From City to Cornfield: Discovering Belonging in Rural Ministry with Rev. Katie Jensen

Intergenerational Faith and Community Building with Addy Kruse

In this episode, Addy Kruse from Gather Cincinnati shares her journey as a high school science teacher, her involvement in the Gather Network, and her insights on reclaiming the old church through community, intergenerational connections, and authentic faith practices. She shares vulnerably about aspects of faith she is wrestling with and why Cincinnati may be the city for you. Show Notes: * Gather Cincinnati [https://www.firstlutherancincy.org/gathercincy] * Holden Village [https://www.holdenvillage.org/] * Thomas J Oord [https://thomasjayoord.com/] - Open and Relational Theology * Mark Gregory Karris - Divine Echoes [https://markgregorykarris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Divine-Echoes-Reconciling-Prayer-with-the-Uncontrolling-Love-of-God.pdf] Key Topics * Gather Cincinnati's model and community impact * Intergenerational connections and their importance * Reclaiming the old church through authentic practices * The role of worship, music, and shared stories * Addressing doubts and questions about faith and prayer * The significance of natural and sacred spaces in faith Chapters 00:10 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:23 Meet Addy Kruse: Teacher and Gather Cincinnati Leader 03:07 How Gather Cincinnati Started and Its Impact 07:21 Addy's Experience with Church Leadership and Service 12:42 Reclaiming the Old Church and Authentic Worship 20:13 Diverse Beliefs and Managing Conflict in Gather 22:21 Addy's Faith Questions and Theological Reflections 36:30 The Significance of Sacred Places and Nature 43:01 Cincinnati's Unique Cultural and Community Spirit 47:24 Closing Remarks and Future Connections

How Grandma Hobbies Can Transform Church Communities with Rev. Anna Bundy Hagler

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Anna Bundy Hagler discusses with Cecie and Phil about the power of crafting hobbies like quilting to foster belonging, self-care, and intergenerational connection. They explore how these practices can inform church community life and deepen faith. Takeaways: * Crafting hobbies like quilting can serve as a form of self-soothing and emotional regulation. * Intergenerational activities foster belonging and bridge age gaps in communities. * Church communities can learn from social clubs about creating authentic connections. * Asking thoughtful questions about joy and media influences deepens conversations. * Church programs should consider more social and creative activities to attract young adults. Chapters 00:10 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:21 The Rise of Grandma Hobbies 04:44 Quilting as a Means of Connection 09:12 Faith and Heirlooms: A Quilter's Perspective 12:33 Learning from Social Groups 20:58 Bridging Generational Gaps in Church Communities 26:37 Finding Beauty in Everyday Life 29:03 The Importance of Deep Connections 30:45 Preparing for Meaningful Conversations 34:29 The Role of Media in Shaping Lives 39:36 Influential Media and Personal Growth 43:55 Hopes for the Church and Community Engagement 46:29 Creative Ways to Connect with Young Adults 47:54 Looking Forward to New Experiences

The Power of Music in Worship and Community with Cassidi Jackson

This week we explore the transformative power of music in faith and community with Cassidi Jackson, a sacred music graduate and music director. Discover insights on worship styles, the role of mentorship, and the spiritual significance of music festivals like The Wild Goose Festival. Show Notes: * Wild Goose LeadNow! [https://wildgoosefestival.org/leadnow-2026/] for Seminary Students and Emerging Faith Leaders * Wild Goose Wild Space Tent for Young Adults [https://wildgoosefestival.org/wildspace-a-sacred-playground-for-young-adults-who-give-a-damn/] with free registration link * Sadie Johnson Music [https://www.instagram.com/sadiejohnsonmusic/] * Hymn - Come, O thou Traveler Unknown [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrs4y4IK46Q] * Florence +The Machine [https://florenceandthemachine.net/] * MisterWives [https://www.misterwives.com/] Key Topics * The role of music in spiritual connection * Experiences at Wild Goose Festival and Wild Space Tent * Balancing traditional and contemporary worship music * The importance of mentorship in faith journeys * The impact of music festivals on faith communities Chapters 00:10 Introduction to the 787 Collective Voice Podcast 02:52 Exploring the Wild Goose Festival Experience 05:44 Authenticity in Sacred Spaces 11:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Seminary 17:55 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth 23:56 Innovating Music in Worship 29:24 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 31:12 The Role of Congregational Participation 33:36 Exploring Indie Hymn Writers 38:30 The Intersection of Secular and Sacred Music 44:09 Finding Beauty in Connection

Faith, Deconstruction, and Friendship with Rev. Caroline Grindrod and Rev. Annalise Deal

This week's conversation features Rev. Caroline Grindrod and Rev. Annalise Deal sharing their journeys into ministry, faith deconstruction, and the importance of friendship and community in their spiritual lives. They discuss their diverse faith backgrounds, experiences with deconstruction, liberation theology, and how they find beauty and belonging in their work and personal lives. The beauty of their friendship is a true gift! Show Notes: * Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church [https://www.phpc.org/] in Dallas * St. Jude's Episcopal Church [https://saintjudes.org/about-us/our-leadership/] in Cupertino Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Collective Voice Podcast 02:06 Journeys into Ministry: Caroline and Annalise's Stories 11:59 Faith Transformation and Deconstruction 19:52 The Role of Community in Faith Development 30:48 Exploring Liberation Theology and Its Impact 32:09 Friendship and Community in Ministry 34:17 Navigating Isolation as Young Clergy 36:43 Urban vs. Rural Ministry Dynamics 39:39 The Role of Friendship in Personal Growth 41:23 Engaging in Meaningful Dialogue 44:19 The Challenge of Progressive Conversations 49:30 Curiosity vs. Fundamentalism in Theology 51:49 Finding Common Ground in Diverse Communities 55:19 Celebrating the Beauty of Friendship and Parenthood

Building Belonging: Young Adults and Faith with Rev. Carter Grant

This week we explore the evolving landscape of young adult ministry, the importance of community, and the role of faith in college life with Reverend Carter Grant. Discover insights on belonging, ecumenical relationships, and the transformative power of church communities. Show Notes: * Ukirk campus ministry [https://upcaustin.org/about/ukirk-student-fellowship/] at the University of Texas * University Presbyterian Church [https://upcaustin.org/] Austin *  Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships [https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393334272] by David Schnarch, PhD Key Topics * The role of Ukirk in college ministry * Building community and belonging among young adults * Ecumenical partnerships and collaboration * The importance of boundaries and self-care in ministry Sound Bites * "Belonging their way into belief" * "Church as a space to just be" * "What would Dolly do?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:02 Carter Grant's Role and Background 05:58 Transitioning to Ministry in Austin 10:56 Young Adults and Community Belonging 14:53 Navigating Church and Personal Life 18:48 Belonging and Belief in Modern Faith 23:47 Building Community Beyond the Church 24:41 Encouragement and Community Building 25:28 Belonging vs. Believing: The Young Adult Experience 26:14 The Pressure of Expectations on Young Adults 28:27 Creating Non-Performative Spaces in Ministry 31:05 The Importance of Rest and Enoughness 32:42 Finding Inspiration in Relationships and Counseling 39:22 The Role of the Church in Young Adult Lives 44:37 Deconstruction and Representation in Ministry