Future Christian Network

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Updated 11/20/2020

Sep 30

A Very (Almost) Episcopate Conversation: Candidates for the XI Bishop of Kansas

Show Notes: In this episode we interview each candidate for the 11th Bishop of Kansas one-by-one, asking some key questions about their experience with youth and young adult ministries and vision for these ministries in the Diocese of Kansas. About the Hosts The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike and dog Indy. The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. About the Guests: The Rev. Grant Ambrose serves as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in York, Pennsylvania.The Rev. Dr. David Gortner serves as the Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice (she/her) serves as the Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. The Rev. Canon Lisa Senuta serves as Canon for Spiritual Life and Clergy Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Relevant links: More information about the search for the 11th Bishop of Kansas can be found online here: https://episcopal-ks.org/episcopal-diocese-of-kansas-bishop-search/ Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.
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.
1d ago

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 🌐 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.
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.
Jun 1

Pride, Belonging & the Episcopal Church

In this episode…we’re talking about Pride Month, young adults, and the life of the Episcopal Church—especially how we understand belonging, dignity, and love. While we have talked about inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community before, we are talking more specifically about why so many dioceses, but especially the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, is addressing their participation in Pride Month and their local Pride Feast. About the Hosts: The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. About the Guests: Tess Lollis-Burnside (She/Her) is a transgender laywoman who worships at St Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City. She grew up going to a United Church of Christ parish, but attended Roman Catholic schooling from elementary school to college. She became an Episcopalian in Fall of 2024. She serves at her parish as an acolyte most Sundays, and serves on the LGBTQ+ Ministry Committee of the Diocese of West Missouri. She has a deep and abiding love for beautifully complex Anglo-Catholic liturgy, progressive orthodox theology, and finding new ways to express her queerness. She lives with Kirby, her non-binary fiance, in Kansas City. Raja Reed (he/him) is a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, where he serves as Parish Administrator and is active in outreach, hospitality, and pastoral care ministries. In the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, Raja serves on Diocesan Council and the Commission on Ministry, and is co-chair of the Diocese’s LGBTQIA+ Ministry, and treasurer of the Secretariat of the Heartland Cursillo Ministry. He is passionate about creating spaces of belonging, visibility, and welcome within the Church and throughout the wider community. Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.
Aug 11

Can Mainline Christianity Find Its Future? | Lovett Weems

Can Mainline Christianity find its future? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with United Methodist scholar Lovett Weems to discuss his new book, An Aura of Hope: United Methodism's Next Chapter in the United States. While the conversation begins with the United Methodist Church's recent disaffiliation, it quickly broadens into a thoughtful exploration of the challenges facing Mainline Christianity as a whole—from shifting demographics and institutional decline to recovering a clear sense of mission. Weems argues that the greatest challenge before the church isn't simply theological disagreement, but a loss of focus. Drawing on John Wesley's theology and decades of church leadership experience, he encourages congregations to rediscover "the people God has given us" and to evaluate every ministry by asking a simple question: "So that...?" What fruit is this producing? How is it helping the church fulfill its mission? Whether you're Methodist or not, this conversation offers practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders wondering what faithful ministry looks like in a rapidly changing world. Together they explore: What the United Methodist disaffiliation teaches the wider church Why churches lose their sense of mission and identity John Wesley's vision for "the people God has given us" Lessons from the Sunday school movement Rural churches, urban growth, and changing demographics Why reaching younger and more diverse communities matters The difference between institutional success and biblical fruitfulness Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., is distinguished professor of church leadership emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He came to Wesley in 2003 as the founding director of the Wesley’s Lewis Center for Church Leadership after eighteen years as president of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Previously he was a pastor in Mississippi for many years. A native of Mississippi, Dr. Weems is a graduate of Millsaps College; Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; and Wesley Theological Seminary. He holds honorary degrees from Baker University, Central Methodist University, and Millsaps College. His years in local church ministry in Mississippi were marked by both evangelism and social concerns. His work in Mississippi led distinguished Mississippi writer Willie Morris to describe him as “one of the persons who added much to the growing civility of Mississippi.” He is the author of numerous books including his widely used church leadership text, Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, and Integrity, described by Rosabeth Moss Kanter of Harvard Business School as “an invaluable guide to leadership in the church.” His most recent book is An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States. Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: An Aura of Hope 🌐 Lewis Center for Leadership: churchleadership.com 🟧 His Substack: United Methodist Focus 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Doug Powe 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 Lovett Weems, An Aura of Hope, United Methodist Church, United Methodist disaffiliation, mainline Christianity, future of the mainline church, church leadership, church renewal, congregational leadership, John Wesley, Methodist history, Methodist renewal, church identity, church mission, common good, Christian leadership, church demographics, rural churches, urban ministry, Sunday school movement, church growth, church decline, congregational vitality, fruitfulness in ministry, Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Francis Asbury, Christian conferencing, church and culture, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.
May 19

Rethinking Church Buildings for a New Era with Bob Jaeger

What if church buildings are far more valuable to communities than most people realize? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Bob Jaeger, co-founder and president of Partners for Sacred Places, about the future of church buildings, the hidden economic impact of congregations, and why sacred spaces still matter in an era of church decline. Drawing from decades of work helping congregations preserve and reimagine their buildings, Bob explains how churches often underestimate both their civic value and the possibilities already sitting inside their walls. The conversation explores the “halo effect” of churches, the economic and social impact congregations have on neighborhoods, and why many churches need to rethink how they steward and share their spaces. They discuss the rise of adaptive reuse projects, the dangers of waiting too long to make decisions about property, and how churches can partner with nonprofits, architects, and community organizations to imagine new futures for aging buildings. The conversation also explores the spiritual and cultural significance of church architecture and why sacred spaces continue to shape communities—even for people who never attend worship services. Together they explore: Why church buildings still matter spiritually and culturally The “halo effect” and economic value churches bring to communities Adaptive reuse, housing projects, and creative uses for church space Why churches need community partnerships and outside support The role of architecture in shaping faith and community identity Why churches should think of their buildings as mission assets What the future of sacred spaces might look like Robert Jaeger is the co-founder and president of Partners for Sacred Places, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the stewardship and preservation of historic religious properties. Since 1989, he has helped congregations across the country sustain their buildings as vital community assets, leading initiatives such as the Economic Halo Effect study and the New Dollars/New Partners program. With a background in historic preservation and organizational leadership, Jaeger previously founded the Historic Religious Properties Preservation Program at the Philadelphia Historic Preservation Corporation and has extensive experience in research, consulting, and publishing. He is the author or co-author of several influential works on sacred spaces and community renewal and has lectured widely at national and international conferences. Jaeger holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Preservation Planning from Cornell University. Mentioned Resources: 📖 Sacred Places Magazine: Link here 🌐 Sacred Places Website: Partners for Sacred Places 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 New 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 Bob Jaeger, Partners for Sacred Places, church buildings future, sacred spaces preservation, church architecture theology, economic halo effect churches, adaptive reuse church buildings, church property redevelopment, church decline and buildings, historic church preservation, sacred places community impact, churches and affordable housing, church civic value, church fundraising property, nonprofit partnerships churches, church space sharing, community centered church, stewardship of church buildings, sacred architecture meaning, future of church property, church revitalization strategies, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.
Mar 5

A Very Episcopate Conversation: Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, X Bishop of Minnesota

In this episode… This week, we’re chatting with The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya (he/him) is the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota. We chat about discipleship, faithful innovation, and how his time as a Campus Minister shapes how he ministers as a bishop. About the Hosts The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City, MO and graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She is an Episcopal priest, who is canonically resident in the Diocese of Kansas and licensed in the Diocese of W. Missouri. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) The Rev. Karen Schlabach is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen was an active youth in the Kansas youth ministry program, and as a college student participated in Campus Ministry at K-State, she returned as an adult volunteer in her late 20s. Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels for four years, and prior to that worked as an Academic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. Guest: Rt. Rev. Craig Loya (he/him) The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya is the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota, which comprises one hundred faith communities, spread across rural, suburban, and urban contexts, regularly worshipping in six languages. He was consecrated on June 6, 2020. Early in his time as bishop, he led a process of priority-setting for the diocese, together identifying four core areas of focus: discipleship, faithful innovation, justice, and congregational vitality. Loya is a third generation Mexican-American. He was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, and graduated from Hastings College and Yale Divinity School. He was ordained priest in the Diocese of South Dakota in 2003. His first ministry was serving four congregations on the Rosebud Reservation. He later served congregations in Massachusetts, on the bishop’s staff in the Diocese of Kansas, and as Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Omaha before being elected the tenth bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. He is married to Dr. Melissa Tubbs Loya, a Hebrew Bible scholar, and they have two children. Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise
Aug 4

Peter Levenstrong on Why the Future of Preaching Is Collaborative

What if the sermon wasn't something delivered to the congregation—but something created with the congregation? In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, associate rector of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco and author of Collaborative Sermons. Peter shares how his congregation developed "Living Story Sermons," an interactive, tactile approach to preaching that invites worshippers to wonder together, contribute their own insights, and trust the Holy Spirit to speak through the entire community—not just the preacher. Drawing from years of experimentation and research across multiple congregations, Peter discusses why collaborative preaching is more than a novel technique. It's a response to spiritual trauma, declining trust in institutions, growing digital isolation, and the church's need to become an embodied, relational community in an AI-shaped world. Together, Martha and Peter explore how collaborative sermons foster biblical engagement, deepen participation, create healing, and offer a compelling vision for the future of Christian worship. Together they explore: Why traditional sermons often assume only one person has something worthwhile to say The origins of Living Story Sermons during the COVID pandemic How collaborative preaching builds trust and participation Research findings on biblical retention and congregational engagement Why collaborative sermons can be healing for people with church hurt Creating "analog havens" in an increasingly AI-driven world The future of preaching, worship, and embodied Christian community The Rev. Peter Levenstrong is Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, where over the past six years he developed Living Stories Sermons, a collaborative, tactile preaching method now used by more than 130 preachers across denominations. His book Collaborative Sermons: A Guide to Authentic, Interactive Worship through Living Stories is out from Church Publishing in August 2026. He writes about the human part of ministry in an AI world on his Substack, The Human Part, and is a Trinity Leadership Fellow (2025–27) and Senior Fellow on AI at TryTank Research Institute. He holds an MDiv from Yale Divinity School and lives in Oakland with his wife Kaitlin and their son Caspian. Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: Collaborative Sermons 🌐 Living Stories Newsletter: LSS Sign-Up for Newsletter 🟧 Peter's Substack: The Human Part 📱 Socials: His Facebook 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Doug Pagitt 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 New 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 Peter Levenstrong, Collaborative Sermons, Living Story Sermons, collaborative preaching, interactive preaching, participatory worship, sermon preparation, preaching and AI, AI and ministry, future of preaching, Episcopal Church, St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church, Godly Play, Jerome Berryman, intergenerational worship, worship innovation, biblical engagement, church leadership, preaching methods, homiletics, sermon collaboration, Holy Spirit and preaching, analog church, embodied worship, digital discipleship, church and artificial intelligence, worship renewal, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic, Loren Richmond Jr.
Apr 2

Liturgical Fashion 101: Episcopal Vestments

Show Notes: In this episode… We are talking about All Things…Episcopal liturgical fashion aka, the vestments we wear and why we wear them. We are talking about the fancy poncho that the priest wears, why do people wear what looks like a floor length black dress, and why are these clothes that the altar party wear so ornate and intricate in their detailing? We are getting into all of that and more with the one and only The Rev. Chas Marks. About the Hosts The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. About our Guest: The Rev. Canon Charles A. (Chas) Marks (he/him) serves as the Canon for Common Mission of The Diocese of West Missouri. This position involves working directly with the Bishop to serve our ministries and leaders. His primary focus includes congregational development and vitality, leadership transitions, and oversight of Diocesan Convention. Canon Marks was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and is the product of Catholic education. He became an Episcopalian while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Having been received at the Cathedral there, he feels a particular connection to the “Martyrs of Memphis” and upon moving to Kansas City knew he had found his church home when he looked up at St. Mary’s, Kansas City and noticed the window to their memory located there. He discerned his vocation at St. Mary’s and was ordained to the diaconate in 2014 and the priesthood in 2015.He previously served as Missioner for Transitions for our Diocese, Rector of St. Augustine’s Church, and Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Church, both in Kansas City. He also served at Saint Francis Ministries, an Episcopal social service agency, in Church and Community Relations. Prior to his ordination, he worked in social services, managing programs that assisted unhoused and at-risk youth. He is a graduate of Wichita State University, St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology, and The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. Canon Marks has also completed the College for Congregational Development program and has a Certificate in Church Management from the Villanova School of Business.Canon Chas lives with his husband, Barry, in the Historic Northeast of Kansas City with their clowder of black cats. Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.

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