“What’s wrong with being just a normal church?” That’s the question at the center of Thomas Austin’s song, Normal Church.
In this episode I talked with Thomas Austin about the content of his song, some of the criticism he’s received for it, and what message he’s trying to convey through it.
Some of what comes through in this conversation includes:
- Thomas’ love for the church
- His (and my) desire that normal churches be themselves instead of trying to be something they’re not
- The problems that happen when normal churches try to copy the megachurch model
- The desire for authenticity from younger generations
And more.
Links
- ThomasAustinMusic.com
- Normal Church on YouTube
- Thomas Austin’s YouTube Channel
- Thomas Austin’s Spotify
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Credits
Producer: Veronica Beaver
Editor: Phil Vaters
Music: Composed and performed by Jack Wilkins
Logo: by Solomon Joy
Correspondence
Author
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Karl Vaters produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.You can follow Karl on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, or Contact Karl to inquire about speaking, writing, and consultation.