The Living Church Podcast

The Living Church
  • 4.7 (33)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Living Church Podcast explores ecumenical topics in theology, the arts, ethics, pastoral care, and spiritual growth — all to equip and encourage leaders in the Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion, and beyond. A ministry of the Living Church Institute.

  1. 3h ago

    Tracing Turning Points in Prayer Book History

    Four hundred years of prayer book “turning points” give surprising guidance for current crossroads in worship and common life. Our guests, Matthew Olver and Nathan Jennings, are here to talk about their new book, Turning Points in Prayer Book History: From England Through Scotland to the United States. After today’s episode, your view of the Book of Common Prayer may never be the same; not in how you use it, or even maybe what you know about it, but in how you see its role in Anglican decision making and discernment. From 16th century words of distribution to 21st century marriage services, tracing the patterns of prayer book past may help us navigate the complexities of the present. Today we dive into the book’s content, the purpose behind it, and how Nathan and Matthew hope it might be a gift to the parish priest and the seminary classroom. In today’s conversation: We trace patterns in prayer book revision across culture and time. Is there a distinctive Anglican way of being to pay attention to?We brush up our definition of via media and face the rap for “Anglican fudge,” including what’s deserved, and what’s often misunderstood about politics and compromise.We discuss the kinds of historical moments in which revision tends to happen and ask, “What kind of moment are we in now?” From Henry VIII to Resolution B012, we also venture to guess how the hand of providence has been at work all along the way. The Rev. Dr. Nathan Jennings is J. Milton Richardson Professor of Liturgics and Anglican Studies and chair of the Anglican Studies program at Seminary of the Southwest, Sewanee. His other books include Theology as Ascetic Act and Liturgy and Theology, Economy and Reality. The Rev. Dr. Matthew Olver is executive director and publisher of The Living Church, senior lecturer in liturgics at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, and priest associate at Zion Episcopal Church, Oconomowoc, WI. He is widely published on early Christian liturgy and the development of the Book of Common Prayer. In today’s bonus segment, we turn to prayer again, this time with celebrated Orthodox author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green, for a personal conversation about the Jesus Prayer. This is a little taster of ourtime together at our Praying with the Great Tradition conference in May 2027. Frederica is a wide-ranging author and speaker, mostly on the Orthodox faith and elements of its spiritual life. She has been a regular commentator for National Public Radio (NPR), a columnist for theReligion News Service, and a podcaster for Ancient Faith Radio. She has an honorary Doctor of Letters from King University. From the episode Turning Points in Prayer Book History - coupon TURN20 for 20% off The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God and  Welcome to the Orthodox Church by Frederica Mathews Green Frederica's website: FredericaMG.com From the ads Turning Points in Prayer Book History - coupon TURN20 for 20% off Praying with the Great Tradition Conference - coupon ERLYBRD15 for 15% off through Nov. 30 Support Saint Francis Ministries Christmas for Kids Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Tracing Turning Points in Prayer Book History

  2. Oct 8

    The Anglican Experiment, Part 2: Communing

    This week, we collaborate with The Average Episcopalian podcast hosts Annie Hodges and Kate Greer to unpack what it means to be Anglican. This is Part 2 of the conversation. You can find Part 1, “The Anglican Experiment: Listening,” at theaverageepiscopalian.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. In these two episodes (really, one long conversation), we talk about how to be attentive, to listen, to learn, to follow God’s voice from where you are, yet still to know yourself as part of the body that’s much bigger than you and may be there partly to make you uncomfortable. How does this look from the perspective of history and wider Anglicanism? How does this look in the Episcopal Church? And how does this look for “the average Episcopalian”? Again, catch Part 1 of today's conversation here. Annie Hodges & Kate Greer are sisters and hosts of The Average Episcopalian podcast, where they attempt to tackle the mystery of faith with reason and humor through the lens of the church they love. Annie is a supply chain manager living in Dallas, Texas, where she puts both her hosting and engineering skills to work as a volunteer in her local Episcopal church. Kate is a paralegal based out of Berlin, Germany, where she sings in her local church choir at a historic Anglican parish. For our bonus segment, Anglican ordinand Roberto Ábrego joins me from his home in Germany to share his thought-provoking essay, “The Freedom of Not Being Secure,” inspired by life in Mexico and the parable of the wealthy landowner in Luke. Roberto Carlos Ábrego Manríquez is an ordinand in the Church of England's Diocese of Europe and is undertaking doctoral research at the University of Freiburg and Aix-Marseille University. He and his wife are involved with ministries for asylum seekers. From the episode theaverageepiscopalian.com The Freedom of Not Being Secure by Roberto Carlos Ábrego Manríquez (TLC Covenant) livingchurch.org/covenant livingchurch.org From the ads Turning Points in Prayer Book History - coupon TURN20 for 20% off Praying with the Great Tradition Conference - coupon ERLYBRD15 for 15% off through Nov. 30 Support Saint Francis Ministries Christmas for Kids Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    The Anglican Experiment, Part 2: Communing

  3. Sep 24

    Newsdesk: Hope for TEC and the ACNA?

    What happened in the Chip Edgar misconduct case? And what does it reveal about the continued, if fractured, relationships between the Episcopal Church and the ACNA? Today’s newsdesk begins with two bishops, ecclesial discipline, and the complex landscape that is Anglicanism in South Carolina. From there, we explore what this brings to light about the ACNA’s ongoing relationship with the Episcopal Church; how the 39 Articles, Jerusalem Declaration, and Abuja Affirmation offer clarity and hopeful surprises; and remaining questions about Christian friendship, leadership, and engagement across divides. In a state of division, even with a call to “principled disengagement” of Global Anglican Communion from Anglican Communion relationships, it turns out that the lines between divided denominations aren’t as clear as they seem, and that the principal founding documents of the ACNA and Global Anglican Communion are more generous and realistic about inter-Anglican relationships than you might expect. Host Amber Noel is joined by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Olver (executive director and publisher) and the Rev. Mark Michael (editor) of the Living Church. For our bonus segment, Episcopal priest Joe Shepley remembers the day in 2001 when his curacy at a New York Church led him to the rubble and smoke of Ground Zero. We walk the paths of forgiveness and healing that would impact his ministry over the next 25 years. The Rev. Joseph Shepley is rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart, Florida. He is in his 30th year of ordained ministry. From the episode ACNA Responds to Shared S.C. Chapel Blessing by Neva Rae Fox and Mark Michael (TLC News) ACNA Charges Bishop Edgar with Misconduct by Arlie Coles (TLC News) Abp. Julian Dobbs’s statement A Church That Has Erred Is Still a Church by Matthew S.C. Olver (TLC Commentary) Two Churches and One School — Christian Leadership Across Division by Brandt Montgomery (TLC Covenant) What Bishops Edgar (ACNA) and Woodliff-Stanley (TEC) did was canonically valid and a good thing. by Jack Franicevich (Substack) Scandal as a Concept in Anglican Canon Law by Samuel Bray Questions for GAFCON (TLC Podcast) Newsdesk on Global Anglican Communion (TLC Podcast) Matt Kennedy’s podcast, Stand Firm From the bonus The Light of Christ at Ground Zero (2001) by Joseph Shepley (TLC Archives) Healing Center of Martin County From the ads Explore Living Church Resources Support the ministries of The Living Church Turning Points in Prayer Book History - coupon TURN20 for 20% off Praying with the Great Tradition Conference - coupon ERLYBRD15 for 15% off through Nov. 30 Support Saint Francis Ministries Christmas for Kids Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Newsdesk: Hope for TEC and the ACNA?

  4. Sep 10

    Theology and the Episcopal Church with Kelli Joyce and Scott MacDougall

    What is theology? And what is the Episcopal Church’s relationship to it? How does the Episcopal Church think and live theologically? Several authors approach these questions in a book released earlier this year by Church Publishing: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith: New Essays on the Future of Theology and the Episcopal Church. We invited two of its contributors, Scott MacDougall and the Rev. Kelli Joyce, to share their thoughts. It can be easy for Episcopal leaders, or the average Episcopalian, to feel like theology is a luxury, fussy, or something “other people” do who have the time or training to care. Today we get a taste of how two of the top theological and pastoral thinkers in the Episcopal Church more broadly consider theology and its role in Episcopal life, from personal formation to polity and Church unity, and they’re helping other Episcopalians to understand how they're already "doing theology" together. If you dig the conversation or want to learn more, Church publishing will give you 20% off Kelli and Scott’s book with code TURN20 at checkout at churchpublishing.org. Offer ends December 31. We’ll include a link in the show notes. Along with Executive Director Matthew Olver, Scott and Kelli discuss: What is theology?What does it mean for Christian theology to be “recognizable” across the centuries? How do Episcopalians understand themselves within the larger Christian tradition, even in theological tension and conflict? The Rev. Kelli Joyce is a priest of the Diocese of Arizona, currently living and ministering in the Diocese of Tennessee. She is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Theological Studies at Vanderbilt University. Scott MacDougall is director for theological resources for The Episcopal Church. Kelli co-edited (with Rob McSwain) and Scott contributed to the book that inspired this conversation, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith: New Essays on the Future of Theology and the Episcopal Church. In our bonus segment, how do you spot a deacon in a crowd? What if you’re called to be one? And what if you’ve got a deacon-in-formation on your hands? The Rev. W. Keith McCoy joins TLC for a chat about the vocation of deacons, how it differs from lay and priestly ministry, and top tips for nurturing a deacon at your church. Keith is a deacon from the Diocese of New Jersey, a semi-retired public library administrator, and a former archdeacon and chair of diaconal formation. He is currently president of the Fund for the Diaconate of The Episcopal Church. From the episode: Get 20% off Kelli and Scott’s book with code WISDOM20 at checkout at churchpublishing.org. Offer ends December 31, 2026. Learn about the Fund for the Diaconate From the ads Register for the Radiant Pages conference Explore Living Church Resources Support the ministries of The Living Church Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Theology and the Episcopal Church with Kelli Joyce and Scott MacDougall

  5. Aug 27

    Through Fire and Flood: Recovering from Natural Disaster

    How do you lead a congregation or a community in the wake of natural disaster? This question has always been relevant for church leaders to wrestle with, from theodicy and loss of life, to property damage and insurance claims. Climate change is making this question all the more common. In Isaiah, God says to a people well-acquainted with disaster, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” (43:2). Today we hear from three Episcopal leaders whose churches have recently passed through fire and flood. Where did they see, even in the moment, God’s hand at work? What did they learn from the experience? What wisdom would they share with other church leaders like you? We’ll hear three stories today of Episcopal parishes and natural disaster, including: Practical tips for parishes, ex. how to communicate if cell service goes out, ways to build preparedness.How preaching and pastoral care are shaped, even years later.The strange gift of insufficiency as a priest.The surprises of God’s presence in chaos, relief efforts, and the long road of recovery.Our guests include: The Rev. Kelsey Davis, Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and vicar at St. George’s Episcopal Church, AshevilleThe Rev. Bryan Owen, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, LouisianaThe Rev. Bert Baetz, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kerrville, Texas For our bonus chat, how do we experience God’s provision, not only in extraordinary events but in the day-to-day? Jerusalem Greer joins us to share about a book she reviewed for us, Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local Communities. We chat about the age-old Christian calling to share God’s love through food, and end with her best recipe for bread pudding. Jerusalem is Co-Executive Director and Agrarian Minister at Procter Camp & Conference Center in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. From this episode Learn more about becoming a Living Church Partner Episcopal Relief and Development Donate to St. Luke's building fund Donate to St. Peter's flood relief ministries Donate to Western NC disaster resiliency From the bonus JerusalemGreer.com Procter Center and farm (where Jerusalem works) Jerusalem's savory bread pudding recipe  From TLC magazine Louisiana Parish to Rebuild After Devastating Fire Hurricane Batters Churches Across the Southeast Survivor's Gratitude Anglican Priest and Funeral Director Reflects on Texas Flooding Texas Hill Country Parish Offers Support for the Long Haul The Gospel and Real Stomachs (Jerusalem's book review) From the ads Give to support the ministries of The Living Church Join the mission at Saint Francis Ministries Same Old Song podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Through Fire and Flood: Recovering from Natural Disaster

  6. Aug 13

    Consider the Stars with David Wilkinson

    Today we learn from a theologian and astrophysicist about how priests can navigate science and faith. “Consider the stars,” God says to Abraham. The psalms and canticles, too, recommend we look up, beyond our own planet, to consider the grandeur and mystery of God’s handiwork. You could also say, in a way, that’s what science does, whether it’s looking upward and outward or down and in. Today we hear from a fellow stargazer and foremost leader in the area of Christianity and science, specializing in resourcing leaders for engagement in and conversations about the scientific topics of our day. As we learn, you don’t have to be an expert to be an advocate for good scientific work, or to point out where God is at work, even in some of the most complex and controversial issues your parishioners are dealing with, like AI or life on other planets. Our guest is the Rev. Dr. David Wilkinson. David is Principal of St Johns College and Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Durham, England. His background is in theoretical astrophysics and systematic theology. David is also a Methodist minister, has been an ecumenical canon at Durham Cathedral, and is the Project Director at Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science. Today we’ll talk about: Surprising and fruitful intersections between ministry and science.How the average parish priest can enter difficult science-related conversations.Theological implications of space travel, living on other planets, and UFO/UAP phenomena. In our bonus segment, we call up New Testament scholar Wesley Hill for a teaser of his talk at our Radiant Pages conference, all about the non-Pauline epistles and their place in Christian life. The Rev. Dr. Wesley Hill is an author, speaker, and professor, and currently serves as Associate Professor of New Testament at Wycliffe College Toronto. He has several new books in the works, including a theological commentary on the Johannine Epistles. From the episode Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science Andrew Davison on UAPs/aliens John Polkinghorne’s One World NASA website From the ads Register for Radiant Pages - Apply TLCPOD10 for 10% off Give to support this podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Consider the Stars with David Wilkinson

  7. Jul 30

    Newsdesk on ACC Gathering in Ireland

    What happened at the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Belfast, and why does it matter? In July, our editor, Mark Michael, returned from a gathering of Anglicans that happens every three years: a meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC). This year’s was June 27- July 5, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and also marked the first 100 days or so of Archbishop Sarah Mullally’s ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury. We pulled together a special episode of the newsdesk to talk about what Mark brought back from this international Communion reunion, who was there, what people were hoping for, and what came of it. We’ll particularly discuss the reception and discussion of a document from the InterAnglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith, and Order, known as the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals (NCPs). Two principal proposals in the NCPs were hotly debated at the Anglican Consultative Council meeting: a proposal to limit the powers of the Archbishop of Canterbury and share them among other primates, and proposal to removing communion with the See of Canterbury as a primary marker of Anglican identity.  Special thanks to Mark Michael, our editor, and the Matthew Olver, our executive director and publisher, who joined me at the newsdesk. In our bonus segment, we go from the Communion gathering to vestry meeting. How do you nurture vestry members in their capacity as spiritual leaders? Retired Episcopal priest and retreat facilitator, the Rev. Dr. Marc Smith, has some tips. From this episode Podcast episodes: Newsdesk on developments in Gafcon’s Global Anglican Communion Questions for Gafcon (Winner of Episcopal Communicators Polly Bond Award) Websites & documents: The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order Anglican Consultative Council Standing Committee Resolution Statement from Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches Living Church articles: Mullally Calls ACC to Deepened Hope and Trust Anglicans Challenged to Plant 1 Million Churches ACC Members Walk in Derry’s Paths of Peace ACC Members Doubtful About Nairobi-Cairo Proposals Mullally on Nairobi-Cairo Proposals: ‘We’re Not There Yet’ ACC Debates Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, Elects Leaders Archbishop Mullally: The First 100 Days From the bonus Vestry Reflections: Cultivating Spiritual Growth in Church Leaders Marc’s website TLC’s review of Marc’s book From the ads Give to support the ministries of The Living Church Same Old Song podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Newsdesk on ACC Gathering in Ireland

  8. Jul 16

    Through a Glass Brightly with Léonie Seliger

    What mysteries wink at us from the bright colors of stained glass? “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12). Here St. Paul is talking about how the spectrum of the full human being is revealed—will be revealed—in the light of the face of Christ. But in our modern world of clear mirrors, transparent windows, and electric lights, seeing through glass is not usually done very darkly. One place that St. Paul’s image still comes alive, however, is in the stained glass window. Stained glass can be darkening and illuminating at the same time. And as we learn from our guest today, what stained glass doesn’t reveal of the outdoors, with unmediated sunlight, it makes up for by illuminating what's indoors. By dimming with color and pattern, it can actually bring the beauty of the church into better focus, both with literal light, and through the stories it tells. Where does stained glass come from? And why did it become so important to Christians? What can we read in stained glass, what do we often miss? And how, if you’re a steward of stained glass windows yourself, can you take better care of them? Our guest is Léonie Seliger, the stained glass artist responsible for the conservation of the stained glass windows of Canterbury Cathedral. Léonie joins us to talk about: The origins and theology of stained glass. The limits and complexities of the art, and how they open up creative possibility.What to pay attention to when taking care of stained glass in your church.A few inside stories about the stained glass in Canterbury Cathedral. Léonie is Director of The Cathedral Studios of Canterbury, which makes, designs, and preserves stained glass for churches all over the world. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and an ICON accredited conservator/restorer. Today we scale the scaffolding for an up-close look at one of the oldest Christian art forms and what it reveals about Church history, human longings, and life in Christ. From this episode Thomas Becket miracle window project at Canterbury Cathedral Canterbury Cathedral Studios website All Saints parish in Tudeley, Marc Chagall windows From the ads Give to support the ministries of The Living Church Same Old Song podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Through a Glass Brightly with Léonie Seliger
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About

The Living Church Podcast explores ecumenical topics in theology, the arts, ethics, pastoral care, and spiritual growth — all to equip and encourage leaders in the Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion, and beyond. A ministry of the Living Church Institute.

Information

  • Creator
    The Living Church
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 The Living Church
  • Show Website
    The Living Church Podcast

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