Not So Black And White With Sean Palmer and John Alan Turner

In November of 2018, missionary John Allen Chau was killed attempting to meet and evangelize people on a remote Indian island. Reflections came strong and swift. But were they right? In this episode, Sean and John look back on the actual events and - now with some distance - suggest some more helpful responses to situations like this one. What could and should Christians do moving forward to avoid this kind of tragedy again? Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

In the wake of the Willow Creek news more and more church leaders are asking pressing questions about whether churches have become too corporate in leadership structure and style. Is that true? What are good, positive ways for spiritually-formed Christians to lead healthy and whole churches.  Sean and John talk about what is healthy and unhealthy, good and bad about contemporary church leadership. This is a must-listen.  Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

You can't get where you want to go one your own. We need each other and every one needs a coach. The greatest athletes, actors, musicians and pastors have coaches. Guess what? You can't participate in God's preferred future without some guidance along the way.  You need a coach.  Support the Show on Patheos. You don't want to miss these wonderful goodies for very little cost. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

He thought he'd be better at this Christianity thing by now. All his life, John Alan Turner has wanted to be different, to be better than who he is, to improve. Instead, he helped plant a church that folded within a year. He got divorced. He was diagnosed with depression. His car was rear-ended and totaled, which left him with life-altering injuries. It seemed like the harder he pushed to become the person he was supposed to be, the farther away it fled. And now, here he is after all these years, saying, ''I'm still me.'' Support the Show on Patheos. You don't want to miss these wonderful goodies for very little cost. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John sit down with theologian, writer, and friend of the show Scot McKnight to talk about Scot's newest book, Open To The Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us.  This new book is perfect for pastors and teachers engaging their community in a discussion of the Holy Spirit, and accessible for everyday readers ready to go deeper. Support the Show on Patheos. You don't want to miss these wonderful goodies for very little cost. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John continue to discuss Sean's first 21-years in local church ministry, what he has learned, what keeps him going, and how you can keep going too. This one is great whether you're just starting out or need some renewal. Support the Show on Patheos. You don't want to miss these wonderful goodies for very little cost. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John discuss Sean's first 21-years in local church ministry, what he has learned, what keeps him going, and how you can keep going too. This is the perfect listen whether you're in the midst of struggle or experiencing your best season of ministry. Support the Show on Patheos. You don't want to miss these wonderful goodies for very little cost. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John talk with Dr. N.T. Wright, one of the world's foremost theologians, about his work, particularly his new book, "Paul: A Biography."  We also talk translations of the New Testament and what it's like to be NT Wright's pastor. Paul: A Biography Take a Class From Dr. Tom   Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Christians are called to practice a "generous orthodoxy." We are called to hold to the Christian tradition while also being open to the ways of a changing (and often improving) world. The problem is that the two sides of the equation inevitably come into conflict. Then we must choose. Sean and John discuss whether and when Christians might choose generosity? Or will we choose orthodoxy? Which will we prioritize? Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Almost every church and church leader wants to innovate and be a part of what is cutting edge. That means changes in approach and practice. But what do churches lose in the process of doing the "new thing"? Might there be some ancient and older ways to help us navigate toward a better tomorrow? Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John outline 8 initial steps churches should take BEFORE and AFTER sexual harassment and assault charges arise in your church. As two men, they are sure there are other important steps they've missed. Listen, then chime in at notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

In 2016, NFL players (and others) began taking a knew during the Star Spangled Banner in protest of police violence against unarmed black men. A year later, that protest has become conflated with America's military and Veterans? Is that fair? Right? Or is this just Americans turning an important issue into a "political football." Sean and John discuss the pros, cons, and reasons behind the protest and give you some different ways to think and talk about taking a knee. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes. Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

This is an absolute NECESSITY for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a book, particularly in the Christian market Sean and John take an insider's look into Christian publishing. These are the ESSENTIALS of what you need to know.  Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John talk about Sean's new book, Unarmed Empire: In Search of Beloved Community. Sean shares why he wrote the book, what it means for the church, and how to move forward into beloved community. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John talk abut Hurricane Harvey, Sean's flooded house, and what churches -- big and small -- can do to respond to one of America's worst natural disasters. Click Here To Help:  Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John sit down with best-selling author, provocateur, and Christian thinker, Rob Bell. More than talking about Rob's newest book, WHAT IS THE BIBLE?, Sean, John, and Rob talk ministry in the 21st-Century, what happens when you grow in your understanding of God, burning down the house, wearing the same clothes on tour, the nature of truth, and much much more.  This is real stuff, not your typical "sell a book" interview with not your typical Christian thinker. What we know is not so black and white. Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

There are landmines in every sentence a public Christian leader speaks, writes, and posts. People are sensitive (sometimes overly so) and political (always overly so), leading to easily hurt feelings and misjudgments.  How can pastors, preachers, and teachers communicate hard truths and help their flock receive hard truths as love. Sean and John explore some key components needed to help teachers be bold and not fear the flock.  Stay In Touch: Connect on FACEBOOK Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

From the Renew Conference in Fresno, CA on March 11, Sean and John talk about race, church, and unity. Hear practical steps to get yourself and your church moving past the racial quagmire. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John talk about the Falcons' Super Bowl meltdown and what a proper Christian orientation toward time -- future and past -- should look like. Is Christianity a backward looking or forward oriented faith? Is it both? Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John, in partnership with The Lookout Magazine, talk race relations in America. Recorded specifically for The Lookout, this is a primer for those interested in where we are in terms of race in America and around the world and the church's role. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Only half of eligible American voters opted-in during the 2016 election. Half of those people elected Donald Trump the 45th President of the United States. That means only 25% of Americans choose, through direct action, for Trump to be President. Add to that, Trump entered the presidency with roughly a 35% approval rating. In his first 10 days in office, 3 days witnessed massive, historic protest. He is not a popular man! Nevertheless, he is president and soared the presidency with reportedly 81% support from Evangelicals. Yet many evangelical rank-and-file leaders (pastors) see trouble, both in Trump and the church's support of him. They may not post and preach about it, but they talk to each other. Sean and John share a bit of what they are hearing and offer some helpful ways to move forward, as distinctly Christian people in the age of Trump. Further Exploration: How To Live Under An Unqualified President. Is It Too Late for Russell Moore to Say Sorry. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Author and blogger Morgan Guyton joins the show to talk about his book, How Jesus Saves the World From Us: 12 Antidotes to Toxic Christianity. Here we talk about what's right and wrong in contemporary Christianity and how Christians can better serve the world around us.  Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

What's the deal with Advent? When does Christmas actually start? What's Lent for? What's Ordinary Time? Aren't they just leftover vestiges of Catholicism and Christendom? Many folks who grow up in "free church traditions" don't understand the liturgical calendar or why anyone would bother with it. For some, it seems stilted and unhip, plus the big mega-churches don't seem to bother with it. Sean and John talk about the role the liturgical calendar plays in the spiritual formation of Christians and the church. You will be blessed by this. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

So how are you feeling after Donald Trump's electoral victory? Ready to call him "President-Elect" or does the thought of it make you want to curl into the fetal position? Are you happy or stung by the fact that 81% of "evangelicals" (whatever that means) supported Trump? Most importantly, what might Trump's election mean for the Christian church and Christian witness in the 21st-Century - especially those who didn't, don't and won't ever support his vision of America? Sean and John talk about the problems and potential facing Christians in America. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Live at CenterPeace's e3 Conference, Sean and John welcome their friend and author Caleb Kaltenbach to discuss Caleb's book, Messy Grace: How A Pastor With Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction. Here we dive into a loving church response, where Christians have gone astray, and how to love our neighbor as ourselves.  **It's live. Thanks for your understanding about the sound.** Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John share their listener's responses to "Episode 14" with Best-Selling Author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, and the recently released If You Can Keep It, and radio host, Eric Metaxas about Election 2016 and his outspoken advocacy for Donald Trump.  They talk the good, the bad, and the ugly as they see it about religious enmeshment with politics, the state of Church and State relations and why Christians should just say what they mean. Just when you think either Sean or John is a Liberal or Conservative, they surprise you...or at least try to.  Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

In our first one-on-one episode, John Alan Turner sits down with Best-Selling Author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, and the recently released If You Can Keep It, and radio host, Eric Metaxas about Election 2016 and his outspoken advocacy for Donald Trump. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Are you a pastor, professor, Christian school teacher, church youth worker, children's pastor, Executive Director of a Christian organization, or otherwise work for a Christian institution or organization? If so, your livelihood is connected to behaviors and thoughts that oftentimes has little to do with your job competency. In some cases, your competency and growth can become a problem as well. Sean and John outlines what the perils of a professional Christian are and what you may be able to do to deal with them. Resources: Immortal Diamond, Richard Rohr Falling Upwards, Richard Rohr Preparing For Heaven, Gary Black, Jr. Stay In Touch: Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John sit down and talk the 5 GREATEST temptations of Christian leaders and what we can do about the. Do you find yourself trying to keep up with the Joneses, to not say anything, to whine, to be important, or to merely be a "professional" Christian? Is your teaching fueled by anxiety or a desire to be loved and popular. This episode is for you.  Notes: Nouwen's "Three Temptations of A Christian Leader." If you know, love, or lead teens and young adults, you'll gain much from this episode.  Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John sit down with Director of Relationship IQ at Pepperdine University, Hannah Parmelee, to talk about helping kids and young adults make meaningful connections in a disconnected world. Hanna talks dating, making friends, sex, and basic friendship formation. If you know, love, or lead teens and young adults, you'll gain much from this episode.  Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

As a Christian communicator, (preacher, Bible class teacher, speaker, worship leader, etc...) what are you doing? What's your plan? As a church member, what might you listen for and how are you being shaped by the public proclamation of scripture in your local context? In this episode, John and Sean talk preaching - what they've learned, what they are learning, how to plan a year, and what might help us all get a little better. Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

What's a Christian to do when they feel that culture is declining, wayward, and corrupt? How should we think when major political parties -- not only fail to represent historical Christian virtues -- but, perhaps, celebrate standard-bearers antithetical to those values? Sean and John discuss a course of action which is gaining immense traction in Christian circles: the Benedict Option. Might it be right for you, your family, or your church? Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Have you noticed how easily and frequently people are offended? Some are outraged if your language isn't PC, others irritated if it is. It seems that no one can say anything without getting upsetting someone. Are people really that weak? Add to that concerns about "safe spaces" and the desire to be protected from attitudes and words discordant with our religious and political views.  Sean and John discuss where our sensitivity to harm comes from, raising kids and nurturing people and churches with "grit." Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

With Donald Trump naming his "Evangelical Executive Advisory Board," populated with Charismatics, TV Personas, former radio host, former politicians, and others, Christians - again - are asked to define what exactly we mean by the term "evangelical."   Sean and John explain the historical roots of evangelicalism and whether or not 21st-Century Christians want to consider themselves "evangelicals" or not. Well, at least, John tries to convince Sean that "evangelicalism" is a good thing. Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John discuss the recent mass-shooting in Orlando, the suicide-bobming at Istanbul Ataturk Airport in Turkey, terrorism's effect on the 2016 Presidential Election, and how Christians might balance the reality of terrorism against the truth of the threat and calls for to fight fire with fire. Drawing on the work of Ohio State University professor, John Mueller, and others this episode dives inside the numbers behind our fear, asking whether our fears are justified. We also talk about a better and distinctly Christian response to terror and our age of fear. Email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Richard Beck, professor, psychologist, author, mega-blogger, and one of our favorite people joins the show to talk about his recently released book, "Reviving Old Scratch:Demons and the Devil for Doubters and the Disenchanted."  Richard shares with Sean and John what drove him to study the Satan and the nature of evil and why Progressive Christians, like him, are reluctant to take the devil seriously. It's a provocative, faithful book and you should get your own copy.   Please email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  Please RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John follow up their conversation about the 5 Views of Christianity and Politics by moving the conversation forward and offering the story of Daniel as a potential model for political and cultural engagement.  Should Christians fight back or give in when culture and politics slam against deeply held beliefs, or is there a 3rd way? A 4th way? A 5th way? Please email thoughts, questions, and feedback to: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com  Please RATE and REVIEW the show on iTunes.   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Sean and John discuss the 5 dominant ways Christians have, and do, approach political engagement in America - Anabaptist, Lutheran, Historically Black Church, Reformed, and Catholic. We all talk about the rise of a 6th approach, Dominionism. This is a great place to begin to understand your own political views as well as the political approaches of your brothers and sisters in Christ. At the end of this episode, not only will you have greater clarity about the history and formation of your own views, you'll have a lot more grace too. Resources: Book: Five Views on the Church and Politics Article: Keeping Your Birthright in An Election Year Article: Transcending the Party Lines   Find Us Online: Sean: Blog | Facebook | Twitter John: Blog | Facebook | Twitter  

LISTEN TO THIS FIRST!!! Sean and John talk about their new venture in partnership with Missio Alliance and how it can help your church. Here you'll find out what Missio Alliance, Sean, and John are up to and what you can expect in the future as one of our wonderful, loyal subscribers and friends. Email the show: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com Find us Online: Sean Palmer: Blog | Twitter | Facebook  John Alan Turner: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Sean and John talk about what politics are, where they come from and frame the current political discussion.  Email the show: notsoblackandwhitepod@gmail.com   Find Us Online: Sean Palmer: Blog | Twitter | Facebook  John Alan Turner: Blog | Twitter | Facebook