Discernment is Not a Solo Mission: John Lewis on Forming Christian Communities

What if the early church wasn’t built primarily on teaching ideas—but on forming people together in the way of Jesus? In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Dr. John Lewis about his book Discernment in the Early Church and Today and what we’ve misunderstood about the Apostle Paul. Drawing from deep study of Paul’s writings and decades of practical ministry, Lewis challenges the tendency to treat Paul as a systematic theologian rather than a pastor forming communities of lived faith. The conversation explores how early Christian communities were shaped through shared practices of discernment, where ordinary life events became the setting for discovering how Christ is at work. Rather than focusing primarily on belief or abstract theology, Paul’s aim was to form people over time—individually and communally—into the image of Jesus. They also discuss how this model translates today through small group discernment practices, the role of Scripture in shaping imagination rather than prescribing answers, and why this approach may be especially important in a time of political tension, institutional distrust, and spiritual fragmentation.   Together they explore: Why Paul was more pastor than systematic theologian How early Christian communities practiced discernment together The role of experience in forming faith—not just belief How small groups cultivate trust, vulnerability, and formation Why Scripture shapes imagination rather than giving simple answers Navigating politics and cultural tension through a Christ-centered lens Practical ways churches can recover communal discernment today   John Lewis is Theologian in Residence for the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, Texas), where he teaches online and in-person continuing education courses in New Testament and congregational leadership. He previously served as the seminary’s Director of the Iona Collaborative and Lecturer in New Testament and Spirituality (2016-21). John is also Co-Director of St. Benedict’s Workshop (San Antonio, Texas), a non-profit ministry he founded in 2001 to help Christian communities use Scripture to practice discipleship and discernment in all areas of daily life. Lewis is the author of Discernment in the Early Church and Today: Reclaiming Paul’s Vision for Formation and Community Building (Seabury Press, 2025) and Looking for Life: The Role of “Theo-Ethical Reasoning” in Paul’s Religion (T&T Clark [Continuum], 2005). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament degree from the University of Oxford (2004) and a Master of Divinity degree, with honors, from Virginia Theological Seminary (1997). Prior to his ordination in The Episcopal Church (1997), John was a trial lawyer in San Antonio, Texas.   Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Iona Website: www.iona.ssw.edu 📖 John's Book: www.iona.ssw.edussw.edu/discernment-in-the-early-church-today/ 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ionacollaborative 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ionacollaborative    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: www.instagram.com/lorenrichmondjr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.  Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now!   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords John Lewis, theologian, Apostle Paul theology, early church practices, communal discernment, spiritual formation church, discipleship and formation, Pauline theology, church leadership formation, small group ministry, discernment practices, Scripture and imagination, lived faith Christianity, church and community building, ecclesia meaning, New Testament church life, formation vs information church, Anglican theology, Episcopal Church leadership, church renewal practices, faith and daily life, Future Christian Podcast, Martha Tatarnic, Loren Richmond Jr.