Episode 77: How (and why) Hermitage Church of Christ became New Garden Church

The Christian Chronicle Podcast

After years of decline, Hermitage Church of Christ maintain its facility at a cost of $3,000 per week while its ministry languished. So the congregation sold its building and became New Garden Church. In this episode we explore how becoming a guest in its own community changed how New Garden Church discerns God at work in Hermitage and how it ministers with its neighbors. What lessons could other congregations, struggling with similar low membership and high operating costs, learn from New Garden Church?
This episode also features a conversation with The Christian Chronicle's editor-in-chief, Bobby Ross Jr., who talks about how and why The Christian Chronicle chooses to cover stories of congregations that leave behind traditional practices (and sometimes drop the "Church of Christ" name altogether). Ross also touches on the Chronicle's recent decision to publish a profile on Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's controversial superintendent of public instruction.
Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Hermitage Church of Christ becoming New Garden Church
Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Oklahoma public schools superintendent Ryan Walters
Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s editorial on how and why The Christian Chronicle covers stories like New Garden Church and Ryan Walters
Link to New Garden Church
Link to Heritage 21 Foundation (referenced in the New Garden Church segment)
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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 - 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.
Go to fhu.edu and type "Church Leadership Workshop" in the search bar

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1. Episode 77: How (and why) Hermitage Church of Christ became New Garden Church (00:00:00)

2. Transformation of Church of Christ Congregations (00:02:11)

3. Letting Go of Church Buildings (00:16:53)

4. Shift to Community-Centered Ministry (00:22:17)

5. Relocating Church (00:29:52)

6. Support the Christian Chronicle Podcast (00:36:45)