Future Christian

Mar 11 2025 200 ep. 53 mins 2
Future Christian Podcast artwork

At the Future Christian Podcast, we talk to pastors, authors, and other faith leaders for helpful advice and practical wisdom to help you lead your church into the future.

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Tricia Lyons on Why Churches Should Be More Exclusive

Mar 11 2025 86 mins  
Do churches need to be more exclusive? For years, both Evangelical and Progressive churches have lowered expectations to get people in the door. In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Dr. Tricia Lyons, a leader in evangelism at Virginia Theological Seminary, about why churches should raise the bar to reclaim a compelling, transformative vision for sharing the gospel. Dr. Ly

What is the Church? And What is it for? Exploring Ecclesiology with David Emerton

Mar 04 2025 60 mins  
What is the church, and what is it for? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Rev. Dr. David Emerton to explore the purpose of the church, how different theological traditions define its role, and why these definitions matter for shaping the church’s future. David shares insights on why many churches are caught in cycles of inertia or panic in response to decline, how ou

Stepping into Kingdom Justice with Michelle Ferrigno Warren

Feb 25 2025 65 mins  
What does it mean to move beyond awareness and into action? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. sits down with Michelle Ferrigno Warren, author, activist, and faith-rooted organizer, to discuss what it takes to engage in meaningful justice work. Michelle shares her journey from growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment to becoming a public theologian and advocate for com

Redefining Leadership: Andrew Draper on Disability, Inclusion, and the Power of Community

Feb 18 2025 66 mins  
What does it mean to lead in weakness rather than strength? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Rev. Dr. Andrew Draper, co-author of Disabling Leadership: A Practical Theology for the Broken Body of Christ. Together, they explore how the church can redefine leadership away from power, charisma, and productivity toward humility, inclusion, and community-driven authority.

Church for Everyone: Why the Future Church must be Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Generational, & Mission-Driven

Feb 11 2025 50 mins  
How can churches truly become spaces for everyone? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Dan Kreiss and Ephraim Smith, co-authors of Church for Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community for Emerging Generations. Together, they explore how churches can move beyond silos of race, class, and ideology to truly reflect the diverse body of Christ. Dan and Ephraim discuss th

Dustin Benac on Adaptability, Authority, and Future Church

Feb 04 2025 50 mins  
How can churches navigate change and uncertainty with creativity and resilience? In this episode, Dustin Benac shares insights from his research in the Pacific Northwest, where faith communities are experimenting with new organizational models in response to the decline of traditional church structures. Together, they explore themes of collaboration, authority, and innovation, disc

Worship and the Body: David Taylor on Why Physicality Matters in Worship

Jan 28 2025 62 mins  
How does the way we use our bodies shape our faith? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with W. David O. Taylor, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of A Body of Praise: Understanding the Role of Our Physical Bodies in Worship. David shares insights into the importance of physicality in worship, the role of space and posture,

Professional Christian: Sarah Bereza on how to be fully yourself in public ministry

Jan 21 2025 61 mins  
What does it mean to be a professional Christian? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes Dr. Sarah Bereza, a church musician, theologian, and author of Professional Christian: Being Fully Yourself in the Spotlight of Public Ministry. They discuss Sarah's journey from a fundamentalist Baptist upbringing to her current role as a progressive Chris

Prayer, Politics, and the Witness of the Church in Divided Times: A Roundtable Discussion

Jan 14 2025 69 mins  
What role should the church play in today’s polarized political landscape? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic hosts a roundtable with Loren Richmond Jr., Larry Lin, and Dennis Sanders to explore the intersection of faith and politics. Together, they tackle challenging questions about political engagement, the church’s responsibility to marginalized

Peter Elliott on Navigating Ministry and Creativity in a Changing Church

Jan 07 2025 72 mins  
What can musical theatre teach us about faith and leadership? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic sits down with the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, a retired Anglican priest, former dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, and co-host of The Gospel of Musical Theatre. Dean Elliott shares his journey in ministry, offering insights on Christian leaders