Transforming Engagement: The Podcast Center for Transforming Engagement

Rev. Ron Werner, Jr. joins Dr. Kate Rae Davis to share his take on ministry in Cascadia and how the musical and cultural influences of the Pacific Northwest have shaped his identity and approach to leadership.
Rooted in Oregon since 2005, Ron is the founding Director of Together Lab, where he weaves together people of faith and fierce love to cultivate leader-full movements and ministries. 
The conversation highlights the shift from traditional church-centered approaches to community engagement to a more decentralized and collaborative model. Ron emphasizes the importance of embracing the margins and engaging with diverse communities beyond institutional boundaries. He shares insights from his experience working in grassroots movements and community organizing, emphasizing the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and relational engagement.
Join us as we consider:
The challenges of navigating cultural shifts, especially in areas where skepticism towards institutions is prevalent.
The evolving role of faith communities in facilitating collective empowerment and social change.
A vision for creating inclusive spaces that honor diverse perspectives and experiences, particularly in the realm of youth ministry.
Wherever you’re listening from, we hope these conversations inspire reflections on how you’re serving in your own context.
 

Join us for an enriching conversation with Tim Soerens, co-founding executive director of The Parish Collective, as we explore the distinctiveness of ministry in the vibrant Cascadia region. From its breathtaking landscapes to its unique cultural fabric, Cascadia offers a fertile ground for holistic neighborhood flourishing.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The essence of holistic neighborhood flourishing and its significance in fostering thriving communities.
How the Parish Collective is catalyzing change and innovation in ministry by imagining the common good together.
The transformative power of place-based ministry and the importance of cultivating a deep ecological sensibility.
Reflections on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Cascadia compared to other regions.
Insights into the upcoming Inhabit Conference, a gathering that celebrates stories of renewal, reconciliation, and innovation in everyday church life.
Whether you’re a pastor, entrepreneur, artist, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about community engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights into reimagining church and community in the Cascadia region and beyond. 
If you’d like to continue this conversation, we invite you to join us this April in the Seattle area for the Christ & Cascadia Gathering and the Inhabit Conference!
The Christ & Cascadia Gathering on Thursday, April 25, is an official pre-conference event for the Inhabit Conference on April 26-27. We hope you’ll plan to join us for both events this spring. You can register for both events at a discounted rate at: https://www.parishcollective.org/inhabit-2024

As we continue our conversation about the distinctiveness of ministry in the Cascadia region, we’re joined by Rev. Melissa Skelton. Currently serving as the Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Olympia, Melissa shares her journey from the East Coast to the Cascadia region, offering a wealth of insights into the distinct cultural and environmental differences she encountered along the way.
In this episode, you’ll:
Embrace Nature's Influence: Delve into how the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cascadia region, from majestic mountains to fierce oceans, shape our perceptions and enrich our human experience.
Navigate Cultural Nuances: Learn to appreciate and navigate the unique cultural differences between regions, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding in ministry and community engagement.
Discover Innovative Ministry Models: Melissa shares examples of innovative ministries like the St. Hildegard Sanctuary and Salal and Cedar community, where art, trauma sensitivity, and Indigenous perspectives intersect with liturgical practices, redefining traditional notions of church and spirituality.
Reflect on Congregational Fundamentals: Consider the practices that form the backbone of thriving congregations, including well-crafted liturgy, impactful preaching, robust pastoral care, diverse prayer forms, and engaging formation opportunities rooted in a rich Christ-centered identity.
Join us as we discuss new possibilities for ministry and community engagement in the Cascadia region and beyond.
 

In this season, we're exploring the unique tapestry of the continental Pacific Northwest, known as the "Cascadia" region, and how it shapes ministry. Today, we're joined by Rev. Emily McGinley, who shares her journey from the Midwest to San Francisco and the cultural and religious differences she's encountered.
You’ll gain insights into:
Understanding Cultural and Religious Contexts: Rev. Emily's experience transitioning between regions highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural and religious contexts in ministry.
Intersectionality in Ministry: Rev. Emily talks about how her Asian American identity influences her ministry, emphasizing the need to recognize and honor various aspects of identity within the context of faith.
Engaging with Contemporary Issues: Discover how to approach complex contemporary topics like A.I. from a theological perspective, fostering discussions that encourage critical thinking and exploration of their relevance to spiritual beliefs.
Balancing Idealism with Realism: Reflect on the delicate balance between idealism and realism in ministry, considering how to hold onto a vision for positive change while navigating practical challenges and limitations.
No matter where you're listening from, we hope these conversations spark reflection on your own ministry context.

To our neighbors throughout the Cascadia region: Mark your calendars for April 25th and plan to join us for our inaugural Christ & Cascadia Gathering. More details can be found at christandcascadia.com/gathering.

Welcome to a new season of Transforming Engagement, the Podcast! 
On this podcast, we are dedicated to exploring how each of us can serve God and neighbor in our unique communities and contexts. This season, we’re inviting you into our extended backyard - the unique tapestry of the continental Pacific Northwest, defined by its watershed, and known as the “Cascadia” region. 
Here, ministry takes on its own distinct flavor. This season, we’re asking: What sets Cascadia apart from other regions of the US and Canada? How do those differences shape our ministries, and how do leaders here understand their role in shaping those ministries?
We’re kicking off this season with a conversation with Forrest Inslee, who brought the Christ and Cascadia journal into The Seattle School. Forrest is a professor who is involved in faith-based environmental education and advocacy nonprofit called Circlewood. He also hosts a podcast for that Circlewood called Earthkeepers, which focuses on helping Christ followers to integrate creation care into everyday faith practices.
Join us as we explore:
Geographical influences and human-nature relationships that uniquely shape the culture in this region
Cultural norms including the suspicion of tradition, desire for independence, and a more flexible approach to faith practices compared to other regions.
The challenges and opportunities in building community, including “The Seattle Freeze”
The future of faith in this region, including non-traditional church structures, emphasis on authenticity and spirituality over religious dogma, and incorporation of nature into religious practices.
Wherever you're listening from, we hope these conversations inspire reflections on how you're serving in your own context. 
To our neighbors throughout the Cascadia region: Mark your calendars for April 25th and plan to join us for our inaugural Christ & Cascadia Gathering. More details can be found at christandcascadia.com/gathering.
 

As we close this season on Youth & Campus Ministry Burnout, host Rose Madrid Swetman is joined by Kate Rae Davis to engage in a reflective conversation, highlighting key insights and common themes discussed throughout the season.
The season has unfolded a spectrum of challenges faced by those in youth and campus ministry, ranging from the struggles of maintaining work-life balance to the emotional toll of guiding young individuals through pivotal life stages. The discussions also presented the unique challenges presented by the post-2020 landscape, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already demanding roles of ministry leaders.
We encourage you to revisit each episode from this series, sharing the wealth of knowledge not only with fellow youth ministers but also with decision-makers such as elder boards, pastors, and denominational leaders. By doing so, we aim to foster a collective effort in reshaping our approach and creating a renewed vision for supporting youth and campus ministry leaders in their crucial work with young people. 
We hope this season has not only shed light on the challenges but has also provided hopeful paths forward, and we invite you to continue to be part of this transformative dialogue.
Listener Resources:  If you are a Christian leader or pastor seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, click here. NEW: Get our latest free resource, Disillusionment with Ministry: 4 ways to renew your purpose in the midst of disappointment. Download the free Clergy Burnout Report Download the Youth Pastor Compensation Report, 2023 from The Youth Cartel, as referenced in today's conversation