Why I stay… It’s no secret that church attendance in America has been declining since the late 1970s, but recent studies show the largest generational drop is among those born between 1981 and 1996—the millennials. This is the place to sit in on chats with young adults as they talk openly about life, faith, struggles and joys—and why they choose to stay active in Community of Christ.
Most guests on Chai Can’t Even who come to tell the stories of why they stay in Community of Christ are young adults, but imagine how many stories someone who has been in the church for over 80 years has to share. Well, this is part two, and if we had let him, Eldred Spain…
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From the time he was two years old, Eldred Spain knew he wanted to be one of “them” … a minister who helped people. 89 years later, Eldred is still learning and still finding ways to minister to people. In this special episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Eldred, a…
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Although the church ought to always be a place of healing and renewal, we are all human, and pain and struggle sometimes manifest themselves in our lives as a result of the church. In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, we hear from Bren Williams, a lifelong church member and certified hypnosis professional, who shares…
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There is nothing better than hearing someone say that one of the reasons they have stayed in the church is because they’ve been “loved to death.” And, that seems to be a recurring theme here at Chai Can’t Even. Kudos to the congregations who keep the love and welcome flowing. Join host, Blake Smith, for…
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It’s encouraging to hear stories of people finding deep welcome and connection in the church … no matter which congregation they step into. That is the case in the personal stories shared by Mike Sherman of Pensacola, FL with host, Blake Smith. Join Mike and Blake for this episode of Chai Can’t Even, and you’re…
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“Yay, we’re at the party. We’re going to a church party!’ Wouldn’t it be great if a few more people felt that way about church … and not just two-and-a-half-year-olds? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Kara Sherman of the North Pensacola (FL) congregation to hear her story…
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You know you’ve done something right when a child/adolescent goes to church… not because they have to, but because they want to. An ordained teacher at 18 and a high school band teacher at 21, Ethan Mitchell, was one of those children, and the credit goes to a loving congregation who created a loving, nurturing…
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All roads lead to Lamoni, Iowa — at least for Chad and Katie. Their relationship began when they were both students at Graceland, and it all came full circle when they found themselves back in Lamoni, bringing their vision for a chemical-free produce and cut-flower farm to life. In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host…
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Have you ever questioned your own worth because you were caught between the role expectations and gender stereotypes you were taught and what you were actually feeling and experiencing in life? Have you ever been torn between your love for those who raised, nurtured and loved you into adulthood, and the disconnect that occurred somewhere…
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Relationships, meaningful connections, mentors, encouragers… all incredibly important elements in the journey of faith. Everyone needs to hear and know that they are good enough and capable enough to live the life for which God has created them. Join host, Brittany Mangelson, for an inspiring conversation with life-long Community of Christ member and Central Mission…
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