Curious Church Podcast

Get out your knife and fork, tie that napkin around your neck and tuck into this sumptuous feast of an episode. Enjoy some Peppermint talk, a bunch of Christmas favorites and the annual Christmas Quiz - numbers edition! Thanks to the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams and Amy Langle for returning to record/play with us. And for those interested, you can find the Christmas Price Index here.

In our third and final conversation about Frederick Buechner's The Remarkable Ordinary, Aaron, Matt and Jana discuss Chapters 7-8. They talk about the challenge of engaging the world and the ways that is fueled for Buechner by his own experiences of God's silence. They also explore the various ways we react to God and his silence. Plus, Aaron offers some music enjoyment tips! Looking for a copy of Buechner's book? You can read a description of the book here and pick up a copy on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

In our second conversation about Frederick Buechner's The Remarkable Ordinary, Aaron, Matt and Jana discuss Chapters 3-6. They talk about the ways Buechner highlights story as the key part of our faith, the ways that major events in our lives and the daily rhythms intellect and wrestle a little with how we discern the intersection of our story and God's story. Plus, a surprise beef at the beginning of the episode! Looking for a copy of Buechner's book? You can read a description of the book here and pick up a copy on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Our next episode will discuss Chapters 7 & 8.

In our first conversation about Frederick Buechner's The Remarkable Ordinary, Aaron and Matt are joined by Jana Dykhuis to explore Chapters 1 and 2. They talk about Buechner's unique style, why he opens his book with a discussion of art as a means of helping us pay attention and how we might pay attention to God in our ordinary lives. Plus, Aaron grapples with our podcast's “branding” and we share the story of a couple of lost episodes of Curious Church! Looking for a copy of Buechner's book? You can read a description of the book here and pick up a copy on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Our next episode will discuss Chapters 3-6.

We know you've been clamoring for some more Curious Church Podcast and it's right around the corner. This next season, we'll be exploring the theme of "Listening for God" as we enter in conversation with Frederick Buechner's work The Remarkable Ordinary. You can read a description of the book here and pick up a copy on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Our first episode of the season will discuss Chapters 1 and 2.

In this episode, we relax (some might say too much) and welcome Amy Langle on to join us for a discussion of road trips vs. flights, some summer likes and some rousing debates around summer-themed "Would You Rather" questions. It's fun, silly, and as we promise at the beginning and the end, totally without substance. But hey, what's summer for? Have your own take on summer? Email us at curiouschurch@granitesprings.org!

In this episode, we continue our conversation about baptism with Dr. Libby Backfish and the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams as we explore Chapter 12, “One Baptism,” from Kevin's book Living Under Water. This episode explores the ways baptism welcomes us in and unites us, what it means for us to recognize that God decides our boundaries, the tensions between what is central and peripheral in baptism, and so much more. We hope you enjoy this concluding conversation in our series. If you want to read along with us, you can purchase a copy of Kevin's book online here.

In this episode, we talk baptism once more as the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams returns to discuss Chapter 7, “Identity Politics”, from his book Living Under Water. This episode explores the tensions between the pitfalls of nationalism and a baptized patriotism, the language of love of country and the ways baptism gives us a primary identity. Plus, there's a mention of sewer systems, a sneeze that wasn't edited out and an opening discussion of Matt's Muppets story so you know you want to listen! If you want to read along with us, you can purchase a copy of Kevin's book online here.

In this episode, the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams returns to discuss the fourth chapter of his book Living Under Water titled “Renouncing Evil.” They discuss why the devil is part of the baptismal liturgy, the ways that baptism reminds us of the personal nature of evil and how we are invited into a life of renunciation. If you want to read along with us, you can purchase a copy of Kevin's book online here.

In this episode, the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams joins Aaron and Matt to discuss the first chapter of his book Living Under Water titled "The Script." They talk about baptism as a script, what it means to move beyond the idea of baptism as one-time event and the surprises that come of living the life of faith in this way. Plus, a whole lot more. If you want to read along with us, you can purchase a copy of Kevin's book online here.

Matt and Aaron talk about what they're going to be exploring (along with the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams) this Spring as they look at his new book Living Under Water: Baptism as a Way to Life. Join us in reading the book and check out Chapter 1 so you are ready for our upcoming conversation.

It is Curious Church's almost-annual Christmas episode as we ring in the season with Our List and the very traditional Curious Christmas Quiz. There's very little that's serious in this feast of an episode, so sit back, grab a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy the jollification. A big thanks to the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams and new guest of the podcast Amy Langle for joining Aaron and Matt for the merriment.

In this episode, the Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams joins Aaron and Matt to explore what it means to hope in a season where the goal posts seem to be endlessly shifting. They discuss the difference between hope and optimism, the relationship between our hopes in science and our hope in God and much more. Plus, a wide ranging and very diverse segment of things we like in “I Like It.” Mentioned in this episode: Peter Kelder's themes in the Lord's Supper Podcast: Nathan Foster talks to Rebecca Willard Heatley

Dr. Libby Backfish joins Aaron and Matt for a conversation about online worship. You'll hear honest wrestling with honoring the good and the gift of technology while also trying to process the compelling need for us to gather together in-person. If that's not enough to entice you to dive in, you'll also hear unexpected discussions of time zones and a special segment called “Eat a Green Thing.” Want to write in and share some of your own reflections about online worship? Email us at curiouschurch@granitesprings.org.

In this episode, Kyu joins Matt and Aaron to talk about community and its various dimensions. They talk about the ways that even during a pandemic, community deepens through people sharing more openly, and through shared experiences and touchstones. But they also talk about the ways that formative communities have suffered and the challenge of returning to a life sacrificed for others. Plus, they share some things they like! Mentioned in this episode: The cheetah and dog at the San Diego Zoo. Elastic straps to hold the fitted sheet in place (this is just an example, not necessarily what Aaron has!). Uncle Jim's Worm Farm (where Matt got his composting worms). Some information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on how snow is formed. More from Eberhard Arnold (there's also a link partway down the page where you can learn more about him).

Aaron and Matt begin exploring our question for the Fall by discussing what it means to honestly name the pandemic season as a loss and how grieving those losses can help shape us. They discuss the loneliness of the season, some concrete losses they have experienced in church life as well as the way Psalm 13 can help us hold these realities in tension with the hope of God's love. Plus, there's still room for some fun as they discuss cooking, beefs (and beef) and Matt gets a little too vulnerable. Mentioned in the episode: This post on Instagram from Kelly Powers. This survey in Nature. This survey of Protestants with respect to how churches have managed COVID.

Hop in the car, buckle up and join us for some road trip games, some beef on the grill and a preview of the Fall. Plus, Matt and Aaron are joined by a couple of hitchhikers along the way!

Rev. Dr. Kevin Adams joins the podcast to talk about his book, The Gospel in a Handshake, and how we might think about sincerity in worship. Plus, Matt brings a list from the early days of parenthood.

First-time guest Madi Trivits joins Curious Church to talk about what Sabbath looks like in a unique season of isolation. Plus, the return of "What's Your Beef?"

Matt and Aaron check in with each other and reflect on this unique season and its challenges. Plus, I like it.

Rachel Timms joins the Curious Church Podcast to share her story and explore the tensions we may experience in our calling, when things don't look quite as we anticipate. Plus, "I Like It." For links and resources, see...

Jillayne Antoon and Rachel Timms join Aaron and Matt for a special feast of an episode. For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Rev. Dr. Mark Moore joins Aaron and Matt to talk about the place of the creeds in our faith and why what we believe matters. Plus: A List from Matt. For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Aaron, Matt and Kyu explore doubting and its role in the life of faith. Can you have faith without doubt? Is doubt a sign of weak faith? Or is something else going on? Plus: I Like It! For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Aaron and Matt (and some "guests in absentia") talk about faith, the different ways that we use the word, and the difference between knowledge and belief. Segment: "Curious Creation." For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams joins the Curious Church crew to talk about reading the Psalms together. And a new segment: "Curious Creation." For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Aaron and Matt explore the world of Bible translations and how we might think about them. We even look at some concrete examples; tune in for our reactions. Also: What's Your Beef? For links and resources, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

It's a summer fun edition as Aaron and Matt are joined by Saara Spitzer, our summer intern. Apple Talk. What's Your Beef? I Like It. A Collaborative List. This and more! For links we discussed, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Adams and Dr. Libby Backfish (All Star Guests) join Matt and Aaron to talk about communion, what it is, why children are welcome at the table and what that means for the church.

Kevin Adams joins Matt and Aaron to talk about the structure of worship and how it orients us toward God, rather than ourselves. For links we discussed and more, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

Matt and Aaron talk about play and its place in worship and faith. Pretty interesting, right? For links we discussed and more, see facebook.com/curiouschurch.

In this episode, Dr. David Timms joins the podcast. Dr. Timms is the Dean of the School of Christian Leadership and the Faculty of Theology at William Jessup University. We talk about Transformational Leadership, a particular way of thinking about...

In this episode, Kyu Hahn joins the Curious Church Podcast for the first (how is that possible?!) time. We talk about God's calling, some thoughts on what it is, how it impacts our lives, and how we might walk through life when we don't have...

What is baptismal identity? What does it mean to be baptized? Is it possible for baptism to be something that unites us rather than divide us? What about all the "details" of baptism? Plus, hear a little bit about how baptism became so...

It's a Christmas Miracle! Through the wonders of Santa's technology, Sam Gutierrez returns for merriment and encouragement as we tip our hat to the meaty conversations of the year by only having segments (dessert!). Featuring a generic list, and...

In this episode, we are joined by Marc Holland, Pastor of City Life Church, who helps us talk about something he is excited, but unqualified to talk about (in his own words). We talk about Centering...

We're bringing this to you a little while after it happened, but this is all whipped cream on a delicious hot chocolate of a podcast, so no one is complaining. Right? In this Curious Extra, Matt and Aaron debrief (via a list, of course) the...

Matt and Aaron (yes, just the two of them) talk about worship planning, what goes into it, and how that can impact worship on a Sunday morning. It's all a bit (a lot) mysterious as they talk about the way God meets us in worship. Also in...

We're back. Libby Backfish (no pun intended with that first line and Libby's last name) joins us again to talk about transitions. As we head into the Fall, what does it look like to transition well, how do we both grieve losses and move forward,...

It's our Summer Segment Spectacular Sam Sendoff. Yes, that's right, it's our saddest episode to date because it's our last one with Sam as a cohost. Sam shares some thoughts on the original vision of the podcast and what it means to be...

In this continued conversation, Aaron, Sam and Matt talk again with Dr. Brad Swope, Pastor of Horizon Community Church and Adjunct Professor at William Jessup University. Brad delves more deeply...

In this episode, Aaron, Sam and Matt are joined by Dr. Brad Swope, Pastor of Horizon Community Church and Adjunct Professor at William Jessup University. They talk about some reflections from his...

In this episode, Aaron, Sam and Matt are joined by Jillayne Antoon, Director of Growth and Community Engagement for the Rocklin Academy Family of Schools, to talk about what leading looks like in the public sphere and how her faith impacts that...

In this episode, the Curious Church Crew talks about Ordinary Time and what this season of the Church calendar means for our faith and practice (hint: it's not really that ordinary). They also talk about how to pronounce Aaron's last name and...

This episode features Kelly Powers who, with expertise in student care and a background in counseling psychology, talks to the Curious Church crew about emotionally healthy spirituality. It is obviously a much needed conversation (for the podcast...

We recently talked with Father Chris Flesoras about Lent and suffering (Episode 23), so it only felt appropriate to talk about joy now that we have experienced Easter! We talk about what we think joy is (and is not) and how we can begin to enter...

Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if parts of the podcast was recorded by chipmunks? You're in luck! This is your chance. Sorry for the audio glitches, but there's still plenty of good (and intelligible) stuff packed in here....

In this episode, Father Chris Flesoras of Saint Anna's Greek Orthodox Church (in Roseville) joins the podcast to talk about Lent. We dive right into the deep end, but hang with it, for there are some "knowledge bombs" (as Sam refers to...

In this episode, Curious Church sits down with Libby Backfish who is Assistant Professor at William Jessup University, teaching Old Testament among other subjects. We talk with her about how Christians should think about the Old Testament (is it...

In this episode, the podcast serves up the kind of segment dessert that can only follow a full year's meal of serious segments. Okay, so we've had plenty of not-serious segments, but this episode goes all the way: a rather bizarre list (just...

In this episode, the Curious Church Crew gives a shoutout to some listeners, goes over the worst "days" (in Matt's estimation), and returns to our Sabbath discussion to talk about whether the Sabbath is a requirement or not. It's a good one,...