Ten Conversations That Shaped the Year on the Future Christian Podcast

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to taka a moment to look back at what resonated most with listeners of the Future Christian Podcast. These were the conversations that sparked reflection, challenged assumptions, and met people where they actually are—pastors, church leaders, and thoughtful Christians navigating faith in a complex cultural moment. This year’s Top 10 Most Listened-To Episodes includes a mix of conversations hosted by me, Loren Richmond Jr., episodes led by Martha Tatarnic, and—just for good measure—a bonus episode featuring Loren and Martha recording together in person for the first time. Together, these episodes offer a snapshot of the questions we’re collectively asking, the tensions we’re living inside of, and the hope we’re still daring to name as we imagine the future of the church.

Shane Parker

Archbishop Parker shares the story of his unexpected election, reflecting on themes of surrender, vocation, and guiding change rather than being changed by circumstance. He explores what it means to lead faithfully in a post-Christian context—one where the church no longer holds cultural prominence but still holds deep spiritual purpose.

Tricia Lyons

Dr. Lyons challenges seeker-sensitive and all-are-welcome models, questioning whether they truly form disciples. Instead, she advocates for a high-bar Christianity—one that calls people into deep commitment rather than passive inclusion. The conversation explores church decline, the limits of hospitality, the power of formation, and why high expectations create stronger faith communities.

Grace Duddy Pomroy

Grace talks about how churches can embrace bold, faithful financial models without compromising their mission. Grace offers insights drawn from her national research and latest book on reimagining how churches fund ministry—from sliding-scale rentals to community-rooted partnerships.

Joelle Kidd

Joelle reflects on the positives and negatives of her faith journey, the importance of self-ownership, and the need for a more inclusive and compassionate Christianity. Whether you were steeped in youth group culture or always felt on the outside looking in, this episode invites reflection on the messages that shaped us, and what kind of faith might lead us forward.

Chad Brooks

Brooks challenges common assumptions about growth and health. He unpacks why stability must come before vitality, how to measure what truly matters, and why small congregations often carry unique strengths that larger ones overlook. With both encouragement and practical tools, Brooks equips pastors, leaders, and laypeople to discern their next faithful step.

Margo Guernsey

Margo reflects on her own evolving faith journey, the deep spiritual nature of storytelling, and how this film reignited her connection with church and community. She discusses the courage and solidarity required to challenge institutional injustice, the cost of following one's calling, and why this story of ecclesiastical disobedience remains incredibly timely today.

Rita Nakashima Brock

Brock reflects on the decline of religious institutions, the collapse of reliable media, and how early Christian communities cultivated paradise on earth—not just in theory, but through shared meals, practices, and mutual care. Drawing on her groundbreaking book Saving Paradise, Brock calls for a return to rituals that ground us in community, memory, and moral accountability.

Kyle Norman

Kyle Norman shares about his latest book, Alive, Loved, and Free, which explores what it means to hold on to faith in the face of spiritual discouragement, suffering, and doubt. Drawing from his own experience as a priest and caregiver during his wife’s cancer treatment, Kyle shares how this painful journey reshaped his understanding of ministry, prayer, and God’s presence.

Andrew Root

Dr. Andrew Root explores what it means to practice evangelism in an age defined by despair. Drawing from his latest book, Evangelism in the Age of Despair: Hope Beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness, Andy challenges the notion that evangelism is about strategy, persuasion, or growth—and instead reframes it as a practice of consolation.

Ben Crosby

Ben explorse the state of the mainline church, the challenges of evangelism, and the role of discipleship in church renewal. Ben also shares his reflections on church growth, social justice, and spiritual formation. The conversation delves into the decline of the Anglican Church of Canada, the significance of church attendance numbers for evangelism, and the tension between progressive theology and traditional discipleship.

Martha & Loren

In this special in-person episode of podcast, co-hosts Loren Richmond Jr. and Martha Tatarnic reflect on the spiritual realities of middle age. Recorded together in St. Catharines, Ontario, they explore how faith changes through grief, caregiving, shifting theology, and the evolving nature of ministry. This deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation touches on everything from parenting and loss to theological mystery and sustaining joy in pastoral work.

This post is cross-posted between my personal newsletter, The Church Nerd, and the Future Christian newsletter. If these conversations have been meaningful to you, you can follow the Future Christian newsletter on Substack for episode updates and highlights, and subscribe to the Future Christian Podcast in your favorite podcast player. For longer-form essays and reflections, you’ll find my writing at The Church Nerd.