In this episode of the TryTank Podcast, we bring together two powerful lenses on Christian life today: the incarnational theology of the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells and the sociological insights of Dr. Josh Packard. Their conversation explores why God’s deepest desire is not to fix humanity, but to be with us—and why that shift in understanding might hold the key to renewing the Church in a low-trust, highly fragmented world.

From Sam’s well-known “eight dimensions of being with,” to Josh’s research on sacred listening and belonging, the episode uncovers how presence—not information, not programs, not expertise—is what truly transforms us.

This is a rich and hopeful reflection for anyone thinking about evangelism, discipleship, leadership, or what it means to rebuild trust in our time.

The voiceover introduction for this episode was created via AI.

In this episode, Lorenzo Lebrija talks with Doyt Conn, the dynamic rector of Epiphany Parish in Seattle. They discuss Conn's transformative journey in revitalizing a struggling church and share invaluable insights for new and seasoned leaders alike. From the importance of establishing trust and relationships to managing expectations in the first 90 days, Doyt provides practical advice that is both inspiring and actionable.

The conversation delves into critical aspects of church leadership, including the significance of effective preaching, the necessity of teaching challenging subjects, and the power of a unifying vision in overcoming conflict. Doyt emphasizes the relational nature of ministry and how building a community grounded in love can lead to spiritual growth and healing.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of church leadership while remaining focused on the core mission of serving others and fostering connection within the community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in their faith community.

Keywords

Leadership, community building, church revitalization, preaching, relational ministry, vision, conflict resolution

Takeaways

• The first 90 days are crucial for establishing trust and relationships within a new congregation.
• Effective preaching is essential for engaging the community and fostering growth.
• Teaching challenging subjects can galvanize the congregation and encourage deeper discussions.
• A strong vision can unify a church and help navigate conflicts.
• Building relationships is key to a thriving faith community.
• Adaptability and understanding the community's history can aid in revitalization efforts.
• Creating opportunities for connection through shared experiences fosters a sense of belonging.

In this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Lorenzo Lebrija engages with Josh Packard to discuss his book "Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations." They explore the evolving understanding of generational dynamics, the significance of sacred listening, and the role of relational ministry in today's diverse society. The conversation challenges traditional paradigms and offers new insights for faith communities.

Keywords

Faithful Futures, generational dynamics, sacred listening, relational ministry, faith communities

Takeaways

• Generational containers are outdated and can be harmful.
• Sacred listening is a transformative act for young people.
• Belonging now precedes believing in faith communities.
• Social media's impact on spirituality is still evolving.
• Micro narratives help reconcile ancient traditions with modern realities.
• Relational ministry requires new tools in a diverse world.
• Trust has shifted from institutions to individuals.
• Faith communities must adapt to survive and thrive.
• The church should focus on relational, not programmatic, approaches.
• Josh Packard emphasizes the importance of accompaniment in faith.