Always Forward Podcast

What does it look like when God completely strips away your professional identity to prepare you for His mission? In this episode, host Molly Ruch sits down with Fr. Chad and Kirstin Magnuson, co-planters of Church of the Incarnation in Appleton, Wisconsin. From an unexpected pastoral call overlooking the ocean to identical prophetic visions on an Easter Sunday, Chad and Kirstin share their remark...

What happens when a "brooding seminarian" who doesn’t fit the typical apostolic mold starts listening to a church planting podcast? In this episode of Always Forward, host Molly Ruch sits down with Kris Rolls (Rector and newly appointed Dean of Michigan) to share an unconventional story of patient formation. Instead of rushing to launch as fast as possible, Kris’s plant took an unexpected journey:...

Can a little bit of "holy craziness" lead to the most fulfilling season of your ministry? In this episode, host Molly Ruch sits down with Jon Beadle (Canon for Church Planting in the Western Gulf Coast) to pull back the curtain on the gritty, beautiful reality of planting a church. From the spiritual work of literally driving around a city to find where your heart breaks, to the devastating day yo...

What happens when your strategic plans for church planting are completely upended by organic growth and answered prayers? In this episode, host Molly Ruch sits down with Fr. Kevin Jones, chairman of the church planting committee for the newly forming Yellowstone Missionary District. Kevin shares the remarkable story of how seven to eight years of persistent, intentional prayer culminated in an exp...

In church planting, every Sunday is an opportunity to reach both the lifelong believer and the curious skeptic. But how do you bridge that gap without compromising the Gospel or confusing your listeners? In this episode, Molly Ruch sits down with George Sinclair to talk about preaching in a church plant context. Drawing from decades of ministry, church planting, and teaching preaching, George shar...

Most churches in North America have fewer than 200 members, yet many pastors feel like they are "stuck" in a waiting room for future growth. In this episode, Karl Vaters joins us to flip the script on small church ministry. Karl is the author of The Grasshopper Myth, Small Church Essentials, and Designing the Church. He produces resources specifically designed to help small churches find their pur...

The Rev. Dr. Gerald McDermott joins us for this episode to discuss the deep roots of Anglican spirituality and liturgy, and the riches it provides our lives today. He explores the many church fathers who influenced Anglican theology and the writing of our liturgy, from Augustine and Benedict to Anselm and Hooker. Join us for this fascinating dive into our Anglican heritage and how this history can...

In this episode we're joined by Deborah Tepley who was recently named the COO of the Anglican Church in North America. Dan and Deborah discuss her new role and her persepctive on the future of the province. She also shares about her background, her introduction to Anglican worship and the role of liturgy in urban church planting. Join us for this great conversation!

In this episode our director Molly Ruch hosts and interviews Anna Friedrich, Arts Pastor at Church of the Cross in Boston. Molly and Anna discuss their Easter Vigil, artistry and creativity in liturgical worship and evangelistic opportunities through it.

In this episode Dan interviews Kris McDaniel, lead pastor at Trinity Anglican Church in Atlanta, GA. Kris came from a more non-liturgical background, serving in Vineyard churches before being drawn to the Anglican Way and the liturgy. He and Dan discuss that transition, how it happened, how those around him responded and how it now informs his thoughts on evangelism and church planting.

The Reverend Canon Wes Jagoe, Director of Chapel and the Trophimus Center at Trinity Anglican Seminary(TAS) joins us for this episode of season 9. Wes and Dan discuss TAS and his role there, his upbringing, military career, and more, and how Anglican liturgy has affected each area. In particular Wes shares about his vision for liturgy in the process of educating and forming seminary students and f...

Dan Marotta, founding rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia joins us for this episode. He shares his personal spiritual struggles during seminary, where academic knowledge of Christianity didn't translate into personal spiritual growth, leading him to discover the transformative power of liturgy. His book 'Liturgy in the Wilderness' reflects on how structured, repetitive prayer...

In this episode Dan is joined by Peter Lebhar, a church planter preparing to start a church in Tampa, Florida. In particular Peter discusses how he and his wife are incorporating liturgy into their family life and discipling their children, as they prepare for their third child and prepare to church plant.

In this episode host Dan Alger introduces our ninth season, which will have a special focus on liturgy and how it relates to church planting in the Anglican context. He discusses the significance of liturgy as "the work of the people," rooted in scripture and designed to offer right praise to God. The conversation features Fr. Ben Sharpe, a longtime church planter, and Canon Missioner for West Vir...

In the last episode of Season 8, Canon Dan is joined by Fr. Tony Melton to talk about bold, traditional, and sacramental church planting. This conversation will encourage and challenge you to consider what it means to boldly take our tradition outside the walls of our churches. Also: We are hosting a virtual conference on October 9th and 10th, The Optimistic Horizon: Navigating the Great Dechurchi...

In this episode, Canon Dan is joined by Julie Lane Gay to discuss her upcoming book, "The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer." Julie, a writer and trained horticulturist, explores the impact of the Book of Common Prayer on her daily life. She shares how the BCP serves as both a personal and communal guide to prayer, making liturgical practices accessible and enriching for th...

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger discuss the significant role of writing in church planting with Alastair Sterne, an experienced church planter and author based in British Columbia, Canada. Alastair shares his journey from becoming a Christian to founding his own church, emphasizing how writing—from newsletters to blogs and books—has been integral to building community and facilitating spiritual g...

In this episode, our very own Janie Williams hosts a conversation with Vandi Melton and Kirstin Magnuson. Delving into the intricacies of planting a church alongside one's spouse, they candidly explore both the joys and trials encountered along the way. They offer valuable insights and practical wisdom applicable to anyone, whether directly involved in church planting or not.

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger and Brandon Walsh delve into the significance of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurialism in church planting. They discuss the importance of equipping individuals for vocational ministry, the benefits of sacramental theology, embracing the risk of failure, as well as confronting fears associated with launching new initiatives. It’s a great conversation that w...

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a helpful conversation with Bishop Dan Gifford of the Anglican Network in Canada. They talk about the role and purpose of bishops, the benefits of episcopal governance for church planting, as well as how bishops can advocate for church planting. Just a reminder: This season of our podcast is brought to you by the generous support of our friends at Trinity Sch...

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger connects with our friend Daniel Yang (World Relief). Daniel is well acquainted with the world of church planting, having planted churches himself and also through his time at The Send Institute at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Daniel is a friend of Anglicanism, and we asked him to give his perspective on the strengths and potential weaknesses of our c...

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a captivating conversation with Jim Salladin from Emmanuel Anglican Church, NY. They delve into the dynamics of urban centers, discussing their beauty, brokenness, and the profound wonder and awe inherent in proclaiming the gospel within cities. This conversation offers great insights into the challenges and opportunities of urban ministry. Just a reminder: T...

This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Jon Thompson, a pastor and author based in Ontario, Canada. They talk about the role of perseverance in church planting (and ministry in general), and how our understanding of calling can fuel us to press on. Make sure you check out Jon's new book Perseverance, as well as his other books: Convergence, and Deliverance. Are yo...

This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Kevin Harlan from Made to Flourish (madetoflourish.org). Delving into the intersection of daily work realities and spiritual formation, they explore the significance of integrating these aspects into all our endeavors. The discussion also sheds light on the advantage of a well-crafted residency program to shape the next gene...

Welcome to Season 8 of the Always Forward Podcast! In this episode, Canon Dan speaks with Seth Cain about how to navigate a call to church planting—the questions one needs to consider on a personal level as well as what questions need to be explored on an organizational level.