Church is Changing
Church is Changing
We bring you stories of hope and resilience from leaders around the world who are engaging the gospel message in new ways. We interview thought leaders who bring wisdom about the changing cultural landscape and its implications for faith formation. If you are a church leader looking for practical ideas and new ways of approaching church in the 21st century, this podcast is for you.
About the Hosts:
Beth Estock
After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.
She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at www.bethestock.com
Paul Nixon
Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21stt Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at www.epicentergroup.org.
About the Hosts:
Beth Estock
After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.
She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at www.bethestock.com
Paul Nixon
Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21stt Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at www.epicentergroup.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 25, 2026 • 39min
Church is Changing: Episode 90 - Rosario Picardo
Rosario Picardo, pastor, author, and former seminary professor leading Mosaic Church in Dayton, Ohio. He talks about starting a multiethnic, multilingual church and integrating immigrant cultural gifts into worship. He recounts creative pandemic pivots like drive-in services and adopting a declining congregation. He describes recovery and foster/adoptive ministries shaping church life and a vision for special needs ministry.
Feb 25, 2026 • 40min
Church is Changing: Episode 89 - Erin Barnes
Erin Barnes, United Methodist pastor who founded Open Table Church in Mansfield, Texas, talks about starting an inclusive, family-centered, trauma-informed congregation. She shares stories of a Christmas front-yard worship, building a lay-led community, and designing accessible worship for neurodiverse people. Expect warm, unpolished tales about patience, advocacy, and welcome for quirky neighbors.
4 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 37min
Church is Changing: Episode 88 - Angie Dornisch
Angie Dornisch, a United Methodist pastor leading Heart of Longmont known for justice-focused, community-engaged ministry. She recounts pandemic memories, moving to Longmont, a thriving youth program, bold housing partnerships like Wesley townhouses, a $1.2M capital campaign, and how the building became a bustling community hub hosting Head Start, concerts, and immigrant advocacy.
8 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 42min
Church is Changing: Episode 87 - Matthew Kilpatrick
Matthew Kilpatrick, a United Methodist pastor and former corporate startup leader who planted Pathways Church in Pelham, Alabama. He shares his second-career shift into planting, how startup skills shaped church formation, the five discipleship pathways model, creative worship design and improv-style services, and key community partnerships that made the project possible.
9 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 45min
Church is Changing: Episode 85 - 2025 End of Year Recap
Reflecting on the year, Paul and Beth tackle the challenges of mixed congregations amid political shifts. They emphasize the power of love and prophetic witness in ministry. Tone and kindness are vital as they discuss modeling gospel conversations. Community-centered ministries are attracting those seeking guidance, and they highlight the role of gifted lay leaders amid clergy shortages. The conversation encourages adaptability for each generation while focusing on meaningful community impact beyond mere attendance.
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
Church is Changing: Episode 84 - Marcia Peddicord
Church is Changing: Episode 84 - Marcia Peddicord by Church is Changing
Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
Church is Changing: Episode 83 - Christie Latona
Church is Changing: Episode 83 - Christie Latona by Church is Changing
15 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 31min
Church is Changing: Episode 82 - Lindsey Joyce
Lindsey Joyce, Pastor of Grace Church of Logan Square, leads a cooperative parish in Chicago emphasizing shared ministry and neighborhood solidarity. In the discussion, she tackles the challenges posed by ICE raids and highlights her congregation's supportive role in response. Lindsey distinguishes between collaborative and cooperative models, advocating for the latter as a means to strengthen local church dynamics. She shares insights on building community relationships, adapting cooperative practices, and the importance of having a clear mission for effective ministry.
Dec 4, 2025 • 35min
Church is Changing: Episode 81 - Jean Carlos Diaz
Church is Changing: Episode 81 - Jean Carlos Diaz by Church is Changing
Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Church is Changing: Episode 80 – Isaiah Park
In this episode Paul Nixon interviews Isaiah Park, the newest member of the Path 1 team. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss (among many topics) the nature of evangelism in the 21st century, the idea of “attractional church,” and partnering with the Holy Spirit.
Paul and Isaiah are working together to offer the revised Launchpad training this winter for teams starting new ministries and churches.
