The Roots for Churches podcast

S4E3 Challenging violence against women in the Bible, with Bekah Legg

Melanie Cave and Bekah Legg explore the challenges of interpreting difficult biblical texts about women, and the implications of these texts on gender dynamics and domestic abuse. They discuss the importance of understanding cultural context, the misuse of scripture to control women, and the need for church leaders to be equipped to address these issues effectively. The conversation emphasizes the significance of choice in relationships and the necessity of creating safe spaces within church communities.
 
Content warning: discussion of rape, domestic abuse, and violence against women. This may not be suitable for younger listeners.
 
Keywords
Bible, domestic abuse, women in the Bible, theology, church leadership, spiritual curiosity, interpretation, cultural context, gender dynamics, problematic scriptures
 
Takeaways
Bible sales have surged, especially among Gen Z.
Many view the Bible as outdated and sexist.
Understanding cultural context is crucial for interpreting scripture.
God's original intention was for equality between genders.
Certain scriptures have been misused to control women.
Domestic abuse often involves emotional and psychological manipulation.
Church leaders need training to address domestic abuse effectively.
The concept of submission in marriage is often misinterpreted.
Emotional abuse is more common than physical violence in relationships.
Resources are available to help churches navigate these issues.
Sound Bites
'Gen Z are spiritually curious and buying Bibles.'
'This story represents nameless women in our world.'
'God sees these things happen behind closed doors.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
04:24 Exploring Judges 19 and the Me Too Movement
10:30 Understanding God's Perspective on Violence Against Women
13:44 Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation
15:30 The Impact of Misinterpreted Scriptures on Women
19:13 Addressing Domestic Abuse and Church Teachings
26:01 Navigating Difficult Relationships and Church Teachings
27:21 Understanding Biblical Perspectives on Divorce
29:45 Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Abuse
32:31 The Role of Control in Relationships
33:41 Empowering Individuals in Faith Communities
35:39 The Example of Jesus in Leadership
38:02 Equipping Church Leaders to Address Domestic Violence
42:28 Resources for Understanding Domestic Abuse
46:50 Introduction to Roots resources for churches
 
Show Notes
We discuss the following Bible passages specifically: Judges 19,  Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Corinthians 7:1-6 
https://www.restored-uk.org/
The church guide to ending domestic abuse
Discovering God: Women in the Bible - take a free trial to see the full resource
Dr Helen Paynter's book 'The Bible Doesn't tell me so'
William J Webb. Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis (2001)
www.whiteribbon.org.uk
www.rootsforchurches.com

S4E2 Churches Serving Communities, Collaborating with Government & NHS, with Jack Palmer-White

Melanie Cave speaks with Jack Palmer-White about ChurchWorks, an initiative that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to help local churches engage with their communities and collaborate with local government and the NHS. They discuss the importance of churches in providing community support, the Warm Welcome campaign, and the role of social prescribing in addressing mental health and loneliness. Jack shares insights on the evolution of ChurchWorks, its partnerships, and the upcoming ChurchWorks Summit, emphasizing the need for churches to communicate their initiatives effectively to local authorities and the broader community.
 
Keywords
ChurchWorks, community engagement, local churches, COVID-19, social prescribing, mental health, family hubs, government partnerships, Warm Welcome campaign, church initiatives
 
Takeaways
Churches serve as vital community spaces for connection. The pandemic highlighted the need for churches to collaborate with local authorities. ChurchWorks aims to celebrate and coordinate church efforts in communities. The Warm Welcome campaign has mobilized churches to provide warm spaces during crises. Church initiatives have significant economic and social value. Social prescribing connects individuals to community resources through churches. Churches can help address mental health issues by fostering community. Family hubs can benefit from church involvement in providing services. Effective communication with local authorities is crucial for church initiatives. Building partnerships with government can enhance community impact.
 
Sound Bites
'Churches are a third space in communities.'
'We need to tell and celebrate that story.'
'No front door is the wrong door.'
 
Chapters
00:00 The Birth of ChurchWorks
05:56 Jack's Role and ChurchWorks' Mission
09:40 Local Engagement and Community Collaboration
13:06 The Warm Welcome Campaign
17:10 Social Prescribing and Mental Health
20:38 Supporting Families through Church Initiatives
24:09 Building Relationships with Local Authorities
27:53 The Role of Family Hubs
31:37 Equipping Churches for Community Impact
35:06 ChurchWorks Future Events and Opportunities for Engagement
44:08 Intro to Roots' Church Resources
44:35 Exploring Roots Subscription Options and Community Engagement
 
Show Notes
ChurchWorks
ChurchWorks 2026 Summit
Warm Welcome Spaces
National Churches Trust House of Good report
Social Prescribing report
Theos report: Creating a neighbourhood health service
Historic England report
Family Hubs toolkit
National Centre for Family Hubs
The Bloom review
www.rootsforchurches.com
Special thanks to Dan Cave for audio mastering on this episode.

S4E1 Ploughs, Pets and Prayers: Agricultural Sundays and Rural Mission, with Bob Goody

Melanie Cave and Bob Goody discuss the significance of Agricultural Sundays and rural missions. Bob shares insights into the traditions of Plough Sunday, Rogation Sunday, and Lammas Sunday, emphasizing the importance of community, tradition, and mission in rural settings. Bob also highlights the challenges faced by rural churches and the innovative ways they are engaging with their communities.
 
Keywords
Rural Mission, Plough Sunday, Rogation Sunday, Lammas Sunday, community engagement, church growth, agricultural traditions, mission strategies, children and youth ministry, animal blessings Agricultural Sundays, community, tradition, rural churches, mission, Bob Goody
 
Takeaways
Bob Goody emphasizes the importance of community in rural missions.
Plough Sunday marks the start of the agricultural year with a blessing of the plough.
Rogation Sunday involves asking for God's blessing on the land and community.
Lammas Sunday celebrates the first fruits of the wheat harvest. Welsh Potato Sunday highlights the importance of local traditions.
Animal blessings connect faith with the love for creation.
Rural churches often feel under-resourced and unsupported.
Innovative approaches like moving services to pubs have helped rural churches grow.
Engaging with local schools is a key mission field for rural churches.
Simple acts of community, like sharing coffee and cake, can be powerful.
Rural Missions focus on making faith accessible and relevant to everyday life.
Rural Missions supports rural churches in becoming more missional.
Innovative mission strategies can lead to significant growth in rural settings.
Community engagement is key to revitalizing rural churches.
Children and young people are an important mission field in rural areas.
Agricultural Sundays provide opportunities for community connection and celebration.
 
Sound bites
'Community is at the heart of rural missions.'
'Bless the plough, bless the land.'
'Rogation Sunday is about asking for blessings.'
'Lammas Sunday celebrates the first fruits.'
'Rural churches need more support.'
'Innovation is key to rural church growth.'
'Schools are vital mission fields.'
'Simple community acts can be powerful.'
'Faith should be accessible and relevant.'
'Supporting rural churches is our mission.'
'We can keep some of the old, we can retain that.'
'We are interdependent on the earth, on creation.'
'Let's give him the best of what we have.'
 
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Bob Goody and Rural Mission
00:03:00 Understanding Agricultural Sundays
00:09:00 Challenges in Rural Churches
00:15:00 Innovative Approaches in Rural Ministry
00:21:00 Engaging with Schools and Community
00:27:00 Conclusion and Vision for Rural Mission
 
Show notes
Roots and Rural Missions resources
www.ruralmissions.org.uk
www.rootsforchurches.com
 

S3E36 It's Just Not That Simple: spoken word by Pheobe Owen

Melanie Cave closes Season 3 with a moving spoken-word piece by Phoebe Owen, reflecting on her Ghanaian-British identity and the complexities of belonging in intercultural church life.
Phoebe explores themes of code-switching, worship style, racial history, and hope for a church that listens, learns and makes space for multiple cultures.
Resources and further reading are mentioned for leaders seeking to grow intercultural ministry.
Special thanks to Dan Cave for creating the music and audio mastering on Pheobe's track.
www.rootsforchurches.com
www.interculturalchurches.org
Roots Intercultural podcast playlist on YouTube
Converge 2025 conference, an event by Intercultural Churches

S3E35 Sensory Healthy Church, with Anne Laure Jackson

Melanie Cave and Anne Laure Jackson discuss the importance of understanding sensory processing challenges within church settings. They explore how sensory overwhelm can impact attendance and participation, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to rethink traditional practices and create more inclusive environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. They also highlight the significance of church leadership in fostering a welcoming atmosphere and implementing sensory health programmes to support all congregants.
keywords
sensory processing, church inclusivity, sensory challenges, occupational therapy, church community, sensory-friendly environments, church attendance, neurodiversity, sensory overwhelm, church resources
takeaways
A visual timetable can ease transitions in church activities.
Sensory processing challenges affect many individuals, impacting their church experience.
61% of surveyed individuals reported avoiding church due to sensory issues.
Churches need to ask congregants about their sensory needs. Inclusivity in church requires understanding diverse sensory experiences.
Rethinking church traditions can help accommodate sensory challenges.
Creating sensory-friendly environments is essential for inclusivity.
Mindset shifts in church leadership are crucial for change.
Community and fellowship are vital for those with sensory challenges.
Practical changes can make a significant difference in church attendance.
Sound Bites
'We need to ask the questions.'
'61% said they've avoided church.'
'It's about God's heart for people.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Rethinking church traditions for inclusivity
37:59 Introduction to Roots and Visual Timetables
39:26 Resources for church leaders and volunteers
 
Show Notes
Anne Laure's article for Roots: https://www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/sensory-healthy-church
https://www.sensoryhealthservices.com/church
https://www.sensoryhealthservices.com/
Roots' visual timetable for churches www.rootsforchurches.com/vt

S3E34 Seeing Beyond Blindness, with Rev Prebendary John Beauchamp

In this episode, Revd Prebendary John Beauchamp shares his journey as a blind priest and disability ministry enabler, exploring the intersection of faith, disability, and inclusion within the church. He reflects on his personal experiences with blindness, the theological implications of disability, and the importance of belonging and participation for disabled individuals in church communities. The conversation delves into scriptural references to blindness, the cultural context of disability in Jesus' time, and the significance of healing and redemption in faith. John emphasizes the value of individuals beyond their abilities and the role of humour in addressing societal blind spots regarding disability.
Keywords
disability theology, blindness, faith journey, inclusion, church community, healing, scripture, John Beauchamp, spiritual insights, personal testimony
 
Takeaways
John Beauchamp has been in ministry for nearly 30 years.
His blindness has profoundly shaped his faith journey.
Disability theology offers insights into understanding faith and inclusion.
Inclusion in the church is about belonging, not just access.
Blindness in scripture often serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness.
Healing can be both a physical cure and a spiritual redemption.
The church must listen to the experiences of disabled individuals.
Humour can reveal societal blind spots regarding disability.
The identity of individuals should not be solely defined by their disabilities.
Faith involves trusting in the mystery of God's plan.
 
Sound Bites
'I once was blind, but now I see.'
'God wants us as we are.'
'Humour helps us see our blind spots.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Beauchamp and his Journey
02:31 Exploring Blindness and Faith
05:05 The Role of Disability in Ministry
07:44 Inclusion of Disabled Individuals in Church
10:36 Practical Steps for Accessibility
13:08 Disability Theology and Scriptural Perspectives
15:40 Metaphors of Blindness in Scripture
18:12 The Future of Disability in the New Creation
23:22 The Promise of Beauty in Pain
25:15 Experiencing God in Suffering
26:26 Cultural Context of Disability in Jesus' Time
33:55 Understanding Healing and Redemption
40:03 Preaching Insights on John Chapter 9
 
Show Notes
John's article on rootsforchurches.com: That the works of God might be revealed: John 9:1-41 by John
See also:
Disability-friendly church by Revd Katie Tupling
Going beyond inclusion by Mark Arnold
 

S3E33 A New Lectionary Year: What's Next? with Helen Bearn

Melanie Cave speaks with Helen Bearn, the new Senior Editor for Roots Worship Together magazine. They discuss the importance of intergenerational worship, the feedback on the magazine's new format, and the upcoming series focused on Reimagining Evangelism. They explore The Quiet Revival, the significance of biblical literacy, and the challenges of navigating difficult passages in the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the need for churches to adapt and engage with diverse congregations while providing resources that cater to all ages and stages of faith.
 
Keywords
Roots, Worship Together, Intergenerational Worship, Evangelism, Lectionary, Biblical Literacy, Church Resources, The Quiet Revival, Old Testament, New Testament summary
 
Takeaways
Roots aims to help churches grow, be relevant, and engage authentically.
Helen Bearn brings a wealth of experience in church settings.
Intergenerational worship is crucial for inclusivity in church.
Feedback on Worship Together magazine has been positive since its redesign.
The Quiet Revival indicates a renewed interest in spirituality among young adults.
Resources are designed to help churches engage with diverse demographics.
The upcoming Reimagining Evangelism series will explore new ways to share faith.
Biblical literacy is declining, making it essential to address difficult passages.
The Old Testament provides valuable insights into faith and God's character.
Churches should prepare for the potential influx of new attendees.
Sound Bites
'We want to be relevant to culture.'
'How can we read them in context?'
'You can trust that you're in safe hands.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Helen Bearn and Worship Together
32:28 Introduction to Roots and Its Mission
32:59 Exploring Resources for Church Leaders
 
Show Notes:
The Quiet Revival https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival
Roots' intergenerational series: https://www.rootsontheweb.com/worship-and-learning-support/all-age-support/effective-intergenerational-leadership
Roots' Reimaginging Evangelism Series: LINK TBC
www.rootsforchurches.com
 

S3E32 Every Tribe, Every Tongue: Worshiping Across Cultures, with Jessie Tang

Melanie Cave and Jessie Tang explore the significance of intercultural worship within the church. They discuss the intersection of music and identity, the importance of cultural heritage, and the role of language in worship. Jessie shares insights on creating inclusive worship environments that reflect the diversity of the congregation, while also addressing the complexities of cultural appropriation and identity in a multicultural society. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, sacrifice, and community engagement in fostering a vibrant intercultural church experience.
 
Takeaways
Intercultural worship reflects the diversity of God's creation.
Ethnomusicology studies the relationship between music and culture.
Heart music is deeply personal and connects individuals to their identity.
Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in worship practices.
Language in worship can bridge generational gaps.
Multilingual worship fosters inclusivity and understanding.
Cultural appropriation must be navigated with care and respect.
Identity in worship is complex for second-generation immigrants.
Creating an inclusive worship environment requires intentionality.
The future of the church lies in embracing intercultural dynamics.
Sound Bites
'Music intersects with society.'
'We can all worship together.'
'How do we diversify our circles?'
keywords
intercultural worship, ethnomusicology, heart music, cultural heritage, multilingual worship, cultural appropriation, identity, church diversity, worship practices, community engagement
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ethnomusicology
04:34 Heart Music and Identity Formation
07:31 Cultural Heritage and Worship
10:05 Multilingual Worship Practices
12:51 Intercultural Church Dynamics
15:31 Navigating Cultural Appropriation in Worship
18:14 The Complexity of Identity in Worship
20:54 Fusion of Musical Styles in Worship
24:51 Bridging Cultures Through Community Engagement
30:50 Worship as a Tool for Cultural Understanding
36:50 Navigating Mixed Cultural Identities
43:12 The Vision for Intercultural Church
45:35 Living Interculturally Beyond Sundays
46:56 Introduction to Intercultural Worship Events
47:56 Resources for Intercultural Ministry
 
 
Show notes
WEC’s intercultural worship band https://artsrelease.org/en/music-worship
Training and resources for intercultural worship https://interculturalchurches.org/worship/
Songs2Serve
Jessie’s written a chapter in Polyphonic God on intercultural church and identity https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/theology-books/religion-and-culture/polyphonic-god/
Jessie’s podcast: ACross Culture exploring culture, identity and the Christian faith - because culture really does inform everything in life, including our faith!
Proskuneo Ministries Multilingual Grace
Wycliffe Bible Translators
A Kaleidoscope of Doxology: Exploring Ethnodoxology and Theology Ian Collinge

S2E9 Engaging All Ages in Sung Worship, with Becky Drake

Melanie Cave speaks with Becky Drake about building meaningful intergenerational sung worship. They share practical tips — song selection, actions, room layout, teaching moments, and leadership — that help children and adults engage together, plus ideas for Christmas services and accessible resources. They discuss the importance of creating an engaging environment for all ages, the role of music and actions in worship, and practical tips for selecting songs that resonate with both children and adults. The conversation emphasizes the need for variety in worship, moving beyond token gestures, and fostering relationships across generations to build a strong church community.
Keywords
intergenerational worship, worship songs, church engagement, children in worship, worship leadership, all-age worship, worship resources, church community, worship for everyone, Christmas worship
Takeaways
Intergenerational worship fosters engagement across all ages.
Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for participation.
Songs should be simple yet deep to engage both children and adults.
Actions in worship can enhance participation and connection.
It's important to move beyond token gestures in worship.
Variety in song selection keeps worship fresh and engaging.
Children benefit from seeing adults model worship. Worship should be a whole self experience, not just vocal.
Building relationships across generations strengthens community.
Choosing songs that resonate with all ages is essential.
Sound Bites
'It's important to move beyond token gestures in worship.'
'Children benefit from seeing adults model worship.'
'Choosing songs that resonate with all ages is essential.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Moving Beyond Token Worship Moments
50:03 Introduction to Worship Resources
50:30 Diverse Worship Song Suggestions
50:52 Supporting Intergenerational Worship
51:18 Encouraging Church Growth and Engagement
 
Show notes
Becky's article for Roots: https://www.rootsontheweb.com/worship-and-learning-support/all-age-support/songs-for-everyone
https://worshipforeveryone.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/worshipforeveryone
https://intergenerateuk.org/
www.rootsforchurches.com
https://songsforschool.com/
 

S3E31 Learning from the African Church about Prayer, with Dr Harvey Kwiyani

Melanie Cave and Dr Harvey Kwiyani explore the long history of migration in the UK, how Christian mission and migration have always been intertwined, and the historical backdrop of migration and its impact on Christianity.
 
They discuss the contrasting approaches to prayer in African and Western contexts, African ‘crossover’ or watch-night prayer traditions, how different world views shape prayer and mission, and what the British church can learn from migrant Christians who bring vibrant, communal, charismatic faith practices.
 
The dialogue emphasizes the importance of community, the need for humility in learning from diverse perspectives, and the call for unity in a multicultural kingdom.
Harvey reflects on his journey from Malawi to Europe and North America, the rise of African Pentecostalism, and practical ways churches can humbly learn from diverse traditions to deepen prayer, welcome newcomers, and rediscover mission in a mobile world.
Keywords
mission, migration, prayer, African culture, Christianity, spirituality, community, diversity, colonialism, independent churches
 
Takeaways
The tradition of crossover prayer reflects a deep cultural significance in African communities.
Prayer practices in Africa are often characterized by urgency and communal participation.
Western Christians may struggle with prayer due to a lack of awareness of the spiritual world.
Migration has historically been intertwined with mission work, shaping the global church.
African independent churches emerged as a response to colonialism and the need for culturally relevant expressions of faith.
Diversity in the church enriches the understanding of God and spirituality.
Engaging with different cultures can enhance prayer practices and community life.
The spirit world is an integral part of African spirituality, influencing daily life and prayer.
Christian nationalism contradicts the inclusive message of the gospel.
The future of Christianity is being shaped by voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Sound bites
"Every human is made in the image of God."
"We need to treat one another better."
"We need to learn from the Galileans."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Watch Night Services
14:10 The Role of Diversity in Faith
56:20 Introduction to Roots and Its Mission
56:45 Exploring Resources for Church Growth
 
Show notes
Harvey's article for Roots
Harvey's substack
Decolonising Mission (2025)
Multicultural Kingdom: Ethnic Diversity, Mission and the Church
ACTS 11 Project (aka the Centre for Global Witness and Human Migration)