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

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 Oliofinjana 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.

Show Notes:

Books & Articles:

• Great book on cultural awareness to notice and celebrate and work with difference: The Culture Map
• Israel’s latest book, Polyphonic God https://chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334066583/polyphonic-god
• Nathaniel has written an article about TCKs https://www.interculturalireland.org/post/treasures-of-the-nations
• The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures by Jayson Georges https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/the-church/the-3d-gospel-ministry-in-guilt-shame-and-fear-cultures/?site_id=162595&adtype=pla&device=c&product_id=4686000&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=173897424&gbraid=0AAAAAD_MZYAyfcfpOk-peg8jTkS5og8i4&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmunNBhDbARIsAOndKplfaBJxsZ4OJMFTjVvQaZLosW2jG89px-iRuqWVMHTuK2i1R6N2h_gaAjtYEALw_wcB

Podcasts/Videos:

• Intercultural church podcasts including ‘Treasures of the nations’ video that was used in worship and Phoebe Owen’s spoken word about identity https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLLSUhCGUGbHZWEzQB7uJz3PlOZaoS3UdP
• OMF Podcast series- Building Intercultural Church https://omf.org/uk/interculturalpod/
• An interview with Jessie Tang about Intercultural worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W-WwxIGvrQ

Training and Resources:

• Intercultural church training Phoebe’s organisation runs courses, and monthly huddle groups online: https://interculturalchurches.org/training/
• OMF offers this Intercultural training for churches: www.omf.org/uk/get-involved/intercultural-ministry/course/

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.

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).

• 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.

• 'Youth ministry can be a lifelong calling.'
• 'Youth work should be taking place in homes.'
• 'Hospitality is a description of the kingdom.'

• 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/

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.

• 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.

• "Stories can break down barriers."
• 'We're wired for story.'
• 'Storytelling connects us all.'

• Read Gemma's article: https://www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/power-of-storytelling
• https://truthbetold.org.uk/
• www.rootsforchurches.com