Father James Mallon on Unifying the Church, Parish Renewal and Ministry in the Power of the Spirit
In this episode Father James Mallon joins us to discuss the value of bridge building between diverse Christian traditions. Our conversation also explores the explosive impact of his ministry Divine Renovation, which helps revitalize Catholic parishes all around the world through a strategic use of Alpha, a deep dependance on the Holy Spirit, and mobilizing people as missionaries in culture. With a healthy mix of realism and hope, Father James concludes by painting a picture of a dying Christendom that should no longer be propped up by our human efforts, but instead be allowed to go peacefully into the night. A necessary end to an out-dated ministry model, which will lead to a resurgent, vibrant, Spirit-filled, missionary church, blurring old denominational lines as it sweeps across our nation and the globe.
Father James Mallon
Father James Mallon is the Episcopal Vicar for Parish Renewal and Leadership Support for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Father James is also the author of the best selling book Divine Renovation: From A Maintenance To A Missional Parish, an engaging guide for parishes seeking to cultivate vibrant and dynamic faith communities centred on missionary discipleship. Father James serves the Archdiocese with half of his time and spends the other half serving in the Divine Renovation Ministry — a ministry that has impacted tens of thousands of pastors and laity throughout the world.
“The task of church renewal is to move people from sitting in rows to sitting in circles.”
Episode Links
Check out a variety of resources from Father James, including the following:
His book Divine Renovation explores the dynamics of church revitalization. Rooted both in scripture and church tradition, Father James provides an insightful analysis of the challenges the church is confronted with, as well as providing practical tools that will support Christian leaders in bringing about significant renewal in their congregations.
His ministry Divine Renovation exists to “inspire and equip parishes to be missional and through them bring people to Jesus.” The site includes a special kit to help with ministry during COVID- 19, as well as other book studies that equip leaders to mobilize their congregations in the evangelization of the surrounding culture.
His personal website includes past talks on church revitalization, and his upcoming schedule of speaking engagements, as well as other helpful resources.
“It’s great to be reminded that God doesn’t need our permission.”
Coming Up Next
Jon Tyson
Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide Australia, Jon moved to the United States over 2 decades ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority and The Burden is Light. Jon lives in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood of Manhattan with his wife and two children. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Church of the City New York.