Podcasts about Fuller Theological Seminary

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Matt have a conversation with Dave Ripper about his new book Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard .Bio:Dave Ripper is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multi-congregational church in southern New Hampshire focused on spiritual formation. He earned a Doctor of Ministry in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary and the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He's the author of “Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard and coauthor of The Fellowship of the Suffering.”About the Book:Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a unique pathway to deeper spiritual engagement, using Dallas Willard's revolutionary approach to reading the Bible. More than a study tool, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus invites you to transform your encounters with Scripture from mere information gathering to profound spiritual experiences. Using primary source material and insights from Willard, Dave Ripper takes you on an immersive exploration of Scripture that mirrors the intellect of a philosopher and the heart of a mystic.You'll find experiential exercises designed to prompt reflection and foster enriching group conversations, helping you not just to read, but to truly know the God of the Bible. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and spiritual seekers shaped by voices like Eugene Peterson and Richard Foster, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a call to experience God's presence in new and vibrant ways.Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with Scripture as a disciple of Jesus. It offers practical tools, insights, and exercises that can be applied both individually and in group settings. By incorporating the teachings of Dallas Willard, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus provides a unique perspective on reading the Bible that goes beyond simple information gathering.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/4IN81Nz

In today's episode I chat with Dave Ripper about his new book Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard. Dave unpacks how Dallas Willard's vision of the “with-God life” can transform the way Christians approach Scripture—not as a textbook to master, but as a living Word to encounter and experience.Dave Ripper is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multicongregational church in southern New Hampshire, focused on spiritual formation. He earned a doctor of ministry in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary and The Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is coauthor of The Fellowship of the Suffering and serves as the chaplain for the Boston Bruins. Dave and his wife, Erin, a mental health therapist, have three children. They make their home in the woodlands of New England near Nashua, New Hampshire.https://www.ryleyheppner.comhttps://apologeticscanada.com/ryley-heppner/

Gavin Ortlund gives tips for reading the Bible, particularly with a view to daily devotional reading of Scripture. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

“It behooves us as Christians to think theologically and ethically about what it means to live as humans in the age of AI and about the potential opportunities and challenges that may arise from its widespread adoption, both in the short-term and long-term future,” writes Todd Korpi. “Contrary to popular belief, technology is not acultural, neutral in its orientation, or immune from pitfalls that can harm vulnerable populations. We therefore must think ethically about technology from a Christian perspective.” In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Korpi about how to think Christianly about AI. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Todd Korpi is missiologist at OneHope, dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian leadership Fuller Theological Seminary, and director of Digital Ministry Consortia at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He is author of AI Goes to Church, published by InterVarsity Press. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards. Strengthen your family's relationships with God and each other with these easy-to-use Conversation Cards. Each card is uniquely designed with a question, faith builder statement, and a Bible verse to spark meaningful conversations that cultivate an open and nurturing environment in your home. For more information about the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

In this first part of our two-part conversation, we sit down with the incredible Nicole Massey Martin—author, CFO, mom, and all-around powerhouse. Nicole shares the heart behind her newest book Nailing It, and we dive into the ways women are showing up and succeeding, even when they feel like they're falling short. We also explore how leadership has evolved over the years, both in ministry and beyond. You won't want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation!—ABOUT NICOLE MASSIE MARTINLeader. Author. Speaker. Preacher. Teacher.Dr. Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She has decades of executive leadership experience in the church and Christian non-profits and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today. She is also active in her local congregation in Maryland at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.Prior to her role at Christianity Today, Dr. Martin has served in a variety of leadership and executive capacities including as the Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society, as Executive Minister at The Park Church and Assistant Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.Dr. Martin is a gifted writer and author of numerous articles including two books: Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. She serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Board of Trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.Dr. Martin is married to her best friend, Dr. Mark Martin, and they have two amazing daughters, Addison and Josephine.—CONNECT DR. MARTINWebsite:⁠ https://www.nicolemassiemartin.com/Get the Book: Purchase Nailing ItInstagram: @drnicolemartin—ABOUT FRLS271FRLS271 is dedicated to creating spaces where women can engage in authentic worship and meaningful community. Our mission is to encourage women to walk boldly and fearlessly in their faith and to lead with confidence and purpose in every season of life.—CONNECT FRLS271Website: http://FRLS271.orgInstagram: @FRLS271This episode is sponsored by Gateway Printing

Gavin Ortlund describes how infant baptism may have arisen in the early church from a credobapist perspective.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund responds to Joe Heschmeyer about Protestant and Roman Catholic views of the biblical canon.Joe's video: https://youtu.be/xdaWAX8FsOs?si=RcJj3p551RCys0krOur original video: https://youtu.be/hwfq4r4yi6M?si=deR-g9KVFZLw-DVVTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund discusses whether God's blessing Job with new children after his suffering is a replacement of his prior children.Gavin's article on heaven: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-eternal-shoreMichael Jones video on Job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKuixGmiMwAllen Parr video on Job: https://youtu.be/1_cKn9PF3QE?si=2LInQhbUqwOphFjjEric Ortlund book on Job: https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Wisely-Well-Grief-Grace/dp/1433576481Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund argues that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God because Christian worship is informed by the Incarnation and the Trinity. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

the Screwtape Letters coming to Pgh … GUEST Max McLean … award-winning actor and founder/artistic director of NYC-based Fellowship for Performing Arts, which produces theatre & film from a Christian worldview meant to engage diverse audiences. **Developing a reading habit: there’s some interesting research about how who‘s reading and not … GUEST Joel Miller … Chief Product Officer for FullFocus (they create books, podcasts, articles, courses, & the Full Focus Planner) and host of the substack Miller’s Book Reviews. Drafts and trades in professional sports … GUEST Dr Richard Mouw ... Professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where he served as president for 20 yrs ... He has written numerous books, including “Adventures in Evangelical Civility,” “Uncommon Decency,” “Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport,”“The Smell of Sawdust,” and the newest “Restless Faith: Holding evangelical beliefs in a world of Contested Labels”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

the Screwtape Letters coming to Pgh … GUEST Max McLean … award-winning actor and founder/artistic director of NYC-based Fellowship for Performing Arts, which produces theatre & film from a Christian worldview meant to engage diverse audiences. **Developing a reading habit: there’s some interesting research about how who‘s reading and not … GUEST Joel Miller … Chief Product Officer for FullFocus (they create books, podcasts, articles, courses, & the Full Focus Planner) and host of the substack Miller’s Book Reviews. Drafts and trades in professional sports … GUEST Dr Richard Mouw ... Professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where he served as president for 20 yrs ... He has written numerous books, including “Adventures in Evangelical Civility,” “Uncommon Decency,” “Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport,”“The Smell of Sawdust,” and the newest “Restless Faith: Holding evangelical beliefs in a world of Contested Labels”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Ortlund discusses the Protestant canon with Javier Perdomo and Ben from Cleave to Antiquity, considering Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox objections, the testimony of church history, and more.Javier's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@javierperd2604Cleave to Antiquity: https://www.youtube.com/@CleavetoAntiquityTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund and Tom Schmidt discuss historical evidence for Jesus in Josephus, particularly the Testimonium Flavianum.Read the book here: academic.oup.com/book/60034Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund addresses comments from Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson regarding whether Christians should support Israel. My video on fulfilled prophecy: https://youtu.be/NKzUtFiIQwA?si=8DY5akqPBpH1GtwqMy video on just war theory: https://youtu.be/i-mQJl7riro?si=5FhjMXO3FRIoVl7XTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

“More of the church is committed to their immigrant neighbours than the media or politicians would like the public to believe.” (Myal Green, from the episode) Myal Greene (president and CEO of World Relief) joins host Mark Labberton to discuss the global humanitarian crises, refugee resettlement, and the church's responsibility to respond with courage and compassion. From Rwanda's post-genocide reconciliation following 1994 to the 2025 dismantling of humanitarian aid and refugee programs in the US, Greene shares how his personal faith journey fuels his leadership amid historic humanitarian upheaval. Rooted in Scripture and the global moral witness of the church, Greene challenges listeners to imagine a more faithful Christian response to suffering—one that refuses to turn away from the world's most vulnerable. Despite the current political polarization and rising fragility of moral consensus, Greene calls on the church to step into its biblical role: speaking truth to power, welcoming the stranger, standing with the oppressed, and embodying the love of Christ in tangible, courageous ways. Episode Highlights “Inherently, reconciliation of people who have done the worst things imaginable to you is not a human thing.” “To truly be a follower of Christ, you can't be completely for a politician or completely for a political party.” “What we've seen is that more of the church is committed to their immigrant neighbours than the media or politicians would like the public to believe.” “The challenge for pastors is: How do I talk about this issue without losing my job or splitting my congregation?” “If we're failing to define our neighbour expansively—as Christ did—we're always going to get it wrong.” Helpful Links and Resources World Relief Open Doors World Watch List 2025 2024 Lifeway Research on Evangelicals & Immigration PEPFAR Program – US Department of State National Association of Evangelicals Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ron Sider Good News About Injustice, by Gary Haugen Walking with the Poor, by Bryant Myers About Myal Greene Myal Greene has a deep desire to see churches worldwide equipped, empowered, and engaged in meeting the needs of vulnerable families in their communities. In 2021, he became president and CEO after serving for fourteen years with the organization. While living in Rwanda for eight years, he developed World Relief's innovative church-based programming model that is currently used in nine countries. He also spent six years in leadership roles within the international programs division. He has previous experience working with the US government. He holds a BS in finance from Lehigh University and an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary in global leadership. He and his wife Sharon have three children. Show Notes Myal Greene's call to faith-rooted leadership in alleviating poverty Greene's path from Capitol Hill to World Relief, shaped by his conversion in his twenties and a deepening conviction about God's heart for the poor “God was working in me and instilling a deep understanding of his heart for the poor.” Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Ron Sider Good News About Injustice, by Gary Haugen Walking with the Poor, by Bryant Myers Psalm 31:7–8: “I'll be glad and rejoice for you have seen my troubles and you've seen the affliction of my soul, but you've not turned me over to the enemy. You've set me in a safe place.” “ Not only will God transform your life, but what it means to actually have experienced that and to feel that and to make that a very real personal experience.” 2007 in Rwanda Rwanda's one-hundred-day memorial period for the 1994 genocide “The effects of the genocide were always there. You wouldn't be able to see it, but it was always there.” Gacaca courts (system of transitional justice to handle the numerous legal cases following the 1994 genocide). “People would come and talk about what happened. … The attempts at apology, the attempts at reconciliation were powerful.” ”There are so many stories from Rwanda of true reconciliation where people have forgiven the people who've killed their family members or have forgiven people who've done terrible things to them.” ”How did the Gachacha courts see an interweaving or not of Christian faith in the process of the acts of forgiveness?” The church's role: “The hard part and the amazing part of Rwanda is that reconciliation is deeply connected to individual cases.” “Inherently, reconciliation of people who have done the worst things imaginable to you is not a human thing.” World Relief's Legacy & Mission Founded in 1944 at Park Street Church, Boston, in response to World War II European displacement. “Feeding 180,000 people a day in Korea during the Korean War.” “We boldly engage the world's greatest crises in partnership with the church.” The global displacement crisis Over 122 million forcibly displaced people worldwide—up from under 40 million in 2007 (a fourfold increase) “A handful of the most fragile nations of the world are experiencing extreme violence, fragility, rising poverty, the effects of climate change, and people are being forced to flee and put into d desperate situations.” “The generosity of the country is not being seen at a time when people in crisis face the greatest need.” World Relief is “one of ten refugee resettlement agencies, and we have been a refugee resettlement agency partnering with the US government since 1980 to do the work of welcoming refugees who come to this country. And we've partnered with every presidential administration since Jimmy Carter to do this work and have, have done so proudly.” Trump's immigration and refugee resettlement policies Refugee resettlement has been halted since January 20, 2025—an estimated one thousand people per month left unwelcomed “At a time when people experiencing crisis are facing the greatest need, the generosity of the country is not being seen.” 120,000 refugees were welcomed in 2024. “We expected around 12,000” in 2025. “Should Christian organizations receive federal funding?” Cuts to federal humanitarian funding USAID interruptions directly affect food, health, and medical services in fragile states like Sudan, Haiti, and DRC. On PEPFAR: HIV-AIDS specific program established by George W. Bush PEPFAR: “25 million lives have been saved … now it's among the casualties.” “Have these [federal cuts to humanitarian aid] increased philanthropic giving or has philanthropic giving dropped almost as a mirror of the government policy change?” Church response and misconceptions How should we manage uncertainty? When to use one's voice to speak truth to power? “Polling shows evangelicals overwhelmingly support refugee resettlement—even Trump voters.” “Over 70 percent of evangelicals believe the US has a moral responsibility to welcome refugees to this country. Sixty-eight percent of of evangelicals voted for Trump agree with that statement as well.” Lifeway Research found only 9 percent of evangelicals cite the Bible or their pastor as their main source on immigration. “It would sit uncomfortably to any pastor if that were true about any other major issue.” “Pastors find themselves in this difficult place where they're trying to figure out, ‘How do I talk about this issue without losing my job and splitting my congregation?'” ”The dissonance between the way the press represents evangelical opinions about immigration” “Whether the church's voice has enough authority to be able to actually affect people's real time decisions about how they live in the world” “To be a truly a follower of Christ, you can't be completely for a politician or completely for a political party because then you put that ahead of your faith in Christ.” “You have to be able to have that freedom to disagree with the leader or the party.” “A dog with a bone in his mouth can't bark. … I think that that's where we find ourself as a church right now. We want certain victories through political means, and we're willing to sacrifice our moral authority in order to get those. And I think that that's, that's a very dangerous place to be in as a church.” How Lifeway Research approaches their understanding of “evangelical Christian” “What is the authority of the church, and how is it exercising or failing to exercise its voice right now?” Hope for a compassionate church “The real movement happens when the church unites and uses its voice.” “One in twelve Christians in America will either be deported or live with someone who is subject to deportation.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Gavin Ortlund discusses historical evidence for the resurrection of Christ, the backbone of Christianity. See Sean McDowell's book on the fate of the disciples: https://www.amazon.com/Fate-Apostles-Sean-McDowell/dp/1138549134Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund gives a word-for-word commentary on the Nicene Creed. Credo: https://credomag.com/Sola Media: https://solamedia.org/Pro Ecclesia Conference: https://www.pro-ecclesia.org/2026Gavin's defense of the Trinity: https://youtu.be/gYIBb5SDybg?si=7IeCfGee2VX-WOupGavin's video on heaven: https://youtu.be/POwtTZVrxes?si=S6zRzcZFrKRjtRuZTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

The theology of 30 heartbeats a minute … GUEST Dr Richard Mouw ... Professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where he served as president for 20 yrs ... He has written numerous books, including “Adventures in Evangelical Civility,” “Uncommon Decency,” “Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport,”“The Smell of Sawdust,” and the newest “Restless Faith: Holding evangelical beliefs in a world of Contested Labels”. My commencement address: "Packing Your Purpose" and 5 practical ways to live with godly purpose … GUEST Paul J McNulty … recently retired president of Grove City College ... spent over 30 yrs in Washington DC as an attorney in public service and private practice ... In 2005, the US Senate unanimously confirmed Mcnulty to the positon of Deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the US Department of Justice, and the Chief Operating Officer of the department’s 100,000 employees … (1. Be rooted in the word; 2. Treat everyone with respect; 3. Communicate like Christ; 4. Don't grow weary in doing good; 5. Always be hopeful.).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Culture isn't collapsing just because of crusading secularists, according to author Dr. John G. West. He believes it is because many leading Christians side with their anti-Christian cultural captors on issues from biblical authority to sex, race, and religious liberty. Seattle Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary are only part of this important conversation. Stockholm Syndrome Christianity (https://stockholmsyndromechristianity.com/)

Fuller Theological Seminary just affirmed the biblical definition of marriage — but in the same breath, undermined its very foundation by elevating "lived experience" over God's Word. In this episode of the God is the Issue Podcast, Brad Bright exposes the subtle rhetorical shift that threatens core Christian doctrines like the virgin birth, miracles, and resurrection. If you've ever wondered how cultural compromise enters the Church, this is a must-watch. Stay grounded in truth—and don't fall for the same deception.https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLdQhfIGtd0bqu71-RysD8rKhsMbUohp8R/editBrightmedia.orgtwitter.com/GodIsTheIssueGOD, Who Are You Anyway?  by Bill Bright, with Brad Bright brightmedia.org/resources#UnderstandingChristianity#ChristianFaith #GodIsTheIssue #SinAndGrace #BiblicalTruth #JesusLovesYou #ChristianPodcast#worldview#Christianity#Faith#Jesus

Mental, emotional, and spiritual healing requires more than clinical technique—it demands sacrificial empathy, institutional trust, and a profound affirmation of the image of God in every human being. In this episode, clinical psychologist and Pine Rest CEO Mark Eastburg joins Mark Labberton to discuss the rising need for mental health care—especially for children, adolescents, and those recovering from severe trauma. Eastburg offers insights about the post-pandemic mental health landscape; psychological and emotional resilience; trauma-informed therapy; deep listening; and the theological, moral, and social commitments that drive Eastburg's approach to mental and spiritual health. They also discuss the systemic injustice underlying many mental health disparities, inviting us to see mental health care as a vital form of justice work rooted in compassion, dignity, and Christian witness. Episode Highlights “We're in the healing moments business. That's what we do … and I think those healing moments are the building blocks of the kingdom of God—just like atoms are the building blocks of the material world.” “We're in the healing moments business. … Those healing moments are the building blocks of the kingdom of God.” “Mental health work is justice work … especially when we're helping people who've been victims of injustice get back into community.” “If you just react to people's symptoms, you'll get more symptoms. But if you can see the beautiful human being underneath, you'll see more of that.” “A Christian approach to therapy starts with the belief that every person is made in the image of God—and they are someone's favourite brother or sister.” “Jesus's care for the outsider, for the downtrodden, the excluded—that has to define what we mean when we say we express the healing ministry of Christ.” About Mark Eastburg Mark Eastburg, PhD, is president and chief executive officer of Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, one of the five largest free-standing behavioural health organizations in the United States. With a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Eastburg has served in both clinical and leadership roles at Pine Rest for over three decades. He is a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care, access to mental health services, and a faith-integrated approach to healing grounded in human dignity and Christian compassion. Helpful Links and Resources Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services American Rescue Plan Show Notes Mental Health Landscape post-Covid Surge in mental health needs for children and adolescents, especially after pandemic lockdowns Dramatic increase in psychiatric crises among youth: anxiety, self-harm, aggression Tele-therapy rose during Covid, but adolescents strongly prefer in-person care “The post-Covid world—everything seems to have become more intense.” The symptoms of the adolescent mental health crisis Rise in social media use and marijuana legalization amplifying symptoms Anxiety, substance abuse “We are really shaped and developed by practices.” The experience of children in foster care Trauma-informed care essential for children with abuse and neglect histories Empathy requires the therapist to engage in “sacrificial vulnerability” Human mutual vulnerability—”The therapist, to express such empathy, has to themselves be prepared to manifest their own vulnerability to the person who has their own underlying vulnerabilities.” Sage advice for therapists: “If you just react to people symptoms, you're going to get more symptoms. But if you could look past the symptoms and see what he liked to call ‘the beautiful human being underneath everybody,' anyone that you interact with, you'll see more of that.” Sacrificial empathy Working toward healing moments—the building blocks for the kingdom of God Christian psychotherapy: “the ability to look at people as made in God's image.” Mental illness is another form of marginalization and exclusion “People are more than a set of symptoms to be treated.” Managing a crisis versus seeing a person How Pine Rest approaches mental health care Pine Rest's new $100 million pediatric behavioural health center in Michigan “Instead of waiting months for care, kids can just walk in and we'll sort it out.” New specialty clinics for autism, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety The universality of how mental health touches our lives Who sustains mental health care financially? What stokes a readiness for empathy? Deeper friendships and safe relationships of belonging as the foundation for mental health Stories of youth overcoming institutionalization and abuse through care “When a therapist sees the image of God, not just the behaviour, healing begins.” Cyprian of Carthage: “Let us be philosophers not in words, but in deeds.” “We often misperceive one another and then we misname one another and then we act in relationship to that person with the wrong name and the wrong perception.” Empathy, trauma, and Christian therapy “Our actions, our words can re-traumatize if we're not approaching with care.” Connection between sacred empathy and human flourishing “You can't manage people like machines—you have to wish for their flourishing.” The church, community, and mental health The role of church and community institutions in fostering resilience “You can't train enough therapists to solve the crisis—we have to go upstream.” Stories of church communities embracing those with mental illness “Belonging precedes healing. If someone feels cared for, they're more likely to show empathy.” Global suffering, Western understanding of “avoiding suffering,” and the search for meaning Contrast between global Christians and Western assumptions about suffering “While I think our work here at Pine Rest Mental Health—we're here to relieve suffering—there is suffering that is full of meaning and full of lessons to teach.” Christian healing values clashing with other predominant Western medical approaches “Suffering doesn't equal God's abandonment—it's often where God meets us.” Concerns about over-medicalizing suffering and ignoring its spiritual richness Lessons from early Christian health-care pioneers—“the reckless ones” who ran toward the sick “There is suffering full of meaning and lessons that Western models tend to miss.” Justice, dignity, and the Christian vocation to empathic care “Mental health care is justice work—especially for those traumatized or left out.” “People suffering, struggling with mental illness are often the victims of injustices.” The practice of psychotherapy and mental health care as pursuing social justice Connections between structural injustice and mental illness Biblical vision of justice includes care for those seen as defective or excluded Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Send us a textCathy SK Lam-Patrie is a Hong Kong-born, Los Angeles-based pastor, producer, and award-winning theatre artist whose work bridges faith, justice, and the arts. She is the founder of ThreeWoods Playwright and the artistic director of Kairos Arts Development Company, the Hong Kong Ideation Arts Festival, and the Let's Be Together Arts Festival. In 2024, she received the Hong Kong Arts Development Award's Young Artist Award (Drama), and in 2023, she earned the Scotsman Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for co-creating and producing A Funeral for My Friend Who Is Still Alive .Cathy holds degrees from UC Irvine (BA Honors), the London School of Economics (MSc), and Fuller Theological Seminary. She began her theatre career with Theatre Horizon in Hong Kong, where she served as company manager and executive manager from 2008 to 2011. During this time, she performed in and produced numerous productions, including Who Beat the Roaches in My House?, Mysterious! The Snow White's Backstage, and French Kiss, the latter of which was recognized as one of the most popular productions at the 21st Hong Kong Drama Awards. In 2011, she was awarded the Emerging Artists Project Grant from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and established ThreeWoods Playwright, through which she created and produced critically acclaimed shows such as Revelation of Love, Every Little Thing, and The Immigration Lottery, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2014 and later showed at the 2015 Hong Kong Umbrella Festival and the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival.Cathy's monologue The Confession premiered in London in 2015 and was published in Foreign Goods: A Selection of Writings by British East Asian Artists by Oberon Books in January 2018. She was also invited to contribute articles for the IWF 2018 exhibition hosted by King's College London. In 2018, she founded the Let's Be Together Festival in Hong Kong, which was renamed the Hong Kong Ideation Arts Festival in 2023. This platform provides young artists with free venue, technical, marketing, and spiritual support, and has facilitated their participation in international festivals in Taiwan, Australia, Japan, and the UK.In 2024, Cathy joined the creative team of Holy O as co-director, bringing her expertise to this award-winning dramedy that explores the intersection of body, spirit, and sexuality. Holy O has been performed at various festivals, including the Denver Fringe Festival and the Rochester Fringe Festival, receiving accolades such as the DCTA Best of Fringe and the Minnesota Fringe Golden Lanyard Award .Cathy currently resides in Los Angeles with her family, continuing her work at the intersection of faith, art, and social justice.__________Music CreditsIntroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OGStingerScarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio LibraryOutroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG__________________My SGV Podcast:Website: www.mysgv.netNewsletter: Beyond the MicPatreon: MySGV Podcastinfo@sgvmasterkey.com

Here's another fantastic conversation with Justin Barrett, cognitive scientist extraordinaire, who spends his time at the intersection of science and religion. We dove deep into why developmental psychology is such a powerful lens for understanding human nature - turns out you can't figure out if a zebra is white with black stripes or black with white stripes just by looking at adult zebras, you've got to watch how they develop. Justin walked us through the fascinating story of human evolution and our hyper-sociality, from our massive brains (five to seven times bigger than expected for mammals our size!) to our unique ability to think about each other's thoughts about our thoughts. We explored how kids naturally develop agency detection, theory of mind, and teleological reasoning - basically why three-year-olds spontaneously ask "what's that mountain for?" and start wondering about invisible agents. Then we got into the weeds about how our Stone Age minds are navigating modern technologies like social media and AI, with Justin making a compelling case using his "kudzu analogy" about technologies that spread too fast for us to understand their consequences. From the crisis of masculinity to boomers getting radicalized during COVID lockdowns, we covered how our evolved psychology is both a gift and a vulnerability in our rapidly changing world.  Check out his new book, How Can Your Faith Fuel Scientific Discovery?: Questions and Reflections for Becoming an Integrated Scientist. Justin L. Barrett is President of Blueprint 1543 and honorary Professor of Theology and the Sciences at St Andrews University School of Divinity. Barrett previously taught in Fuller Theological Seminary's School of Psychology, in the Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford University, at the University of Michigan, and at Calvin University. Justin's Previous Visits to the Podcast Thriving with Stone-Age Minds This is Your Brain on God – Cognitive Science and the Naturalness of Belief Here are the lectures Dr. Barrett mentioned:What makes cultural innovations attractive? and From AI to social media. Upcoming Online Class:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _____________________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Ortlund interacts with the A.I. projection given by Daniel Kokotajlo in his interview with Ross Douthat. See the original interview here: https://youtu.be/wNJJ9QUabkA?si=GoqieIaF39HPapRUTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund reflects on Fuller Seminary's recent position on marriage and sexuality. See Ed Stetzer's Article: https://churchleaders.com/voices/511720-fuller-seminary-james-k-a-smith-and-the-need-for-biblical-clarity.htmlSee President Goatley's Response: https://churchleaders.com/voices/exchange/511785-an-enduring-evangelical-way-of-being-a-response-from-david-emmanuel-goatley.htmlSee Sam Allberry's book, Is God Ant-Gay?: https://www.amazon.com/God-anti-gay-Questions-Christians-Ask/dp/1908762314Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

César De León is an ordained minister and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He holds degrees from Andrews, Loma Linda, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor, Ministerial and Evangelism Director, and vice president for Hispanic Ministries. He and his wife, Carolann De León, now direct Family Ministries for the North American Division. Carolann previously served as associate director for Ministerial, Family Life, and Hispanic Ministries at the North Pacific Union. The De Leóns are passionate about equipping families for Christ-centered relationships. They have two adult sons, Zac and Jonathan

César De León is an ordained minister and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He holds degrees from Andrews, Loma Linda, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor, Ministerial and Evangelism Director, and vice president for Hispanic Ministries. He and his wife, Carolann De León, now direct Family Ministries for the North American Division. Carolann previously served as associate director for Ministerial, Family Life, and Hispanic Ministries at the North Pacific Union. The De Leóns are passionate about equipping families for Christ-centered relationships. They have two adult sons, Zac and Jonathan

Gavin Ortlund and Redeemed Zoomer discuss mainline and evangelical expressions of Protestantism.See Redeemed Zoomer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@redeemedzoomer6053Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund discusses whether John Lennox and Alex O'Connor have identified the best argument for God in their recent interview. See the original video: https://youtu.be/3gKCwldMZS8?si=GMiCG_bTmuiHSsEITruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Send us a textI'm pleased to welcome Tracey Gee to the podcast — author, coach, keynote speaker, and the thoughtful spirit behind The Magic of Knowing What You Want. Tracey brings clarity, warmth, and wisdom. You'll love this conversation - it'll help you, too, as it did me.Tracey holds degrees from UCLA in Anthropology and Business, a Master's in Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and certifications in StrengthsFinder, Cultural Intelligence, the Enneagram, and Working Genius. She serves on the coaching faculty for LEAP and works with incredible organizations like Coca-Cola, Amazon, UC Berkeley, and the Miami Heat.We first connected at a leadership conference at the JB Duke Hotel, where Tracey was in her element — speaking, coaching, and gifting her book to every participant.In this episode, we talk about the “desire fog” so many of us feel, and why it can be hard to name what we really want. Tracey shares her own journey — from piano to dance, ministry to coaching — and her four-part framework for rediscovering purpose: Calibration, Expansion, Experimentation, Integration.I open up about my own season of loss and rediscovery — and how desire and purpose are deeply connected.Tune in for a rich, encouraging conversation. SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Gavin Ortlund responds to Operation Reconquista and Redeemed Zoomer's claims about evangelicals in his discussion with Trent Horn.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Today, Karen González and I talk about practicing generosity without a savior complex. Karen González (she/her) is a speaker, writer, storyteller, and immigrant advocate, who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a former public school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. For the last 17 years, she has been a non-profit professional. She wrote a book about her own immigration story and some of the immigrants found in the Bible: The God Who Sees: Immigrants, The Bible, and the Journey to Belong (Herald Press, May 2019). Karen's second book is Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in our Christian Response to Immigration (Brazos Press, October 2022). She also has bylines in Sojourners, Christianity Today, The Christian Century, and others. Karen lives in Washington DC with her cats, Oscar and Trudi.You can follow Karen on Instagram @_karenjgonzalez. Her books, Beyond Welcome and The God Who Sees, are available wherever you get books. Here's the link to the Substack piece Karen and I discussed at the top of the episode, "At Home in My Country." Join the Found Family crew over on Substack and get your Found Family Cheat Sheet! Support the show

Gavin Ortlund reflects on annihilationism, also called conditional immortality, in contrast to other views of hell.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Send us a textToday we welcome Alan Fadling to the podcast. Alan Fadling (MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary) is president and founder of Unhurried Living Inc. in Mission Viejo, CA, inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. An international speaker, he is the award-winning author of An Unhurried Leader, A Year of Slowing Down, and A Non-Anxious Life. Check out An Unhurried Life.

Gavin Ortlund comments on the recent comments by Wes Huff about the Trinity on the Flagrant podcast.Original video: https://youtu.be/p58vknxGR4I?si=SepmtHiWGjfPthrhTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund shares a sermon on Isaiah 26:3 about finding peace in God and overcoming anxiety.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund and Jacob Hansen discuss Protestant and Mormon perspectives on the Trinity. Jacob's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thoughtfulfaith2020Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

If you've experienced the healing power of engaging your story—through a Story Workshop, Recovery Week, Narrative Focused Trauma Care® (NFTC) training, or a Story Group in your own context—you may have found yourself wondering: Why does this work feel so deeply transformative? What's actually happening here? In this special episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a groundbreaking, multi-year research project that's beginning to explore those very questions. Dr. Danielle Zurinsky of the Allender Center and Dr. David C. Wang of Fuller Theological Seminary join Dr. Dan Allender and Rachael Clinton Chen to share what they're discovering so far—and why this moment matters. This work is part of a broader initiative we're calling the NFTC Model Research & Publication Project. It's an ambitious, long-term effort to clarify, codify, and formally articulate the core framework of Narrative Focused Trauma Care. Grounded in the decades-long work of Dr. Dan Allender, this project is about more than research—it's about building a foundation that allows this healing model to be recognized, trusted, and shared more widely. In today's conversation, we're letting you in early—before the publications—because we want this process to be rooted in relationship, transparency, and shared vision. Whether you're a practitioner, a past participant, or someone simply curious about the impact of story, you're part of this unfolding journey, too! And if your own healing has been shaped by story engagement with NFTC, this is a chance to be part of something bigger. You can support the continuation of this growing body of research—fueling everything from the team of scholars and writers to expanded training opportunities and broader recognition in therapeutic, academic, and spiritual spaces. You can visit theallendercenter.org/give to contribute at any financial level. We are currently fundraising to support the next phase of this project's continuation. Your contribution will help ensure this work continues—so more people, families, and communities can experience the deep transformation that comes through engaging their stories with courage and care. To learn more about NFTC, visit theallendercenter.org/nftc

Gavin Ortlund shares three points of appreciation for Pope Leo XIV.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cerna from the Accord Network and Elli Oswald from the Faith to Action Initiative to talk about what happens when faith-based nonprofits face major funding cuts.  Spoiler: it's tough.  From staff layoffs to shifting American opinions on international engagement, Michael and Elli share the hard realities—and the hope. We get real about working with the government, why accountability matters, and how churches can step up.  Plus, Michael and Elli share their perspectives on how young leaders and global communities are sparking change in powerful ways. This episode is honest, eye-opening, and full of practical wisdom for anyone in the nonprofit or ministry world. Read more from Michael Cerna/The ACCORD network: Michael Cerna | Faith, Funding, and Foreign Aid:  https://www.nae.org/michael-cerna-relief-development-faith-government-funding-usaid-todays-conversation-podcast/ Read about how one organization in Faith to Action's network is being impacted: https://wng.org/roundups/the-usaid-closure-leaves-a-vacuum-what-will-fill-it-1740694625  Bio: Michael Cerna: Michael Cerna serves as CEO of Accord Network, a coalition of over 150 Christian organizations dedicated to global relief and development. Prior to leading the Accord Network, Cerna served in strategic and partnership roles at HOPE International, Mission: Hope, and Renew Outreach. He also previously worked at McKinsey & Company and holds a master's degree in International Management from Kennesaw State University.   Elli Oswald: Elli Oswald is the Executive Director of the Faith to Action Initiative. Before this role, she served as Director of Mission and Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle. Elli also served as the Children in Crisis Research and Communications Coordinator for World Vision International's Child Development and Rights Technical Team, specializing in community-based care for children deprived of parental care. She has a B.A. from Pepperdine University and an M.A. in Cross Cultural Studies and International Development from Fuller Theological Seminary. —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gavin Ortlund offers a critique of full preterism and distinguishes it from partial preterism. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

In this episode of the Touring the Holy Land Series, Jen has a conversation with Jer Swigart on immersive peacebuilding in the context of Israel-Palestine. In this conversation, Jer discusses the complexities of Christian tourism in Israel and Palestine, highlighting its role as a propaganda tool that often neglects the realities of the local communities. He emphasizes the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships with both Israeli and Palestinian kin to foster genuine peacemaking efforts, and how Global Immersion seeks to do this through immersion trips for Christian leaders. Jer shares personal experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of peacemaking, especially in light of recent conflicts. He advocates for local immersion and community engagement as vital components of social transformation, encouraging listeners to connect with marginalized communities in their own cities. In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, Jen and Jer chat about the intersections in peacebuilding work across the contexts of the U.S. Deep South, Northern Ireland, and Israel and Palestine. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠. Dr. Jer Swigart is the Co-Founding Executive Director of Global Immersion, a non-profit training organization and conflict consultancy that forms Everyday Peacemakers and Reconciling Leaders to mend divides. Whether on international battlefields, the divided streets of U.S. American cities, or in organizational and congregational boardrooms, Jer is adept at guiding immersive processes that transform constructed enemies into co-creating allies and forge conflict-competent leaders and teams.He is a North American contributing member of the Reconcilers Together Alliance, a Pepperdine University Cross Sector Leadership Fellow, a Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow at the Hebrew College's Miller Center of Interreligious Learning and Leadership, and on the Leadership Team of the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME). He holds an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Global Leadership from George Fox University. He's the co-author of the award-winning book, Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflict World (IVP, 2017), host of the Mending Divides Podcast, a leadership coach & conflict consultant, and a speaker and writer who regularly reflects on the intersection of faith, leadership, and peacemaking. He and his family live in Spokane, WA.If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.Show Notes:Global ImmersionSwigart and Huckins, Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflicted WorldElizabeth Neumann, Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace

Gavin Ortlund reflects about the state of Christian discourse online.See the book The Art of Disagreeing: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Disagreeing-Conversations-disagreement-resolution/dp/1802541403Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund discusses a growing tension between low church and high church expressions of Protestantism, especially the trend to be more critical of Baptist, non-denominational, and evangelical churches. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Studying how universalism developed in the early church can give us perspective about theology of the end times today. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Send us a textToday on the podcast the guys sit down with JR Rosko to talk about the Order of the Common Life.Rev. Dr. J.R. Rozko is a seasoned pastor, educator, and missiologist dedicated to integrating theological formation with local church ministry. He holds a Doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary, focusing on missional ecclesiology.   He co-founded and served as National Director of Missio Alliance for over eight years.  Currently, he and his wife, Rev. Canon Amy Rozko, co-lead Common Life Church in Canton, Ohio, where J.R. serves as Pastor for Calling & Community Development.   J.R. is also a novitiate member of the Order of the Common Life, a global ecumenical religious order reimagining monastic formation in everyday life.  He, Amy, and their two daughters, Aubrey and Junia, reside in Canton, Ohio, where they are deeply involved in their local community and congregation. www.orderofthecommonlife.org

Dr. Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration, and the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch”, Kara speaks regularly at national parenting and leadership conferences, and is the author or co-author of a number of books including the recently released: Future-Focused Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Ortlund reflects on the nature of Christian apologetics in light of a conversation between Alex O'Connor and Rhett McLaughlin.Original video: https://youtu.be/Y9wjVLKy8Xk?si=FhrNGUFXKryafJlKGavin's book on Augustine: https://www.amazon.com/Retrieving-Augustines-Doctrine-Creation-Controversy/dp/0830853243/truthunites-20Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Gavin Ortlund explains the history of the first translation of entire Bible into English by John Wycliffe and the Lollards.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Have you ever wondered if your husband is secretly watching pornography? Or maybe you fear there's infidelity. If you have ever had these questions in the back of your mind this episode is for you! The statistics of porn usage and addiction are staggering even within the church. It is an epidemic that we need to do a better job as Christ followers at addressing. Today we have Joanna Raabsmith who is a licensed therapist and professional coach who specialized in Betrayal Trauma come and answer our burning questions. How widespread is this issue? What are the signs this is going on? What do we do if we suspect something? And if we discover something, what do we do then? Is there any hope? Joanna answers all of these and more.  Be sure to check out all of Joanna's Resources:   Free HONEST tool/challenge for couples: raabsmithteam.com/free Building True Intimacy book- https://www.amazon.com/Building-True-Intimacy-Creating-Connection/dp/B0CHCLTDZJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PLV9Q91FEPG5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qTBC20UdlTsXO8-Th7gREZfNEELYu2TWZ_2t7oN8YX6YzAg7tQlAYN6bH2cBQctU5cTXkYRkEaIFWgANBsuhWkTyJVfXDuZvU4dfLz4f1p8.v7fzoySA6D242KOUVwPYJlMpTUboQvF4dhMxABOqvUI&dib_tag=se&keywords=building+true+intimacy+raabsmith&qid=1734207118&sprefix=building+true+%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1 https://www.instagram.com/theraabsmithteam/  Joanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Coach. She holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Trained in Restoration Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR, she specializes in trauma, betrayal trauma, addiction recovery, and relationship issues. Joanna is passionate about helping couples restore love and trust while guiding individuals toward personal growth and healing. Alongside her husband, Matthew, she co-leads The Raabsmith Team, co-authored Building True Intimacy (2023), and co-developed The Intimacy Pyramid™, a framework for building a thriving connection in relationships. She lives in Tennessee with Matthew and their three children, where she enjoys going on shared adventures, reading by the fireplace, and a weekly game of pickleball. ----- Love, Brittany    Ready to become a peaceful wife and Mama? Sign Up for the Pain to Peace Academy HERE. Come say hi and join the Morning Mama Facebook Group! I would love to hear your story and know your name.    ALL THE LINKS FOR ALL THE THINGS! Morning Mama Website Pain to Peace Academy Morning Mama Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Find a Restoration Therapist Come say hi by emailing hello@morningmamapodcast.com