In this episode, CC and DeDe invite listeners to see the Great Commission in a new light. Instead of focusing on conversion, they discuss how Jesus calls us to discipleship, a way of life rooted in presence, hospitality, and real relationship. Referencing Matthew 28:16-20, they explore how the mandate is for all people and is more about forming communities than checking off boxes and counting souls won. CC emphasizes how the passage is about ongoing formation, not a one-time event. DeDe notes th...
Aug 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of Emissaries of Renewal , DeDe and CC explore what it means to reclaim evangelism’s prophetic roots. Instead of focusing on conversion moments, they look to Old Testament prophets like Amos and Isaiah, who spoke truth to power and called for community justice and renewal. The hosts discuss the difference between foretelling and forthtelling, emphasizing that prophecy is about seeing with God’s perspective and addressing both personal and systemic issues. Amos’s bold critique of ...
Jul 17, 2025•47 min•Ep. 9
In episode 8 hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore the growing phenomenon of "Nones and Dones" – those who have walked away from organized religion despite keeping spiritual beliefs. With 28% of U.S. adults now identifying as religiously unaffiliated, this conversation examines why people leave faith communities and how radical hospitality might create paths for healing. The hosts discuss how political entanglement in churches has contributed to disillusionment, so Christina and Denise ...
Jun 27, 2025•46 min•Ep. 8
In episode 7, hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore what it means to center those on the margins in our faith communities truly. The conversation examines Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's recent message on church realignment, challenging listeners to move beyond simply ministering "to" the marginalized and instead ministering "with" them. Drawing from personal experiences with disability ministry and digital church innovations during the pandemic, Christina and Denise discuss practical ways...
May 15, 2025•28 min•Ep. 7
In our 6th episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore what it truly means to welcome everyone to "the table" - not just the church altar, but anywhere people gather in Jesus' name. They reflect on Jesus' radical inclusivity, noting how his dinner parties brought together tax collectors, sex workers, religious leaders, and fishermen—with no spiritual bouncers checking IDs at the door. The hosts challenge listeners to consider the audacity of humans deciding who's worthy to approach Jesus, sharin...
Apr 15, 2025•21 min•Ep. 6
In this special Pod Burst episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore ethical evangelism through the extraordinary example of former President Jimmy Carter. They discuss how Carter seamlessly integrated faith into every aspect of his life—from negotiating peace deals to teaching Sunday school well into his 90s. The conversation highlights Carter's genuine approach to faith not as theoretical debate but as lived experience, evidenced through his work with Habitat for Humanity, the Carter Center's...
Mar 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 5
Are you ready to experience a deeper, more meaningful way to share your faith? In this episode of Emissaries of Renewal, we explore the Seek-Listen-Speak-Act (SLSA) framework—a holistic approach to relational evangelism that fosters genuine connection and lasting transformation. Join Christina and Denise as they guide you through the four powerful steps of SLSA, using inspiring real-life stories as examples. Learn how to: ● Seek: Proactively identify opportunities to connect with others and unde...
Feb 17, 2025•22 min•Ep. 4
This month on "Emissaries of Renewal," join Denise (DeDe) and Christina (CC) as they explore the Episcopal Evangelism Society—EES! Founded in 1862, the EES started by supporting aspiring preachers through scholarships but has grown to include publishing, conferences, and the innovative "Evangelism for the Twenty-First Century" grant program (launched in 1998). CC and DeDe share how grateful they are to be among its recipients in 2024 and how this grant made the podcast possible. They share the e...
Jan 15, 2025•11 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) discuss ethical and inclusive evangelism by drawing on CC's experiences in London. They emphasize the importance of interfaith engagement, highlighting shared values and unity amidst diversity as foundational to ethical evangelism. A significant focus is placed on the Multiply 2024 seminar, which aims to discipline and empower young people for future church leadership. This sustainable approach prioritizes nurturi...
Dec 16, 2024•26 min•Ep. 2
In the introductory episode of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) embark on a journey exploring thoughtful and ethical evangelism. As seminarians at Bexley Seabury in Chicago, they share their diverse faith backgrounds and unique paths to the Episcopal Church. Christina expresses her enthusiasm as a Postulant for Holy Orders, while Denise highlights their involvement with the Episcopal Evangelism Society, aiming to present the Good News in innovative ways...
Nov 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1
