Podcasts about microchurches

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Disciplines create the space for that formation to happen in and through us as we encounter the presence and power of God.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short workshop or story on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we continue our series of workshops on spiritual formation and disciplines with a conversation around fasting.

For centuries, the church has been a community that unites people across social, economic, racial, and cultural barriers. Jesus has called his people to unite on him and him alone. Unfortunately, we tend to drift back into our old identities and affinities - prioritizing those who are like us and overlooking or neglecting those who are different. This tendency causes deep hurt and insurmountable fractures within a community. In Acts 6:1-7, we see the leaders of the early church respond in a radical way to the hurt and fractures that were forming within the community. Instead of dismissing or simply placating the hurt, the apostles pursue healing by diversifying the leadership and sharing power with those who had experienced hurt.

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Disciplines create the space for that formation to happen in and through us as we encounter the presence and power of God.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short workshop or story on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we continue our series of workshops on spiritual formation and disciplines with a conversation around sabbath.

In the early pages of the book of Acts, things are going well for Jesus' church. The Spirit of God has filled the community and empowered them to fulfill the mission of Jesus in the world. But things take a disturbing turn in Acts 5, when a couple people in the community introduce something that could be the undoing of this faith family. In this passage, we learn about the importance of trust and honesty in community, and the danger that deception poses to authentic connection and intimacy. 

At the end of Acts 2, we get a beautiful portrait of the shared life of the early church community. It is something that Christians have aspired to imitate ever since. But we miss the point if we treat this passage primarily as a model on how to do church. Instead, this is a picture of God's character embodied by God's people. It is a display of what God had been calling his people to do from the very beginning. In other words, this is what it looks like when the church cares about what God's cares about.

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Disciplines create the space for that formation to happen in and through us as we encounter the presence and power of God.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short workshop or story on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we continue our series of workshops on spiritual formation and disciplines with a conversation around prayer.

As we come to Acts 2, the small community of Jesus' disciples are in Jerusalem waiting for a promise to be fulfilled. Jesus left them saying that he would send the Holy Spirit who would fill and empower them to engage in the mission that he set before them. In this passage, we learn that the Church must first wait on the Spirit, be filled by the Spirit, and then be propelled into the mission by the power of the the Spirit. 

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Disciplines create the space for that formation to happen in and through us as we encounter the presence and power of God.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short workshop or interview on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we introduce a new series of workshops on spiritual formation and disciplines.

Thanks so much for listening to the Microchurches Podcast! We're wrapping up this series AND this season with an awesome episode hearing from Steve Addison, as we discuss the book of Acts and the Movement of God. Thank you SO much for your support and for tuning into Season 5 of Microchurches Podcast, and we hope you enjoy this episode!Resources mentioned: Acts and the Movement of God by Steve Addison New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to another episode of Microchurches! We're currently in a series hearing from special guests as we continue our conversations around calling and ministry. In this episode, we'll hear from Neil Cole, an experienced church planter, speaker, and author, with a lot of valuable insight around gifting, organic leadership, and more.Resources mentioned:Journeys to Significance by Neil ColeNew episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for listening to Microchurches Podcast! We're kicking off a new mini-series this week where we hear from special guests who we believe to be experts in a specific area of ministry or microchurch life. In this episode, you'll hear from Brad Brisco as he shares about what it looks like to be bivocational or covocational in this kind of ministry. Resources mentioned: Covocational Church Planting by Brad Brisco, Missional Church Network Blog, and Rethink by Brad Brisco.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus didn't give his followers the Church, he gave them a mission: "Be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth." (Acts 1:8) In the books of Acts, we see that the Church ends up being a natural product of a group of people living out that mission together. The problem is when we lose sight of the mission, we end up losing the Church. And we cease to be good news to the world around us. 

Welcome back to Microchurches! We're kicking off 2025 hearing from our very own microchurch leaders as they tell us more about their journey of being called, sent, and remaining faithful in their microchurch. In this episode, you'll hear from Dotti Groover-Skipper from HeartDance Foundation - a microchurch that exists to care for those impacted by human trafficking and the sex industry. To learn more about HeartDance, visit https://www.heartdancefoundation.org/. New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What makes the Church the Church? Throughout history, many have boiled the Church down to three essential rhythms - worship, community, and mission. Though these rhythms can take a wide variety of forms, almost every community of Jesus-followers across generations and traditions have incorporated these into the life of their community. Therefore, we use this as a framework for thinking about the life and rhythms of our microchurches.Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short worskshop or interview on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we discuss the essential rhythms of a faith community (aka ecclesial minimum).

In this episode of "The Church Planting Podcast," hosted by Greg Nettle, president of Stadia, the discussion features Jon Ferguson, co-founding pastor of Community Christian Church and a pioneer in church multiplication. The conversation covers the benefits and challenges of team leadership in church planting, drawing from Jon's extensive experience and his co-leadership with his brother, Dave Ferguson. Key topics include the advantages of starting with a team, the importance of complementary skills within the team, and the potential pitfalls of team dynamics. The episode also delves into the concepts of micro churches and bi-vocational church planting, highlighting their growing relevance and effectiveness in the current religious landscape. Jon and Greg discuss several resources and books that have influenced their approaches, including Jon's book "Exponential" and the new "Bless" practices for community engagement, detailed in their recent publication. For listeners interested in exploring these resources, you can check out "Exponential" on Amazon and learn more about the "Bless" practices on the BLESS app's website. Episode Outline with Timestamps [00:00:19] Introduction of Jon Ferguson and his background [00:01:08] Discussion on team leadership in church planting [00:05:22] Celebrating 35 years of Community Christian Church [00:07:17] Advantages of starting church plants in teams [00:10:23] Identifying essential team roles and dynamics [00:14:45] Shift to discussing micro churches and co-vocational models [00:19:13] Discussing the potential downsides and challenges of team planting [00:23:32] Personal insights from Jon on leadership roles [00:26:53] Personal anecdotes and the importance of community engagement [00:31:35] Introduction of the Bless app for community outreach  

Thanks for listening to Microchurches Podcast this week! In this episode we're continuing in our Microchurch Stories series with Jewel Photopolus from Safe Families for Children, a microchurch that exists to support and strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and reduce the number of children unnecessarily entering the child welfare system. To learn more about Safe Families for Children, visit www.safe-families.org Resources mentioned: Microchurches by Brian Sanders. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thank you for tuning in to Microchurches Podcast this week! In this episode we're continuing in our Microchurch Stories series with Sammy Ortiz of Community Collective, a microchurch made up of a few different communities serving underestimated youth, people of color, and a spiritual family in their neighborhood. You'll hear about challenges, lessons, and stories that he's experienced along the way. If you want to learn more about Community Collective, you can visit https://www.communitycollective.one/Resources mentioned: Microchurches by Brian SandersNew episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome back to Microchurches, thanks for listening! In this mini series, we're hearing from microchurch leaders as they discuss their journeys of calling and saying "yes" to Jesus. In this episode, you'll hear from Lori Martin of Revive & Restore - a microchurch seeking to build relationship through serving those without homes or resources and sharing hope with those in need. To learn more about Revive & Restore, you can visit www.reviveandrestore.netNew episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Happy New Year! Thanks for tuning in to the Microchurches Podcast, where we're currently in a season around calling within microchurches, and in this episode, we're jumping into a new section in hearing stories from microchurches where we live, work, play, and anywhere God calls us to. Today, we're joined by John Leslie of Apartment Life - a microchurch devoted to cultivating meaningful relationships in apartment communities and really living out what it means to love their neighbor. To learn more about Apartment Life, you can visit www.apartmentlife.org. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome back to the Microchurches Podcast! If you've ever wondered about what microchurches look like in some of the darkest places in our communities, or how they get started - this episode is for you.In this week's episode, we'll hear from Lurlene Diaz from Created Women, a microchurch committed to the restoration of vulnerable women involved in the sex industry, as well as Lindsey Carr from Timothy Initiative, a microchurch that exists to serve broken men whose lives have fallen apart due to addiction, homelessness, or other major life challenges. You will hear stories, lessons learned, and more from these brave leaders and the different ways they've seen God move over the years.Resources mentioned: Calling Lab by Tampa Underground. New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

During the season of advent, we celebrate the fact that Jesus has come and the promise that he will one day come again. But it is also a time when we can celebrate and experience Jesus' presence with us right now! We invite you to take a moment to pause and listen to what Jesus might have to say to you in this season.

Thank you for tuning in to Microchurches Podcast this week! In this episode we're continuing in our Calling Embodied series with a conversation about microchurches where we play. In this episode, you'll hear from Kason Kedersha, who leads a microchurch called Ever Lassing - a place where ultimate frisbee players can gather for worship, community, and mission. Resources mentioned: Calling Lab by Tampa Underground and Microchurches by Brian Sanders.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Daniel's final apocalyptic vision comes in Daniel 10-12. In this vision, he has a very personal and intimate interaction with the Son of Man. Ultimately, the Son of Man offers Daniel the greatest hope - one that can overcome even the greatest act of evil and destruction. This is the hope of resurrection.  

Thanks for listening to Microchurches Podcast! This week we're we're continuing in our Calling Embodied series. In this episode, we'll hear from Steven Barr as he shares about his experience working at Disney and answering the Lord's call to reach and mentor the very cast members around him.Resources mentioned: Calling Lab by Tampa Underground and Microchurches by Brian Sanders. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Daniel 9, Daniel is faced with the reality that he may never return to his home in Jerusalem. He has spent his whole life as an exile in Babylon because of the actions and decisions of others. In this moment of revelation, Daniel does not give in to self-righteousness or self-pity. Instead, he comes before God with a display of radical humility. We get a unique look into the perspective on life that has sustained Daniel through unimaginably difficult circumstances.

In this episode, we hear from Brent Brewer, who is writing his doctoral dissertation on interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He is learning a lot from his studies that will be helpful for those of us who desire to build relationships across cultural and religious lines!

Welcome to Microchurches Podcast where we're kicking off a new series on areas of calling. In this particular episode, we'll hear stories and lessons from John Leslie from Apartment Life and Jeremy Stephens about what it looks like to love your neighbors in microchurch life. Resources mentioned: Calling Lab by Tampa Underground, Microchurches book by Brian Sanders, and Parties Resource by Jeremy Stephens. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Daniel 8, Daniel has a strange vision of two creatures—a ram and a goat—with the goat trampling the ram. These creatures represent human empires and illustrate one political reality giving way to another. With the shifting empires comes persecution for the people of God in the centuries leading up to the time of Jesus. The vision also implies an end to the persecution and God's sovereignty over history. We are reminded that, although the political realities of our world rise and fall, and the social favor toward or opposition against the people of God comes and goes, our hope lies in the alternative kingdom that Jesus inaugurated because God triumphs over all of the kingdoms of this world.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Microchruches! This is the last episode in our Calling Lab series, where we've looked in-depth at each element of our Calling Lab experience, and hear about what Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens have learned in walking with people who are discerning God's calling on their lives. In this episode, we'll talk about the Counselor Input part of Calling Lab, where participants take some time to debrief and discuss with a trusted mentor. You'll hear how these conversations are aimed to help the discernment process and why it's important in the Calling Lab experience.If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.callinglab.com.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A short reflection on the 2024 presidential election.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Microchruches. We started off this new season with a series on a resource we get asked about a lot, which is our Calling Lab. In this episode, we're continuing our conversation with Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens to hear about one particularly important part of the Calling Lab experience: Listening Prayer. You'll hear about how God might speak to us around our calling and best practices for listening prayer.If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.callinglab.com.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to another episode of Microchurches! We're currently in a series going through the different elements of our very own Calling Lab. In this particular episode, we'll continue hearing from Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens and we start diving into the inner-triangle, starting with emotions, and how they can reveal a unique aspect of our calling.If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.callinglab.com.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we get into part two of Daniel which is made up of a series of visions that Daniel receives while in exile. Daniel 7 is a particularly terrifying vision in which Daniel faces four monstrous beasts that represent human kingdoms that rule over the world. The fourth beast is particularly vicious and inhumane. The vision culminates with God defeating the beasts, and a character referred to as the son of man who comes on the clouds and is given authority over all of Creation. While there is a lot of debate around the meaning of this vision, Jesus gives us an important insight that we cannot overlook. And if we take his perspective on this passage seriously, it will hit a lot closer to home than we may realize at first glance.

Welcome back to another episode of Microchurches! We are continuing the series on our resource the Calling Lab, with Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens. In this episode, we will get to hear about one particular tool that is part of the Calling Lab experience: Opportunity (or Narrative) Analysis. We discuss how our story and the experiences God has brought us through may point to opportunities in the calling He has for our lives. If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.callinglab.com. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to another episode of Microchurches! We're currently in a series talking about our resource, we're the Calling Lab, with Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens. In this particular episode, we'll dive into the vocational assessment part of the Calling Lab experience, and discuss Ephesians 4, gifting, and even share some stories about how this part of calling has been played out in the Underground community.If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.callinglab.com. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Daniel 6, we are reminded of the nearness of God's Kingdom and that it can break through in the most unexpected times and places.Daniel spent decades living in exile, and a major question throughout the accounts of his life is: What kingdom is he living in? Is he living in Babylon or the Kingdom of God? The answer is both. Yet, often times, the world around Daniel looks a lot more like Babylon than it does Heaven. Even in his darkest moments, Daniel holds on to hope that God is still the ultimate authority and that His Kingdom reigns. And sometimes that Kingdom shows up in the most hopeless of places. In the case of Daniel 6, it shows up in the lion's den.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Microchruches. We started off this new season with a series on a resource we get asked about a lot, which is our Calling Lab. In this episode, we'll be joined by Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens to hear about one particular tool that is part of the Calling Lab experience: Personality. The Calling Lab aims not to over-emphasize personality or to define our calling, but it does give us some helpful insights as to the ways that God made us, and how it might play a role in where He sends us. If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit callinglab.com or www.tampaunderground.com/callinglab.New episodes every Wednesday!The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Daniel 4, we get a first-hand look at the destructiveness of pride. In our pride, we elevate ourselves over others. We erode our capacity for gratitude and contentment because we believe that we always deserve more. We destroy our relationships because we place our own desires over the needs of others. But as we see in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar, the destructiveness of pride reaches to the very core of who we are. Pride ultimately degrades are humanity. 

Welcome to Season 5 of Microchurches! Thanks for joining in with us this fall and we're starting off strong with a series around a resource that we get asked about a lot, which is our Calling Lab. In this episode, we'll be joined by Stacy Gaskins and Jeremy Stephens to hear about what a Calling Lab experience is meant to be, and the ways it is meant to help people discern specific calling in their lives and empower them to say yes to the invitation of Jesus. If you want to learn more about Calling Lab, you can visit www.tampaunderground.com/callinglab. New episodes every Wednesday! The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In the episode, we hear from Marjorie Thigpen-Carter, who is the Lead Organizer of Justice Knox. Justice Knox is a collective of faith communities throughout Knoxville who work together to build power and fight for justice in our city. Listen in to see how you can get involved! 

Jesus' kingdom and the kingdoms of this world operate in altogether different ways. One accomplishes its will by force, coercion, and the taking of lives. The other accomplishes its purposes through love, sacrifice, and the laying down of one's life for others. Daniel's friends risked their lives in defiance of the first. Jesus laid down his life to show us the second. This is the way of the kingdom. It is an upside-down, power-under way of being in the world that makes little sense to those who do not know Jesus. 

Welcome back to the Microchurches Podcast! We are almost ready to launch Season 5 on October 2nd, 2024. But in the meantime, we have a bonus episode with special guest Rich Robinson, where we'll talk through the four-phase framework outlined in his new book, All Change, to navigate adaptive challenges and help ministries, churches, and organizations to dream, discover, design, and deploy to unlock Kingdom potential in a world we weren't prepared for. Rich Robinson's book All Change will be launching THIS Friday wherever you get your books - Make sure to get yourself a copy! ⁠Resources mentioned: Creo Ventures for Christian entrepreneurs, Movement Leaders Collective for ministry and movement leaders. The Microchurches podcast is presented by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Underground Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here to give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short training, interview, or story on microchurches and missional living followed by table discussions. In this episode, we hear from Jondra Brewer who is serving the Vestal neighborhood of Knoxville with BLOC Ministries!

Where do we find hope when the weight of the world is too heavy to bear? Where do we find hope when the currents of the culture seem too strong to overcome? In Daniel 2, Daniel and his friends find themselves in another impossible situation. It seems as though there is very little hope for them in Babylon. However, just when things seem to be nearing an all-time low, they receive a message of hope from a very unexpected place. 

We all have a story! Our story has the ability to connect with and inspire those around us. By learning how to share our stories in natural and meaningful ways, we are able to build relationships and point people to the greater story that God is writing through all of us. Our All-Family Gatherings begin with a short training or interview on missional living and/or microchurches. This week, we hear from Erin Popova on the power of storytelling. 

How do we remain faithful to God in a world that is increasingly against God? As the culture around us changes, this question becomes more and more important. Daniel 1 gives us a great picture of how to subversively engage the culture without separating from the culture or becoming a product of the culture. Spoiler: It requires us to be deeply connected to the presence and guidance of God as we navigate life's hard questions and difficult decisions.

In this training, we conclude our exploration of the five gifts that Jesus has given his church. Every Christ-follower has specific gifts given to them by Jesus so that we might all become more like Jesus, experience the fullness of God's presence, and participate in his ongoing mission in the world together.

In week one of our series in Daniel we are introduced to a handful of Jewish teenagers who are forced into exile in Babylon. As we study their lives and the scriptures that formed them, we seek to answer timely questions for God's people in our current cultural moment:How are we to navigate our faith in a culture that is increasingly hostile towards it? What does faithfulness look like amidst mounting pressure to compromise and conform? How do we walk in the way of Jesus in what can feel like a new and foreign land? Special thanks to Jim Davis, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge, John Mark Comer, and Tremper Longman III for their contributions to this message. 

In this training, we continue our exploration of the five gifts that Jesus has given his church. Every Christ-follower has specific gifts given to them by Jesus so that we might all become more like Jesus, experience the fullness of God's presence, and participate in his ongoing mission in the world together. This week we look at the fifth of these five gifts: teachers.Special thanks to Alan Hirsch. J.R. Woodward, Nathan Brewer, Brentview Church, and Jon Ritner for their contributions to this episode.

Karl Vaters talks with Frank Wooden about Microchurches. Frank has been a church planter for decades, but is now concentrating on the Microchurch model as a valid, healthy alternative in a changing cultural landscape. Karl and Frank talk about What Microchurch is Why it's so appealing right now Some cautions to be aware of Three reasons the Microchurch model can work for a church of any size How the Microchurch model might be the answer for many churches in crisis And more   Links: KC Underground Tampa Underground The Discovery Bible Study Method Clayton Christensen fwooden@socalnetwork.org Bonus Content Summary How to Help an Existing Church Adapt to the Microchurch Model Karl Vaters talks with Frank Wooden about the value of the Microchurch model as an alternative for a church in crisis. They discuss how this model might help answer financial challenges, the importance of being proactive, what to do with a church's institutional assets if they adapt this model, and how to address concerns from mature members. To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices