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What if the quiet exodus from American churches is reshaping the very fabric of our communities? Join us on Praxis as we explore the Great Dechurching, where over 40 million adults have stepped away from church attendance in the last quarter-century. This significant shift raises questions about what individuals miss by leaving church life and how it impacts their spiritual and communal experiences.

Church communities offer unique spiritual and communal fulfillment, inspired by the early church model in Acts 2. We address the vital role these communities play in fostering generosity, support, and a shared sense of purpose. By engaging with diverse groups of people, churches provide a nurturing environment that challenges and enriches personal growth. Personal stories illustrate how intergenerational relationships within these communities contribute to spiritual development, highlighting the importance of engaging with others to refine character and deepen faith.

We delve into the transformative power of communities centered around Jesus' teachings, offering support and guidance in maintaining Christ-like values. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their faith journeys, emphasizing the profound impact of communal connections in navigating life's challenges.

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What happens when 40 million adults in America decide to step away from church attendance? This episode of the Praxis podcast takes you on an enlightening journey through the cultural phenomenon known as the great de-churching. We navigate the complexities behind this mass exodus, examining how it reshapes our communities and challenges those still committed to church life. Join us as we celebrate our two-year anniversary with lighter moments—a humorous nod to "fat bear week" and a discussion of our favorite indulgent winter foods—while setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of faith and spiritual priorities.

As we face the reality of Christians transitioning from places of honor to spaces of shame and hostility, urgent questions arise about the church's evolving role. Through personal stories and reflection, we tackle church-related trauma and the healing journey many undertake. Discover how overcoming church hurt can transform individuals into advocates for more compassionate and inclusive communities, while we emphasize the critical need to address deconstruction in faith with openness and humility. Our discussions are grounded in shared experiences, from the vulnerability required for authentic transformation to balancing busy lives with spiritual commitments.

Through real-life examples, we underscore the importance of intentionally maintaining community connections during these pivotal times. This episode also scrutinizes the impact of modern cultural pressures like consumerism on church attendance and spiritual priorities. As we close, expect insights into the de-churching phenomenon's broader implications, challenging some motivations behind it while affirming others. Don't miss this opportunity to explore profound changes in the religious landscape with us.

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Ever wondered why modern churches often struggle with embodying the humility and self-sacrificial love that Jesus exemplified? Join Katie, Mac, and Josiah as we navigate the journey of molding our communities into reflections of Christ, questioning how Enlightenment ideals and individualism have reshaped our understanding of selfless love and humility.

As we continue our conversation, we grapple with the tension between contemporary church leadership models and the countercultural way of Jesus. The book "A Church Called Tov" prompts us to reevaluate pastoral roles, contrasting the CEO-like expectations with the biblical image of shepherds committed to prayer and spiritual guidance. We share how others' expectations sometimes clash with authentic discipleship values, emphasizing that true growth and success aren't always measured by numbers but by faithfulness and transformation through divine grace.

Finally, we reflect on the importance of embracing faithfulness over immediate success. Inspired by Jesus' ministry and author Eugene Peterson's experiences, we discuss the temptation to create momentum artificially and the pitfalls of consumer-driven church cultures. Through the analogy of navigating with a compass, we underscore the necessity of aligning our direction with core Christian values, acknowledging the gaps between our current state and where we need to be. Join us as we encourage a collective reassessment of our spiritual journeys, fostering a community rooted in the faithful love and teachings of Christ.

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What happens when you prioritize service, humility, and genuine love in your church community? Join us in this episode as we explore the transformative power of cultivating a Tove church culture, following Jesus' example from Mark 10. We'll illustrate how embodying goodness, kindness, and love can close the gap between the current state of your church and a healthier, more vibrant community.

We delve into the historical shifts in pastoral credibility, emphasizing the importance of character over celebrity. Drawing inspiration from figures like John the Baptist, we discuss the cultural pressures exacerbated by social media and the need for self-care to prevent burnout in service-oriented environments. Learn practical tips for maintaining sustainable and grace-filled motivations in your ministry, ensuring that your service remains genuine and impactful.

Serving with integrity and humility is a complex dance, especially in the age of instant gratification and social media fame. We discuss power imbalances and the significance of viewing those we serve as equals, sharing insights from mission trips and community engagements. Discover how to create a culture of service that values communal well-being over individual recognition, and how to instill these virtues right at home, paving the way for a life of humble service.

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What does it mean to truly embody justice in our daily lives and church communities? Inspired by the wisdom of Micah 6:8, we embark on an exploration of how justice can transform church culture into a space radiating goodness, kindness, and love. We begin with some personal updates, sharing the joy of summer's end and the excitement of new school routines, and we celebrate a significant milestone in Josiah's life—his recent marriage!

Anchored in the insightful book, "Church Called Tov", we unravel the complexities of biblical justice beyond political lenses. We explore how justice is central to faith and relationships, drawing on the teachings of Jesus and theologians like Miroslav Volf. Through Jesus' prophetic actions and teachings, we reveal the integral role of justice in embodying God's heart and creating a loving community. This episode underscores the significance of living justly, not just as an abstract concept, but as a tangible practice that shapes our interactions and the church's health.

We're not just talking theory; we highlight real-world examples of addressing and recognizing injustice within and beyond church walls. Through powerful stories of advocacy and the necessity of empathy, we discuss the importance of transparency and proactive measures to tackle wrongs. Our aim is to inspire listeners to build relationships and cultivate a church culture that mirrors God’s justice, love, and empathy. Tune in for a compelling discussion that challenges each of us to live out justice authentically in our communities.

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Human trafficking is a hidden crisis in our communities, but knowledge and awareness can empower us to fight back. On this special episode of Praxis, we have Brianna Saxer from Zeteo Community joining us to shed light on this urgent issue, particularly in Wisconsin. You'll hear Brianna's compelling story of how she transitioned from massage therapy to becoming a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Learn about the realities that go beyond sensational media portrayals and discover practical steps you can take to recognize and prevent trafficking in your own community.

Together with Brianna, we explore the subtle signs of grooming and exploitation. Through relatable anecdotes and expert insights, this episode emphasizes the need for compassionate care and awareness in various settings like schools, churches, and workplaces. We also highlight the critical role of digital safety and share real-life stories that underscore the importance of educating children and teenagers about online risks.

This episode is a call to action for our community at Crosspoint and beyond. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there's something here for you. From personal stories to actionable advice, we aim to educate and inspire you to get involved in this vital work. Listen, learn, and consider how you can contribute to the fight against human trafficking. Stay tuned for more episodes, and don't forget to visit our website for additional resources and ways to connect with organizations like Zeteo Community.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Zeteo Community
• Safe House Project
• Join The Movement (Toolkits for teens and parents)
• More About Survivors: Rebecca Bender, Theresa Flores and Sula Lael

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On this episode of Praxis, we explore the transformative power of truth-telling within church communities. We unravel the concept of "trafficking in the truth" and discuss the critical importance of transparent leadership. Drawing insights from "A Church Called Tov", we underline the dangers of hiding moral failures and how openness can lead to authentic growth and a healthy church culture. Join us as we bridge the gap between toxic and nurturing church environments, and discover how embodying truth, as Jesus did, fosters a culture of goodness.

Balancing truth and grace can feel like walking a tightrope, but it’s a vital skill for nurturing a thriving church community. Through the lens of Jesus' interactions with the Samaritan woman and Peter, we illustrate how addressing deep personal issues with love and dignity can lead to transformation. We reflect on why merely pointing out faults fails without the good news of God's love and restoration. Learn how Jesus' method of asking probing questions promotes internalizing truth, contrasting starkly with the dogmatic approaches often seen in modern culture and social media.

Creating a shame-free environment for honest dialogue can revolutionize church culture. We share personal anecdotes on the pitfalls of aggressive truth-telling and deceptive grace-giving, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity. Through touching stories and humor, we highlight the importance of self-truth and building communities where honesty flourishes. Drawing from teachings of Jesus and James, we stress that letting your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no is key to authentic communication. Tune in as we uncover how to balance truth and grace, cultivate genuine connections, and foster a culture of goodness.

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Having done the difficult work of taking an honest look at what’s not going well in the church, we have now begun describing the key nutrients that we need to put into the soil in order to bear kingdom fruit. If toxins corrupt the soil and prevent fruit, what nutrients can we put into the soil to help grow fruit?
Today we want to discuss the importance of putting people first.
We want to submit that healthy churches put people first and create a people-focused culture that maintains and sustains relational health.
Join us for a great episode!