Revitalizing Faith: Identity Over Activity in Changing Times with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

To Be and Do PodcastGuest: Dr. Javon Caldwell GrossDr. Gross’s book "Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"The Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross has been a transformational ministry thought leader for 2 decades. Serving in diverse contexts, from urban neighborhoods to multicultural suburban communities. Dr. J is known for his unique ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and make the gospel both accessible and practical for everyday life.His journey has included serving at one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he led as Teaching and Online Community Pastor, helping to redefine and expand the church’s digital footprint to reach people around the world.Dr. J now serves as the Director of Church Revitalization and New Developments for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he resources and supports more than 640 congregations across the state. In this role, he partners with pastors, leaders, and communities to help churches navigate a rapidly changing ministry landscape with clarity, courage, and innovation. His work includes developing strategies for revitalization, fostering new church developments, and equipping churches for effective ministry in both physical and digital spaces.An ordained pastor, author, and professor, he is driven by a clear mission: to equip churches and congregational leaders for relevant, sustainable, and transformative ministry. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary, where he focused on transformational leadership. When he’s not filming a mobile message or developing the next online sermon series, Dr. J is often designing new training materials for clergy and laity, coaching pastors through revitalization challenges, or sitting across from a leader at a local coffee shop with something hot in hand, dreaming, discerning, and imagining what God might be calling the church to do next.Show Notes:To Be and Do PodcastGuest: Dr. Javon Caldwell GrossHost: Philip AmersonWelcome to another inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast! In this heartfelt conversation, Philip Amerson sits down with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross (Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross), an insightful leader and author, to explore what church revitalization looks like as we approach 2025 and beyond. As they share wisdom, stories, and practical insights, listeners are invited to reflect on faith, ministry, and what it means to be a church in today’s rapidly changing world.Three Key Takeaways:Revitalization Begins with Identity, Not ActivityDr. Javon Caldwell Gross reframes the conversation around church revitalization, urging churches to start not with “what they do,” but with “who they are called to be.” He emphasizes that the landscapes of ministry have shifted dramatically since 2019, and churches must discover their unique identity before planning activities. Asking foundational questions like “Who is God calling us to be?” creates a compass for navigating new challenges and opportunities, making revitalization about formation and transformation, not merely survival.Faith Requires Rethinking and Equipping for Today’s ChallengesThrough personal stories from both Philip Amerson and Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross, listeners hear how the essence of ministry remains steady despite dramatic changes in scale, context, and community. Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross underscores the responsibility to develop leaders and equip congregations with the skills needed for modern ministry. Whether pastoring 27 or 3,500, the call to make disciples is constant—and it takes intentional development, adaptability, and a willingness to ask, “How do we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”Stories and Scripture as Sources of Hope and GuidanceOne vital takeaway is the role of storytelling and scripture in fueling hope, imagination, and courage for church leaders. Philip Amerson and Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross share powerful anecdotes about unlikely moments of growth and renewal in congregations and communities. Dr. Caldwell Gross encourages listeners to share their stories, reminding us that these narratives are the “currency of the faith.” By engaging scripture—such as Psalm 139 and passages about caring for one’s place—churches find wisdom for navigating a “strange land” and are called to live out the gospel in practical, justice-oriented ways.Final Thoughts:This episode offers encouragement for clergy, laity, and anyone passionate about church vitality. The journey begins with honest discernment of identity, the courage to equip and adapt, and the sharing of transformative stories rooted in faith. Be sure to check the links to Dr. Caldwell Gross’s work, and, above all, continue reflecting on who God is calling you to be in this moment.Dr. Gross’s book "Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"