Three Ways to Learn
Listen
Watch
Show Notes
Is your church ready to serve during a disaster? Emergencies often reveal who we truly are—whether it’s individuals, congregations, or Fresh Expressions communities.
In this special bonus episode, we explore stories from North Carolina following hurricanes and flooding. Fresh Expressions leader Luke Edwards shares how churches—especially new and organic expressions—have been uniquely positioned to serve their neighbors in crisis. You’ll also hear from Rev. Dustin Mailman, Founding Pastor of Deep Time, a ministry and social enterprise that creates spiritual community and employment opportunities for those impacted by incarceration. Deep Time has expanded its mission, offering hope through workforce development, worship in local jails, and now disaster recovery efforts.
Joining the conversation is Timothy “GA” Underwood, Deep Time’s Minister of Social Enterprise. GA brings his passion for community-building, violence prevention, and mentoring his peers to this work. He helps lead roasting operations while supporting outreach efforts that inspire transformation in others.
Listen in to hear how these leaders, through Deep Time’s radical inclusivity and innovative ministry, are making a deep impact when it’s needed most. Learn how fresh expressions of church can grow and serve in transformative ways during times of hardship.
Rev. Dustin Mailman is a pastor, social entrepreneur, and community organizer. He has a BA in Religious Studies from Appalachian State University and an MDiv from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Dustin’s. He is the Founding Pastor of Deep Time, a ministry and social enterprise that celebrates, employs, and creates spiritual community with people impacted by incarceration.
Timothy “GA” Underwood is from Atlanta, Georgia, and currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He has a passion for building community, violence prevention, and memorizing scripture. In his role as Minister of Social Enterprise, he encourages and motivates his peers to be the best version of themselves and assists them in their goals, demonstrates roasting operations for the team, and participates in outreach in the wider community.
You can connect with Deep Time the following ways:
Instagram: @deeptimeavl
Facebook: Deep Time AVL
Website: www.deeptimeavl.org
Support us by purchasing our coffee here: https://www.deeptimeavl.org/shop
In season 5 of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we’re exploring the loneliness epidemic that is sweeping across North America and learning how new kinds of Christian community can help.
Related Resources:
Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
Interview Summary
“The scale of devastation is just bonkers.” – Luke Edwards
In this bonus episode of the Fresh Expressions podcast, Heather Jallad and Luke Edwards delve into the profound ways in which innovative church communities respond to crises like Hurricane Helene. Heather, a pastor deeply involved in developing new faith communities, discusses with Luke the transformative impact these communities have in tackling the issues of loneliness and isolation exacerbated by such disasters. n addition, Heather talks with Dustin Mailman and Timothy “GA” Underwood, exploring how their initiative, Deep Time, uses coffee roasting to forge powerful community connections and offer new beginnings to those on the margins.
The Loneliness Epidemic and Church’s Response in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
In the face of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Luke Edwards provides a stark depiction of the immediate and secondary impacts of the disaster. He emphasizes the role of church communities in addressing not only the physical destruction but also the pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation. As traditional infrastructures failed, churches stepped up to become essential hubs of connection and support. These institutions quickly organized to distribute supplies and offer emotional support, showcasing their capacity to foster community ties and combat the loneliness epidemic through active engagement and compassionate outreach.
Community-Led Initiatives and Fresh Expressions’ Impact
Luke discusses the integral role of fresh expressions in disaster response, highlighting community-led initiatives that effectively mobilize resources and support recovery efforts. One such initiative, Holy Smokes, utilizes the simple act of smoking meat to bring people together, demonstrating how these expressions of church not only meet immediate needs but also build enduring community bonds. The quick and creative responses of these groups illustrate their pivotal role in enhancing community resilience and providing a platform for sustained social support.
Deep Time: A Case Study of Community Rebuilding through Coffee
Deep Time, led by Dustin Mailman, is a poignant example of how fresh expressions can aid in disaster recovery and community building. Deep Time articulates the dual mission of their enterprise, which focuses on both community building and personal rehabilitation. He describes their approach,
“We celebrate, employ and create spiritual communities… we’re not in prison anymore… emotionally and mentally, spiritually, we might be in prison and we got an opportunity to be liberated.” – Dustin Mailman
This social enterprise uses coffee as a medium to engage and support individuals impacted by incarceration, offering them meaningful employment and a sense of belonging. Dustin describes the initiative as an opportunity for emotional and spiritual liberation for those who often feel marginalized by society. By integrating these individuals into the community and providing them with a supportive network, Deep Time exemplifies the transformative potential of fresh expressions in addressing broader societal challenges.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Deep Time showcased its transformative impact. GA, a beneficiary and now advocate of the program, highlighted how Deep Time not only provided employment but also a sense of community and purpose during a critical time. He recounted,
“After the hurricane, I was able to use the skills I learned in Deep Time to help out. We weren’t just about making coffee; we were about making a difference. With the community reeling from the flood, we mobilized to provide not just food, but a gathering place, something the community desperately needed.” – GA
This narrative demonstrates Deep Time’s role in fostering resilience and recovery, using their coffee roasting enterprise as a platform to engage and uplift the community, proving instrumental in rebuilding both the physical and emotional infrastructure lost to the storm.
The discussion between Heather and Luke not only sheds light on the critical role of churches in the aftermath of disasters but also highlights their broader mission to address societal issues such as loneliness. The podcast episode illustrates how churches and fresh expressions like Deep Time innovate to create impactful, community-centered responses that foster connection and resilience. These efforts exemplify the church’s evolving role as a cornerstone for community support and engagement, making a profound impact on both individual lives and wider societal structures.
Reflection Questions
- How can your community more effectively leverage its resources to respond to crises?
- What new expressions of church could address unmet needs in your area?
- How can your church serve as a hub for disaster response and ongoing community support?
- What innovative approaches can you take to integrate marginalized individuals into your community?
- How can the concept of fresh expressions inspire you to rethink the role of the church today?
- How can stories of effective community response to disasters inspire and guide your community’s actions moving forward?
