Always Forward Podcast

The Rev. Dr. Gerald McDermott joins us for this episode to discuss the deep roots of Anglican spirituality and liturgy, and the riches it provides our lives today. He explores the many church fathers who influenced Anglican theology and the writing of our liturgy, from Augustine and Benedict to Anselm and Hooker. Join us for this fascinating dive into our Anglican heritage and how this history can strengthen and enrich our lives and ministries.

In this episode we're joined by Deborah Tepley who was recently named the COO of the Anglican Church in North America. Dan and Deborah discuss her new role and her persepctive on the future of the province. She also shares about her background, her introduction to Anglican worship and the role of liturgy in urban church planting. Join us for this great conversation!

In this episode our director Molly Ruch hosts and interviews Anna Friedrich, Arts Pastor at Church of the Cross in Boston. Molly and Anna discuss their Easter Vigil, artistry and creativity in liturgical worship and evangelistic opportunities through it.

In this episode Dan interviews Kris McDaniel, lead pastor at Trinity Anglican Church in Atlanta, GA. Kris came from a more non-liturgical background, serving in Vineyard churches before being drawn to the Anglican Way and the liturgy. He and Dan discuss that transition, how it happened, how those around him responded and how it now informs his thoughts on evangelism and church planting.

The Reverend Canon Wes Jagoe, Director of Chapel and the Trophimus Center at Trinity Anglican Seminary(TAS) joins us for this episode of season 9. Wes and Dan discuss TAS and his role there, his upbringing, military career, and more, and how Anglican liturgy has affected each area. In particular Wes shares about his vision for liturgy in the process of educating and forming seminary students and future church planters.

Dan Marotta, founding rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia joins us for this episode. He shares his personal spiritual struggles during seminary, where academic knowledge of Christianity didn't translate into personal spiritual growth, leading him to discover the transformative power of liturgy. His book 'Liturgy in the Wilderness' reflects on how structured, repetitive prayer can re-engage one's heart with God and help bridge the gap between belief and practice. The conversation explores the concept of the Christian life as a "wilderness" journey and the role of secularism in modern Christian anxiety and diminished imagination. Dan challenges the common notion that beliefs come first and habits follow; instead, he suggests that habits often precede and influence beliefs. And he describes how liturgical prayer can offer a solution by helping Christians engage in formation from the outside in, focusing on practices that open individuals to God's transformative power.

In this episode Dan is joined by Peter Lebhar, a church planter preparing to start a church in Tampa, Florida. In particular Peter discusses how he and his wife are incorporating liturgy into their family life and discipling their children, as they prepare for their third child and prepare to church plant.

In this episode host Dan Alger introduces our ninth season, which will have a special focus on liturgy and how it relates to church planting in the Anglican context. He discusses the significance of liturgy as "the work of the people," rooted in scripture and designed to offer right praise to God. The conversation features Fr. Ben Sharpe, a longtime church planter, and Canon Missioner for West Virginia and Appalachia in the diocese of Christ Our Hope. Ben shares insights on how liturgy connects worship in the church to heavenly worship, highlighting its role in both glorifying God and edifying the faithful. He proposes that liturgy provides a framework for worship that moves beyond personal feelings, allowing for a deeper, more consistent engagement with faith. For all the details listen to the whole conversation.

In the last episode of Season 8, Canon Dan is joined by Fr. Tony Melton to talk about bold, traditional, and sacramental church planting. This conversation will encourage and challenge you to consider what it means to boldly take our tradition outside the walls of our churches. Also: We are hosting a virtual conference on October 9th and 10th, The Optimistic Horizon: Navigating the Great Dechurching. Learn more and register at always-forward.com

In this episode, Canon Dan is joined by Julie Lane Gay to discuss her upcoming book, "The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer." Julie, a writer and trained horticulturist, explores the impact of the Book of Common Prayer on her daily life. She shares how the BCP serves as both a personal and communal guide to prayer, making liturgical practices accessible and enriching for the everyday believer. The conversation emphasizes the prayer book’s role in helping Christians navigate their faith with grace and understanding, highlighting its practical applications and the comfort it offers in daily Christian living. Make sure you check out Julie Lane-Gay's book, The Riches of Your Grace (IVP, 2024). Living in the Book of Common Prayer

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger discuss the significant role of writing in church planting with Alastair Sterne, an experienced church planter and author based in British Columbia, Canada. Alastair shares his journey from becoming a Christian to founding his own church, emphasizing how writing—from newsletters to blogs and books—has been integral to building community and facilitating spiritual growth. The conversation also covers practical tips for improving writing skills and the impact of writing on personal and theological development.

In this episode, our very own Janie Williams hosts a conversation with Vandi Melton and Kirstin Magnuson. Delving into the intricacies of planting a church alongside one's spouse, they candidly explore both the joys and trials encountered along the way. They offer valuable insights and practical wisdom applicable to anyone, whether directly involved in church planting or not.

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger and Brandon Walsh delve into the significance of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurialism in church planting. They discuss the importance of equipping individuals for vocational ministry, the benefits of sacramental theology, embracing the risk of failure, as well as confronting fears associated with launching new initiatives. It’s a great conversation that we know you’ll find helpful! Additionally, a friendly reminder: If you're in need of great quality clergy shirts with an impeccable fit, visit our friends at Hook & Shepherd (hookandshepherd.com). Use the code AF10 for a $10 discount on your first purchase.

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a helpful conversation with Bishop Dan Gifford of the Anglican Network in Canada. They talk about the role and purpose of bishops, the benefits of episcopal governance for church planting, as well as how bishops can advocate for church planting. Just a reminder: This season of our podcast is brought to you by the generous support of our friends at Trinity School for Ministry, the Anglican seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. They share our dedication to form Christian leaders for mission and we're grateful to partner with them. You can learn more about their programs at www.tsm.edu.

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger connects with our friend Daniel Yang (World Relief). Daniel is well acquainted with the world of church planting, having planted churches himself and also through his time at The Send Institute at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Daniel is a friend of Anglicanism, and we asked him to give his perspective on the strengths and potential weaknesses of our church planting movement.

In this episode, Canon Dan Alger hosts a captivating conversation with Jim Salladin from Emmanuel Anglican Church, NY. They delve into the dynamics of urban centers, discussing their beauty, brokenness, and the profound wonder and awe inherent in proclaiming the gospel within cities. This conversation offers great insights into the challenges and opportunities of urban ministry. Just a reminder: This season of our podcast is brought to you by the generous support of our friends at Trinity School for Ministry, the Anglican seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. They share our dedication to form Christian leaders for mission and we're grateful to partner with them. You can learn more about their programs at www.tsm.edu.

This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Jon Thompson, a pastor and author based in Ontario, Canada. They talk about the role of perseverance in church planting (and ministry in general), and how our understanding of calling can fuel us to press on. Make sure you check out Jon's new book Perseverance, as well as his other books: Convergence, and Deliverance. Are you in the market for comfortable, light-weight, dri-fit clergy shirts? Check out our friends at hookandshepherd.com. Use the code 'AF10' for your first purchase. You'll support Hook & Shepherd's good work, you'll get great shirts, and you'll also support our work at Always Forward, as we will receive $25 per order as an affiliate. It's a win, win, win.

This episode of our podcast features a conversation between Canon Dan and Kevin Harlan from Made to Flourish (madetoflourish.org). Delving into the intersection of daily work realities and spiritual formation, they explore the significance of integrating these aspects into all our endeavors. The discussion also sheds light on the advantage of a well-crafted residency program to shape the next generation of leaders, pastors, and church planters. If you want to explore how to develop a Residency within your church, we are offering an exciting opportunity in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 27-28th. Discover more about our Residency Builder event at www.always-forward.org under events, and be part of the movement towards cultivating impactful leadership.

Welcome to Season 8 of the Always Forward Podcast! In this episode, Canon Dan speaks with Seth Cain about how to navigate a call to church planting—the questions one needs to consider on a personal level as well as what questions need to be explored on an organizational level.

Season 8 of the Always Forward Podcast is just around the bend. In this preview episode, Canon Dan shares about some updates to our podcast, our new partnership, topics we will cover this season, as well as some upcoming events. We can't wait to share this season with you!