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Latest episodes from Christian Curious

Eros Love: A Romantic Unpacking with Reverend Andrew Lazo

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 28:13


In 1960, C. S. Lewis published The Four Loves which chronicles the four Greek definitions of love. Today, we will explore Eros love, the romantic/sexual type of love with Reverend Andrew Lazo, C. S. Lewis scholar and co-host of Pints with Jack. We know sex sells in all areas of our culture and economy and has been for centuries. But why are we suspectable to this tricky trap?  Why does sex sell and how can we break from this inflamed cycle of desire and want in a negative way? Using C. S. Lewis as a touchstone, we'll explore this challenging issue from a historical, academic and modern perspective. 

110. C.S. Lewis Scholar David Bates on Storge Love- Wait What?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 27:32


C.S. Lewis wrote The Four Loves to present a balanced portrait of the different aspects of love using various Greek words that either appear in the Bible or else embody a biblical facet of love. In this episode, we explore storge love (“store-gae”) whose chief meaning is the deepest affection, like a parent to a child. A lively conversation with a host of Pints With Jack, David Bates helps us unpack this tricky, but fundamental and deeply fulfilling love. 

110. Feb Love Month: Philia Love and C. S. Lewis

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 30:13


February is the perfect backdrop to explore C. S. Lewis's 1960's book, The Four Loves, in which he unpacks his robust interpretation of four types of loves: philia, storge, eros and agape. Today we will speak with Lewis experts David and Crystal Downing of Wheaton College on the subject of philia - friendship bonds.  Lewis described philia as the "least of the natural bonds" but potentially the most powerful because it is freely chosen.  He believes friendship is the "crown of life" and in today's modern world, we ignore its positive influence on human happiness at our peril. 

109. Intentional Mentorship: Scary, Exciting or Both?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 28:01


When you think of asking someone to be your mentor, do you break out in a sweat like you're asking someone on a first date? Do you think you have to find the 'perfect person' who will answer all of your myriad needs? Laura Flanders, a seasoned leader and educator in the training and mentoring field helps us dispels the myths, and our anxiety, by unpacking the definition of mentorship in a compelling and encouraging way. She will help you look at this new year with intentionality and set you up for expanded growth and deeper formation - personally and professionally. 

108. New Year's Resolutions - God's Goals or Yours?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 27:29


We are at the end of January - how are you doing on your New Year's resolutions? Did you make any? Why do some resolutions seem to come easily while others are harder patterns to break - or start?  Dr. Betsy Wagner unpacks how and why change is so hard, and how some resolutions and behaviors are easier to achieve than others.  Based on her research and knowledge of brain science, psychology, spirituality, and modern-day culture, Dr. Wagner gets to the core of "why" you may want to change or start a new behavior - and how you can make it stick.  

107. Is Virtual Reality An Opportunity for Jesus' Message?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 27:09


We all want to escape sometimes- work, responsibilities, and sometimes even our own bodies. Today's virtual reality offers an alternative world view where one can try on new personas and explore new worlds. Should Christians be building avatars and churches to minister in the metaverse? We visit with prolific author and professor, Dr. Doug Groothuis to explore this scintillating and controversial new way of looking at the Christianity in today's virtual worlds.  Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

106. How Can Music, Lyrics and Poetry Minister to Today's Youth

Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 28:10


Music has been an important component in the lives of young adults --  of every generation.  Sometimes cleverly worded lyrics and a deep rhythm can touch a soul like nothing else on earth. Today we hear from George Floyd of Be U Ministry as he talks about his journey of love, life and music and reaching the souls of this generation. Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

How Can We Achieve Physical Fitness and Health Over the Holidays?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 28:45


Our bodies matter to God. And yet, almost all of us, at one time or another, fight the battle of the bulge. As we age, our metabolism slows down and for many, we can give up, thinking our weight is out of our hands--the downside of getting older. But this is not true and there is a way we can gain victory over the scale and achieve physical fitness.In the midst of the pandemic, Jody Jolly looked in the mirror and did not like what she saw, so she decided to do something about it and learned a great deal about herself in the process. You won't want to miss her story. You can connect with Jody here: https://www.facebook.com/jody.jolly. 

What Does it Mean to Live a Good Life?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 27:10


What is a good life? How do we know when we are living one? If we find that we are not, when we're feeling burned out, dissatisfied, lonely, or addicted, how do we get on the right track?Listen in to today's episode with Dr. Bethan Willis, Associate Chaplain with the Oxford Pastorate.

Why Calling is More "We" than "Me"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 28:17


American writer Frederick Buechner wrote, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” They are lovely words that express a lovely sentiment, but there is a theological problem with it: it's all about me. And more: what if we never find that exact nexus where  passion and need meet?Listen in to hear Dan Steiner com back to the show to talk more about calling, specifically why calling is more about "we" than "me".Resources discussed in this episode include What is My Calling? by Dan Steiner and can be found anywhere books are sold.

What is the Shadow Side of Calling?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 27:09


Secular and spiritual communities alike are fascinated with the concept of calling--the idea of pursuing your life's purpose. But what is the shadow side to pursuing your calling? What do you do when what you thought was your calling doesn't work out? When the bottom falls out of your your dreams or your life? Were you wrong about your calling?Listen in to mentorship leader and coach Dan Steiner discuss the shadow side of calling and how we ought to think about our work and life's purpose.Resources mentioned in this episode include What Is My Calling? by Dan Steiner and can be found wherever books are sold.

How Can We Effectively Minister to the 'Nones?'

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 26:12


In 2012, the Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life released a report detailing the rise of the 'Nones.' The Nones are a growing number of Americans who identify with no particular religion. The data says that as America grows younger, America grows less religious. Yet in 2015, Brianne Shaw and her husband, Josh, were undaunted by those statistics. She launched Lighthouse Church in one of the most secular cities in the country: Denver.Since that time, Lighthouse Church outgrew a home, a warehouse, and a high school. Now they are a fast growing church in south Denver, a place where church attendance has declined or stagnated in recent years. Brianne studied Christian Ministry and Psychology at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, which catapulted her into a journey of nearly 10 years serving in various ministry settings. In addition to co-planting Lighthouse Church, she currently serves as the pastor of assimilation for young adults and serves on the church's board of elders. She has a passion to see young adults fall in love with Jesus and is dedicated to empowering them and the local church to engage with one another in a way that can transform the world. 

How Are Women Leading Today Amidst Unique Challenges?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2022 27:21


Women are God's invisible army. Every day, every moment, countless women are making a difference by leading ministries. It's far past time for a new conversation about Christian women leaders. The question is not whether women should lead. The question is how women are leading today amidst the unique challenges they face because of their gender. On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Taylor Miskel about what it's like to be a female Christian leader. Taylor is currently serving as the interim youth minister at a cooperative Baptist Church in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Denver Seminary, and she most recently completed a residency at UNC hospitals and Chapel Hill for a total of five units in Clinical Pastoral Education. Taylor has served as a leader and minister in care and connections, worship, youth, and hospital chaplaincy in the states of Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina.

How Can Christian Women Discern Their Calling (in Each Season)?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 27:12


For all the autonomy and civil liberties allowed us in the West, few places seem as powerless and irrelevant as a suburban home during times of global civil unrest. At least that's what it often feels like as a stay-at-home mom or work-at-home mom. As a young mother, I was often frustrated by what I saw to be my own inability to enact meaningful change while taking care of my two daughters. Yet I know as a researcher and a writer that this sense of purposelessness is not limited to mothers, but can follow women-- especially Christian women--throughout various seasons of their lives.In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with The Denver Institute's for Faith and Work's Joanna Meyer about how Christian women can find meaning and purpose through their life's calling. Joanna serves as Denver Institute's Director of Public Engagement, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and oversees the Women & Vocation initiative. To learn more about Joanna's work with the Women & Vocation Initiative, head over to www.womenworkandcalling.comTo learn more about Christian Curious, check out our website: www.christiancurious.com

What is God's Calling?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 27:05


Work is not primarily a thing one does to live but the thing one lives to do," wrote Dorothy Sayers. "It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker's faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God."Swift on the heels of the pandemic came the Great Resignation. Millions of people around the world voluntarily resigned from their jobs. Economists and sociologists believed that the pandemic gave people the opportunity to reevaluate their work life balance and why they are working. On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with The Denver Institute for Faith and Work's Director of Public Engagement, Joanna Meyer, about God's calling and why we work. Joanna hosts the Faith & Work Podcast and oversees the Women and Vocation Initiative. Prior to coming to DIFW, Joanna worked with Global Telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. She has an MA in Social Entrepreneurship and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder. She also completed her a certification of Women and Leadership through Cornell University. She is a contributor to the multi-author book, Women in Work, Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work. 

What Good Can You Do?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 26:32


Powerlessness. It's the feeling of hands being tied or getting carried out to sea by a riptide. It buries us under an ocean of anxiety, stress, and depression. It's a feeling that I often hear expressed by young adults who, thanks to technology, are assaulted daily by images of worldwide crises. Against such things, we wonder: what good can I do?According to Catherine Pearson, constraints can be catalysts for creativity. Catherine is the founder of the Goodmakers Society and holds a degree in business & finance from Sheffield Hallam University. She is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury. Some questions we asked Catherine in this episode:- Why do you think creativity is so important to envisioning the good that that you can do in the world? - How does technology hinder our ability to be present to the areas in our neighborhood that could use a helping hand?- What practical advice would you give to a person who has given up hope about making a change for good?To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/aboutStay curious--visit our website at www.christiancurious.com

How Can Our Work Make a Difference?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 27:18


Every year, more churches are closing their doors than opening them. A 2021 study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that 4,500 churches closed  in America, and only 3,000 opened.A few questions I often present to pastors are "If your church were to close, would your neighborhood notice? What good is your church doing in the community?"In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Catherine Pearson, the founder of the Goodmakers Society. We chat about how individuals and organizations can seek societal good. Catherine holds a degree in business and finance from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury. At the center of her work, Catherine is asking, "How could the world be better and what part can we play to make it so?”-------------------------To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/aboutStay curious--visit our website at www.christiancurious.com

What Do Kids Think Adults Should Know About Their Generation?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 27:50


Teaching between generations is often one-way. In the home, parents teach their kids. In school, teachers teach the children. But what if we changed direction to see what we can learn from children? The Scriptures place a high value on children. When the disciples asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, “‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee asks her daughters, Ellie (13) and Vivi (11), "What do kids and teens thinks adults should know about their generation? "Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

Who is Generation Z?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 28:08 Transcription Available


Mil­len­ni­als are per­haps the most stud­ied gen­er­a­tion in his­to­ry. For years, new stud­ies on Mil­len­ni­als seemed to be pub­lished every day. But there is a new gen­er­a­tion on the rise; a gen­er­ation marked­ly dif­fer­ent from pre­ced­ing gen­er­a­tions: Gen­er­a­tion Z.Born any­where from 1996 to 2012, we still have much to learn about this gen­er­a­tion. In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee chats with two members of Gen Z to learn more--her daughters, Eliana and Vivienne Scott.Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

gen z generation z halee christian curious
93. What is the Secret to a Successful Writing Process?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 27:17 Transcription Available


There is power in the written word. Words can cut like swords, heal like salve, and preserve like stone.  We don't question the power of writing... but we do wonder if there's a secret to the writing process. After all, most writers know that as satisfying as finishing a piece of writing can be, the process is often fraught with frustration. In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Doug Groothuis. He's written 15 books and published in several papers. So, we thought he'd know a few things about writing (such as how to stay in your chair to write when the mountains are calling your name.)Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

secret writing process doug groothuis christian curious
92. What is Critical Race Theory?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 28:10


At the time of this podcast recording, it is August 2022. Summer is drawing to a close, and in just a few weeks students will return to public schools in droves. Several of them will be taught Critical Race Theory as a part of their curriculum and, according to apologist and philosopher Dr. Doug Groothuis, this should raise concern for Christians. What is Critical Race Theory (CRT), and how does it conflate with Christian and American ideals? Is there an alternative that could honestly depict America's flaws while championing a hopeful future? In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack CRT with Dr. Groothuis. He recently authored a book, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics, in response to the 2020 riots and emergence of CRT. You can purchase Fire in the Streets here: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Streets-Confidently-Incendiary-Cultural/dp/1684513081/ref=asc_df_1684513081/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564725474608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4136487045843611965&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028715&hvtargid=pla-1645952115076&psc=1Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

91. How Can You Evangelize to Young Adults?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 26:46 Transcription Available


Have you ever been 'evangelized' to? What did it feel like? What emotions did it evoke?Here's the truth: evangelism can be unsettling. Why is that, and is there a better way to reach non-believers with the good news of the gospel? The answer to that question starts with evaluating WHY non-believers are turned off to Christianity in the first place. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Asia Nicholson, the young adult leader at The Bridge Ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, to do just that. These are some of the questions we explore:- What is a sustainable young adult ministry, and what are some steps to create one?- What questions are young adults who are not Christians asking? What are they processing?- Why are Christians so uncomfortable with evangelizing to non-believers?- How can you engage nonbelievers?Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousTwitter: @XnCuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir

90. What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 27:45 Transcription Available


What does it mean to be a Christian?  Unfortunately, Christian culture can put stipulations and standards on the title that aren't exactly biblical. In some circles, there are standards to pass: do you go to church every Sunday? Are your parents divorced or married? Do you struggle with addiction?In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Asia Nichol­son to explore what it really means to be a Christian in the 21st century. Asia is a woman of many tal­ents, gift­ed­ness, and an in­cred­i­ble life sto­ry. She is the leader of “The Bridge” min­istry of First Bap­tist Church of Gle­nar­den.Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir

church bridge gle christian curious
89. What Does The Universe Tell Us About God?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 28:59


UFOs. The Expansion of the Universe. The Multiverse. We have a tendency to fear what we don't understand. Is there a place for faith in the realm of astrophysics? Our guest on this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Jeff Zwerinck, is convinced that the answer is yes. He helps us explore the following question: What Does the Universe Tell Us About God?Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAirDr. Zwerinck is a research scholar at Reasons to Believe. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University. His writing and speaking encourage people to consider the connection between Scripture's truth and scientific evidence. He is the author of Escaping the Beginning?, Is There Life Out There?, and Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?, and coauthor of the Impact Events Student Devotional Series. Jeff is also a project scientist at UCLA.

How Does Education Contribute to a Successful Democracy?

Play Episode Play 29 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 26:46


It's a question we've been debating for decades: is there political imbalance in higher education? If there is, how does that impact our educational experience? A recent study compiled by professors from differing political perspectives unequivocally concluded that liberal professors are overrepresented on college campuses and universities. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that "A well informed citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people." However, in recent years there has been a spike in grade inflation and a reduction in attention span.  In this episode of The Christian Curious Podcast, we explore how these trends are affecting democracy. We interview Dr. Lucas J. Mather, 'The Republican Professor,' who has been a professor of Philosophy, Humanities, and Politics for nearly two decades in California. To learn more about Dr. Mather and his work, visit his website at https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/ 

How is Christianity Unique Among Other Religions?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 28:11 Transcription Available


Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world, but what makes it different from the rest? What aspects compel people to believe the claims of Jesus over alternate world views? In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Gray Scott speaks with apologist and author, Dr. Doug Groothius, who recently published a new edition of his classic work Christian Apologetics. Listeners will learn how to think deeply about and defend their faith.Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/what-makes-christianity-unique-among-other-religions

Are Science and Faith Really Enemies? (Part 2)

Play Episode Play 49 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 13:24 Transcription Available


(Part 2) In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion.  However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist's Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more. Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/science-and-faith

Are Science and Faith Really Enemies? (Part 1)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 13:47 Transcription Available


In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion.  However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist's Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more. Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/science-and-faith

Episode 84: How Can You Be a Great Mom Without Losing Your Own Identity?

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 26:35


Many women struggle to maintain their interests, hobbies, friendships, and even their identities once they become a mother. Many feel guilty for taking time for self-care. But as we all know, we have to take care of ourselves first before we care care for others.So how can we be a great mom and still maintain our own identity? Today, Halee and Caryn Rivadeneira address that question.Caryn is an award-winning author of more than twenty books for both children and adults. Her work has appeared in Sojourners, Christianity Today, Relevant, ThinkChristian, and Engineering and Mining Journal. Her most recent book, Saints of Feather and Fang, explores how the animals we love and fear connect us to God. To find our more about Caryn, visit her website. You can find Caryn's book, Mama's Got a Fake I.D. on Amazon here. Her new book, Saints of Feather and Fang can be found here: 

How can I be a Good mom?

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 29:00


On this weeks episode, Halee is joined by  Caryn Rivadeneira, author of many award-winning Children's Books including "Mamas Got a Fake I.D." and "Saints of Father and Fang"Halee and Caryn explore the question, "What makes a good mom?" They break this loaded question down with the topics of expectations set by society and self, forgiveness, and balancing everyday life as a mom.You can Find Caryn's website and books in the links below! Personal Cite: https://carynrivadeneira.com Mama's Got a Fake I.D.: https://www.amazon.com/Mamas-Got-Fake-I-D-Reveal-ebook/dp/B001VT3L50 Saints of Feather and Fang: https://www.amazon.com/Saints-Feather-Fang-Animals-Connect-ebook/dp/B0992X66FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BSBX1WNAC43H&keywords=saints+of+feather+and+fang&qid=1652123526&s=digital-text&sprefix=saints+of+feather+and+fang%2Cdigital-text%2C92&sr=1-1

How Do You Know You're In a Toxic Church?

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 27:26


Dr. Halee Gray Scott is joined by Laura McKnight Barringer, a curriculum creator that has authored many pieces of work including  "A Church Called Tov"Today Dr. Halee will be discussing the factors that can help you identify if you are in a toxic church. Join Dr. Halee as she dissect the identifiers to help you navigate this topic; factors including  narcissistic culture, institution creed, fear, and false narrative in pursuit to protect the church's reputation.You can get Laura's  book or get in touch with her in the links below! A Church Called Tov: https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes-ebook/dp/B085FZMTT6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V8538OAUHI3E&keywords=a+church+called+tov&qid=1652124100&s=digital-text&sprefix=a+church+called+tov%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraebarringer/?hl=en 

81. What is the Human Story Behind the Images from Ukraine?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 29:14


Today I'm speaking with Olena Shev, who grew up near Chernobyl.

80. What is happening in Ukraine?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 27:27


What is happening in Ukraine and why does it matter?My guest, Dr. Mark R. Elliot is an expert on Russia and the editor of the East West Church Ministry Report. You can find out more about his ministry here:  https://www.eastwestreport.org/about/editor

Women, Work, Calling, & Dorothy Sayers

Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 25:53


Rethinking Church (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2021 27:10


"The opposite of faith is not doubt, it's certainty." As soon as you're certain about something, you stop learning, growing, and looking for what's true. In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with Eugene Kim to discuss his nonprofit, The New Wine Collective. NWC exists to reimagine Church from the ground up--to foster a multidiscipline conversation about the next iteration of Christianity.We discuss alternative approaches to power and authority in the church, as well as how to embrace curiosity in a faith tradition that prizes certainty.  We hope that you'll join the conversation!

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Rethinking Church (Part 1)

Play Episode Play 34 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 27:11


What kind of results is the modern Church producing? Are people being discipled to be more like Christ? Jesus taught that we can judge a tree by its fruit. If the fruit isn't there, it could be time to uproot a few things.On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Eugene Kim, a former pastor and founder of the New Wine Collective, a movement empowering people to co-create their own spiritual community wherever they are. We discuss foundational issues with Church structure and leadership, as well as potential solutions for how to move forward in a constructive manner.

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The State of Christians in Afghanistan

Play Episode Play 23 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 27, 2021 28:00


Over the last few weeks (recorded August 2021), Americans and people around the world have watched the stunning developments in Afghanistan as American troops have been pulled from the country. In this episode of Christian Curious, we share information straight from the source on what Christians are currently experiencing in Afghanistan from Dr. Rex M. Rogers. Dr. Rogers is the President of SAT-7 North America, a satellite television ministry broadcasting Christian Programing across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as 50 countries in Europe. sat7usa.org

The Fight for Freedom: Ending Sex Trafficking with Ryan Berg (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 25:41


(Part 2)Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred. He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.

freedom ending shocked sex trafficking ryan berg christian curious
The Future of Seminary, Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 28:20


(Part 2) Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.

seminary christian curious
The Future of Seminary, Part 1

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 26:45


Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.

seminary christian curious
The Fight for Freedom: Ending Sex Trafficking with Ryan Berg (Part 1)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 26:56


Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred. He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.https://arunaproject.com/

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God of the Gaps with Christie Love

Play Episode Play 18 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 26:39


Our lives are full of gaps. Even when we're in the middle of something big, we're waiting for something else to occur. Where is God in the gaps of our life? Where is he in the waiting? On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss those questions and more with Christie Love, author of 'God of the Gaps: Finding Faith in the in-between spaces of our journey".

god gaps christie love christian curious
Deconstructing Faith & Thinking Critically about Church

Play Episode Play 32 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 26:00


In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Reid Bervik, a young adult and mental health counselor who has spent a lot of time considering his beliefs in the context of today's culture. If you're like us, this conversation will inspire you to think more deeply about your faith! 

Coffee Shops, Breweries, and Picnics: Unique Church Models

Play Episode Play 15 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 25:34


Danielle Reeves is one of the founders of Resilience Church in Lakewood, Colorado, and they do things a little bit differently. On this episode of Christian Curious, she chats with us about how churches can practically adjust to meet the needs of culture.

Quit Being Fake: Authenticity, Vulnerability, + Christianity

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 26:36


A major criticism that people have of Christians is that they're hypocrites. And who can blame them? When church scandals are a dime a dozen and services stay at the surface level, it's time that the Church learns how to be authentic and vulnerable. To discuss this issue in this episode is Julie Burns. She is a speaker, wife, mother of four daughters, and doula. Julie believes that leaders should be the first ones to exhibit vulnerability.

The Future of the Church (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 24:46


Is there a best way to structure Church? In Part 2 of the Future of the Church, we're back with organizational consultant Susan Yim to unpack how Church is changing on a structural level. 

The Future of the Church (Part 1)

Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 25:30


What do you think the Church will look like for the next generation? The data doesn't lie--Church is changing rapidly, and we're curious about how God might be leading the transformation.On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with a passionate organizational consultant and former minister Susan Yim to help us deconstruct & reconstruct our ideas about the faith tradition we hold so dearly.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 25:53


The nexus of suffering and belief is one of the biggest conundrums people struggle with on their faith journey. How do reconcile our idea of a good God when so much bad happens in the world? On this episode of Christian Curious, we continue our series on The Body with Kari Morris-Guzman. Kari is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and a Methodist pastor with more than two decades of ministry experience. She tells the story of the accident that rendered her a quadriplegic and how God has been walking with her throughout that journey.

Recovering from Sexual Addiction (Part 3)

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 26:35


Doug Barnes finishes our series on sexual addiction by discussing practical ways to recover.

Getting Real about Sexual Addiction (Part 2)

Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later May 13, 2021 25:51


In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with therapist Doug Barnes to dive deeper into the weeds of sexual addiction. He discusses the components of a healthy sexuality, pornography, and intimacy, to name a few.

getting real sexual addiction doug barnes christian curious
Getting Real about Sexual Addiction (Part 1)

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 25:08


Our culture at large glorifies sex. They can't stop talking about it.The church at large, however, has presented a completely different narrative for centuries--"don't have sex, and then we don't have to talk about it at all." Another name for this is purity culture, and it's just one of the seeds spurring the rampant sexual addiction in our world.In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack sexual addiction with therapist Doug Barnes. Doug has more than 20 years' experience with sexual addiction, marriage counseling, EMDR, PTSD, betrayal trauma recovery as well as depression, anxiety, and anger.

ptsd emdr getting real sexual addiction doug barnes christian curious

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