Future of Faith Podcast

This is a Bonus Episode collaboration between Future of Faith and Try Tank Research Institute.  Dr. Josh Packard, co-founder of Future of Faith, interview Rev. Dr. Sam Wells to 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 n...

It is hard to make sense of the continuous onslaught of bad news filling our media feeds. Escalating violence, political assassinations, genocidal conflicts, and religious and political extremism are inescapable parts of our daily news. Within this chaos, it isn't easy to gain perspective and make sense of what is happening around us. In this conversation, Future of Faith’s Greg Arthur speaks with...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi to explore the evolving landscape of congregational life and pastoral leadership. They discuss the impact of COVID-19, the importance of listening in ministry, and the challenges of navigating political polarization and diversity within the church. Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares insights from her res...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur interviews co-founder Josh Packard about his new book, 'Faithful Futures.' They discuss the importance of listening in ministry, the challenges of understanding generational differences, and how listening can enhance faith formation. Josh shares insights from his research on youth and emphasizes the need for relational ministry in to...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with guests Sue Park-Hur and Katerina Gea to explore the sacredness of listening within the context of faith and community. They discuss the importance of listening as a relational practice, its role in reconciliation and peacemaking, and share personal stories and communal practices that enhance the art of listening. The con...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Mako Nagasawa, exploring themes of faith, community, and restorative justice. Mako shares his journey from a background in technology and ministry to founding the Anastasis Center, which focuses on teaching restorative justice and healing through a Christian lens. The conversation delves into the importance of listening...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Nick Benoit, the creative director of Wonder Hunt, a nonprofit dedicated to storytelling in faith. They explore Nick's journey from a creative child to a professional in ministry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, listening, and creativity in faith practices. The conversation delves into how stories can foster...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Vincent Bacote, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to explore the complex themes surrounding empathy, particularly in the context of the church and society. They discuss the rise of the 'war on empathy' narrative, the implications of empathy in political and social discourse, and the diverse voices within the...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages in a deep conversation with Pastor Robbie Cansler about her journey in ministry, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges faced by women in church leadership. Robbie shares her experiences of navigating barriers, the significance of creating space for women's voices, and the power of community and hospitality in fos...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Andy Fitzgerald, co-founder of Imagine Life Ministries. They explore the vibrant spiritual life at Bethel Church in Redding, California, discussing the importance of listening to God, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges of experiencing the supernatural in a modern context. Dr. Fitzg...

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Jeff Holsclaw to explore the intersection of attachment theory and spiritual formation. They discuss how understanding attachment can enhance one's relationship with God and foster community connections. The conversation delves into the importance of listening, attunement, and the challenges faced by younger generati...

There are great things coming in Season 2 of The Future of Faith podcast with loads of amazing guests and Greg Arthur serving as host. www.futureoffaith.org #futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

After a full season of deep dives, bold conversations, and powerful insights, it all comes back to one thing: relationships. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the season—what’s working in ministry, what’s changing, and why listening and engagement are more important than ever. One thing is clear: younger...

Here’s the hard truth: Institutional trust is collapsing. Across industries, organizations, and yes—even faith communities—people are putting less faith in institutions and more in individuals.   So, what does that mean for ministry? It means relationship-centered faith leadership isn’t optional—it’s the future. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston...

We all know listening is important. But let’s be real—most of us think we’re great listeners when, in reality, we’re making a few key mistakes that shut conversations down fast. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down five major listening mistakes that can wreck trust, stall faith formation, and make people feel unheard. (Plus, they throw in...

You know what kills real connection? Assumptions. You know what builds it? Curiosity. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston dive into the game-changing role of curiosity in faith formation, trust-building, and effective communication—especially in youth ministry. Listening isn’t just about staying quiet while someone talks. It’s about engagement, fol...

Want to know the secret to real impact in ministry? Reliability. It’s not just about being there—it’s about showing up, following up, and proving that you care over time. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down why reliability is a non-negotiable in ministry. They explore how personal connections + consistent follow-up = real trust—not just...

Want to make a real impact in faith formation? It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how relatable and reliable you are. If people can’t connect with you or trust you, your words don’t matter. Period. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston break down why relatability builds connection and reliability builds trust—both of which are essential for...

Want to be more effective in ministry? Start by listening. Not just hearing words, but actually listening—deeply, intentionally, with no agenda. It’s not just a skill; it’s faith formation itself. 🙌 In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston break down why trust matters more than truth (yep, you read that right). The data is clear: truth only resonates w...

We talk a lot about teaching people in faith communities—but what if the real power lies in listening instead? 🤔 In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard dive deeper into how listening transforms youth ministry and faith formation. They explore the power of circle time, a structured space where youth can safely share their thoughts and experiences. Tur...

We all know that listening is important—but until now, we didn’t have the data to back it up. In this bonus episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Megan Bissell take us behind the scenes of the Listening and Faith Formation Research Project. They unpack why this study was necessary, how the data was collected, and what the findings mean for faith communities looking to buil...

Let’s be honest—when was the last time someone really listened to you? Not just nodded along or waited for their turn to talk, but truly heard you? Turns out, that kind of listening isn’t just good for relationships—it’s transformational for faith, especially among young people. In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston dive into a game-changing new rese...

What actually moves the needle for people when it comes to faith? What strategies are shaping the future of ministry?   Each episode of the Future of Faith Podcast brings together national research experts and ministry practitioners for real conversations about the cutting-edge data, trends, and insights that are reshaping faith communities today. Rooted in deep research and a commitment to listen...