The Roots for Churches podcast

Melanie Cave speaks with Joy and Darren Stevens of Start to Stir about sharing faith with young people who are indifferent or exploring spirituality, manifesting, crystals or witchcraft. They outline a gentle, relationship-based approach: listening well, finding common ground, stirring spiritual curiosity, and pacing conversations over time rather than expecting one-off conversions.
The episode offers practical tips and resources for leaders and teens — simple questions to ask, how to handle church hurt and converstions about power-based spirituality, and tools like short Soul Stirrers videos to open ongoing faith conversations.
They explore new approaches to evangelism, understanding spiritual curiosity, and how to navigate conversations about spirituality and religion with authenticity and compassion.
Keywords
evangelism, faith sharing, spiritual curiosity, church outreach, youth ministry, Christian faith, cultural engagement, spiritual conversations, church hurt, spiritual longings
Key Topics
New approaches to evangelism in modern culture
Understanding spiritual curiosity among young people
Building trust and listening in faith conversations
Sound Bites
'Ask questions, listen, and find common ground.'
'Experience your soul in action.'
'Most of the spiritual growth is slow and steady.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to evangelism and personal backgrounds
03:52 Shifting perspectives on sharing faith
06:15 Understanding young people's indifference to faith
09:30 Building trust in faith conversations 1
2:45 Exploring spiritual Curiosity among youth
16:20 Navigating conversations with authenticity
20:10 Addressing church hurt and spiritual longings
24:00 Engaging in cultural conversations with compassion
28:15 Addressing power and witchcraft
31:06 Generational perspectives on spirituality
34:13 Navigating spiritual curiosity in youth
37:16 Equiping young people for faith conversations
41:24 Resources and training for churches
 
Show notes
www.starttostir.com
 @starttostir   @starttostir_de 
www.rootsforchurches.com
'Good Vibrations' Roots resource on mansifesting and spiritual energy (issue 145)
The 3D Gospel by Jason Georges 

Melanie Cave interviews Jonny Baker, discussing his new book 'Fringe Dweller,' exploring the life of Jesus at the margins and how this perspective can transform church practices and mission. The conversation reflects on the life of Jesus as an example of one who reaches out, creativity in scripture engagement, mission at the edges, and practical practices for churches to inhabit scripture and live out the gospel authentically.
 
The Fringer Dweller book offers reflection and provocation based on Jesus' life, hands‑on mission and prayer practices (like role play and gospel contemplation), and poetic liturgies to respond as a community or individually.
 
Jonny encourages us to embrace the edges as fertile spaces for growth, conversation and pioneering ministry. 
 
Keywords
Jesus, Fringe Dweller, Mission, Creativity, Scripture, Church, Evangelism, Discipleship, Holy Spirit, Community Engagement
 
Key Topics
Jesus' life at the margins
Creative engagement with scripture
Practices for living out the gospel at the edges
Sound Bites
'Mission as an adventure of the imagination'
'Jesus advocates for those at the fringes'
'There is life at the edges, come and see'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jonny and his journey
03:44 Mission and creativity in Western culture
06:29 Barriers to the gospel in Western society
09:26 The concept of the Fringe Dweller
11:59 Exploring the book: Fringe Dweller
14:37 Practices and liturgy in discipleship
17:40 Engaging with Scripture in community
20:26 The role of creativity in worship
25:19 Engaging young people with scripture
29:04 Innovative practices for reading the Bible
35:00 Imaginative approaches to acripture
39:46 Missional practices and community engagement
 
Show Notes
Buy Fringe Dweller here: https://www.getsidetracked.co/
www.rootsforchurches.com
 

In the next in our series on helping young people share faith, Melanie Cave interviews Jill Appleton of The Feast. They discuss how interfaith dialogue and the guidelines for respectful conversation can empower young people to share their faith confidently, build bridges between communities, and foster understanding in diverse societies. In these settings Christian teenagers become more confident in their Christian identity. Jill shares The Feast's Guidelines for Dialogue, how listening and respectful questioning differ from debate, and how these skills build friendship, resist radicalisation, and support faith conversations in diverse schools and communities. The episode also points listeners to practical resources and training for youth workers and schools to adopt dialogue-based approaches.
Keywords
interfaith dialogue, youth faith sharing, guidelines for dialogue, community building, faith education, evangelism, youth empowerment, religious diversity, Christian faith, social cohesion
Key Topics
The Feast's mission to foster interfaith dialogue among youth The importance of listening and asking good questions in faith conversations How dialogue differs from debate and its role in faith sharing The guidelines for respectful and honest dialogue Real-life stories of faith transformation through interfaith encounters
Sound Bites
'Listening is massively important in faith conversations.' 'The Feast helps young people become confident in their faith.' 'God works in our conversations and relationships.'
Chapters
00:00 Building Bridges Through Dialogue
06:07 The Art of Dialogue vs. Debate
11:27 Guidelines for Effective Conversations
16:47 Transformative Journeys of Faith
22:08 Recognizing and Countering Radicalization
26:22 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue
28:04 Transformative Encounters: A Personal Story
29:57 Faith Sharing in Diverse Settings
32:18 Building Confidence in Faith
34:57 Navigating Interfaith Relationships
36:39 The Role of Dialogue in Conflict Resolution
39:17 The Impact of Dialogue on Evangelism
44:11 Expanding the Feast: Global Reach and Resources
 
Show Notes
https://thefeast.org.uk/ Feast Resources: https://the-feast-youth-project.sumupstore.com/ www.rootsforchurches.com Discovering God: https://www.rootsontheweb.com/discover-roots/discovering-god

Imagine grandparents, grandchildren and whole families boarding a vintage train for the journey of a lifetime — meeting Jesus at every station through prayer, games, serving, learning and collaborative crafts. Together they eat, laugh, share stories of faith and explore Bible stories from Luke with simple spiritual practices that welcome every age.
Explore the innovative intergenerational holiday club 'A Journey of a Lifetime' with Roots' MD Melanie and writer Alison Hulse, focusing on faith, community, and spiritual practices that unite all ages in a shared journey of discipleship.
This ready-to-run holiday club helps churches bring generations together, adaptable for Sundays or midweek, with story-telling ideas, station activities, take-home reflections and safeguarding guidance so communities can grow in faith and relationship.
 
Keywords
intergenerational holiday club, faith, community, spiritual practices, children, grandparents, discipleship, church community, faith development, family faith
 
Key Topics
Intergenerational holiday club design
Spiritual practices for children and adults
Building faith community across ages
Sound Bites
'Humility and mutual learning are key.'
'Encounter God in new and diverse ways.'
'Share your faith journey with others.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alison Hulse and Roots for Church
02:05 Understanding Intergenerational Holiday Clubs
04:12 Creating Spaces for All Ages
06:51 Engaging Activities and Stations
09:25 Bible Stories and Their Impact
14:33 Exploring Spiritual Practices
17:07 The Role of Spiritual Pathways
18:59 Impact of Holiday Clubs on Children and Communities
22:15 Intergenerational Learning and Humility
23:56 Hopes for Community Formation
25:19 Practical Implementation of Holiday Clubs
 
Show Notes
www.rootsforchurches.com
https://www.methodist.org.uk/faith/a-methodist-way-of-life/
https://www.rootsontheweb.com/seasons-and-festivals/festivals/holidays
https://roots-for-churches.myshopify.com/
 
 

Melanie Cave talks with Jess Masters-Carrer about why Gen Z and Gen Alpha are increasingly drawn to sacramental spirituality and how churches can welcome and equip young people to share faith. They explore themes such as belonging before believing, the role of liturgy and ritual, embracing mystery, and practical mission approaches focused on invitation and relationship.
The episode offers practical ideas for youth workers and church leaders—creating safe spaces for questions, teaching liturgical language, using digital content to demystify worship, and building long-term discipleship—so young people can invite friends into sacramental traditions with confidence.

The spiritual climate is shifting and Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more open to the gospel than many expect. Melanie Cave interviews Aaron Routledge about why evangelism can feel awkward, how culture has changed, and why we need to move from scripted presentations to natural, curiosity-led conversations.
They explore practical steps (the Five B's), encouraging stories, and resources for churches and youth leaders to equip and release young people to share their faith with confidence and love.
Keywords
evangelism, youth ministry, faith sharing, relational evangelism, church youth, spiritual conversations, gospel, youth leadership, faith in action, church resources
Key Topics
Shifting from presentation to conversation in evangelism
Tools and models for effective faith sharing
Understanding cultural shifts among young people
Building confidence in youth to share their faith
Resources and programs to support youth evangelism
Sound Bites
"Tolerance is a really poor moral standard. Love is the highest form of morality"
"Evangelism is sharing good news, naturally"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Evangelism
03:51 Aaron's Journey into Youth Work
06:28 Challenges of Evangelism for Christians
15:07Shifts in Evangelism Over the Years
17:56 Changing Worldviews Among Young People
20:55 The Importance of Relational Evangelism
23:41 Equipping Young People for Evangelism
26:20 The Five B's of Gospel Conversations
29:07 Preaching vs. Sharing the Gospel
34:41 The Power of Conversational Evangelism
36:58 Overcoming Barriers to Evangelism Training
39:07 Discipleship vs. Evangelism: Finding Balance
41:12 Creating a Culture of Gospel Conversations
42:56 Empowering Young People for Mission
45:44 Releasing vs. Retaining: A New Mindset
48:21 Resources for Youth Leaders
53:17 Encouraging Stories of Faith Sharing
Show Notes
 
The Charge https://www.message.org.uk/thecharge/ Amplify - The Young Evangelists Academy | United Kingdom https://www.amplifyacademy.co.uk/
Gospel Advancing Ministry - An Effective Youth Ministry Strategy https://www.dare2share.org/gospel-advancing/
Roots' article series on reimaginging evangelsim www.Rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/re-imagining-evangelism
 

From a talk at the Intergenerate '26 conference, this episode explores Roots’ Bread & Wine research into making communion accessible and invitational for the whole church.
Melanie Cave shares findings, practical case studies (toddler services, multilingual parishes, youth-led reflections, outdoor and care-home eucharists), and adaptable prayers and choreography to help churches include children, people with dementia, neurodivergence, and those for whom English is not a first language.
Listeners will hear about the churches' challenges, and the resulting innovative approaches to intergenerational communion Roots discovered and highlighted in case studies. Roots Bread & Wine makes the Eucharist inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for all ages and backgrounds. You'll hear about small steps churches can take to create more intergenerational, sensory, and participative communion services. And you can discover Root's layered, ecumenical communion prayers, and a visual timetable to reduce anxiety and help those with additional needs navigate the service well. 
Keywords
intergenerational communion, church inclusivity, Eucharist, church resources, religious education, ecumenical worship, church innovation, Bread & Wine, Roots for Churches
 
Key Topics
Challenges of intergenerational communion
Ecumenical approaches to Eucharist
Innovative case studies in church settings
Sound Bites
"Communion can be challenging intergenerationally"
"Communion is adaptable and powerful in many settings"
"Who feels most at home at your communion table today?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context
01:21 Understanding Communion Experiences
03:39 Challenges of Intergenerational Communion
05:20 Roots for Churches and Ecumenical Resources
08:32 Creating Inclusive Communion Practices
11:49 Case Studies in Innovative Communion
19:41 Practical Steps for Intergenerational Communion
25:56 Conclusion and Reflection
 
Show notes
Roots Bread & Wine Communion resources, articles and case studies www.rootsforchurches.com/communion
Visual timetable for churches www.rootsforchurches.com/VT
 

Melanie Cave interviews Martin Shaw, exploring the profound role of storytelling, myth, and wilderness in our spiritual growth. We explore the importanceof stories in church life, personal initiation, and cultural identity, unpacking how stories shape our understanding of God, community, and ourselves, and advocating for a more untidy, questioning approach to faith and spirituality.
Keywords
storytelling, myth, spirituality, Christian faith, wilderness, initiation, church, cultural identity, sacred stories, religious experience
Key topics
The role of storytelling and myth in spiritual life
The importance of wilderness for initiation and transformation
The relationship between myth, culture, and identity
Sound Bites
"We live in a symbolic world surrounded by metaphors."
"Bible stories are profoundly mysterious and layered."
"May rocks be rolled away and new life rise this Easter."
Chapters
00:00 The Roots of Storytelling
03:32 The Meaning of Myth
06:09 Myth and National Identity
09:13 The Power of Nuanced Stories
11:54 Storytelling in the Church
15:00 The Role of Wilderness in Initiation
24:26 Embracing the Dichotomy of Spirituality
26:32 The Balance of Wildness and Community
29:31 Navigating Prophetic and Pastoral Tensions
32:52 The Interplay of Mystery and Understanding
35:48 The Power of Storytelling Across Generations
42:30 Diversity in Storytelling and Spirituality
45:40 Reflections on Personal Myths and Prayer
Show Notes
Liturgies of the Wild by Martin Shaw https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/477131/liturgies-of-the-wild-by-shaw-martin/9781846048913
Roots for Churches www.rootsforchurches.com
 

Show Notes:
A concise collection of excerpts from the Children’s Ministry Network Conference (March 2026) on how churches and children’s ministries can respond to a changing, multicultural UK. Melanie Cave introduces the theme, followed by Dr Israel Olofinjana on intercultural theology, Dr Phoebe Owen on identity, and Nathaniel Jennings on intercultural discipleship.
Listeners will hear theological foundations, real-life challenges for second- and third-generation children, practical ideas for worship and leadership, and tips for building relational, justice-aware, intergenerational ministries. 
 
Books & Articles:
Great book on cultural awareness to notice and celebrate and work with difference: The Culture Map
Israel’s latest book: Polyphonic God
Treasures of the nations, an article about third culture kids (TCKs) by Nathaniel Jennings
The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures by Jayson Georges
Podcasts/Videos:
Roots for Churches Intercultural church playlist. Includes ‘Treasures of the nations’ video used in worship and Phoebe Owen’s spoken word about identity
OMF Podcast series- Building Intercultural Church
Interview with Jessie Tang about Intercultural worship
Training and Resources:
Intercultural church training: Phoebe’s organisation runs courses, and monthly huddle groups online
OMF intercultural training for churches:
Songs for intercultural/ multi-lingual worship: https://songs2serve.eu/
Networks for ongoing support:
Anglican Network for Intercultural Churches www.anic.org.uk
Intercultural Churches UK www.interculturalchurches.org
EA One People Commission www.eauk.org/what-we-do/networks/one-people-commission
Weave www.icctgathering.net
OMF intercultural Ministry www.omf.org/uk/get-involved/intercultural-ministry

Melanie Cave speaks with Charnelle Barclay from the Centre for Theology and Community about reimagining evangelism as a call to justice and holistic transformation. Charnelle explains how community organising—listening deeply, empowering agency, building relational power, and addressing root causes—connects faith with practical action, examples include a local safety campaign and a food-share project that drew people into church life.
The conversation outlines practical steps for churches: shift theology toward holistic care, practice intentional listening, support grassroots leadership, and use the cycle of prayer and organising to research, act, evaluate and rest. Resources and training are available for churches wanting to start.