Voices Podcast

In episode 26, we share some sad yet hopeful news — the Voices podcast will be shutting down. After a year of creating some great conversation, continuing to learn & evolve, Kyle & I are ready to move on to other adventures. Listen in as we share a little bit more about the "end of an era" and learn about some great podcasts, resources and communities you can continue your journey with!

In episode 25, we do a re-broadcast of one of our most popular episodes about the Bible. If you missed the original broadcast or are newer to our show, listen in as we chat with author and Old Testament scholar Pete Enns. We take on inerrancy, authority, inspiration and how to approach the Bible with less bias. Essentially, learning to read the Bible and "let it be what it is". Learn more about Pete at peteenns.com. [this is a re-broadcast of episode 5]

In episode 24, we talk with Danny Prada of Heartway Church. Danny started a new church while simultaneously deconstructing his faith. If you want to hear from a pastor who is in the middle of theological transition but hasn't completely given up on the church, then this is the episode for you. We talk about the result of loving God with your mind, critically approaching the bible and making room for people to think for themselves. You can learn more about Danny here: www.heartwaychurch.com

In episode 23, we sit down with Lacy Clark Ellman of A Sacred Journey to talk about the practice of spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is an ancient practice which helps us explore the spiritual aspect of being human. A spiritual director helps us pay attention and notice the movement of God in our lives. Lacy shares her story with us while talking about the history of spiritual direction and the resurgence of this ancient practice today. We even do a mini spiritual direction session at the end of the episode to give you a taste! Lacy is a spiritual director, pilgrimage guide, artist and lives in Seattle, WA. You can learn more at: www.asacredjourney.net

In episode 22, we talk with our returning guest, Kevin Neuner from Spark Church, about parenting through deconstruction. It can be hard to talk about God, spirituality, and church as you’re reimagining or reconstructing your faith. We talk about being a sojourner alongside your kids rather than prescribing “right beliefs” and how children can be a valuable sage in our journey. Kevin draws on decades of studying the Rabbinic traditions and way of Jesus to invite us to a new posture for parenting.

In episode 21, we continue with part 2 of our conversation with Ryan Meeks of Eastlake Church in Seattle, WA. We pick up where we left off and continue talking about an interfaith posture, not having the exclusive truth and Ryan's motto — life is a gift and love is the point. This episode is bound to provoke you, introduce you to new ways of thinking and ultimately open you up to a more loving and inclusive posture. Learn more about Ryan at: www.eastlakecc.com

In episode 20, we sit down with Ryan Meeks who is the founder of Eastlake Church near Seattle, WA. Eastlake has always been known as an innovative community approaching church and spirituality in new ways. Ryan is most well known for being featured in TIME when Eastlake was one of the first evangelical megachurches to move to an open & affirming stance for the LGBTQ community. Ryan's story is one of continually being open to wherever your spiritual journey might take you even if that means you have to experience great loss and let go of everything you've once known. You can keep up with Ryan at his blog titled "things I'll disagree with in 3yrs or less": http://vwmeeks.tumblr.com.

On this episode, Kyle asks one question about 2017, and how this question can propel us into 2018. VoicesBox winners, your boxes will be in the mail this week!

Just a short episode talking about a big giveaway we're doing along with updates about 2018 and the future of the show! The show is growing and we love getting to do this! Thanks for tuning in.

In episode 19, we chat with Fred Harrell from City Church in San Francisco. In 2014, Fred led his church to full inclusion for the LGBTQ community. His story is one of continually being open to the movements of God and trying to create a table where everyone is welcome. You'll hear the heart of a loving father in Fred and hopefully be inspired to live more openly and inclusive. Learn more about Fred and City Church at: https://www.citychurchsf.org.

In episode 18, we talk with author Lauren Shields about her upcoming book entitled, “The Beauty Suit: How My Year of Religious Modesty Made Me a Better Feminist.” Lauren investigated modesty practices of Islam, Judaism and Christianity and then took off what she calls The Beauty Suit for a year. Her experiment turned into personal liberation and lasting change. Learn more about Lauren at www.laurenjshields.com.

In episode 17, Phileena Heuertz walks us through the basics of contemplative spirituality. Phileena recently re-released her book entitled “Pilgrimage of a Soul” where she shares her pilgrimage story and how contemplation played a role in the evolving of her faith. When reading your bible or praying no longer work like they did, more and more Christians are turning to the contemplative tradition to find meaningful connection with God. Check out Phileena’s work at: http://gravitycenter.com/

In episode 16, we discuss the plot twist of the bible with Tim Day. Tim is the author of "God Enters Stage Left" where he approaches the Bible through the lens of a playwright. Is there merit to reading other ancient texts that didn't make it into the bible? What is the story of the bible and what do we do once the curtain closes and we are headed home? Tim walks us through this and much more. Learn more at: timday.org.

Episode 15 w/ Kevin Miller is our chance to take on hell. Does it exist? If so, who ends up there and why? “Hellrazed?” is Kevin’s upcoming book where he compiles multiple views on hell from various notable authors. It’s the follow-up to his film entitled Hellbound? which was a full feature documentary on 3 views of hell — eternal conscious torment, annihilation, and Christian universalism. For those of you with questions about hell, this episode, film, and book are for you. Learn more at: hellboundthemovie.com

In episode 14, we hang with Kent Dobson who recently released the book “Bitten by a Camel: Leaving Church, Finding God.” Kent is a key voice in the unfolding conversation and re-thinking of God, Christianity, the bible and spirituality. His book catalogs his journey of re-thinking many fundamentalist tenants of faith and how that quest took him to climbing Mt. Sinai only to be bitten by a camel. We talk about the soul path, problems with original sin, the Loyal Soldier and Jewishness of Jesus. Learn more about Kent at www.kentdobson.com

Episode 13 is about David Gushee’s latest book, “Still Christian: Following Jesus Out of American Evangelicalism.” In 2014, David was ushered out of evangelicalism after publishing his change of mind regarding human sexuality and the inclusion of our LGBTQ+ community. We talk about the roots of evangelicalism, problems with biblical literalism, the Nashville Statement, egalitarianism and white privilege. Learn more about David here: http://www.davidpgushee.com

Episode 12 with Chris Heuertz is all about his newest book, “Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth.” Chris is the co-founder of Gravity, a Center for Contemplation and Action. He speaks all over the world, leads retreats and was named one of Outreach Magazine’s “30 Emerging Influencers Reshaping Leadership.” Chris talks with us about the enneagram, self-reflection and doing deep inner work in our lives. While there are many books on the enneagram, Chris takes you beyond caricatures to how our enneagram type aligns with prayer postures which lead to spiritual growth. Learn more here: www.sacredenneagram.org or www.gravitycenter.com

On episode 11, we talk with Nate Stone of Bar Church, Seattle. He shares his story of starting a church which meets in an unlikely place — a bar. Nate wanted to create a place he genuinely loved where people can talk openly about faith (doubts included) while helping make the world more beautiful. At one of their gatherings, you can grab a beermosa, sit around some tables in a beer hall and have some meaningful conversation about what it means to live in the way of Jesus. Learn more at: www.barchurch.com

On episode 10, Tim Burnette of the Way Collective joins us to share his story of being diagnosed with cancer and the deconstruction which followed. It’s a story of loss, change, living on the edges of faith and the beauty that follows. He’s got some great advice to those who are asking questions about God, faith or deconstructing their beliefs. Tim is currently living in Santa Barbara, California and starting a new community called the Way Collective. Learn more here: https://www.waycollective.org. Books mentioned: - Practicing the Way of Jesus by Mark Scandrette - Counter-Imperial Churching for a Planetary Gospel by Timothy Murphy

On episode 9, we talk to leader and teacher, Kevin Neuner about how the teachings of Jesus have transformed throughout time. We talk about the intersection of technology and faith, how stories are told, and how we can ask better questions about the bible. See more of Kevin's work at www.kevinneuner.com. If you want to hear more from Kevin, check out our conversation with him about "What is the Bible" in episode 2.

On episode 8, we talk with author, theologian and entrepreneur, Steve Gerali, from Sanctuary Coffee in Claremont, California. We talk about the current reformation of the church and his story from working at one of the largest churches in America to starting Sanctuary Coffee. Sanctuary Coffee's motto is "impacting lives with every cup". They're a non-profit coffee house / church where it's more about relationships and partnering with local organizations to do good. Learn more here: http://www.sanctuaryclaremont.com.

On episode 6, we talk with author, theologian & podcaster, Pete Enns about all sorts of bible stuff - inerrancy, authority, inspiration and how to let the Bible be what it is. These are just a few themes from his book "The Bible Tells Me So" where Pete also writes about contradictions, confusing stories from the Old Testament and all that bible violence. Join us to hear a different way to read the bible and then check out Pete's podcast, "The Bible for Normal People", to take it a step further! Learn more about Pete Enns at: peteenns.com

On episode 5, we talk with author & theologian, Tony Jones, about his most recent book, Did God Kill Jesus? Searching for Love in History's Most Famous Execution. The atonement and cross haven’t always been understood as it is today in popular evangelicalism and Tony helps us get a wider, more historical view. You just might get introduced to a fresh way of understanding why Jesus died that is all about love and less about a God who had to kill his kid. Learn more about Tony Jones at: http://tonyj.net

On episode 4, Kyle talks with the author of the recently released book, “#staymarried: A Couple’s Devotional”. #staymarried offers inclusive, open-minded guidance that applies to a diverse range of couples. We talk about the story behind the book and what it looks like to re-imagine healthy relationships which last for the long haul. Learn more at: www.staymarriedblog.com.

On episode 3, Gary and Kyle talk with Dave Schmelzer about some concepts from his new book, "Blue Ocean Faith" including solus Jesus, "Third Way" theology regarding LGBTQ and the centered-set. Dave started an organization which is also called "Blue Ocean Faith" where he is gathering a new and more diverse group of churches to help us build a less dogmatic and more inclusive way of being Christian. Learn more at: http://www.blueoceanfaith.org.

On episode 2, Kyle and Gary talk with Kevin Neuner about what the bible is, what it isn’t and all kinds of stuff in between. Kevin does just about everything you can think of. He’s an organizational leadership guru (VIA Leadership). And he’s a normal guy, yet as scholarly as you can get, working with VIA Ministries — the bible in motion. Kevin has a knack for helping those who are deconstructing and reconstructing the bible and faith and helps the bible come to life.

On this episode of the Voices Podcast, Kyle and Gary continue the conversation around creation care by talking about how they learned about climate change, practical changes they have made, and why it's important for us as Christ followers to take this seriously. Learn more at: www.beforetheflood.com www.arcadiapower.com/ www.ecosia.org/ yearsoflivingdangerously.com/

On this episode of The Voices Podcast, Kyle and Gary talk to Brian Webb about climate change, politics and how creation care is connected to our faith. Brian Webb is the founder of Climate Caretakers — a Christian community committed to action on climate change. Learn more at: www.climatecaretakers.org

Have you ever asked the question, "Is this really all there is to faith?" We have, and we are on a journey to re-imagine faith together. Production by: Luke Bechtel Music by: Screen Sounds