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Season 12: Critical Themes for the Current and Future Church | Episode 4

Small Boats are the Big Wave for the Church

Overview

This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane speak with Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck to explore the concept of "small boats," or small experiments that are giving us vision and hope for the church as we look to the future. Traditional leadership models are transitioning to leadership that empowers others in the community, fostering gifts and spiritual growth. Kenda and Michael discuss various themes integral to the evolving church, highlighting the significant role of trust-building and patient, deliberate leadership in fostering genuine community connections.

Listen as Lisa, Kathi, Kenda, and Michael explore how small, nimble efforts within faith communities can achieve extraordinary impacts.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

  • Small Boats: The concept emphasizes the substantial impact of numerous small, adaptable initiatives within the church.

  • Trust and Patience: Building trust within communities and going at a pace that allows for real connection and leadership development.

  • Innovative Models: Fresh Expressions demonstrates how integrating faith into everyday activities can make the church more accessible and relevant.

  • Leader of Leaders: The need for modern clergy to be leaders who empower others, moving away from the "pastoral vending machine" model.

  • Deep Formation: Ensuring new church movements incorporate deep spiritual and communal formation to sustain long-term impact.

Meet Our Guests

Rahel Billups

Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean

Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean is an ordained pastor, professor, and author. She is Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her work has focused on building meaningful connections among youth, culture, and the church. She is the author of Innovating for Love. Kenda received the 2024 Distinguished Locke Innovative Leader Award.

Rahel Billups

Rev. Dr. Michael Beck

Rev. Dr. Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, coach, consultant, and author. Michael is the Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, Director of Fresh Expressions Florida, and Director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church. He serves as the co-pastor of Wildwood UMC, St. Marks UMC, and Compassion UMC with his wife, Jill.

Show Notes

Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean is an ordained pastor, professor, and author. She is Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her work has focused on building meaningful connections among youth, culture, and the church. She is the author of Innovating for Love. Kenda received the 2024 Distinguished Locke Innovative Leader Award.

Rev. Dr. Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, coach, consultant, and author. Michael is the Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, Director of Fresh Expressions Florida, and Director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church. He serves as the co-pastor of Wildwood UMC, St. Marks UMC, and Compassion UMC with his wife, Jill.

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