#553 – Rebranding the Church with Dr. Eric Mason

If you’ve ever wrestled with the messiness of church life, questioned what it means to belong to a community of believers, or wondered why the church’s reputation seems so fractured, this conversation with my longtime friend Dr. Eric Mason will speak straight to your heart.

Dr. Mason is the founding pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, author of nine books (including his newest, Rebranding the Church: Restoring the Image of God’s People in the World), and a leader who has spent nearly three decades loving people in the trenches of urban ministry.

In this episode, we talk honestly about church hurt, healing, and hope—how our expectations of the church can either deepen our faith or distance us from it. Dr. Mason reminds us that no community is perfect, but every believer is called to maturity and to be a part of the body’s healing process. We discuss why self-awareness, repentance, and grace are essential for healthy discipleship and why running from pain is not the same as healing from it.

We also dig into generational shifts in the church—how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z each view faith and community differently—and why younger believers are longing for authentic discipleship over performance.

You’ll hear us reflect on what it looks like to be a brand ambassador for Christ, taking responsibility for the witness we carry in everyday spaces—at work, in our neighborhoods, and online. Eric believes we don’t need a new church; we need a renewed one: a people who represent the heart of Jesus with truth, compassion, and accountability.

If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by religion but still love Jesus, this episode is for you. It’s a call to stay, to heal, and to help the church look a little more like Him every day.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Returning the church to Gospel roots.
Healing hurt without leaving community.
Moving from consuming to contributing.

Related Resources

Connect with Dr. Mason on Instagram @pastoremase.
Grab a copy of Guest’s book: Rebranding the Church: Restoring the Image of God’s People in the World
Listen to The Sanctuary podcast with Dr. Mason.
Enjoy this episode from Nona Jones on Navigating Change, Church, and Culture

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Want to stay rooted in what matters most? The Full Circle Planner helps you live with focus, faith, and follow-through.
Looking for real community and growth? Join the Inner Circle—where faith and friendship come full circle.
Be sure to also check out my books, She’s Still There and The 28-Day Prayer Journey.

Let’s Talk!

Have you ever experienced church hurt? How did you choose healing instead of hiding?
What does it mean to you to be a “brand ambassador for Christ” in your everyday life?
How can your generation (or stage of life) contribute to a healthier church community?

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You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!