The Gospel Edge Podcast | Episode 04
What voice will shape the future of the Church?
In this episode of The Gospel Edge Podcast, I discuss my new book, Game of Pulpits: The 7 Voices Vying for the Kingdom—Who Will Win and Why? We dive into why the church is at a crossroads, the rivaling voices that are emerging, and how leaders can navigate this cultural and spiritual moment.
🎧 Listen on YouTube: Watch Episode 04 here »
Why Game of Pulpits?
When I first shared the title with my editor, his reaction was: “Game of Thrones? Isn’t that passé?”
But the book isn’t about pop culture. It’s about the reality of church leadership today. The title is simply a cultural bridge—just like Jesus’ parables were in His time. The real focus is on the epic story of God’s kingdom unfolding through the church right now.
And it matters—because after decades of church growth through the attractional movement, we’ve entered an era of decline, secularization, and cultural change. The big question is: What should the church be, and where do we go from here?
The Rivaling Voices in Today’s Church
In Game of Pulpits, I unpack the different leadership “voices” shaping the conversation:
- Redesigners – pushing innovation and fresh models of church.
- Pentecostal Wave – emphasizing Spirit-driven renewal.
- Evangelicals – engaging culture and politics.
- Christian Capitalists – creating platforms and resources for kingdom work.
- Mega-church leaders (“Flag-shippers”) – leading large movements.
- Spiritual Renewalists (Bible Teachers) – focused on spiritual formation and prayer – calling for deeper study and preaching.
- Nuclear voices – proposing radical restructuring of the church.
Each perspective has something to teach us. Leaders will see themselves reflected in several of these voices, but also challenged to learn from others.
Why Game of Pulpits Matters Now
The word game may sound light, but the stakes are anything but trivial. This is about the future of the church, the advance of the gospel, and how leaders respond in an era of cultural upheaval.
That’s why Game of Pulpits doesn’t just describe the voices—it affirms, critiques, and predicts. Where might each path lead? Do we as leaders have the wisdom, courage, and capacity to adapt?
Those are the questions this podcast episode—and the book itself—put on the table.
Listen + Watch Episode 04
👉 Watch Episode 04 of The Gospel Edge Podcast on YouTube »
👉 Subscribe to the channel for new episodes »
And if you want to go deeper, check out my post on the Story Behind the book: Game of Pulpits.
Key Takeaway
The church is facing rivaling voices, each claiming to be the way forward. The challenge isn’t to pick sides but to listen, discern, and lead with wisdom toward the future God is calling us into.
This post scratches the surface of themes I dive into in my new book, Game of Pulpits. If you’ve ever wondered which rivaling voices are really shaping the Church—and what that means for the Gospel, this book was written for you.
🚀 Join the First 90 Days Launch Team!
Help give Game of Pulpits its best start by joining our launch team. When you purchase a copy in these first 90 days, leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, and share the book with your circle, you’ll be part of fueling a Gospel-centered conversation the Church desperately needs.
Be The First To Comment