and author of The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World, joins Loren for an in-person conversation about grace, exhaustion, guilt, and the pressures shaping modern life. Zahl argues that beneath our culture’s constant messages of self-affirmation is an uncomfortable reality: most of us don’t actually feel like we’re enough. The Christian answer isn’t simply to convince ourselves otherwise, but to discover that Christ is enough—and God loves us in the midst of our inadequacy. David and Loren explore the endless pressure to perform—from careers and parenting to politics, social media, and youth sports—and how even attempts to prove our goodness can become exhausting forms of self-justification. They also venture into a provocative conversation about guilt and atonement, including why theological ideas rejected by some Christians may sound very different to someone who has caused real harm and desperately needs forgiveness. Together they explore: Why going to church remains his most important spiritual practice The pressure and exhaustion underneath modern life Why “you are enough” often fails to deliver Grace as an alternative to endless self-justification Guilt, forgiveness, and recovering the language of atonement Why church provides something community alone cannot Why the church needs to get back to the “forgiveness of sins business” David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website, and co-host of both The Mockingcast and The Brothers Zahl podcasts. Zahl is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself). His latest book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World appeared in April 2025 from Brazos Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. Even after all these years, he’s still mourning the end of Calvin and Hobbes (and hoping that Morrissey and Marr will bury the hatchet). His favorite theologian is probably a cross between Johnny Cash, Flannery O’Connor and his brother Simeon.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book:  The Big Relief 🌐 Mockingbird Ministries: Mbird.com 🌐 The Iowa Preachers Project: iapreachers.org 🎧 Mockingbird podcasts: podcasts 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords David Zahl, The Big Relief, Mockingbird Ministries, grace for a worn out world, Christian grace, theology of grace, you are enough, Christian self worth, self justification, guilt and grace, atonement theology, substitutionary atonement, forgiveness of sins, church and forgiveness, why church matters, importance of church attendance, modern exhaustion, burnout and Christianity, pressure to perform, parenting pressure, youth sports and church, social media and Christianity, Gen Z and Christianity, church and mental health, Andrew Root, Ryan Burge, Jonathan Haidt, Low Anthropology, Seculosity, Christian anthropology, future of Christianity, future of the church, Episcopal Church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    You Are Not Enough—and That’s Good News | David Zahl
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Future Christian explores church leadership, church renewal, and the future of Christianity through conversations with pastors, authors, theologians, and other faith leaders. Each episode offers practical wisdom and fresh ideas for navigating church decline, cultural change, ministry, and the challenges facing congregations today.

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