Rich Martin Rich Martin

Building Faith Communities in Secular Europe: A Conversation with Richard Lewis

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation between Rich Martin and Richard Lewis, focusing on the challenges and strategies of building church communities in secular regions of Europe, specifically Sweden. Richard Lewis shares his personal journey from being inspired to pursue full-time ministry, to pastoring a church in Umeå, Sweden. The discussion delves into topics such as transitioning from larger church roles to leading in smaller, secular communities, the importance of digital presence in modern ministry, and approaches to discipleship and worship that resonate in a European context. Through sharing his experiences and reflections, Lewis offers insights into navigating ministry in environments that are often indifferent or resistant to religious engagement.

00:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction to Rich Lewis

01:12 Rich Lewis's Journey: From Birmingham to Sweden

02:19 The Path to Pastoring in Sweden: A Detailed Account

11:20 Navigating Transitions: Insights and Experiences

18:22 Building a Modern Church in Sweden: Strategies and Challenges

25:37 Exploring Leadership and Community Influence

25:51 Religious Landscape in Sweden: A Comparative Insight

26:17 Adapting Church Methods to Local Culture

26:49 Navigating Spirituality and Social Issues in Sweden

30:21 Challenges and Strategies in Church Building

33:52 Personal Growth and Vision in Ministry

43:26 Reflections and Future Directions for European Churches

43:52 Embracing Digital Presence and Discipleship in Church Growth


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This podcast episode features a deep-dive conversation with Peter Wilson, a great friend and also a digital disrupter in the faith, church and well-being space! We cover many topics including The Four Cs of Church Focus: Cathedrals, Content, Crowds, and Control, The Digital World's Challenge to Traditional Church Models, Innovating Church Engagement in the Digital Age and Modern Management vs. Old Style Leadership in Churches. Pete has some gold insights into these topics and I really, really enjoyed the conversation!



00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: A Deep Dive with Pete Wilson

01:20 Unpacking Pete's Journey: From Church Pastor to Digital Innovator

02:33 The Evolution of Pete's Career: Worship Leading to Digital Space Leadership

05:37 Navigating Change and Innovation in Mega Churches

08:17 The Frustration with Tech in the Christian World

11:24 Exploring the Cost and Impact of Tech in Faith-Based Initiatives

16:14 The Intersection of Wellbeing, Faith, and Technology

22:04 Launching Neighborly: A Positive Social Media Venture

26:09 Exploring the Church's Digital Dilemma

26:23 The Four Cs of Church Focus: Cathedrals, Content, Crowds, and Control

27:15 The Digital World's Challenge to Traditional Church Models

28:29 Innovating Church Engagement in the Digital Age

28:39 Modern Management vs. Old Style Leadership in Churches

29:53 Shifting Paradigms: From Control to Service in Church Leadership

30:53 Understanding and Meeting the Felt Needs of the Community

31:16 Redefining Church Success: Beyond Physical Attendance

32:32 Leveraging Digital Platforms for Genuine Engagement

46:18 A Case Study: Transforming Church Engagement in Aberdeen

53:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions



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** The Rich Martin Podcast **

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Navigating Finances and Faith: A Deep Dive with Bob and Linda Lotich

In this episode of the Rich Martin Podcast, host Rich Martin interviews Bob and Linda Lotich, founders of Seed Time Ministry (www.seedtime.com), which helps individuals and churches globally manage money with a Christian perspective. They discuss the importance of viewing money through a biblical lens, teaching financial stewardship, and the impact of integrating God into financial decisions. Highlighting practical methods and transformative insights, the conversation touches on tithing, charitable giving, and achieving financial freedom while maintaining a heart for God. The Lotichs share their journey from financial struggles to being able to give a million dollars away, emphasizing the role of faith in personal finance. Furthermore, they explore the nuances of financial teachings in churches, addressing misconceptions around wealth and providing guidance on fostering a healthy, God-centered financial mindset among congregations.

00:00 Welcome to the Rich Martin Podcast: Episode 3800:31 Introducing Bob and Linda Lotich: Masters of Money and Ministry04:30 The Journey from Financial Mess to Giving Millions09:08 Navigating Money, Ministry, and the Middle Ground20:05 Practical Steps and Heart Transformation for Financial Freedom24:03 The Role of Money in Churches: A New Perspective35:54 Empowering Churches and Individuals Towards True Financial Freedom38:47 Wrapping Up: The Impact of Seed Time Ministry



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** The Rich Martin Podcast **
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rich-martin/id1510139697


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Web: http://richmartin.co.uk
Articles: https://linktr.ee/richmartin


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Reflections on Soul Church's Building Opening...watch Episode 37 Before this one!

This is done Live in the car (with Dan Belshaw and Matt Harrison) driving back from the largest church building opening in Europe! We talk about the impression it had on us and what we loved about it! Enjoy



00:00 Introduction to Episode Two

00:12 Journey Back from Soul Church Norwich

00:22 Live from the Car: Initial Reactions

00:39 Context and Background of Soul Church

01:30 Impressions of the New Building

02:50 Post-Reaction Discussion

03:09 Takeaways from the Experience

04:43 Reflections on the Church's Impact

05:48 The Significance of the Building

06:48 Honoring the People Behind the Church

12:11 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

22:23 Final Words and Farewell



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** The Rich Martin Podcast **

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rich-martin/id1510139697

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NT4ausjFsFmiXwaSnVRUZ

Other Players: https://anchor.fm/rich-martin



** Other Links **

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmartinuk/

Web: http://richmartin.co.uk

Articles: https://linktr.ee/richmartin


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Are Church Buildings Needed?
Thoughts on the largest church building opening in Europe
Does Europe need more physical church buildings?

In this brilliant episode (my opinion I'm aware!), I delve into the topic of physical church buildings and their pivotal role in communities. Joined by my friends, Matt Harrison and Dan Belshaw, we embark on a road trip to Norwich UK to witness the opening of Soul Church's new facility, helmed by Jon and Chantelle Norman...lots to chat about!

EPISODE 2 follows this one! (Where we discuss our thoughts after we had spent all day there!)

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:46 The Unique Setting of the Podcast
01:07 The Journey to Soul Church
03:19 The Story of Dan Bellshaw and Light Church
09:43 The Vision for the Church Building
21:52 The Role of Church Buildings in Communities
26:26 The Church and Its Identity
27:41 The Evolution of the Church
29:17 The Role of Church Buildings
30:51 The Significance of Sacred Spaces
31:49 The Power of Memories and Church Buildings
35:17 The Intersection of Physical and Spiritual
40:42 The Journey of Building a Church
44:26 The Future of Church Buildings
48:13 Reflections and Conclusions

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** The Rich Martin Podcast **
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rich-martin/id1510139697
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NT4ausjFsFmiXwaSnVRUZ
Other Players: https://anchor.fm/rich-martin

** Other Links **
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Web: http://richmartin.co.uk
Articles: https://linktr.ee/richmartin


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This conversation is with Jo Hargreaves (https://johargreavestherapy.com/) who along with her husband is a pastor in a church in the UK. She also is a professional counsellor. Jo’s insights into building church teams that are whole and holy are wise and inspiring. Her own personal journey is shared which gives you an insight into how you can lead well in church settings and beyond. It's a 5 star one and if you don’t like it I’ll give you your money back 😉

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ORbZlxNwHlI-xpL7Yi9hg?sub_confirmation=1

** The Rich Martin Podcast **

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rich-martin/id1510139697

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NT4ausjFsFmiXwaSnVRUZ

Other Players: https://anchor.fm/rich-martin

** Other Links **

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmartinuk/

Web: http://richmartin.co.uk

Articles: https://linktr.ee/richmartin


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rich-martin/message