Tent Theology

While we are no longer producing new Tent Talks episodes every now and then we will take the opportunity to point listeners to new projects. Tent producer and co-host Chris Marchand has just begun releasing a new podcast we wanted you to be aware of: Wall of Silence, about church abuse and mishandling in the Anglican Church in North America. This is the second of two preview episodes we are offering in the Tent feed.  This episode introduces a parable, a kind of alternate version of the abuse cases of Cherin Marie's daughter and Joanna Rudenborg, and also features an interview segment with Stephen Backhouse, as did the first episode.You can find the Wall of Silence wherever you listen to podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wall-of-silenceChris has also set up a Patreon account for those who want to support the podcast in that way: https://www.patreon.com/WallofSilencePodcast

While we are no longer producing new Tent Talks episodes every now and then we will take the opportunity to point listeners to new projects. Tent producer and co-host Chris Marchand has just begun releasing a new podcast we wanted you to be aware of: Wall of Silence. Here is the description: In this first episode we introduce the sexual abuse case of lay pastor Mark Rivera. From there we begin to look outward to see how church leadership responded to it, from the local diocese to the national denomination, the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). As "the thesis," this episode is the explanation for why this podcast exists and whose story we are telling: the advocacy group ⁠ACNAtoo⁠ and all victims, whistleblowers, and advocates against church abuse in the ACNA.You can find the Wall of Silence wherever you listen to podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wall-of-silenceChris has also set up a Patreon account for those who want to support the podcast in that way: https://www.patreon.com/WallofSilencePodcast 

The start of the new season in 2024 marks the end of the current season for Tent Talks. We are bringing our podcast in to land, with a series of final thoughts from former guests, hosts and friends of the show. Join Stephen Backhouse in a series of conversations as we explore The Last Word. This final episode contains conversations with Eve Poole and our first ever guest, Golibe Omenaka.You can listen to the first episode of Tent Talks with Golibe here, as well as here when he appeared in the White Tears series. If you want to hear more from Golibe you can listen to his previous podcast here.You can listen to Eve Poole's Tent Talks episode here and find out more information about her work at her website https://evepoole.com/.Lots of Tent Talks resources have been brought out from behind the paywall. You can find them HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE. 

The start of the new season in 2024 marks the end of the current season for Tent Talks. We are bringing our podcast in to land, with a series of final thoughts from former guests, hosts and friends of the show. Join Stephen Backhouse in a series of conversations as we explore The Last Word. Episode Three features co-host Sean McCoy in a conversation with Rachel Howell about what faith looks like when so much about our lives has crumbled, shifted, or grown over the years.Rachel Howell is a teacher, spiritual director, and church planter. You can find her on her Substack "Go Out In Joy," where she writes about "conversations of changing faith for those needing resources as they leave too-small stories."Lots of Tent Talks resources have been brought out from behind the paywall. You can find them HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The start of the new season in 2024 marks the end of the current season for Tent Talks. We are bringing our podcast in to land, with a series of final thoughts from former guests, hosts and friends of the show. Join Stephen Backhouse in a series of conversations as we explore The Last Word. Episode Two features co-host Chris Marchand offering a coda to his series on "Women in Church Leadership" with conversations from sociologist Lisa Weaver Swartz, author of Stained Glass Ceilings and Anglican priest Amanda Holm Rosengren.You can find out more about Lisa Weaver Swartz at her website: https://lisaweaverswartz.com/ or purchase her book here.Amanda Holm Rosengren is a priest at Church of the Redeemer in the Anglican Church of North America.Lots of Tent Talks resources have been brought out from behind the paywall. You can find them HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.As mentioned during the episode, here are some of the books available that offer Biblical and theology support for women as church ministers: Rediscovering Scripture's Vision for Women, Unveiling Paul's Women, and Women and Worship at Corinth by Lucy Peppiatt; The Hidden History of Women's Ordination by Gary Macy; Icons of Christ byWilliam G. Witt; Women and the Gender of God by Amy Peeler; The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr, Paul and Gender by Cynthia Long Westfall; Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta; The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood and Man and Woman: One in Christ by Philip B. Payne.

The start of the new season 2024 marks the end of the current season for Tent Talks. We are bringing our podcast in to land, with a series of final thoughts from former guests, hosts and friends of the show. Join Stephen Backhouse in a series of conversations as we explore The Last Word.  Episode One features Brad Jersak, Natasha Beckles and friends.You can find Brad HERE. :) More about Natasha can be found HERE.Lots of Tent Talks resources have been brought out from behind the paywall. You can find them HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Left, Right, or in the middle? Guest host and previous guest to the Tent Sheyi Martin-Allens presents a series of conversations with black and brown friends from across the political spectrum to discuss their thoughts on having Britain's first Asian prime minister along with a government containing an increasing amount of ethnic minorities. The series works through a number of conflicting questions, such as does having someone with the same skin color as us in positions of power mean we feel represented and do people with the same skin color or ethnic heritage need to hold to the same political views? Episode 3 is the first part of conversations with those who are navigating the tricky Middle: Claudine and Kuda.You can find out more about Sheyi's work as a singer, podcaster, and educator here and here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Left, Right, or in the middle? Guest host and previous guest to the Tent Sheyi Martin-Allens presents a series of conversations with black and brown friends from across the political spectrum to discuss their thoughts on having Britain's first Asian prime minister along with a government containing an increasing amount of ethnic minorities. The series works through a number of conflicting questions, such as does having someone with the same skin color as us in positions of power mean we feel represented and do people with the same skin color or ethnic heritage need to hold to the same political views? Episode 3 is the first part of conversations with those who are navigating the tricky Middle: Chine and David Gyasi.You can follow the acting and production work of David Gyasi here.You can find out more about Sheyi's work as a singer, podcaster, and educator here and here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE. 

Left, Right, or in the middle? Guest host and previous guest to the Tent Sheyi Martin-Allens presents a series of conversations with black and brown friends from across the political spectrum to discuss their thoughts on having Britain's first Asian prime minister along with a government containing an increasing amount of ethnic minorities. The series works through a number of conflicting questions, such as does having someone with the same skin color as us in positions of power mean we feel represented and do people with the same skin color or ethnic heritage need to hold to the same political views? Episode 2 features conversations with those who lean more to the  Right: Sunday (Sheyi's father), Peter, and Adrian.You can find out more about Sheyi's work as a singer, podcaster, and educator here and here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Left, Right, or in the middle? Guest host and previous guest to the Tent Sheyi Martins-Allens presents a series of conversations with black and brown friends from across the political spectrum to discuss their thoughts on having Britain's first Asian prime minister along with a government containing an increasing number of ethnic minorities. The series works through a number of conflicting questions, such as does having someone with the same skin color as us in positions of power mean we feel represented and do people with the same skin color or ethnic heritage need to hold to the same political views? Episode 1 features conversations with those who lean slightly more to the  Left: Nee, Richard, and Nova Reid.You can find out more about Sheyi's work as a singer, podcaster, and educator here and here.You can find out more about Nova's work here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin has entered the Tent to take part in Chris Marchand's annual Christmas episode. She has just released her new book Christmas: The Season of Life and Light which offers reflections, insights, and gentle challenges about how we celebrate the holiday season. The conversation dwells on the major themes Chris addressed in his own Christmas book as well as past episodes, namely, the political nature of serving others, finding a way to rest, unleashing our festive side, and finally, being drawn to the worship of the Christ-child.Dr. McGowin's book can be purchased here. She was one of the guests in Chris' previous series "Women in Church Leadership," which can be listened to here. You can find out more about her, including her other publications at her website.If you are interested in reading Chris's book on the 12 days of Christmas you can find it here or here. Chris's Christmas music can be found here. And last year's Christmas episode (on sad Christmas songs) can be found here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Austin M. Freeman, professor at Houston Christian University, joins the tent for another bonus episode to discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's views on non-violence and war. Who exactly is the "pacifist" in The Lord of the Rings and why isn't it Tom Bombadil? In two archival episode segments Melody Green, dean of Urbana Seminary, is featured with her owns thoughts about Tolkien. Dr. Freeman is the author of the book Tolkien Dogmatics and Dr. Green is the editor of Tolkien and the Arts: a theology of subcreation.You can find Dr. Freeman's book here and Dr. Green's book here. You can find out more about Urbana Seminary's Tolkien Conference here.The full interview with Dr. Freeman can be found here and the full interviews with Dr. Green can be found here and here. Other than the Tent Talks interview, these episodes were originally released on the PostConsumer Reports Podcast.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE. 

Musician, songwriter, and worship leader Rachel Wilhelm joins the Tent with Chris Marchand to discuss her new album Jeremiah and how she approached writing songs that speak truth to leaders in power while also calling for communal repentance. Though a bonus episode, this conversation pieces together a number of elements from previous Tent Talks series: 1) Rachel contributed the theme song to Chris's series Women in Church Leadership (which is discussed in the interview), 2) speaking truth to power and discerning true prophets from false prophets is a topic Stephen covered in a previous episode, and 3) this is something of a bonus "Disagree" episode as Rachel and Chris have a significant (though respectful) disagreement about the use of violence. You can listen to Rachel's music anywhere you stream music or support her more directly by listening to and purchasing her music on Bandcamp (which also has an app) or through her website.For rest of Chris's interview with Rachel, check out his podcast PostConsumer Reports. The previous Tent Talks episode on prophets (true and false) can be found here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

One of the episodes we received the most feedback about was when Clare Backhouse, Stephen's wife, appeared in our "How to Love" series. Clare, a qualified and registered nutritional therapist, is now launching her own podcast, "Nutrition With Love." Her first episode, which we are releasing as a bonus, goes into her background story and why nutrition plays such a vital role in our overall health.You can find out more about Clare and contact her for a consultation at her website, and you can find her podcast here or wherever you listen to podcasts.The theme song for "Nutrition With Love" was composed and recorded by Chris Marchand. You can find his music here.

Previous Tent guests Danielle Shroyer and Thomas Jay Oord join Sean for the fifth episode of the Disagree series to offer their perspective on how to enter into difficult conversations with calmness and an inner peace that does need to force other people to switch to your side of an argument. It may take us years to do so, but they point the way to helping engage with sharp disagreements in ways that still manages to offer people grace and care.You can find out more about Danielle Shroyer here and Thomas Jay Oord here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Ryan Walker joins Sean McCoy for the fourth episode of the Disagree series to discuss the ins and outs of being a lobbyist and policymaker within the U.S. Government. Taking a relational approach Ryan hopes to help groups in Washington D.C. "wade through the bureaucracy and manage the increasing unpredictability of politics" in order to help them come to make difficult decisions for complex solutions.You can read more about his background here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Dr. Anika Prather is a literature professor, classical educator, and author. She is currently the Director of High Quality Curriculum and Instruction at Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and with her husband founded The Living Water School. She joins the Disagree series to discuss with Chris Marchand how to approach teaching about and having difficult conversations about race and racism. Using an approach of love, grace, and lament, she still manages to address the painful truths of history while seeking for a greater communal and cultural healing. In this conversation she and Chris discuss historically black colleges and universities, "whiteness" vs. white supremacy, and the realities of American slavery.You can find out more about Anika's work at her website, her podcasts Reclaiming the Canon and Kush Classics, or by reading her book The Black Intellectual Tradition, co-written with Angel Parham.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Pete Wehner is an American writer and former speechwriter for the administrations of three Republican U.S. presidents. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and a contributing editor at The Atlantic, He joins Stephen Backhouse for a respectful and honest conversation on violence, patriotism and the Christian witness: topics about which Pete and Stephen deeply disagree.You can find out more about Pete and his work HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

This is the first episode in our new series "Disagree". We are talking with people from different sides of different aisles and from people on the frontlines of some of the most contentious issues of the day. How can we disagree well?  What is the value of disagreement? Is it worth it? Can be it good? What happens when it goes bad? To help kick off the series we spoke with Simon Croft. Simon is a mediator and a practitioner of non-violent communication. He joined our discussion along with some Fellow Travellers, members of the Tent Talks community. To find out more about Simon and his work, check out his profile HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

In the final episode of her series on Interrupting Serious Youth Violence Rev. Natasha Beckles covers the topic of education and belonging while using the imagery and meaning behind the figure of the Pieta (Mary holding Jesus after being taken down off the cross) and discussing the many projects and resources she and the Diocese of London are implementing to bring change in their communities in the hopes of helping young people and their families. This episode's co-host includes Revd. Pete Hopkins.For more information on Compassionate Communities please visit their website.The theme music for this series is by Nikita Khamenskii. You can find his music here or commission a work through his Fiverr page.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

In episode 3 of Interrupting Serious Youth Violence Tent Talks co-host Rev. Natasha Beckles discusses power and privilege with Leroy Logan. Logan is the UK's most highly decorated and well known black police officer and is the founding member of the Black Police Association. He is the author of "Closing Ranks", which detailed his time as a senior police officer in London and had his story dramatized for television by Steve McQueen in "Red White and Blue."Through conversations and interviews, this series takes on the systemic and personal issues that create unsafe communities for our children and looks to solutions for what schools and churches can do about it.  Natasha developed these episodes in conjunction with Compassionate Communities as part of the Diocese of London. This episode's co-host includes Revd. Lara Edwards.You can find out more about Leroy Logan's work at his website.For more information on Compassionate Communities please visit their website.The theme music for this series is by Nikita Khamenskii. You can find his music here or commission a work through his Fiverr page.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Tent Talks co-host Rev. Natasha Beckles continues her series on Interrupting Serious Youth Violence with a discussion about education and belonging in a conversation with education thought leader Rachel Clarke. Through conversations and interviews, Natasha takes on the systemic and personal issues that create unsafe communities for our children and looks to solutions for what schools and churches can do about it. Natasha developed this series with Compassionate Communities as part of the Diocese of London. This episode's co-host includes Revd. Pete Hopkins.You can find out more about Rachel's work with Promote Equality and Apex Educate which help organizations fight systemic racism here and here, and you can follow her on twitter here. For more information on Compassionate Communities please visit their website.The theme music for this series is by Nikita Khamenskii. You can find his music here or commission a work through his Fiverr page.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

In this episode Tent Talks co-host Revd. Natasha Beckles begins her series on Interrupting Serious Youth Violence. Through conversations and interviews, Natasha takes on the systemic and personal issues that create unsafe communities for our children and looks to solutions for what schools and churches can do about it. This first episode gives an overview of the "big picture" of youth violence and then focuses supporting young families through a discussion on birth and bereavement. Natasha developed this series with Compassionate Communities as part of the Diocese of London. This episode's co-hosts include Revd. Pete Hopkins and Revd. Lara Edwards.For more information on Compassionate Communities please visit their website.The theme music for this series is by Nikita Khamenskii. You can find his music here or commission a work through his Fiverr page.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.Nikita Khamenskii 

Brad Jersak's most recent book Out of the Embers deals with deconstruction in all its forms. Tent Talks invited Brad to make a four-part series on the themes of his book.  In this fourth episode has a conversation with Judith Moses, a seasoned indigenous political activist in Canada who is known for working on the committee that worked with Canadian prime ministers to ensure the First Nations charter of rights got into the Canadian Charter. She was born on the Six Nations Indian Reserve and her lifetime of service was recognized by the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal. She is also a chair at St. Stephens University where Brad works.More about Judith Moses can be found at www.nordicity.com/team/associates/judith-mosesFind out more about Jersak and his books HERE. Check out the graduate programmes which Brad teaches on at St Stephen's University HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Brad Jersak's most recent book Out of the Embers deals with deconstruction in all its forms. Tent Talks invited Brad to make a four-part series on the themes of his book.  In this third episode he sits down with Felicia Murrell to explore deconstruction from a path of love and understanding but also as a black woman in the American context. Felicia is a certified master life coach, a former ordained pastor, and also serves the publishing industry as a freelance copy editor/proofreader. She helped Brad to co-write a chapter of Out of the Embers.You can read some of Felicia's articles here, find her on Instagram here, and  inquire about her editing/proofreading services here. Her book Truth Encounters can be purchased here or wherever books are sold online. Find out more about Jersak and his books HERE. Check out the graduate programmes which Brad teaches on at St Stephen's University HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Brad Jersak's most recent book Out of the Embers deals with deconstruction in all its forms. Tent Talks invited Brad to make a four-part series on the themes of his book.  In this second episode he sits down with David Hayward, the NakedPastor, to talk about deconstruction, staying in relationship as we go through the process of reshaping our faith, and finding community in the aftermath of it all.David Hayward, "left the ministry to pursue his passion for art." You can view his works HERE, and learn more about The Lasting Supper HERE.Find out more about Jersak and his books HERE. Check out the graduate programmes which Brad teaches on at St Stephen's University HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Brad Jersak's most recent book Out of the Embers deals with deconstruction in all its forms. Tent Talks invited Brad to make a four-part series on the themes of his book. In this first episode he sits down with Brian Zahnd to talk about deconstruction, reconstruction and the church.Zahnd is a pastor, speaker and prolific author, well known for his stance against Christian nationalism. You can find more about him and his books HERE.Find out more about Jersak and his books HERE. Check out the graduate programmes which Brad teaches on at St Stephen's University HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Clare Backhouse is a nutritional therapist who specialises in human system and lifestyle health. She joins the Tent to talk about the chemistry and biology of anxiety, safety and affection, and tackles the question of how what we eat helps us how to love. You can find out more about Clare's practice and writing at www.transformationnutrition.org. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Thomas Jay Oord is the Professor of Open and Relational Theology at Northwind Theological Seminary and the author of a number of books on love, and what this might mean when we talk about power and God.You can find out more about Thomas Oord and his works HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The love of enemies is the most famous, and least practiced, of all forms of love. We talk with Melissa Florer-Bixler, who is an Anabaptist activist, Mennonite pastor and author, amongst other things, of How to Have an Enemy.You can find our more about Melissa and her work HERE. How to Have An Enemy is available widely. You can find out more about it HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Dr Chris Green is a theologian of great stature and a wise and gentle soul. He sits down with Stephen to discuss the theologies and movements of love: if love is so central to divine revelation then why do so many Christian systems seemed designed around anything but?All about Chris and his works can be found HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Tinasha LaRayé is an actor, poet, pastor, activist and a powerful force of goodness in this world. She joins the Tent to kick off our first episode in a new series on Love.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Chris interviewed four women from different backgrounds asking them each the same questions about their experiences as women and leaders in the Church. He talks to Abbi Nye, archivist at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and researcher with CFCToo and ACNAToo, Dr. Emily McGowin, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and canon theologian for the Anglican Diocese C4SO, Joy Qualls, dean and associate professor at Biola University, and April McClure Stewart, pastor of MCC Disciples of Christ and Executive Director for her denomination's school of ministry. Today's episode features as special guest author and speaker  Carolyn Custis James.Our theme song for this series is "Deborah's Song" by Rachel Wilhelm, which can be streamed anywhere or purchased here. You can find her Requiem album here and the previous interview she did with Chris on his PostConsumer Reports podcast here.You can find out more about our interviewees at their websites and on social media:Carolyn Custis James Some of her books include Malestrom which was re-released in 2022 with a 2nd edition, including a foreword by Kristin Kobez DuMez, Half the Church, and The Gospel of Ruth. Abi Nye, CFCToo, ACNATooEmily McGowin (Twitter) ("If Women Can Be Saved, The Women Can Be Priests"—the article on women's ordination referenced in this episode) (Quivering Families—Emily's book on the Quiverfull movement & God and Wonder—recent book on theology and the arts)Joy Qualls (Twitter) (God Forgive us For Being Women—Joy's book on female pastors in the Pentecostal tradition)April McClure Stewart (School For Ministry)Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Chris interviewed four women from different backgrounds asking them each the same questions about their experiences as women and leaders in the Church. He talks to Abbi Nye, archivist at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and researcher with CFCToo and ACNAToo, Dr. Emily McGowin, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and canon theologian for the Anglican Diocese C4SO, Joy Qualls, dean and associate professor at Biola University, and April McClure Stewart, pastor of MCC Disciples of Christ and Executive Director for her denomination's school of ministry. Today's episode features as special guest author and speaker  Carolyn Custis James.Our theme song for this series is "Deborah's Song" by Rachel Wilhelm, which can be streamed anywhere or purchased here.You can find out more about our interviewees at their websites and on social media:Carolyn Custis James Some of her books include Malestrom which was re-released in 2022 with a 2nd edition, including a foreword by Kristin Kobez DuMez, Half the Church, and The Gospel of Ruth. Abi Nye, CFCToo, ACNATooEmily McGowin (Twitter) ("If Women Can Be Saved, The Women Can Be Priests"—the article on women's ordination referenced in this episode) (Quivering Families—Emily's book on the Quiverfull movement & God and Wonder—recent book on theology and the arts)Joy Qualls (Twitter) (God Forgive us For Being Women—Joy's book on female pastors in the Pentecostal tradition)April McClure Stewart (School For Ministry)Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

This is the second episode of the new series "Women in Church Leadership." Today's episode is about the scrutiny women face as leaders and the issues they thought they would have been able to move passed by this point in their careers. If you have degrees and years of experience in your area of expertise should women still expect men to disrespect them? If you are at a retreat with male colleagues can you expect to take a dip in the pool or hot tub or would that be too scandalous? Will women forever be distinguished as "too emotional" and "irrational" for leadership and does ministry work always have to be one big "pissing contest" if men are involved?Chris interviewed four women from different backgrounds asking them each the same questions about their experiences as women and leaders in the Church. He talks to Abbi Nye, archivist at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and researcher with CFCToo and ACNAToo, Dr. Emily McGowin, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and canon theologian for the Anglican Diocese C4SO, Joy Qualls, dean and associate professor at Biola University, and April McClure Stewart, pastor of MCC Disciples of Christ and Executive Director for her denomination's school of ministry.Our theme song for this series is "Deborah's Song" by Rachel Wilhelm, which can be streamed anywhere or purchased here.You can find out more about our interviewees at their websites and on social media:Abi Nye, CFCToo, ACNATooEmily McGowin (Twitter) ("If Women Can Be Saved, The Women Can Be Priests"—the article on women's ordination referenced in this episode) (Quivering Families—Emily's book on the Quiverfull movement & God and Wonder—recent book on theology and the arts)Joy Qualls (Twitter) (God Forgive us For Being Women—Joy's book on female pastors in the Pentecostal tradition)April McClure Stewart (School For Ministry)Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

This is the first episode of the new series "Women in Church Leadership." Chris interviewed four women from different backgrounds asking them each the same questions about their experiences as women and leaders in the Church. He talks to Abbi Nye, archivist at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and researcher with CFCToo and ACNAToo, Dr. Emily McGowin, associate professor of theology at Wheaton College and canon theologian for the Anglican Diocese C4SO, Joy Qualls, dean and associate professor at Biola University, and April McClure Stewart, pastor of MCC Disciples of Christ and Executive Director for her denomination's school of ministry.Our theme song for this series is "Deborah's Song" by Rachel Wilhelm, which can be streamed anywhere or purchased here.You can find out more about our interviewees at their websites and on social media:Abi Nye, CFCToo, ACNATooEmily McGowin (Twitter) ("If Women Can Be Saved, The Women Can Be Priests"—the article on women's ordination referenced in this episode) (Quivering Families—Emily's book on the Quiverfull movement & God and Wonder—recent book on theology and the arts)Joy Qualls (Twitter) (God Forgive us For Being Women—Joy's book on female pastors in the Pentecostal tradition)April McClure Stewart (School For Ministry)Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Please enjoy the release of Chris Marchand's latest Christmas song recording "Coventry Carol," along with an excerpt from an extended conversation Chris and Sean had about sad Christmas songs.You can purchase and download Chris' song along with his other music here: https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/track/coventry-carolHis album Gentle Spacemakers which consists of songs featured on the podcast is available on all streaming platforms.You can read the article "On the Importance of Sad Christmas Songs" here.If you want to here the full extended sad Christmas song conversation between Chris and Sean you can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Chris Marchand continues the tradition of giving an annual Christmas Tent Talk this year by acknowledging the role sad Christmas songs play in our lives. Sometimes we simply cannot sing a happy song and instead need to sing something with more weight, something that allows us to lament. Chris touches on some of the classic "sad" carols as well as the music of present day songwriter Sufjan Stevens. Sean McCoy joins the second half of the episode for further reflection on the holiday and the songs that are part of our lives.This episode was based off of Chris's recently published article of the same name with Christ and Pop Culture. You can listen to and purchase the Christmas music featured in today's episode on Chris's Bandcamp page: https://chrismarchand.bandcamp.com/album/let-nothing-you-dismayFor past episodes in the Christmas Tent Talk series you can go here (Serving at Christmas) or here (Resting at Christmas).Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The fourth and final episode in our series looking at the phenomenon of White Tears. This episode features Mark Charles, Rachel Clarke, and Golibé Omenaka.You can discover more about Mark Charles HERE. Rachel Clarke's consultancy Apex Education can be found HERE.You can find out more about Golibé Omenaka (a former guest on Tent Talks) by listening to his podcast Of Saints and Sorrow.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The third of four episodes in our series looking at the phenomenon of White Tears. This episode features Sara Moslener and Lisa Sharon Harper. You can find out more about Sara Moslener at her website: https://www.afterpurityproject.com/You can find out more about Lisa Sharon Harper (a former guest on Tent Talks) at her website: https://lisasharonharper.com/Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The second of four episodes in our series looking at the phenomenon of White Tears. This episode features John Goodfellow, Brad Onishi, and Sara Moslener. You can find out more about Brad Onishi on his Straight White American Jesus podcast: https://straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/ and his website: https://www.bradonishi.com/You can find out more about Sara Moslener at her website: https://www.afterpurityproject.com/Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Join us for a bonus recording of the live launch of Kester Brewin's latest YoHo Journal "Pirating the Pirates", published by Unfold Media.  Use the code TENT10 for a discount and get yourself a copy HERE.More about Kester Brewin and his books can be found HERE.More about Alex Barker and her book Be More Pirate can be found HERE.Play Dead, the punk band from south London, can be found HERE.

The first of four episodes in our series looking at the phenomenon of White Tears. This episode features Terry Wildman, Sheyi Martins-Allen and Golibé Omenaka. You can find out more about Terry Wildman, Rain Ministries, and the First Nation's Version of the Bible at his website or wherever books are sold: https://firstnationsversion.com/You can find Sheyi Martins-Allen (a former guest on Tent Talks) on Instagram here, discover her music here, and learn about her educational services at her website: https://martinsalleneducation.com/You can find out more about Golibé Omenaka (a former guest on Tent Talks) by listening to his podcast Of Saints and Sorrow: https://anchor.fm/golibe-omenakaHas anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Richard Beck joins the tent once again to finish out Sean's Translation and Interpretation series to discuss how people wrestle through meaning as groups. What are the hills of meaning we are willing to die on and what areas of tension are we willing to live with if it means staying in community with those we love? Rather than coming to definitive conclusions on any one subject, Richard and Sean offer us a glimpse of how to become intentional listeners to those around us even while learn how to seek resolutions to our own set of questions.You discover more of Richard Beck's thoughts and works at his website.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE. 

Part 3 of Sean's Translation and Interpretation series is a conversation with author, speaker, and spiritual director Danielle Shroyer surrounding our conception of "original sin" versus "original blessing" and placed within the context of how the Hebrew language is interpreted within our Bible translations.You can find out more about Shroyer's work at her website: http://danielleshroyer.com or follow her on Twitter here. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

The second episode of Sean's Translation and Interpretation series features a conversation with Neil Douglas-Klotz about reimagining how we approach speaking and praying the Lord's prayer by taking a look at its Aramaic roots and learning how to pray it in rhythm with our own breath.You can find more of Douglas-Klotz's teachings and books at his website https://abwoon.org/  and purchase his new book Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE. 

Host Sean McCoy introduces us to his four part Translation and Interpretation series through a conversation with Adam Hansen about the role bias plays in our lives by causing us to avoid difficult topics and ideas. After describing how anxiety and trauma have shaped our thought patterns throughout the generations, they then cover the different categories of bias and offer examples of each. Adam has 30 plus years of working directly with customers like Mars and Ford.You can listen to Sean's previous interview with Adam on the Come to the Table podcast here and to episodes of his own podcast here, which features extended talks about bias. He is the author of the book Outsmart Your Instincts which can be purchased here.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

 Register for the Tent Autumn School on the Gospel of John HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Register for the Tent Autumn School on the Gospel of John HERE.Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Scholar and activitst Bob Ekblad joins Stephen in the Tent for a personal conversation and Bible study on the life of Elijah that ruminates on being wearied by a toxic and unchanging culture, wanting to give up and run away into the wilderness, and how to even begin considering facing the world again when self-exile (whether physical or emotional) is the default state we find ourselves in.You can find out about Bob and Gracie's upcoming courses HERE.The Gospel of John Autumn School and other Courses and Resources can be found HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.

Dr Richard Beck joins the Tent in partnership with the YoHo Journals for a Zoomposium on his latest piece “A Hope Sick World.”You can get a copy of Beck's journal here https://www.unfold.media/fullshop. Use TENT10 at check out for 10% off.More of Dr. Beck's writings can be found on his website and you can subscribe to his Substack here.The Gospel of John Autumn School and other Courses and Resources can be found HERE. Has anything we make been interesting, useful or fruitful for you? You can support us by becoming a Fellow Traveller on our Patreon page HERE.