The Two Pews Story

Our Mission: Fanning the Flame of a Modern Methodist Movement

The Methodist movement didn't begin in a cathedral; it began in the fields, in the streets, and in the small, flickering heat of "societies" that refused to let the Gospel grow cold.

Today, the institution faces a new winter—clergy burnout, shrinking congregations, and a world hungry for a liberating love it no longer associates with the church. Two Pews Media exists to reignite that original fire. We believe the future of the United Methodist Church isn't found in simply maintaining pews, but in reclaiming our "method"—the "Practical Quadrilateral" of field preaching, micro-communities, social engagement, and leadership activation.

The Story of Two Pews

The name "Two Pews" represents the bridge between our sacred heritage and our digital future. During the isolation of 2020, Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert turned a small third-floor office into a laboratory for global connection.

Framed by two reclaimed church pews—wooden benches that once held congregants and now support the weight of creative production—this space became the birthplace of a new vision. What began as a room of limitation became a hub for producing videos, music, and teachings that crossed five continents. Those pews remind us that we don't have to leave our tradition behind to move beyond our walls; we just have to repurpose it to empower the work of tomorrow.

About Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert

Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert is a pastor, author, and media innovator dedicated to the revitalization of the Wesleyan tradition. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Haddonfield United Methodist Church in New Jersey, Chris has spent his career at the intersection of communication, theology, and the arts.

From serving in rural and urban pulpits to directing global communications for the General Board of Global Ministries, Chris has consistently sought to "fan the flames" of the church by leveraging new media and creative thinking.

A Legacy of Thought Leadership

Chris’s work is grounded in a deep academic and practical foundation, most notably through his influential publications:

  • Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism (Co-authored with Dr. Ashley Boggan): This foundational text serves as the manifesto for Two Pews Media, offering a practical framework for church revitalization through a "Modern Methodist Movement."

  • For Everyone Born: Global Songs for an Emerging Church (Co-edited with Jorge Lockward, 2008): A testament to his lifelong passion for the arts and global connectivity, this collection helped an emerging generation of believers find their voice through the universal language of music.

The "Method" Behind the Movement:

  • Doctor of Ministry: Wesley Theological Seminary and Wesley House, Cambridge.

  • MA in Corporate Communication: Duquesne University.

  • M.Div: Drew University Theological School.

  • BA in Religious Studies: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

As a musician, photographer, and strategist, Chris doesn’t just study the movement—he provides the tools to build it. Whether through his podcast, workshops, or consulting, his goal is to help you reclaim your "method" and lead with a spirit that is once again set on fire.