In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Fitzgerald, co-founder of Imagine Life Ministries. They explore the vibrant spiritual life at Bethel Church in Redding, California, discussing the importance of listening to God, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges of experiencing the supernatural in a modern context. Dr. Fitzgerald shares his journey of discovery, emphasizing the need for an incarnational presence in ministry and the transformative power of community and coaching in revitalizing faith. The conversation highlights practical insights for cultivating a deeper connection with God and each other.

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Andy Fitzgerald Bio - Dr. Andy Fitzgerald is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Imagine Life Ministries. Imagine Life Ministries is a Leadership and Coaching ministry that brings vibrant spiritual life to the Church by renewing our minds and exchanging beliefs. Previously, he was a lead pastor and church planter in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has a doctorate degree in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary. He is married to his wife, Jenny, for 25 years. Together they have four children, and they live in Redding, CA.

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Links:

https://imaginelifeministries.org/

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#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Jeff Holsclaw to explore the intersection of attachment theory and spiritual formation. They discuss how understanding attachment can enhance one's relationship with God and foster community connections. The conversation delves into the importance of listening, attunement, and the challenges faced by younger generations in a disembodied digital world. Practical strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence and secure attachments within faith communities are also shared, emphasizing the need for gratitude and integration of emotional practices.

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Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is an author of multiple books, is a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary where he and Cyd co-lead a Doctor of Ministry program, co-host of the Attaching to God podcast,

Geoff and his wife Cyd founded the Center for Embodied Faith which is working to anchor the soul through attachment-based, neuroscience informed, and Jesus- centered tools for discipleship and spiritual formation.

With Cyd Holsclaw, Geoff is the co-author of the new book Landscapes of the Soul: How science and spirituality of attachment can move you into confident faith, courage, and connection

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Links:

https://www.embodiedfaith.life/

Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

There are great things coming in Season 2 of The Future of Faith podcast with loads of amazing guests and Greg Arthur serving as host.

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

After a full season of deep dives, bold conversations, and powerful insights, it all comes back to one thing: relationships.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the season—what’s working in ministry, what’s changing, and why listening and engagement are more important than ever.

One thing is clear: younger generations aren’t looking for just another sermon—they’re looking for sanctuary. They want a place to be heard, to belong, and to build trust with people who genuinely care.

Lessons from the Season:

🤝 Relationships drive faith formation. Ministry isn’t about content—it’s about connection.

🎧 Listening is ministry. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is be present and pay attention.

🌱 Engagement with younger generations is essential. Youth want authenticity, not authority. They trust people who make the effort to connect.

💡 Curiosity opens doors. Asking questions, showing interest, and making space for real conversations changes everything.

🚀 Don’t overthink it. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. Start small. Be consistent. Show up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 Why relationships matter more than ever in ministry

🟠 How younger generations are looking for spaces to belong

🟢 The power of listening as a ministry tool

🔴 Practical steps to foster meaningful connections

🟣 How data can shape smarter ministry decisions

Where Do We Go from Here?

As this season closes, the question isn’t what’s next for faith?—it’s what’s next for you? Ministry, leadership, and connection don’t just happen in big moments. They happen in small, intentional, everyday actions. Let’s start there.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

What’s your biggest takeaway from this season? We’d love to hear it! Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

Here’s the hard truth: Institutional trust is collapsing. Across industries, organizations, and yes—even faith communities—people are putting less faith in institutions and more in individuals.

So, what does that mean for ministry? It means relationship-centered faith leadership isn’t optional—it’s the future.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston unpack the data behind the decline in institutional trust and reveal why listening is the key to rebuilding it. When people don’t trust organizations, they turn to personal relationships—and trust is built one genuine conversation at a time.

Trust Is Built, Not Assumed

🛠️ Listening with intent is the foundation of real trust. You can’t fake it. People know when they’re truly being heard.

📉 Institutional trust is at an all-time low. People trust individuals they know more than titles or organizations.

❤️ Relationships > Authority. Trust doesn’t come from a position of power—it comes from shared experiences, honesty, and consistency.

🌍 Ministry must be relationship-centered. People stay connected when they feel seen, known, and valued—not because of an institution’s reputation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 How listening builds trust within faith communities

🟠 Why people trust relationships more than institutions

🟢 The importance of feedback in maintaining trust

🔴 How leaders can create spaces of belonging in a low-trust world

🟣 Why trust is gained slowly but lost quickly—and how to protect it

Where Do We Go from Here?

This episode wraps up the season with a powerful look at the future of faith in a world where trust is earned, not assumed. If you care about leadership, ministry, or the future of faith communities, you don’t want to miss this one.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Got insights on trust in faith communities? We’d love to hear them! Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

We all know listening is important. But let’s be real—most of us think we’re great listeners when, in reality, we’re making a few key mistakes that shut conversations down fast.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down five major listening mistakes that can wreck trust, stall faith formation, and make people feel unheard. (Plus, they throw in a bonus tip about when laughter can backfire!) Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they reveal how true listening goes beyond just being quiet—it’s about creating a space where real dialogue can happen.

The 5 Things Not to Do When Listening:

❌ Don’t judge. Judgment kills openness. If people sense criticism, they’ll shut down.

🙅‍♂️ Don’t give unsolicited advice. Just because you can fix it doesn’t mean you should. Ask before offering input.

⏸️ Don’t interrupt. Cutting someone off signals that their words don’t matter as much as yours.

📵 Don’t look at your phone. Distraction = disrespect. Be present.

🧐 Don’t make assumptions. Jumping to conclusions keeps you from truly understanding.

🎭 Bonus Tip: Be careful with laughter! Even well-intended chuckles can send the wrong message in serious conversations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 Listening without judgment fosters deeper connections

🟠 Unsolicited advice can alienate instead of helping

🟢 Interruptions make speakers feel unheard and unvalued

🔴 Phone distractions break trust and engagement

🟣 Avoiding assumptions leads to better understanding

🟡 Why laughter can be tricky in serious discussions

Want to Be a Better Listener?

If you want to improve your listening skills and build stronger faith communities, this episode is a must.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Have a listening fail (or win) to share? Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. We’d love to hear your story! 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

You know what kills real connection? Assumptions. You know what builds it? Curiosity.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston dive into the game-changing role of curiosity in faith formation, trust-building, and effective communication—especially in youth ministry.

Listening isn’t just about staying quiet while someone talks. It’s about engagement, follow-up, and asking better questions. When we approach conversations with curiosity, we deepen relationships, build trust, and create safe spaces for real faith growth. Ignore this? You risk shutting people down before the conversation even starts.

Curiosity vs. Assumption: The Conversation Decider

🗝️ Curiosity builds bridges. When we ask good questions and listen with an open mind, people feel heard and valued.

🚧 Assumptions build walls. Jumping to conclusions kills trust and makes real dialogue impossible. If you’re not curious, you’re just waiting for your turn to talk.

🔄 Effective listening is a two-way street. This isn’t a transaction—it’s transformation. When you engage, ask follow-ups, and truly listen, relationships change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How curiosity leads to deeper understanding in faith conversations

✔️ Why judgment is the enemy of effective listening

✔️ The power of follow-up questions in meaningful dialogue

✔️ How to create a safe space for honest conversations

✔️ Why listening isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, and powerful

Let’s Make Listening Count.

If you care about faith, ministry, or simply being a better communicator, this episode is a must.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Got stories about the power of curiosity? A time when listening changed everything? Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. We’d love to hear from you! 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission

Want to know the secret to real impact in ministry? Reliability. It’s not just about being there—it’s about showing up, following up, and proving that you care over time.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down why reliability is a non-negotiable in ministry. They explore how personal connections + consistent follow-up = real trust—not just with youth, but with entire faith communities. And here’s the kicker: having a system matters. If you want to keep up with the people you serve, you need tools, structure, and a plan.

Reliability Isn’t Just a Nice-to-Have—It’s Everything.

🛠️ Personal connections fuel effective ministry. People don’t just remember what you say; they remember how you show up for them.

📅 Systems help manage relationships. Whether it’s a calendar, notes app, or an actual CRM (yes, ministry leaders can use CRMs too!), having a way to track birthdays, prayer requests, and past conversations builds trust and deepens relationships.

🔁 Follow-up proves you care. Checking in after the big event, remembering details from conversations, and making space for ongoing connection shows that ministry isn’t just about the moment—it’s about the relationship.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why reliability is the foundation of trust in ministry

✔️ The power of follow-up (and why so many leaders miss this step)

✔️ Practical tools for keeping track of relationships

✔️ How consistency creates a safe and supportive environment

✔️ Why adults need care in ministry too—not just youth

Ready to Build a More Reliable Ministry?

Whether you lead a youth group, pastor a church, or simply want to be a better faith leader, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you create lasting connections.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Got thoughts on reliability in ministry? A system that works for you? Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. We’d love to hear from you! 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission