🎙️ Angie Ward on Moving Beyond Church vs. Parachurch

Episode 2 – Ministry on the Margins

In this episode of Ministry on the Margins, Dr. Josh Olds interviews leadership expert and seminary professor Dr. Angie Ward about her latest book, Beyond Church and Parachurch. Ward invites ministry leaders to move from institutional rivalry to collaborative mission, reshaping how we understand the church’s identity and reach in a post-Christian world.

Together, they unpack why the church/parachurch divide is often more cultural than theological, and how reimagining church as an ecosystem—rather than competing institutions—can unleash a deeper, more faithful witness. Whether you’re a pastor, nonprofit leader, or layperson passionate about ministry, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

🗣️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

How Angie Ward’s ministry journey led her to reimagine the role of church and parachurch ministries
Why institutional models often restrict collaboration and foster competition
How to define the Church biblically, theologically, and missionally
What a decentralized, Spirit-led ministry ecosystem might look like
How to resist control and embrace open-handed leadership

📖 About the Book

In a world where the church’s relevance is often questioned, Angie Ward offers a compelling blueprint for a unified ecclesial future in Beyond Church and Parachurch. Beyond Church and Parachurch is not just a historical and theological exploration; it’s a roadmap for rethinking the very essence of Christian ministry. Whether you’re a pastor, mission leader, or nonprofit executive, you will be challenged to transcend conventional boundaries and discover the full spectrum of the church’s potential.

Holistic Understanding: Develops a comprehensive view that integrates both traditional and emerging forms of ministry.
Innovative Strategies: Beyond Church and Parachurch presents forward-thinking approaches to facilitate collaboration between churches and parachurch organizations.
Inclusive Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership in fostering a more inclusive community.
Practical Applications: Offers actionable insights and case studies to apply the concepts in real-world contexts.
Future-Oriented: Focuses on long-term vision and sustainable practices for impactful ministry work.

Dive into a fresh understanding of the church in all its forms—be it campus ministries, mission agencies, or church-planting networks. Ward’s vision dismantles the silos that fragment evangelical efforts, urging us to view the church as an interconnected ecosystem of apostolic networks. This paradigm shift empowers leaders to maximize kingdom impact, fostering cooperation and collaboration across organizations. With practical insights and visionary guidance, Beyond Church and Parachurch equips Christian leaders to serve a world in need with renewed purpose and unity. Transform your ministry approach and join a movement that redefines what it means to be the church.

🔗 Helpful Links

🧵 Favorite Quotes

“The church is God-made. Parachurch is man-made. But we are all part of one body, called to live out kingdom values together.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:08:00])

“The church isn’t just a building or service. It’s a divinely established, locally embodied, sent community that reorients our lives around God.” – Josh Olds
([00:09:00])

“We’ve lost our sense of divine identity. We treat the church like just another nonprofit organization.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:11:00])

“When churches act more like businesses, it turns ministry into competition. Even parachurch ministries become territorial.” – Josh Olds
([00:14:00])

“I’m suggesting we flatten this understanding of institutional containers and think more like an ecosystem—like nodes in a net across the globe.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:19:00])

“We’re trying to control God’s work. When we insist on boards, titles, and oversight, we often stifle the Spirit’s movement.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:32:00])

“What will help us love others better? Let’s do that.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:38:00])

“I believe in God’s idea of the Church. The gates of hell won’t prevail against it—but we have to recenter and reform.” – Dr. Angie Ward
([00:42:00])

“This is our missional moment. We can’t reclaim the center of culture with better marketing. We need a better way to be Church.” – Josh Olds
([00:45:00])

Going Beyond Church and Parachurch with Angie Ward

🎙️ Angie Ward on Moving Beyond Church vs. Parachurch