Finding Holy

In this episode of the Cartographers, we sit down with Kyle Strobel, professor at Talbot Seminary, to get at what spiritual formation is and isn't. It isn't a life hack or even growth. Find out more about Kyle, his substack and his courses here. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter and rate and review the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad East joins us to talk about Gen Z, the rise of magic, and what it might take to make Christianity weird again in a secular age. Tune in for a fascinating, down-to-earth conversation about what faith in Christ offers the world. Brad East is a professor at Abilene Christian University and we talk about his CT article, "Make Christianity Spooky Again." His most recent book is Letters to Future Saints. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gordon T. Smith joins us to talk about the position of the church in a secular age. Do we stay put? Do we form a moral enclave? How does worship form us into disciples? Join us for this conversation on the words and practices that form our imaginations: liturgical and sacramental. Gordon T. Smith is currently president of Ambrose University and the author of several books. We focus the conversation on his book Wisdom from Babylon and mention Evangelical, Sacramental, and Penecostal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Maybe religion, for all of its faults, works a bit like a retaining wall to hold back the destabilizing pressure of American hyper-individualism, which threatens to swell and spill over in its absence.” So writes Derek Thompson in The Atlantic. In this episode, as part of the series on worship and formation, Ashley and Bryce discuss Thompson's article, trends in churchgoing, the role of technology, and what the church is for. Resources discussed: “The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust” By Derek Thompson in The Atlantic Kirsten Sanders' substack series, including this article, "My First Advice Column" The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter and rate and review the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do things like gratitude and thanksgiving form us? In this conversation with Cornelius Plantinga on his latest book, Gratitude, we talk about the importance of gratitude, sin, confession, and growth in the worshipping life of a church. We also talk about practical next steps and what the global church has to teach North American churches. Links: Neal's book, Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks is Key to Our Well-being Not the Way it's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin Special Offer: Do you want to invest in your marriage and work out some relationship kinks? For the month of March, for readers of “Beauty Leads the Way” and Cartographers listeners, we have a code for the Thrive Marriage Lab, a cohort program to get out of relational autopilot from our friends at ReStory Counseling. Use code “Hales” for $20/ off each month. Last day to sign up is April 7! The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter and rate and review the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Wilson, pastor and historian, writes about the context of the WEIRDER world in Remaking the World. We wanted to dig deep on the way this context affects Christian worship and practice. Listen in for helpful terms, thoughtful analysis, and how we might actually believe what we say we believe. Links: Andrew Wilson, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West Podcast, Post-Christianity? King's Church London Special Offer: Do you want to invest in your marriage and work out some relationship kinks? For the month of March, for readers of “Beauty Leads the Way” and Cartographers listeners, we have a code for the Thrive Marriage Lab, a cohort program to get out of relational autopilot from our friends at ReStory Counseling. Use code “Hales” for $20/ off each month. Last day to sign up is April 7! The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter and rate and review the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know technology forms us -- but how? How does technology intersect with our spiritual lives? It's tempting to just toss tech out the window, but how do we think more Christianly about the tech we use? Whether as parents or leaders, we have to reckon with the affect of technology on our affections. We end the episode with a few small, practical ways to get started thinking about formation, worship, and technology's affect on our affections. Links: Ted Gioia's Substack article, "The State of the Culture" Jon Haidt, The Anxious Generation and The Coddling of the American Mind Social Dilemma Dallas Willard on vision, intention, means. We've got a limited-time, special offer for you!: What if God has more for your marriage? We're so excited to partner with Restoration Project! They're some of our favorites and now they've started a cohort for married folks called THRIVE. With code HALES you'll get $20 off each month. Go to Restory.life/thrive for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do our brains grow? What does lasting change look like? Where do things like character and pain fit? Curt Thompson brings neurobiology and the hope of the gospel together to live out a formationally-minded Christian life in this episode. We talk about how durable transformation happens often through suffering, the reasons for Christian hope, confessional communities, and how we live the life of faithful resilience when it's easier to follow "3 quick steps." Listen to the end as we've got a fun little surprise for you. Curt's newest book is The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter and rate and review the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everything we do forms us. How does this apply to the tasks of the church, like worship? We've considered some of the trends: de-churching, loneliness, and culture wars. What's really happening in worship, why do we do it? Join us as we pull back the curtain as we consider how worship is more than preferences, it's about formation. A formative view of worship differs from a functional view of worship and this paradigm shift affects the resilient fruit that is (or isn't) growing in a Christian's life. Join us in this new series as we consider how worship forms us both away from secularized narratives and towards goodness, truth and beauty. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Need a book for someone on your list about leadership, culture, or a good piece of literature? Find out what are some of our most memorable reads from this year! Please take a minute to rate and review The Cartographers. It'll be a terrific present for us. We'll back in 2024! Resources mentioned: Watkin, Biblical Critical Theory Key, How to Stay Married McChrystal, Team of Teams Crouch, The Life We're Looking For Smith, Wisdom from Babylon Wilson, Remaking the World L'Engle, Circle of Quiet Taylor, A Secular Age Augustine, City of God Minich, Bulwarks of Unbelief Bryant, A Quiet Mind to Suffer With *When you order from the link provided we make a few pennies that helps The Cartographers! Thank you. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've been hurt or are unsure about how to engage in community, this interview with Justin Whitmel Earley on his book, Made for People, is a great starting place. Listen in to Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales as they speak with Justin about creating community in the church and in your neighborhoods. It's a practical starting place that follows up from the dechurching episode (so listen to that one too if you haven't yet). Resources: Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley To find out more about Justin and his work, visit his website. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why have so many people left the church? Is it a result of the pandemic, or are the issues much deeper? In the next several episodes we'll discuss what this is about and what can be done. Listen in for surprising trends and practical ways churches can love their neighbors. Michael Graham is a co-author of The Great Dechurching. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did we learn about the culture wars? What's providing us with hope? And, what's coming next on The Cartographers? We'd love it if you rated and reviewed the show. Share an episode with a friend! Other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Episode 3: A Culture War Alternative with Mark Labberton Episode 4: Agent of Grace or Culture War Victim with Dan Darling Episode 5: What if Culture Wars are your Work? with Pete Wehner Episode 6: Beauty as an Antidote to the Culture Wars with Susannah Black Roberts Episode 7: The Burning House of American Evangelicalism with Brandon Washington Episode 8: Humor Deflates the Culture Wars with Harrison Scott Key The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if humor was more than just a way to break tension or get a laugh? Humor takes the air out of anger, leads towards forgiveness, and provides a way to opt out of culture war thinking. In this thoughtful, funny, and moving conversation, Bryce and Ashley sit down with Harrison Scott Key, author of How to Stay Married. They speak about restoration, faith, and the role humor plays. How to Stay Married is a book about an affair and the outrageous mercy of God. Find a pathway to the true, good, and beautiful even in the darkest of times -- without pandering to platitudes. Please leave us a rating or review or share an episode with a friend! Resources mentioned: Harrison's book, How to Stay Married Harrison's website Jamie Quattro, Fire Sermon Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina Barbie movie Other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Episode 3: A Culture War Alternative with Mark Labberton Episode 4: Agent of Grace or Culture War Victim with Dan Darling Episode 5: What if Culture Wars are your Work? with Pete Wehner Episode 6: Beauty as an Antidote to the Culture Wars with Susannah Black Roberts Episode 7: The Burning House of American Evangelicalism with Brandon Washington The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the culture wars a White thing? How do we think about race in America and the church? What might be the way forward? In this hopeful conversation with Pastor Brandon Washington he describes his multi-ethnic ministry and how the gospel compels us to strive for deliberate and sacrificial integration—the unity of believers of all ethnicities. Be sure to listen to other episodes in the series and we'd be grateful if you left us a review on iTunes. Resources mentioned: Brandon's book, A Burning House: Redeeming American Evangelicalism by Examining Its History, Mission, and Message Brandon's "Black and Evangelical" article in Christianity Today James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time Other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Episode 3: A Culture War Alternative with Mark Labberton Episode 4: Agent of Grace or Culture War Victim with Dan Darling Episode 5: What if Culture Wars are your Work? with Pete Wehner Episode 6: Beauty as an Antidote to the Culture Wars with Susannah Black Roberts The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the world feels unstable, we double-down on fear and tribalism. Beauty is an antidote to culture war fear. Hear one New York writer's story of conversion and how the Christian gospel is more solid than secularism in this episode with Susannah Black Roberts. You can follow Suzannah Black Roberts on Twitter, Plough, or read her Substack with husband, Alistair Roberts. Resources mentioned: "Babette's Feast" CS Lewis, Surprised by Joy Other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Episode 3: A Culture War Alternative with Mark Labberton Episode 4: Agent of Grace or Culture War Victim with Dan Darling Episode 5: What if Culture Wars are your Work? with Pete Wehner The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When your job is politics, how do you get away from the rhetoric and tribalism of the culture wars? In this episode, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales talk with Peter Wehner, a contributing editor for The Atlantic and a former presidential speech writer, about navigating culture war topics. Pete Wehner is a Senior Fellow at Trinity Forum @trinityforum; he writes for @nytimes & @TheAtlantic. He has worked in Reagan/Bush41 administrations and Bush43 White House. He's also the author of The Death of Politics. Resources mentioned: Pete's work in The Atlantic James Davison Hunter, Culture Wars "Four Forces Bind Trump's Supporters More than Ever," Atlantic For more on Mark Labberton, listen to our episode with him on the beauty of exile Other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Episode 3: A Culture War Alternative with Mark Labberton Episode 4: Agent of Grace or Culture War Victim with Dan Darling The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Be sure to signup for Willowbrae's newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens if you've been a victim of the culture war? When Daniel Darling was fired from a prominent evangelical organization, he knew he needed not to capitulate to the culture wars, but to find a robust unity. His newest book, Agents of Grace, embodies one way to move beyond warring factionalism and embody the gospel Christians believe. Be sure to listen to the series to chart your way through the culture wars. Resources mentioned: Dan's book, Agents of Grace Dan's CNN appearance Keller's Center Church Niebuhr on 4 postures (synopsis by Brad East at Mere Orthodoxy) Adventures in Evangelical Civility, Mouw Mark of a Christian, Schaeffer Non-Anxious Presence, Sayers Rene Girard on currency of victimhood (summary at Washington Examiner) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Need an alternative to online culture warmongering? On this episode, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales talk with Mark Labberton, President Emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary, about how exile is the paradigm we need for this cultural moment. Be sure to listen, subscribe and share. We'd love if you shared these episodes with a friend or family member as a starting point for conversation. Be sure to head to Willowbrae Institute to sign up for our newsletter and get a free pdf to help you process the "culture wars." Resources mentioned and other episodes in this series: Episode 1: Stuck in the Middle Episode 2: How'd we Get Stuck in the Middle? Mark Labberton's lecture "Beauty in Exile" Willowbrae newsletter signup The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this series, "Stuck in the Middle," we're talking to leaders like you who feel pulled into multiple directions in the latest iteration of the culture wars. (Here's the first episode if you missed out on that). On this episode, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales talk about the questions they bring to the table, the origin of the term "culture wars", what's involved (and get a short literary history in the process) and how a leader can actually lead through cultural change without capitulating. Be sure to listen, subscribe and share. Consider using these episodes as a starting point for conversation. Be sure to head to Willowbrae Institute to sign up for our newsletter and get a free pdf to help you process the "culture wars." Resources mentioned: James Davison Hunter, Culture Wars James Hunter, To Change the World Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous Mind Mark Sayers, A Non-Anxious Presence Willowbrae newsletter signup The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you feel like you're stuck in the middle of polarization, disinformation, and decision fatigue this new series on the "culture wars" is for you! In this short intro, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales share some of their hopes to help guide the conversation around partisanship and tribalism so that leaders can chart a pathway through the culture wars. In this series, you'll get more from thoughtful leaders and practitioners so you'll have a framework to move beyond being "stuck in the middle" to live faithfully in this moment in time. Subscribe and share so you don't miss an episode! Resources mentioned: Culture Wars by James Davison Hunter The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can we get out of bed each morning? Alan Noble's On Getting Out of Bed is a gentle reminder to do the next right thing when you or someone you love experiences mental affliction. In this conversation, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales talk about Alan's work, what the redemption of Jesus means for depression and anxiety, and how to move beyond performing our pain. Resources mentioned: Alan's latest book, On Getting Out of Bed Alan's other books: Disruptive Witness and You are Not Your Own Ashley's latest book, A Spacious Life Links are affiliate links. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do modernity, technology, brain science, and spiritual formation work together? In this wide-ranging and fascinating conversation, Bryce and Ashley sit down with Curt Thompson, MD, who deftly combines interpersonal neurobiology and Christian faith. We talk about institutions, the lack of fruitfulness amongst Christians, and developing a Christian imagination. A must-listen: practical, thoughtful, warm-hearted and help for you to live with your people and in your place. Resources Mentioned: Curt's latest book, The Soul of Desire Curt's website and podcast Mark Oppenheimer, "The Schools that Ban Smartphones," The Atlantic The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the church be a place for disillusioned people? In this conversation, Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales talk with Sara Billups about the ways consumer-driven and end-times-focused Christian belief shaped a generation. Listen in for thoughtful commentary and a way forward. Resources mentioned: Sara Billups, Orphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles can Find the Way Home Leigh Stein, "The Empty Religions of Instagram," NYT Find out more about Sara on her website. The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales interview Christopher Watkin about the story the bible tells as an interpretative lens. We speak about the issue of critical theory, how his book Biblical Critical Theory is useful, and how it might help us over and against a culture war lens. LINKS Christopher Watkin's book, Biblical Critical Theory Find out more about Christopher on his website The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we think about our days, weeks, and seasons? In this conversation with Glenn Packiam, Ashley Hales and Bryce Hales talk about emotional health for leaders, the difference between information and transformation, and how an intentional year fits in. Resources mentioned: Holly Packiam and Glenn Packiam, The Intentional Year Glenn Packiam, The Resilient Pastor and more resources at Barna The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it look like to grow old -- not just in years but in wisdom? How are young men growing in maturity? What does emotional health look like? Part of charting the cultural landscape for Christian leaders is paying attention to our spiritual health and the need for sage guides. Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales speak to counselor Chris Bruno about his new book, Sage. Resources mentioned: Chris Bruno's ReStory Counseling Chris' book, Sage The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do our limits lead us towards love? What is our understanding of the human person within the sphere of faith? How do we actually live out a kingdom ethnic in this day and age? Part of charting the cultural landscape for Christian leaders is a full understanding of the human person. In this conversation, Ashley Hales and Bryce Hales speak with David Zahl about his book, Low Anthropology. Resources mentioned: David Zahl, Mockingbird Ministries David's book: Low Anthropology The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we move through pain? What forms can we use to practice communal identity with others and promote honesty before God? How do liturgies form us? Part of charting the cultural landscape for Christian leaders is promoting forms for communal and historical identity, rather than a flippant individualism. In this interview, Ashley Hales speaks to writer Douglas McKelvey about his work in Every Moment Holy. Resources mentioned: DISCOUNT CODE for listeners: 15% off use code EMHHALES Every Moment Holy Rabbit Room DOUGLAS KAINE MCKELVEY grew up in East Texas and moved to Nashville in 1991 to participate in the early work of Charlie Peacock's Art House Foundation, an organization dedicated to a shared exploration of faith and the arts. In the years since, he has worked as an author, song lyricist, scriptwriter, and video director. He has penned more than 350 lyrics recorded by artists including Switchfoot, Kenny Rogers, Sanctus Real, and Jason Gray. Doug and his wife Lise have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and one sparkly-eyed granddaughter.    The Cartographers is a production of Willowbrae Institute. Find out more at willowbrae.org. The Cartographers is hosted by Bryce Hales and Ashley Hales and mixed and edited by Nathan Michel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finding Holy is transitioning to The Cartographers: Mapping the Cultural Landscape for 21st century Christian Leaders. Join Ashley Hales and Bryce Hales as they have conversations with guests in a changing cultural landscape. Escape the same thoughtful commentary and questions, wise ways forward, and a new emphasis on the intersection between spiritual formation, imagination, individual and institutions. The Cartographers will release every other Tuesday. We'll be back in 2 weeks with 3 new episodes. Be sure to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this third conversation with Jen Pollock Michel, we talk about how a rule of life helps lower our time-anxiety. This is a practical tool to cooperation with the work of God and of grace in our lives. We talk about the power of attention, the way of wisdom, and practical ways to move through December and January. LINKS Jen's new book, In Good Time Pre-order Bonus: Jen's free 4 week course on a rule of life this January Win 1 of 5 copies of In Good Time! Just rate and review the Finding Holy Podcast! When you do just send me a quick note to findingholypodcast@gmail.com and you'll be entered to win a copy! Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. The Finding Holy Podcast will be looking a bit different and a lot the same in the new year as we place the podcast under the direction of Willowbrae Institute. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this second conversation this Advent season, Jen Pollock Michel and I talk about how to keep time (not save it or spend it). How do we approach the time that we have? We talk what a rule of life is. This is a timely conversation now, but is great for end-of-year and beginning-of-the-year thoughts, planning and goals! Here's how not to get overwhelmed. Listen in to this thoughtful, fun, and practical episode. LINKS Jen's book, In Good Time Pre-order Bonus: Jen's free 4 week course on a rule of life Win 1 of 5 copies of In Good Time! Just rate and review the Finding Holy Podcast! When you do just send me a quick note to findingholypodcast@gmail.com and you'll be entered to win a copy! Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you feel rushed or overwhelmed this time of year? During Advent, Ashley speaks with Jen Pollock Michel about how we might better think about living in the time that is given to us. In this episode we talk about the time anxiety that attends us during the holiday rush and some practical steps forward. We're also giving away 5 copies of In Good Time! To enter, rate and review the podcast and let me know you've done it by sending an email to findingholypodcast@gmail.com. LINKS Jen's book, In Good Time Pre-order Bonus: 4 week course on a rule of life Win 1 of 5 copies of In Good Time! Just rate and review the Finding Holy Podcast! When you do just send me a quick note to findingholypodcast@gmail.com and you'll be entered to win a copy! Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to practice time-keeping as a Christian? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Hannah Anderson to talk about Advent, our need for liturgies, and what creation can teach us. Listen in and grab a copy of Hannah's book. LINKS Hannah and Nathan's book, Heaven and Nature Sing Follow Hannah on Twitter Hannah's website Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you overwhelmed? Ashley Hales talks with Ann Swindell about her devotional, The Path to Peace. As we walk through the lives of several biblical characters, we'll begin to see that the point is less to do with our circumstances and more about knowing God. Listen in to this hopeful conversation. LINKS Ann's website, including her writing courses Ann's book, The Path to Peace Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation with Glenn Packiam, Ashley talks with Glenn about resilience, discipleship and ways to move forward. Chock full of hope, data, and practical steps. Listen in. LINKS Glenn's website Rockharbor Church Glenn's book, The Resilient Pastor Resilient pastor resources (podcast, cohorts, etc). Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, Ashley talks with Gem Fadling about low-grade anxiety, a Christian's thought life and how we might notice and discern the voices in our heads to "take every thought captive." Listen in to a practical conversation. LINKS Follow Gem and Unhurried Living on Instagram Unhurried Living, Inc. Replenish Community Gem's most recent book, Hold That Thought Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ashley and Bryce Hales sit down with Angie Ward, editor of Kingdom and Country, a book that helps us discern allegiance to Christ our King and what our relationship to the nation might be. In this conversation, we chat about ideas surrounding Christian nationalism and what postures we might take in this moment in time. LINKS Kingdom and Country: Following Jesus in the Land that you Love Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley and Bryce Hales talk with journalist Bonnie Kristian about our knowledge crisis and what we can do about it. While it can feel like people aren't even living in the same reality anymore, Bonnie gives some practical and hopeful starting places in our day and age. We highly recommend her book! LINKS Bonnie's book, Untrustworthy: How the Knowledge Crisis is Breaking our Brains, Ruining our Politics and Corrupting Christian Community Follow Bonnie on Twitter Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley sits down with Shannan Martin as they talk together about how to be a good neighbor -- in our neighborhoods and in virtual spaces, too. Get some great ideas on how to grow your relationships in Shannan's newest book, Start with Hello. LINKS Shannan on Instagram Shannan's book, Start with Hello Shannan's substack We mention a conversation with Bonnie Kristian (and her book Untrustworthy); that conversation will be out next week! Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com and signup for her substack. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to live a sacramental life? Ashley is joined by Bryce Hales for this invigorating conversation with Anglican pastor, Aaron Damiani. We talk about practical starting places when we can't think our way to God, feel our way to God, or serve our ways to God. Listen in -- you'll find some hope for belief in this moment in time. LINKS Aaron's book, Earth Filled with Heaven Patient Ferment of the Early Church O Gracious Light prayer Links to the Nicene Creed and Apostles Creed for your one small step this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley Hales sits down with Amanda Held Opelt to talk about how we might normalize grief, pain, loss and death. With her background in aid work, she thought she would prepared, but wasn't when her sister Rachel Held Evans was hospitalized and died. But studying grief rituals was one way through. Listen in to this hopeful, thoughtful and rich conversation and let it help you process your own losses. LINKS Amanda's book, A Hole in the World Connect with Amanda on her website Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do we do with our questions? In this conversation, Ashley talks with Lore Ferguson Wilbert about questions faith poses and what a curious faith looks like. This conversation moves past hot takes on deconstruction and into the questions we ask of God, he asks of us, and we ask together in community. Listen in. LINKS Sign up for Lore's substack Lore's most recent book, A Curious Faith Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Weekly episodes are back! Join us each Tuesday as we connect the dots between big ideas and everyday life in culture, theology, and the arts. Expect thoughtful, deep and lively conversation and guests' laundry routines! This week, Ashley sits down with Andrew Arndt to talk about the gifts of the desert fathers and mothers. You'll hear about Andrew's own spiritual journey and how these ancient, wise voices may help those doubting and pave the way forward for our polarized culture. LINKS Andrew's website Andrew's book: Streams in the Wasteland Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com. Be sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Ashley as she talks with Mark Sayers about his recent book, A Non-Anxious Presence, and all about church renewal, church hurt, and hope for institutional clarity and mission in this moment and time. Mark Sayers is pastor of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia, and podcast host of Rebuilders. Not to be missed! LINKS Mark's latest book, A Non-Anxious Presence Learn more about Mark on his website, including his podcasts Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley Hales interviews Mako Fujimura on his artistic process, how faith and art meet and collide and give hope for sorrow and our cultural moment. Not to miss! LINKS Learn more about Mako Art + Faith book Art + Faith group reading guide Academy Kintsugi Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. You can find out more about her work and speaking at aahales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley talks with Austin Carty about how reading forms us as leaders, how we can get started reading again, and some practical steps forward, especially for pastors and leaders. Pick up a book today and become less anxious, more content, and more empathetic. Listen in. LINKS Austin's book: The Pastor's Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry Other books mentioned: The Brothers Karamazov Anna Karenina Marilynne Robinson's novels: Housekeeping, Gilead, Home, Jack, Lila John Hart Kashiguro, The Remains of the Day Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley talks with Eric Costanzo, an author (along with Daniel Yang and Matt Soerens) of Inalienable, about hope for the American church. We don't have to give up on Jesus' bride, but we do need to find ways to heal. Listen in to Eric's practical and thoughtful wisdom about how to live with hope for the church. Listening to and learning from marginalized voices shows us the way forward. LINKS Eric's book, Inalienable Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. Sign up for Ashley's substack here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley talks with Beth Silvers (one half of the Pantsuit Politics duo, along with Sarah Stewart Holland) about how we move forward with grace and hope in politics, in community, and with one another. Listen in for some practical ways to think institutionally, act kindly, and reknit our social fabric. LINKS Beth and Sarah's book: Now What? How to Move Forward When We're Divided About Basically Everything Listen to Pantsuit Politics Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. Sign up for Ashley's substack here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley talks with Gordon T. Smith on calling, vocation and how all of what we do matters — not just our careers. LINKS Gordon's book, Your Calling Here and Now Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. Sign up for Ashley's substack here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley talks with Hannah Nation and Ryan Zhang about their work with the book, Faith in the Wilderness: a book translating Chinese pastors' sermons on the intersection of the pandemic and persecution. Listen in to hear what Hannah (as the editor) and Ryan (as a translator) learned about resilience and growth and what the Chinese church can teach the Western church. LINKS Faith in the Wilderness China Partnership, https://www.chinapartnership.org/ China Partnership Prayer Guide: https://www.chinapartnership.org/pray House Church Theology, https://www.housechurchtheology.com/ House Church Theology Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hu63I1 Ashley's most recent book, A Spacious Life is in paperback, ebook and audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices