Podcasts about christian curious

Sign up to our June intensive: speaklife.org.uk/intensivesWhat do Jordan Peterson, Louise Perry, Konstantin Kisin, Francis Foster, Joe Rogan, Nick Cave, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Niall Ferguson, Kat Von D, Nala Ray, Russell Brand and Andrew Huberman all have in common? They are all public figures who, in the last year, have expressed some kind of Christian curiosity if not Christian faith if not Christian baptism. What to make of all this? Glen Scrivener investigates.See 321: http://321course.com/Subscribe to the Speak Life YouTube channel for videos which see all of life with Jesus at the centre:youtube.com/SpeakLifeMediaSubscribe to the Reformed Mythologist YouTube channel to explore how the stories we love point to the greatest story of all:youtube.com/@ReformedMythologistDiscord is an online platform where you can interact with the Speak Life team and other Speak Life supporters. There's bonus content, creative/theological discussion and lots of fun. Join our Discord here:speaklife.org.uk/giveContact the show: info@speaklife.org.ukSpeak Life is a UK based charity that resources the church to reach the world.Learn more about us here:speaklife.org.ukSupport the Show.

We all want to escape sometimes- work, responsibilities, and sometimes even our own bodies. Today's virtual reality offers an alternative world view where one can try on new personas and explore new worlds. Should Christians be building avatars and churches to minister in the metaverse? We visit with prolific author and professor, Dr. Doug Groothuis to explore this scintillating and controversial new way of looking at the Christianity in today's virtual worlds.  Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

Music has been an important component in the lives of young adults --  of every generation.  Sometimes cleverly worded lyrics and a deep rhythm can touch a soul like nothing else on earth. Today we hear from George Floyd of Be U Ministry as he talks about his journey of love, life and music and reaching the souls of this generation. Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

Women are God's invisible army. Every day, every moment, countless women are making a difference by leading ministries. It's far past time for a new conversation about Christian women leaders. The question is not whether women should lead. The question is how women are leading today amidst the unique challenges they face because of their gender. On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Taylor Miskel about what it's like to be a female Christian leader. Taylor is currently serving as the interim youth minister at a cooperative Baptist Church in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Denver Seminary, and she most recently completed a residency at UNC hospitals and Chapel Hill for a total of five units in Clinical Pastoral Education. Taylor has served as a leader and minister in care and connections, worship, youth, and hospital chaplaincy in the states of Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina.

For all the autonomy and civil liberties allowed us in the West, few places seem as powerless and irrelevant as a suburban home during times of global civil unrest. At least that's what it often feels like as a stay-at-home mom or work-at-home mom. As a young mother, I was often frustrated by what I saw to be my own inability to enact meaningful change while taking care of my two daughters. Yet I know as a researcher and a writer that this sense of purposelessness is not limited to mothers, but can follow women-- especially Christian women--throughout various seasons of their lives.In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with The Denver Institute's for Faith and Work's Joanna Meyer about how Christian women can find meaning and purpose through their life's calling. Joanna serves as Denver Institute's Director of Public Engagement, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and oversees the Women & Vocation initiative. To learn more about Joanna's work with the Women & Vocation Initiative, head over to www.womenworkandcalling.comTo learn more about Christian Curious, check out our website: www.christiancurious.com

Work is not primarily a thing one does to live but the thing one lives to do," wrote Dorothy Sayers. "It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker's faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God."Swift on the heels of the pandemic came the Great Resignation. Millions of people around the world voluntarily resigned from their jobs. Economists and sociologists believed that the pandemic gave people the opportunity to reevaluate their work life balance and why they are working. On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with The Denver Institute for Faith and Work's Director of Public Engagement, Joanna Meyer, about God's calling and why we work. Joanna hosts the Faith & Work Podcast and oversees the Women and Vocation Initiative. Prior to coming to DIFW, Joanna worked with Global Telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. She has an MA in Social Entrepreneurship and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder. She also completed her a certification of Women and Leadership through Cornell University. She is a contributor to the multi-author book, Women in Work, Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work. 

Every year, more churches are closing their doors than opening them. A 2021 study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that 4,500 churches closed  in America, and only 3,000 opened.A few questions I often present to pastors are "If your church were to close, would your neighborhood notice? What good is your church doing in the community?"In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Catherine Pearson, the founder of the Goodmakers Society. We chat about how individuals and organizations can seek societal good. Catherine holds a degree in business and finance from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology, Imagination, and Culture at Salem College in Salisbury. At the center of her work, Catherine is asking, "How could the world be better and what part can we play to make it so?”-------------------------To learn more about Catherine Pearson's Work, visit The Goodmakers Society Website: https://www.goodmakerssociety.org/aboutStay curious--visit our website at www.christiancurious.com

Teaching between generations is often one-way. In the home, parents teach their kids. In school, teachers teach the children. But what if we changed direction to see what we can learn from children? The Scriptures place a high value on children. When the disciples asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answered, “‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee asks her daughters, Ellie (13) and Vivi (11), "What do kids and teens thinks adults should know about their generation? "Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

Mil­len­ni­als are per­haps the most stud­ied gen­er­a­tion in his­to­ry. For years, new stud­ies on Mil­len­ni­als seemed to be pub­lished every day. But there is a new gen­er­a­tion on the rise; a gen­er­ation marked­ly dif­fer­ent from pre­ced­ing gen­er­a­tions: Gen­er­a­tion Z.Born any­where from 1996 to 2012, we still have much to learn about this gen­er­a­tion. In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee chats with two members of Gen Z to learn more--her daughters, Eliana and Vivienne Scott.Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

There is power in the written word. Words can cut like swords, heal like salve, and preserve like stone.  We don't question the power of writing... but we do wonder if there's a secret to the writing process. After all, most writers know that as satisfying as finishing a piece of writing can be, the process is often fraught with frustration. In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Doug Groothuis. He's written 15 books and published in several papers. So, we thought he'd know a few things about writing (such as how to stay in your chair to write when the mountains are calling your name.)Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

"Halee, what happened to you was rape. And if you don't call it that, you're never going to get better," Halee's co-worker said to Halee when she finally told someone the true story 4 months later. Our guest today is the Christian spiritual formation and leadership scholar Dr. Halee Gray Scott, Ph.D. She speaks with a slight, charming Texas drawl. "I grew up in serious country," Texas-native Dr. Halee Gray Scott, Ph.D., begins her story by saying. "I swam in crocodile-infested waters" exploring the nooks and crannies of the East-Texas wilderness. Her childhood was at the same time idyllic for an insatiably curious contrarian kid such as herself, and at the same time quite frightening. There were tornadoes coming down from the uncontrollable, unpredictable and angry giant Texas sky. Later, her adventurous spirit directed her curiosity to scholarship into stable truths about Leadership and the Christian faith, about how young people's attitudes are being shaped by forces we didn't have when we were kids. Whereas the threat of a tornado kept her up at night, now it's the kids. It's the church, and what they're dealing with. It's what the churches and seminaries are or are not doing about it. Maybe they don't know what to do about it, or how to be. Halee's heart is as follows: she hopes to help others to get trained to fill the gap between the challenges facing Leadership and the training they receive. She first got on the radio at 15 years old. Now, she has a Ph.D., is a syndicated radio host, and author of Dare Mighty Things: Mapping the Challenges of Leadership for Christian Women. Her latest book is Not a Hopeless Case: 6 Vital Questions from Young Adults for a Church in Crisis, available April 2023. Check out Christian Curious Radio Program here: https://www.christiancurious.com/ In this wide-ranging discussion, we talk touch on the Kingdom of God and the ethics of eating meat, and naturally from that to hunting. I take the American Indian perspective, for the most part, on the uses of the animal. We camp out on Indian-stuff for a while, what it must have been like for the settlers. We touch on the role of women in ministry. This is a huge part of her professional research. We talk about her Washington Post article where she reported having been raped by her pastor in Texas when she was a young woman, how how she has and is dealing with that. You can find the article titled "#MeToo: I was Raped by my Pastor" published October 16, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/10/16/metoo-i-was-raped-by-my-pastor/ It ran in the print edition of the Post. She had come to college there at UNT, Denton an atheist, and at the time of the rape, had only been a true Christian for 3 months. Does Halee still believe that there is a good God as revealed in the Bible ? Yes, she does. But it's been a journey, and continues to be. Her passion involves protecting the possibility of that belief in the soil of other vulnerable souls, as well. It's what motivates her research and directs her professional steps. It took her 4 months to tell anyone about it, and when she did, her co-worked used the appropriate term "rape." But it took her 15 years to come to terms with that word for what happened. And she had panic attacks for years every-time she went inside a church. But she's healing. We do not rush through this conversation. There is no rush. We take our time. We just enjoy the company and the conversation, and hope you do, too. The Republican Professor is a pro-coming-to-terms, pro-reminiscing-of-idyllic-childhood-conditions, pro-take-your-shoes-off-and-stay-awhile, pro-theological-discussion, pro-wrestling-with-the-problem-of-evil, pro-let's-help-not-screw-the-kids-up-and-keep-the-leadership-appropriately-trained-up-and-accountable podcast. Therefore, welcome Dr. Halee Gray Scott, Ph.D., Curious Christian The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D.

At the time of this podcast recording, it is August 2022. Summer is drawing to a close, and in just a few weeks students will return to public schools in droves. Several of them will be taught Critical Race Theory as a part of their curriculum and, according to apologist and philosopher Dr. Doug Groothuis, this should raise concern for Christians. What is Critical Race Theory (CRT), and how does it conflate with Christian and American ideals? Is there an alternative that could honestly depict America's flaws while championing a hopeful future? In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack CRT with Dr. Groothuis. He recently authored a book, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics, in response to the 2020 riots and emergence of CRT. You can purchase Fire in the Streets here: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Streets-Confidently-Incendiary-Cultural/dp/1684513081/ref=asc_df_1684513081/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564725474608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4136487045843611965&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028715&hvtargid=pla-1645952115076&psc=1Want to learn more about Christian Curious? We'd love for you to check out our website! https://www.christiancurious.com/

Have you ever been 'evangelized' to? What did it feel like? What emotions did it evoke?Here's the truth: evangelism can be unsettling. Why is that, and is there a better way to reach non-believers with the good news of the gospel? The answer to that question starts with evaluating WHY non-believers are turned off to Christianity in the first place. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Asia Nicholson, the young adult leader at The Bridge Ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, to do just that. These are some of the questions we explore:- What is a sustainable young adult ministry, and what are some steps to create one?- What questions are young adults who are not Christians asking? What are they processing?- Why are Christians so uncomfortable with evangelizing to non-believers?- How can you engage nonbelievers?Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousTwitter: @XnCuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir

- "Former Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant WINS Her Wrongful Termination Suit Against Her Union After Claiming She was Fired for Posting Pro-Life Messages Online" - DR. HALEE SCOTT of Christian Curious - "University of Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Makes a BOLD DECLARATION ABOUT THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE in the Aftermath of the Overturning of Roe V Wade" - "An 8-Year-Old Boy who was 'Fighting for His Life' After the Shooting Massacre in Highland Park, IL has Become 'LIVING PROOF OF THE POWER OF PRAYER!" - "Over the Last 5 Years, PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTERS Have Saved Nearly 1 MILLION BABIES!"

What does it mean to be a Christian?  Unfortunately, Christian culture can put stipulations and standards on the title that aren't exactly biblical. In some circles, there are standards to pass: do you go to church every Sunday? Are your parents divorced or married? Do you struggle with addiction?In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Asia Nichol­son to explore what it really means to be a Christian in the 21st century. Asia is a woman of many tal­ents, gift­ed­ness, and an in­cred­i­ble life sto­ry. She is the leader of “The Bridge” min­istry of First Bap­tist Church of Gle­nar­den.Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAir

UFOs. The Expansion of the Universe. The Multiverse. We have a tendency to fear what we don't understand. Is there a place for faith in the realm of astrophysics? Our guest on this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Jeff Zwerinck, is convinced that the answer is yes. He helps us explore the following question: What Does the Universe Tell Us About God?Learn more at christiancurious.comInstagram: @christiancuriousFacebook: @ChristianCuriousOnAirDr. Zwerinck is a research scholar at Reasons to Believe. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University. His writing and speaking encourage people to consider the connection between Scripture's truth and scientific evidence. He is the author of Escaping the Beginning?, Is There Life Out There?, and Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?, and coauthor of the Impact Events Student Devotional Series. Jeff is also a project scientist at UCLA.

Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world, but what makes it different from the rest? What aspects compel people to believe the claims of Jesus over alternate world views? In this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Gray Scott speaks with apologist and author, Dr. Doug Groothius, who recently published a new edition of his classic work Christian Apologetics. Listeners will learn how to think deeply about and defend their faith.Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/what-makes-christianity-unique-among-other-religions

In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion.  However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist's Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more. Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/science-and-faith

(Part 2) In the last century or so, there has been a growing chasm between science and religion.  However, our hunch is that they're more related than they might seem. So, in this episode of Christian Curious, we will explore the age-old question: are science and faith really enemies? We spoke with Dr. Sy Garte who has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the author of “The Work of His Hands: A Scientist's Journey from Atheism to Faith” to learn more. Shownotes: https://www.christiancurious.com/blog/science-and-faith

"The opposite of faith is not doubt, it's certainty." As soon as you're certain about something, you stop learning, growing, and looking for what's true. In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with Eugene Kim to discuss his nonprofit, The New Wine Collective. NWC exists to reimagine Church from the ground up--to foster a multidiscipline conversation about the next iteration of Christianity.We discuss alternative approaches to power and authority in the church, as well as how to embrace curiosity in a faith tradition that prizes certainty.  We hope that you'll join the conversation!

What kind of results is the modern Church producing? Are people being discipled to be more like Christ? Jesus taught that we can judge a tree by its fruit. If the fruit isn't there, it could be time to uproot a few things.On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Eugene Kim, a former pastor and founder of the New Wine Collective, a movement empowering people to co-create their own spiritual community wherever they are. We discuss foundational issues with Church structure and leadership, as well as potential solutions for how to move forward in a constructive manner.

Over the last few weeks (recorded August 2021), Americans and people around the world have watched the stunning developments in Afghanistan as American troops have been pulled from the country. In this episode of Christian Curious, we share information straight from the source on what Christians are currently experiencing in Afghanistan from Dr. Rex M. Rogers. Dr. Rogers is the President of SAT-7 North America, a satellite television ministry broadcasting Christian Programing across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as 50 countries in Europe. sat7usa.org

(Part 2)Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred. He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.

Ryan Berg's life changed when he saw a news headline about twelve children being rescued from a brothel. Shocked and disturbed, he did some more research and traveled to the country where that occurred. He and his wife have since dedicated their time to the fight against sex trafficking. They run the Aruna Project, an athleisure brand that rescues and employs victims. In this episode of Christian Curious, we learn more about sex trafficking and the work the Aruna Project does to combat it.https://arunaproject.com/

(Part 2) Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.

Full-time enrollment in seminary has a downward trajectory, and the scope of theological education is changing. But where exactly is the future of seminary headed?On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Evan Morgan. He's the founder and president of Our Daily Bread University, an online learning platform that makes theological education accessible by providing free seminary classes.

Our lives are full of gaps. Even when we're in the middle of something big, we're waiting for something else to occur. Where is God in the gaps of our life? Where is he in the waiting? On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss those questions and more with Christie Love, author of 'God of the Gaps: Finding Faith in the in-between spaces of our journey".

Danielle Reeves is one of the founders of Resilience Church in Lakewood, Colorado, and they do things a little bit differently. On this episode of Christian Curious, she chats with us about how churches can practically adjust to meet the needs of culture.

In this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Reid Bervik, a young adult and mental health counselor who has spent a lot of time considering his beliefs in the context of today's culture. If you're like us, this conversation will inspire you to think more deeply about your faith! 

Today we give you 5 things you need to know if you are  Judeo Christian curious. We will give you the best prophet, Scripture verse, Biblical figure, unsung hero in the Bible, and Ritual from our respective traditions. If you have any questions please email us at a apriestandarabbipodcast@gmail.com

What do you think the Church will look like for the next generation? The data doesn't lie--Church is changing rapidly, and we're curious about how God might be leading the transformation.On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with a passionate organizational consultant and former minister Susan Yim to help us deconstruct & reconstruct our ideas about the faith tradition we hold so dearly.

The nexus of suffering and belief is one of the biggest conundrums people struggle with on their faith journey. How do reconcile our idea of a good God when so much bad happens in the world? On this episode of Christian Curious, we continue our series on The Body with Kari Morris-Guzman. Kari is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and a Methodist pastor with more than two decades of ministry experience. She tells the story of the accident that rendered her a quadriplegic and how God has been walking with her throughout that journey.

Our culture at large glorifies sex. They can't stop talking about it.The church at large, however, has presented a completely different narrative for centuries--"don't have sex, and then we don't have to talk about it at all." Another name for this is purity culture, and it's just one of the seeds spurring the rampant sexual addiction in our world.In this episode of Christian Curious, we unpack sexual addiction with therapist Doug Barnes. Doug has more than 20 years' experience with sexual addiction, marriage counseling, EMDR, PTSD, betrayal trauma recovery as well as depression, anxiety, and anger.

In this episode of Christian Curious, we're back with therapist Doug Barnes to dive deeper into the weeds of sexual addiction. He discusses the components of a healthy sexuality, pornography, and intimacy, to name a few.

What relationship do our physical bodies have with our authentic selves?  On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Professor Nancy Pearcey about how we can recover the love of the body. She unpacks topics like transgenderism and abortion from a biblical context.Buy Nancy Pearcey's book, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and. Sexuality, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741FFW4R/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

Everybody dies, yet we don't think about it a whole lot. In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with a guest who has been forced to look death in the face ever since being diagnosed with incurable cancer.J. Todd Billings is Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. One of his many books is 'The End of the Christian Life' where he writes, "I felt a sense of urgency throughout the process of writing this book. More than once I've prayed I would live long enough to complete it."Buy 'The End of the Christian Life' Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087RSX6Z2/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

Cancel Culture: the popular practice of withdrawing support for public figures and companies after they have done something considered objectionable or offensive.  People and organizations are getting # canceled left and right-- think the city of Atlanta, Dr. Suess, Ellen DeGeneres, JK Rowling-- the list continues. We're not affirming the actions of these entities, but we are curious about the cultural wave of condemnation that seems to be sweeping across social media.What's the balance between offering forgiveness and holding people accountable? Where are the philosophical and historical roots of cancel culture? Find out on this episode of Christian Curious with Dr. Doug Groothuis.

What does it mean to age well in a culture that idolizes youth? In this episode of Christian Curious, we have Michelle Van Loon (61) on the show with Dr. Halee (43) and Hannah (23) to discuss the aging process. Topics include:- Ministering to the older population- Spiritual growth as we age- Timeless beauty - Multi-generational relationships- Botox, dying hair, makeup, and other beauty enhancements as we age- Respecting the age you're inBuy Michelle's book "Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in MidLife here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YTQMKGF/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

For many families, the female body is the center of the home for a number of years. It conceives the children, bears the children, nourishes the children, and, in the process, changes A LOT. How can women come to terms with the changes that occur in their bodies during birth and pregnancy? And, how can we begin to think theologically about the vocation of motherhood?  In this episode of Christian Curious, we chat about the joys and fears that come with being a momma with Courtney Reissig who is a wife, author, and mother of  4 sons.

Addiction is a difficult thing to grapple with, both for the person struggling and those close to them. Oftentimes, addiction is coupled with shame in the church, making it even harder for healing to occur. So, what are the spiritual and scientific stories of how addiction affects the body?On this episode of Christian Curious, Kent Dunnington, associate professor of philosophy at Biola University and author of Addiction and Virtue, helps us unpack this tangled topic.

What does a healthy body have to do with a healthy spiritual life? Amber Jaworsky, the owner of Soul Fitness in Colorado, believes that a fitness studio can act like the church. On this episode of Christian Curious, Amber discusses how to reclaim exercise as an act of worship. https://soulfitnesscolorado.com

Can different generations be considered as contrasting cultures? What demographic demonstrates the most resilience? What is trauma? On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Dr. Betsy Nesbit Wagner about the impact of current events on different generations. Will the kids be alright?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012H103PG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1https://www.amazon.com/Skills-Effective-Counseling-Faith-Based-Psychological-ebook/dp/B01M0M3K0D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36S8GXW4P1VIY&dchild=1&keywords=skills+for+effective+counseling+a+faith-based+integration&qid=1613427975&s=digital-text&sprefix=skills+for+ef%2Cdigital-text%2C185&sr=1-1

Sometimes it's hard to relate to the Bible. Even with thousands of translations, it can be challenging to experience the Bible as the interactive story that it is. On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss a book that aims to meet that challenge-- 'Eyewitness: The Visual Bible Experience'. This illustrated storybook has no shortage of depth and truly captivates the mind and emotions! Step into the creative process of Joani and Thom Schultz of Group Publishing, as well as dozens of artists from all over the world.Purchase the book here:https://www.group.com/product/9781470759575-eyewitness-visual-bible-experience.dohttps://www.amazon.com/Eyewitness-Visual-Experience-Jeff-White/dp/1470759578

What are the philosophical undercurrents driving the political discord we see today? There has to be a story behind this deep-seated division, so on this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Dr. Doug Groothuis to learn more about the fight between red & blue.Books Mentioned:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBV7WHL/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D1UOH4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Does God care about what we wear? Why do theological discussions around fashion and clothing seem to always center around the modesty issue? Is there more to the conversation than that? On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Gray Scott and Hannah Grieser talk with Dr. Robert Covolo, author of ‘Fashion Theology.'Robert Covolo is the Director of the Pastoral Residency Center, Christ Church Sierra Madre. He has a doctorate in theology and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and Dogmatics and Ecumenics from a university in Amsterdam. He discusses the history of the global fashion movement, the ethics of dress, fashion as an act of hospitality and cultural engagement, and more.Questions:“Fashion Theology” seems to be a new and niche area. What inspired you to address the theology of fashion?What is fashion? How does fashion shape the world?The African theologian Augustine wrote that we belong to a heavenly city and also an earthly city. As we are members of the earthly city, within a unique culture, does God care about clothes? Why or why not?In your book, you mention several male Christian thinkers who, throughout history, have tried to decide what was and wasn't acceptable for Christian women to wear. One of Augustine's central questions about fashion theology was “whether women sin mortally in excessive adornment.”a. Why do you think people have felt (and still feel) the need to make these judgment calls?b. How can a sound fashion theology help navigate possible sexism when in regards to deciphering how 'good' Christians should dress?Fashion costs money. Typically, the more trendy fashion is the more expensive it is. Some Christians might argue that we need to spend our money on other things. What would you say to people who are hesitant to spend money on clothes due to a conflict of spending money on other people or generosity?You worked as an associate young adult pastor for 12 years. What implications would you say that fashion theology has for young adults?Quotes:“As a theologian, I believe Jesus is Lord of everything. That means Jesus has something to do with everything. I wanted to understand what Jesus had to do with fashion.”“We are living in a fashion system. We are all living with this rapid interplay of dress. We look at our clothing as a palette in which we can express ourselves.”“Art is integrated into your life through fashion”“Culture is really what we make of creation.”“When I read scripture, culture isn't really something that comes from the fall— it comes from God.”“The thing that really struck me as I did this research and traced all these different Christian thinkers is how much they had to say about fashion. It was quite shocking that they took dress so incredibly seriously.”“Until you look for it, you don't see it.”“Celebrate life— embrace every day as a gift from God! Part of that is dressing well.”Scripture to Press into:Proverbs 31, Genesis 1:26-27, Ecclesiastes 9:7-10Extra Resources:Culture Making by Andy Crouch: https://www.ivpress.com/culture-makingFashion Theology by Dr. Robert Covolo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGWG36P/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1Rainbows for the Fallen World: Aesthetic Life and Artistic Task by Calvin Seerveld https://www.amazon.com/Rainbows-Fallen-World-Aesthetic-Artistic/dp/0919071007

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet the world we live in is often anything but peaceful. In this episode of Christian Curious, we explore how we can be practical people of peace by remembering the arrival of Christ in the second week of Advent with Tracey Bianchi. 

At what point do ideas and dreams become tangible goals? What is the balance between stewarding personal ambitions and "letting go and letting God?"On this episode of Christian Curious, Hannah interviews Dr. Halee about how we can set long-term goals that align with our calling in life.

Confucius once said,  "When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." Young adults have big dreams and big goals. However, it can be really hard to know how to achieve them. On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee and Hannah discuss practical, daily action steps and rhythms to achieve the plans God has put into your heart.

Whether or not you know what one is or intentionally create one, every single person has something called a Rule of Life. Schedules and sets of principles that guide a person throughout their day-to-day endeavors. For Christians, the question is IF that rule of life is causing you to grow in the direction of becoming more like Jesus.On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Howard Baker is back to discuss spiritual formation and how exactly to create a positive Rule of Life for oneself. 

“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” – Barbara KingsolverWhere would we be without the hope of Christ? On this episode of Christian Curious, we commemorate the first Sunday of Advent with Tracey Bianchi. She teaches us how to partake in the ancient practice of Advent in an effort to keep the season sacred.

Tools are typically passive, but the advent of smartphones presented us with something different. They're active-- calling out, beckoning us with pings and notifications. How does technology impact our spiritual formation?  What does it mean to have a holistic- body, mind, spirit, and soul- faith in the digital age? On this episode of Christian Curious, we meet with the Director of Christian Formation at Denver Seminary, Dr. Howard Baker, to discuss these questions and more.

"I think we undervalue what inspires us and moves us to act. But once someone is inspired, it can really set a whole host of things in motion."That quote is by Shannon Hopkins, our guest on this episode of Christian Curious. Shannon is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur who is the co-founder & the lead cultivator of RootedGood, a nonprofit that empowers institutions, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs to create systemic change.  We discuss the implications that Christians' loss of influence has on culture, as well as practical ways to stay encouraged and continue moving forward. 

Spiritual leaders in our lives can have a lot of power over what we think and believe about God, ourselves, and others. When not checked, this power can be manipulated.  On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Cara Dillon Runyan, a Denver Seminary  graduate in biblical studies who focused her master's thesis on the topic of spiritual abuse.She is passionate about teaching other people how to recognize the warning signs of spiritual abuse and believes that more needs to be done  in the way of prevention. 

Over the past couple of years, we have seen confidence in leadership erode due to multiple kinds of scandals. How does this affect how young adults view and respond to church leadership? How can church leaders pursue difficult conversations with young adults, and how can young adults pursue difficult conversations with their leadership?On this episode of Christian Curious, Dr. Halee Scott and Karla Valencia, a Denver Seminary student pursuing a MA in leadership, dive into these questions with Tim Koller, the Associate Dean of Program Innovation and Extension Education, as well as the director of the leadership program.

America is becoming increasingly diverse.  The church needs to become equipped to embrace these demographic changes and learn how to love people from all parts of the world intentionally. The question is, how?On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Mambo De Leon, a former missionary in Mexico, current pastor at Westside Internacional Church, and chaplain for the Denver Police Department, as well as Karla Valencia, a native of Honduras and Denver Seminary student. They have some great ideas and practical applications that will certainly get your curiosity burning. 

Parachurch organizations are Christian faith-based organizations which carry out their mission usually independent of church oversight. Our guest on this episode of Christian Curious has a unique vantage point from which to understand what is happening in the evangelical, non-profit world during the pandemic. Tami Heim has been the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, the premier resource for professional nonprofit leadership development, since January 2012. She discusses her birds-eye view of what she sees going on in ministries in the era of the Coronavirus. 

Big change starts small. It is from the most intimate of conversations that mentalities are shifted and perspectives are broadened. But how do we discuss sensitive topics with the people closest to us, especially when those topics could be divisive?In a time of intense racial tension and disunity, seeking truth in love together is of the upmost importance. On this episode of Christian Curious we talk with Yasmine Arrington, the founder and Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit that provides college scholarships, mentoring, and a peer support network to children of incarcerated parents. Everyone who knows a person has a platform. Yasmine speaks on how to engage with that influence.

What comes to mind when you think of the Bible Belt? Is it a region? A way of life? Is there something significantly different about the churches in the south v.s. other areas of the United States?On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Lauren Warden and Hannah Grieser, both southern natives who grew up in the church. We discuss the positives and the drawbacks of their personal experiences in the Bible Belt and hypothesize about the lessons that churches in different regions might be able to learn from one another.

“In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33On this episode of Christian Curious, we continue our exploration of how members from different generations are faring during the Coronavirus pandemic. What should the Church be doing during this time to assist people? What is the vision we have for ourselves? How do we establish stabilizing truths in our lives?Dr. Sarah Sumner, a younger member of the Baby Boomer generation and the first female theologian in U.S. History to become the Dean of an evangelical theological seminary, shares wisdom on all of these questions and more. 

Generation X, which consists of people who are currently between 40 and 55 years of age, is jokingly referred to as the forgotten middle child. Sandwiched in between the Baby Boomer generation of their parents and the Millennial generation of their children, they often find themselves carrying the burdens of loved ones that are both older and younger than them. This position is especially interesting in terms of a global pandemic. On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Caryn Rivadeneira and Jennifer Grant to discuss how their generation has been processing, coping, and growing throughout 2020.

Collective trauma. How does it effect us as a whole? From world wars to terrorist attacks, definitive events throughout history have significantly sculpted characteristics in every generation. On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk to Ellie and Vivi Scott, two members of Generation Z. The girls, 11 and 9, open up about how the Coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement have effected their perception on the world. They discuss how the past 6 months has taught them the importance of physical presence, speaking their mind, and sticking to a list at the grocery store.

What makes civilization civilized? On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss Christian ethics in the midst of the Coronavirus with Dr. Doug Groothuis of Denver Seminary.

Serving young adults starts with seeking to understand. Steve Argue, an applied research strategist for the Fuller Youth Institute, works and lives by this philosophy. All people want to be known on a deeper level than a label. On this episode of Christian Curious, Steve sheds light on the art of listening and how to prioritize people before programs. 

“If we are going to realize Jesus' purpose for us on earth, we have to be willing to go to the less fortunate. We must develop the courage (like Jesus) to go to the places where the hurting are.”These are the words of Dr. Felix Gilbert, the Director of the Urban Initiative at Denver Seminary and pastor of Restoration Christian Fellowship Church in Aurora, Colorado. Reaching the marginalized was integral to Jesus' mission, yet there is often a lapse within believers and churches in knowledge (or desire) about how to go forth in doing so. On this episode of Christian Curious, we talk with Dr. Gilbert and Minister Nichelle West about how to reinvigorate the church with Jesus' heart for the oppressed, as well as practical action steps.

Evangelical. It used to be understood as a term that referred to people with a commitment to the gospel. Today, it has transformed into a trigger word for those outside of the Christian faith. Evangelical has become a conservative, political position, steeping Christianity deep into an identity crisis. Simply put, the world doesn't know evangelical Christians for the gospel.Dr. Mark Young, President of Denver Seminary, launched The Gospel Initiative to help the church engage with difficult questions in ways that commend the gospel with compassion and credibility. How do Christians engage with unbelievers from a place of understanding? How do evangelicals reclaim their identity in a way that truly showcases Christ's character? All of these questions and more unpacked on this episode of Christian Curious.

Just because someone has Jesus doesn't mean that they don't struggle with mental health challenges. 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness in a given year. Yet, there is still a stigma in churches against struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disease, or any other mental health issue.  We're getting curious about how to design a more developed approach to helping people experiencing mental health challenges.On this episode of Christian Curious, we speak with Tim Ringquist, Executive Pastor at Deer Creek Church in Littleton, about how to put aside the mask and clearly communicate about difficult matters in the church. Tim believes that just because a need isn't visible, doesn't mean it's not there. He aims to look beyond the neat visage of the suburbs and create space to discuss issues that everyone inevitably faces.

Hustle and bustle, gifts galore, Hallmark films, and jingle bells. How much of our current consumer culture is in line with the historical roots of the Christmas season? On this episode of Christian Curious, we chat with Kyle Stanton, the Curate at Trinity Anglican Church about Advent. How can this liturgical practice and season of reverence from 480 AD prepare and enrich us for the present day?

There is power in a personal ask. It's no secret that people want to be known. And loneliness is at an all time high, especially among young adults. The gap between graduation and marriage has widened over the past few decades, leaving a larger range of single young adults who are searching for friendships and a sense of community.Anne Caughlin, nicknamed the “Spread Love Pastor” at Platt Park Church in Denver, is devoted to cultivating spaces that are full of the love of Jesus. She has found that millennials don't want extravagant events or trendy meeting spaces as much as they want authentic, real-life community. On this episode of Christian Curious, she shares her experience and wisdom in the realm of reaching young adults. 

Young adults ages 23 to 29 are the most unchurched generation in all of recorded American history. Across the board, researchers have tracked a rapid increase in Americans who claim no religious affiliation. Dr. Halee Scott, Director of the Kaleo Project at Denver Seminary (an arm of the Lilly Endowment's Young Adult Initiative), dives deep into what it means to do ministry in a post-modern, post-christian culture. Churches are in the midst of a shift from a ministry to a missional mindset. How can the church be present in the age of social justice, mental health, and technology, all while discipling the next generation? This is the first episode of a podcast that aims to explore those questions and keep you curious. 

Nationwide, the numbers show that homelessness is at a low. However, in urban areas like Denver, that simply isn't the case. With rising housing costs, the standard of living has grown to an unattainable measure for many individuals and families. How can the body of Christ step in to help?David Warren, the Executive Director of Open Door Ministries, has experienced the difference between short-term, relief work and sustainable, developmental work when it comes to combatting homelessness and poverty. On this episode of Christian Curious, we discuss how to enhance community engagement and learn the joy of serving. 

There is a difference between believing in God and believing that God is who he says he is. And who we believe God to be comes to light during temptations and trials. On this episode of Christian Curious, we dive deep into the topic of faith. Dr. Scott Wenig, professor of applied theology at Denver Seminary, explores the various dimensions of faith and how we can both believe and trust in his nature.