Good News on the Ground - Real-world evangelism through everyday life.

About Good News on the Ground - Real-world evangelism through everyday life.

🎙️ Good News on the Ground is a monthly podcast from the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania exploring real-world evangelism through everyday life. Hosted by Rev. Lisa Work and Sarah Reid, each episode shares honest stories of faith, presence, and hope — showing how the Good News is already on the ground.

Publisher

Evangelism Committee of the Episcopal Diocese the Susquehanna

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jun 2025

Latest episode

24 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Oct 2026

   Season 2 Episode 3 - Community of Friends or Friendly Community and Sacred Cows

   Lisa Work and Sarah Reid explore whether churches should be a close-knit community of friends, a friendly community for newcomers, or both. They discuss practical ways to welcome people, examine traditions and long-running events that may no longer serve a congregation’s mission, and connect belonging with discipleship and the expansive love of God. keywords Invite Welcome Connect, church hospitality, Episcopal church, congregational life, church community, discipleship, welcoming newcomers, sacred cows Key Topics: Lisa Work and Sarah Reid debate the distinction between a close community of friends and a broadly friendly community, concluding that churches need both. Tight-knit groups, inside jokes, and familiar seating patterns can unintentionally make newcomers feel like outsiders. A fellowship luncheon invitation to sit with someone new offers a simple way to disrupt comfortable social circles. Friendly greetings can remain superficial unless congregational care extends beyond Sunday worship. The hosts use the Invite, Welcome, Connect book’s “sacred cows” idea to question traditions and events that consume energy without advancing ministry goals. They discuss evaluating beloved practices such as community barbecues and apple dumpling festivals without dismissing the memories and service they represent. Traditions should be treated as doorways to faith, not gatekeepers; churches can adapt practices to meet current needs. A tradition may have begun as a practical solution, like trimming a ham to fit a pot, then later be mistaken for an unchangeable rule. Belonging and deep connection are presented as foundations for inviting others and forming disciples. The closing challenge is to identify congregational habits with curiosity rather than judgment, remembering that human worth is not tied to performance or tradition. takeaways A community of friends, if you're not careful, can look a little bit like middle school cliques or high school cliques. Are we making room? Are we making our table longer rather than smaller? Tradition isn't a gatekeeper. It's more meant to be a doorway. Why are we doing it? Are we doing it because we've always done it? These things need to be evaluated periodically. It just isn't serving us now. What are we really being called to do at this time right now? What if we're called to be a friendly community and a community of friends? The table is never too small. Our worth is full stop because we are beloved children of God. key frameworks Invite, Welcome, Connect Sacred cows Community of friends and friendly community as a both-and circle Chapters 00:00 Friends or friendly: the question for church communities 02:00 How tight-knit groups can leave newcomers on the outside 03:47 A simple fellowship-lunch experiment in mixing tables 06:24 Friendly greetings versus lasting connection 09:29 Mystery guests and whether church welcome works 11:12 When a beloved church event no longer serves its purpose 14:14 Reconsider traditions with care for the people attached to them 16:02 Nostalgia, change, and the mission of the church 18:24 Tradition as a doorway, not a gatekeeper 20:18 How to identify and rethink a congregation’s sacred cows 23:18 The ham story: how practical habits become rules 26:08 Honor the past while discerning today’s calling 27:04 Why churches need both friendship and friendliness 29:06 Connection, belonging, and the work of discipleship 32:14 A listener challenge: notice traditions with curiosity 34:28 Belovedness beyond church performance

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Good News on the Ground — Season 2, Episode 2 - Invite: Evangelism

   Good News on the Ground — Season 2, Episode 2 Invite: Evangelism Begins with an Invitation For many Episcopalians, the word evangelism can make us a little uncomfortable. It can bring to mind pressure, persuasion, or trying to convince someone to believe exactly what we believe. But what if evangelism is much simpler—and gentler—than that? In this episode of Good News on the Ground, the Rev. Lisa Work and Sarah Reed explore evangelism through the lens of invitation. They talk about the people who invited them into communities, relationships, and experiences that helped shape their own lives of faith—and how something as simple as an invitation can open the door to connection, belonging, and an encounter with God. Evangelism doesn't have to be coercive. We don't have to have all the answers, and we certainly don't have to "sell" God to anyone. Instead, we can pay attention to where God is already at work, build genuine relationships, and invite others to come and see. Because sometimes a life of faith begins with something remarkably ordinary: "Would you like to come with me?" Lisa and Sarah talk about: Why the word evangelism can feel uncomfortable, particularly in the Episcopal Church The difference between invitation and coercion Personal invitations that changed the course of their own faith journeys Why prayer is an important part of invitation Building relationships before worrying about getting people through the church doors Creating communities where people experience genuine belonging Recognizing and naming God's presence in ordinary life Invitation as a spiritual practice—one rooted in relationship, sincerity, and courage Trusting that God's love is already at work before we ever extend the invitation Who invited you? Think about the people who have opened doors for you along the way—not only into church, but into friendship, community, purpose, or a deeper awareness of God's presence. And then consider: Who might God be inviting you to invite? Not to pressure. Not to persuade. Simply to offer the possibility of connection and trust God with what happens next. In this episode. A few moments from the conversationEpisode ChaptersSomething to ponderGood News on the Ground is a conversation about noticing where God is already at work in our churches, neighborhoods, and everyday lives—and joining in. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: DF59UUHQPXFDHM1U

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Season 2 - Episode 1 - Invite-Welcome-Connect

   In this episode, Rev. Lisa Work and Sarah Reid explore how churches, especially smaller congregations, can authentically invite, welcome, and connect with newcomers. They discuss the importance of assessing church practices, understanding diverse experiences, and asking the right questions to foster genuine relationships within faith communities. Key Topics Covered: The purpose of the Invite, Welcome, Connect framework as an assessment tool, not a program. The significance of small churches participating as cohorts to share insights and growth. The role of systematic relationship-building in creating a sense of belonging. Stephanie Spellers’ insights on future faith and the importance of authentic connections. How to ask meaningful questions about faith, belonging, and challenges facing different generations. The value of authentic relationships over superficial programs in attracting and retaining members. The importance of asking the right questions to address real needs instead of assumptions. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Good News on the Ground and the new series 00:28 - Purpose behind the Invite, Welcome, Connect initiative 00:56 - How the framework helps churches assess and grow 01:24 - Distinguishing between a program and an assessment tool 02:21 - Tailoring resources for smaller churches within the diocese 03:19 - The cohort model for implementing Invite, Welcome, Connect 03:49 - Emphasizing context-specific and shame-free evaluation 17:09 - Building community through shared belonging and recognizing individual needs 22:50 - Reflection on the importance of being true to your church’s identity 23:19 - The value of human-centered design thinking for church growth and an illustrative story of innovation from Stanford students in India Resources & Links The Church Is Changing - The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers at St. Stephen's Cathedral Harrisburg, PA (https://www.youtube.com/live/-InvXRNxCBs?si=pg87daJCqclKRRg6) Stephanie Spellers - Official Website (https://stephaniespellers.com/) Invite, Welcome, Connect Resources (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/invite-welcome-connect/) Design Thinking Project about Inncubators (https://blog.experiencepoint.com/2010/02/16/design-thinking-in-action-embrace-global/)

4. 

   16 Oct 2025

   Good News on the Ground: Exploring Faith in 60 Seconds: CMEC Minute

   In this episode of Good News on the Ground, Rev. Lisa Work and Rev. Bradley Mattson explore The CMEC Minute—a creative series of one-minute videos from Christ Memorial Episcopal Church that spark curiosity and conversation about faith. These short, engaging clips answer common questions about following Jesus, Episcopal worship, and everyday spirituality, helping people grow in faith one minute at a time. 💡 Key Takeaways Answering Everyday Questions: The CMEC Minute grew out of real parishioner questions about liturgical practices—questions that reflect the wider curiosity of people exploring Episcopal faith. Faith Education for All: The series aims to make spiritual formation accessible not only to those who attend church but also to seekers and the spiritually curious. Evangelism in the Digital Age: Short, shareable videos make it easier for parishioners to invite others into conversations about faith and worship. Curiosity as Evangelism: By creating a safe and engaging way to explore “why we do what we do,” the CMEC Minute turns curiosity into connection.

5. 

   21 Aug 2025

   Good News on the Ground: From Garden to Gathering: Grace Place's Impact

   In this episode of Good News on the Ground, Rev. Lisa and Rev. Bradley sit down with Mother Barbara Hutchinson and Jessica Larkin to talk about Grace Place in Shippensburg, PA. The conversation explores the mission and growing impact of this community initiative, which began as a response to local needs and has evolved into a place of connection and transformation. Together, they reflect on the development of Grace Place, emphasizing the importance of community gardens, intergenerational involvement, and moving from transactional outreach toward authentic relationships. The guests and hosts highlight the healing power of shared experiences and worship, and how true community is built through collaboration, care, and God’s presence at work among neighbors. Keywords Grace Place, community engagement , food insecurity, intergenerational ministry, church outreach, community garden, healing, belonging, relationship building, worship Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Good News on the Ground 00:11 Exploring Community Initiatives in Shippensburg 00:51 Introduction to Grace Place 03:34 Community Engagement and Healing 06:35 The Role of the Garden in Community 08:59 Building Relationships Through Food 12:02 Transformative Experiences at Grace Place 14:39 Intergenerational Connections and Cookie Church 17:24 The Shift from Outreach to Belonging 20:14 The Essence of Community Engagement 23:03 Celebrating Togetherness and Growth 25:53 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Grace Place Pictures (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14jpyVSh9qu8ieuCHfM4w0k2UmWqJzFDp?usp=drive_link) Follow Grace Place on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GracePlaceGardens/) Grace Place Website (https://www.standrewsshippensburg.org/grace-place-co-creating-a-community-of-wholeness/) If you would like to learn more about the Grace Place you can contact Mother Barbara Hutchison at rector@standrewsship.org.

6. 

   17 Jul 2025

   Bees and the Good News - Sarah Reid

   In this episode of Good News on the Ground, the Rev. Lisa Work sits down with Sarah McKeag Reid — a passionate beekeeper, founder of West Branch Apiary, and advocate for creation care. Sarah shares how her journey into beekeeping has become a unique form of everyday evangelism, revealing deep connections between faith, community, and the natural world. From buzzing hives to blooming gardens, Sarah invites us to see how even the smallest creatures can teach us big truths about stewardship, compassion, and the Good News of Jesus. Together, Lisa and Sarah explore the spiritual lessons bees offer, the challenges of tending creation, and how following our passions can become a powerful witness to God’s love. Whether you're a gardener, a nature lover, or simply curious about how faith shows up in unexpected places — this inspiring conversation will give you a fresh perspective on evangelism, ecology, and everyday discipleship. Learn more about the West Branch Apiary West Branch Apiary YouTube Page (Convocation apiary of the Episcopal diocese of Central PA. We are advocates and protectors of the earth and all its in habitants. We strive to empower our community through creation care. All are welcomed to partner with us. For more info visit our facebook group https://m.facebook.com/groups/1012698723298684/?ref=share Trinitychurchpa@comcast.net) West Branch Apiary Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DtCDXQu8S/)

7. 

   18 Jun 2025

   Episode 1: What Is Evangelism, Really?

   Summary In this episode of the Good News on the Ground podcast, Rev. Lisa Work and Rev. Bradley Mattson explore the concept of evangelism, particularly within the Episcopal tradition. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding evangelism, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the role of the Holy Spirit. The conversation highlights the need for community engagement, sharing personal stories, and embracing imperfection in the journey of faith. The hosts encourage listeners to notice and celebrate the good news happening around them, fostering a culture of sharing and support within their communities. Takeaways Evangelism often evokes weird feelings and misconceptions. Many associate evangelism with intrusive sales tactics. Authenticity in evangelism is crucial; it's about actions, not just words. The Episcopal definition of evangelism involves seeking, naming, and celebrating God's presence. It's not our job to convert; that's the Holy Spirit's role. We can plant seeds of faith, but God brings the growth. Sharing faith doesn't require having all the right answers. Community engagement and sharing stories inspire others. Embracing imperfection allows for growth and learning in evangelism. Noticing good news in our communities can spark inspiration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Evangelism and Podcast Launch 02:12 Defining Episcopal Evangelism 04:36 The Role of Presence and Action in Evangelism 07:13 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Stories 09:25 Highlighting Everyday Evangelism Stories 11:51 Learning from Failures and Imperfections 14:18 Invitation to Notice Good News 16:22 Join us next time First Followers Video (https://youtu.be/fW8amMCVAJQ?si=Lls0l9dduchFSbxE)

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.