Holy Soup Podcast

Listen to an exclusive sneak peak at Eyewitness, the first-of-its-kind story Bible designed to help adults discover God in fresh and surprising ways.

One age group is hit particularly hard with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s teenagers. Join Thom and youth ministry expert and author Rick Lawrence as they discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on youth ministers and teenagers around the country. Then discover key steps youth ministries can take to stay keep their teenagers engaged during these challenging times.

The American church faces an upset like never before. The insidious coronavirus has slammed shut the church doors–locking out the faithful from gathered worship. What is happening? Where is God in all of this? Join Thom Schultz and very special guest Max Lucado as they discuss how God is and will continue to work in the church during these unprecedented times.

Gen Z is the loneliest and most socially isolated generation in history. How can churches help to fight this epidemic of loneliness while reaching today’s young people? Join Thom and special guest Dr. Josh Packard (a sociologist) as they discuss new research regarding Gen Z and the challenges the church is facing in reaching them.

Over the past decade, the multisite model of church has quickly grown in popularity and adoption. But will it continue to effectively engage and feed people moving forward, especially Generation Z? Join Thom, and special guest Joshua Symonette, a campus pastor at a multisite church in Washington D.C., as they discuss the benefits and challenges of a multisite church model when it comes to reaching the next generation of Christ followers.

As the American church struggles to find its way, it may be downplaying one its strongest assets. Women. Join Thom and special guest Kadi Cole (author, speaker and consultant) as they discuss the ever-changing role of women in the American church, focusing on the current role of women in church leadership.

For many years, the warning signs have mounted. The institutional church is in decline. But, up to now, few in the church have shown much desire to change, to seriously respond to the erosion around them. Has the church in America finally reached a tipping point? Join Thom and special guest Kent Hunter as they discuss the ‘tipping point’ many churches are reaching that is pushing them to make a change.

Websites, social media, live streaming…. All important, but sometimes overwhelming for churches. When looking at your ministry’s digital presence, how can you balance impact with effort while reaching people with the love of Jesus? Join Thom and special guest, Jason Caston (author, speaker, and digital/social specialist) as they discuss the important role technology will play in the church of tomorrow, and what your church can use the digital world to reach new people today.

Churches strive to make people feel welcome by creating a warm environment where ministry and friendship flourish. At the same time, ensuring the safety of those entering your building is quickly becoming a necessity. Is it possible to mix the ministry and security without sacrificing hospitality? Join Thom and special guest Craig Cable (a church security expert) as they dive into the growing debate over church security and examine what it takes to create a church environment that is both welcoming and safe.

Jesus didn’t arrange his followers in little rows and ask them to complete fill-in-the-blank worksheets. He knew that discipleship was much more than an academic exercise. After modeling how to actually make disciples, Jesus left us with the challenge to “make disciples of all nations.” So how is his church doing with that endeavor, after 2,000 years? Join Thom and special guest Rick Lawrence (author and editor of GROUP magazine) as they discuss different models for growing disciples of Jesus including approaching discipleship as a friendship.

Join Thom and special guest Derwin Gray (author and pastor) as they discuss how churches can navigate a response to current issues of social outrage including areas of racial and political division.

The church planting movement in the U.S. appears to be at an all-time high. But as a church plant grows, is it able to still fulfill the main goals it was planted for in the first place? Join Thom and special guest Christiana Rice (author and leader of a neighborhood of faith community in San Diego) as the current state of the church planting movement and common motivations behind starting a church plant.

With racial tensions on the rise around the country, what unique opportunity does the church have to lead the push toward racial reconciliation? Join Thom and special guest Michael Emerson (provost of North Park University in Chicago) as they discuss the American churches role in bridging racial divides.

What’s behind the increasingly common exit of Millennials and Gen Z from the church? It may not be what most pastors and church leaders expect. Join Thom and special guest John Vitek (President of St. Mary’s Press and co-author of “Going, Going, Gone”) as they discuss the results of a new study documenting the increasing migration of young generations away from the church, and discuss what can be done to reverse the growing trend.

Holy Soup Episode 26: What American Churches Can Learn From Shrunken European Churches by Holy Soup

Once she was a dedicated church member, loyal and committed. Now, she’s done with church, but is finding her faith more alive than ever before. Join us as host Thom Schultz welcomes special guest Andrea Syverson, author of the new book Alter Girl: Walking Away From Religion Into the Heart of Faith. During the interview, Andrea describes how her various experiences prompted her to BE the church, rather than merely sit in a pew. Related Resources - Alter Girl by Andrea Syverson- https://www.group.com/product/9781470744526-alter-girl.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=Search&ecList=6&ecCategory= - (Podcast) Are the Dones Really Christian? - https://soundcloud.com/holy-soup-podcast/holy-soup-episode-001-are-the-dones-really-christian - - When God Left the Building- https://wwv.group.com/whengodleftthebuilding/

Holy Soup Episode 024: The Shack: See or Shun? by Holy Soup

While full-time paid ministry positions are shrinking, the pool of bi-vocational ministers is growing. Discover what’s behind the trend and how it may impact your ministry in this week’s Holy Soup Podcast.

Brian Bennett spent years interviewing the top ‘number 2’s’ from around the country including assistant pastors, golf caddies and even a vice president of the United States. What qualities did he discover that makes them all great in their unique role? Discover on this special Holy Soup Podcast.

“We’re stuck in using the most archaic and unreliable ways to communicate the best message that’s ever been out there.” Find out what new research reveals about ‘the lecture style’ and how to reach a new generation in this special Holy Soup Podcast with author and pastor Rich Bundschuh.

He was once a mega-church pastor, but now he says he’s DONE with the institutional church. Hear his honest and revealing story and learn what your church can do to reach the 'almost dones'.

Can the modern church, in its present form, afford to spread the love of Christ even if it gets nothing in return? Can it afford NOT to? Join special host Mikal Keefer and his guest David Staal of Kids Hope USA as they discuss the challenges and benefits.

They balance a full-time job with a calling in ministry. How are bi-vocational pastors challenging the concept of professional ministry and finding opportunities to engage their faith in new ways. Featuring Thom Schultz and special guest Chris Folsmbee, an author and millennial expert.

Some Christian leaders say to be cautious of Muslim immigrants coming to the U.S. Others say to welcome them into our churches and homes. See the different perspectives as Thom visits with author and expert Carl Medearis.

What's the best way to teach the current and future generations of children about God? At home? At church? Both? Discover some insight as VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer joins Thom on the HolySoup Podcast.

What should the American church's response to a growing refugee crisis in Syria and other parts of the world be? Hear what you and your church can do as the World Relief director of church mobilization joins the Podcast.

Some Christian leaders say a lack of biblical literacy is the chief cause of society’s moral decay. But others are not so sure. What is the role of the Bible in people’s everyday life? Join the discussion with Thom and pastor and author Jeremy Myers.

What role, if any, can the Church play in the upcoming election season? Learn how to be politically involved without falling into a trap as Thom is joined by author Kristopher Norris.

What do you need to know about new "bathroom" guidelines recently issued the EEOC and how will they impact your church? We'll help you prepare you.

What is spiritual abuse, why is it happening and who are the culprits? Learn the details from a man who specializing in counseling victims and perpetrators of spiritual abuse.

At the time, Michael Lindsay had no idea he’d just lit a fuse that would threaten to explode his institution. Hear an exclusive interview with Lindsay, President of Gordon College, and learn how he weathered the storm.

How is the church responding to the existence of evil and demonic suppositions in the public discourse? Hear the answer from a Vatican certified practicing exorcist in this very special Holy Soup Podcast.

Christian College and Seminary enrollments across the country continue to decline. Costs continue to climb. Support from denominations and donors continues to erode. Hear what's gone wrong and what's being done to change it from a former Seminary Dean during this Holy Soup Podcast.

This pastor made a decision that not only changed his congregation, it's changing his community. Now over 90% of his members are actively engaged in ministry. Find out what he did in this Holy Soup Podcast.

One side says the worship volume is so loud it's causing headaches. The other says it’s right where it needs to be for the best experience. Who’s right and what does a new scientific study say about the issue?

After many years in the pulpit, Steve Simms gave up preaching. He turned the floor over to his congregation. And he’s never looked back. Hear his revelation in this Holy Soup Podcast.

While some are reluctant to talk about the end times, others are eager to discuss and even preach about the topic. Why is there such a difference? Unpack the issue with Thom and author Billy Hallowell.

Holy Soup Episode 003: Talking About God Without Being a Jerk by Holy Soup

Holy Soup Episode 002: Have We Been Sold a Fake Jesus? by Holy Soup

Holy Soup Episode 001: Are The Dones Really Christian? by Holy Soup