How can churches foster innovation and reinvent their ministry in today's changing world? Meghan Hatcher, the Director of the Innovation Laboratory at the Center for Youth Ministry Training, joins the pod to share ideas. Meghan talks about her personal experience of taking a break and returning to the church. She also explains the purpose and approach of the Innovation Lab, which aims to help faith communities reinvent ministry models across the whole church. Meghan emphasizes the importance of creating psychological safety and fostering inclusivity within churches. She also discusses measuring ministry effectiveness, the value of buy-in and democratized leadership, and supporting churches dealing with affiliation challenges.
Meghan Hatcher currently serves as the director of the Innovation Laboratory, an initiative of the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Science in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in community engagement from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The thread that runs throughout Meghan’s academic and professional experiences is the power of story to knit communities together around a collective vision. She is a graduate of The Life Stories Institute in Washington, D.C., and has a tremendous passion for guiding individuals to reflect on their personal stories and the timeless stories of faith. Meghan has served rural, urban, and suburban congregational settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, innovative ministry development, youth ministry, new church development, and community engagement. Meghan makes her home in Austin with her spouse Corey.
Future Christian is supported by:
Presenting Sponsor:
Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.
Supporting Sponsors:
I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'
Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.
New models of clergy credentialing: Jonathan Foster talks about the Open Table Network
Nichole Torbitzky talks campus ministry and what the next generation needs from church.
Wounded Pastors: Carol Howard talks about the challenges clergy face
Ted Smith talks about the Past, Present, and End(?) of Theological Education
Doug Powe on Sustaining while Disrupting
Mark Feldmeir on Life after God (and Covid)
AI Faith: Artificial Intelligence experts explore AI's role in Church
Liz Cooledge Jenkins talks 'Nice' Church Patriarchy
Jessica Dominguez on Mobilizing Churches for Affordable Housing
Dave Boden on Belonging before Believing and Stirring Spiritual Curiosity
Stressed Pastors Club: Kinsie Tate on Finding Balance and Hope in Ministry
Womanist Ministry: Irie Session talks Preaching, the Black Church Tradition, and Womanist Theology
Dea Jenkins on living into the purpose God has placed on our hearts
Jay Kim on why digital tools don't bring spiritual transformation
Navigating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition with Mark Elsdon
Understanding the Impact of Societal Changes on Congregational Dynamics: Insights from Dr. Scott Thumma
Justin Anthony and Why Leadership is a Myth
Michael Graham on How Can the Church Navigate Societal Influences and Declining Participation
Exploring the Intersection of Media and Faith: A Deep Dive with Amy Frykholm
Are we asking the right questions? Season 14 Recap
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)