A Hope and a Future for Churches of Christ (audio)

The data is disarming – Churches of Christ are in decline. But, like Doc Brown told Marty McFly, “Your future hasn’t been written yet.” Hear research from the front lines of revival and renewal among our churches and inspiring insights from the kingdom of God in a post-Christian world. Well-led congregations will help write our future.

Hosted by Eric Gentry and Wilson McCoy, this pathway took place in ACU’s Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

Sessions

Facing the Undiscovered Country: Survival Challenges for Churches of Christ (Stanley E. Granberg)

Churches of Christ have reached a tipping point in our existence where the challenges of loss of churches, leadership and confidence must be realistically addressed. We’ll name these challenges and offer potential paths forward.

The Dreams of Millennials, Gen Z, and the Conversations of Our Churches (Patrick Chappell)

One of the unique challenges facing our churches concerns the next generation. What are millennials and Generation Z thinking, asking, and wanting from communities of faith? How does their faith look similar and different from those before them? What do they have to teach us about being faithful in our world?

Assessing the Health of Our Churches (Suzie Macaluso)

Suzie has conducted a Church Health Assessment with more than 20 congregations, gathering valuable information. Join this presentation as we discuss the trends and markers of health seen in the various churches she has surveyed along with suggestions based on these studies. Learn more about the Church Health Assessment, developed and administered by the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry.

Unexplored Territory: Mission and Adaptive Leadership for Congregational Renewal (Carson E. Reed)

Many churches are asking questions about sustainability and whether they have a viable future, while others are discovering mission and purpose. What can be learned from newly planted congregations and from vibrant church movements? Are there elements of the Stone-Campbell heritage that can serve church leaders today?

Reflections on a Hope and a Future for Churches of Christ (Pathway Presenters)

A panel discussion with all available participants. This session was not recorded.

Speakers

PATRICK CHAPPELL

Patrick Chappell is the college and young adult minister at Otter Creek Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Patrick was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has an undergraduate degree in public relations and oral communication from Lipscomb University. He has completed some master's work in conflict management. Patrick has recently started a podcast called Patrick and is often asked to host or speak at gatherings all over the country. He is also a wedding DJ on the side and enjoys traveling, drinking good coffee, music, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

ERIC GENTRY

Eric Gentry, his wife Lindsey, and their two boys, have been at Highland Church of Christ in Memphis since 2012, where he serves as associate preaching minister. Eric has a B.A. in biblical text and a Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University. He writes regularly for the Mosaic blog on topics ranging from preaching and ministry to social justice. Eric is also a board member for HopeWorks, an organization that provides hope and job training to the chronically unemployed and formerly incarcerated in Memphis.

STANLEY E. GRANBERG

Stanley E. Granberg is executive director of Kairos: Church Planting, helping new churches begin across the country. Stan founded the Kairos ministry in 2005 as a resource to help reach God’s lost people with the good news of Jesus through new churches. Dr. Granberg is also a founding board member of the Heritage 21 Foundation. He has taught on the faculties of Harding School of Theology, Cascade College, and Lubbock Christian University. Stan planted churches in Meru, Kenya (1983-1993). Stan is a graduate of Harding University, Harding Graduate School of Religion, Fuller Theological Seminary and he received his Ph.D. from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, Oxford, England.

SUZIE MACALUSO

Suzie Macaluso did her undergraduate degree in sociology, psychology, and Bible at Cascade College and her Master of Science, graduate certificate in survey research, and Ph.D. in sociology at Purdue University. She came to ACU in 2011 and is currently an associate professor of sociology and the director of the Pruett Gerontology Center at ACU. Suzie is an active member at Minter Lane Church of Christ, where she regularly teaches children and adult Bible classes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on ACU sports, and traveling.

WILSON McCOY

Wilson McCoy has served as the associate minister at the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee, for the past eight years working with young professionals, preaching and teaching, and small groups. Before arriving there he served churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Ballinger, Texas; and Brisbane, Australia. In May 2016 Wilson completed his Doctor of Ministry with Lipscomb University with his work focusing on intergenerational spiritual formation. He is married to his best friend Jessica and they enjoy traveling and taking walks in their local park.

CARSON E. REED

Dr. Carson E. Reed is vice president for church relations at Abilene Christian University and executive director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry. He also serves as the Director for the Doctor of Ministry program and holds the Frazer Endowed Chair for Church Enrichment as an associate professor of practical theology in the Graduate School of Theology. Through the Siburt Institute, Carson does consulting work on governance, transitions, and new ecclesial forms with congregations and church leaders. His teaching and research focus on practical theology with a particular emphasis on leadership, preaching, and issues surrounding faith and culture. Carson and his wife Vickie have been married over 35 years and have four adult children.