The Roots for Churches podcast

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 r...

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 rela...

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 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 ...

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...

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, an...

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 ...

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 conte...

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 ...

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 nec...

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 ...

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 strategie...

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 ar...

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 touche...

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 pr...

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 p...

This episode of the Roots for Churches podcast delves into the complex and often controversial figure of the Apostle Paul. Join Melanie Cave as she chats with Simon Jones, a theologian and activist, to dissect Paul's life, mission, and the various perceptions surrounding his legacy.

Was Paul a proponent of misogyny and homophobia, or a misunderstood champion for social change?

Explore these questions and more, as Simon offers insig...

Melanie Cave and Revd Will Van Der Hart delve into the complexities of masculinity in contemporary society. They explore the crisis of masculinity, its implications for young men, and the role of the Church in addressing these issues. The discussion touches on the impact of pornography, the importance of parenting, and the need for open conversations about masculinity and femininity. They emphasise the necessity of defining masculi...