In the latest season with Small Churches, Big Impact, EDS and SBCI are collaborating to shift the narrative around "small churches" - not to see them and immediately kick start a congregational growth model, but rather to identify the ways we can lean in, celebrate, and encourage the unique, transformative, justice-filled work happening in small churches.
In the first episode President Bucklin speaks to the power of relationship in the small churches she grew up in and served in throughout her ministry:
"It's by being in relationship and saying, 'You matter to me. If this matters to you and is impacting you, then that also matters to me and is impacting me.’ That is so natural when you build community in an intimate way. I think there's that intimacy about small spaces, too, that then leads to social justice. Once you hear someone's story, you never see them again the same way."
Episode 1 – Shining a Light on Social Justice in Small Churches Discover how small churches across the country are boldly living out justice through innovative ministries and a powerful new partnership between Small Churches Big Impact and Episcopal Divinity School.
Episode 2 – Racial Justice as Relationship: Advocating for Arab Communities Explore how Arab and Palestinian voices in the Episcopal Church are leading transformative justice work through deep relationship-building and collaborative advocacy.
Episode 3 – The Church as a Catalyst for Changing Communities Hear how small churches in Michigan and Texas are empowering their communities through asset-based ministry models that go beyond charity to create lasting, systemic change.
Episode 4 – Building Collaborative, Justice-Focused Ministries at the Community Level Learn how two micro-congregations are using grassroots organizing and bold collaboration to foster justice, inclusion, and community leadership.
Episode 5 – Justice with Creation and with One Another Experience a fresh vision of church through outdoor worship and a community rooted in creation care, radical welcome, and intentional justice from within.
Episode 6 – Becoming Small Churches that Say “Yes” to Meeting Community Needs Be inspired by churches in San Francisco and Texas that are redefining ministry by boldly saying “yes” to community needs and transforming lives through faith in action.
The full season is out now. Listen now by searching "Episcopal Divinity School" wherever you get your podcasts.