So, you're trying to sustain a church for continued health... while also disrupting the status quo... impossible, right? Not so, says Pastor and author Doug Powe. In this episode, we talk about his book Sustaining While Disrupting, emphasizing the importance of thinking like an outsider, taking risks, and putting aside convictions. Doug makes his case from the stories of the early church in Acts. He also addresses the challenges of navigating disputes in the church, particularly regarding issues like women pastors and LGBT inclusion. Doug advises honoring convictions while allowing for change over time. He emphasizes the need for clarity in mission and the reasons behind initiatives, while also pointing out why change fails and the importance of authentic conversations.
Frederick Douglas Powe, Jr. is the Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and the James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary. Dr. Powe is an ordained elder in the Baltimore/Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. His newest co-authored book, Sustaining While Disrupting: The Challenge of Congregational Innovation, was the number newly released church leadership and administration book. Another recent book, The Adept Church: Navigating Between a Rock and a Hard Place, was the number one newly released church growth book just a month after being released. Dr. Powe is also known for his work in Wesleyan evangelism with titles like, Transforming Community: The Wesleyan Way to Missional Congregations and Transforming Evangelism: The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith, both co-authored with H. Henry Knight III. Dr. Powe is a forerunner in African American evangelism, a few of his contributions include: Not Safe for Church: The Ten Commandments for Reaching New Generations, co-authored with Rev. Jasmine Smothers, and New Wine, New Wineskins: How African American Congregations Can Reach New Generations. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Emory University (2004), a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology (1998), and a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University (1987).
Doug's socials are:
Twitter/X: @fdpjr
Facebook: @frederick.powe
Lewis Center socials:
Twitter/X: @lewisleadership
Facebook: @lewisleadership
Instagram: @lewiscenterleadership
YouTube: @lewisleadership
https://www.churchleadership.com.
Previous Episode with Doug:
https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/doug-powe-describes-the-adept-church/
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.
Future Christian Team:
Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer
Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host
Paul Romig–Leavitt – Executive Producer
Danny Burton - Producer
Dennis Sanders – Producer
Why Gather? with Martha Tatarnic
Jonathan Foster on the Path of Reconstruction
Freda Sampson shares about the Black Church
Ryan Burge on Myths about Religion and Politics in America
Freeing Congregational Mission with Hunter Farrell
Impolite conversations in the church with Brian Kaylor
Thom Schultz on When God Left the Building
Jason Porterfield wants you to Fight Like Jesus
The Holy and the Hybrid with Ryan Panzer
Lorenzo Lebrija wants you to learn How To Try
Faithful AntiRacism with Christina Barland Edmondson
Caleb Lines proclaims the Great Digital Commission
Deconstructing Church Planting with Nick Warnes
Missional Church Real Estate with Dominic Dutra
Rediscovering Vitality with Sean Chow
Why Christian Ethics matter with David Gushee
Daniel Steigerwald on the pitfalls of starting a new church
Jeffrey MacDonald on why part time clergy is plenty for churches
Amy Butler is still invested in faith and the church -- here’s why
When Everything is on Fire, with Brian Zahnd
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)