Parish Podcast

Welcome to Episode 16, “Seeking Shalom: Justice in the Small Church.”  In this Episode, we discuss topics of gentrification, immigration, and pursuing justice in a world full of injustice. We had the honor of sitting down with Misha Cazas, Pastor of Outreach and Community care at Westside Church Internacional, as well as Derrick Kelsey, Pastor of Missional Communities at the Embassy Church. Misha and Derrick give us insight into how small churches can engage in the work of justice for the oppressed through spiritual formation in the way of Jesus. We address the question: What does Shalom look like? We also examine God’s desire for us to see His image (Imago Dei) in all people. Join us as we dig into some of the ways our Small Churches can do justice in our neighborhoods. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 15, “The Untapped Resource of Local Government.”  In this Episode, we discuss how Small Churches and Local Governments can both learn from and help one another. We had the honor of sitting down with Shawn Lewis, City Manager of Englewood, CO. Shawn gives us insight into what City Managers are truly tasked with, and how Small Churches can partner with leaders for the sake of their neighbors and neighborhoods. We address the question: What does a local government need from a community (Church) that seeks the wellbeing of their city? Join us as we dig into some of the ways our Small Churches are missing huge opportunities to love on and engage with our local leaders. You can find the resources Shawn Mentioned here. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 14, “Church Planting & Hospitality.”  In this Episode, we speak with Mark Grapengater, Pastor of The Table Denver. The Table is a small church that meets in Mark’s home. We discuss church planting and how to lead in a house church context. Mark discusses his experience in relating to neighbors in a city that is highly individual as well as the challenges related to having to consistently extend invitations toward people to participate. Mark retains hope and faithful perseverance in his ministry!. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 13, “Diversity and Cultural Identity Part 2.”  In this Episode, we continue our conversation with Josh Lin from Episode 12. We discuss small churches more specifically, and how partnering cross-culturally outside of a building with Christians from other cultural contexts might be one of the best ways to start making Diversity a practice for your church. We ask the questions: Why aren’t churches often diverse spaces? Is that always a bad thing? Josh shows us how the sacrifices everyone in a small church has to make in order for it to operate are well worth a certain level of discomfort—in fact, it can lead to deeper discipleship, wider invitation, and relational intimacy. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 12, “Diversity & Cultural Identity Part 1.”  In this Episode, we have the honor of speaking with Josh Lin, church leader and former pastor of Chinese American churches across the country. We discuss Josh’s experience growing up in a Chinese Church and the struggles he had while existing in two cultural contexts. We ask the question: What actually is Diversity in the Church? Josh speaks from his vast experience in multicultural contexts to address how our cultural and spiritual identities are woven together. Join us for Episode 13 as we continue this discussion and focus in on Small Churches with Josh in part 2 of this interview! Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 11, “God, Guns, and Nonviolence.”  In this Episode, we get a chance to hear from Hannah Martin, Children’s Pastor at Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs, as well as Mike Martin, former youth pastor and founder of RAWtools. RAWtools is an organization that turns guns into garden tools—literally. We examine America’s alarming gun violence epidemic and reference Old Testament prophesies about God’s people beating their swords into plowshares. We ask: Why do we keep making (and defending) swords when the people of God are asked to create tools of life rather than tools of death? We discuss ways that small churches can both model Jesus’ nonviolent example and safely deescalate tense situations without using weapons of war. *Content Warning: This Episode discusses topics of gun violence and suicide.* Check out Mike Martin and Shane Claiborne's book, Beating Guns: Hope for a People Who are Weary of Violence to learn more! Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! We’ll see you next week. Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst. Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl. Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 10, “God is At Work in Rural Churches.”  In this Episode, we get a chance to speak with Jordan Grimms, Pastor of the Colby Wesleyan Church in Colby, Kansas. We examine some of the ways majority Christian culture has discounted the value and worth of our rural Brothers and Sisters. We ask: Why have so many pastors seen rural church ministry as the minor leagues? We talk about the unique giftings, challenges, and perspectives of some rural church communities and hear about Jordan’s wild transition from a church of 5,000 people to a town of 5,000 people. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! We’ll see you next week. Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 9, “Neighborhood: Taking Spiritual & Social Responsibility (Part 2).”  In this Episode, we continue our conversation with Nathan Hoag from Episode 8. In part two of this interview, we examine some of the ways patience and presence can make lasting impacts: What can God do through our consistent investment in a community? We talk about some of the rhythms and practices Nathan and his church engage in for the love of neighbor and the good of the city. Please remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! We’ll see you next week. Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

We’re back! Episode 8, “Neighborhood: Taking Spiritual & Social Responsibility (Part 1)” is here!  In this Episode, we hear from Nathan Hoag, Pastor of Sacred Grace - a neighborhood-focused church in Englewood, CO. In part 1 of this interview, we discuss why Nathan has intentionally chosen a slower approach to planting a church, steering away from hype and reorienting toward consistency and presence. We examine the long and messy process of gaining the trust of a community and its leaders, as well as engaging broken systems for the sake of our neighbors. Join us in Episode 9 as we continue our interview and remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Hey Friends, we just wanted to thank you so much for listening and update you on the status of season 1. Although we are only about halfway through season 1, we’ll be taking a break during the holidays and will resume weekly episode releases beginning January 4th. Please rate and share this podcast and feel free to reach out on Instagram with any feedback or questions you might have @parishpodcast. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and thank you again for tuning in!

This is Episode 7: Kingdom Justice pt 2. In this Episode, we pick up where we left off with Activist and Author Michelle Warren from Episode 6. We discuss more specifically how small churches can engage in justice issues in their communities. Michelle explains how justice work is always disruptive, and we ask the question: should we consider these disruptions and sacrifices as blessings instead of hindrances? Buy Join The Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/Join-Resistance-Step-Kingdom-Justice/dp/151400433X

This is Episode 6: Kingdom Justice pt 1. We were honored to be able to have a conversation with Michelle Warren, an activist, advocate, church leader, educator, and author. Michelle has extensive experience in leading and planting small churches, and has dedicated her life to the work of justice for the poor and oppressed. We discuss Michelle's brand new book, "Join the Resistance: Step Into The Good Work of Kingdom Justice." We discuss the biblical definition of justice and how close justice is to the heart of God. With less "influence" to lose, small churches are almost always more willing to boldly advocate for justice in their contexts. Join us as we discuss this incredibly important topic! Buy Join The Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/Join-Resistance-Step-Kingdom-Justice/dp/151400433X

It's Episode 5! “It Can Be Good To Be Small.” In this Episode, we hear from Rev. Mike Wright, Lead Pastor of Littleton Christian Church in Littleton, CO. In this interview, we discuss the factors that have led to the church growth movement and how churches of all sizes have been pressured to care most about growing the number of people in our churches instead of cultivating relationships with the ones we already have. Mike shares his experience of being a pastor at the same church for nearly two decades, and shows how valuable consistency and longevity really are. Join us as we look deeply into valuing the proximity we have to our small church communities and remember to Subscribe wherever you listen!

Welcome to Episode 4, “Maintaining Unity Amongst Cultural and Generational Diversity.” This Episode centers around the beauty and challenges that accompany a diverse congregation in a small church. Donald Nwankwo, an Anglican Priest in Denver, helps to provide a framework for spiritual formation in these contexts and pursuing unity in the midst of cultural and preferential differences. What does unity and sacrifice actually look like in the face of diverse experiences and opinions?   Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company.  The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag.   This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst.  Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl  Find us on social media @parishpodcast (instagram) and @parish_podcast (twitter)

Welcome to Episode 3, “Politics: Presence and Practice part 2.” In this Episode, we continue our conversation with Chelsea Nunnenkamp and Dr. Hannah Paul. In part 2 of this interview, we discuss what “public service” actually looks like and how Christians can effect change for the sake of our vulnerable neighbors. We examine political idols and divisiveness, as well as how the Small Church can navigate these issues in a more proximate and understanding way: How can we disagree better? Here is a more detailed list of resources that Chelsea and Hannah have compiled: BOOKS - Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging in Politics by Eugene Cho - Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church by Gregory A. Boyd - Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess >> Free Chapter   - Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement by Chris Butler, Justin Giboney, and Michael Wear >> Free Chapter  - I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers - A Gentle Answer: Our 'Secret Weapon' in an Age of Us Against Them by Scott Sauls - The Power of Proximity: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action by Michelle Ferrigno Warren ARTICLES/BLOGS - Stepping Away From Un-Christian Politics by Scott Sauls - How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t by Tim Keller - Practices for the Election Season by Kaitlyn Schiess - The French Press by David French VIDEOS - A Lecture on Politics with Eugene Cho - Arthur Brooks' Keynote Speech at the 2020 National Prayer Breakfast - The Politics of Neighborly Love: Christian Citizenship in a Divided Age, hosted by Denver Institute of Faith & Work. Opening lecture by Justin Giboney and a panel discussion with Justin Giboney, Stephanie Summers, Pastor Scott Sauls, and Former Governor Bill Haslam. Join us as we look at practical ways to engage politics for the sake of our neighbors and remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit

Welcome to Episode 2, “Politics: Presence and Practice part 1.” In this Episode, we feature Chelsea Nunnenkamp, Chief of Staff at Unite America and City Council Member for the City of Englewood, Colorado as well as Dr. Hannah Paul, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri. In part 1 of this interview, we define “politics” by what it actually means rather than how our culture defines it. We establish a theological and biblical precedent for engaging politics as Christians in a healthy way, not a colonizing one. We will address policy, and how it affects our neighbors in powerful ways. Join us in Episode 3 for the rest of this conversation and remember to Subscribe wherever you listen! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Episode 1, “You’ve Never Heard of Us.” In this Episode, we feature Nathan Hoag, the Parish Pastor at The Sacred Grace Englewood and Executive Producer of Parish Podcast, as well as Maggie Burns, Community Pastor at TSG Englewood. To kick off the series, we seek to introduce ourselves more fully, speak to where the Small Church finds itself in 2022, and lay a foundation for why we started this podcast in the first place. The fact is, 85% of churches in America are under 200 people. We want to address the lack of resources specifically for and by Small Churches, and ask the question: Why are we so wrapped up in trying to create big churches when being small makes us uniquely positioned to engage our communities in ways large churches just cannot do. Join us, and Subscribe wherever you listen. Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace - an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information visit thesacredgrace.com

Welcome to Parish, a video podcast that celebrates, equips, and focuses on small churches and why they matter so much. We believe that small churches are uniquely positioned to integrate in their communities and engage issues in ways only small churches can. Coming Soon wherever you get your podcasts! Parish podcast is a production of Vineworks Film Company. The Executive Producer is Nathan Hoag. This episode was Produced, Edited, and Hosted by Canaan Hurst Written and Directed by Canaan Hurst Graphic Design and Set Design by Erica Krysl Find us on social media @parishpodcast This video podcast has been made possible by the generous support of The Sacred Grace – an incubator and accelerator that’s cultivating leaders to take spiritual and social responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhoods. For more information, visit thesacredgrace.com