Season 10: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership | Bonus Episode
Analyzing Nieuwhof’s Church Trends That Will Disrupt 2024
Overview
Jump into 2024 with a special Bonus Episode of Igniting Imagination! We have invited two of our most frequent (and beloved) guests, Rev. Rachel Billups and Rev. Matt Rawle, to engage with Carey Nieuwhof’s list of 7 Church Trends That Will Disrupt 2024. Matt and Rachel reflect that this year’s list seems particularly spot on. From the endangered stable church to the normative adoption of AI, these trends are real and happening now. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical nuggets – things they are trying in the midst of so much change and challenge and possibility. Thanks for listening and sharing our podcast with colleagues and friends! We hope this conversation inspires and even provokes you to new conversations and imagination in this New Year!In this conversation, you’ll hear:
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- How Rachel and Matt have experienced the trend that the “stable church” is an “endangered species” (5:30)
- What it means for congregations where Millennials are becoming the core (10:45)
- The different generational needs and expectations of pastoral leadership (14:00)
- How Gen Z is reshaping the church and how leaders can cultivate Gen Z community (25:00)
- Growing opportunities for digital discipleship (30:00)
- Leaning into AI in 2024 and beyond (38:10)
Meet Our Guests
Rev. Rachel Billups
Rev. Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker, and author. Currently, she serves as pastor at New Albany United Methodist Church. She previously served as senior pastor atGinghamsburg Churchmulti-campus ministry in Tipp City, Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.
Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds bachelor’s degrees in Bible/religion and history from Anderson University and a master of divinity from Duke Divinity School. Rachel is the author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce andother books published by Abingdon Press.
Rev. Matt Rawle
Rev. Matt Rawle is the lead pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana and a graduate from the LSU School of Music and Duke Divinity School. He’s an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church. He’s authored The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, The Grace of Les Misérables, What Makes a Hero?, The Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus, The Salvation of Doctor Who, and The Redemption of Scrooge. Learn more about Matt on his website,mattrawle.com.
Show Notes
Rev. Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker, and author. Currently, she serves as pastor at New Albany United Methodist Church. She previously served as senior pastor at Ginghamsburg Churchmulti-campus ministry in Tipp City, Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.
Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds bachelor’s degrees in Bible/religion and history from Anderson University and a master of divinity from Duke Divinity School. Rachel is the author of Be Bold: Finding Your Fierce and other books published by Abingdon Press.
Rev. Matt Rawle is the lead pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana and a graduate from the LSU School of Music and Duke Divinity School. He’s an international speaker who loves to tell an old story in a new way, especially at the intersection of pop culture and the church. He’s authored The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, The Grace of Les Misérables, What Makes a Hero?, The Faith of a Mockingbird, Hollywood Jesus, The Salvation of Doctor Who, and The Redemption of Scrooge. Learn more about Matt on his website, mattrawle.com.
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More From Season 10: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership
Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership in the Church Today
With Derrick Scott, III and Rev. Kathleen McShane
Living ‘Love Your Neighbor’ in the State House of Representatives
With Rep. James Talarico
Hope in Doubt? Are We Addicted to Hope?
With Rev. Danielle Shroyer and Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle