The Roots for Churches podcast

Today’s episode explores hosting youth ministry and intergenerational small groups in homes — the theology, hospitality and practical safeguarding. Melanie Cave talks with Dr Sam Richards and David Howell about the history of guidance pre- and during COVID, how homes can be holy and formative spaces, and the practical steps churches need (risk assessments, transparent accountability, and intergenerational thinking). 
keywords
youth ministry, homes, safeguarding, intergenerational, youth work, church, community, youth groups, spiritual formation, youth leaders
 
takeaways
Youth ministry can be a lifelong calling.
The world that young people grow up in has changed significantly.
Safeguarding is essential but should enable good practice.
Homes can be positive spaces for youth ministry.
Integrity is crucial for building trust with young people.
Reflective supervision is necessary for youth leaders.
Intergenerational dynamics enrich youth ministry.
Creating safe spaces is vital for effective youth work.
Hospitality reflects the values of the kingdom.
Youth work should be rooted in community and relationships.
Sound Bites
'Youth ministry can be a lifelong calling.'
'Youth work should be taking place in homes.'
'Hospitality is a description of the kingdom.'
Chapters
00:00 Journey into Youth Ministry: Personal Stories
09:09 The Evolution of Youth Ministry: Changes and Challenges
15:15 Government Involvement in Youth Work: A Historical Perspective
20:18 Navigating Safeguarding: Balancing Trust and Professionalism
29:29 Safeguarding and Enabling Good Practice
30:43 Youth Ministry Challenges and Policies
31:24 Challenging the Fear Narrative Around Homes
33:17 The Importance of Homes in Youth Work
35:47 Vulnerability and Integrity in Home Settings
37:06 Health and Safety Considerations in Homes
37:51 Hospitality and the Kingdom of God
39:17 The Role of Homes in Community and Faith
40:11 Safeguarding in Home Settings
44:34 Accountability and Reflective Practice
45:41 Intergenerational Spaces and Their Impact
50:09 Resources for Safe Youth Work in Homes
 
Show Notes
Sam Richard's articles for Roots on 'How to set up an intergenerational Small group' and 'Can youth groups meet in homes?' ADD LINKS
Guidance for URC local church activities in private dwellings - United Reformed Church
Guidelines for Children’s and Youth Ministry in personal homes Youthwork in Private homes, report on the Churches Together in England
New guidance for youth work in private dwellings demands ‘no compromises’ around safety of young people - National Youth Agency
Home-grown Youth Work - Keeping Young People Safer in Private Dwellings. David Howell, Grove Books.
www.rootsforchurches.com

This episode explores the rise of weight-loss injections and the sharp increase in eating disorders since the pandemic, including concerns like bigorexia and the impact on young people. Guests Di Archer and Cherry Dakin from Taste Life UK share lived experience, recovery work, and practical youth resources.
Hosts discuss how churches can respond with compassion, spot warning signs, offer safe spaces, and access training and courses (Food, Feelings and Faith; Taste Life) to support individuals and families alongside medical services.
 
Show notes
Tastelife
Brighton University School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences
The Role of Religion, Spirituality and Social Media in the Journey of Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Exploration of Participants in the “TastelifeUK” Eating Disorder Recovery Programme
Roots for Churches articles
 
Further listening
The Hunger Game

Melanie Cave interviews Sandy Brodine, an intergenerational ministry leader from Australia. They discuss Sandy's journey into ministry, the state of intergenerational practices in Australian churches, and the importance of shared meaning making in worship. Sandy shares insights on the dynamics of learning together, the role of discussion in faith formation, and the need for active learning in church settings. They also explore the challenges of navigating change in traditional church environments and the significance of tradition versus innovation in worship practices. The conversation highlights the beauty of scripture, the importance of mentoring, and the creative approaches being taken in intergenerational ministry, including the innovative use of Minecraft for church activities.
Keywords
intergenerational ministry, church, Australia, shared meaning making, faith formation, mentoring, active learning, tradition, innovation, community
Takeaways
Intergenerational ministry is becoming more common in Australia, especially in Uniting Churches.
Shared meaning making is a key concept in intergenerational worship.
Discussion and active learning are essential for faith formation.
Mentoring should be a mutual relationship rather than a one-way transfer of knowledge.
Children and young people can offer valuable insights and wisdom.
The beauty of scripture is that it remains relevant and can be interpreted in new ways.
Tradition and innovation can coexist in church practices. Creative approaches, like Minecraft Church, engage younger generations.
Navigating change in church settings requires sensitivity and gradual implementation.
sound bites
'We have to wrestle things through.'
'Mentoring is not the answer.'
'Kids are very wise.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of Intergenerational Ministry
01:54 Sandy's Journey into Intergenerational Ministry
05:16 The Appeal and Growth of Intergenerational Church
08:54 Shared Meaning Making in Worship
12:31 The Importance of Active Learning in Faith
16:07 Wrestling with Faith and Questions
19:43 The Relevance of Scripture in Changing Times
20:26 Rethinking Mentoring in Intergenerational Ministry
24:31 The Role of Humility and Mutual Learning
27:14 Innovative Approaches: Minecraft Church
30:06 Navigating Control and Chaos in Church
33:58 Tradition vs. Modernity: The Sacred Connection
37:03 Resources for Intergenerational Ministry
 
Show Notes:
• Intergen Australia: https://intergen.org.au/
• Roots for Churches: www.rootsforchurches.com
• Uniting Church in Australia (Victoria and Tasmania): https://victas.uca.org.au/

Melanie Cave and Sarah Edwards explore the often uncomfortable topic of money within the church context. They discuss the importance of addressing financial issues, the biblical principles surrounding money management, and the need for churches to create supportive environments for financial discussions. The conversation emphasizes the role of money in justice, the spiritual implications of financial decisions, and practical steps for churches to engage in ethical banking and financial advocacy. Ultimately, the discussion aims to normalize conversations about money in faith communities and encourage a holistic approach to financial stewardship.
 
Keywords
money, church, finance, justice, giving, ethical banking, financial literacy, discipleship, community support, advocacy
 
Takeaways
Money is a significant topic in the church that needs to be addressed.
The Bible has a lot to say about money management and ethics.
Fear and discomfort around discussing money can be overcome.
Churches should create supportive environments for financial discussions.
Financial inequality must be acknowledged in church conversations.
Ethical banking practices can align with church values.
Money can be used for good or for evil, reflecting our values.
Discipleship includes understanding our relationship with money.
Practical steps can help individuals and churches manage finances better.
Advocacy for financial justice is a crucial role for the church.
 
Sound Bites
'Money makes the world go round.'
'We need to talk about money in church.'
'We are part of a dysfunctional system.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Money and Justice
01:55 Sarah's Journey into Finance and Justice
03:57 Cultural Attitudes Towards Money
05:57 Biblical Perspectives on Money
11:09 Normalizing Conversations About Money in Churches
17:25 Addressing Financial Diversity in Congregations
20:41 The Role of the Church in Financial Support
22:43 Making Ethical Financial Changes in Churches
27:37 Balancing Ethics and Financial Returns
29:46 The Importance of Collective Action
34:11 Understanding Mammon and Its Influence
38:59 Engaging Young People in Ethical Finance
41:52 Conclusion and Resources for Action
42:39 Introduction to Financial Conversations in Churches
43:29 Resources for Church Leadership and Growth
 
Show notes
www.rootsforchurches.com
Sarah's article for Roots: Making our money work for justice
https://justmoney.org.uk/
Greener, fairer, banking guide
Money makes change small groups resource
Money makes change hub
https://www.bankwell.uk/
Christians against poverty
The Trussell Trust
UK sustainable investment and finance association
https://good-with-money.com/
https://www.ethex.org.uk/

Melanie Cave interviews Gemma Gillard of Truth Be Told about the power of storytelling and parables in church and community settings. They discuss why stories stick, how Jesus used parables, practical storytelling techniques, and the ways stories connect across generations and cultures.
Gemma shares examples of storytelling in schools, care homes, refugee groups, and Sunday services—and points listeners to Truth Be Told’s resources, training, and membership for anyone wanting to grow their storytelling confidence and reach.
Roots weekly resources also offer many ways to share and explore stories with children, youth and intergenerationally, including dramas, story mats, inhabiting the stories through empathy, multisensory suggestions, illustrations, art, and videos.
 
keywords
storytelling, parables, Truth Be Told, intergenerational, church resources, effective storytelling, audience engagement, narrative, spiritual teaching, community
 
takeaways
Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection.
Parables serve to teach moral lessons and engage listeners.
Truth Be Told offers resources to enhance storytelling in various contexts.
Simplicity in storytelling helps maintain audience engagement.
Intergenerational storytelling fosters community and understanding.
Adapting stories for modern audiences is essential for relevance.
Intrigue in storytelling encourages deeper exploration of themes.
Storytelling can break down cultural and language barriers.
Effective storytelling requires practice and confidence.
Engaging audiences through participation enhances the storytelling experience.
Sound Bites
"Stories can break down barriers."
'We're wired for story.'
'Storytelling connects us all.'
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Storytelling
02:44 Understanding Parables and Their Impact
05:35 Truth Be Told: Resources for Storytelling
10:02 Skills for Effective Storytelling
13:27 Intergenerational Storytelling
16:05 Adapting Stories for Modern Audiences
19:19 The Role of Intrigue in Storytelling
24:01 The Science Behind Storytelling
27:36 Engaging Audiences Through Participation
 
Show Notes
Read Gemma's article: https://www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/power-of-storytelling
https://truthbetold.org.uk/
www.rootsforchurches.com
 

Melanie Cave interviews Julia Daintree about the growing popularity of community choirs in the UK and their role in connecting people to faith. Julia shares her journey of starting a gospel choir, the challenges of copyright and costs, and the transformative impact of music on individuals and communities. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, inclusivity, and the personal stories of those who have found faith through choir participation.
 
Keywords
choir, community, gospel music, faith, church, copyright, costs, transformation, friendship, inclusivity
 
Takeaways
Choirs have become a significant part of community life in the UK.
Copyright and costs are essential considerations for running a choir.
Gospel music serves as a bridge to connect people with faith.
Community choirs provide a space for friendship and belonging.
Many individuals find faith through relationships formed in choirs.
Inclusivity is key to attracting diverse participants.
Starting a choir can be done without extensive musical knowledge.
Marketing through social media is effective for choir recruitment.
Personal stories of transformation highlight the impact of choirs.
Choirs offer a sense of purpose and dignity to participants.
 
Sound Bites
'It's a starting point for love.'
'It's about including people.'
'I found my sort of people.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to community choirs and faith
03:49 The journey of starting a gospel choir
06:17 The role of gospel music in outreach
09:16 Building community through choirs
12:02 The impact of choirs on personal faith
14:35 Connecting with the lonely and isolated
17:14 Real-life transformations through choirs
20:03 Advice for starting a community choir
22:45 Marketing and growing your choir
24:53 Creating an inclusive choir environment
27:41 The power of music in spiritual connection
35:38 Encouraging stories of changed lives
38:13 Conclusion and call to action
44:33 Introduction to Roots for Churches resources
45:31 Roots Discovering God series
45:56 Subscription benefits and Resources for community engagement
 
Show notes 
Statistics on choirs in the UK
Julia Daintree’s choirs 
https://www.singwellchoir.co.uk/ 
https://www.facebook.com/commuitywellbeing/ 
https://www.messengerschoir.org/ 
Links Julia suggested 
Hal Leonard
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/ 
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/ 
https://www.arrangeme.com/ 
https://alpha.org.uk/ 
Association of British Choral Directors https://abcd.org.uk/ 
www.rootsforchurches.com 
Roots for Churches ‘Reimagining Evangelism’ series includes Julia's article: The choral revival
Roots Discovering God PDF bundle: www.rootsforchurches.com/DG 
 

Keywords
evangelism, music, faith, community, choirs, youth ministry, transformation, outreach, Soul Children, Chip Kendall
 
Summary
Melanie Cave and Chip Kendall explore the revitalization of evangelism in the UK, focusing on the role of music and choirs in sharing faith. Chip shares his journey from being a musician to founding Soul Children, a choir initiative aimed at engaging young people in faith through music. They discuss the transformative power of choirs, the importance of community, and the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through participation in these choirs. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of music in faith and the potential for a choir revival in contemporary society.
 
Takeaways
Evangelism is receiving fresh focus in the UK.
Music serves as a powerful vehicle for sharing faith.
Soul Children aims to introduce young people to Jesus through music.
Choirs can foster community and connection among youth.
Stories of transformation highlight the impact of choirs.
The choir revival is a significant movement in faith communities.
Engaging young people through music can lead to spiritual growth.
Resources and training are available for those wanting to lead choirs.
Honouring individuals within the choir fosters a positive environment.
The importance of intergenerational ministry is emphasized.
 
Sound Bites
'The tide is turning in evangelism.'
'We are all children of God.'
'The choir revival is happening now.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chip Kendall
05:01 Musical Journey and Soul Children
10:22 The Vision Behind Soul Children
14:54 Choir Dynamics and Community Impact
19:34 Living Cathedrals: A New Initiative
23:13 Personal Stories of Transformation
30:42 The Role of Choirs in Spiritual Growth
34:21 Orbitron and Engaging Young People
41:23 Books and Resources for Youth Ministry
 
Show Notes
Soul Children UK
Orbitron
The message
Sjardegård music and mission festival
International soul children festival
Roots for Churches article: Re-imagining evangelism: The choral revival
 

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
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
 
Relevant content on rootsforchurches.com
Bekah's article for Roots: Speak up and do something 
Discovering God: Women in the Bible - take a free trial to see the full resource

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.

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