Between Retreats

Aaron asks Rev Stephanie three questions about what it means to be a Christ-follower in the world right now, and helps us all reflect on our own lives. First, what location has shaped your faith in helpful and unhelpful ways?  Second, why is it so important to gather these days rather than isolate? Third, why have you not given up on the Way of Jesus?

Tara Owens joins Aaron Niequist to reflect on the why, what, and how of Spiritual Direction. Tara is the founder and executive director of Anam Cara Ministries where she has been companioning others for nearly 20 years as a certified spiritual director and supervisor.

Aaron Niequist invites us into the practice of Centering Prayer. He shares the story of how this practice helped him heal through a difficult season, and guides a short centering prayer during the episode.  Show notes, links, and further next steps are at The Between Retreats Substack.

Author and Teacher Sophfronia Scott reflects on the power of language to both destroy and mend the world, and then teaches a brilliant practice to help us see each other as we truly are. Both an inspiring and deeply practical episode. Show notes, links, and next steps at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Author, therapist, and priest Ian Morgan Cron helps us engage Practices to Prevent a Civil War through the lens of his upcoming book on the Twelves Steps. A fascinating and really insightful conversation. Show notes, links, and next steps are at the Between Retreats Substack.

Dave Davis and David Katibah from The Telos Group join us to talk about October 7th, Gaza, and the widening violence in the middle east. Out of the realities on the ground, they appeal to diverse communities of American peacemakers to stand with both Palestinians and Israelis to sustain dignity, freedom, and security for all. And they offer Six Principles and Practices of Peacemaking to help us participate. Powerful.  All six practices, along with links and next steps, are at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!

Spiritual Director Nina Barnes helps us reflect on the great cloud of witnesses, the anger and cynicism of being awake right now, and the necessity of carrying each other.  Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Justice advocate and author Shane Claiborne helps us engage our hearts and our hands in the needs of the country. Especially the poor and forgotten. After sharing a couple stories, Shane teaches a historic practice to help us remove the plank in our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck in our neighbor's eye. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Author Shauna Niequist invites us to stop scrolling and begin gathering. She reminds us about the power of the table and the necessity of being face to face with those we love and those we don't yet understand. A compelling and highly practical episode. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Poet and Preacher Drew Jackson reflects on the apocalyptic times we live in and the calling of the American church while things crumble. To carry us through these days, he calls us toward hope and teaches a powerful breath prayer from Colossians 3. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Reverend Cannon Dr Stephanie Spellers shares her love for America and her ache for how we fall short of our ideals. And she teaches a practice based on four soul-opening questions. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Author and public theologian Brian McLaren reflects on the rise of authoritarianism in our country and world, and teaches two powerful practices to help us choose the way of Christ instead. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.

Welcome to a three month series hosted by Pastors, Priests and Guides and The Eternal Current Podcast. Aaron Niequist welcomes a diverse group of guests to reflect on the question: "What are the practices that can form us into the kinds of people and communities who make Civil War less likely, and make God's dream for our world more possible?" Guests Brian Mclaren, Rev Stephanie Spellers, Drew Jackson, and many more will share a short reflection on the times in which we live, and teach practices that help us choose the peace-making Way of Christ.  Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for more. 

Sarah Bessey joins Aaron Niequist for the third and final conversation about her book Field Notes for the Wilderness. As our faith evolves, how do we discern what to hold on to and what to let go?  Sarah invites us into the simple but vital practice of keep, toss, and re-purpose. 

In this tender episode, Sarah Bessey offers a handful of life-giving practices for anyone finding themselves in the wilderness. Her courageous honesty and humble wisdom is a gift. Join this full journey at the Between Retreats Substack.

Sarah Bessey joins Aaron Niequist for the first of a three part conversation about her book "Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith".  In this first episode, Sarah gives helpful language for the beauty and agony of the wilderness, and shares her personal story. She is a gentle guide for all who have ever felt lost in their faith.

Drew Jackson invites us to practice Sabbath in a conscious way. Even in our practice of rest, we stay awake to the realities that keep our neighbors from rest, and move toward them in solidarity. What needs to change so that everyone can rest? 

Drew Jackson continues his conversation with Aaron Niequist and invites into the practice and posture of Solidarity. "If we have no peace, it's because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." (St Mother Teresa)

Drew Jackson sits down with Aaron Niequist for a three part conversation about mystery, solidarity, and Sabbath as Resistance. In this first episode, using stories and his own poetry, Drew invites us to begin with the questions rather than demand certainty.