Future Christian

What does it mean to center the life of the church around the table—and why has the Eucharist so often been pushed to the margins? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons about cultivating a Eucharistic movement in the modern church. Drawing from theology, liturgical practice, and pastoral experience, Longbons invites leaders to reconsider how worship has shifted toward production and consumption—and what is lost when the table is no longer central. The conversation explores how the Eucharist forms identity over time, not just as a ritual but as a way of life. Rather than seeing communion as an add-on or symbolic moment, they discuss how it can become the organizing center of worship, shaping how communities understand grace, presence, and participation. They also reflect on how modern church models often prioritize content over formation, why repetition and liturgy still matter, and what it might look like to reorient church life around shared practices that cultivate deeper community and spiritual depth. Together they explore: Why the Eucharist has been marginalized in modern worship The difference between consumer-driven worship and Eucharistic formation How the table shapes identity, community, and mission The formative power of liturgy and repetition What it looks like to re-center worship around communion Practical ways church leaders can begin cultivating a Eucharistic culture Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons is the Senior Minister of Peachtree Christian Church, where he seeks to share the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. A pastor-theologian and gifted communicator, he brings together thoughtful biblical interpretation, pastoral warmth, and a passion for connecting faith with contemporary life. Jarrod is deeply committed to discipleship, worship, and cultivating a church that serves both its members and the wider community. His ministry is shaped by a love for teaching, the arts, and the formation of leaders for the Church. He and his family consider it a joy to walk alongside the people of Peachtree in God’s ongoing work of renewal and hope. Outside of ministry, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Golf, and Fly Fishing. Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Jarrod's Church Website: Peachtree Christian Church 🎧 Jarrod's Podcast: Complex Creatures 🎧 Jarrod's Podcast: Who Watches the Re-Watchers 🟧 Jarrod's Substack: keepafire.substack.com 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andrew Root 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ted Smith 🎧 Episodes Referenced: DOC Roundtable 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/ Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age. Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now! Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer SEO / Keywords Eucharistic movement, Eucharist theology, communion centrality, Lord’s Supper, sacramental theology, liturgical renewal, table-centered worship, worship formation, consumer vs formative worship, church worship practices, liturgy and repetition, embodied faith, communal worship, spiritual formation church, re-centering the church, historic Christian practices, future of the church, church leadership and worship, Jarrod Longbons, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

What does it really take to engage younger generations—and why do so many of our assumptions about them fall short? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with sociologist Dr. Josh Packard about his book Faithful Futures and what churches often misunderstand about Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Drawing from years of research, Packard challenges the tendency to reduce younger generations to stereotypes and instead invites leaders to approach them with curiosity, humility, and a posture of listening. The conversation explores how rapid cultural change has created a “fast and slow” dynamic in young people’s lives, why relationships—not institutions—are now the primary source of trust, and how churches can rethink formation beyond simply passing down right answers. They also discuss the importance of communal worship in an age of loneliness, the role of sacred space, and how young people are constructing “micro-narratives” of meaning in a world where institutional authority is often questioned. Together they explore: Why generational stereotypes fail—and what to focus on instead The “fast and slow” reality of growing up today How trust has shifted from institutions to relationships Why listening matters more than giving answers The role of communal worship and sacred space in a lonely world How young people build meaning through “micro-narratives” Dr. Josh Packard is the co-founder of Future of Faith and one of the foremost experts in the spiritual lives of American youth and religious trends in the United States. He is an accomplished researcher in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. He is a frequent keynote speaker and acts as an advisor and board member to a number of faith-based organizations. Josh has authored numerous books and articles in both popular and academic outlets including the recently released Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations. Previous books include Church Refugees: Sociologists reveal why people are DONE with church but not their faith and Meaning Making: 8 Values That Drive America’s Newest Generations. Josh was previously a professor, founding Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute and Executive Vice President of Strategy with the National Catholic Educational Association. He has a BA in English from Texas Lutheran University and Ph.D. in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and teenage son where he is quickly becoming the third best golfer in his family of three. Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Josh's Website: Future of Faith 📖 Josh's Book: Faithful Futures 📱Twitter/X: @drjoshpackard 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshpackard/ 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andrew Root 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Megan Bissell 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Mike Orr 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/ Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age. Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now! Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer SEO / Keywords contemporary worship, praise and worship history, worship wars, worship industry, church music theology, hymns vs modern worship, liturgy renewal, lament in worship, worship leader burnout, secular songs in church, worship culture, evangelical worship music, mainline worship styles, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.

What does it mean to live faithfully in a world that rewards conformity—and why might the Christian life feel “weird”? In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Aaron Miller about what it looks like to follow Jesus in a way that resists cultural expectations and embraces a more intentional, embodied faith. Drawing from his ministry experience and writing, Aaron reframes “weird” not as something to avoid, but as a sign of living in alignment with the kingdom of God. The conversation explores how practices like prayer, Scripture, lament, and worship form disciples who can live with clarity and conviction in a complex world. Aaron also highlights the role of imagination in the Christian life—both as a response to cultural challenges and as a way to envision communities shaped by hope. They discuss the importance of formation over performance, the tension between cultural relevance and faithfulness, and how local churches can cultivate rhythms that sustain authentic discipleship. Together they explore: Why the Christian life can feel “weird”—and why that’s not a problem The role of spiritual practices in forming faithful disciples How imagination shapes both personal faith and church life The importance of lament, presence, and embodied faith What it looks like to live with intentionality in everyday life Rev Aaron Miller is the congregational minister at University Hill United Church, and the UCC campus minister at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Witnesses of These Things: Faithfulness Here and Now, and Weird in the World: Living Towards the World God Wants. Aaron lives in Vancouver with his wife, Kate, and their teenaged sons. Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Aaron's Website: 📖 Aaron's Book: Weird in the World 📖 Aaron's Book: Witnesses of These Things 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Kara Root Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/ Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age. Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now! Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer SEO / Keywords Aaron Miller, Martha Tatarnic, Christian discipleship, spiritual formation, living weird for Jesus, Christian practices, prayer and Scripture, lament and worship, imagination and faith, Sermon on the Mount, Psalm 34, practicing the way, church leadership formation, mainline church, authentic faith, embodied discipleship, Future Christian Podcast