Shows
Try Tank PodcastOn Revitalizing Grimsby: A Journey of Faith and CommunityIn this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenz Lebrija engages with Matt Rodgers, the vicar at St. Mark's Church in Great Grimsby, to explore the revitalization of a historically significant yet struggling church. Matt shares the inspiring journey of transforming St. Mark's from a dwindling congregation of four to a vibrant community of faith. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of planting a church in Grimsby, an area marked by economic hardship and low church attendance. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, innovative outreach strategies, and the role of invitation in fostering a welcoming...2025-07-151h 01Try Tank PodcastOn Sacred ListeningIn this episode of the Try Tank Podcast, Father Lorenzo Lebrija engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Josh Packard, the Director of Research at the Try Tank Research Institute and co-founder of Future of Faith. They explore the concept of sacred listening, a vital practice that emerges from a recent study highlighting its significance in faith formation. Dr. Packard shares insights on how listening can be an act of spiritual connection, emphasizing that the simple act of being heard can lead individuals closer to God. The conversation delves into the methodology of the study, which involved a nationally...2025-06-1640 min
AI Church ToolkitInterview with the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija – Ask Cathy, AI, and Faithful InnovationIn our first interview episode, we sit down with Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija, Executive Director of the TryTank Research Institute, to discuss faithful innovation, the creation of Ask Cathy, the challenges and promises of AI, and how the church can thoughtfully engage this rapidly changing landscape.Topics covered:Introduction to Ask Cathy: An AI resource trained in the Episcopal tradition to assist congregations, especially small ones.Plans for future Cathy updates, including liturgy support, pastoral resources, and administrative help.Using AI to strengthen—not replace—human relationships in ministry.How AI can support spiritual growth through journaling, fait...2025-05-1958 min
Try Tank PodcastOn the Power of Living StoriesIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija welcomes the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, Associate Rector at St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco, to discuss the transformative power of Living Stories. This innovative preaching model shifts the sermon from a monologue to a communal act of storytelling and reflection, inviting congregations to co-create meaning through shared experiences. Peter shares insights into how this method fosters deeper connections within worship, enhances participation, and allows for a multisensory approach to scripture. They explore the practicalities of implementing Living Stories in diverse congregations, including the resources available for those looking to engage more fully...2025-04-1540 min
St. James’ in the CityGod in the Transition | March 23, 2025 | The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija2025-03-2513 minTry Tank PodcastOn Leaders in the FutureIn this episode of the Tritank Podcast, Lorenzo Lebrija hosts Bob Johansen and Gabe Cervantes to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership, and faith. They explore how AI can augment human capabilities, the fears surrounding its adoption, and the importance of maintaining human connections in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation emphasizes a future-back approach to leadership, the role of AI in theological exploration, and the need for clarity and flexibility in navigating the complexities of modern faith communities.2025-03-1846 min
Try Tank PodcastOn the Missional CallIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija sits down with the Rev. Chantal McKinney, a dedicated Episcopal priest and church planter with over 20 years of experience in ministry. Recorded on the road in Kansas City, they explore the transformative journey of rediscovering a church's missional call. Chantal shares her insights from successfully planting a bilingual, multicultural church in a low-income neighborhood and how she now coaches congregations across the nation to engage deeply with their communities. Listeners will learn practical steps on how to shift church culture, grow in discipleship, and become truly present in their neighborhoods. This episode emphasizes...2025-03-0332 min
Try Tank PodcastOn the Discipline of InspirationIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija engages in a thought-provoking conversation with author Carey Wallace about her book, The Discipline of Inspiration: The Mysterious Encounter with God at the Heart of Creativity. They delve into the essence of inspiration, exploring how it transcends mere talent and technique to become a divine gift that fuels artistic expression. Carey shares her insights on cultivating strong creative habits and reframing ministry as an art form, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to inspiration as a path to encountering God. This enriching dialogue encourages listeners to embrace creativity in their spiritual lives and to...2025-02-0433 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Mutual MinistryIn this episode, Fr Lorenzo Lebrija chats with the Rev Tricia Lyons about the Mutual Ministry initiative at Virginia Theological seminary. A grant initiative and multi-year process designed to leverage the strengths and address the challenges of a residential, denominational seminary to meet the urgent need for clergy and lay leaders trained as ministry developers in local, culturally specific contexts by shifting from the model where professional clergy are the sole minister that others gather around. https://vts.edu/resource/mutual-ministry/ Patricia “Tricia” Lyons is a Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at Vir...2024-12-1653 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Garden ChurchIn this episode, Fr Lorenzo Lebrija and Fr. Dave Lloyd discuss the Garden Church Network in Norwich, England. Garden Churches Recorded in Dave's kitchen and car, the conversation explores how these lay-led missional communities are redefining faith through liminality, communitas, and radical hospitality. Dave highlights the core values of the Garden Church: devoted worshippers, loving families, equipped disciple-makers, Spirit-filled missionaries, and suffering sojourners. Discover how these communities thrive without traditional church structures, letting the Holy Spirit lead and creating space for unexpected connections. Rev. Dave Lloyd is the Mission Development Officer for the Diocese of N...2024-11-1844 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Becoming a Research InstituteIn this episode, Fr Lorenzo Lebrija and Dr. Josh Packard discuss the transition of TryTank from an experimental research laboratory to an applied research institute. They explore the importance of data-driven research in understanding faith communities, particularly focusing on the role of sacred listening and the challenges of faith transmission among young adults. The conversation emphasizes the need for churches to adapt to changing dynamics and leverage research to inform action, ultimately aiming to recognize and harness God's abundance in their communities. Josh Packard, Ph.D.Dr. Josh Packard is the co-founder of F...2024-10-1540 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Gen Z trendsIn this episode, Father Lorenzo and Anto discuss the characteristics and needs of Generation Z and the emerging Generation Alpha. They explore the age range and defining events of Gen Z, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. They highlight the importance of community for Gen Z and the opportunity for the church to provide a third space where young people can find belonging. They also discuss the challenges of the church's toxic brand and the need to reframe the church's image as a community-centered and relevant institution. Finally, they touch on the potential of...2024-09-1640 min
Try Tank PodcastOn CathyIn this episode, Father Lorenzo Lebrija sits down with Reverend Tay Moss to discuss the innovative AI tool, AskCathy.ai. Discover how this groundbreaking technology, infused with Anglican and Episcopal theology, is transforming the way people engage with faith, offering answers, resources, and support 24/7. From handling theological queries to providing pastoral care insights, Cathy is here to assist congregations and individuals alike. Join us as we explore the fascinating development journey of Cathy and her potential to enhance faith communities everywhere. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the intersection of faith and technology! The Re...2024-08-1555 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Avoiding clergy burnoutIn this episode, Fr Lorenzo talks with The Rev Callie Swanlund about clergy burnout: how prevalent it is, some of the reasons causing it, and how clergy (or lay leaders too!) can avoid it. It’s based on her book: From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout. Callie shares her journey of deciding to write the book and the signs that led her to it. She highlights the crisis of burnout among clergy and the need for support and nourishment. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of ministry, the eme...2024-07-2949 minSt. James’ in the CityExtreme Makeover: Soul Edition | June 30, 2024 | The Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija2024-07-0314 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Emerging Ministry ModelsIn this episode, Fr Lorenzo talks with The Rev Nandra Perry, Ph.D. about the emerging models of ministry as the church continues to change. The conversation explores the changing landscape of the church and the emerging models of ministry, particularly focusing on lay-led and bi-vocational congregations. The statistics show a decline in the number of priests entering the workforce and an increase in lay-led congregations. The discussion highlights the opportunities and challenges of these new models, including the need for spiritual support and the shift towards a relational model of church. The conversation also to...2024-06-2436 min
Try Tank PodcastOn Social EnterpriseIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo chats with the Rev Canon Jaime Edwards Acton. Fr. Jaime is the rector of St. Stephen’s Church in Hollywood. When he arrived, he knew that they had just a few years of money and that traditional methods of church financing would not work. Here, he tells us the story of how social enterprise made the difference.Reverend Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton has been the rector at St. Stephen's for over a decade and has helped build the parish into a vibrant, thriving ministry in Hollywood. More comfortable in jeans and Doc Ma...2024-05-2055 minTry Tank PodcastOn Culture ChangeIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo chats with Fr. Jason Prati about bringing about culture change in a congregation. This is Fr. Jason’s return to the podcast. He was with us for episode 8“On Doubling Down.” Here is a link to the book mentions, “Christian Proficiency” by Martin Thortonhttps://www.amazon.com/Christian-Proficiency-Martin-Thornton/dp/1608996638/Website:http://allsaintsnewalbany.org/Email for Alive:alive@allsaintsnewalbany.orgHere’s how Fr. Jason describes himself:My name is Fr. Jason Prati. From a very early age, I felt called to serve our Lord as well...2024-04-1528 minTry Tank PodcastOn ResilienceIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo once more chats with the experiment managers for the “Being With Clergy” experiment which sought to combat the large number of young clergy who are leaving ministry a few years after ordination. The Revs Rachel Field and Mo Lederman tell us about how clergy can be more resilient in the work of ministry.Rachel Field is an Episcopal Priest living on a small hillside along with mosses, strawberries, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, beavers, and ravens. She spends much of her time wandering the neighborhood with her horses, Tom Bombadil and Radagast the Brow...2024-03-1533 minTry Tank PodcastOn Clergy Wellbeing (Follow Up)In this episode, Fr. Lorenzo chats with the experiment managers for the “Being With Clergy” experiment which sought to combat the large number of young clergy who are leaving ministry a few years after ordination. The Revs Rachel Field and Mo Lederman tell us about what they learn and how you can benefit from this work.Rachel Field is an Episcopal Priest living on a small hillside along with mosses, strawberries, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, beavers, and ravens. She spends much of her time wandering the neighborhood with her horses, Tom Bombadil and Radagast the Brown. She is t...2024-02-1540 minTry Tank PodcastOn Movies and Conferences and More!In this episode Fr. Lorenzo talks about the TryTank anniversary and the change to becoming a research institute. Then he has a behind the scenes conversation with Brian Ide the director of the upcoming film “A Case For Love.” The episode finishes with a conversation with Sarah Bentley Allred about the upcoming Forma conference and how – in an experimental way – it’s “radically hybrid” this year. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACaseForLove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acaseforlovemovie/ 2024-01-1639 minTry Tank PodcastOn Theology of AbundanceIn this episode, Fr. Lorenzo talks with the Rev Dr Sam Wells, Vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Central London. They talk about a Theology of abundance. What is it? Where does it come from? What does it mean for ministry? And, perhaps most importantly, how we can change our mindset to have a posture of abundance in our work. From the podcast Great Sacred Music: https://soundcloud.com/greatsacredmusic St Martin-in-the-Fields: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/ Vivaldi as Social Enterprise: https://www.gramophone.co.uk/bl...2023-11-1532 minTry Tank PodcastOn doubling downTryTank discovered an interesting insight about growing congregations: they have robust faith formation programs that ask MORE of members. In this episode, Fr. Lorenzo chats with Fr. Jason Prati from All Saints Episcopal Church in New Albany, Ohio about their faith formation program, Alive. This is a growing congregation which has doubled down on faith formation and is reaping the rewards. From an very early age, Fr. Jason Prati felt called to serve our Lord as well as His Church. Entering seminary after High School, he received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy as well as my...2023-09-1530 min
The Cathedral of Saint James'What Will the Church Look Like in Ten Years?' | A Discussion with Rev. Lorenzo LebrijaClick here to watch the video 'What will the Church look like in 10 Years?' https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=356... In this episode, Steven Slaubaugh (Director of Faith Formation at the Cathedral of Saint James) interviews the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija (Executive Director of Try Tank Experimental Laboratory) on his video 'What will the Church look like in 10 Years?' Check out the TryTank website: https://www.trytank.org/ Cathedral of Saint James Website: http://www.stjamessouthbend.org/2023-04-2441 minTry Tank PodcastOn Clergy Well-BeingIn this episode, Lorenzo discusses the challenges faced by young clergy, including burnout, financial pressure, and loneliness, with Reverend Rachel Fields and Reverend Moe Letterman. The guests share their experiences of leaving parish ministry and finding their true calling, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing young clergy to ensure the future of the church. Father Lorenzo announces an upcoming experiment that Try Tank is conducting to work with clergy and help them find joy and fulfillment in their lives.The TryTank Podcast is produced with the assistance of Resonate Media.TryTank music is provided...2023-04-1526 minTry Tank PodcastOn the ChurchverseIn this episode Lorenzo is joined by Bob Johansen. He shows us how to think future back — asking the questions: What future do we envision? What changes are coming next? What shall we do now, to prepare ourselves for unprecedented futures? In his new book, Bob shows how COVID-19, with all its tragic consequences, also created an opportunity to ask this basic question: why do we work in offices at all? You’ll be surprised as to how this applies to the church as well. As you’ll hear, Bob’s book, Office Shock, may be the fir...2023-03-2728 minTry Tank PodcastArtificial Intelligence and the churchIn this episode Fr Lorenzo is joined by the Rev. Jon Jordan to talk about the latest developments regarding artificial developments since ChatGPT (and now others) have come to be. What does this mean for the church and where is God in all of this? Fr. Jon Jordan is a priest at Church of the Incarnation (Dallas) and serves as the Headmaster of the Dallas Campus and Theology Department Chair for Coram Deo Academy, a school in the classical Christian tradition. Here is the article referenced in the show:ht...2023-02-1521 min
Future ChristianLorenzo Lebrija wants you to learn How To TryIn many churches, innovation and experimentation is avoided, often due to a fear of failure. Author and Episcopal Priest Lorenzo Lebrija joins the pod to talk about Design Thinking, why frameworks can be helpful in church contexts, and why failing is okay. Lebrija believes that God rewards faithfulness, not success and encourages leaders to examine their goals rather than just aiming to get people in the seats!
The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija is the Chief Innovation Officer of Virginia Theological Seminary and the founding director of TryTank Experimental Lab, an action laboratory for church innovation. Prior to launching T...2022-09-201h 01
Sermons from Virginia SeminaryThe Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija is the Director of the TryTank, a joint project of Virginia Theological Seminary and the General Theological Seminary.2022-02-0805 min
Christ Church WesterlyRev. Lorenzo Lebrija | Food For ThoughtToday we sit down with Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija! Fr. Lorenzo is the founding director of the TryTank, the experimental Lab for church growth and innovation. He is responsible for the entire process of development and implementation of experiments for innovation in the church. (It's a staff of 1, so don't be that impressed!) Prior to launching TryTank, Lorenzo was the Chief Development Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. He also served as the Pastor on behalf of the Bishop at St. John's Episcopal Church in San Bernardino, CA, and as priest associate at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church at the...2022-01-1946 min
AdventWordDecember 20: Feed | Apacentar | NourrirDecember 20: Feed | Apacentar | Nourrir. Today's meditation was written by Toni Alvarez; read by Sarah Stonesifer Boylan, Lorenzo Lebrija, and Nigel Massey. All meditations copyright Forward Movement, 2021. #AdventWord2021-12-2004 min
AdventWordDecember 18: Sing | Cantar | ChanterDecember 18: Sing | Cantar | Chanter. Today's meditation was written by Frederic Spitz; read by Wiley Ammons, Lorenzo Lebrija, and Frederic Spitz. All meditations copyright Forward Movement, 2021. #AdventWord2021-12-1804 min
AdventWordDecember 7: Offering | Ofrenda | OffrandeDecember 7: Offering | Ofrenda | Offrande. Today's meditation was written by Patrick Kangrga; read by Miriam McKenney, Lorenzo Lebrija, and Guillaume Ahadji. All meditations copyright Forward Movement, 2021. #AdventWord2021-12-0704 min
AdventWordNovember 30: Soul | Alma | ÂmeNovember 30: Soul | Alma | Âme. Today's meditation was written by Jean Beniste; read by Carol Pinkham Oak, Lorenzo Lebrija, and Guillaume Ahadji. All meditations copyright Forward Movement, 2021. #AdventWord2021-11-3004 min
A Priest And A RabbiRethinking Religion In America//Lorenzo Lebrija TryTank #innovationWhat does religion look in in 2021 America? What are some of the more innovative approaches to worship, community, and formation? Lorenzo Lebrija of TryTank supports the voices that are eager to go where no one has gone before! Tune in at 9AM EST on Fridays or follow the podcast.
trytank.org
lorenzolebrija.com
2021-02-1257 min
Live Creatively, Friends!Try, Try Again: An Interview with the Director of Try Tank, The Rev Lorenzo LebrijaA funny, joyful, and innovative Episcopal priest, The Rev Lorenzo Lebrija spends his days running experiments that link creativity and faith together in practical, useful ways. Listen in as the Director of Try Tank and I talk about what he's been up to, "holy failure," and the questions that inspire his experiments.
This is the first bonus episode on the "Live Creatively, Friends" podcast. Look for future bonus interviews with interesting people who live creatively and faithfully.
For a full, unedited video of the interview, visit The Questions Project YouTube channel at ...2020-12-1142 min
AdventWordDecember 4: FellowshipDecember 4: #Fellowship. Today's meditation was written by Jim Woodrum and read by Lorenzo Lebrija.2020-12-0402 min
Be Still and GoOrigin Stories (Lorenzo Lebrija)“This season of Lent, remind yourself that God is right there waiting, ready to anoint you and to bless you."What is your spiritual origin story?//1 Samual 16:1-13The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said...2020-03-2407 min
Sermons from Virginia SeminaryThe Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija (Tuesday, December 10th, 2019)The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija is the Director of TryTank at Virginia Theological Seminary2019-12-1609 min
Be Still and GoMaking Room for Humility (Lorenzo Lebrija)"I am nothing without you, God, and I depend on you for everything."In your own words, what does it mean for you to depend on God for everything?//Matthew 5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.2019-12-0804 min
The Way of Love with Bishop Michael CurryWhat is the Way of Love?The deep roots of the Christian tradition offer a spiritual path toward deeper relationship with God, neighbor, and self. For centuries, monastic communities have shaped their lives around rhythms and disciplines for following Jesus together. Such a pattern is known as a “rule of life.”When we commit to turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest, we are engaging in and growing a rule of life. But what does that really mean? In this episode, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, along with hosts Kyle Oliver and Sandy Milien, teaches us how we can use the Way of Love...2019-06-0919 min
Priest PulseFailure is Success - Season 4 Episode 10 feat. the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija of TryTankThe Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija joins us to talk about his ministry with TryTank, a joint partnership between the General Theological Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary. TryTank is a learning lab to experiment in church growth and innovation. In this episode we talk about the boldness to experiment in ministry, and how failure can lead to true success. https://www.lorenzolebrija.com/about-lorenzo.html https://www.trytank.org/about.html Check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/priestpulse 2019-04-091h 03