Shows
Emissaries of RenewalEpisode 9 – Prophetic EvangelismIn this episode of Emissaries of Renewal, DeDe and CC explore what it means to reclaim evangelism’s prophetic roots. Instead of focusing on conversion moments, they look to Old Testament prophets like Amos and Isaiah, who spoke truth to power and called for community justice and renewal. The hosts discuss the difference between foretelling and forthtelling, emphasizing that prophecy is about seeing with God’s perspective and addressing both personal and systemic issues. Amos’s bold critique of injustice is highlighted as a model for modern evangelism that challenges unjust systems, not just individual hearts...2025-07-1746 minEmissaries of RenewalNones and Dones: Radical Hospitality in a Divided WorldIn episode 8 hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore the growing phenomenon of "Nones and Dones" – those who have walked away from organized religion despite keeping spiritual beliefs. With 28% of U.S. adults now identifying as religiously unaffiliated, this conversation examines why people leave faith communities and how radical hospitality might create paths for healing. The hosts discuss how political entanglement in churches has contributed to disillusionment, so Christina and Denise reflect on creating spaces where connection trumps correction. The episode features a powerful reflection on Matthew 25:35-36, reminding listeners that authen...2025-06-2745 min
Church and MainWhat Is Ethical Evangelism? with DeDe Dollinger and CeCe Cernansky | Episode 238Can evangelism be done in a way that’s both ethical and inclusive? Denise Dollinger and Christina Cernansky, hosts of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," join me to discuss the nuances of ethical evangelism. DeDe and CeCe examine the concepts of radical hospitality and inclusivity in today’s religious context, advocating for a reimagined evangelism that prioritizes love and community over guilt and fear. Listen in as these two Episcopal seminarians challenge conventional practices of evangelism, encouraging Christians to envision a more inclusive and transformative approach to faith.
Emissaries of Renewal Podcast
Emissaries of Renewal Face...2025-06-191h 05Emissaries of RenewalStrengthening the MarginsIn episode 7, hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) explore what it means to center those on the margins in our faith communities truly. The conversation examines Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's recent message on church realignment, challenging listeners to move beyond simply ministering "to" the marginalized and instead ministering "with" them. Drawing from personal experiences with disability ministry and digital church innovations during the pandemic, Christina and Denise discuss practical ways congregations can create accessible evangelism opportunities. They reimagine church systems that empower everyone to participate actively in ministry, regardless of physical presence or ability.2025-05-1527 minEmissaries of RenewalNo Gatekeepers at Jesus' TableIn our 6th episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore what it truly means to welcome everyone to "the table" - not just the church altar, but anywhere people gather in Jesus' name. They reflect on Jesus' radical inclusivity, noting how his dinner parties brought together tax collectors, sex workers, religious leaders, and fishermen—with no spiritual bouncers checking IDs at the door. The hosts challenge listeners to consider the audacity of humans deciding who's worthy to approach Jesus, sharing powerful insights like "It's not your body or your blood, it's not your table, it's not you...2025-04-1520 minEmissaries of RenewalLiving Your Faith: A Tribute to Jimmy CarterIn this special Pod Burst episode, hosts Christina and Denise explore ethical evangelism through the extraordinary example of former President Jimmy Carter. They discuss how Carter seamlessly integrated faith into every aspect of his life—from negotiating peace deals to teaching Sunday school well into his 90s. The conversation highlights Carter's genuine approach to faith not as theoretical debate but as lived experience, evidenced through his work with Habitat for Humanity, the Carter Center's humanitarian efforts, and his humble return to Plains, Georgia after his presidency. The hosts share favorite Carter quotes that reveal his hon...2025-03-1418 minEmissaries of RenewalSLSA: Building Bridges, Transforming LivesAre you ready to experience a deeper, more meaningful way to share your faith? In this episode of Emissaries of Renewal, we explore the Seek-Listen-Speak-Act (SLSA) framework—a holistic approach to relational evangelism that fosters genuine connection and lasting transformation. Join Christina and Denise as they guide you through the four powerful steps of SLSA, using inspiring real-life stories as examples. Learn how to: ● Seek: Proactively identify opportunities to connect with others and understand their needs within your community.● Listen: Develop the art of hearing the unspoken hopes, dreams, and concerns o...2025-02-1721 minEmissaries of RenewalHow We Got Here: A Look at the Episcopal Evangelism SocietyThis month on "Emissaries of Renewal," join Denise (DeDe) and Christina (CC) as they explore the Episcopal Evangelism Society—EES! Founded in 1862, the EES started by supporting aspiring preachers through scholarships but has grown to include publishing, conferences, and the innovative "Evangelism for the Twenty-First Century" grant program (launched in 1998). CC and DeDe share how grateful they are to be among its recipients in 2024 and how this grant made the podcast possible. They share the experience of navigating the grant process and how their different approaches ultimately led to this podcast—a platform dedicated to discussing ethical and inclusive evan...2025-01-1511 minEmissaries of RenewalCrossroads of Faith: London’s Lessons on Church Growth and InclusionIn this episode of "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) discuss ethical and inclusive evangelism by drawing on CC's experiences in London. They emphasize the importance of interfaith engagement, highlighting shared values and unity amidst diversity as foundational to ethical evangelism. A significant focus is placed on the Multiply 2024 seminar, which aims to discipline and empower young people for future church leadership. This sustainable approach prioritizes nurturing faith over simply counting conversions.CC's experiences culminate in a commitment to implement these insights in local contexts, underscoring that ethical evangelism fosters inclusive communities rather than...2024-12-1625 minEmissaries of RenewalOur Journey BeginsIn the introductory episode of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," hosts Christina (CC) and Denise (DeDe) embark on a journey exploring thoughtful and ethical evangelism. As seminarians at Bexley Seabury in Chicago, they share their diverse faith backgrounds and unique paths to the Episcopal Church. Christina expresses her enthusiasm as a Postulant for Holy Orders, while Denise highlights their involvement with the Episcopal Evangelism Society, aiming to present the Good News in innovative ways.Encouraging audience engagement, they invite listeners to participate in an evolving conversation, which fosters community. The episode hints at personal stories, including CC's...2024-11-1513 min