Redeeming Old and Discovering New Spiritual Practices for an Ever Changing Faith
Nate Hanson is a former pastor and church planter who, after years of working within the Evangelical model of church, began to question some of the systems he was handed. In doing this work he found his way to becoming one of the founders and hosts of the podcast "Almost Heretical" a show that seeks to give religion and the Bible back to the groups in society that have been marginalized by both. Nate has also dedicated his own life to those endeavors. You can listen to him at "Almost Heretical" or get in touch with him at nate.fm
Jamal Jivanjee is a graduate of Liberty University where he studied religion. Originally from the Columbus, Ohio area, Jamal and his wife Taylor currently live in Southern California. Jamal's vision in life is to assist individuals, couples, groups, companies, and nations to become free to love by helping them to identify and heal from trauma and systems of belief that create obstacles of fear, disharmony, and disease which block us from our life's true purpose and work.
Jonathan Walton is the author of Twelve Lies that Hold America Captive and the Truth that Sets Us Free. He is also an Area Director for InterVarsity NY/NJ focusing on Spiritual Formation and Experiential Discipleship. Recognized as one of Christianity Today's 33 Under 33 and one of New York's New Abolitionists, Jonathan was also the recipient of a Young Christian Leaders World Changer award. He has been featured in media outlets like New York Daily News, the Christian Post, and King Kulture for his work combatting human trafficking. Jonathan earned his bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Columbia University and holds a master's degree in the Study of the Americas from City College. He is from Southern Virginia and lives in New York City where he attends New Life Fellowship Church. You can follow him on Patreon.com/IVED, Instagram @JonathanWalton655, and Twitter @foreverfocused.
David Zach is the lead singer and songwriter for the rock band Remedy Drive as well as an advocate in the fight against human trafficking. The band has recorded two concept albums to shine a light on slavery and to celebrate the modern day abolition. The band's community and fan base has contributed around $350,000 in donations and in-kind donations to the counter trafficking organization The Exodus Road. When the band is not on tour David volunteers with The Exodus Road as an undercover operative. He spends time in brothels and in the red-light districts where underage girls and boys are sold by the hour. His role while undercover is to identify instances of minors being sold, and to capture actionable evidence of their trafficking using covert gear, some of which is funded by the Remedy Drive community and fan base. Upon returning from deployment overseas David uses the band and his platform to advocate for the victims of human trafficking, to shine a light on slavery and to speak about his time overseas with the goal of recruiting and funding the fight which is the modern underground railroad. He has spoken at many of the major festivals during talkback sessions, main stages and seminar tents. He also speaks at colleges, conferences, high school campuses and churches. David's message centers upon a core belief of both Remedy Drive and The Exodus Road - "Justice is in the hands of the ordinary". To find out more about bringing David Zach and/or Remedy Drive to an event please contact anna@remedydrive.com. To find more about The Exodus Road go to theexodusroad.com/remedydrive. For press inquiries contact brian@turningpointpr.com.
Derek and Rachel Myers are a married couple and dynamic duo in content creation under the name "Your Favorite Heretics" on Instagram and Twitter. After they themselves going through faith transitions and deconstructions they decided that they would help pave an easier path for those who came after by creating top of the line content through their social media platforms. You can find them on Instagram at @yourfavoriteheretics and on twitter at @yourfaveheretics As always you can connect with my on Twitter @redrawthebath Instagram @chrisharmanrtb And on email redrawingthebath@gmail.com
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander John was part of a large extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up immersed in the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern Christianity (Maronite Catholicism) and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. He was led otherwise. Alexander John attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Next came a brief time in seminary followed by a Master's in Counseling Education, a Master's in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. His extensive psychological training across many modalities finally led him to Switzerland where he studied with the Jungian Analyst and founder of Sandplay Psychotherapy, Dora Maria Kalff. Alexander John became the first US man admitted to the International Society for Sandplay Therapy and continues to serve as a senior Certified Teaching Member of the organization. Returning to the United States, he undertook years of private practice, teaching, parish and retreat ministry and further study. Integrating his life-long practice of prayer with many cross-disciplines—anthropology, psychology, spirituality, and ritual work—has shaped him into a unique thought-leader and a widely sought consultant, trainer, and inspiring keynote speaker. Then in 2000, Alexander John's professional life expanded from being primarily a speaker to also that of an author, now with some eight books and more in the works. He lives between the high Rocky Mountains in Northern New Mexico and the wild Atlantic coast of Northwest Spain. A perfect day finds him in the presence of ancient trees, massive stones, his dog and a book of poetry. Connect with him and his work at www.quadratos.com
Wm. Paul Young is a spiritual guide to many, a conference speaker and the internationally acclaimed author of the book, "The Shack" a book that has transformed the way people view God's presence in the midst of their darkest moments. He is also the author of "Eve" "Crossroads" and "Lies We Believe About God". Young now lives in Washington with his wife Kim. Brad Jersak is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He serves as a reader and monastery preacher at All Saints of North America Orthodox Monastery. He also occasionally teaches at The Bridge in Abbotsford. Through his books and seminars, Brad shares the good news that God is Love, perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. He teaches others how to encounter God through the practice of ”listening prayer,” through which God's love heals wounded hearts and empowers us to heal this broken world.
Mark Van Steenwyk is the Executive Director of the Center for Prophetic Imagination in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2004, Mark and his wife Amy founded the Mennonite Worker, where they still reside. The Mennonite Worker is an urban intentional community committed to Jesus' way of hospitality, simplicity, prayer, peacemaking, and resistance. He is the author of A Wolf at the Gate, The unKingdom of God and That Holy Anarchist, the editor of the Missio Dei Breviary, and has contributed to several books (such as Viral Hope, Banned Questions about Jesus, Forming Christian Habits in Post-Christendom, and Widening the Circle). He's been published at Sojourners, Geez Magazine, JesusRadicals.com, Leadership Magazine, the Mennonite, and Mennonite World Review. His work has been featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribute, the Boston Globe, and on CNN.com. As the former co-producer of the Iconocast, Mark interviewed Cornel West, James Cone, Bill Ayers, Starhawk, Wazayatawin and many others. These days, he's usually on the other side of the virtual microphone. Mark's has a B.S. in Ministry from the University of Northwestern, an M.Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary, and studied Spiritual Direction at the University of St. Catherine's graduate school. He is a former adjunct instructor at Bethel Seminary, where he taught courses on applied ecclesiology and Christian radicalism. For the past decade, Mark has traveled around the continent as a teacher, organizer and spiritual provocateur.
Brad Jersak is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He serves as a reader and monastery preacher at All Saints of North America Orthodox Monastery. He also occasionally teaches at The Bridge in Abbotsford. Through his books and seminars, Brad shares the good news that God is Love, perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. He teaches others how to encounter God through the practice of ”listening prayer,” through which God's love heals wounded hearts and empowers us to heal this broken world. Brad Jersak's foundational book, Can You Hear Me? Tuning in to the God who speaks trains readers in the ways of “Listening Prayer.” This book provides biblical teaching and 33 practical exercises for discerning God's voice.
On the night of the election, I had the special privelege to sit down and speak with the editors of the new book, "Keeping the Faith: Reflections on Politics & Christianity in the Era of Trump and Beyond." Suzie Lahoud Jonathan Walton, and Sy Hoekstra about what they hope their book will accomplish and convey to the church in these interesting times. You can find the book and discussions revolving around it at www.keepingthefaithbook.com
Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence. Shane's books include Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow Me to Freedom, Jesus, Bombs and Ice Cream, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, Executing Grace, his classic The Irresistible Revolution, and his newest book, Beating Guns. He has been featured in a number of films including "Another World Is Possible" and "Ordinary Radicals." His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Shane speaks over one hundred times a year, nationally and internationally. His work has appeared in Esquire, SPIN, Christianity Today, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal, and he has been on everything from Fox News and Al Jazeera to CNN and NPR. He's given academic lectures at Harvard, Princeton, Liberty, Duke, and Notre Dame. Shane speaks regularly at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe.
Jason Elam is Brandi's grateful husband, proud dad of 4 awesome kids, a former professional wrestler and radio broadcaster, and former local church pastor for over 20 years. He is the author of the forthcoming book, “From Ashes We Rise” and hosts The Messy Spirituality Podcast. You can connect with Jason at MessySpirituality.org.
After 30 years in the church, he left the ministry to pursue his passion for art. NakedPastor uses words and images to challenge the status quo, deconstruct dogma, and offer hope for those who struggle and suffer under it. David is no stranger to belief systems - he holds a Masters in Theological Studies, as well as Diplomas in Religious Studies and Ministry, and University Teaching. His art expresses the stories and struggles of spiritual refugees and independent thinkers who question, doubt or oppose the confines of religion. Each piece encourages difficult conversations and acts as a catalyst for critical thinking.
Jared is a former professor and pastor and current co-host of the podcast The Bible for Normal People. He's also the author of the new book Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps us From Loving Like Jesus. You can engage with all of his work and platforms at www.jaredbyas.com
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang's "Tell Me Everything." After leaving full-time ministry over 11 years ago to start a house church that gave everything away to the poor, Keith and his wife recently moved to El Paso to embark on their next adventure with Peace Catalyst International. You can find him at www.keithgiles.com
Jared is a former professor and pastor and current co-host of the podcast The Bible for Normal People. He's also the author of the new book Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps us From Loving Like Jesus. You can find him at www.jaredbyas.com
Matthew J. Korpman is a rising biblical scholar, itinerant preacher, and theological arsonist. Currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School, he holds four bachelor degrees in Theology, Archaeology, Philosophy, and Screenwriting. He has traveled and excavated in Israel and Jordan, and is proud to call San Diego, California his home. You can find him at quoir.com sayingnotogod.com matthewjkorpman.com
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang's “Tell Me Everything.” After leaving full-time ministry over 11 years ago to start a house church in Southern California that gave everything away to the poor, Keith and his wife recently moved to El Paso to embark on their next adventure with Peace Catalyst International. You can find him at www.keithgiles.com
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than twenty-five books. He directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. A twelve-time Faculty Award-winning professor, Oord teaches at institutions around the globe. Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation. For more information you can find him at thomasjayoord.com
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than twenty-five books. He directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. A twelve-time Faculty Award-winning professor, Oord teaches at institutions around the globe. Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander John grew up as part of a large extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up with the ancient traditions of Maronite Catholicism and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. Alexander John was led otherwise. He attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Next came a Master's in Counseling Education, a Master's in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. His training includes time in Switzerland with Jungian analyst, and founder of Sandplay Psychotherapy, Dora M. Kalff. Returning to the United States, years of retreat ministry, private practice, teaching, leading trainings and study continued to build on a life-long practice of prayer. Beginning in 2001, Alexander John's professional life changed from being solely a speaker to also becoming an author. From his primary work as a psychologist, spiritual director, and liturgist, he has moved to being a widely sought teacher, trainer, and inspiring keynote speaker. For more resources from this week's guest, go to www.quadratos.com
A digital pastor, creative mystic, public theologian and intuitive soul coach based in Atlanta, GA. After coming out in the fall of 2015 as a queer Christian, Kevin has reached thousands of individuals across the globe with messages of God's unending love for all people. regardless of who they are, what they profess, or what they actually believe. Kevin's the author of, "Bad Theology Kills:Undoing Toxic Beliefs and Reclaiming Your Spiritual Authority" published in Janurary 2020. Kevin's work also appears in several anthologies by queer people of faith. Through his work as a digital pastor and public theologian, Kevin has used their writing, podcast, and YouTube Channel to help foster communities of authentic spiritual seeking, pulling apart the bad theology and beginning to reconstruct sustainable spiritual practices. Kevin believes that by telling our stories, we set others free to tell their own. Kevin holds a Masters of Arts in Practical Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary (2020) and a Bachelors of Music in Choral music education from Christopher Newport University (2013). They are also the creator of Queerly Beloved Apparel and Big Queer Adventure Co. In addition to LGBTQ advocacy and spiritual awakening, Kevin's passions include good music, tacos, and really horrible dad jokes. You can find links to all of Kevin's amazing work at thekevingarcia.com (Bio pulled from website)
After leaving the pulpit of a church he had been in for years within the SBC, Todd went on to use his love for science and Christ to learn how the brain works and how we as people function and process information, specifically within the physiological and spiritual ramifications that life change may bring to write the amazing book, "The Renewing of Your Mind". He has since gone on to win awards for his book, speak at conferences, become a certified life coach and host his own podcast "The Reconstruction Rebel". You can find him on Facebook Instagram Twitter and wherever you find your favorite podcasts!
Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church, a non-denominational Christian congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is also the author of several books, including, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water to Wine, A Farewell To Mars, Beauty Will Save the World, and Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness. Find him at brianzahnd.com
Kyle is a former pastor, content creator, speaker and all around awesome guy. He has become a rising and much needed voice in many circles revolving around deconstruction. Encouragement and love radiate out of the content he creates and the words he speaks. In an age of such bitterness he is a light in dark places. You can find him on Facebook!
Matthew is a best-selling author, blogger, podcaster, long-time social worker, and hip-hop artist. He is an outspoken advocate for nonviolence, happily married, with one daughter. Outside of writing, his interests include gardening, hiking, and European football. He lives in Northern California. Connect with him at allsetfree.com
Jen moved from an isolated mountain in California to Seattle in 2016 to work with Seattle's Union Gospel Mission in their recovery program for women and children. She began attending Quest Church that same year and it has helped shape her faith in new and exciting ways, specifically toward justice for all people. She has a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Arizona Christian University, and she has used that knowledge over the years for outreach and discipleship with populations ranging from jr highers to homeless and addiction ministries. Moving to Seattle meant achieving a lifelong dream of owning a pet hedgehog, and there are few things Jen enjoys more than a cup of coffee and a word or number puzzle. Contact her at jenmanlief@bridgecarecenter.org
Mark is a pastor in Sacrament CA and the author of "Resonate: Enjoying God's Gift of Music" and "Multiply" which he co-authored with Francis Chan. Mark blogs weekly at jackasstheology.com
Collin Brice is a gay Christian who authored a book about his experience. He graduated with his master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and works a speech-language pathologist in Southeast Texas. He is passionate about people, brewing delicious teas, IPAs, and hopes to help make a safer church for anyone who needs it.
Nora Sophia is a survivor, some people call her a “highlander” having lived through so many tough experiences. The tapestry of her life is woven by two things, love and courage. Nora believes her mission is to intersect humanity with love and to remind each of us of the courage within to not only transform our lives but to heal and repair the fractured world. Find her on Facebook and on her podcast!
Karl is a former pastor for 20 years, the award winning author of Apparent Faith, and a podcaster/blogger at The Desert Sanctuary. His new book, "The Tea Shop" is due out soon. He lives in NW Missouri with Laura, his wife of 32 years and is very close to his 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. He is also the Instigator and a speaker of the NOMAD 2020 virtual conference in June! Connect with him at Facebook: The Desert Sanctuary Twitter: karl4hand Website: www.desert-sanctuary.com
Seth is the host of the Can I Say This at Church podcast. He lives nestled in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Connect with him at www.canisaythisatchurch.com
Get to know the host of "Redrawing the Bath" Chris Harman. To contact him https://www.facebook.com/chris.harman.79230 redrawingthebath@gmail.com https://twitter.com/theragjourney