Future Christian

Future Christian Network
Future Christian Network
  • 4.7 (31)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Aug 18

    Dave Runyon asks: What If Christians Were Known for What They're For?

    What if Christians were known more for what they're for than what they're against? Dave Runyon, executive director of City Unite and co-author of The Art of Neighboring, joins Loren to talk about what it means for Christians and churches to pursue the good of their communities in an increasingly polarized culture. Drawing from years of bringing faith, government, and business leaders together across the Denver metro area, Dave offers a vision for Christian public witness rooted in relationships, collaboration, and actual neighboring. Dave and Loren explore the challenge of creating churches where people with different political convictions can still worship together, why bridge-building requires learning to hold tension, and what Dave learned working with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and hundreds of faith leaders during COVID. They also discuss why the loudest voices on social media may not represent most people—and why Christians shouldn't allow outrage to dictate their public witness. Together they explore: Dave's journey from pastor to community organizer Why politically diverse churches are becoming harder to sustain Holding convictions without turning churches into political echo chambers Why bridge builders have to learn to hold tension Asset-based community development versus organizing around anger Recovering proximity-based relationships and a theology of place Why Christians should be known for what they're for Dave Runyon helps faith, business, and government leaders unite around common causes in the Denver metro area. He serves as the Executive Director of CityUnite and as a consultant for businesses who have a desire to make a positive impact in their communities. Dave helped to start a neighboring movement that has now spread to over 2,500 churches around the country. This experience prompted him to co-author “The Art of Neighboring,” which was published by Baker Books and has sold over 150,000 copies. He speaks locally and nationally, encouraging leaders to collaborate for the good of their cities. Before founding CityUnite, Dave served as a pastor for ten years at Foothills Community Church and The Next Level Church. He graduated from Colorado State University, where he studied history, economics, and education. Dave and his wife, Lauren, have four kids and do not plan to have any more.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: The Art of Neighboring 🌐 City Unite: CityUnite.org 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Alan Roxburgh    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 Dave Runyon, City Unite, The Art of Neighboring, love your neighbor, Christian unity, Christian polarization, faith and politics, church and politics, purple church, political diversity in churches, Christian public witness, civic engagement, church and community, community engagement, neighboring movement, theology of place, proximity-based relationships, church unity, bridge building, Christian civility, common good, asset-based community development, John McKnight, Colorado Prayer Luncheon, Governor Jared Polis, faith leaders and government, church collaboration, missional church, William Wilberforce, church leadership, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    Dave Runyon asks: What If Christians Were Known for What They're For?

  5. 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.

    Can Mainline Christianity Find Its Future? | Lovett Weems

  6. 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.

    Peter Levenstrong on Why the Future of Preaching Is Collaborative

  7. Jul 28

    What the Black Church Can Teach American Christianity | Justin Giboney

    What does faithful Christian engagement in politics actually look like? In this episode, Loren talks with Justin Giboney, co-founder and president of the AND Campaign, to discuss his book Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around. Drawing lessons from the Black Church during the Civil Rights Movement, Giboney argues that Christians today have much to learn about integrity, public witness, moral imagination, and resisting the temptation to sacrifice biblical principles for political victories. The conversation also examines moral imagination, the role of institutions, gerrymandering, Christian public witness, and why the Civil Rights Movement remains one of the clearest examples of faithful political engagement in American history. Rather than offering partisan solutions, Giboney challenges Christians to recover a distinctly Christian approach to civic life that reflects the character of Jesus. Together they explore: What the Civil Rights Movement teaches Christians today Moral imagination and faithful public witness Why good causes don't justify unethical means The danger of making political opponents irredeemable Self-purification, spiritual formation, and Christian activism How Christians can engage politics without embracing tribalism Why justice and the gospel belong together   Justin E. Giboney (JD, Vanderbilt University) is the cofounder and president of the AND Campaign, a Christian civic organization focused on raising civic literacy, promoting civic pluralism, and equipping Christians to engage politics with the love and truth of Jesus Christ. An ordained minister, attorney, and political strategist, Giboney has been featured in publications such as the New York Times and Christianity Today and is the coauthor of the book Compassion (&) Conviction. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and three sons.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around 🌐 Website: andcampaign.org/ 📱 Socials: @justinegiboney 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge    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 Justin Giboney, AND Campaign, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around, Black church, Civil Rights Movement, Christian public witness, faith and politics, Christian political engagement, moral imagination, Christian ethics, church and politics, civic engagement, political polarization, justice and the gospel, Christian nationalism, Christian civic responsibility, public theology, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Ryan Burge, The Vanishing Church, Christian leadership, church and democracy, church and culture, civic pluralism, Christian discipleship, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    What the Black Church Can Teach American Christianity | Justin Giboney

  8. Jul 21

    Why Church Renewal Fails (and What Actually Works)

    Why do so many church renewal efforts fall short? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Kris Vos and Larry Doornbos of the Center for Church Renewal about what they've learned from working with more than 120 congregations across North America. Rather than offering quick fixes or flashy programs, they make the case that genuine renewal begins with listening, discipleship, and a renewed commitment to the church's mission. The conversation explores the common challenges facing churches today—from declining attendance and outdated governance structures to unhealthy congregational cultures and the temptation to prioritize institutional survival over the gospel. Kris and Larry explain why renewal is measured in years, not months, and why churches must focus on making disciples rather than simply attracting attenders. They also discuss practical leadership questions: how to create a culture of grace and permission, why church structures should serve mission instead of hindering it, how congregations can better connect with their communities, and what leaders can learn from Native American and Latino churches about relationships and storytelling. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that renewal is possible—but only through patient, intentional leadership rooted in the gospel. Together they explore: Why churches often misdiagnose their real problems The "Big Three" challenges facing most congregations Why outreach often fails to build lasting relationships How church governance can either enable or hinder mission Why renewal takes far longer than most churches expect When churches should pursue renewal—and when it may be time to "complete and bless" Lessons from Native American and Latino congregations Kris Vos is the campus pastor of a church restart in Lake Worth, FL that is part of Sunlight Community Church campuses of South Florida. He is also the Director of the Center for Church Renewal. Previously, he spent 20 years leading a church plant, Crossroads Community Church, in Schererville, IN. On his journey of church planting, he spent time learning from and training other church planters. Currently, in the work of renewal he has come alongside other renewal leaders. His greatest passion is building relationships with people who don’t know Christ. He was discipled for 2 years in college and continues to invest himself in discipling others. He is married to Debra and together they have four children and four grandchildren. Larry Doornbos loves and is committed to the local church. He is an experienced pastor, church planter, and leader. He began his ministry in Rehoboth, New Mexico. During his time Rehoboth CRC took fresh steps in ministry and mission. In 1993, Larry, along with a core group of seven families, began EverGreen Ministries in Hudsonville, Michigan. EverGreen is an outward-facing church that serves its community and the world. Larry served as Director of Vibrant Congregations, helping congregations discover their God-given, hope-filled future. Presently he is president of Imagine Church and director of the New Horizons Project. In his free time Larry loves hanging out with his wife Linda (professor at Oakland University), exploring cities and viewing British TV. He also works out, but he does not enjoy that at all. Linda and Larry have two children: Gayle, a professor at Dordt University, and Chris, a special-needs young man who inspires many.   Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Website: ChurchRenew.org 📱 Socials: @centerforchurchrenewal 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Jarrod Longbohns 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andrew 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 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 Kris Vos, Larry Doornbos, Center for Church Renewal, church renewal, church revitalization, renewing the church, congregational renewal, church leadership, church discipleship, making disciples, healthy church culture, church governance, church mission, missional church, church outreach, church growth, church decline, congregational transformation, church vision, discipleship pathway, church culture, church leadership development, Christian Reformed Church, Reformed Church in America, church planting, church life cycle, adaptive church leadership, Native American churches, Latino churches, Andrew Root, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

    Why Church Renewal Fails (and What Actually Works)
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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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