In part 1 of a 2-part series, Bill presents the empirical data about our current church challenges, how some Christians overcame these issues and built strong church communities, and the 6 primary root cause areas where our parishes are suffering

In Part 2 of this series, Bill provides proven insights, strategies, and solutions from the “Jobs To Be Done” and “Disruptive Innovation” theories developed by Harvard professor Dr. Clayton Christensen. We will also begin to explore an excellent parish assessment that can help diagnose the most critical parish comorbidities and provide solutions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States. ASD can create challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. After her son Michael was diagnosed with ASD, Dr. Lisa Liberatore and her husband Dr. Dimitri Kessaris formed LUV Michael, a pioneering nonprofit ministry that transforms the lives of those with ASD. We will speak with Lisa Liberatore and Mark Bondi about their innovative LUV Michael organic granola products enterprise that employs the autistic population, their U.S. Autism Homes housing initiative, and other autism advocacy. LUV Michael is a unique ministry opportunity for you and your parish to help create meaningful work for autistic adults, learn about autism, and advocate for autism acceptance

When you or a loved one become seriously ill, even terminally ill, how do you respond? What you do next is critical. You have been called by your Creator. You have a Stewardship Calling – something you need to do with the gifts over which God made you a steward. But how do we live that calling in in the fce of serious illness or death? Join Bill as he speaks with faithful Orthodox Christians Rip Kastaris, Tracy Namee, and Nikki Bober. They'll explore how those with major heart disease, cancer, and other serious illness diagnoses can continue to live their Stewardship Calling.

Leadership is a critical difference between the most effective and healthy Orthodox Christian parishes and ministries, and those not fulfilling their potential. If you’re a parish council member or ministry leader, join Bill to learn about the 6 Elements of the Stewardship Calling Orthodox Servant Leadership Model and how to apply them so your parish can fulfill its responsibilities and calling.

Today, we are experiencing unprecedented challenges in the human resources needs in our parishes and ministries, including shortages of clergy, volunteers, ministry leaders, and staff. Join Bill and Dr. Scott Mondore to explore best practices to improve the engagement and results.

Join Bill Marianes and Professor Brad Jacobs, Associate Dean and Constitutional Law Professor at Regent University School of Law, for a discussion about religious freedom and the critical legal issues that matter most to our Christian churches, institutions, and faithful.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. Why? Some answers can be found in the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. Why? Some answers can be found in the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research.

Orthodoxy has declined from 20% of global Christians in 1910 to 12% in 2010. We are not yet making Orthodox "disciples of all nations" to the degree our Lord instructed us. PART 3: Listen to the latest leadership, innovation, and change management best practices and research

Bill teaches how parishes can substantially improve their stewardship campaigns and results by using successful approaches to increase generosity and tithing in their local communities.

Today we eavesdrop on a kitchen table discussion with daughter Megan (with a little help from 20-month-old Michael who thought the microphone looked tasty!) as they discussed Michael's six-year-old brother Adam and the still mysterious condition known as autism. Here is a picture of Adam and Frederica's article from an earlier posting on Beliefnet.

At the close of a recent talk Frederica gave, she recalls a movie she saw about World War I and the love for the brother in the trench with you on the right and on the left. She reminds us that we are saved in community.

Frederica is in Anchorage at the Alaska Native Heritage Center today talking with Orthodox convert Steven Alvarez and is interrupted only once by Alaskan wildlife!

Frederica comments on a recent interview in the US Catholic with Donna Freitas called Sex, Lies and the Hookup Culture. Is there hope for a turn around in society where romance trumps casual sex? In this episode, Frederica references her essay on the Disney Women and how they have changed over the years.

Frederica discusses the book The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios by Dionysios Farasiotis.

Imagine the blessed Theotokos in old age being cared for by St. John the Evangelist. That is the image Frederica beautifully portrays for us in today's podcast for the Feast of the Dormition. Read more of her thoughts on the Virgin Mary in her newest book The Lost Gospel of Mary.

Frederica welcomes a new grandson and looks back at a very eventful summer.

Frederica interviews Daniel Buxhoeveden, an Orthodox scientist who just recently received a Templeton grant to establish an Institute for Science and the Orthodox Church. Please note that Frederica experienced technical difficulties while recording this episode. We apologize in advance for its poor audio quality.

Frederica examines the concept of non-violent resistance. Should we refuse to exercise any earthly power?

Frederica reviews Tim Burton's film Alice in Wonderland, a movie that she says is too frenetic and ludicrous to be enjoyed.

Frederica introduces us to a beautiful "precedent dispute"—an argument in song—between the cherub who guards paradise and the good thief.

Fredrica discusses the ethical problems of enhancing performance with medication.

Frederica gives a lecture at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, CA, on Orthodox Tradition concerning the Theotokos.

Frederica speaks to ARFORA, an umbrella organization for various women's groups in the Romanian Diocese. In her lecture, Frederica celebrates the differences between men and women.

Frederica talks with Crunchy Con author Rod Dreher and his wife, Julie, about practical sustainability.

Frederica offers further exploration of thoughts from a previous podcast on author Temple Grandin.

Frederica shares an email she received which triggered thoughts on the important relationship between community and economy.

Frederica reads the children's book Yellow and Pink by William Steig.

Frederica explains to the leader of a week-long Protestant retreat why she would not want to speak at the event again.

Frederica uses the recorded comments of a Buddhist monk to examine the similarities and differences between Orthodox and Buddhist beliefs, particularly as they relate to anger and forgiveness.

On this encore presentation of "Frederica Here and Now," Frederica introduces us to a beautiful "precedent dispute"—an argument in song—between the cherub who guards paradise and the good thief.

Frederica explores the many complex issues surrounding Orthodoxy clergy and their pastoral stance toward same-sex attraction.

Frederica discusses an email message she wrote that eventually become a post on Rod Dreher's blog at The American Conservative. In it she explains her view that trying to experience Christ exclusively with your brain and outside the Church is a futile endeavor—a stance that was not well-received by the blog's many readers.

Frederica argues that both men and women have a responsibility when it comes to impure thoughts in the male mind.

Frederica compares seeing a baby via sonogram to angels seeing us from heaven.

This week as we think about the Transfiguration of our Lord, Frederica has some interesting reflections on a particular icon of the Transfiguration from the apse of St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai. To view the icon, click HERE for a large image, and HERE for a smaller one.

Frederica reads another selection from her new book Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity, published by Paraclete Press.

Frederica offers an introductory guide to the services of Baptism and Chrismation.

Imagine the blessed Theotokos in old age being cared for by St. John the Evangelist. That is the image Frederica beautifully portrays for us in today's podcast for the Feast of the Dormition.

Frederica shares an essay she wrote for a book titled Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage, edited by Drs. David and Mary Ford and Dr. Alfred K. Siewers.

Frederica discusses the book Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin.

Frederica was interviewed in a busy fellowship hall by a teen from her parish about how she became a writer and spokesman for the Pro-Life cause.

Frederica reflects on the earliest depiction of the Theotokos with the Christ child dating back to the 2nd century.

Frederica explains that whereas other Christian traditions have mystics, people devoted to the contemplative life alone, the Orthodox Church has wonderworkers, saints who are contemplative, yes, but also very active in the lives of their neighbors.

St. Paisios has come reassuring comments about our struggle against sin. Here is the prayer that Frederica shares in this episode, "O Merciful Lord, you who are all-good and all-loving and patient with me, I know I have sinned; in word, deed, and thought, in knowledge and in ignorance, voluntarily and involuntarily. It is impossible for me to list all my sins, because of their multitude, and my forgetfulness, but especially because of my stony insensibility that prevents me from even noticing them. I truly repent of all these sins, including the ones I don’t remember or prevented myself from recognizing as sin. Please forgive me, you who love mankind, and help me to do better; make me your dwelling place, so that I will love holiness and pursue it more closely every day, until the day when at last I see your face."

Frederica revisits two of her previous podcasts with some additional reflections as the result of some email she received from listeners.

How does Scripture treat the themes of light, darkness and shadow? Is light always "good" and dark always "evil"? What began as a friendly debate with emerging church leader Leonard Sweet results in an instructive study by Frederica on this topic.

What is the relationship between our feelings and our faith? Is there a place for emotion in our theology?

What might God be planning for America given the rampant infiltration of sin, abortion, and depravity? Frederica has adjusted her thinking on this after a rather strange "awakening."