Glenn Packiam
Revival…What do I do next?
About The Episode
In this episode, Sean Morgan sits down with pastor and author Glenn Packiam to talk about what may be the beginnings of revival, especially among younger generations, and how church leaders can steward this moment well. Glenn unpacks new Barna data showing a rise in commitment to Jesus, explores the cultural shifts from militant atheism to curious skepticism, and shares how pastors can respond with humility, connection, and prayer. From hybrid discipleship models to the growing priority of authentic connection over polished content, Glenn gives practical insight into how leaders can meet people where they are, create spaces of encounter, and invite Jesus to “take over” in their churches.
Welcome to Episode 144 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
Insights from Glenn
- The Wave of Revival Is Real—But We Didn’t Create It
Glenn compares today’s spiritual openness to surfing: we don’t create the wave, but we need to be ready for it. Barna’s research confirms that younger generations—especially Gen Z and millennial men—are driving renewed interest in Jesus. The moment demands stewardship, not control. - From Atheism to Agnosticism to Curious Skepticism
Glenn traces three cultural eras: militant atheism post-9/11, indifferent agnosticism during the years of prosperity, and now a season of curious skepticism after the pandemic. People are open to spirituality but skeptical of institutions—especially the church. Pastors must engage both curiosity and mistrust with empathy and honesty. - Content No Longer Outranks Connection
Today’s generation is content-saturated but connection-starved. Glenn urges pastors to prioritize relationship over performance. He cites Rock Harbor’s “A Thousand Tables” initiative as a model for fostering community through simple, shared meals. Preaching remains important, but people show up because they want to be seen and known. - Encounter, Formation, and Mission as a Framework for Church Life
Glenn’s guiding model breaks down church purpose into three parts:
- Encounter – meeting Jesus through worship and prayer
- Formation – becoming like Him through teaching and community
- Mission – joining Him in His work
Churches should discern which emphasis fits their current season, while maintaining balance among all three.
- Hybrid Models Are Here to Stay
With regular churchgoers now attending about two out of every five weeks, Glenn emphasizes blending digital and in-person discipleship. Rock Harbor’s marriage course and leadership cohorts use hybrid formats to sustain engagement and flexibility. - Revival Begins with Prayer
Glenn stresses that revival cannot be manufactured—it must be prayed into being. At Rock Harbor, the team has reintroduced extended prayer ministry times after each sermon and regular staff trainings in prayer ministry models. “God does nothing outside of prayer,” Glenn says, “and all participation in what He’s doing begins and ends with it.” - Meet People Where They Are and Let Jesus Take Over
Reflecting on Luke 24, Glenn reminds leaders that Jesus met the disciples on their journey, joined their conversation, and revealed Himself at the table. Ministry today means the same—meeting people in their doubt, setting the table, and trusting Jesus to open their eyes.
Episode Links
What’s a Christian, Anyway?, by Glenn Packiam
Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, by Gordon D. Fee
Gift and Giver, by Craig S. Keener
If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition, or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof.
Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who is Glenn Packiam?
Glenn Packiam is the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, and a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. He is the author of, “What’s a Christian, Anyway? Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption” (March, 2025), along with eight other books, including two bestsellers—“The Resilient Pastor” and “The Intentional Year” which he co-authored with his wife, Holly. He earned a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University, England. Glenn and Holly have four children and live in Orange County, California.
Sponsors and Partners
Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.
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About the Host
Sean Morgan is a coach and speaker with a national reputation as a catalyst of fresh vision. His passion is to help ministries navigate obstacles and turn them into opportunities.
Throughout his career, Sean has pioneered initiatives impacting thousands of leaders across the country. He started out serving as Executive Pastor and CFO at New Life Church in northern California.
As host, Sean gives you access to amazing conversations, hard-won wisdom, and poignant insights from world-class leaders in intimate “living room” settings.
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Leaders in Living Rooms
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