Emissaries of Renewal

In Season 2, Episode 7 of Emissaries of Renewal , CC sits down with The Rev. Deacon Felicity Thompson, a fellow soon-to-be graduate of Bexley Seabury and 2025 Episcopal Evangelism Society grantee. Their conversation traces Felicity’s call to ordination, the role of gardening and tending the earth in her spiritual life, and how small, embodied practices can become quiet acts of renewal and everyday...

In this episode, Jessie and DeDe lean into that old cliché—“nothing is certain except death and taxes”—and ask what hopeful, everyday evangelism looks like in a polarized, anxious world. They explore courageous citizenship and cross-partisan dialogue through Braver Angels’ work to depolarize politics, then contrast the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus as portraits of money, repentance, and repair. D...

In this episode, Jessie interviews DeDe about her seminary travel course, Living in Hope, and a formative trip to the Holy Land. Together they walk through Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem, and Nazareth, listening to Palestinian stories of resilience, trauma, and daily life under occupation. DeDe reflects on chronic illness, “pasty privilege” at checkpoints, chosen family, and how hope is practiced, n...

In Season 2, Episode 4 DeDe and Jessie discuss the strange rhythm of the church year, “ordinary time,” and what happens when churches treat summer like a full shutdown. We riff on Faith for Normal People’s conversation with Diana Butler Bass about why the Christian calendar still matters (with Diana Butler-Bass, Pete Enns, and Jared Byas) and about her book Freeing Jesus and how it reshapes everyd...

In this episode, CC pulls back the curtain to introduce the “Oz” behind Emissaries of Renewal— our producer, Dennis. Dennis shares his winding pathway into evangelism and how everyday faithfulness led him to recognize a call to pastoral ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He also reflects on launching the Church & Main podcast, exploring where faith meets public life and co...

Season 2, Episode 2 introduces our new cohost, Jessie, and her heart for Christ, ethical evangelism, and renewal. CC and DeDe talk with Jessie about her journey through Evangelical, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal traditions, and how that shapes her call to ministry. Together, they explore evangelism as mutual, healing, and deeply respectful of spiritual autonomy, especially in pluralistic and chapl...

Season Two begins with renewed purpose and familiar friends. DeDe and CC return to Emissaries of Renewal with stories, laughter, and honest reflection about their final year at Bexley Seabury Seminary. Hear what they’ve learned about faith, vocation, and renewal during their time away. This season brings fresh voices, thoughtful interviews, and a deeper look at ethical evangelism and renewal minis...

Episode 12 wraps up Season 1 with a mix of laughter, gratitude, and a few deep breaths. DeDe and CC pull back the curtain to remember the moments that stretched them, the stories that stayed in their bones, and the listeners who joined the journey. The air feels thick with hope and a little caffeine. Don’t worry, this isn’t goodbye. Season 2 is already brewing with new ideas, fresh voices, and a f...

DeDe and CC tackle evangelism’s biggest problem: fear. Why does sharing faith make us uncomfortable? How did salvation become about anxiety instead of love? This episode explores moving evangelism from pressure-driven tactics to impactful witnessing, worship, and radical hospitality. DeDe shares how her gifts of healing and prophecy create safe spaces for authentic witness, while CC brings her eva...

In this episode, CC and DeDe invite listeners to see the Great Commission in a new light. Instead of focusing on conversion, they discuss how Jesus calls us to discipleship, a way of life rooted in presence, hospitality, and real relationship. Referencing Matthew 28:16-20, they explore how the mandate is for all people and is more about forming communities than checking off boxes and counting soul...

In this episode of Emissaries of Renewal , DeDe and CC explore what it means to reclaim evangelism’s prophetic roots. Instead of focusing on conversion moments, they look to Old Testament prophets like Amos and Isaiah, who spoke truth to power and called for community justice and renewal.   The hosts discuss the difference between foretelling and forthtelling, emphasizing that prophecy is about se...

In episode 8 hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore the growing phenomenon of "Nones and Dones" – those who have walked away from organized religion despite keeping spiritual beliefs. With 28% of U.S. adults now identifying as religiously unaffiliated, this conversation examines why people leave faith communities and how radical hospitality might create paths for healing.    The hosts disc...

In episode 7, hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore what it means to center those on the margins in our faith communities truly. The conversation examines Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's recent message on church realignment, challenging listeners to move beyond simply ministering "to" the marginalized and instead ministering "with" them.   Drawing from personal experiences with disability mi...

In our 6th episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore what it truly means to welcome everyone to "the table" - not just the church altar, but anywhere people gather in Jesus' name. They reflect on Jesus' radical inclusivity, noting how his dinner parties brought together tax collectors, sex workers, religious leaders, and fishermen—with no spiritual bouncers checking IDs at the door.   The hosts...

In this special Pod Burst episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore ethical evangelism through the extraordinary example of former President Jimmy Carter. They discuss how Carter seamlessly integrated faith into every aspect of his life—from negotiating peace deals to teaching Sunday school well into his 90s. The conversation highlights Carter's genuine approach to faith not as theoretical debat...

Are you ready to experience a deeper, more meaningful way to share your faith? In this episode of Emissaries of Renewal, we explore the Seek-Listen-Speak-Act (SLSA) framework—a holistic approach to relational evangelism that fosters genuine connection and lasting transformation.   Join Christina and Denise as they guide you through the four powerful steps of SLSA, using inspiring real-life stories...

This month on "Emissaries of Renewal," join Denise (DeDe) and Christina (CC) as they explore the Episcopal Evangelism Society—EES! Founded in 1862, the EES started by supporting aspiring preachers through scholarships but has grown to include publishing, conferences, and the innovative "Evangelism for the Twenty-First Century" grant program (launched in 1998). CC and DeDe share how grateful they a...

In this episode of "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) discuss ethical and inclusive evangelism by drawing on CC's experiences in London. They emphasize the importance of interfaith engagement, highlighting shared values and unity amidst diversity as foundational to ethical evangelism. A significant focus is placed on the Multiply 2024 seminar, which aims to discipline...

In the introductory episode of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) embark on a journey exploring thoughtful and ethical evangelism. As seminarians at Bexley Seabury in Chicago, they share their diverse faith backgrounds and unique paths to the Episcopal Church. Christina expresses her enthusiasm as a Postulant for Holy Orders, while Denise highlights their i...