What happens when conversations about faith move into the places where people already gather? Emma Palmer and Dra Lubarsky-Tant share how they are cultivating community in cafés and pubs, creating space for young adults, those navigating church hurt, and others looking for connection. Hear how these everyday third places can break down barriers and open the door to honest conversations, meaningful relationships, and faith. Emma Palmer is a lifelong United Methodist who grew up in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with degrees in Religion and Business Administration—Finance, along with a distinction in Poverty Studies. Emma currently serves as Director of Community Connection at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, where she helps lead ministry during a season of significant redevelopment. She facilitates Brew Theology, a young adult fresh expression, and helps oversee Faithful Conversations, a discussion-based group for adults 40+. Emma is passionate about creating spaces for people who may not feel comfortable in traditional church settings to connect, explore faith, and find community. Dra Lubarsky-Tant is the Director of Outreach and Diversity at Renovus, is the Originator of Wing & a Prayer, hosts multiple small group spaces, and is passionate about Fresh Expression ministries. As a longtime United Methodist with a professional background in Human Resources Management and Training, Dra believes everyone has a unique perspective to offer—and that building a personal relationship with Jesus and with our communities extends far beyond the walls of any church building. Dra is passionate about connectionalism, diversity, and the kind of delightfully awkward and honest conversations that help us discover what we have in common, learn from our differences, and grow together. This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. Related Resources:

For many rural churches, the building is one of the most significant resources they have and sometimes one of their greatest challenges. But what might change if we began to see our facilities not simply as something to maintain, but as something entrusted to us for the sake of our communities? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Kathleen and Chris sit down with Josh Lilly, Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Michigan, for a conversation about faithful stewardship, creative ministry, and looking at the resources we already have with fresh eyes. Josh shares how Crossroads is finding creative ways to use its facilities to serve its community, build relationships, and create opportunities for ministry. Along the way, he talks candidly about the challenges and surprises that come with opening a church building to new possibilities, how leaders can discern which partnerships fit the church’s mission, and why meaningful community impact doesn’t require a large or impressive facility . Dr. Josh Lilly serves as Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Michigan, where he is committed to expository preaching, biblical discipleship, and developing leaders for the local church. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where his doctoral work focused on equipping laymen for biblical eldership. Josh is passionate about seeing churches shaped by the gospel, strengthened through healthy leadership, and equipped to make disciples who make disciples. Chris and Kathleen Blackey , are hosts of the Rural Renewal Podcast. Since 2010, together they have served as co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. The Blackeys live in South Londonderry, Vermont with their children – Sarah, Daniel, and Priscilla, as well as their cat, dog, and chickens. Related Resources: Upcoming Webinar: Faithful Stewardship: Creative Ways to Use Your Church Building for Ministry and Mission Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts