The Roots for Churches podcast

S3E15 Did we get Mary all wrong? Motherhood and what it teaches us about God, with Chine McDonald

Melanie Cave interviews Chine McDonald, the director of Theos, a think tank focused on religion and society. They discuss the evolving role of religion in public life, the complexities of motherhood, and the representation of women in Christianity, particularly through the figure of the Virgin Mary. McDonald shares insights from her book 'Unmaking Mary', exploring the idealization of Mary and the implications of motherhood in contemporary society. The discussion also touches on the significance of the Black Madonna and the need for diverse representations of femininity in faith.
Takeaways
Motherhood is an all-consuming experience that shapes identity.
The Virgin Mary is often idealised in Christianity, but her story is complex.
Mary's representation can be limiting and does not reflect the diversity of motherhood.
The Black Madonna represents marginalised voices and challenges traditional depictions of Mary.
Motherhood and theology intersect in profound ways, influencing our understanding of God.
There is societal pressure on women to meet unattainable ideals of motherhood.
Grace is essential for navigating the challenges of motherhood and societal expectations.
Diverse representations of women in faith can enrich our understanding of God.
Show notes
Chine's book, Unmaking Mary: Shattering the myth of perfect motherhood
Motherhood vs the machine podcast
God Is Not a White Man: And Other Revelations(Hodder & Stoughton, May 2021).
Theos
Chine's article in Roots: A tapestry of colour
Explore Roots www.rootsforchurches.com
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chine McDonald and Theos Think Tank
03:50 The Role of Religion in Society
06:39 Exploring Motherhood and the Virgin Mary
09:30 The Idealisation of Mary in Christianity
12:06 Mary's Influence and Representation
14:21 The Intersection of Motherhood and Theology
16:50 The Black Madonna and Representation in Faith
19:15 The Broader Implications of Motherhood in Society
21:47 Conclusion and Reflections on Motherhood
50:19 Introduction to Roots and Resources

S3E14: Creation Theology, with Jo Swinney and Jo Herbert-James

In this conversation, Melanie Cave engages with Jo Swinney and Jo Herbert-James from A Rocha to explore the intersection of Christian faith and environmental stewardship. They discuss the importance of creation theology, the Church's role in caring for the environment, and practical steps churches can take to engage with creation care. The conversation highlights inspiring stories from around the world, showcasing how churches are actively participating in eco-friendly initiatives and fostering a deeper connection with God through nature.
Take-aways
- Creation theology is essential for understanding our role in the environment.
- Creation is a critical part of the biblical narrative.
- The church has a responsibility to care for creation as part of its mission.
- Eschatology influences how we view our responsibility towards the earth.
- The Eco-Church movement encourages churches to adopt sustainable practices.
- Engaging with nature can deepen our spiritual formation.
- The younger generation is increasingly concerned about environmental issues, and the Church must speak out on this important issue that is foundational in Scripture.
- Churches can use resources like Eco-Church to guide their environmental efforts.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to A Rocha and its mission
05:25 Understanding Creation Theology
12:49 The Role of Scripture in Creation Care
16:01 Eschatology and environmental responsibility
23:46 Practical steps for churches
29:10 EcoChurch: a movement for change
36:04 Inspiring stories of impact
46:42 Introduction to Roots resources
 
Show notes
A Rocha International
A Rocha UK
Eco Church
Partners in action
The Whole Easter Story
Roots outdoor resources
Roots Spiritual Styles

S3E13: Finding and keeping children's ministry volunteers, with Tom Clark

Roots Managing Director, Melanie Cave, speaks with Rev Tom Clark about the pressing challenge of recruiting volunteers for children's and youth ministry within the Church of England. They discuss the ambitious goal of recruiting 27,000 volunteers by 2030, the importance of vision in ministry, and innovative strategies for engaging new volunteers. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on volunteer dynamics, the necessity of prayer, and the significance of creating a collaborative and supportive environment for volunteers. Tom shares insights on how to frame the invitation to serve, build healthy teams, and effectively train new volunteers, all while emphasizing the exciting opportunities for engaging young people in faith.
takeaways
Recruiting volunteers is one of the biggest challenges for churches.
The Church of England aims to double the number of young active disciples.
Vision is crucial for motivating volunteers in children's and youth ministry.
Post-COVID dynamics have changed the landscape of volunteer recruitment.
Collaboration and teamwork are essential in ministry efforts. Innovative approaches can attract new volunteers who may not fit traditional roles.
Prayer plays a vital role in the recruitment process.
Framing the invitation to serve can make a significant difference.
Building healthy volunteer teams requires clear communication and support.
Training and equipping volunteers is essential for effective ministry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
01:57 Vision for a Younger Church
04:46 The Challenge of Recruiting Volunteers
08:26 Navigating Post-COVID Volunteer Dynamics
11:54 The Importance of Community Engagement
15:42 Trusting God in Recruitment
19:19 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Volunteers
22:50 Training and Equipping New Volunteers
28:51 Conclusion and Encouragement
35:43 Tom Clark's article and Roots Resources
 
Show notes
If your church would like to recruit more volunteers with children and young people, take a look at the JOIN resources. For bitesize tips on all things Children’s and Ministry, take a look at the How To films. These answer questions such as ‘How to start a conversation with a child’ and ‘How to respond well to additional needs’.
For information on the Church of England training available in Children’s and Youth ministry, click here. 
Tom's article is in Roots Children & Youth Issue 139, you can read it online at www.rootsforchurches.com

S2E5: Intergenerational communication skills, with Rachel Turner

In this conversation, Roots' Managing Director, Melanie Cave, chats with Rachel Turner, author and founder of Parenting for Faith about intergenerational communication skills. Together they explore the nuances of intergenerational communication in church settings. They discuss the importance of effective communication skills, the misconceptions surrounding communication with children, and the need for authenticity and warmth in leadership. The dialogue emphasises the significance of creating safe spaces, permission and pathways for engagement, facilitating connections with God, and the role of community in faith. They also address the challenges of balancing control and freedom in worship, the importance of cultural change in church settings, and the value of embracing imperfection in worship experiences.
 
Rachel has worked for over 15 years as a Family Life Pastor, Children's Pastor, and a Youth Pastor, and served on church senior leadership teams. She continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for church leaders, parents and families around the world. Rachel Turner is currently the discipleship lead at Hope Church, Harrogate. She is the author of ten books for families, parents and church leaders including Parenting as a Church Leader, Comfort in Uncertain Times, It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent and her new release Parenting Teens for a Life of Faith. 
 
Takeaways
Intergenerational communication requires good communication skills. Do your prep work.
Communication skills can be learned and refined over time.
Misconceptions about communicating with children can limit effective engagement.
Intergenerational communication is relevant for all ages, not just children.
Preparation for communication should focus on clarity and purpose.
Creating safe spaces for engagement is essential for meaningful experiences. Share what you're going to do, what you want them to do, and what God will do based on scripture.
Balancing explanation and mystery enhances worship experiences.
Permission and comfort in engagement foster deeper connections.
Authenticity in communication builds trust and connection.
Community and getting involved plays a vital role in individual faith journeys.
If you want to hear more from Rachel, I encourage you to check out her article in the July/August 2025 Roots Worship Together Issue 138, or watch the recording of the Intergenerate UK webinar on Intergenerational Preaching, where she was one of our guests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QM8JDNpDUk
Roots produce weekly and seasonal content to help you lead GREAT Church.
You can explore all our resources with a one-month free trial. Head to rootsforchurches.com.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Intergenerational Communication
03:27 The Importance of Communication Skills
06:10 Misconceptions in Communicating with Children
08:42 Preparing for Intergenerational Communication
11:21 Navigating Experiences in Church Settings
14:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Engagement
16:15 Permission and Authenticity in Communication
19:10 Balancing Structure and Warmth in Leadership
21:55 The Role of Technology in Engagement
24:28 Authenticity vs. Performance in Communication
28:32 Embracing the Role of a Servant
31:42 Facilitating Connection with God
35:10 Creating a Culture of Permission
37:23 Navigating Intergenerational Dynamics
40:54 The Importance of Community in Worship
44:23 Redefining Church Expectations
49:35 The Value of Imperfection in Worship
55:55 Introduction to Roots and how to find out more

S3E12 How a church holiday club can change your community, with Pam Elliott

Join Melanie Cave, Managing Director at Roots, and Pam Elliott, Roots Senior Editor, as they delve into the world of church holiday clubs. Discover how these vibrant settings can transform the lives of children, nurturing their faith and leadership skills.
Explore the benefits of holiday clubs in building community connections, forging deeper relationships, and fostering partnerships among local churches. Learn about Roots' latest holiday club offering, 'Kingdom Builders' — an immersive experience inspired by popular games like Minecraft, Lego, and Roblox, designed to engage young hearts and minds with the message of Jesus.
Whether you're already a Roots subscriber or seeking new ways to reach your community, this episode provides valuable insights and resources to inspire and empower your church's outreach efforts.
Keywords
holiday clubs, church community, youth engagement, faith formation, children's ministry, Roots, leadership, community outreach, spiritual growth, church events
 
Takeaways
Holiday clubs can significantly impact children's faith formation.
Personal experiences in holiday clubs can shape future leaders.
Engaging activities are essential for effective holiday clubs.
Planning should start with available resources and volunteers.
Collaboration between churches can enhance holiday club success.
Holiday clubs meet community needs for childcare and social interaction.
Building relationships during holiday clubs accelerates faith development.
Roots provides a variety of holiday club resources for churches.
Online safety is crucial when incorporating gaming themes.
Donations can help cover costs and ensure commitment from participants.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Holiday Clubs 
04:02 The impact of holiday clubs on faith formation
07:11 The importance of community engagement
10:18 Planning and running a holiday club
13:05 Roots holiday clubs overview
19:12 Exploring specific holiday club themes
26:25 Engaging with modern themes: Kingdom Builders
33:16 Conclusion and encouragement to engage
34:54 Introduction to Roots and GREAT church
 
Show notes
Kingdom Builders Holiday Club for non-Roots subscribers
Big Summer Holiday Bucket List holiday club for non-Roots subscribers
Whizz! Bang! Wow! Holiday Club for non-Roots subscribers
Subscribe to Roots to have all the above as part of your subscription
Roots holiday club archive for Roots subscribers

S2E11: Line Management in the Church, with Ali Campbell

Church ministry presents a unique set of challenges due to its porous nature where personal and professional boundaries often blur. This episode delves into the distinct complexities of managing a ministry role effectively, exploring both the personal and structural challenges faced by church leaders. Melanie Cave chats with Ali Campbell, a children's and youth ministry consultant, about creating effective line management strategies within church environments. Together, they discuss how to balance personal well-being with vocational duties, address unmet needs for structured employment practices, and establish an environment conducive to personal and professional flourishing. Listen in to explore practical insights for fostering sustainable ministry leadership.
Takeaways
Line management is essential for effective church ministry.
Church leaders must provide support and accountability to their teams.
Clear communication is vital for managing expectations in ministry roles.
Volunteers deserve structured management and support.
Creating a healthy work-life balance is crucial for church workers.
Regular feedback helps improve performance and morale.
Church leaders should model good practices for their teams.
Investing in staff leads to better outcomes for the church community.
Understanding the unique dynamics of church relationships is important.
Churches need to rethink their approach to hiring and compensation.
Sound Bites
'We need to support those in ministry roles.'
'Accountability is key in church leadership.'
'Expectations can lead to burnout.'
Show Notes 
ACE - Accountability, Communication, Expectations 
4 Terrible Cs: Comparison, Competition, Complaining, Cynicism
The Resource, Contact Ali for Line management support at www.theresource.org.uk
Paraklesis www.paraklesis.org.uk to find a Church Charter and support for youth and children's ministers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to line management in the church
05:14 Ali's journey in children's and youth ministry
07:36 The importance of line management
10:32 Employment law and church responsibilities
13:16 Accountability and communication in line management
15:56 Expectations and boundaries in church roles
18:44 Navigating work-life balance in ministry
21:44 The role of relationships in leadership
24:22 Challenges of managing volunteers and staff
27:23 Setting realistic expectations for church workers
30:22 Modelling healthy working patterns
38:12 Creating space for communication
39:04 The importance of balance and boundaries
40:26 Navigating Attitude: Comparison, Competition, Complaining, and Cynicism
42:08 Understanding our role in ministry 44:15 Leading people, not just managing tasks
48:27 The power of affirmation and feedback
49:51 The importance of follow-up in line management
52:29 Managing volunteers effectively
56:54 Differences in line management in church settings
59:26 Valuing youth workers and their compensation
01:02:34 The importance of character in hiring
01:05:59 Creating an environment for flourishing ministry
01:06:38 Resources for line management support
01:08:22 Introduction to Roots resources

S3E10: Minecraft Church – Gaming for God, with Kevin Colyer

Melanie dives into the world of video gaming with Revd Kevin Colyer, a vicar near Blackburn, where she discovers how Minecraft, the world's most popular video game, is being used to disciple families in economically deprived communities.
Discover how gaming can be a tool for building relationships, fostering creativity, and enhancing discipleship. Revd Colyer shares his experiences of creating a vibrant church community centered around Minecraft, engaging both children and adults in a unique form of worship and spiritual growth.
Learn about the potential of integrating digital platforms into church activities, and how this innovative approach can help bridge the gap between technology and faith. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the concept, this episode offers insightful perspectives on embracing the digital space for glorifying God and enriching Church life.
See also:
Kingdom Builders Holiday Club www.rootsforchurches.com/build
Kevin's article: Minecraft Church

S2E4: First steps on the intergenerational journey, with Dr Sam Richards

Melanie Cave, Managing Director of Roots, interviews Dr Sam Richards, Head of Children’s and Youth Work for the United Reformed Church. Sam shares her extensive experience in intergenerational ministry. Delving into topics such as overcoming tradition-bound resistance, fostering authentic relationships, and embracing change, Sam offers practical guidance on taking your church on an intergenerational journey. The conversation touches on strategies for navigating change, embracing spontaneity, and the significance of feedback in fostering a vibrant church culture. From the importance of viewing tradition as living and adaptable to prioritising relationships over rigid routines, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom for churches looking to embrace intergenerational practice. Join us for an enlightening discussion on nurturing a church environment that values everyone’s contributions and encourages growth across all ages.
Takeaways
Tradition should be a living and authentic part of faith.
Everyone in the church has something to contribute, regardless of age.
Building relationships is more important than following rotas.
Change in church culture requires patience and understanding.
Embracing chaos can lead to richer worship experiences.
Simplicity in communication can deepen faith for all ages.
Engaging all generations in worship fosters a sense of belonging.
Feedback is crucial for continuous improvement in church practices.
Intergenerational ministry encourages mutual flourishing and growth.
Sound Bites
'We need to create a living tradition.'
'Simplicity brings us back to the truth.'
'It's not all about me.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to intergenerational ministry
03:42 The journey of Fresh Expressions
06:23 Tradition vs change in church
08:38 Living traditions and authenticity
11:23 The role of gifts in worship
13:52 Navigating change in church culture
16:08 Building relationships over rotas
18:03 Facilitating intergenerational connections
20:39 Creating meaningful relationships in church
23:07 Reflecting on experiences and learning
25:41 Conclusion and future directions
26:20 The gift of intergenerationality
30:38 Engaging all ages in worship
36:23 Exploring & Respond: a new approach to sermons
41:49 Building community through shared experiences
45:54 Introduction to intergenerational ministry
46:25 Exploring resources for intergenerational ministry
 
Links
To read Sam's article in Worship Together issue 137 visit www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/all-age-support/first-steps-towards-ig-ministry
Find all our intergenerational resources at roots via a free trial www.rootsforchurches.com
Head to www.intergenerateuk.org/ for more intergenerational resources and networking 

S3E9: Supporting ADHD in church, with Dr Naomi Fox

Melanie sits down with Dr Naomi Fox, a children's occupational therapist and the founder of Growing Hope. Naomi shares her expertise on ADHD, a condition affecting around 4% of the population, and how it presents unique challenges in social, academic, and occupational settings. Recognising ADHD as a form of neurodiversity, she emphasises the importance of creating inclusive environments within church communities.
Naomi discusses practical strategies for children's and youth workers to engage children and young people with ADHD, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. By implementing sensory-friendly practices and embracing neurodiversity, churches can become places where everyone can belong and flourish. Naomi also highlights the work of Growing Hope, a charity providing free therapy for children with additional needs in partnership with local churches, and the transformative impact these clinics have on church communities.
For training, including When Dreams Change Facilitator Training, and more on Growing Hope clinics visit: www.growinghope.org.uk
For visual timetables head to: www.rootsforchurches.com/VT

S3E8: Churches supporting mental health through worship and care, with Corin Pilling

Melanie Cave chats with Corin Pillings, the Director of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries in the UK, about how churches can become places of support, understanding, and connection for those facing mental health challenges.
Drawing from personal stories and Sanctuary’s mission, Corin shares practical advice on how faith leaders and communities can approach mental health with compassion and wisdom. Together, we explore theological perspectives such as Shalom and Suffering, and how these insights can enrich our understanding and support of well-being within church settings.
Whether you're a church leader looking to guide your congregation or someone interested in the role of faith in mental health support, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and actionable resources to help make a difference in your community.
Read Corin's article in Roots Worship Together issue 137 www.rootsforchurches.com/Church-a-mental-health-sanctuary
Explore the Sanctuary Course or the Youth Sanctuary course to hear the stories of the intersection of faith and mental health. https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/uk/
Contact the Samaritans Call 116 123 or www.samaritans.org