Deeper Still

In this episode, host Suanne Camfield interviews Steve Carter, Lead Pastor of Christ Church and author of Grieve, Breathe, Receive. Steve shares his journey of grief after stepping away from Willow Creek, the challenges he faced during a desert season, how he learned to loosen his grip on achievement and begin to hope again. Steve shares how God has brought redemption, healing and joy to his story as he's stepped back in to lead a local church once again.

In this episode, Suanne Camfield and pastor Aaron Foster explore the significance of Lent, sharing personal experiences and reflections on the themes of repentance, confession, humility and intentionality. They discuss why they love Ash Wednesday, the historical context of Lent, the invitation it offers to deepen one's relationship with God, and the importance of being intentional in spiritual practices during this season.

In this conversation, Suanne Camfield interviews Eric Camfield, the Founder & President of Altar Fly Fishing, also her husband of 27 years. Using his experience as a pastor, non-profit leader and transformational life coach, Eric talks about soul health, soul neglect and how understanding life rhythms and naming your desire for change are the first steps in creating the kinds of lives God intended for us. Eric also shares how his own experience with burnout ignited a passion to help others live more intentionally.

In this episode of Deeper Still, Suanne Camfield interviews Pete Stearns, the lead pastor of St. Mark's Community Church in Burlington, NC. Pete opens the episode by sharing an unexpected way his church got involved with relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, what he's discovered about the joys and challenges of becoming a lead pastor and how he's learned to preach without notes. Suanne & Pete spend the second half of the conversation exploring the concept of sin, reframing its focus from behavior management to understanding it as a sickness form which there is only one cure. Pete emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit, defining the process of sanctification, as the Spirit transforms our hearts and cultivates our character, as well as the need for consistency and community as we find our way.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Context Setting02:37 Hurricane Relief Efforts and Community Response09:00 Transitioning to a New Community and Family Life13:31 Surprises of Lead Pastorship18:03 Preaching Without Notes: The Process22:57 The Theology of Sin: A New Perspective28:18 Redefining Sin and Its Implications33:23 The Journey to Freedom from Sin38:16 Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit43:57 Sanctification: A Process of Growth49:20 The Importance of Bearing Fruit in Community

In this episode, Danielle Schaeffer shares her journey as a parent of a disabled son, how that journey changed her perspective on the world they inhabit together and how her advocacy for the disability community led her to serve in the local church. Danielle also helps educate listeners on proper language surrounding disability as well as how the church can & should lead the way in creating welcoming spaces for all God's people. Danielle currently serves as the Director of Disability Ministry at Christ Church, a non-denominational church in the suburbs of Chicago, and is pursuing her Masters of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary.

Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and bestselling author of more than 40 books, discusses the lasting the impact of The Case for Christ, the importance of never giving up on people far from God and how his approach to apologetics and evangelism have changed over time as God as shaped his own soul. You won't want to miss the story of his emotional interview with Charles Templeton, a former evangelist who turned agnostic, or why he decided to write 'Is God Real?' Lee also addresses how to answer questions about pain and suffering not only with reason & logic but with empathy and love.

In this episode, Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, award-winning author and seminary professor, discusses the importance of practicing a lived theology, the power of counter-cultural narratives, the role of the church in addressing individual and systemic sin, the significance of lament and how cancel culture actually reveals an insecurity in our identity as followers of Christ. Suanne and Dr. Rah also spend some significant time highlighting the changing demographics of the American church and how that current reality calls us to rethink our practices and love our neighbor in deeper and evolving ways.

In this episode, Nancy Ortberg discusses her passion for leadership and the journey of discovering our calling. She emphasizes the importance of feedback and the cultivation of character and heart as we embrace our limitations. She explores the connection between leadership and spiritual formation, emphasizing the need to be deeply rooted in one's identity in Christ. She also emphasizes the need to find God in the gaps of our stories as we embrace lament and vulnerability.

Suanne interviews Jennifer Johnson Jordan, former professional beach volleyball player, Olympian and current head women's beach coach at UCLA. They discuss Jenny's journey as an athlete, her experience as an Olympian and her transition into coaching. Jenny's shares how her faith influences her coaching style and the importance of caring for the whole person. They also spend some time discussing the pressures and challenges faced by young athletes and their parents, as well as the responsibility coaches have at all levels to build up -- and not tear down-- the athletes under their care.Jenny also shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of women's sports and the importance of supporting and promoting female athletes. She reflects on the humility and impact of her father, Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, and the lessons she has learned from him. Finally, she discusses her own journey as a head coach and the deeper reliance on God and trust in His plans that it has required.

Ever wonder if your everyday, ordinary life actually matters? If long obedience in the same direction really does pay off? If showing up for worship or for people who are suffering -- even when you don't feel like it or know exactly what to say or do--is the right thing? Drew Dyck joins the podcast to discuss his book Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything. In this episode, Drew and Suanne cover everything from Drew's midlife crisis to the spiritual idea of plodding to how faithfulness in the small things is often more important than pursuing even our biggest dreams. Drew also shares why it's important to show up in person, how to set boundaries and extend grace when being present isn't possible, and gives listeners a special encouragement to put the screens away and pay attention to the people God has put in their paths.Learn more about Drew and all of his books at drewdyck.com

So let's be honest. Doing a podcast about something as politically charged and divisive as critical race theory feels a bit risky. But it's also the reason conversations like this one with Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters, are so important. As people who are doing our best to follow Jesus in a complex world, we need safe spaces to explore and understand complicated ideas without having them hijacked by media pundits or 30-second sound bites. When I first prepped for this episode, my idea was to do a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of CRT (which, btw, Ed spends 7 chapters unpacking in the book. I learned a TON about it's origins, what it does and doesn't mean and why it matters to the church), but as with any podcast, conversations have a way of taking on a life of their own. While Ed and I do talk about critical race theory, what we spend more time talking about is some of the broader questions it causes us to consider like our country's racial history, systemic v. individual racism, our own defensiveness in conversations about race, cross cultural competency, ethnic indifference and the importance of listening and learning from those who are different from us.Ed has been a trusted friend and voice in my life for more than 20 years. You'll hear that in the podcast, but you'll also hear how God has been weaving together his own story in a way that has uniquely prepared him for such a time as this. No matter where you find yourself in your own journey, I hope you'll listen in as we continue to learn and grow together.

Jon Jorgenson, Creative & Teaching Pastor at Soul City Church in Chicago, discusses how his love for theater and performing converged with his faith to spark a calling that changed the direction of his life. Jon shares about his decision to step away from Broadway and follow God's leading into ministry, despite uncertainty and fear. With more than 20 million views on Youtube and 24,000 followers on Instagram, Jon also discusses the tension of having a platform as a believer, the importance of being present with people and how aligning one's public and private life is a mark of character as God's witnesses in this world.Be sure to listen all the way to the end when Jon offers a word of both encouragement & challenge to young people as they seek to follow Jesus in a complex world.

Pastor & Author Tracey Bianchi joins the podcast today to talk about Lent, liturgy and why being intentional about Holy Week matters. She also shares vulnerably about how her husband's unexpected health crisis turned her world upside down, what it has taught her -- and is continue to teaching her-- about the messiness of life, letting go of control and living in the hope of Easter Sunday.Tracey Bianchi has served in the local church for twenty years. She's led as pastor in Student Ministry, Women's Ministry, Worship Arts, Adult Ministry and as a regular preacher at Christ Church, located in the western suburbs of Chicago. She is the author of four books and Bible studies on faith-based parenting and formation for women. In 2013, her work was noted by Christianity Today a “One of Fifty Christian Women Leaders to Watch.” Tracey also serves at several Christian institutions of higher education. She's on the Board of Trustees at Denver Seminary and teaches courses in preaching, worship, and practical ministry at a Chicago area seminary. She earned her BA in History and Political Science from the University of Iowa; her Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary; and is about to earn her doctorate at Duke Divinity School.

Alan Noble talks about his award-winning book On Getting Out of Bed: The Gift & Burden of Living. Alan shares his motivation for writing the book, explores the myth of a happy life and takes a deep dive into the reality of living with mental afflictions--as well as those who love them. Alan emphasizes why getting out of bed is not only courageous, but a choice that ultimately reflects the goodness of God. TakeawaysMental health is an important topic that needs to be addressed.Suffering is a normal part of life, and it is important to acknowledge and support those who are going through difficult times.Building intentional relationships and creating safe spaces for sharing stories is crucial for supporting one another.When trying to help someone with mental health issues, it is important to be mindful of how our words and actions may impact them.Finding a sense of purpose and answering the question of why we should get out of bed every day is essential for mental well-being.

Suanne and award-winning author Jen Pollock Michel explore what it looks like to have a counter-cultural perspective on time, productivity and faithfulness. Jen shares her own journey of redefining productivity as well as key insights from her book In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry and Practicing Peace. Jen discusses how implementing a Rule of Life and can help transform "time anxiety" and bring freedom as we make decisions that honor God and one another.Key TakewaysRedefine productivity as fruitfulness and focus on the long-term growth and impact.Recognize the cultural conditioning towards constant acceleration and busyness.Create a rule of life to establish intentional habits and practices that align with your values and priorities.Make space to be open and available to God and others, allowing for interruptions and reevaluating the importance of tasks.Learn more about Jen's books and her Rule of Life Intensive at www.jenpollockmichel.com and @jenpmichel

Join us for Part Two of Suanne's conversation with author, researcher and professor Steve Argue, co-author of Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in their Faith, Family & Future. Steve & Suanne are joined by Christ Church Family Pastor & Fuller Seminary Doctoral Student Steve Noble. Together, Dr. Argue & Steve share insights about how a parents' relationship with their child changes over time, what this means for parents as they, too, learn to grow and adapt to the needs of their kids, the real pressure parents feel for their kids to "measure up" (and what happens when they don't), and how relational warmth, empathy and community lead to hope and joy in parenting."Our children are changing as they get older. We are changing as they get older. Our relationship with them is changing as we get older. Often our parenting focuses on behavior but as our kids get older, it doesn't work so much. We need to go on a mutual journey with our kids as all of us change and grow together," Steve Argue. Learn more about Steve Argue's research, including his books, at stevenargue.com

Suanne & Kris Stevenson talk about the origin & traditions of Advent, the gift of longing for Christmas, how each Gospel treats the Christmas narrative a little differently and what the gifts of the wise men have to teach us about Christmas.

Author, speaker and seminary professor Steve Argue explains the landscape facing emerging adults today. Not only does he share the unique challenges adults in their 20s are facing, but reminds all of us--parents, mentors, employees, church leaders, aunts, uncles, grandparents!-- why empathy and presences are key to connecting with this generation. Visit his website to learn more about Steve's speaking, writing and resources.

Sherri Adams, Christ Church staff member and Generis Consultant, talks about her passion for the local church, why generosity matters in the lives of God's people, and how her plan to donate a kidney to her brother went completely awry. Sherri opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer, questioning her faith, what if felt like to be angry with God, letting go of her pride, and how God ultimately used her story in ways she never could have imagined.

ABC7 Chicago's Tracy Butler joins the podcast to talk about her journey through broadcasting (including the surprising call she received in 7th grade that changed her life), what might surprise you about her job and how her faith has grown through family, friendship and studying God's Word. Tracy also shares what it was like hear the word "cancer," how early detection may have saved her life, and why she is now so passionate about encouraging women to schedule their mammograms. Tracy Butler is Chicago's longest-running female meteorologist and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Spiritual director, author and teaching pastor Casey Tygrett talks about this new book The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality for Unsettled Seasons.

Suanne interviews Dan Meyer, Lead Pastor of Christ Church, about the complexities of following Jesus in a changing world, the importance of turning down the noise so we can hear God's voice, the joys and challenges of being a pastor, and how pain in the midst of our journeys point us towards the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Suanne talks with Jenni Wong Clayville, Weekend Experience Pastor at National Community Church in Washington D.C., about how she stepped into church leadership when she thought women could only be pastor's wives, how empowering others is the best leadership move we can make, what it's like to work alongside Mark Batterson, why hospitality matters and how being clear about who we serve in today's polarized culture makes all the difference. Follow Jenni on Instagram @jclayville

Suanne interviews Tammy Melchien, teaching pastor at Community Christian Church. Tammy is a writer, teacher and speaker who loves helping people take their next steps with Jesus. Listen in as Tammy talks about her journey as a female leader, how finding your unique gifting makes all the difference, what it's like to lead a teaching team at a mega-church and why she believes the book of Revelation has something to say to the Church today. Learn more about Tammy at tammymelchien.com

Suanne interviews best-selling author, pastor and speaker John Ortberg about why who we become is the most important thing God gets out of our lives, how pain seems to be the thing that most often changes people, why confession and transparency are so good for community, how political frameworks fail us, and how God is calling him to go deeper still right now.

Suanne interviews Jeff Crosby, the President & CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association, and author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of our Hearts. Listen in as Suanne & Jeff talk about what it means to be created as a person who longs, how those longings manifest themselves in our own hearts, how they affect the world around us, and what happens if and when we fail to pay attention to them.

Suanne interviews Ines Franklin, author of Unchartered: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. Ines shares open and honestly about the twists and turns in her own faith journey, from being raised by a single mom in Puerto Rico to getting divorced to having an affair -- and then having everything change when God crashed into her life at age 40 and redeemed it all. Ines reminds us that we shouldn't be surprised when we fail or obstacles come our way. It's all part of our unique faith journey, and God's grace is always big enough. Ines is a teaching pastor at Mariners Church in Seattle. Follow her @inesfanklin

Suanne talks to Terra Vincent, Director of Strategic Partnership at World Relief, about the worldwide refugee crisis. Terra breaks down misconceptions many Americans hold about refugees, gives us a window into what they wish we knew about them, and shares stories of how World Relief is making a difference. Learn more about World Relief and how you can make a difference at worldrelief.org

Suanne interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, about his new book Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught and Ministered in the Early Church. Visit Nijay's blog cruxsolablog.com and follow him on Insta @nijay.gupta and Twitter NijayKGupta

This week Suanne interviews bi-vocational pastors of the Light Church, Terrance & Keisha Campbell. Terrance & Keisha share how The Light Church grew out of their daughter's heart to serve the homeless, how their unique calling as bi-vocational pastors has given them a different perspective on what it means to steward their influence, and how taking the next faithful step is often the best and only thing we can do as followers of Christ. The Light Church is located in Oak Park, IL.

Suanne interviews writer, speaker and marriage coach Dorothy Little Greco, author of Marriage in the Middle: Embracing Midlife Surprises, Challenges and Joys, about navigating the unique challenges couples face during midlife including deciphering disappointment and unmet expectations, learning how to say what you need, caring for aging parents and extending lots of grace. While the conversation tips towards midlife marriage, Dorothy's wisdom and encouragement transcends relationships no matter where couples find themselves on the journey.

Suanne interviews Liz Heinzel-Nelson, the Executive Director of Villages in Partnership (VIP), and her husband, Stephen, as they share the story of how VIP came to be and the good work God is doing as they seek to eradicate extreme poverty in Malawi, Africa. Villages in Partnership is a development organization that works in the rural villages of Sakata, Malawi, partnering with 29 villages and impacting over 21,000 lives. VIP has been in existence for over a decade and has supporters throughout the 50 states and the United Kingdom. Learn more at https://villagesinpartnership.org

Ever wonder where Ash Wednesday comes from? The traditions and biblical framework surrounding Lent? Wonder why some churches practice Lent while others don't? Need some motivation and practical tips on how to practice Lent this year? Listen in as Pastor of Spiritual Formation Eric Haskins quizzes Suanne on all things Ash Wednesday & Lent, and provides some inspiring and practical guidance along the way. Eric will be preaching at the Christ Church Ash Wednesday service Wed, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. on the Oak Brook campus.

Suanne interviews Mindy Caliguire, Founder and President of Soul Care, an organization dedicated to aligning the spiritual reality of caring for our souls with how we actually live. Everything in life emerges from the soul: work, relationships, service, art, leadership, health, and beyond. Caring for it as a way to experience the abiding presence of Jesus is not a luxury; it's essential to our life with God. Listen in as Mindy shares her own journey of soul neglect to soul health, explains the biblical framework for the soul and some practical tips (a page, a person, a plan!) for caring for the soul in the midst of your everyday, hectic and ordinary life. Learn more about Soul Care at www.soulcare.com Note: We apologize in advance for some audio challenges in this episode.

Suanne talks to Christ Church pastors Tara Beth Leach and Charlie Browning about what it looks like this Advent season to be a people who cling to hope in the midst of a broken world and learn to rejoice in the midst of all things.

Suanne interviews author, speaker and podcast host Elisa Morgan about her new book Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World. This conversation is a powerful reminder that God enters our stories, just like he did for Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Anna and so many others in the Christmas story---and meets our deepest needs.

Suanne welcomes her friend Karen Wilkinson to the Deeper Still studio. In the summer of 2021, Karen's husband, David, contracted Covid. When Karen dropped him off at the hospital 3 days later, she had no idea that he would remain there for 140 days. David's condition become so severe that Karen called in family to say goodbye. But God had other plans. After witnessing miracle after miracle, David would go on to become the recipient of a double lung transplant. Listen in as Karen shares their story of God's goodness and grace. Karen's book On Borrowed Breath will release in 2023.

Suanne interviews Angie Weszely, Founder & President of Pro-Grace, about how believers can reframe thought patterns and conversations around unplanned pregnancy and abortion in a way that brings hope and healing to both women and children. "Imagine if we framed our response apart from either political position and instead rooted it in how Jesus interacted with all people: with compassion, empathy, and grace." -prograce.org

Listen in as Suanne and Andrea Coli, Executive Director of Lead Bold, talk about the leadership, influence, comparison and the power of naming someone's gifts. Andrea also shares details about the upcoming Lead Bold Conference being held in the Chicago Suburbs on Nov 3-4. Lead Bold is an organization committed to empowering and equipping women to live into their potential in ministry leadership. Learn more and register at leadingbold.org.

Suanne teams up with two faithful ministry partners to take a deeper dive into Christ Church's recent sermon series on the Book of Kings. Listen in as Suanne, Aaron and Kris process a little about what they've been learning and how Jesus is calling them to go Deeper Still through the ancient story of Elijah.

Kicking off Season Four with author, pastor and teacher Sharon Hodde Miller as she talks about her new book The Cost of the Control: Why We Crave It, The Anxiety It Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises. Sharon is the co-founder of Bright City Church in Durham, NC. Learn more about Sharon, her ministry and her books at sheworships.com

Suanne & Kris wrap up the book of Ephesians by discussing Paul's famous words that are now more commonly known as the Armor of God. What a fantastic way to finish this incredible book!

Suanne talks with Cathy Lapinski and Lisa Garvin about some of the misconceptions surrounding submission, especially when it comes twisting the famous words of Ephesians 5:22 "Wives submit to your husbands..." Learn more about what Paul was really getting at as he uses the example of marriage to turn the Roman idea of submission on its head.

Suanne sits down with the senior pastor of Christ Church, Rev. Dr. Daniel Meyer, as he shares personally and profoundly some reflections on his own lenten journey, Holy Week and why the hope of the resurrection is still the brightest light for renewal in lives today.

Suanne & Cathy Lapinski take a dive into Ephesians 5:1-21 and talk about what it looks like to imitate the way of Jesus and walk in the way of love.

Suanne & Christ Church Butterfield Campus Pastor Charlie Browning discuss what it means to live a life worthy of the calling we have received as they take a deep dive into Ephesians 4. So often we think of calling as something we do -- a vocation -- but Paul reminds us here that we are first and foremost called to clothe ourselves with the very character of Christ.

Suanne & Kris continue the conversation on Ephesians by taking a deep dive into Paul's reason for writing the letter, what it means for the church and why he gets on his knees to pray for God's power to strengthen the church.

Suanne and Lisa Garvin talk about one of the most familiar passages in Ephesians:"For it is by grace you have been saved .... " (Eph 2:8) as they focus in on the first ten verses of the chapter. This conversation is also a beautiful reminder that two of the most powerful words in Scripture are "But God." No person, situation or circumstance is beyond God's grace.

Suanne and Kris begin a journey into the book of Ephesians. This conversation provides a brief overview of the book of Ephesians and then focuses on some highlights in Chapter One about what it means for us to be included in the body of Christ.

Season Three kicks off with a conversation with Eric Camfield, President & Founder of Altar Fly Fishing. Eric, a transformational life coach, shares his journey from pastor to non-profit president and how developing spiritual habits and rhythms can change our lives. Altar Fly Fishing's mission is to help you live a greater life with God, yourself and your most valued relationships through life-shaping fly fishing retreats and outdoor adventures. Visit AltarFlyFishing.org

Suanne interviews Rebecca Wells, Founder of Ian's Place, as she shares the story of losing her nineteen-year-old son Ian in a tragic work accident in August 2019. Rebecca shares her journey through grief, how she learned to find joy again and how Ian's Place is bringing hope to other bereaved parents. Ian's Place exists to help bereaved parents find a place for comfort and healing in a Christian environment. Their mission is to support newly bereaved parents as well as those who have grieved the loss of a child for years. They exist to pray, listen, talk and cry with grieving parents for as long as it takes to find healing through hope for the future.