Podcast appearances and mentions of elaine heath

What if the unraveling we see in the institutional church isn't a problem to fix — but a sacred invitation to a new way of being? In this deeply honest and hopeful episode, host Beth Estock is joined by three extraordinary women — Elaine Heath, Angie Wolle, and Rebecca Przybylski — for a soulful conversation about the shifting landscape of Christian leadership and the emergence of the Divine Feminine in this time of disintegration, grief, and profound transformation.

George began a series on Rhythm and what it means to know God as the source of our lives in which 'we live and move and have our being.' In this teaching, we looked at Pope Francis and the Apostle Paul in Athens, and how they examplified the same gracious posture we see in Jesus and that which we hope to embody ourselves.SLIDE GEORGE READWe are at the forefront of a new reformation, one that is freeing the Christian faith from the sinful structures of patriarchy, racism, classism, many phobias and exploitative forms of mission and evangelism. The new reformation is all about the emergence of a generous, hospitable, equitable form of Christianity that heals the wounds of the world. I believe much of the work for the church in the years ahead, is that we must focus on healing the wounds inflicted by Christendom so that the beauty and inclusive goodness of the gospel can be heard and seen and experienced. —Elaine Heath, Duke Divinity School

Send us a textHow do you plan for your life, your family, and/or your organization with God? Dr. Elaine Heath is an author, speaker, retreat leader, consultant, farmer and Abbess who leads the new monastic community Spring Forest. She offers a different path from the traditional models of strategic planning and outcome-based goals that creates space for discerning God's direction. As you figure out God's leading for what is next, Dr. Heath offers a refreshing joy-filled approach to planning grounded in Celtic Christianity and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.For more about Elaine, check out her website:  https://www.elaineaheath.org/Support the show

When we go to church, we bring our stories with us. Our stories can color how we experience Christian community, and even affect the larger community.Fresh Expressions Pioneer Elaine Heath and church planter Charles Kiser are co-authors of Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers. Motivated by their own experiences, they have worked to create expressions of church that are safe spaces for healing and connection. You can learn more about their book at https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802882356/trauma-informed-evangelism/.In season 5 of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we're exploring the loneliness epidemic that is sweeping across North America and learning how new kinds of Christian community can help.

This month, the Academy Podcast features Elaine Heath's understanding of neighborhood shalom. Her lecture from Academy 40 speaks to us of hopes and expectations, of well formed theology that is undone by lived experience. Knowing about Jesus and experiencing the compassion and presence of Jesus in the neighborhood is nothing short of transformational. Listen on, dear one, and as you listen, breathe deeply and expand gently. Elaine Heath's vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology.  She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath is co-founder and former President of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of thirteen books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.  She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina where she serves as Abbess. JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents  Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/spirituality-in-practice2024/. Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

CW: adverse religious experiencesDr. Charles Kiser is a pastor and theologian with Storyline Christian Community in Dallas, TX, and Dr. Elanie Heath is the former Dean of Duke Divinity School and the author of The Mystic Way of Evangelism and Loving the Hell Out of Ourselves (and Others).In this episode, we talk about Dr. Kiser's and Dr. Heath's recent book Trauma-Informed Evangelism. In addition to defining terms like “trauma” and “trauma-informed,” they tell how the book came about and the source of many of its stories. They also share how their approach centers those with whom Christ is being shared–allowing them to take the place of “host,” especially as they find safety post-religious trauma. Along the way, they explore various intersections of trauma and theology, such as the way that God offers empathy to those in pain.Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. John Anthony Dunne and Dr. Madison Pierce. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin and Greg talk with Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath, the authors of Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers. They discuss the experiences that gave rise to the book, the meaning of trauma, the authors' understanding of discipleship and evangelism, and what drawing ethical boundaries has to do with traumatizing others.

Note to listeners: This podcast contains a discussion about spiritual and church abuse. Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath help us gain a new understanding about what evangelism is and what it means to be a Christian leader in environments of spiritual abuse and trauma. What they share is perhaps a model for Christian leadership and evangelism in any environment. Listen in as they talk with our hosts about their new book Trauma-Informed Evangelism. In this episode you will hear how the book came to fruition as well as the impact of the process of the project on their own lives. Charles Kiser is a pastor and theologian with Storyline Christian Community in Dallas, Texas, a network of missional communities he helped to form. He is passionate about creative expressions of Christian community, contemplative spirituality, and healing spiritual trauma. Kiser has a DMin in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary and serves as a faculty member of Neighborhood Seminary. Connect with Charles and learn more his work on his webpage at www.charleskiser.com. Elaine Heath's vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath was the founding president of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of twelve books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.  She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina where she serves as Abbess. Connect with Elaine and learn more about her work by visiting her websites: www.elaineaheath.org and www.springforest.org.

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In this episode of Church is Changing, host Paul Nixon interviews Elaine Heath, former dean of Duke Divinity school, author/expert on neo-monasticism and Abbess of Spring Forest Farm in North Carolina. This conversation offers great insight into the contours of the emerging 21st century church.

In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Charles Kiser about his forthcoming book “Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers” which address questions such as: How do we love our neighbors well who carry religious trauma? How do we embody the good news of the way of Jesus in ways that are actually good news for those who have been hurt, harmed, and even abused in the name of the gospel of Jesus, in the name of a version of God or Christianity? Charles helps us reframe evangelism in the terms of being and becoming the gospel in ways that are not only appropriate in relationships with neighbors who have experienced spiritual trauma, but change our understanding of evangelism altogether. Charles is the lead minister with Storyline Community in Dallas. Trauma-Informed Evangelism, which he co-authors with Elaine Heath, comes out April 2023. Pre-order a copy wherever you get your books. Connect with Charles and learn more about the book on his webpage at www.charleskiser.com.

Applying Jesus to New Vision - Interview with Dr. Elaine Heath Ok everyone, get your web browser or Amazon app ready because Dr. Heath lists off books we should be reading throughout this interview! I was quite in awe of her and I really can't wait to be equipped through her resources and even going to spend time at Spring Forest with her this year. Dr. Heath has so much knowledge and experience - and when you combine the two you get wisdom. Dr. Heath is the real deal and a voice we need to hear more from in all aspect of church and life. We will be using one of her books God UnBound as a study in April and May at URHeights! Season 2 is intentionally different than Season 1. In this season, we are talking with folks hard at work re-imagining what it means to respond and reform the issues within our society. These conversations are going to help us, in the Church, re-imagine what it means to be a part of the solution - the Kin-Dom Come. About Dr. Elaine Heath Elaine Heath's vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath is co-founder and President of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of twelve books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry. She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina where she serves as Abbess. Learn more about her on her website: www.elaineheath.org. Applying Jesus is hosted and produced by Amy Vogel, Director of Spiritual Growth for Upper Room Heights and our Technical Director is Xach Blunt. We record at the Chapelwood UMC Digital Studio in Houston, TX. We hope something you heard today deepened your faith, opened your eyes and led you to not only knowing God in a more expansive way, but shifts how you connect, especially with those who are easy to overlook. To find out more about Amy and our church community, go to www.urheights.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram & Youtube. Remember we love you – and there is nothing you can do about it!

When you hear the word “church” you are likely imagining something that is very particular to your time and culture. But the church is 2,000 years old, and has many different expressions. This episode will introduce you to a variety of expressions of Church throughout the centuries.Elaine Heath is an ordained in the United Methodist Church, who has served as a professor for eleven years at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and as Dean and Professor of Missional and Pastoral Theology at Duke Divinity School, Duke University. After retiring from Duke she led Neighborhood Seminary, a non-profit which she co-founded to provide theological, practical, and spiritual formation for lay people to know how to help their neighborhoods flourish by participating with what God is doing in their neighborhoods. She currently lives with her spouse at Spring Forest, a multicultural intentional community in rural North Carolina, where along with 7 friends they tend a forest and small farm that support immigrants who experience food insecurity, hold day retreats for small groups and individuals, and host a decentralized mission church, The Church at Spring Forest. She serves as Abbess for their residential community, and Theologian in Residence for their church.https://www.elaineaheath.org/ https://www.springforest.org/ 

Today my guest, Dr. Elaine Heath, joins me to discuss her five principles of 'What the Church of the Future Needs to Contain". Dr. Heath was the first woman dean of Duke Divinity School and is an author, speaker, pastor, and consultant. Along with her five principles, we cover the value of wisdom traditions, socio-political identity, and more. Elaine says, "Christianity is losing its swagger" and "the Church's mission [towards people] should be to go to Hell for them." Elaine's Website: https://www.elaineaheath.org/ Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys: https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Gospel-Cowboys-American-Expression/dp/0830844236 Braiding Sweetgrass: https://www.amazon.com/Braiding-Sweetgrass-Indigenous-Scientific-Knowledge/dp/1571313567/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1643003297&sr=1-1 Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/ Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKoch Faith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/ Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia@gmail.com -- he is accepting more work!) Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankoch Email about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.com YHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98 Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.html Join Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/ Artwork by sprungle.co/

This month's podcast features Elaine Heath, Academy faculty, Upper Room Books author, and so much more. Elaine's scholarly work is interdisciplinary, integrating pastoral, biblical, and spiritual theology in ways that bridge the gap between academy, church, and world. And it's because of this approach that I'm excited for her words to us today that were a portion of her time with Academy 34. Her current research interests focus on community as a means of healing trauma, emergent forms of Christianity, and alternative forms of theological education for the church in rapidly changing contexts. In addition to having served as Dean of a Divinity School and Professor of Evangelism, Elaine is co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, and more recently she co-founded Neighborhood Seminary, a contextualized model of missional theological education for laity. Elaine's episode reminds us, "We are already God's joy, God's delight — even before we embark on our respective journeys toward reconciliation, reparation, and healing, we are aglow with the warmth of Christ's love. That is good news."

Author Elaine Heath, retired Dean of Duke Divinity School, shares with us about her contemplative approach to pioneering new ministries like Neighborhood Seminary and Spring Forest Farm. We talk about the feeling of fragility and unfinished-ness that is inherent in doing pioneering work, whether in developing new faith communities or new forms of theological education, and how this feeling can actually be a helpful animator as to how we show up in the world. Join us for this rich exploration into the depths of contemplative leadership.

In this Episode, Dr. Brian Russell shares his top spiritual lessons from 2020. Reservoir vs. Canal, KASH, Curiosity, Silence/Solitude Practices, The Body Keeps the Score, and Simplicity   Dr. Brian Russell is the curator of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast as well as a Professor of Biblical Studies and Coach.   His most recent book is (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World https://amzn.to/382H3Hn   Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com   Group Coaching for Pastor and Spiritual Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com   Coaching for Business and Life: www.drbrianrussellcoaching.com   Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife YouTube Channel: Deep Dive Spirituality with Dr. Brian Russell   Reservoir versus Canal: Bernard of Clairvaux Sermon 18 on the Song ofSongs: https://hymnsandchants.com/Texts/Sermons/SongOfSongs/Sermon18/Sermon18.htm     Silence and Solitude Practices: Episode 8: Brian Russell https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-8-what-is-deep-dive-spirituality-solocast-with-dr-brian-russell/   Episode 13: Roundtable on Centering Prayer https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-13-centering-prayer-healing-and-spiritual-formation-with-drs-holeman-russell-stratton-and-rev-gene-yotka/     Body Keeps the Score:   Bessel Van Der Kolk The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. https://amzn.to/3hubf12   Episode 21 with Dr. Elaine Heath https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-21-dr-elaine-heath-on-contemplative-spirituality-sanctification-and-the-healing-of-trauma/   Simplicity   Episode 1: Gene Yotka https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-1-spiritual-direction-and-the-contemplative-life-with-gene-yotka/   Episodes 3 and 5 Michael Voigts https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-3-spiritual-formation-and-your-unum-necessarium-with-dr-mike-voigts/   https://deepdivespirituality.podbean.com/e/episode-5-bernard-of-clairvaux-loving-god-simplicity-and-spiritual-formation-with-dr-mike-voigts-part-2/

The trio discuss mysticism and contemplation, as well as Elaine Heath's book "The Mystic Way of Evangelism"

In this week's episode, Dr. Elaine Heath takes us deep into contemplative spirituality, entire sanctification, and the healing of trauma. Dr. Heath draws on her expertise in Scripture, spiritual formation (rooted in contemplative spirituality), mission and the theology of Phoebe Palmer. We have a rich conversation about inner healing and holiness. Full Show Notes (including links to Dr. Heath's websites and resources): https://missionalhermeneutics.blogspot.com/2020/08/episode-21-dr-elaine-heath.html

Join us for a dialogue between Elaine Heath and Wayne Jacobsen, as they dialogue about the common ground and meaningful differences in their understandings of what it means to be part of authentic spiritual community. Episode Highlights Include:  What does it mean to be connected to the Church? The role of structure and accountability The [...]

Join us for an updated conversation with Elaine Heath of the Missional Wisdom Foundation and the Community At Spring Forest, as she shares about what COVID-19 and protests around racial injustice have taught her about spiritual community; as well as about her journey into United Methodism and a contemplative path for institutional renewal. Episode Highlights [...]

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-23 Sermon in a sentence: There is great freedom in holy order. Quote to consider: Structure is not meant to restrict you, but to set you free. Invitation: 1. Take 20 minutes to map out your ideal week. You have 168 hours to spend. How many hours will you spend working? How many will you spend sleeping? How many will you spend with family? Doing something for yourself? How much time will you leave set aside as slack or for interruption? Link to Elaine Heath on Rule of Life: https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/a-rule-of-life

In this episode, we feature an important conversation on racism and the Church’s call to action, led by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand on the Metro District Sights & Sounds podcast. This conversation with Rev. Dr. Elaine Heath, co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, Rev. Dr. Fatimah Salleh, founder of A Certain Work, and Metro District Superintendent Rev. David Hockett is part one of a three-part series. Listen and subscribe to Metro District Sights & Sounds for parts two and three. Resources: "Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram Kendi "The People's History" by Howard Zinn "Sisters in the Wilderness" by Delores Williams "Freedom's Daughters" by Lynne Olsen “The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Fear” by William Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove “White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism,” by Robin DeAngelo Racial Equity Institute - https://www.racialequityinstitute.com UMC Resources on Advocating for Justice - https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/advocating-for-justice/racial-justice Listen and subscribe to Metro Sights & Sounds: https://podfollow.com/1488629933

A Conversation In light of the murder of of George Floyd - Minneapolis, Ahmaud Arbery South Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, Mother Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church massacre in Charleston SC.  The protests, the riots, and the list goes on and on. As difficult as it has become, as Christians we must speak truth about race, racism in America, and how the Church can no longer be silent, sit on the sidelines, believe that there is not a problem, say that is not my problem, say I didn’t cause this problem etc… As people of God, each of us has a mandate on our lives by God. Matthew 25:31-46 reminds us all, The Son of Man will judge the nations. Each of us, individually, and collectively will have to answer to our response to the clarion call. Siblings, there is much kingdom work to be done. Who's in? Contact Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand, shand@wnccumc.org OUR GUEST: Dr. Elaine Heath's interdisciplinary scholarly work is focused on, integrating pastoral, biblical, and spiritual theology, bridging the gap between academy, church, and world. Healing trauma, emergent forms of Christianity, and alternative forms of theological education for the church. Heath served as Dean of the Duke University Divinity School, McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology, and Southern Methodist University. She is a pioneer and co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation, Neighborhood Seminary, a contextualized model of missional theological education for laity. Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.   Rev. Dr. Fatimah S. Salleh was born in Brooklyn, NY to a Puerto-Rican and Malaysian mother and an African American father. She is the eldest of seven. Dr. Salleh received her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She  earned a Master’s degree from Syracuse University in Public Communication and a second Master’s in Divinity from Duke University. She also served on the staff of Duke University. She is married to Eric Sorensen and they have four children: Micah, Xavier, Ronin and Zora Grace.  She is the founder of A Certain Work, an organization dedicated to educating on issues of faith, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Resources: "Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram Kendi "The People's History" by Howard Zinn "Sisters in the Wilderness" by Delores Williams "Freedom's Daughters" by Lynne Olsen “The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Fear” by William Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove “White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism,” by Robin DeAngelo, Racial Equity Institute - https://www.racialequityinstitute.com/ Music: Lucas Britt

In this episode, Claire is joined by Elaine Heath, Academy faculty, Upper Room Books author, and so much more. Elaine’s scholarly work is interdisciplinary, integrating pastoral, biblical, and spiritual theology in ways that bridge the gap between academy, church, and world. Her current research interests focus on community as a means of healing trauma, emergent forms of Christianity, and alternative forms of theological education for the church in rapidly changing contexts. What follows is a conversation with Elaine about what is needed from us as spiritual leaders for these times, what it means to “neighbor well,” the profound and sound theology of Julian of Norwich, and so much more.

A conversation with author and spiritual leader, Elaine Heath on the Christian tradition of "celebration," especially int he midst of suffering.

Join us for a conversation with Elaine Heath of the Missional Wisdom Foundation and the Community At Spring Forest, about her journey into United Methodism and a contemplative path for institutional renewal. Episode Highlights Include:  How her childhood was a cross between Hillbilly Elegy and Glass Castle “I don’t know about that, but I know [...]

Check out the trailer for our opening series on 2020, “Why I Stayed/Why I Left”, examining all the different choices people are making about their spiritual commitments in our new religious reality, with guests Wayne Jacobsen, Elaine Heath, Ophelia Hu-Kinney, and Ciona Rouse. We’ll be releasing all our conversations on Wednesday, March 11th, and stay [...]

In this episode we talk with Elaine Heath, a United Methodist Minister and Author, serving as the Abbess of  Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina. We talk about her book God Unbound, missional ecclesiology, the importance of lay leadership, and how she developed a passion for church history that inspires her innovative work today. Books mentioned: Elaine’s Book on Post-Christendom : God Unbound  Elaine’s book on the Mystics – The Mystic Way of Evangelism  Books She’s Reading: Who Do We Choose to Be By Margaret Wheatley  Universal Christ by Richard Rohr Today's episode brought to you by the Church Development Office at the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Macarray Bay" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) If you have a question about the future of the church that you would like for me to research or have a suggestion for a future guest you can email me at luke@churchischanging.com or leave me a voicemail at (980) 320-0568 and you might end up on the podcast. Today’s episode and many other resources for the next church can be found at www.churchischanging.com

A new podcast is out, but this one comes with a trigger warning for Sexual Abuse. Erre spoke with Elaine Heath about how to read the Bible from the perspective of survivors and it was so good, but also heavy and authentic and real. Today's outro to the episode, we get into all the things such as: -What lens we read the Bible and why it matters, -Bonnie asking Erre if it's theologically permissible and beneficial to talk about God with feminine pronouns, -If patriarchal cultures are more likely to have women and children exploited. We'd love to hear what you think! hello@voxpodcast.com Learn more about the VOX Podcast: www.voxpodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes - apple.co/1Lla1Nj Support the VOX Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/voxpodcast Follow us on Instagram: @voxpodcast Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/voxpodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford www.timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

This week, we were honored to sit down with Dr. Elaine Heath, a practical theologian, teacher, author, spiritual pioneer, colleague, and friend. In this episode, Elaine helps us answer the question, "How can neighboring and spirituality combine in an inclusive and non-coercive way that is healthy for all of our neighbors, regardless of their backgrounds or stories?" Elaine names the fact that many have been hurt by Christianity and unpacks a lot of this baggage before naming what is emerging in Christianity and re-framing the once-painful idea of evangelism. Buckle up - we think this episode is beautiful, powerful, and healing for non-Christians and Christians alike. Also, if you are intrigued by Elaine's thoughts, we encourage you to check out one of her many powerful books. You can find them here: https://www.amazon.com/Elaine-A.-Heath/e/B001JSD5Z4

This month’s podcast features teaching from Elaine Heath at a 2014 Five-Day Academy in North Carolina, where she offered a series of lectures entitled, “The Way of Wisdom.” Serving as faculty for many Academies throughout the years, Elaine, through her writing, teaching, and presence, offers us hope in the midst of despair, wisdom in the midst of foolishness, and mercy in the midst of judgment.

In this episode, Stephanie Anna Hixon, of the Susquehanna Area of the United Methodist Church, focuses on reconciliation and restoration. She says how the body knows and remembers reminds us that responses to traumatic events, violence, harm, or oppression are matters not experienced solely in cognitive ways. (VOICED BY PROFESSIONAL TALENT) FULL TRANSCRIPT 0:01        When women come together there's nothing we cannot do. Welcome to the WellSprings Journal Podcast, where you will hear from women who have been called by God into lives to speak grace and compassion, that share pain and anger, and that dance life's joys and laughter. Inspiration to call forth your creative spirit await. Listen now. 0:32        The Body Re-Members, by Stephanie Anna Hixon, of the Susquehanna Area of the United Methodist Church 0:40        She told me that the body remembers these things: the feel of wet heat of the summer, the damp smell of murky flood waters lingering too long, the anxiety of trauma revisited, the tenderness within one’s joints and soul. How the body knows and remembers reminds us that responses to traumatic events, violence, harm, or oppression are matters not experienced solely in cognitive ways. 1:09        The Spirit of Remaining or Abiding – While we often encounter the dichotomy of spirit and flesh in biblical tradition, the Gospel of John invites us to embrace the human and divine, the essence of spirit and body through water, wine, fish, bread, the touch of wounds, the staying presence of women, the familiar voice at the tomb. John provides fertile ground for Shelly Rambo as she explores the “middle spirit,” the power of the spirit remaining and abiding in Holy Saturday, between death and life. In “Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining,” she articulates a theology that refrains from moving too quickly to a triumphant resurrection experience, but persists with the power of spirit remaining, being present with, and giving witness to death and suffering. 2:10        Ruptures, Strains, and Disembodiment – Much of the experience of the world today keeps us intensely aware of violence, conflict, ruptured eco systems, stresses, and threats to a flourishing life. Even if we are privileged to be in a place of well-being, safety, and security, we are not far from vivid reminders of human suffering and hostile relationships. Deeper understandings of the impact of trauma, oppression or violence on individuals as well as the legacy of historical harms in communities calls us to reimagine what it means to be redeemed, transformed, reconciled, and made whole. 2:57        Powerfully rooted in women’s narratives of violence, coping, faith, and healing, Stephanie Crumpton writes in “A Womanist Pastoral Theology” against Intimate and Cultural Violence: “Women’s healing from intimate violence also involves recovering themselves from cultural practices that normalize violence committed against them,” Faith is the context from which women can both claim their distinctiveness in the image of God and challenge the culture, including that of church, that contributes to normalizing violence against them. 3:33        As a mother, pastor, and theologian, Kelly Brown Douglas invites us to know more fully the historic paths that shape the environment in the United States and impacts lives for and with black and brown persons in Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God. 3:53        Reconciliation Is a Journey – Reconciliation is not necessarily a point in time or even a destination, but a journey with varied paths and experiences of forgiveness; justice; restoration; connection with God, self, and community. Standing in Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, England, decades ago, among mostly male clergy colleagues who were delighting in the history and connection of the Anglican Church and the legacy of the Wesleys, I was keenly aware that my feet were planted in more than one sphere. At that moment, the history of women as ordained clergy complicated my sense of belonging to the celebration. 4:37        Intersecting spheres or dimensions are what many of us navigate along paths to be fully alive as God’s beloved in the places where we reside. “When Blood and Bones Cry Out: Journeys through the Soundscape of Healing and Reconciliation” captures the essence of reconciliation as resonance, ways of knowing and experiencing healing in the midst of unspeakable tragedy and conflict. Reminiscent of “sighs too deep for words,” noted Romans 8:26, the power of the Spirit to move and beckon through many facets encourages us to explore the arts and peace building. Books, spoken word, poetry, drama, film, music, visual, and other arts vivify our lived experiences. 5:28        Rooted in Grace and Spiritual Practices – Singing, lamenting, weeping, wailing, healing somatic work, walking along the earth, exercising vigorously, savoring a cup of tea, dancing flamboyantly, or moving with more measured steps to the beat of a drum are but a few of the ways that diverse and differently abled persons seek to be wonderfully and fully human as inspired by the divine. These prayerful practices, along with traditional prayer, fasting, study, and other means of grace, enliven the gospel through body, mind, soul, and spirit. 6:12        Punctuated by witnesses of women exploring the Word, The Common English Women’s Bible provides a window to scripture. Christine Pohl invites communities to cultivate practices that sustain us: “making and keeping promises, speaking and telling the truth, expressing gratitude, and extending hospitality.” Elaine Heath offers a group study of wisdom from Galatians as we seek to be the body of Christ in a changing world. 6:42        The Body Remembered – Reflecting on the trial-tested strength and nurturing gifts of family elders, Adrienne Sparrow Trevathan writes: If I have genuinely lost the ability to experience the enfleshed revelation of my family, perhaps it is because I have become so satiated with my half-life that I forget the glory of the flower, the potential of existence, the glory of God to me — to us — in bread and wine. How can I get the church to understand? Let us remember and be thankful. 7:19        Thank you for listening to the WellSprings Journal podcast. Be sure to visit WellSpringsJournal.org to find more resources for the journey.  

Sermon on Lamentations 3:19-33

Elaine Heath is the perfect person to speak to about the emergence of new expressions of Church. She's one of those rare people who understands and can navigate the institution (she's former Dean of Duke Divinity School and an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church), while at the same time has years of experience in small, experimental, missional communities. She's a pioneer who through her writing, speaking and retreats, has opened up a space for many others to explore new forms of church a little more safely. So we took the opportunity to pick Elaine's brain about the joys and heartbreaks of being a pioneer. Interview begins at 10m 10s If you want more from Nomad, check out our website, and follow us on Facebook and twitter. Nomad can only keep going because a small group of faithful listeners help us pay the bills. Our donors gain access to the Nomad community, which manifests in such ways as Nomad Book Club, The Beloved Listener Lounge, Nomad Contemplations and Nomad Devotionals. And you may find yourself the proud owner of a Beloved Listener mug! Head over to our Patreon page for more information. If you're not fussed about the bonus content, you can make a one-off or regular donation through PayPal, the links to which you can find on our support page. And if you're looking for other people to share this journey with, then register on our Listener Map, and see if any other nomads are in your area.

The End or the Beginning? by Rev. Elaine Heath, 2018-09-30 by New Sharon UMC

It's summer and we're feeling generous, so with thought we'd share this month's Nomad Devotional with everyone. If you're a patron of nomad you'll be very familiar with our Devotionals. Each month we ask a guest to offer us a reflection. And then we unpack it with music, song and readings. This month we asked the former Dean of Duke Divinity School Elaine Heath to reflect on the spiritual practices she sees as vital for Christians today, and the spiritual practice that has had a particularly deep impact in her own life. David Blower then responds with music and a couple of new songs. If you want more resources like these, and opportunities to connect with the nomad community, then check out our Patreon page. Nomad can only keep going because a small group of faithful listeners help us pay the bills. Our donors gain access to a wide range of bonus content, such as Nomad Book Club, The Beloved Listener Lounge, Nomad Contemplations, and of course, the Beloved Listener mug! Head over to our Patreon page for more information. If you're not fussed about the bonus content, you can make a one-off or regular donation through PayPal, the links to which you can find on our support page. And if you're looking for other people to share this journey with, then register on our Listener Map, and see if any other nomads are in your area. 

Sermon on Philippians 2:1-11

This episode of Connect airs on July 22, 2015.  Elaine Heath is the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is also one of the founders of the Missional Wisdom Foundation.

The Passion Story and The Easter Celebration show us a God who journeys with us in pain and celebration. This promise of presence--embodied, incarnational, and holy--is the grace and glue of all types of spiritual journeys. Using clips from Elaine Heath and Roger Owens, this episode follows Julian of Norwich and Jacob as they find God as their companion on the road. May their wanderings and wonderings accompany you on your way. Feel free to comment and share!

Lecturer in evangelism, theology and Chrisitan spirituality and author of The Mystic Way of Evangelism, Elaine Heath joins us on the show. We chat with Elaine about contemplative prayer, and the healing and outreach that naturally flows from it. So tune in if you want to know how to experience God and change the world. If you want more from Nomad, check out our website, and follow us on Facebook and twitter If you're looking for other people to share this journey with, then register on our Listener Map, and see if any other nomads are in your area.  Nomad can only keep going because a small group of faithful listeners help us pay the bills. If you want to join them, you can make regular donations at Patreon or a one-off or regular donation through PayPal, the links to which you can find on our support page. As a thank you, you'll have access to Nomad Book Club, our online community The Beloved Listener Lounge, and Nomad Devotionals, where we're attempting to reconstruct worship through a creative mix of songs, music, readings, prayers and guest reflections.

Heath is McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology and author of "We Were the Least of These: Reading the Bible with Survivors of Sexual Abuse."

Elaine Heath