Why the Church Needs Rituals Again

Why the Church Needs Rituals Again

From The Esau McCaulley Podcast by Esau McCaulley

May 21, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the need for rituals in the church, the impact of political disagreements on friendships, and the insights from Rochelle Scheuermann's book on disability and evangelism.

People are searching for rituals, but often in places the church has abandoned. Esau, Mike, and Rochelle Scheuermann talk about whether friendship can survive political disagreement, why people are inventing new rituals for belonging and meaning, and what churches lose when they trade formation for efficiency. Then, Rochelle discusses her new book, Disability and Evangelism , and why disability is not a problem for churches to solve but a gift the body of Christ needs to receive. She shares how her son with Down syndrome changed her understanding of discipleship, evangelism, and the kingdom of God. 0:00 - Theme Song 0:42 - Drake's Triple Album Drop 2:24 - Friendship Across Political Divide 10:08 - Rituals 19:33 - Disability and Evangelism 22:17 - Disability Theology 34:33 - Signs a Church is Accommodating 40:02 - End Credits Disability and Evangelism: The Good News of the Fullness of God's Kingdom (Center For Disability and Ministry Books) by Rochelle Scheuermann: https://a.co/d/0d4aOT2t

People in this episode

Host: Esau McCaulley

Guests: Mike, Rochelle Scheuermann

Topics covered

  • rituals
  • friendship
  • political disagreement
  • disability
  • evangelism
  • church formation

Keywords

  • rituals
  • friendship
  • political divide
  • disability
  • evangelism
  • church efficiency
  • discipleship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center For Disability and Ministry Books

Books & works: Disability and Evangelism

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