Thriving: Growing new expressions of church

Bubble Church: a simple, intergenerational church model for young families Bubble Church is a half-hour church service designed for parents, young children, and whole families to worship together. In this conversation, Sandy Brodine speaks with Marcus Gibbs, head of Bubble Church in the UK, and Amanda Linke from Intergen Australia about how the model works, why it has grown, and what it could mean for churches in Australia and New Zealand.They discuss the practical setup, the role of puppets and creative responses, how the service helps children pray, and why hospitality and consistency matter for families new to church.

In this conversation, Sandy Brodine speaks with Helen Cameron and David Dadswell about the Enabling Skills course run by Wesley House Cambridge University, and how it supports thriving churches, healthier ministry, and stronger faith communities. The discussion focuses on helping leaders move from doing the work themselves to enabling others well, with particular attention to conflict, collaboration, and practical theology. If you are interested in learning more, or possibly doing this course in Australia, contact Sandy Brodine directly, or via [email protected] https://www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/centre-for-leadership-and-ministry-development/enabling-skills/enabling-certificate/

This episode brings together Sandy Brodine with colleagues David Dong Won Kim and Nia Lavaki from the Discipleship and Advocacy team to explore what helps multicultural and intergenerational church communities thrive. They focus on practical ministry questions like leadership, safety, inclusion, and how to build relationships that feel mutual rather than one-sided. At the centre of the conversation are Talanoa, collaboration, and intercultural competence. David and Nia share lived ministry examples from Korean, Tongan, and wider church contexts, showing how thriving communities are formed by listening, shared leadership, and creating space for God and for one another.

Sandy Brodine speaks with Chris Barnett about what it really means for a church or Christian community to become intergenerational. Chris draws on decades of ministry experience, as well as long involvement in intergenerational conversations in the Uniting Church and beyond, to unpack the difference between mono-generational, multi-generational, cross-generational, and intergenerational life. They also explore how posture, practices, and intentional pathways can help communities of faith deepen relationships across ages and support lifelong discipleship.

Andy and Kara Root join Sandy Brodine to preview their upcoming Melbourne Conference – Beyond Relevance: Waiting, Witness and Formation. They unpack what “secular” really means, why churches need to move beyond counting attendance, and how Christian practices can help people notice God at work in ordinary life. In this conversation, Andy and Kara share practical and theological ways churches can create space for doubt, testimony, and spiritual formation across generations. They also discuss why youth ministry needs to shift from managing schedules to nurturing stories, vocation, and meaningful participation in the life of faith. To sign up for the conference, click on the humanitix link here: https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-relevance-waiting-witness-and-formation