S02 E15. Deconstruction, Metamodernity and Transformative Community

I am answering your questions! This is part 2.I begin with answering a question on the tail end of epidsode 19 about writing. Someone asked : "Additionally, how did you decide what to write about? Context - I would love to write a non-fiction book one day but I have so much I want to write about, it’s difficult to decide on where to start!"I then attempt to answer the question: "On the topic of ministry, I’m interested in how you ministered across many different denominations / church expressions and how you navigated different doctrinal beliefs? "Feel free to send questions through on email or DM me via socials. Find my books and more at www.davidtensen.com

Some listeners sent through some questions and feedback based on previous episodes. In this Q&A episode I start talking about challenging dynamics of working for small businesses. I then dive into 10 different approaches to writing and share some of my own experience with them, across two decades of writing.Thanks again for the great questions! I'll be answering more in future episodes.Find out more about David at www.davidtensen.com

I did the maths and worked out I will have published 8 books in 6 years. People often ask how I write, and I absolutely love the podcast, 'How I Write' with David Perell. (Look it up). So I thought I'd share a bit about my writing process. As usual, the episode is unpolished and there is a bit of wind and traffic noise in spots - but that's life!Oh, and I end on sharing my thoughts around what I might tackle in my next book: small business fiction. Never heard of it? That's because the genre doesn't exist. Everything is BIG BUSINESS - yet small businesses, or micro-businesses (defined as having 0–4 employees), represent around 37 million people across AUS, UK and USA, generating around US$5.3 trillion per year. I've not attempted a fiction novel, but would like to give it a go and integrate my pastoral/developmental psych experience.

If you have followed me for a while, you may know I work part-time as a chaplain in an aged care facility, providing spiritual care to around 120 residents per year, of whom around 40 die. In this episode I reflect on the work and the doors and discussions it has opened up - including hosting Death Cafes.Again, as a disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions I share in this (and other episodes) are my own and not to be taken as a reflection of employers and associated organisations.Note: this podcast is recorded as I take my morning walk. As a result, you will hear some wind, passers-by greetings, and our beautiful Sunshine Coast wildlife.

I begin this episode with some THANK YOUs. Natalie and I are going be publishing another book in 2026 so I thought I'd share some stories on how books found me and how my books find others. Details on the new book about Blessing can be found at www.davidtensen.comP.S. There is some wind noise at the start of episode. Sorry. Not my wind. THE wind. It had something to to share too, I suppose.

This eposide was a lengthy attempt to synthesise a number of thoughts and frameoworks in an effort to explore what kind of spaces those who have found themselves outside conventional local church community. It starts is a brief update on things personally and moves through stages of faith, deconstruction, change theory, modernity, postmodernity and metamodernity. I then explore some thoughts and concepts around the kind of metamodern expressions of faith after deconstruction, midlife, and crisis. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts.

Are we experience the emergence of a new kind of Christianity? If scripture is not the central authority in a Christian's life, who or what is the authority?I recorded some thoughts on the other side of publishing an article titled: I believe the Christian Church is ripe for a significant split (and it is AI-assisted).https://davidtensen.com/i-believe-the-christian-church-is-ripe-for-a-significant-split-and-it-is-ai-assisted/

A few days back someone asked me if I would ever go back to working at a church and if I were to lead a Christian church community, how I would do it. This impromptu episode covers some of the core components I'd include... as you might guess, they aren't 'normal', or 'common', or necessarily 'popular' - but they are really important to me.

It's been a little while. My eldest turned 21 recently. She's doing great, but is that because of me and her mum? Some may argue that parenting success can be accurately judged based on children's achievements and behaviors. I argue it's far more complex than that and share how I judge my parenting.I also share a bit about a recent trip to Japan.

I'm still here! I have just been writing, books, thesis etc. Also, moving through lots of grief and loss in my chaplaincy work.As always, connect with me best via www.davidtensen.com