What does evangelism look like when it’s grounded in vulnerability, justice, and deep listening? For seminarians Christina Cernansky and Denise Dollinger, it means creating Emissaries of Renewal—a podcast that models ethical evangelism as invitation, not imposition.
Launched with support from the Episcopal Evangelism Society, Emissaries of Renewal is a 12-episode podcast that invites listeners to experience evangelism rooted in God’s transforming love. Each episode blends heartfelt storytelling, practical frameworks, and theological insight, with a special focus on the voices and experiences of those on the margins. At the heart of the project is Denise’s original “Seek–Listen–Speak–Act” framework, which has emerged as a powerful tool for ministries seeking to embody justice-centered, relational evangelism in today’s world.
Produced in collaboration with Resonate Media, the podcast maintains a high production standard while remaining personal and reflective. From its debut pod burst, “Our Journey Begins,” to the most-downloaded episode on the SLSA framework, the podcast has grown into a compelling ministry platform—bolstered by a strong and growing social media presence. Friday video reflections, Sunday lectionary-based posts, and creative campaigns like “Flat Denise” have helped Emissaries of Renewal reach an expanding audience across digital platforms.
Despite early challenges—including a major health setback before launch—Christina and Denise’s collaboration has demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity. The project’s evolution is a testament to their shared conviction that authentic evangelism must combine spiritual depth with technical excellence, storytelling with theological integrity, and vulnerability with joy.
With Season One nearly complete, plans are already underway for Season Two. Future directions include developing curriculum materials around the podcast’s themes, offering workshops on ethical evangelism, and equipping lay leaders for digital ministry. Their vision extends beyond the church to anyone seeking spiritual community in today’s complex world.
Emissaries of Renewal invites us to follow Jesus in a new way—one that seeks first to listen, welcomes all stories, and witnesses boldly to the love of God.
Learn more and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
