Danielle Shroyer and her faith community, Journey: Dallas, are done with distractions (even denominations) and yearn to grow more deeply into Christ through their shared journey together in community.
This multi-denominational (post-denominational?) gathering sprung from a traditional church before heading out on its own, and a place where this part-time pastor uses rented space to cultivate a sustainable and intentional community of the de-churched into a healthy place where maturity happens.
In this interview, Danielle, a pastor, author, and mom, talks about what nurtures her folk, how minimal planning is just fine, and how fairy tales come in. Learn from this innovative and authentic voice who’s using her gifts to build a dynamic community.
Watch the Full Program.
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Synopsis
Danielle Shroyer is a gifted leader who’s five year plan for her church is to be faithful. Here are my notes from the interview:
Denominational Affiliation Was No Longer an Asset
While Danielle’s congregation was planted by a traditional church, as the community evolved it became apparent that the weighty process of denominational accountability and affiliation was more of a turn-off to new members, so both sides parted very amicably. Is our denominational affiliation as an asset? Are we using it the best we can?
Participatory Preaching
One of the big reasons people come to Journey: Dallas is the opportunity to speak up, says Danielle. The dialogical nature of her ‘sermons’ helps people figure out their faith in the comfort of a loving community that wants to help.
Into Fairy Tales Lately…
Danielle is preparing for a new book in which the imaginative, vs. the literal, nature of Scripture is emphasized. She says her community resonates with the pondering of Bible stories that open the door to mystery and loose definition.
About Danielle Shroyer
Danielle is the pastor of Journey Church in Dallas. She is the author of The Boundary-Breaking God: An Unfolding Story of Hope and Promise (Jossey-Bass, 2009) and speaks often on issues of theology, church leadership and emerging communities of faith. Danielle lives with her husband and two children in Dallas, Texas.
Books Danielle Recommends
Turning to One Another - Margaret Wheatley
The Fifth Discipline – Peter Senge
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] Recently I was fortunate to speak with Chris Yaw over at the ChurchNext podcast about faith, pastoral leadership, Journey community life, the future of the church…and fairy tales. You can watch (or download and listen to) the full interview here. [...]