20 Minute Takes

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with author, theologian, and pastor, Gary VanderPol. They discuss climate justice, and practical ways that faith communities can approach Christ-centered climate action prayerfully, personally, and politically. If you're interested in learning more about how to start up climate action small groups at your church, you can email Gary here: garyvp@gmail.com20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto Produced by David de LeonEditing & Mixing by Wiloza MediaMusic by Andre Henry

On this episode of 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Kevin Nye. Kevin is a writer and advocate working toward ending homelessness by engaging best practices. He's the author of the 2022 book, "Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness." In this conversation, Kevin challenges listeners to think about homeless systemically, dispels some common myths about the problem of homelessness, and shares stories of communities who have taken steps of faithfulness to care for their neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. You can learn more about Kevin Nye here.Find him on Instagram or Threads.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto Produced by David de LeonEditing & Mixing by Wiloza MediaMusic by Andre Henry

Welcome to 20 Minute Takes Season 7! What happens when we have learned to distrust our desires? And how does that get in the way of our pursuits to live in whole and just ways in our world today? Listen in as Nikki Toyama-Szeto interviews author, coach, and consultant Tracey Gee talk about her new book The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires.You can learn more about Tracey and her work here.Find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto Produced by David de LeonEditing & Mixing by Wiloza MediaMusic by Andre Henry

In this final episode of season six, Nikki talks with Tony Deik. Tony is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. He is on faculty at Bethlehem Bible College, and currently resides in Bolivia with his family. Tony talks about the centrality of justice in the Christian scriptures, and how Christians might begin to understand justice as an act of worship and witness. They also discuss Christian Zionism, and how theologies have the potential to actualize either oppressive or just realities. Catch us in early 2025 for our upcoming season.You can learn more about Tony and his work here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited & Produced by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

How can churches be good neighbors to families experiencing housing insecurity? This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Edith Yoder. She's the CEO of Bridge of Hope, an organization that has equipped Christian faith communities to end and prevent homelessness since 1987. Edith shares stories of transformation and empowerment as churches have learned to extend meaningful relationships to their homeless neighbors.If you are interested in learning more about Bridge of Hope and how they might be able to partner with your church community, you can learn more here.Additionally, find you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited & Produced by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Rev. Janna Louie, co-founder of the Coalition for Asian American and Pacific Islander Churches (CAAPIC). In this episode, they discuss the complex historical dynamics that affect Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters, and the work that CAAPIC does to encourage AAPI Christians to show up as engaged citizens who participate robustly in the democratic process here in the United States. In a Presidential election year when the AAPI vote is arguably the most significant swing vote, this is an episode you don't want to miss.You can learn more about CAAPIC and access their resources here. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited & Produced by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode (originally aired on March 16, 2022).This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Kristyn Komarnicki (CSA's Director of Dialogue & Convening / Program Manager for Oriented to Love) about practical tips for transforming conflict through curiosity.After listening to this episode of 20 Minute Takes, your ability to handle conflict, have difficult conversations, and engage in meaningful dialogue will level up; your friends and family will certainly thank you.You can learn more about Oriented to Love Here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited & Produced by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Jesse Rudy. Trained as an attorney, Jesse is the Founder and CEO of Redeem International, a Christian faith-based nonprofit that protects some of the world's most vulnerable widows and orphans from violent abuse and exploitation. They talk about the phenomenon of land theft in Uganda, its effects on women and children, and how their organization's deterrence strategy has broad societal effects throughout the country. Jesse also shares his reflections on the type of spiritual formation necessary for engaging in justice work.You can learn more about Redeem International's work at their LinkedIn page and their website.  20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, David de Leon interviews CSA Executive Director and 20 Minute Takes host, Nikki Toyama-Szeto. Nikki shares what it looks like to lead a justice organization justly. She unpacks her organizational leadership theory anchored in intercession, and gives advice for how new leaders might integrate their spirituality into their leadership practice. Follow Nikki on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter).20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host, Producer, Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode (originally aired on June 29, 2022).This week, David de Leon chats with Tim Ignacio. He's a Pilipino American community worker (and rapper!) in Metro Manila, in the Philippines. In this conversation, Tim shares about his story and vocation, the power of a ministry of tambay (loitering), and why he considers himself a balikbayan, and not a missionary. Listen in.Find Tim on Instagram @sobrangitmYou can find his music on Spotify and BandcampAnd check out his BALIKBAYAN NOT MISSIONARY vlog series on his YouTube channel.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: David de LeonProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki talks with Bill White. Bill is co-pastor of City Church Long Beach. Bill shares the story of his son coming out and how that experience challenged his theology and ultimately deepened his faith in Jesus. He discusses his church's journey of transformation through challenging conversations, and how critical it is for church communities to practice healthy modes of disagreement.You can also check out Bill's work at Small Church, Big Table.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza Media + David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki talks with Rick Barry, the executive director of the Center for Christian Civics. Rick helps Christians to think about what it looks like for their communities to show up in the public square, and in this episode, he helps us to wrap our minds around what civic discipleship looks like and helps to break down the variety of ways people understand "politics" today.  You can follow @therickbarry and @christiancivics on Instagram.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Co-producer and Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

July 27, 2024 will mark two years since Ron Sider, founder and President Emeritus of Christians for Social Action (originally Evangelicals for Social Action), passed away.Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode with Ron (originally aired on March 9, 2022).This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto chats with Ron Sider, the author of the acclaimed book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger and the founder and President Emeritus of Christians for Social Action. Nikki and Ron talk about lessons learned from his 50+ years of scholar-activism—from the fight against apartheid in South Africa to non-violent resistance, to understanding the graduated tithe, this conversation is one you do not want to miss.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki interviews Jasmin Shupper, the CEO and Founder of the Greenline Housing Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to close the racial wealth and homeownership gaps and reverse the effects of systemic racism in housing by granting access to homeownership for people of color. Jasmin talks about the history of housing, economic, and racial justice, as well as her journey from working as a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company to real estate, and eventually non-profit work confronting the generational harm of discriminatory redlining practices in the 20th century.You can learn more about the Greenline Housing Foundation here.Follow their work on Instagram @greenline_housing.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki chats with Dr. Gabrielle Clowdus of Settled, an organization that addresses long-term homelessness through research-based holistic and communal approaches. In this conversation, they talk about why traditional interventions for homelessness often fail, and how local church communities are uniquely positioned to address the challenges of homelessness and to be good neighbors to their homeless siblings.Dr. Gabrielle Clowdus is the CEO and Founder of Settled. You can learn more about their research and Sacred Settlement projects here.You can find Settled on YouTube and Instagram.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we hear from economist Nishan de Mel. In front of a live audience, Nishan talks about how he and his organization Verité Research attempted to tackle corruption in governance in Sri Lanka, as well as what it means to participate in inherently unjust structures with an eye toward truth and transformation. Rick Barry, executive director of the Center for Christian Civics hosts this episode. Excerpts for this episode were recorded at an event put on by the Center for Christian Civics and Christians for Social Action entitled "Faith that Makes Our Politics Better" that took place in Washington DC, earlier this summer.Dr. Nishan de Mel is the executive director of Verité Research. He has taught and researched economics at both Harvard and Oxford, and in the 1990s, sat on multiple presidential task forces in Sri Lanka, helping to shape a wide array of public policies.You can follow Nishan on X (formerly Twitter).20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Rick Barry Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Welcome to Season 6!In this episode, Nikki talks with Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation (INFEMIT). They discuss how a global, interdenominational, and intergenerational community like INFEMIT is helping Christians all over the world think about how the church is showing up in their own contexts, as well as the upcoming Stott-Bediako Forum coming up in Medellín, Colombia this July 15-17. Listen in for a rich conversation on the role of gospel imagination in mission and transformation.Dr. DeBorst is a professor of World Christianity at Western Theological Seminary,  part of the networking team for INFEMIT (a gospel-centered fellowship of mission theologian-practitioners), serves in leadership of the Comunidad de Estudios Teológicos Interdisciplinarios (CETI), and a member of Casa Adobe (an intentional Christian Community with deep concern for right living in relation to the whole of creation). You can find Dr. DeBorst on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Seminary Now.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst about intentional community and ecological justice & how it's lived out at Casa Adobe in Costa Rica. Dr. DeBorst is a professor of World Christianity at Western Theological Seminary,  part of the networking team for INFEMIT (a gospel-centered fellowship of mission theologian-practitioners), serves in leadership of the Comunidad de Estudios Teológicos Interdisciplinarios (CETI), and a member of Casa Adobe (an intentional Christian Community with deep concern for right living in relation to the whole of creation).  You can find Dr. DeBorst on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Seminary Now. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Reverend Adam Taylor about the role churches can have in this divided society and examples of how faith can intersect with public policy. Reverend Adam Taylor is the President of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that works to advance justice and peace, and the author of "A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community".He has led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group, served as vice president of Advocacy at World Vision US, executive director of Global Justice, and selected as a White House Fellow and served in the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Public Engagement. You can find Adam @revadamtaylor on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Eboo Patel about what a pluralistic nation needs from Christians. Eboo Patel is the Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division. Eboo served on President Obama's Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote addresses, and has written five books. You can find Eboo & Interfaith on social media: X (Twitter) @EbooPatel Facebook @EbooPatelLinkedInX (Twitter) @interfaithusa Facebook @interfaithamericaInstagram @interfaithamerica20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Brian Zahnd about the role of the cross as well as new ways of looking at the cross as a kaleidoscope, in order to inform how we respond to aspects of Christian life and to justice issues in our society. Many of the insights he shares can be found in his latest book entitled The Wood Between the Worlds. Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. In addition to his most recent book, he has authored several other books including When Everything's On Fire and Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God. You can find Brian on his website and blog & follow him on X (Twitter) @BrianZahnd.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Dr. Melissa Borja about what the Christian church can learn to host and welcome refugees. She offers advice on how churches can be better hosts to refugees and talks about how her book, Follow the New Way, examines the good and bad of church refugee resettlement. She encourages us to be curious about the stories of why refugees come to the U.S., recognize U.S. complicity, and change our posture from charity to reparations. Dr. Melissa Borja is a professor in the Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Program at the University of Michigan. She researches and teaches about religion, migration, race, ethnicity, and politics in the United States and the Pacific World. You can follow Dr. Borja on X (Twitter) @melissamayborja. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Justin Fung about spiritual formation, activism, and opportunities we have to be formed in God's image. Rev. Dr. Justin Fung serves as the  Pastor of Leadership & Spiritual Formation at Christ City Church in Washington, DC & is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Missional Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also authored Learning to Live, a curriculum for cultivating spiritual transformation in multiethnic contexts. You can follow Justin @justinbfung on Instagram and Threads.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Join us in this episode as we talk to Darren Calhoun about his experience collecting stories of black queer Christians as they journey into and out of the church. Darren is a co-host on the Second Sunday podcast and producer for online shows that are reaching BIPOC Queer audiences with messages of support and healing. He is also the Digital Pastor and Worship Leader at Urban Village Church in Chicago. Follow Darren on social media at @heyDarren or on his blog, DarrenCalhoun.com.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode (originally aired on January 26, 2022).Since the United States pulled out of Afghanistan in August 2021, 76,000 Afghan refugees have been brought to the United States for resettlement. On this episode of 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto chats with Jenny Yang, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy on Refugee Resettlement for World Relief on what it means to extend hospitality to (and receive hospitality from) refugees and displaced peoples in our communities.You can find her on Twitter @JennyYangWR.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProduced by: David de Leon Music: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Kristyn Komarnicki about facilitating dialogue across difference. She works primarily in the divisions that emerge in the church and LGBTQ+ Christians and speaks on what it takes to move toward unity beyond agreement. Kristyn is the Senior Director of Dialogue and Convening at Christians for Social Action. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Eddie Kaufholz about storytelling in community, advice for gatekeepers of stories, and how stories fuel the Christian imagination for a just future. Eddie leads the communications and marketing team at Bread for the World and previously worked for International Justice Mission. You can find Eddie at:https://eddiekaufholz.comInstagram: @edwardoreddieTwitter: @edwardoreddie 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto and activist Heidi Weaver-Smith talk about the power of presence and unpack some of the dynamics around Ohio's recent anti-trans laws. They discuss the power of presence, of curiosity and provide tips for what Christian witness looks like, regardless of one's position on the issues. You can find Heidi and Amplify Impact Consulting at https://www.amplifyimpactconsulting.com20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we talk with Leroy Barber about his work as the Executive Director of Neighborhood Economics. Listen in as he and Nikki discuss how Christians can show up in their neighborhoods for good, the importance of convening economic resources with practitioners, and how to integrate economics as a communal practice. You can find Leroy:Website: https://neighborhoodeconomics.org/Instagram: @leroybarber Twitter: @leroybarber His most recent book: Embrace: God's Radical Shalom for a Divided World 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki takes us on a history lesson to mark the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern.  In Chicago, 50 years ago, over Thanksgiving weekend, a group of concerned Christian leaders gathered to ask how their faith should inform how they show up in the public space.  The result was the drafting of a statement about Christian commitment to social justice that some view as one of the most influential documents, for the church, of the decade.  It became the founding document for Christians for Social Action, and influenced many others.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we talk with authors Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos about their new book, "Loving Disagreement".  They discuss ways to move beyond civility, to engage across difference.  Their new book, "Loving Disagreements" was released in October, 2023.You can find Kathy  on all social media platforms:  @mskathykhangMatt can be found at: FB: facebook.com/matthew.mikalatosBlueSky:@mattmikalatos.bsky.socialinstagram.com/mattmikalatos20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we talk with Jason Chu. He's a rapper, public theologian, and activist.  He and Nikki talk about Gospel imagination, and having a Christian faith that navigates today's complexities and contradictions.  He shares from his new album "We Were the Seeds."You can listen to Jason's music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon, etc.Catch him @jasonchumusic (on all social media): Instagram, TikTok,  Twitter/XAnd learn more about him at jasonchumusic.com20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoEdited by: Wiloza MediaMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we talk with Olatunde Sobomhein. He's  co-author of the book Creative Hustle and CEO of Streetcode Academy. He and Nikki talk about the interplay of imagination, ambition, and reflection, as well as his organization's work at empowering communities of color through tech and innovation in rapidly changing communities like East Palo Alto.This is the final episode of season four! If there's a particular guest, episode, or subject that you enjoyed hearing from this season, or if you have any comments or feedback for us, please send us an email at csa@eastern.edu  with the subject line "20 Minute Takes." We look forward to hearing from you! Be on the lookout for season five this fall.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, we talk with Nina Balmaceda. She is the associate director for the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School, as well as the president and CEO of Paz y Esperanza International. Listen in as she and Nikki talk about what peace building looks like in Colombia, the church's involvement in this work, and God's dream of shalom for the world.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

On this week's episode, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Nia Campinha-Bacote. She's a community curator/collaborator, and is the lead designer of On Breath & Being, a collection of meditation and breath-work practices that focus on countering the effects of racial trauma for BIPOC. In this conversation, they discuss an embodied faith, the power of breathing, and the necessity of spiritual practice for those who do the work of justice.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

As we begin to wrap up our series on Hidden Hunger, we chat with Jeremy Everett. He's the Executive Director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, as well as the author of the book "I Was Hungry: Cultivating Common Ground to End an American Crisis." Nikki Toyama-Szeto chats with him about the state of food insecurity in the United States, who it affects, and how churches and faith communities might begin to engage creatively with this solvable problem.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

On this quick take,  Ally Henny discusses Juneteenth, and what practices she and her family cultivated to celebrate Black freedom. Ally is the author of the new book "I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You," as well as vice president of The Witness. You can find our full episode with Ally here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Ally Henny. She is the author of the new book "I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You," as well as vice president of The Witness. Listen in as they discuss the prophetic voice and presence of Black Women in the world as well as Ally's journey of finding her voice amidst the pressures of erasure and racism, inside and outside of the Church.Find our QUICK TAKE with Ally on Juneteenth here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Dr. Christina Edmondson. She's co-host of the podcast Truth's Table,  as well as co-author of the book Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change. Listen in as they discuss the book, the sort of work and healing required of those who do the work of racial justice, and how the Church is called to pursue racial justice as a prophetic act of repentance.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Jeff Liou and Robert Chao Romero about their recently released book, Christianity & Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation. Robert Chao Romero is associate professor at UCLA in the departments of Chicana/o, Central American, and Asian American Studies. Jeff Liou is national director of theological formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.In this insightful conversation, they talk about what critical race theory is and isn't, its usefulness for reading the world today, and its resonances and dissonances with various Christian commitments. Listen in to this incredibly helpful conversation, and pass it along to someone who could benefit from it.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Prashan De Visser. He is the president and founder of Global Unites, an organization that equips youth around the world to form movements of peace building and conflict transformation.  He is also the author of the book Phoenix Generation. Listen in as they discuss movement building among youth in Sri Lanka, and how he understands peace making as central to the good news that Christians proclaim.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Season 4 of 20 Minute Takes returns with a deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Carolyn Chen.  Dr. Chen is a sociologist and professor of ethnic studies at UC Berkeley and specializes in the study of religion.  Her most recent book "Work, Pray, Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley" looks into how tech corporations are bringing religiosity and spirituality into the work place. Nikki Toyama-Szeto and Dr. Chen talk about the consequences of this blurring of religion and work, how it affects faith communities, ethics, and society as a whole. They also talk about what it means to cultivate an atmosphere of hospitality amidst a religiously diverse community.Listen in! And don't forget to rate, review, and share this podcast with your friends/20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This is our final episode of season three, as well as our final Lenten reflection. This week, Andre Henry  shares his reflections on doubt, disappointment, and longing in this piece entitled "Why I'm A Holy Saturday Christian."Andre Henry a musician, author of All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep, and  the Program Manager of the Racial Justice Institute at Christians for Social Action.20 Minute Takes will return for its fourth season after a short break. 20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Christine Aroney-Sine continues our Lenten series with a reflection on the story of Holy Week. From garden to garden, Christine contemplates the journey humanity, the story of Jesus' passion, and the longing for new creation.Christine Aroney-Sine is a contemplative activist, passionate gardener, and author. She loves inspiring Jesus followers to dig in the dirt, laugh, and have fun creating spiritual practices that intertwine the sacred through all of life. She's the founder and facilitator for the popular contemplative blog godspacelight.com, and her most recent book is The Gift of Wonder: Creative Practices for Delighting in God.Find Christine online here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineSine Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christine.sineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine.sine/You can find the written version of this podcast here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Our Lenten series continues with Rev. Dr. Letiah Fraser.  She reflects on Lent, and what it looks like for us to confess and repent of our ableism in this season. Rev. Dr. Fraser is an ordained pastor, an activist/organizer connected with the KS Poor People's Campaign and A National Call for Moral Revival; she is a disability rights advocate, a hospital chaplain and focuses on spiritual formation and disability theolo­gy.This reflection first appeared in Disabling Lent: An Anti-Ableist Lenten Devotional, produced by Unbound, an interactive journal on Christian social justice & ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, 20 Minute Takes producer David de Leon shares his Lenten reflection: Lent, Longing, and Transformation. Listen in as he reflects on how the process of transformation is a journey of partnership with the Divine.You can find the written version of this podcast here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, as we continue our Lenten mini-series, 20 Minute Takes host Nikki Toyama-Szeto reflects on embodiment, pilgrimage, and her own journey to Bethany beyond the Jordan. This piece is also on the CSA website under the title: Why Pilgrimage Has Become My Lenten Practice.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lent. To kick us off with our miniseries of Lenten reflections, Kristyn Komarnicki, Christians for Social Action's Director of Dialogue & Convening, and Program Manager for Oriented to Love, shares her reflection: "Confessions of a Total Lenten Failure." If you're someone that struggles with Lent, this episode and reflection is for you.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Faitth Brooks—educator, activist, podcast host, and author of the recently released book "Remember Me Now: A Journey Back to Myself and a Love Letter to Black Women." They talk about her experience growing up in white evangelical spaces, and the significant moments that shaped her voice toward the advocacy, honoring, and encouragement of Black women, especially in their faith communities. Listen in.You can learn more about Faitth and her work here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki continues her conversation with Dr. Jacqueline Ogega. She is the Director of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) at World Vision US, and is the author of the book "Home Is Us: A Story About Hope & Resilience." They talk about gender equality and social inclusion, and how North Americans can learn from other international movements. You can find part 1 of their conversation here.You can learn more about Dr. Ogega, her work, and book, here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This week, Nikki talks with Dr. Jacqueline Ogega. She is the Director of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) at World Vision US, and is the author of the book "Home Is Us: A Story About Hope & Resilience." They talk about Jacqueline's story and the importance of empowering survivors of gender violence to not only tell their stories, but contribute their expertise and solutions in the pursuit of gender justice and equality. This is part one of this two-part conversation.You can learn more about Dr. Ogega, her work, and book, here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry