Episode 041 – Future Focused Faith: Trust, Change, and the Next Generation with Kara Powell

In this inspiring and wisdom-filled episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Dr. Kara Powell, Chief of Leadership Formation and Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary. Kara is also one of the founders of the TENx10 Collaboration and co-author of Future Focused Church, Growing Young, and 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future.

Together, Christopher and Kara explore what it takes to form young people in an age of distrust, disconnection, and change. Kara shares her own story—from cleaning a youth room kitchen in high school to becoming one of the most respected voices in leadership and ministry formation today. They discuss why listening, mentorship, and trust are the essential building blocks for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha, how 10x10 is helping churches work together ecumenically, and why sustainable change in ministry is more like a crockpot than a microwave.

Key Takeaways

• Trust Is Built Through Presence: In a culture of distrust, small consistent acts—like checking in, showing up, and listening—build credibility with young people.
  
  
• The Three Barriers to Mentorship: Adults often hesitate because they feel too busy, not spiritual enough, or not “cool” enough—but real ministry only requires warmth, not perfection.
  
  
• Mental Health and Hope: Gen Z faces unprecedented levels of anxiety, but they are also more open than ever to authentic, caring relationships with trusted adults.
  
  
• Church Change Takes Time: 70% of organizational change efforts fail. Kara shares the Here, There, Who, and How framework from Future Focused Church to help parishes move from vision to transformation.
  
  
• Collaboration Is Essential: TENx10 is uniting Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox leaders to make faith matter more for 10 million young people in the next 10 years.

• Slow Is Sustainable: Real change in ministry happens through listening, relationship, and patience—embracing the “crockpot” pace of the Holy Spirit.
  

What Kara Recommends

• Go-To Tool: Write everything down—systems and notes help transform intentions into actions.
  

• What She’s Reading & Watching: The Diplomat (Netflix) for leadership insight and strategy; Romans 15:13 for daily hope and grounding.
  

• Favorite Spiritual Practice: Sabbath. Taking one full day each week to rest, pray, and let go of productivity.
  

Connect with Kara and Fuller Youth Institute
🌐 fulleryouthinstitute.org – Explore research, resources, and training.
🌐 tenx10.org – Learn more about the collaboration helping faith matter more for 10 million young people.
📱 Instagram: @fulleryouthinstitute

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Recorded on Riverside - HERE

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