UNpolished Church

Jon Sherwood

Honest conversations about the complexity, frustration, and beauty of church life and following Jesus in community in the 21st century.

  1. 3d ago

    Transitioning A Traditional Church To A Microchurch Network: One Pastor’s Journey

    In this episode we explore what it means to transition from a traditional church model into a decentralized microchurch network rooted in discipleship, mission, shared leadership, and the priesthood of all believers. Jon Sherwood shares the story behind his church’s journey away from measuring success by attendance, budgets, buildings, and programs, and toward releasing everyday followers of Jesus into meaningful kingdom work in their own contexts. This episode looks honestly at consumer Christianity, church growth metrics, the dangers of pastor-centered leadership, the beauty of microchurch communities, and the slow, difficult, Spirit-led process of reimagining what it means to be the church. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - The Journey to a Microchurch Network 01:06 - Rethinking Church Success 03:08 - Abandoning Outcomes and Ego 05:18 - From Consumer Church to Calling Culture 06:37 - Commissioning Everyday Missionaries 07:28 - Microchurches Are Not Mini Big Churches 08:26 - Why Slow Transition Matters 10:20 - What Makes a Church a Church? 11:21 - Shared Leadership and Plurality 12:48 - Life After the Transition 13:36 - Why Microchurch Is Not for Everyone 14:32 - Questions Before Starting a Microchurch Network 15:05 - Assessing the Call 16:12 - Assessing the Structure 17:09 - Assessing the Cost 18:22 - Final Encouragement UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #microchurch #microchurches #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christiancommunity #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #theology #bibleteaching #kingdomofgod #priesthoodofallbelievers #churchplanting #missionalchurch #churchrenewal #decentralizedchurch #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #pastors

    19 min

  2. Jun 2

    The Role of Church Discipline in the Life of Christian Community with Russ & Kim Pullen

    In this conversation we explore what it means for the church to practice biblical love through discipline, repentance, restoration, and real Christian community. Jon Sherwood talks with Russ & Kim Pullen about microchurch, church discipline, confronting sin, marriage restoration, the Lord’s Table, spiritual maturity, and the courage it takes to speak the truth in love. This episode looks honestly at the pain of discipline, the danger of avoiding hard conversations, and the beauty of God using Christian community to bring healing, repentance, and reconciliation. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - The Microchurch Journey 06:09 - The Value of Networked Community 09:54 - A Story of Sin and Restoration 16:54 - The Theology of Church Discipline 23:52 - Reflecting on Healing and Maturity 38:55 - Navigating Hard Conversations 48:39 - Closing Thoughts on Reconciliation UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #ChristianCommunity #microchurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #bibleteaching #practicingtheway #communitypractice #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #forgiveness #reconciliation #christcentered #kingdomofgod

    51 min

  3. May 19

    What is Christian Community? w/ACN Network Leadership

    In this conversation we explore what it means for the church to be the practice field for becoming like Jesus. The network leadership team discusses Christian community, micro church, communication, discipleship, forgiveness, conflict, and the challenge of learning to love one another in real relationships. It emphasizes the importance of shifting our view of church away from a product to consume or a spectator sport to watch, and toward a family where we are formed into the image of Christ together. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:19 Network Leadership and Communication Patterns 01:16 Why Micro Church Feels Different 02:04 The Challenge of Living in Community 02:28 The Church as a Practice Field for Becoming Like Jesus 03:19 Church Is Not a Spectator Sport 04:03 Introducing the Community Practice 05:09 Meet the Network Leadership Team 05:57 What Scripture Says About Community 07:03 Galatians 6 and Carrying One Another’s Burdens 10:41 Voice Order and Loving Others in Group Conversation 12:59 Forgiveness, Patience, and Ephesians 4 14:17 Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ 17:09 Why We Need Different People in Community 19:04 Loving God’s Family as Our Joy 20:30 Early Church, Discipleship, and Measuring Success 22:07 Rethinking Church Growth and Transformation 24:43 Shifting Goalposts and Paradigm Shift Farms 28:16 Moving from Attractional Growth to Formation 30:23 Making Disciples as an Ongoing Process 32:38 Loving People Without Turning Them Into Metrics 33:34 You Can’t Marry Jesus and Divorce His People 35:08 Why Long-Term Community Forms Us 36:14 Freedom from Production and Performance 39:09 Practicing Conflict, Reconciliation, and Love 41:21 The Beauty of Every Generation in Micro Church UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #ChristianCommunity #microchurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #church #churchleadership #churchgrowth #followingjesus #jesuschrist #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #bibleteaching #practicingtheway #communitypractice #smallgroups #bodyofchrist #forgiveness #reconciliation #christcentered #kingdomofgod

    43 min

  4. Mar 10

    Is Sabbath a Privileged Practice? w/Connor Fodel

    In this episode, Jon Sherwood sits down with Connor Fodel to explore the practice of Sabbath (Shabbat) why it can feel new, weird, and clunky at first, and how learning to stop can become a doorway into delight, freedom, and deeper community. We talk practicing Sabbath with roommates and micro church rhythms, cooking as a surprising form of rest, and the call to “make space where rest can exist” for others. We also wrestle honestly with the question: Is Sabbath a privileged practice? Connor shares about margin, surplus, and how God invites those with more to give toward those with less so Sabbath becomes more than “me and my rest,” but a practice that can create horizontal impact in community. Finally, we discuss how to delight in God’s goodness while the world is still broken, and we close with Lord’s Supper, the hope of John 16:33, and a prayer that remembers God bringing His people out of slavery into rest. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:50 Practicing Sabbath with roommates + micro church rhythms 01:21 The early “clunkiness” of learning to Sabbath 01:35 Cooking for others as generosity (and rest) 02:07 “Make space where rest can exist” 02:34 Is Sabbath a privileged practice? 03:36 Surplus + margin: not just for me 04:21 A countercultural vision: abundance for others 06:05 Sabbath becomes community: vertical faith, horizontal impact 06:21 Enjoying creation—and seeing beauty in people 07:13 Micro church story: seeing Jesus in others 09:14 Sabbath in a broken world: why we need it 10:38 Lord’s Supper + John 16:33 11:34 Prayer: Exodus, freedom, and delight in God’s creation UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #Sabbath #Shabbat #Rest #SpiritualFormation #Prayer #ChristianPodcast #John1633 #LordsSupper #MicroChurch #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #scripture #truth #faith #jesuschrist #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #church #bibleteaching #biblicalstory #metanarrative #practicingtheway #storyofgod #creationtonewcreation #howtoreadthebible #spirituality #christcentered #livingtheword

    13 min

  5. Feb 11

    What is a Micro Church?

    In this episode we explore what a micro church is and why smaller, participatory gatherings can still embody the full life of the church worship, maturity, and mission from living rooms to local service. We talk autonomy (it’s a church, not just a “group”), a multigenerational picture around the table, Matthew 18, and a 1 Corinthians 14 rhythm where everyone comes to give. We also share real stories—like a Sunday spent serving at a soup kitchen followed by prayer and communion—and why this can be a gentler on-ramp for skeptics and the hurt. You’ll hear how calling and creativity open space for diverse expressions (from neighborhood meals to hospice worship) while staying humble: this isn’t “the only way,” just a fruitful one for many. If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends! Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:38 Definition & autonomy: a micro church is a church 03:32 A living-room picture + Matthew 18 presence 04:08 Participation over performance; shrinking the stage/audience gap 05:25 1 Corinthians 14: everyone comes ready to give 08:13 From big church to built-in community 10:18 Mission in practice: “soup kitchen Sunday” + communion 12:02 Calling & creativity: diverse expressions of church 13:04 Not the only way: humility & unity across expressions 14:44 Overcoming “living-room nerves”: safety & expectations 18:12 Beauty in vulnerable moments & shared worship 19:12 A safer entry point for seekers; bringing church to people UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #MicroChurch #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #scripture #truth #faith #jesuschrist #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #prayer #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #church #bibleteaching #biblicalstory #metanarrative #practicingtheway #storyofgod #creationtonewcreation #howtoreadthebible #spirituality #christcentered #livingtheword

    25 min

  6. Jan 14

    Everything Belongs To God w/Tony Hooper

    In this episode of the Unpolished Church Podcast, host Jon Sherwood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tony about his life, faith journey, and the transformative power of Jesus. They discuss Tony's deep family roots in Black Mountain, his initial hesitance towards church, and how a welcoming community helped him embrace his faith. Tony shares personal struggles, including his son's health crisis, and how faith and community support played a crucial role in navigating these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, truth, and the sense of belonging within a faith community, culminating in a prayer of gratitude for Jesus and the hope He brings. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Tony's Journey and Family Roots 03:01 Finding Faith in Community 06:47 The Impact of Jesus in Personal Struggles 09:17 Miracles and Transformation Through Faith 11:14 Community, Truth, and Accountability 14:23 Conclusion and Prayer UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity

    16 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    Sabbath, Formation, and Calling: Following Jesus Over Decades w/Xam and Maui Vang | Faith Interview

    In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood sits down with Xam and Maui Vang to explore something many Christians talk about but struggle to practice: spiritual formation in everyday life. This isn’t theory. It’s as tangible as buying blankets for neighbors, handing a stranger your extra pair of shoes, and choosing Scripture over the next dopamine hit on social media. Through honest stories, the Vang's share how prayer, generosity, and Scripture have been reshaping their home, their habits, and their hearts. What follows is simple and beautiful: a house filled with “joyful noise,” a community that actually notices when you’re missing, and a deeper reverence as the church prepares for the Lord’s Table. Along the way, they describe the surprising freedom that came from a social media fast and the quiet fruit of showing up for people again and again. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [00:16] - OG's of Asheville Church Network [01:50] - Xam and Maui Vang's Story [06:40] - Formation practices & Sabbath practice coming in January [11:30] - Where do you feel Jesus inviting you to trust Him more? [17:04] - Prayer & Outro UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity

    19 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Faith Interview: Community, Accountability & Formation w/ Jeter's

    In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood sits down with the Jeter's to explore something many Christians talk about but struggle to practice: spiritual formation in everyday life. This isn’t theory. It’s as tangible as buying blankets for neighbors, handing a stranger your extra pair of shoes, and choosing Scripture over the next dopamine hit on social media. Through honest stories, the Jeter's share how prayer, generosity, and Scripture have been reshaping their home, their habits, and their hearts. What follows is simple and beautiful: a house filled with “joyful noise,” a community that actually notices when you’re missing, and a deeper reverence as the church prepares for the Lord’s Table. Along the way, they describe the surprising freedom that came from a social media fast and the quiet fruit of showing up for people again and again. You’ll hear: Why generosity isn’t just money and how blankets, bandages, and shoes became worship How fasting from social media made prayer and Scripture come alive Why singing at home can become real prayer (“joyful noise” and all) How a church family’s love shows up in baby showers, accountability, and communion Why community that cares enough to “check on you” can change your life Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro [01:14] - Prayer, generosity & Scripture in this season [02:00] - Blankets for neighbors & the “gave him my shoes” story [04:00] - When everyone cries… and why generosity is contagious [04:30] - Fasting Facebook: choosing Scripture over dopamine [06:07] - “To sing is to pray twice”: joyful noise in the home [07:10] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist) [08:31] - From “shooting in the dark” to real fruit through community [09:23] - The church that notices when you’re missing [10:59] - Accountability, iron groups & a baby shower that preached love [13:50] - “We don’t share DNA, but we share the blood of Jesus” [14:06] - Closing prayer of gratitude & sending UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #Hatfield #JamesHatfield #DaniellaHatfield #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity

    16 min
See All (44)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Honest conversations about the complexity, frustration, and beauty of church life and following Jesus in community in the 21st century.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Sherwood
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jon Sherwood
  • Show Website
    UNpolished Church

You Might Also Like