The ChurchNext Podcast

Don't get left behind in the AI revolution! This new technology can really transform your intelligence - and productivity. Fr. Phil Dinwiddie has a background in theology and science - and does a great job unpacking this.

Vivian Aszlatos is an amazing woman - and Christian. She's a trans woman who gives a lot of time and energy helping others learn how to walk in the love of Christ, especially with regards to how we treat transgender people.

Fr. John Burruss was rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church near Birmingham, AL when a mass shooting occurred on their campus. He gives tips on how congregations can stay safe yet welcoming.

Jo Nygard Owens is a PC(USA) minister, coach, speaker, creative, consultant, and teacher who has served as a youth pastor, associate pastor, church communicator, graphic designer, curriculum writer, entrepreneur, digital minister, and grant manager in her nearly 20 years of ordained ministry. Find her at jonygardowens.com

Sr. Monica Clare's wit and wisdom have amassed a quarter million tik tok followers as she regularly tells the world about God's work in her life.

This four-part course explores the spiritual journey of living with Alzheimer’s through the lens of faith, loss, and gratitude. As memory and roles gradually fall away, participants are invited into a “spirituality of subtraction” that clarifies what truly matters—love, connection, and trust in God. Ultimately, the course offers hope that even as life grows smaller, God’s presence remains constant and sustaining.

Take a deep dive into the liturgy and tradition of one of the holiest days of the year with Patrick Keyser's intelligent and inspirational look at The Great Vigil.

Take a deep dive into the liturgy and tradition of one of the holiest days of the year with Patrick Keyser's intelligent and inspirational look at Good Friday.

Take a deep dive into the liturgy and tradition of one of the holiest days of the year with Patrick Keyser's intelligent and inspirational look at Maundy Thursday.

Yoo is amazing. Engaging, insightful, passionate, and caring. Relax and relate to his wonderful insights on God's love.

How many sermons on the Bible passage, love your neighbor as yourself, have you heard that are actually on loving yourself? Right? They're almost always on how to love other people. Here, theologian, and author, Frank Rogers offers us some very wise words on loving yourself.

 'Our hearts are restless until they rest in you,' is the observation famously penned by St. Augustine of Hippo, wonderfully articulating a yearning in human hearts for the peace that comes from God. Centering Prayer offers just such peace. In this episode the Episcopal Bishop of Idaho, The Rt. Rev. Jos Tharakan, a former Roman Catholic priest, has marked his ministry with a decades-long devotion to the evangelism of the faithful through Centering Prayer. In this course he leads us into ways we can know God - know love - more intimately.

Gifted teacher Marvin Mclennon takes us on a wonderful journey through Peace - a gift of the Spirit. This is another installation from the FORMA group of givted teachers who share with us their understandings of the Fruits of the Spirit.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. went to great lengths to theologically ground his arguments for protest. Dr. Carl Ellis, a veteran protestor and Christian thinker on the topic, does the same in this insightful podcast. 

The Rev. Albert Jennings has lost both his daughter and his brother to suicide. His keen and authentic observations can help people understand and better deal with suicide.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an incredibly gifted intellectual, devout and pious Christian, and prolific author of devotional books. Yet he was killed by the Nazis for his role in an assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler - just days before Berlin was liberated. Learn more about this enigmatic figure from a Bonhoeffer expert.

Generosity is one of St. Paul's 9 fruits of the spirit - as mentioned in Galatians 5. What is it and how can we cultivate it? Come listen to Teresa Phares, a youth and young adult leader in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

In an era marked by intense political division, many Christians are wrestling with how to faithfully engage in public life without compromising the Gospel. Should churches avoid politics altogether? Or is there a faithful, Christ-centered way to speak into the issues shaping our nation?Recently retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry weighs in with wisdom, clarity, and hope. In a brand-new ChurchNext class, Bishop Curry explores what it means to follow Jesus amid today’s cultural and political turbulence.

Here's Sylvia's bio from her church's website - note that St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Altadena was totally destroyed in that same fire:I came to St. Mark’s in 2009 and have enjoyed being a part of this loving faith community while professionally also serving in other capacities in the diocese and the broader church. I am currently Professor Emeritus of Liturgics and Homiletics at Bloy House as well as a member of the faculty of Episcopal Preaching Foundation. I also teach Preaching to seminarians in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Ordained in 1985, over the years I have served congregations in Montana, Idaho, and the Diocese of California. I served as Dean and President of Bloy House for eleven years and still occasionally teach there when asked. I have a Master’s in Counseling and Human Systems from Florida State University, a Master’s in Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Liturgics from the Graduate Theological Union. Much of my writing over the years has been about topics related to women’s issues and ecofeminism. In my spare time I enjoy watching Dodgers baseball with my husband, Bob Honeychurch, watching PBS detective mysteries, and trying out new recipes on my unsuspecting family and friends. I am looking forward to also becoming a grandmother this summer and reentering the world of children’s literature with my granddaughter.

Fr. Randall takes us through the scriptural, traditional, liturgical, and practical elements of this great feast day.

What is Ash Wednesday? Where did it come from? Why should I commemorate it? Episcopal priest and speaker Fr. Rob Courtney unpacks this pinnacle day of the Church year that calls the faithful to repentance and renewal,.

Carrie gives personal insight into what this trip has meant to her - and what it might mean to you!

Smith is an Episcopal priest and author who has led preaching workshops throughout the United States.

Will is an author, academic, and bishop in the Methodist Chuch - and along with theologian Stanley Hauerwas, wrote a book of the same title, Resident Aliens.

Valori is an Episcopal priest, serving a congregation in St. Louis, Missouri - where she also runs a church consulting company and has authored a curriculum called The Stewardship for the Entireity of our lives.

Jesus calls to, nearly above all things, to be kind. We find this in word - and perhaps more profoundly, in deed.  Bishop Budde leads us in an inspiring foray into this invaluable spiritual gift. 

Jim Wallis is a renowned activist, author, and teacher who believes that white Christian nationalism is heresy and unpacks his beliefs in this podcast.

Great for inspiring a new look rooted in historic and biblical theology, that can transform your understanding of what it means to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Welcome to the ChurchNext podcast, my name is Chris Yaw and I'm your host as we learn from gifted presenters on a variety of topics designed to help us grow in our spiritual lives.You are listening to Episode number 107- it’s called "Data Driven Evangelism with Jenni Faires"  Jenni is the Canon for Evangelism and Youth Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia.Our podcasts are curated from our online learning library over at churchnext.tv - you can find out more by going there.And if you’d like to support us, consider a $9 monthly subscription that will give you access to all of our Individual online classes - or make a onetime gift to us via Venmo @churchnext - your generosity helps us produce digital experiences that help shape disciples.

You are listening to Episode number 105- it’s called "Exploring Immigration with Danny Carroll"  Professor Carroll is  the Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton University specializing in the Hebrew scriptures

Learn more about Pentecost - and be inspired doing so - here's an outline of today's podcast:1. Biblical Origins (What's the Bible say of this event?)2. Themes (What are some of the main themes of this event?)3. Theological Implications (What does this mean to believers?)4. Living Pentecost (After learning about/experiencing this, what does it mean to live it?)

Join the Chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington's Commission on Ministry, Fr. Jeff Queen, as he unpacks what gifts are frequently brought to the priesthood, how discernment 'works', and what a priest's life is like.

Every year 16-20 million guns are sold in the U. S. America is extremely adept at designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling firearms. Unfortunately, we are ill-equipped to go the other way.Because the U.S. lacks any kind of economical, affordable, practical, and attractive way to remove unwanted weapons from circulation, municipalities, churches and other groups have stepped in to fill the void by doing gun buybacks.In this class (turned podcast) you will learn the essentials in how to sponsor a gun buyback that are covered in these information-packed presentations:1. Why Sponsor a Gun Buyback?2. Strategic Partnerships3. Running a Buyback4. AftermathThis course is designed to help churches and community groups think through the main concerns of sponsoring a buyback in order to make their communities safer and live into Jesus' teachings of caring for our neighbors.

You are listening to Episode number 102 - it’s called "Israel, Gaza, and a Jewish Perspective with Aaron Starr"  Aaron is a Conservative rabbi overseeing one of the largest Jewish congregations in Michigan, Shaarey Zedek.

Imam Steve Elturk provides an overview of Israel and Gaza from a Muslim perspective. He explains the historical, religious, and cultural connections that Palestinians have to historic Palestine. He also walks participants through the key political events of the last 120 years that have led to the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. He also offers his perspective on key steps leaders need to take to ensure just and lasting peace in the area.

The Venerable Tim Spannaus, archdeacon of the Diocese of Michigan explores the ministry of deacons, from the history and biblical roots to the evolution of the ministry in today's churches. He explains why the church developed the order of deacons and the importance of their role in Christian community. This course also lays out the discernment process: the steps to take if you're feeling called to this special ministry.

The violence and death in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is wrenching. How did we get here? What are the historical and biblical contexts that play a role in this conflict? And what can we do?Archdeacon Paul Feheley, Partnership Officer for the Middle East for the Episcopal Church, offers an insightful primer on the historical and biblical components of the conflict as well as information about the Anglican Communion's ministry in the area. He also provides information about three important ways people of faith can help.

. Try researching on your own. Use some of the following resources to learn more.Making Sense of the Cross (2011) by David LoseWalk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices (2018) by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe (especially chapters 11, 12, and 22).The Scriptures, the Cross, and the Power of God (2006) by Tom WrightSeven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus (2016) by Jame MartinCross-Shattered Christ: Meditations on the Seven Last Words (2011) by Stanley Hauerwas You might be interested in other ChurchNext classes on the cross and the resurrection.Consider the following courses:Making Sense of the Cross, Part 1 with David Lose.Making Sense of the Cross, Part 2 with David Lose.Making Sense of the Cross, Part 3 with David Lose.Finding the Resurrected Jesus with Susan Goff.Walk in Love, Part 2: Marking Time with Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe.Walk in Love, Part 5: The Trinitarian Life with Scott Gunn And Melody Wilson Shobe.

We hear about Jesus' invitation to follow him throughout our lives. But what does this "great proposal" really mean? What does it mean to actually follow Jesus in the way he calls us to do? The institution of the Church we have have created is most likely quite different from the path Jesus had in mind when he told Peter he would build his Church "on this rock."In this episode, author and community activist Larry Stoess takes us on a journey of of imaging how to put the values of Jesus' to work in our communities so that we can truly follow him, living and loving like he taught us to in our neighborhoods and communities. Larry calls us to enter into the mystery of the kingdom of God, into which Jesus invites us.

Books:Think Red: Imagine Your Community Living and Loving Like Jesus (2021) by Larry Stoess.The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus (2020) by Scott Gunn.Faithful Questions: Exploring the Way with Jesus (2015) by Scott Gunn and Melode Wilson Shobe.You might be interested in other ChurchNext classes on daily spirituality and social justice. Consider the following courses:Who is Jesus? with Jason FoutFinding the Resurrected Jesus with Susan GoffBecoming Beloved Community: Understanding Systemic Racism with Tom Ferguson and Ivy Forsythe-BrownFrom Palace to Public Square: The Way of Love with Michael Curry 

Depression is real. It can touch anyone -- even a bishop in The Episcopal Church. Mental illness is often stigmatized in our culture and even in the Church, but it doesn't have to be. Taking the time to learn about and recognize that mental illness is a part of everyday life for many people, even those we don't suspect of suffering from it, is part of our Christian duty to recognize the dignity of God in each person.In this episode Rob Hirschfeld shows us ways to work with depression in five short lectures:The Hidden EpidemicExperiencing DepressionAggression and MindfulnessPrayer and Self-CareSeeking HelpThis episode will interest those looking to learn more about how to reach out to people with depression and mental illness and anyone who suspects they or a loved one may be suffering from depression.

Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms, and Party Lines (2022) by Mark BeckwithBraver Angels websiteThe Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations Civic Engagement webpage Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse (a free curriculum built in partnership with The Episcopal Church's office of Government Relations.)Bridging the Political Divide with Parker PalmerCivil Conversations in Uncivil Times with Ray SuarezFaithful Dissent: Loving Our Way into a Brighter Tomorrow Prayer from Prayers for a Privileged People by Dr. Walter Brueggeman

Bringing a pet into our home as a pulls us out of our human-focused mindset and into direct relationship with an element of God's created world. The fact that in a culture where many of us no longer need pets for practical reasons, so many people take on the expense and responsibility of caring for animals suggests that we long for this connection with God's creation.In this episode, the Rev. Emily Mellott discusses ways in which our connection with animals brings humans, ultimately, into relationship with God. Her talks include:Pets and CreationPets and Pure RelationshipsWhat Pets Teach Us about GodHow Pets Teach Us Spiritual ValuesThis course is ideal for pet lovers. For a preview, please click below.

BOOKSChristian Vegetarian AssociationGuided by the Faith of Christ: Seeking to Stop Violence and Scapegoating (2008) by Steven KaufmanGood News for All Creation (2002) by Steven Kaufman and Nathan Braun Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy (2003) by Matthew ScullyThe Global Guide to Animal Theology (2013), edited by Andrew Linzey. Forward by Archbishop Desmond TutuCreatures of the Same God: Explorations in Animal Theology (2009) by Andrew LinzeyWhy All Christians Should Go Vegan (2017 Washington Post article) by Charles Camosy OTHER CHURCHNEXT COURSESWater and Justice by Fletcher HarperHoly Grounds: The Surprising Connections Between Coffee and Faith by Tim SchenckChristians and Climate Change with Bill McKibben 

Lindsay Hardin Freeman looked at every instance of a woman speaking in the Bible, and what she found is powerful, life-giving, and transformational.Based on her award-winning book published by Forward Movement, Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter, Freeman invites us into a sacred circle of inspiring voices. While we all may be familiar with Mary, Martha, Sarah, and Elizabeth, we may be surprised to discover that not only do none of these women hold the record for speaking the most in the Bible, but those that do offer equal inspiration in their words and deeds.Her talks cover:Women in the BibleWomen in the Hebrew ScripturesWomen in the ApocryphaWomen in the New TestamentThis episode will interest those who are interested in Bible study, especially those looking to hear women's voices in scriptures.

The word 'icon' is perhaps most popularly used with reference to a thumbnail image on our computers: it is a small illustration that takes us someplace else.This is the same with the library of Christian imagery that believers have been using for centuries to take them somewhere else - into a deeper sense of the presence and understanding of God.In this episode, pastor and teacher Randall Warren introduces us to the theology, history, and practice of icons, showing us how we might use them to deepen our own faith in Jesus.

Books:Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard ThurmanOnline Resources:QuakerSpeak - a bi-weekly series on YouTubeSilence and Witness (2004) by Michael Lawrence Birkel.Quaker.org: "A place for people worldwide to access reliable basic information about the Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers) and to explore resources that could help them find a spiritual path and community." Quaker.org is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation, which also publishes the Friends Journal.The Friends General Conference webpage offers overviews of Quaker beliefs and resources for people who want to learn more.I Need You - A Prayer by Howard ThurmanI need Your sense of time. Always I have an underlying anxiety about things. Sometimes I am in a hurry to achieve my ends and am completely without patience. It is hard for me to realize that some growth is slow, that not all processes are swift. I cannot discriminate between what takes time to develop and what can be rushed because my sense of time is dulled. O to understand the meaning of perspective that I may do all things with a profound sense of leisure of time.

Originally scheduled for 2020 and postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the most recent Lambeth Conference finally was able to meet in late July and early August of 2022.In this episode Bishop Eugene Sutton of the Diocese of Maryland offers his perspective on the 2022 Lambeth Conference. He offers an overview of what exactly the conference is and why it matters, discusses the current place the conference holds as an Anglican Church authority, talks about the main issues discussed at the 2022 conference, and addresses the question of why it matters that the Lambeth Conference and other meetings between members of the global Anglican communion continue to happen.This episode will interest anyone interested in the Anglican Communion in general, the Lambeth Conference specifically, or -- even more specifically -- in the major themes and issues covered in the most recent Lambeth Conference.

Visit the Come to the Table page on RAFI-USA's website.Eating Together Faithfully: A Framework for Conversation.Food, Faith and Farmers of Color: A Guide for Community Collaboration.Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty (2009) by Mark Winne.More Than Just Food: Food Justice and Community Change (2016) by Garrett Broad.Food, Farms, and Community: Exploring Food Systems (2014) by Lisa Chase.You might be interested in other ChurchNext classes on daily spirituality and social justice:Introducing Christian Vegetarianism with Steve KaufmanGleaning Today: Conserving Food for Hungry People with Michael BingerOrganizing for Justice with Kayla GilchristDynamics of Helping the Poor with Lee Anne ReatCreating Common Good 1: Economic Inequality with Julio MurrayCreating Common Good 2: Christian Responsibility with Rachel Held EvansEconomic Inequality and the Church For Groups

Gleaning is the age-old agricultural practice of collecting excess food for the hungry. Centuries ago, food was left in the field for the poor to collect. Today in America, we waste literally tons of excess food every year that could be used to feed those who need it. We have a responsibility as people of faith to nurture God's abundance.In this episode, Michael Binger, Society of St. Anthony Regional Director of the Carolinas, explains how contemporary gleaning works to reclaim excess food in the twenty-first century food system and directs that food to people who need it. He discusses what gleaning is, the biblical foundations of the practice, why we glean today, and how to get started. You'll be interested in this episode if you're interested in food ministries or serving hungry people.