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“Loneliness isn’t just an uncomfortable feeling; it’s dangerous to us as individuals and as a society.”
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy went so far as to declare it an epidemic. “Being socially disconnected is…[as detrimental as] caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day…” Failing to address it would lead Americans to “further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”
But what if churches held the key to addressing this growing problem? In this new season of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we’ll explore the loneliness epidemic and how contextually-rooted Christian communities can draw people to Jesus and to each other.
To kick off this discussion, host Heather Jallad will be joined by Luke Edwards, author of Becoming Church, and Fresh Expressions Director of Training Shannon Kiser. We’ll dig into what the loneliness epidemic looks like and how we have seen God work through the church to spread love and connection.
Shannon Kiser serves as Director of US Ministries and training for Fresh Expressions North America. She leads a team of mission strategists and trainers in the development and implementation of in person and online training for mission innovation. She is on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA. Shannon lives in Springfield VA with her husband, and is the mother to two young adult daughters. Shannon enjoys the outdoors, pickleball, gardening, traveling, and her neighborhood swim club.
Luke Edwards is a Mission Strategist and Trainer for Fresh Expressions NA. He is also the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author of Becoming Church: A Trail Guide for Starting Fresh Expressions. He co-leads a community of dads and father figures called Who Let the Dads Out? Lake Norman.
Chris Morton is the Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, working across the organization to help get new projects off the ground and into the world. He guides our online publishing, email, social media and other digital communications. Chris helped plant Austin Mustard Seed, serving for five years as Community Developer. He also works with several other non-profits and businesses to tell their story with content and social media. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary’s M.A. in Global Leadership, Chris lives in Austin, Texas with Laura, Micah, Phoebe and Dot.
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Interview Summary
“God places the lonely in families,” this biblical promise sets a profound context in our discussion on contemporary societal challenges, particularly the loneliness epidemic. The Fresh Expressions podcast delves into Season Five with a conversation on how the church can address widespread loneliness through innovative community practices.
The Depth of the Loneliness Epidemic
The conversation begins with a stark portrayal of loneliness, as Chris Morton reflects on its societal implications. He cites a significant statement, “Loneliness is far more than a bad feeling… It is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death,” illustrating the severe health risks associated with social isolation. This sets the stage for discussing the church’s role in mitigating these issues through community engagement.
Church Adaptation to Contemporary Needs
The speakers explore how traditional church structures can evolve to meet the demands of modern society. Shannon Kiser discusses the concept of “Fresh Expressions,” aimed at creating faith communities that resonate with people’s everyday lives.
Fresh expressions of church are not just new methods; they are a transformation of the church’s interaction with our society.
Shannon Kiser
Examples of Innovative Community Practices
Luke Edwards shares practical examples of how new church forms can combat loneliness. He emphasizes the importance of community-focused initiatives, saying,
Fresh expressions journey involves listening, loving, and serving our neighbors in ways that are radically inclusive and deeply relational.
Luke Edwards
This quote highlights the intentional move towards a more engaged and responsive church model.
Personal Reflections and Success Stories
Each speaker shares personal stories that highlight the power of innovative church practices in fostering community and combating loneliness. For example, Luke Edwards recounted his personal encounter with loneliness during the pandemic, which he described as an intensely isolating experience despite usually being content with few close relationships. This period of isolation deepened his appreciation for community, which he now fosters through “Fresh Expressions” in his own ministry. These anecdotes not only humanize the discussion but also provide concrete examples of how theoretical models are effectively applied in various contexts.
This episode of the Fresh Expressions podcast underscores the urgency and possibility of reimagining church practices to address loneliness. By integrating traditional faith values with innovative community engagement strategies, churches can become beacons of hope and connection in an increasingly fragmented society.
Reflection Questions
- How does your community perceive and address loneliness?
- What innovative practices could your community adopt to better engage those feeling isolated?
- How can church leaders better equip themselves to tackle the challenges of modern societal disconnection?
- What barriers might prevent people from engaging with your community, and how can these be overcome?
- What steps can your community take to foster environments where meaningful connections are cultivated?
