The Roots for Churches podcast

S3E24 Supporting Faith at Home: From bedtime questions to lifelong belief, with Andy Frost

Melanie Cave and Andy Frost explore the vital role of parents and churches in nurturing faith in children. They discuss the importance of shifting the mindset from viewing church as the primary source of faith formation to recognizing the home as a crucial environment for spiritual growth. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, navigate tough questions, and model their own faith journeys. They also highlight the significance of involving other adults in children's lives and provide practical resources for churches and families to support faith formation.
 
Takeaways
75% of Christians come to faith before 18.
Many young people walk away from faith after childhood.
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing faith.
It's important to engage in conversations about faith at home.
Children's ministry should align with family faith practices.
Parents don't need to have all the answers.
Disappointment in faith is a part of the journey.
Dads can play an active role in faith conversations.
Daily life is an opportunity for faith discussions.
Resources are available to support families in faith formation.
Sound Bites
'It's not about having all the answers.'
'Kids see our mistakes and failures.'
'Kids need to know they're loved.'
Keywords
faith formation, parenting, church, children's ministry, family resources, spiritual growth, youth ministry, community support, engaging dads, nurturing faith
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith and Family Ministry
04:19 The Kitchen Table Project: Empowering Parents
07:07 The Role of Parents in Discipleship
10:04 Navigating Difficult Questions with Kids
12:43 Creating a Positive Faith Environment
15:45 Engaging Teens in Faith Conversations
18:41 Integrating Faith into Everyday Life
19:46 Connecting Faith and History
20:55 Engaging with Scripture
23:34 Inhabiting the Stories
25:06 Creating Family Rituals
26:03 The Role of Love Languages
27:21 Involving Others in Faith
29:10 Resources for Family Ministry
31:48 Engaging Dads in Faith Conversations
34:48 Active Faith Formation
36:44 Exploring Roots
 
Show Notes
Roots’ Thrive  
Explore Roots resources www.rootsforchurches.com
Raising Faith book and course 
52 Faith Adventures for Dads and their kids
Kitchen Table Project
Statistics on passing on faith and coming to faith under age 18
Theos Thinktank 
Faith in kids
Share Jesus International
London Mission Collective
Gather Movement

S3E23 Safeguarding Sunday: What happens when kids speak up in church? with Peter Wright

In this conversation, Melanie Cave and Peter Wright discuss the critical topic of safeguarding within churches, particularly focusing on Safeguarding Sunday. They explore the evolution of safeguarding awareness, the importance of creating a culture of safety, and the role of the Church in protecting vulnerable populations. Peter shares insights on addressing resistance to discussing abuse, the significance of safeguarding as part of the church's mission, and the resources available to support churches in their safeguarding efforts.
 
Takeaways
Safeguarding Sunday aims to raise awareness and promote safety in churches.
The evolution of safeguarding has led to better awareness and reporting of abuse.
Creating a culture of safety is essential for protecting vulnerable individuals.
Churches must address the topic of abuse sensitively and thoughtfully.
Safeguarding is not just the responsibility of leaders; everyone has a role to play.
The Church's mission includes protecting the vulnerable and advocating for justice.
Resources are available to help churches implement effective safeguarding practices.
Engaging the congregation in safeguarding discussions fosters a sense of community responsibility.
It's important to recognize the historical context of safeguarding and its evolution.
Churches can create safer spaces by being proactive and transparent about safeguarding policies.
Sound Bites
'We all have a role in safeguarding.'
'Let's talk about it and take action.'
'Safeguarding is part of mission.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to safeguarding and Peter's background
04:38 The evolution of safeguarding in churches
07:27 Understanding Safeguarding Sunday
10:07 Theological foundations of safeguarding
13:11 Addressing resistance to safeguarding discussions
15:53 Creating a culture of safety in churches
18:48 Empowering voices: The role of the congregation
21:20 Safeguarding as Part of Church Mission
24:04 Resources and support for churches
26:41 Conclusion and Call to Action
34:52 Introduction to Safeguarding Sunday resources
35:23 Exploring Roots resources for church leadership
35:28 Enhancing worship with digital and print materials
 
Keywords
safeguarding, church, abuse prevention, safeguarding Sunday, child protection, community safety, church resources, ThirtyOne:Eight, vulnerable populations, church mission
 
Show Notes
https://safeguardingsunday.org/ 
https://thirtyoneeight.org/raiseyourroar 
https://thirtyoneeight.org/
https://www.4front-theatre.com/
www.rootsforchurches.com
 
Statistics references
NSPCC UK child abuse statistics
World Health Organisation Violence against women fact sheet
Church Times article on domestic abuse (February 2023)
 

S3E22 Isaiah: The Fifth Gospel, with Simon Jones

In this episode, Melanie Cave and Simon Jones explore the themes of the book of Isaiah, particularly in the context of Advent. They discuss Isaiah's role as the 'fifth gospel', the dual fulfilment of prophecies, and the historical context of the text. The conversation emphasizes the importance of justice, identity, and the relevance of Isaiah's teachings in modern society, particularly in relation to the life and mission of Jesus. The discussion encourages listeners to engage deeply with Isaiah's messages, particularly how we find meaning in suffering.
 
Takeaways
Isaiah is often referred to as the fifth gospel due to its prophetic insights about Jesus.
The suffering servant in Isaiah 53 is a key example of how Isaiah points to Jesus.
Prophets like Isaiah were messengers to their contemporary audiences, calling them back to their identity.
Isaiah's writings reflect a dual fulfilment of prophecy, applicable in both immediate and future contexts.
Understanding the authorship of Isaiah reveals a complex history of multiple voices contributing to the text.
Isaiah's call for justice and righteousness is a central theme that resonates today.
The historical context of Isaiah provides insight into the identity struggles of the Jewish people during exile.
Isaiah's teachings challenge modern societies to reflect on justice and equity.
The fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecies in Jesus highlights the continuity of God's message.
Engaging with Isaiah can lead to personal and societal transformation.
Keywords
Isaiah, Advent, prophecy, fifth gospel, justice, identity, modern application, scripture, Christian teachings, historical context
 
Sound bites 
'Isaiah is the fifth gospel.'
'We need Jesus to shake things up.'
'Isaiah is a living word of God.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Isaiah: The fifth gospel
04:01 The historical context of Isaiah
06:41 The structure and authorship of Isaiah
09:37 The prophetic voice and national identity
12:18 Isaiah's call for justice and righteousness
15:02 The relevance of Isaiah today
17:52 Isaiah's fulfilment in Jesus
20:21 The dual nature of prophecy
23:03 Living out Isaiah's teachings today
25:43 Conclusion: Engaging with Isaiah's message
46:24 Inspiration from Scriptures
46:52 Seasonal resources for churches
 
Show notes
Introduction to Isaiah by Simon Jones on www.rootsforchurches.com
Maria Skobtsova House of Hospitality Calais

S3E21 Slavery & Reparations: Questions from Philemon, with Dr Eleasah Louis

In this conversation, Melanie Cave and Dr Eleasah Louis explore the complexities of the book of Philemon, particularly in relation to themes of slavery, reparations, and cultural perspectives. They discuss the implications of decolonization in theology, the painful legacy of slavery, and how these issues resonate in contemporary church contexts. Eleasah emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural overlays and the need for reparations as a biblical principle, while also providing insights on how to navigate difficult conversations within church communities.
 
Takeaways
Philemon's letter reflects complex cultural dynamics around slavery.
Decolonization in theology involves separating colonial influences from Christianity.
Cultural perspectives significantly shape our understanding of biblical texts.
Paul's approach in Philemon is nuanced and contextually bound.
Reparations are a biblical principle that can guide contemporary discussions.
The legacy of slavery continues to impact modern church dynamics.
Understanding different forms of slavery is crucial for interpretation.
Churches must engage in difficult conversations about race and justice.
Resources like 'We Will Repay' can facilitate discussions on reparations.
Building bridges between cultures is essential for effective ministry.
 
Sound Bites
'It's about bridge building.' 
'Worship is more than just a song.'
'We have to face it head on.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Book of Philemon
04:04 Decolonization of theology
06:39 Cultural context in mission work
09:35 Understanding slavery in Biblical context
12:24 Paul's approach to Philemon
15:38 The complexity of slavery and freedom
18:14 Cultural perspectives on slavery
21:00 The role of agency in Onesimus' story
23:45 The hope for liberation in Philemon
25:35 The significance of Paul's letter
29:35 Reparations and modern contexts
34:14 The principle of making good
38:57 Navigating difficult conversations
47:19 Resources for understanding reparations
48:22 Introduction to Roots resources for church leaders
49:16 Exploring Black British Christian perspectives
49:51 Utilizing Roots for church leadership
 
Show Notes
Articles on the Roots for Churches website
Difficult conversations: Onesimus - the slave by Eleasah Louis
Introduction to Philemon & Timothy by Simon Jones
 
Publications by E P Louis
We will repay
Black, British and De-churched
 
Other resources mentioned in the podcast
Racial Justice Advocacy Forum
Sam Sharpe Project
After the Flood
Movement for Justice and Reconciliation
 
www.rootsforchurches.com
 
Keywords
Philemon, slavery, reparations, decolonization, cultural theology, Black theology, biblical interpretation, church leadership, racial justice, contemporary applications

S3E20 Supporting faith at home: Vulnerability and authenticity as parents, with Ed Drew

In this conversation, Melanie Cave and Ed Drew discuss the importance of supporting parents in their journey of faith formation with their children. They explore insights from research on what parents want from their churches, the role of vulnerability in parenting, and how to navigate difficult conversations about faith with children. Ed shares his journey into children's ministry and emphasizes the need for churches to build relationships with families rather than just providing resources. The discussion highlights the significance of modelling authenticity and faith in everyday life, encouraging parents to embrace their role as the primary spiritual influence in their children's lives.
 
Takeaways
- Parents feel valued when included in faith discussions with their children.
- Parents often feel guilty about their struggles to have faith conversations at home.
- Churches need to create environments where families feel they belong and can grow.
- Vulnerability in parenting allows children to see authentic faith in action.
- Parents should model their faith and priorities for their children.
- Conversations about faith should be normalized within families and churches.
- Children are perceptive and notice their parents' priorities and struggles.
- Support from church leaders can empower parents in their faith journey.
- 30% of parents want a broader variety of resources for family discipleship.
 
Sound Bites
"Parents want relationship with their church."
"We want to feel supported by our church."
"We are all muddling through parenting."
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith in Kids and Ed's journey
05:00 The role of parents in children's faith
08:50 Navigating parental insecurities in faith conversations
12:26 Modelling authenticity in parenting
16:25 The importance of vulnerability in faith discussions
23:29 Exploring taboos in parenting conversations
26:59 The need for authentic relationships in church
31:01 Vulnerability and storytelling in faith
34:07 Recognizing God's presence in everyday life
38:11 Resources for churches and families
40:20 Real-life stories of faith in action
 
Show notes
Melanie's interview with Dr Sarah Holmes: Supporting Families in Faith
Taking the Pulse - full report
www.faithinkids.org
https://www.faithinkids.org/podcasts/
Nehemiah Sunday School resource: https://www.faithinkids.org/nehemiah-gods-big-build/.
Mark Sunday School resource: https://www.faithinkids.org/jesus-is-here/
www.rootsforchurches.com

S3E19 Supporting faith at home: Empowering parents, with Anna Hawken

Melanie Cave and Anna Hawken discuss the importance of equipping parents to be the primary place of discipleship for their children through the Parenting for Faith initiative. They explore how churches can support families, build parents' confidence, and create an environment that encourages open conversations about faith, particularly exploring how these tools and values can be modelled in gathered worship or in personal anecdotes in teaching. The discussion emphasises the need for encouragement, practical tools, vulnerability, and the significance of everyday moments in nurturing faith within families.
Takeaways
- Parents are the primary place of discipleship for their children.
- Churches should support and equip families rather than overload them.
- Small changes in language and approach can lead to significant impact.
- Building confidence in parents is crucial for effective discipleship.
- Creative and interactive resources are preferred by parents over traditional devotionals, because these lead to open-ended and ongoing conversations.
- Modelling vulnerability can foster deeper faith conversations.
- Everyday moments are opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Church leaders can frame what is happening in church services, offering a model for parents to emulate in conversations at home.
- It's okay to not have all the answers when discussing faith with children.
- Encouraging open dialogue about faith helps families grow together.
 
Soundbites
'Tiny changes can make a big difference.'
'Faith is grown in everyday moments.'
'It's okay to not have all the answers.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting for Faith
04:13 The role of parents in discipleship
06:50 Empowering parents: The church's responsibility
09:31 Creating an inclusive church environment
11:29 Framing and understanding church practices
14:23 Key tools for Parenting for Faith
17:13 Navigating challenges in family faith engagement
18:27 Embracing small changes for big impact
20:19 Understanding parental needs in faith
22:35 Empowering children's workers
25:27 Utilising resources for family engagement
28:38 The role of grandparents in faith development
29:24 Creating windows for vulnerability
35:02 Modelling imperfection in faith
41:29 The journey of learning together
46:07 Introduction to Parenting for Faith resources
47:37 Exploring Roots
 
Links
Melanie's interview with Dr Sarah Holmes: Supporting Families in Faith
Taking the Pulse Full report
www.parentingforfaith.org
www.rootsforchurches.com

S3E18 Finding Stillness in a Busy World, with Lucy Rycroft

In this conversation, Lucy Rycroft shares her journey towards understanding stillness amidst the chaos of life as a busy mother and church leader. She discusses the challenges faced by church leaders in finding time for rest and the cultural pressures that prioritise busyness over stillness. Lucy emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, the role of sleep, and the need for intentionality in finding moments of stillness. She also explores the misconceptions surrounding stillness and offers practical steps for integrating stillness into daily life, including the significance of Sabbath and teaching children about balance.
 
Takeaways
Lucy Rycroft's book 'Be Still' is born from her personal journey.
Stillness is essential for mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Church leaders face unique challenges in finding stillness.
Cultural pressures often glorify busyness over rest.
Misconceptions about stillness can hinder our ability to practise it.
Finding stillness can happen in everyday moments, not just in silence.
Sabbath is about permission to rest and recharge.
Setting boundaries is crucial for church leaders to avoid burnout.
Teaching children about balance and rest is important.
Sleep is a gift from God and essential for well-being.
 
Sound Bites
'This book is really born out of my journey.'
'Sleep is a gift from God.'
'Stillness can be a way to grow our peace.'
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:56 The Journey to Stillness
06:40 Challenges for Church Leaders
09:46 Cultural Perspectives on Stillness
12:26 Misconceptions About Stillness
15:12 Finding Stillness in Daily Life
18:18 The Importance of Sabbath
20:55 Setting Boundaries as a Church Leader
23:50 Teaching Children About Stillness
26:44 The Role of Sleep in Stillness
29:01 Peace, Contentment, and Joy
32:05 Practical Steps Towards Stillness
50:14 Introduction to Psalm 46 and Festival of Christ the King
 
Show notes
Read Lucy's book: Be Still: 30 Devotions for Those who feel Anything But
Lucy's blog is at www.thehopefilledfamily.com
Marva Dawn's video on Sabbath 

S3E17 The Silent Crisis: Emotionally-based School Avoidance, with Kate Dommett

As summer ends, the excitement of back-to-school season isn't shared by all. In England, an estimated 400,000 children are not in school, a 50% increase from 2023. Disadvantaged pupils and those with mental health issues, highlighted in the NHS England report, face significant challenges. Emotionally-based school avoidance is becoming more common due to rising anxiety levels among young people.
Many children, especially those with neurodiversity or other special needs, find traditional school systems inadequate. Home education is on the rise, often not by choice but due to unmet needs in formal schooling settings.
Melanie Cave hosts Kate Dommett from Transforming Lives for Good to explore how the church community can support these families. With extensive experience in children's coaching and a passion for emotional well-being, Kate discusses the importance of trauma-informed care and community involvement in addressing this critical issue.
 
They explore the challenges faced by children in the current education landscape, particularly those struggling with mental health and school attendance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive church communities, building relationships with families, and implementing practical strategies to engage with those in need. They highlight the significance of intergenerational connections and the transformative power of coaching and support, while also addressing the need for trauma-informed practices within church settings. The conversation concludes with a call to action for church leaders to equip themselves for effective support and to foster a culture of care and community engagement.
 
Takeaways
Up to 400,000 children in England are estimated not to be in school.
Certain groups are more likely to exit the school system completely.
Nearly half of 14-year-olds say they don't like school.
The church can play a vital role in supporting families.
Many children are not thriving in traditional school settings.
Mental health issues are a significant factor in school refusal.
Churches need to create inclusive environments for all children.
Building relationships with families is crucial for support.
Practical strategies can help churches engage with struggling families.
Intergenerational connections can enrich community support.
Sound Bites
"Up to 400,000 children are not in school."
"Building relationships is crucial for support."
"Creating safe spaces for children is essential."
Chapters
00:00 Supporting Families in Education Challenges
08:23 The Impact of COVID on School Attendance
12:58 Churches as Supportive Communities
18:04 Building Relationships Over Programs
23:05 Creating Intergenerational Spaces
28:10 The Beauty of Community and Support
28:48 Transforming Lives for Good: TLG's Mission
32:29 Coaching and Support for Struggling Families
35:22 Creating Safe Spaces: The Make Lunch Initiative
37:04 Emotional Wellbeing and Trauma-Informed Care
39:58 Building Relationships: The Role of the Church
45:51 The Impact of Consistent Adults in Children's Lives
49:20 Prayer and Reflection for Young People
51:24 Supporting Education in the Community
52:20 Resources for Education Sunday
 
Show notes
Read Kate's article on the Roots for Churches website
Transforming lives for good: www.tlg.org.uk
Roots' Resources for Education Sunday 
www.rootsforchurches.com

S3E16 Redefining Masculinity in the Church, with Robert Beckford, Bekah Legg, and Will Van der Hart

This conversation follows on from a previous podcast (S3E6) with Will Van der Hart about masculinity. Here Melanie Cave invites Will plus two more guests, Prof Robert Beckford and Bekah Legg, to explore the multifaceted crisis of masculinity, particularly within the church and society. It highlights the importance of including women's voices in discussions about masculinity, the need for a critical examination of Biblical texts, and the cultural influences that shape our understanding of gender roles. The speakers emphasize the necessity of theological training and education to foster healthy teaching about Biblical masculinity, advocating for a compassionate and empathetic approach to male identity. They also address the intersection of race and masculinity, particularly in the context of Black men in the UK, and the church's role in addressing these issues. Ultimately, the conversation calls for ongoing dialogue and action to create supportive environments for all individuals.
Takeaways
Biblical texts often reflect cultural biases that need critical examination.
Cultural influences significantly impact perceptions of masculinity.
The church has a vital role in addressing issues of masculinity and domestic abuse.
Training young men in empathy and compassion is crucial.
Strength should be redefined as strength in service.
Engaging with difficult biblical texts is necessary for growth.
The intersection of race and masculinity presents unique challenges.
Ongoing dialogue and action are needed to foster healthy masculinity.
 
Sound Bites
'Masculinity is a relational term.'
'We need to rethink how we read the Bible.'
'We need to redeem the problematic texts.'
 
Chapters
00:00 The Role of Women in the Masculinity Conversation
04:30 Personal Reflections on Masculinity
07:06 Biblical Perspectives on Masculinity
11:56 Cultural Influences on Masculinity
16:31 The Crisis of Masculinity in the Church
20:16 Training and Education for Healthy Masculinity
25:19 Engaging Young Men in Positive Masculinity
30:54 The Intersection of Race and Masculinity
35:41 Advocacy and Accountability in Masculinity
41:07 The Future of Masculinity in the Church
57:22 Introduction to Roots for Churches
 
Show notes
Order Robert’s book ‘Behold the Men’
Bekah leads a Christian charity called Restored who speak up about violence against women and equip churches to stand against domestic abuse and support survivors. They’ve got training, downloadable resources, and preaching support for the more challenging Bible passages we mentioned.
Read Will’s article on Masculinity on the Roots for churches website, where he shares ideas of how your church can address unhelpful narratives masculinity.

S2E6: Unpacking Intergenerational Preaching, with Dave Csinos

Melanie Cave explores the evolving role of sermons in church services. How can preaching contribute to faith formation across all ages? Join us as we explore this question with Dave Csinos, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, who brings rich insights from his diverse experiences as a teacher, researcher, and Baptist minister.
Dave shares his journey into intergenerational ministry and unravels the complexity of preaching in today’s intergenerational congregations. With examples from around the world, we learn about innovative approaches to preaching that challenge the traditional, age-segregated approach. The episode offers thought-provoking discussions on breaking down power dynamics in sermons and the importance of mutuality in preaching.
Discover practical advice for church leaders willing to experiment with intergenerational preaching, and hear about the impactful ways faith communities can be transformed. Whether you're a minister, church leader, or curious listener, this episode is filled with inspiration for embracing a truly inclusive approach to worship.
 
Related links
rootsforchurches.com
Preaching the gospel for all ages by Dave Csinos (September/October 2025 issue of Roots Worship Together, Issue 139)
Spiritual styles
 
Intergenerate UK
Intergenerate webinar on IG preaching
 
By Dave Csinos
A Gospel for All Ages: Teaching and Preaching with the Whole Church
Little Theologians: Children, Culture, and the Making of Theological Meaning
Family Faith Every Day