The Roots for Churches podcast

Roots for Churches
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Interviews exploring intergenerational ministry, worship, preaching, theology, the Bible, children’s and youth groups. Roots produces weekly lectionary based resources for churches to support worship and learning for all ages. Find out more at www.rootsforchurches.com

  1. Reimagining Evangelism: Practical Tips for Churches, with Andy Frost S4E19

    3d ago

    Reimagining Evangelism: Practical Tips for Churches, with Andy Frost S4E19

    Melanie Cave speaks with Andy Frost of Share Jesus International about making evangelism less intimidating and more practical for churches. They explore starting small — prayer, telling brief personal stories, and ‘dropping the Frisbee’ into conversations — building church cultures of prayer, hosting accessible events, and supporting people to take their next steps in faith. Andy shares practical ideas, encouragements for leaders, and resources to help congregations become more confident and authentic in sharing the good news. Key Topics Comparing evangelism to an ultramarathon: endurance, pacing, and enjoyment The significance of starting small: prayer, casual conversations, and dropping in faith nuggets Overcoming the perception that evangelism is hard or only for 'super Christians' Practical ways to incorporate faith sharing into church routines (small groups, services, events) The power of prayer and community in cultivating a missional mindset Using stories, arts, and creative events to introduce the Christian faith  Recognizing individual and corporate styles of faith sharing The importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and listening in faith conversations Simple, effective activities: prayer walks, giving crosses, dropping in questions about God's work in daily life Encouragement for church leaders to model and facilitate faith sharing confidently Chapters 00:00 - Evangelism as an ultramarathon 02:37 - Why sharing faith feels intimidating 03:27 - Starting small with prayer and everyday faith 06:03 - Knowing your “why” and sharing naturally 08:35 - Building evangelism into church culture 11:58 - Creating a prayer culture that lasts 15:01 - Responding to tough faith questions 20:10 - Asking better questions and praying for people 27:02 - Seeing everyday opportunities to serve 30:09 - Different styles of sharing faith 32:31 - Events, relationships, and the right next step 41:35 - Encouragement for church leaders Resources & Links Share Jesus International Faith Sharing Style Quiz www.rootsforchurches.com

    48 min
  2. Stirring Curiosity: How to Share Faith with a Spiritual Generation S4E18

    Jun 15

    Stirring Curiosity: How to Share Faith with a Spiritual Generation S4E18

    Melanie Cave speaks with Joy and Darren Stevens of Start to Stir about sharing faith with young people who are indifferent or exploring spirituality, manifesting, crystals or witchcraft. They outline a gentle, relationship-based approach: listening well, finding common ground, stirring spiritual curiosity, and pacing conversations over time rather than expecting one-off conversions. The episode offers practical tips and resources for leaders and teens — simple questions to ask, how to handle church hurt and converstions about power-based spirituality, and tools like short Soul Stirrers videos to open ongoing faith conversations. They explore new approaches to evangelism, understanding spiritual curiosity, and how to navigate conversations about spirituality and religion with authenticity and compassion. Keywords evangelism, faith sharing, spiritual curiosity, church outreach, youth ministry, Christian faith, cultural engagement, spiritual conversations, church hurt, spiritual longings Key Topics New approaches to evangelism in modern culture Understanding spiritual curiosity among young people Building trust and listening in faith conversations Sound Bites 'Ask questions, listen, and find common ground.' 'Experience your soul in action.' 'Most of the spiritual growth is slow and steady.' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to evangelism and personal backgrounds 03:52 Shifting perspectives on sharing faith 06:15 Understanding young people's indifference to faith 09:30 Building trust in faith conversations 1 2:45 Exploring spiritual Curiosity among youth 16:20 Navigating conversations with authenticity 20:10 Addressing church hurt and spiritual longings 24:00 Engaging in cultural conversations with compassion 28:15 Addressing power and witchcraft 31:06 Generational perspectives on spirituality 34:13 Navigating spiritual curiosity in youth 37:16 Equiping young people for faith conversations 41:24 Resources and training for churches   Show notes www.starttostir.com  @starttostir   @starttostir_de  www.rootsforchurches.com 'Good Vibrations' Roots resource on mansifesting and spiritual energy (issue 145) The 3D Gospel by Jason Georges

    49 min
  3. Fringe Dweller: Life at the Edges, Creativity & Mission, with Jonny Baker S4E17

    Jun 8

    Fringe Dweller: Life at the Edges, Creativity & Mission, with Jonny Baker S4E17

    Melanie Cave interviews Jonny Baker, discussing his new book 'Fringe Dweller,' exploring the life of Jesus at the margins and how this perspective can transform church practices and mission. The conversation reflects on the life of Jesus as an example of one who reaches out, creativity in scripture engagement, mission at the edges, and practical practices for churches to inhabit scripture and live out the gospel authentically.   The Fringer Dweller book offers reflection and provocation based on Jesus' life, hands‑on mission and prayer practices (like role play and gospel contemplation), and poetic liturgies to respond as a community or individually.   Jonny encourages us to embrace the edges as fertile spaces for growth, conversation and pioneering ministry.    Keywords Jesus, Fringe Dweller, Mission, Creativity, Scripture, Church, Evangelism, Discipleship, Holy Spirit, Community Engagement   Key Topics Jesus' life at the margins Creative engagement with scripture Practices for living out the gospel at the edges Sound Bites 'Mission as an adventure of the imagination' 'Jesus advocates for those at the fringes' 'There is life at the edges, come and see' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jonny and his journey 03:44 Mission and creativity in Western culture 06:29 Barriers to the gospel in Western society 09:26 The concept of the Fringe Dweller 11:59 Exploring the book: Fringe Dweller 14:37 Practices and liturgy in discipleship 17:40 Engaging with Scripture in community 20:26 The role of creativity in worship 25:19 Engaging young people with scripture 29:04 Innovative practices for reading the Bible 35:00 Imaginative approaches to acripture 39:46 Missional practices and community engagement   Show Notes Buy Fringe Dweller here: https://www.getsidetracked.co/ www.rootsforchurches.com

    48 min
  4. How Interfaith Dialogue Empowers Youth to Confidently Share Faith, with Jill Appleton S4E16

    Jun 1

    How Interfaith Dialogue Empowers Youth to Confidently Share Faith, with Jill Appleton S4E16

    In the next in our series on helping young people share faith, Melanie Cave interviews Jill Appleton of The Feast. They discuss how interfaith dialogue and the guidelines for respectful conversation can empower young people to share their faith confidently, build bridges between communities, and foster understanding in diverse societies. In these settings Christian teenagers become more confident in their Christian identity. Jill shares The Feast's Guidelines for Dialogue, how listening and respectful questioning differ from debate, and how these skills build friendship, resist radicalisation, and support faith conversations in diverse schools and communities. The episode also points listeners to practical resources and training for youth workers and schools to adopt dialogue-based approaches. Keywords interfaith dialogue, youth faith sharing, guidelines for dialogue, community building, faith education, evangelism, youth empowerment, religious diversity, Christian faith, social cohesion Key Topics The Feast's mission to foster interfaith dialogue among youth The importance of listening and asking good questions in faith conversations How dialogue differs from debate and its role in faith sharing The guidelines for respectful and honest dialogue Real-life stories of faith transformation through interfaith encounters Sound Bites 'Listening is massively important in faith conversations.' 'The Feast helps young people become confident in their faith.' 'God works in our conversations and relationships.' Chapters 00:00 Building Bridges Through Dialogue 06:07 The Art of Dialogue vs. Debate 11:27 Guidelines for Effective Conversations 16:47 Transformative Journeys of Faith 22:08 Recognizing and Countering Radicalization 26:22 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue 28:04 Transformative Encounters: A Personal Story 29:57 Faith Sharing in Diverse Settings 32:18 Building Confidence in Faith 34:57 Navigating Interfaith Relationships 36:39 The Role of Dialogue in Conflict Resolution 39:17 The Impact of Dialogue on Evangelism 44:11 Expanding the Feast: Global Reach and Resources   Show Notes https://thefeast.org.uk/ Feast Resources: https://the-feast-youth-project.sumupstore.com/ www.rootsforchurches.com Discovering God: https://www.rootsontheweb.com/discover-roots/discovering-god

    49 min
  5. The Journey of a Lifetime, an Intergenational Holiday Club, with Alison Hulse S4E15

    May 25

    The Journey of a Lifetime, an Intergenational Holiday Club, with Alison Hulse S4E15

    Imagine grandparents, grandchildren and whole families boarding a vintage train for the journey of a lifetime — meeting Jesus at every station through prayer, games, serving, learning and collaborative crafts. Together they eat, laugh, share stories of faith and explore Bible stories from Luke with simple spiritual practices that welcome every age. Explore the innovative intergenerational holiday club 'A Journey of a Lifetime' with Roots' MD Melanie and writer Alison Hulse, focusing on faith, community, and spiritual practices that unite all ages in a shared journey of discipleship. This ready-to-run holiday club helps churches bring generations together, adaptable for Sundays or midweek, with story-telling ideas, station activities, take-home reflections and safeguarding guidance so communities can grow in faith and relationship.   Keywords intergenerational holiday club, faith, community, spiritual practices, children, grandparents, discipleship, church community, faith development, family faith   Key Topics Intergenerational holiday club design Spiritual practices for children and adults Building faith community across ages Sound Bites 'Humility and mutual learning are key.' 'Encounter God in new and diverse ways.' 'Share your faith journey with others.' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alison Hulse and Roots for Church 02:05 Understanding Intergenerational Holiday Clubs 04:12 Creating Spaces for All Ages 06:51 Engaging Activities and Stations 09:25 Bible Stories and Their Impact 14:33 Exploring Spiritual Practices 17:07 The Role of Spiritual Pathways 18:59 Impact of Holiday Clubs on Children and Communities 22:15 Intergenerational Learning and Humility 23:56 Hopes for Community Formation 25:19 Practical Implementation of Holiday Clubs   Show Notes www.rootsforchurches.com https://www.methodist.org.uk/faith/a-methodist-way-of-life/ https://www.rootsontheweb.com/seasons-and-festivals/festivals/holidays https://roots-for-churches.myshopify.com/

    31 min
  6. Unlocking Faith: Sacramental Churches, Young People & Evangelism, with Jess Masters-Carrer S4E14

    May 18

    Unlocking Faith: Sacramental Churches, Young People & Evangelism, with Jess Masters-Carrer S4E14

    Melanie Cave talks with Jess Masters-Carrer about why Gen Z and Gen Alpha are increasingly drawn to sacramental spirituality and how churches can welcome and equip young people to share faith. They explore themes such as belonging before believing, the role of liturgy and ritual, embracing mystery, and practical mission approaches focused on invitation and relationship. The episode offers practical ideas for youth workers and church leaders—creating safe spaces for questions, teaching liturgical language, using digital content to demystify worship, and building long-term discipleship—so young people can invite friends into sacramental traditions with confidence.

    43 min
  7. When Evangelism Gives the ‘Ick’: Equipping Young People to Share Faith, with Aaron Routledge S4E13

    May 4

    When Evangelism Gives the ‘Ick’: Equipping Young People to Share Faith, with Aaron Routledge S4E13

    The spiritual climate is shifting and Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more open to the gospel than many expect. Melanie Cave interviews Aaron Routledge about why evangelism can feel awkward, how culture has changed, and why we need to move from scripted presentations to natural, curiosity-led conversations. They explore practical steps (the Five B's), encouraging stories, and resources for churches and youth leaders to equip and release young people to share their faith with confidence and love. Keywords evangelism, youth ministry, faith sharing, relational evangelism, church youth, spiritual conversations, gospel, youth leadership, faith in action, church resources Key Topics Shifting from presentation to conversation in evangelism Tools and models for effective faith sharing Understanding cultural shifts among young people Building confidence in youth to share their faith Resources and programs to support youth evangelism Sound Bites "Tolerance is a really poor moral standard. Love is the highest form of morality" "Evangelism is sharing good news, naturally" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Evangelism 03:51 Aaron's Journey into Youth Work 06:28 Challenges of Evangelism for Christians 15:07Shifts in Evangelism Over the Years 17:56 Changing Worldviews Among Young People 20:55 The Importance of Relational Evangelism 23:41 Equipping Young People for Evangelism 26:20 The Five B's of Gospel Conversations 29:07 Preaching vs. Sharing the Gospel 34:41 The Power of Conversational Evangelism 36:58 Overcoming Barriers to Evangelism Training 39:07 Discipleship vs. Evangelism: Finding Balance 41:12 Creating a Culture of Gospel Conversations 42:56 Empowering Young People for Mission 45:44 Releasing vs. Retaining: A New Mindset 48:21 Resources for Youth Leaders 53:17 Encouraging Stories of Faith Sharing Show Notes   The Charge https://www.message.org.uk/thecharge/ Amplify - The Young Evangelists Academy | United Kingdom https://www.amplifyacademy.co.uk/ Gospel Advancing Ministry - An Effective Youth Ministry Strategy https://www.dare2share.org/gospel-advancing/ Roots' article series on reimaginging evangelsim www.Rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/re-imagining-evangelism

    59 min
  8. Children at the Table: Making Communion Intergenerational, with Melanie Cave S4E12

    Apr 15

    Children at the Table: Making Communion Intergenerational, with Melanie Cave S4E12

    From a talk at the Intergenerate '26 conference, this episode explores Roots’ Bread & Wine research into making communion accessible and invitational for the whole church. Melanie Cave shares findings, practical case studies (toddler services, multilingual parishes, youth-led reflections, outdoor and care-home eucharists), and adaptable prayers and choreography to help churches include children, people with dementia, neurodivergence, and those for whom English is not a first language. Listeners will hear about the churches' challenges, and the resulting innovative approaches to intergenerational communion Roots discovered and highlighted in case studies. Roots Bread & Wine makes the Eucharist inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for all ages and backgrounds. You'll hear about small steps churches can take to create more intergenerational, sensory, and participative communion services. And you can discover Root's layered, ecumenical communion prayers, and a visual timetable to reduce anxiety and help those with additional needs navigate the service well.  Keywords intergenerational communion, church inclusivity, Eucharist, church resources, religious education, ecumenical worship, church innovation, Bread & Wine, Roots for Churches   Key Topics Challenges of intergenerational communion Ecumenical approaches to Eucharist Innovative case studies in church settings Sound Bites "Communion can be challenging intergenerationally" "Communion is adaptable and powerful in many settings" "Who feels most at home at your communion table today?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:21 Understanding Communion Experiences 03:39 Challenges of Intergenerational Communion 05:20 Roots for Churches and Ecumenical Resources 08:32 Creating Inclusive Communion Practices 11:49 Case Studies in Innovative Communion 19:41 Practical Steps for Intergenerational Communion 25:56 Conclusion and Reflection   Show notes Roots Bread & Wine Communion resources, articles and case studies www.rootsforchurches.com/communion Visual timetable for churches www.rootsforchurches.com/VT

    29 min
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About

Interviews exploring intergenerational ministry, worship, preaching, theology, the Bible, children’s and youth groups. Roots produces weekly lectionary based resources for churches to support worship and learning for all ages. Find out more at www.rootsforchurches.com

Information

  • Creator
    Roots for Churches
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Roots for Churches podcast

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