Embracing the Mixed Ecology: How Innovative and Inherited Forms of Church Work Together in Mission
Feb 17, 2026 03:00 PM ET 02:00 PM CT
The landscape of faith is shifting rapidly. While our traditional parishes continue to anchor communities in worship, formation, and care, new expressions of church—from microchurches to digital communities—are emerging to meet neighbors where they are. The question is no longer either/or, but how together?
This webinar—part of the Beyond Walls: Works in Progress series, presented in partnership with the Episcopal Parish Network —explores how inherited and innovative forms of church can thrive side by side, strengthening one another in shared mission.
Join scholars Dwight J. Zscheile and Blair A. Pogue for a thoughtful, practical conversation about building a church that is expansive enough to hold both deep tradition and faithful experimentation.
During this session, we will explore:
• Bridging the Gap: Concrete ways traditional congregations can partner with and support emerging “fresh expressions” of church.
• Contextual Ministry: Why digital spaces and micro-communities are resonating—and what they reveal about today’s spiritual longings.
• Affirming Tradition: How innovation can complement, not compete with, the gifts of inherited church life.
• Shared Mission: Aligning diverse models of church around a common call to spiritual renewal and public witness. Whether you lead a long-established parish, are experimenting with new forms of ministry, or are simply asking what faithfulness looks like in this moment, this session will offer clarity, insight, and hope for the work ahead.
Panelists include:
Dwight J. Zscheile - Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary; St. Paul, Minnesota
Blair Pogue - Canon for Innovation for the Episcopal Church in Minnesota; Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jason A. Fout - Chief Operating Officer & Associate Professor of Anglican Theology, Bexley Seabury Seminary; Chicago, Illinois (moderator)
About the Beyond Walls: Works in Progress series:
At Bexley Seabury we delight in connecting people and sharing ideas. Our webinar series Beyond Walls: Works in Progress does just this, inviting researchers and leaders to share their work in conversation, as we reflect on faithful discipleship, a growing, inclusive church, and working for justice and reconciliation.