Try Tank Podcast

Future Christian Network
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The Try Tank Podcast is about innovation and the church

  1. JAN 15

    On Navigating the BANI Future: Bob Johansen on Embracing Uncertainty with Clarity

    In this thought-provoking episode,Lorenzo Lebrija talks with futurist Bob Johansen to delve into the concept of a "BANI world"—characterized by being brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible. Their discussion challenges listeners to rethink the language we use to describe our current reality and the implications it has for leadership and community. Bob shares insights from his extensive experience at the Institute for the Future and emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate adaptability and clarity in an era where traditional frameworks like VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) no longer suffice. The conversation explores how faith can be a powerful asset in navigating uncertainty and how leaders who learn quickly will thrive in these chaotic times. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to frame the future positively, embracing bendability in the face of brittleness, attentiveness amidst anxiety, and interconnectedness in an incomprehensible world. This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for faith communities and beyond. Keywords BANI world, leadership, adaptability, faith, community, uncertainty, futures thinking Takeaways The BANI framework offers a new lens to understand the complexities of modern life.Leaders must be adaptable and willing to embrace uncertainty rather than seek rigid certainties.Faith can provide a foundation for resilience in unpredictable times.Building relationships and community is essential for navigating anxiety and fostering hope.Interconnectedness and diverse perspectives are crucial in addressing the challenges of a BANI world.

    48 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    On Sacred Listening and the Art of Being With

    In this episode of the TryTank Podcast, we bring together two powerful lenses on Christian life today: the incarnational theology of the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells and the sociological insights of Dr. Josh Packard. Their conversation explores why God’s deepest desire is not to fix humanity, but to be with us—and why that shift in understanding might hold the key to renewing the Church in a low-trust, highly fragmented world. From Sam’s well-known “eight dimensions of being with,” to Josh’s research on sacred listening and belonging, the episode uncovers how presence—not information, not programs, not expertise—is what truly transforms us. This is a rich and hopeful reflection for anyone thinking about evangelism, discipleship, leadership, or what it means to rebuild trust in our time. The voiceover introduction for this episode was created via AI.

    54 min
  3. On the first 90 days

    11/14/2025

    On the first 90 days

    In this episode, Lorenzo Lebrija talks with Doyt Conn, the dynamic rector of Epiphany Parish in Seattle. They discuss Conn's transformative journey in revitalizing a struggling church and share invaluable insights for new and seasoned leaders alike. From the importance of establishing trust and relationships to managing expectations in the first 90 days, Doyt provides practical advice that is both inspiring and actionable. The conversation delves into critical aspects of church leadership, including the significance of effective preaching, the necessity of teaching challenging subjects, and the power of a unifying vision in overcoming conflict. Doyt emphasizes the relational nature of ministry and how building a community grounded in love can lead to spiritual growth and healing. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of church leadership while remaining focused on the core mission of serving others and fostering connection within the community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in their faith community. Keywords Leadership, community building, church revitalization, preaching, relational ministry, vision, conflict resolution Takeaways The first 90 days are crucial for establishing trust and relationships within a new congregation.Effective preaching is essential for engaging the community and fostering growth.Teaching challenging subjects can galvanize the congregation and encourage deeper discussions.A strong vision can unify a church and help navigate conflicts.Building relationships is key to a thriving faith community.Adaptability and understanding the community's history can aid in revitalization efforts.Creating opportunities for connection through shared experiences fosters a sense of belonging.

    48 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    The Power of Sacred Listening

    In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Lorenzo Lebrija engages with Josh Packard to discuss his book "Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations." They explore the evolving understanding of generational dynamics, the significance of sacred listening, and the role of relational ministry in today's diverse society. The conversation challenges traditional paradigms and offers new insights for faith communities. Keywords Faithful Futures, generational dynamics, sacred listening, relational ministry, faith communities Takeaways Generational containers are outdated and can be harmful.Sacred listening is a transformative act for young people.Belonging now precedes believing in faith communities.Social media's impact on spirituality is still evolving.Micro narratives help reconcile ancient traditions with modern realities.Relational ministry requires new tools in a diverse world.Trust has shifted from institutions to individuals.Faith communities must adapt to survive and thrive.The church should focus on relational, not programmatic, approaches.Josh Packard emphasizes the importance of accompaniment in faith.

    46 min

  5. 10/08/2025

    Miguel A. De La Torre on Liberation and Ethics in the Age of AI

    In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija introduces a compelling keynote address delivered by Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre, a leading voice in contemporary Christian ethics, during the Faithful Futures Conference.  In his keynote, Dr. De La Torre explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics, calling for a liberative ethical framework that centers the experiences and voices of the marginalized. Drawing from his deep roots in liberation theology, he challenges listeners to confront the moral implications of emerging technologies and the socio-economic inequalities they risk perpetuating.  Dr. De La Torre critiques dominant Eurocentric ethical paradigms, highlighting how they often ignore the lived realities of race, immigration, and class. He warns of the systemic injustices that unregulated AI can reinforce and makes a passionate case for a community-based, justice-oriented ethic. With scholarly insight and prophetic urgency, Dr. De La Torre calls on people of faith and conscience to engage AI not just as a technological issue, but as a deeply spiritual and ethical one. His keynote is a clarion call to approach the future with courage, creativity, and solidarity.

    1h 34m

  6. 08/15/2025

    On Revitalizing Grimsby: A Journey of Faith and Community (Pt 2)

    In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija continues his conversation with Matt Rogers, the vicar at St. Mark's in Grimsby, recorded at Windsor Palace in England. This second part delves deeper into the remarkable journey of revitalizing a church that once had a mere four attendees. Matt shares the innovative strategies he employed for church growth, emphasizing the power of social media and personal invitations that resonate within the local community. He candidly discusses the realities of church planting, including the necessity for adaptability, the significance of prayer, and the celebration of both challenges and successes along the way. As Matt reflects on the first year of their church's revival, he reveals how they grew to a vibrant congregation of around 80 members, primarily through personal invitations rather than traditional marketing methods. The conversation highlights the role of the Alpha course in engaging newcomers and fostering connections among diverse groups, including families with young children. Matt also emphasizes the importance of excellence in worship and the value of building a strong, collaborative team environment.

    58 min

  7. 07/15/2025

    On Revitalizing Grimsby: A Journey of Faith and Community (Pt 1)

    In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija engages with Matt Rodgers, the vicar at St. Mark's Church in Great Grimsby, to explore the revitalization of a historically significant yet struggling church. Matt shares the inspiring journey of transforming St. Mark's from a dwindling congregation of four to a vibrant community of faith. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of planting a church in Grimsby, an area marked by economic hardship and low church attendance. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, innovative outreach strategies, and the role of invitation in fostering a welcoming church environment. Matt reflects on the influence of Holy Trinity Brompton and the broader Anglican network in shaping his ministry approach, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a focus on mission over tradition. He candidly addresses the complexities of church revitalization in a diverse cultural landscape, including the importance of creating a space where all individuals feel accepted and valued, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and community in even the most unlikely places.

    1h 2m

  8. 06/16/2025

    On Sacred Listening

    In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Josh Packard, the Director of Research at the Try Tank Research Institute and co-founder of Future of Faith. They explore the concept of sacred listening, a vital practice that emerges from a recent study highlighting its significance in faith formation. Dr. Packard shares insights on how listening can be an act of spiritual connection, emphasizing that the simple act of being heard can lead individuals closer to God. The conversation delves into the methodology of the study, which involved a nationally representative sample and in-depth interviews, revealing key findings about the traits of effective listening: being relatable, reliable, and genuinely curious. They discuss the barriers to listening and how these insights can inform ministry practices to foster a more inclusive and empathetic church environment. This episode is a call to action for faith leaders to cultivate a culture of sacred listening within their communities, transforming the way they engage with others and ultimately deepening spiritual connections. Dr. Josh Packard is a leading expert in the spiritual lives of modern American youth and the sociology of religion. His work focuses on understanding the dynamics of faith formation and the emerging expressions of spirituality in contemporary society. Through his research, he aims to equip faith communities with the tools necessary to engage meaningfully with diverse populations and enhance their ministry practices. For more resources on sacred listening and to explore the findings of the study, visit futureoffaith.org.

    40 min
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The Try Tank Podcast is about innovation and the church

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