Podcasts about missio alliance

Andrew Arndt is back on the podcast today. He's a pastor and author who's challenging how we typically understand the gospel. His new book, "A Strange and Gracious Light," explores what it means to see Jesus as a living presence that intersects with our real, complicated lives. We'll discuss how the gospel isn't just about personal salvation or afterlife insurance, but a transformative story that speaks directly into our current cultural moment - with all its complexity, pain, and potential. Andrew brings a fresh, albeit an ancient perspective on how Jesus encounters us in our everyday struggles, political tensions, and personal challenges. This conversation is about reimagining the good news of Jesus as something far more expansive and immediate than we've traditionally understood. We'll explore what it means to experience Christ's presence in a way that's both deeply personal and broadly transformative. So join us as we facilitate encounters with the living God. Andrew Arndt is the Lead Pastor of New Life East (one of seven congregations of New Life Church in Colorado Springs), where he also hosts the Essential Church podcast, a weekly conversation designed to strengthen the thinking of church and ministry leaders. Prior to joining New Life's team, he served as Lead Pastor of Bloom Church: a neo-monastic, charismatic, liturgical, justice-driven network of house churches in Denver. He received his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, is working on his Doctor of Ministry at Western Theological Seminary, and has written for Missio Alliance, Patheos, The Other Journal, and Mere Orthodoxy. He lives in the Springs with his wife Mandi and their four kids.Andrew's Book:A Strange and Gracious LightSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below The Signpost Inn PodcastFind peace, clarity, and companionship for your spiritual journey.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

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

Hello and welcome to another episode, well actually a re-release of my conversation with Chris Smith which was originally released on March 12, 2024. Chris and I are re-releasing this episode as Chris just published a new book entitled The Virtue of Dialogue as part of the Cultivating Communities series. This series is part of a project by Englewood Church in Indiana in partnership with Missio Alliance and the Ekklesia Project. The hope of this series is to offer congregations, churches, or any community for that matter field guides to aid in their transformation away from the societal forces of polarization and division and into the way and personhood of Jesus. One of the central practices for communities is being conversation with one another. This book outlines how Englewood Church has sought to practice conversation for decades. At its core, this conversational practice is a practice of hospitality—of welcoming one another, being seen and heard. Conversation at its core is a creation of a free space to allow the other to become the person they were meant to be. Week after week, month after month, year after year.  Chris and my conversation touch on these themes and so we both thought it was a good time to revisit this conversation. If this piques your interest, please buy The Virtue of Dialogue, available now on Amazon and through Englewood's website which is in the show notes.Buy The Virtue of Dialogue: Englewood website or AmazonIn this episode I have a rich conversation with Chris Smith. We cover a range of topics, starting with his own personal journey of food over the past ten years. But we spend the majority of our time using a couple of Chris's books, namely Slow Church and How the Body of Christ Talks, to dialogue about the importance of conversation for the health of ourselves and our community. Through recovering of conversation, we begin to see how God wants to collaborate with us in his work of redemption.C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He and his wife Jeni have three adult children and are members of Englewood Christian Church on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Chris is the co-author of the award-winning book Slow Church, and author of several other books including most recently, How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Most of his latest writings end up on The Englewood Review's Substack, TheConversationalLife.substack.comThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

"We do Kingdom things in Empire ways. What might it mean to do Kingdom things in Kingdom ways?" Mandy Smith poses this powerful question, inviting us to reimagine Christian leadership—not as coercion or burnout, but as a life deeply rooted in the ways of Jesus. In this episode, we explore why so many Christian leaders are exhausted, losing faith, or misusing power, and how confessing our limitations might be the key to rediscovering the true heart of ministry. Mandy, a pastor and author, doesn’t offer quick-fix strategies. Instead, she calls us back to the simplicity of followership, integrity, and sharing our lives with God in ways that bless the world. Together, we unpack the pressures of modern church culture, the hidden desires that overwhelm leaders, and how we can make space for God amid ministry demands. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cultural tendencies like efficiency and control are shaping (and distorting) church leadership. Why embracing our limits can lead to deeper faith, healthier leadership, and renewed joy. Practical ways to make space for God and soul care in the midst of ministry demands. Join us for a conversation that will renew your vision, refresh your soul, and remind you of the invitation at the center of it all. ________________________ Mandy Smith is a pastor, author and speaker who, after living and ministering in the US and UK, now ministers in her homeland of Australia. She is a cohort co-leader for the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination and regular contributor to Missio Alliance. Her books include: The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry (IVP) Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Reliance on God. Mandy and her husband, a New Testament professor, live in the parsonage at St Lucia Uniting Church where the teapot is always warm. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Jay Kim, lead pastor of Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and acclaimed author of books like "Analog Christian," "Analog Church," and "Listen, Listen, Speak." Recorded live from the Practicing the Way conference in Portland, Jay opens up about his personal journey of faith and formation, challenging the conventional idea that discipleship is merely about getting better and doing more.Discover how Jay's experiences in therapy, spiritual direction, and authentic friendships have led him to a deeper awareness and a more meaningful life focused on wholeness rather than endless self-improvement. He shares profound insights into living fully present with God, countering the cultural pressures of perfectionism and performance that pervade our lives.Tune in to explore the transformative power of desiring what is already yours—God's love and presence—and learn how this perspective can free you to live more genuinely and joyfully in the here and now. Don't miss out on this inspiring dialogue that encourages us all to embrace our true selves and find real meaning in life's journey.If you enjoy the episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share with friends. Follow us on social media at @ButITellYouPod for more content and updates! Likewise via subscribing to Tyler's NewsletterFinally, This episode is produced with generous care by Sami MititeluMore about Pastor Jay Kim: Jay serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of California. He is the author of Listen Listen Speak, Analog Christian, Analog Church, and Colossians: One Jesus, One People. He is also a contributing author to Faithful Exiles, Before You Lose Your Faith, and Red Skies. He has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, Outreach, and Relevant Magazine. He is the host of IVP's Digital Examen Podcast and Barna's Making Space Podcast. You can email him at jay@jaykimthinks.com about just about anything. You can also connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Jay Kim, lead pastor of Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and acclaimed author of books like "Analog Christian," "Analog Church," and "Listen, Listen, Speak." Recorded live from the Practicing the Way conference in Portland, Jay opens up about his personal journey of faith and formation, challenging the conventional idea that discipleship is merely about getting better and doing more.Discover how Jay's experiences in therapy, spiritual direction, and authentic friendships have led him to a deeper awareness and a more meaningful life focused on wholeness rather than endless self-improvement. He shares profound insights into living fully present with God, countering the cultural pressures of perfectionism and performance that pervade our lives.Tune in to explore the transformative power of desiring what is already yours—God's love and presence—and learn how this perspective can free you to live more genuinely and joyfully in the here and now. Don't miss out on this inspiring dialogue that encourages us all to embrace our true selves and find real meaning in life's journey.If you enjoy the episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share with friends. Follow us on social media at @ButITellYouPod for more content and updates! Likewise via subscribing to Tyler's NewsletterFinally, This episode is produced with generous care by Sami MititeluMore about Pastor Jay Kim: Jay serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of California. He is the author of Listen Listen Speak, Analog Christian, Analog Church, and Colossians: One Jesus, One People. He is also a contributing author to Faithful Exiles, Before You Lose Your Faith, and Red Skies. He has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, Outreach, and Relevant Magazine. He is the host of IVP's Digital Examen Podcast and Barna's Making Space Podcast. You can email him at jay@jaykimthinks.com about just about anything. You can also connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He'd love to hear from you!

Peace Talks is delighted to welcome Lisa Rodriguez-Watson to the show. She and Mariah Humphries engage in a meaningful conversation about why truth is hard, how to stay integrated, and what hope there is for the church. As a resident of Washington, DC, she offers unique insight into how to have a healthy relationship with politics.Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, for nearly two decades, has served as an urban church planter, collegiate minister, seminary professor, international missionary and community development practitioner. Her heart to see people reconciled to God and to one another has led her to invest her life, family and ministry in places and people that have often been looked over by the world.Lisa served as co-founder of a grassroots organization in Memphis, TN that was committed to mobilizing Christians to love their undocumented neighbors, and consider an appropriate Christian response to our nation's immigration crisis. In addition to her role as National Director of Missio Alliance, she serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping at Christ City Church.» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we've created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.*Connect with The Center Online!*Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.orgFollow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjpFollow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjpFollow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/Support the show

Guest Bio: Dorothy Littell Greco is the author of Making Marriage Beautiful and Marriage in the Middle. Her work has appeared in Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, MomCo (formerly MOPS) , The Common Good, RELEVANT magazine, and many other publications. She also works as a professional photojournalist. Dorothy and her husband, Christopher, live near Boston, Massachusetts.   Show Summary: When we get married, we tend to have bright ideas and big dreams for what our marriage will look like within our lifetime. We quickly realize that relationships form stronger through hard work and hard times. Dorothy Littell Greco has found that habits formed at the beginning of your marriage can helpfully impact marriage in your midlife while things around you are constantly changing. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins as they learn more about marriage in the middle with guest Dorothy Littell Greco during this God Hears Her conversation.   Notes and Quotes:  “A sense in my spirit told me, ‘You need to forgive him, and there's no guarantee that anything is going to come as a result of you forgiving him.'” —Dorothy Littell Greco “Owning and being present is such a hard discipline to do, because oftentimes the thing we want to do is to be comforted and [it] makes us feel better about a certain circumstance.” —Dorothy Littell Greco “We have to be willing to invite other people into the broken places if we want to grow, and if we want to be accountable . . . we want to want real health over the appearance of health.” —Dorothy Littell Greco To me, sanctification is about spending the entirety of our lives figuring out how to be more and more like Jesus. And when we're more and more like Jesus, it's going to benefit everybody.” —Dorothy Littell Greco “A great question to ask each other is, ‘What do you need from me in this season?'” —Dorothy Littell Greco   Verses:  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Matthew 22:37-40   Links:  Dorothy's Book: https://www.dorothygreco.com/books/ God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc  Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/ Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivmabuni/ Dorothy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothylgreco/   MB01YNCZC4IRIJT

Guest Bio: Dorothy Littell Greco is the author of Making Marriage Beautiful and Marriage in the Middle. Her work has appeared in Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, MomCo (formerly MOPS) , The Common Good, RELEVANT magazine, and many other publications. She also works as a professional photojournalist. Dorothy and her husband, Christopher, live near Boston, Massachusetts.   Show Summary: When we get married, we tend to have bright ideas and big dreams for what our marriage will look like within our lifetime. We quickly realize that relationships form stronger through hard work and hard times. Dorothy Littell Greco has found that habits formed at the beginning of your marriage can helpfully impact marriage in your midlife while things around you are constantly changing. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins as they learn more about marriage in the middle with guest Dorothy Littell Greco during this God Hears Her conversation.   Notes and Quotes:  “A sense in my spirit told me, ‘You need to forgive him, and there's no guarantee that anything is going to come as a result of you forgiving him.'” —Dorothy Littell Greco “Owning and being present is such a hard discipline to do, because oftentimes the thing we want to do is to be comforted and [it] makes us feel better about a certain circumstance.” —Dorothy Littell Greco “We have to be willing to invite other people into the broken places if we want to grow, and if we want to be accountable . . . we want to want real health over the appearance of health.” —Dorothy Littell Greco To me, sanctification is about spending the entirety of our lives figuring out how to be more and more like Jesus. And when we're more and more like Jesus, it's going to benefit everybody.” —Dorothy Littell Greco “A great question to ask each other is, ‘What do you need from me in this season?'” —Dorothy Littell Greco   Verses:  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Matthew 22:37-40   Links:  Dorothy's Book: https://www.dorothygreco.com/books/ God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc  Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/ Vivian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivmabuni/ Dorothy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothylgreco/   MB01YNCZC4IRIJT

Dr. David Fitch (Ph.D Northwestern University) is the Betty R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary and has pastored for 30 years, and has been involved in 8 church plants over the course of his ministry. He is married to Rae Ann and they have one son named Max. He is an ordained pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He's coached hockey for the YMCA USA Hockey program for seven years. David teaches, speaks, and writes within the fields of Neo-Anabaptist theology, missiology, culture studies, political theory, and ethics. He writes from time to time on his own page at Missio Alliance, on his own substack, for Christianity Today, Outreach Magazine, ChurchLeaders.com, EthicsDaily, and multiple other sites, magazines and journals. He leads discussion on his facebook page (fitchest) and on twitter at @fitchest. He is co-host of the Theology of Mission podcast. His most recent book is Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When It's on the Wrong Side of Power, which forms the backdrop for our conversion. Donate today to join OneHope and local church leaders in our mission to bring God Word's to 25,000 children who have never known a hope that surpasses all understanding. onehope.net/TITR Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw

For today's episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Robert is live with Chris Backert, pastor, author, the senior director of Fresh Expressions NA, and leader in the Ascent movement. The two talk all things mission and evangelical witness. They discuss the decline of traditional denominationalism in the church and the emergence of new forms of church expressions, including microchurches and networks, and explore the challenges and opportunities faced by church planters, the concept of a "blended ecology of church," and the cyclical nature of church growth and decline. They end with a discussion on the importance of engaging with children and youth, the need for better theological education, and the potential of planting churches in less "desirable" areas. More on Chris Backert: Working with church leaders to develop new expressions of Christian community is the passion of Chris's life. In addition to his role as Senior Director of Fresh Expressions NA, he serves with the Baptist General Association of Virginia in the area of growth and venture development. He also serves as National Director for both Ecclesia, a US network of missional churches, as well as Missio Alliance. Previously, he served as pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship, a large university congregation in Blacksburg, Virginia and has been involved in the planting of three new congregations. Chris holds a D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with wife Rachel, daughter Elliana and son Jase. Find more from the Church Planter Podcast on instagram @churchplanterpodcast, on Facebook at Church Planter Podcast, twitter @cPlanterPodcast, and YouTube at Church Planter PodcasMentioned in this episode:Micro Church Conference ContestGet a free registration for the Micro Church Conference April 18-20 in Kansas City, by Brave Future. Drop your name, email and where you serve on a DM to our Instagram account www.instagram.com/churchplanterpodcast

SummaryIn this episode, Alan Briggs and J.R. Briggs discuss the topic of cynicism and its impact on leaders. They explore the cultural prevalence of cynicism and how it can erode trust and hope. J.R. shares his personal experience with cynicism and the pernicious effect it had on his life. The difference between cynicism and skepticism is also discussed. The conversation delves into the challenges leaders face during election season and offers practices for guarding against cynicism. The history of cynicism is explored, highlighting its relevance in today's society. The episode concludes with a reflection on personal cynicism and the importance of self-awareness.   About J.R. Briggs   Dr. J.R. Briggs lives with a clear and focused calling: to serve, guide, and equip hungry leaders who want to grow healthier and thrive. In 2011, he started Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving hungry kingdom leaders through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and teaching. He loves investing in the KP team of equippers so Kairos Partnerships can invest in all leaders who desire care and equipping. For more than 15 years, J.R. served in pastoral roles in mega-churches, church plants, and house church networks. Since starting Kairos Partnerships, he has served and invested in a wide variety of leaders, including business owners, pastors, university administrators, non-profit directors, entrepreneurs, attorneys, Blackhawk army helicopter operators, U.S. Olympic athletes, and Division I college coaches. In addition to coaching leaders and consulting with businesses, organizations, universities, and non-profits, he also speaks and teaches. He has taught in higher education since 2017. Currently, he serves as a faculty mentor for Kairos University and as a guest instructor at Friends University in the Masters of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program. He has guest lectured, taught, and spoken at over a dozen colleges, universities, and seminaries around the U.S. He also serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network and as a National Trainer and Strategist for Fresh Expressions U.S. He has written or co-written thirteen books on a wide variety of topics and served as one of the contributors to the Abide Bible. He has written over 50 published articles, both online and in print, with Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, Boundless.org and Relevant Magazine, and several others. He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast, a weekly podcast equipping leaders in a wide variety of backgrounds to grow in their resilience and health. He serves on the Board of Directors for Jerusalem University College and the Board of Advisors for the Institute for Bible Reading. J.R. loves swimming, kayaking, hiking, reading, traveling to new places, eating fish tacos, and watching the Philadelphia Phillies. He and his wife Megan have been married for over 21 years and have two teenage sons, Carter and Bennett. They live in Lansdale, PA in the greater Philadelphia area.   Takeaways Cynicism is a prevalent issue in our culture and can erode trust and hope. Leaders are particularly susceptible to cynicism and must guard against it. Cynicism is different from skepticism, as it assumes a closed-minded posture. During election season, leaders need to be mindful of cynicism and strive to bring hope. Practices such as gratitude, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and surrounding oneself with hopeful people can help guard against cynicism.

Noah has a conversation with Michelle Sanchez on the divisions (and attacks) that exist within the Church around doctrines relating to human sexuality and LGBTQ+/Same Sex Attracted people. We hope that after listening you are equipped with some great tools and are drawn to be more humble and Jesus-like in the way you treat all people.    Michelle T. Sanchez (M.Div., Th.M.) has served in various discipleship and evangelism leadership roles for more than a decade, including campus ministry, local church ministry, and national denominational leadership. She currently serves as Executive Director of Revoice. Founded in 2018, Revoice is a growing movement that supports and encourages gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other same-sex-attracted Christians—as well as those who love them—so that all in the Church might be empowered to live in gospel unity while observing the historic Christian doctrine of marriage and sexuality in their local faith communities. Prior to this, Michelle served as Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples for the Evangelical Covenant Church. She has worked as an investment banker with Goldman Sachs and has served in various capacities with the Institute for Bible Reading, Cru, and the Lausanne Movement. Michelle earned an M.Div. and Th.M. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, completed spiritual direction training at Boston College, and studied the life and times of Jesus at Jerusalem University College. She is the author of Color-Courageous Discipleship, Color-Courageous Discipleship Student Edition, and the picture book, God's Beloved Community. Michelle is a frequent conference speaker whose writings have also appeared in Outreach Magazine, Faith & Leadership, Missio Alliance, The Priscilla Papers, The Message Women's Devotional Bible (2025), and beyond. Find her at MichelleTSanchez.com.   You can also watch the podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CV7_NQ9cRK8   Flip Side Notes: Join an upcoming Beyond the Battle online group at www.beyondthebattle.net   Support Flip Side sponsor Angry Brew by using promo code FLIP at angrybrew.com or fivelakes.com to pick up some Angry Brew or Chris' Blend coffee at 10% off.   Get a free month of Covenant Eyes at www.covenanteyes.com using promo code BEYOND   Get a free month of Accountable2You keyword accountability: a2u.app/beyond (do not use “www”)   Support the show and get some sweet swag by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/noahfilipiak – includes exclusive access to email the show and request topics.

Ike Miller (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) leads Bright City Church in Durham, North Carolina.  He has written about the intersection of theology, mental health, and family of origin issues in outlets such as Christianity Today and Missio Alliance.  Ike Miller grew up in a dysfunctional home, and the trauma of his past continued to affect his relationships as an adult. But through a process of healing and understanding, Ike learned to let go of the negative habits and mindsets he developed as a child while leveraging his experience to pursue healthy relationships. After confronting the impact of his own childhood, including a family history of substance use disorders, Ike has developed a passion for helping others who grew up in difficult circumstances to better understand how those environments continue to impact them and their relationships now. Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships is Ike's practical guide for navigating that journey. Drawing on scriptural wisdom, psychology and personal experience, Ike helps us understand how our traumatic childhood continues to affect us in ways we may not even realize. PURCHASE IKE'S BOOK: https://ikemiller.com/book

CW: microaggressions, institutional trauma, intergenerational traumaPastor Juliet Liu is a co-pastor of Life on the Vine in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and she serves as Chair of the Board for Missio Alliance.In this episode, we talk about what constitutes racial trauma, how this occurs differently in different environments, how intergenerational trauma affects the children of those who have experienced racial trauma, and various practices that can help to process trauma. Pastor Liu and the BIPOC hosts share their stories of racial trauma.Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. Grace Sangalang Ng, Rev. Daniel Parham, Dr. Madison Pierce, Rev. Dr. Christopher Porter, and Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Warne. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It's an easy way to support our work.Devin: Rosa Lee, what do you see as your superpower?Rosa Lee: Growing up in the church, I just kind of saw through a bunch of the crap, if you will, about what people thought church was about and saw I had a clear vision of that. What my faith needed to be about was figuring out what Jesus would do and doing it.Devin: What's your superpower, Leroy?Leroy: I've been a person who can look out and do something and bring people together to do something scary.Rosa Lee Harden and her husband and business partner, Kevin Doyle Jones, founded Neighborhood Economics as a community-focused version of the highly successful SoCap event series they created.“Back in 2008, my husband, Kevin Jones, and a bunch of us started this organization called SoCap,” Rosa Lee said. “We decided after about a decade that we wanted to go more downstream, if you will, and start working with economics in a way that could change neighborhoods for good.”The next Neighborhood Economics event is in San Antonio, Texas, on February 26 - 28, 2024. The event will feature about 70 speakers in 42 sessions over the three days.Leroy Barber, the executive director of Neighborhood Economics, joined us for this conversation. He says the enterprise brings together the world of impact investing and social entrepreneurship with his traditional focus on community development and church work. The connection to faith is more overt than implied, as it was at SoCap, recognizing faith leaders' and organizations' roles in repairing local economies. “We are mostly Christians in our organization, but we believe that faith writ large, not just Christianity, is the glue that holds the moral compass of the economy together,” Rosa Lee said. “It's important for people of faith to be in conversation with the economy.”A vital element of the event is bringing about a dozen foundations together to talk about patient capital's role in local community investing.Rosa Lee and Leroy both bring their superpowers to work. Rosa Lee's early conviction to do what Jesus would and Leroy's ability to get people together to complete scary community projects enable them to impact communities through their events.AI Episode Summary1. Devin Thorpe introduces Rosa Lee Harden, founder of Neighborhood Economics, and her colleague Leroy Barber as his guests on the "Superpowers for Good" show.2. Rosa Lee talks about starting SoCap in 2008, focusing on global impact investing, and later creating Neighborhood Economics with a more local approach to building economic justice in neighborhoods through ideas and community collaboration.3. Neighborhood Economics hosts events that bring together around 300 people to discuss actionable ways of making positive changes in local communities with input from national experts.4. Leroy Barber joined the initiative after being invited to SoCap, realizing the potential connections between social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and local community development.5. Rosa Lee highlights the purpose of Neighborhood Economics as a platform for facilitating discussions that SoCap couldn't cater to, such as impact investing for specific local contexts, and emphasizes the role of faith as a moral compass in economy-related conversations.6. Leroy explains the importance of the faith community as a mobilizer for local economic efforts, fostering a merge between the financial world and faith-directed community action.7. Rosa Lee shares details about an upcoming event in San Antonio, Texas, providing a platform for discussing various topics like reversing redlining, equitable homeownership, and employee-owned business models, alongside sessions about the role of faith in economic justice.8. Rosa Lee considers one of her superpowers to be her ability to see through superficial religious motivations and focus on living out her faith through actions that reflect a divine dream for the world, as well as her exceptional capability to organize large events without stress.9. Leroy identifies his superpower as the ability to bring people together to undertake challenging and transformative community work, fostering relationships and building unlikely alliances.10. Rosa Lee invites viewers to the Neighborhood Economics event and provides contact information for both her and Leroy—Rosa Lee at rosalee@neighborhoodeconomics.org and Leroy at leroy@neighborhoodeconomics.org—for anyone interested in connecting or learning more about their work.To help others learn about Neighborhood Economics, share this post.How to Develop Doing As Jesus Would As a SuperpowerSoCap is the living manifestation of the power of Rosa Lee's influence. Her faith led her to keep the balance at the events on impact, so the focus didn't shift entirely to making money.“The idea that was emerging in the early 2000s, that you could invest for profit in mission-based businesses, that businesses should have a mission and that they should be doing good, and that you could follow your money through that path has proved to be true,” she says. In those early days of SoCap, her influence helped to maintain the balance.By following Rosa Lee's example, you can increase your ability to apply principles of your faith in contexts outside of worship services. With practice, this could become a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.How to Develop Completing Scary Community Projects As a SuperpowerLeroy explains his superpower:My superpower is to convince people on the margins in local neighborhoods who've been underneath it for so long and are not resourced that this is possible. [Impact investors and social entrepreneurs] exist, and you can come meet them. We're going to pull all of y'all together, right? And something powerful can and will keep happening. I love the idea of that because people don't believe that that's there. My superpower is convincing people it's there.By following Leroy's example, you can make bringing people together to tackle scary problems something that you can do, too. With practice, you can make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileAbout Neighborhood Economics: Neighborhood Economics convenes, recruits, and connects people repairing local economies. Our convenings gather local leaders, impact investors, catalytic foundations, minority entrepreneurs, and people of faith who want to build a more just economy.Website: https://neighborhoodeconomics.orgX/Twitter Handle: @neighboreconCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/neighborhoodeconomics/Other URL: https://neighborhoodeconomics.org/san-antonio/Rosa Lee Harden (she/her):Executive Producer, Neighborhood EconomicsBiographical Information: The Rev. Canon Rosa Lee Harden is a self-described serial entrepreneur. Her vocational life has included being publisher of weekly newspapers, trade journals, a business journal and CEO of a ‘Silicon Valley' start-up. She was ordained as an Episcopal Priest in 2000 and served as Vicar of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in San Francisco for ten years. She also served as the Canon for Money and Meaning at All Soul's Episcopal Cathedral in Asheville, NC. In 2003, she developed ‘via media,' a video curriculum about basic theology for the Episcopal church, developed at a time when the church was under great stress. Purchased by more than 1000 churches, it brought healing and connection across the denomination. In 2008, she and her husband, Kevin Jones, launched the global SOCAP (Social Capital Markets) conference, the conference at the intersection of money and meaning. In its 11th year, SOCAP18 brought more than 3,000 people from more than 60 countries to San Francisco to accelerate the good economy. Now, Rosa Lee is leading F+F: Reimagining God's Economy, a conference to enable the varied and disconnected tribes of the Christian church to learn a language for making theological sense of money and its uses. She is also executive producer of Neighborhood Economics, a convening in Indianapolis that brought together leaders and practitioners in the field.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/roharden/Leroy Barber (he/him):Executive Director, Neighborhood Economics Biographical Information: Leroy Barber has dedicated 30 years living and working towards what Dr. King called “the beloved community.”Leroy starts projects that shape society. In 1989, burdened by the plight of Philadelphia's homeless, he and his wife, Donna, founded Restoration Ministries to serve homeless families and children living on the streets. In 1994, he became Director of Internship Programs at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Leroy was licensed and ordained at Mt Zion Baptist Church where he served as Youth Director with Donna, and also served as Associate Minister of Evangelism.  In 1997, he joined FCS Urban Ministries in Atlanta, GA, working with the Atlanta Youth Project to serve as the founding Executive Director of Atlanta Youth Academies, a private elementary school providing quality Christian education for low-income families in the inner city.  Leroy also helped found DOOR Atlanta, Community Life Church, South Atlanta Marketplace, and Community Grounds Coffee shop in Atlanta, as well as Green My Hood and The Voices Project. Leroy is an innovator, entrepreneur and lover of the arts. Leroy has a Masters Degree in Divinity and D. Min.Leroy is currently Executive Director for Neighborhood Economics, former Director of Innovation for an Engaged Church serving the Greater NW area of the United Methodist Church. Leroy is the Co-Founder of the Voices Project and Adjunct professor at Multnomah University. Rev. Barber has served on the boards of The Simple Way, Missio Alliance, The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), and the Former Board Chair of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).He is the author of four books:• New Neighbor: An Invitation to Join Beloved Community (2008, Mission Year)• Everyday Missions: How Ordinary People Can Change the World (2012, Intervarsity Press)• Red, Brown, Yellow, Black and White: Who's More Precious In His Sight? with Velma Maia Thomas, 2014, Faith Words/Hachette Book Group)• Embrace: God's Radical Shalom For A Divided World (2016, Intervarsity Press)Leroy currently lives in Portland, Oregon and has been married to Donna for the past 35 years. Together they have six children.X/Twitter Handle: @leroybarberLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/leroy-barber-899041aInstagram Handle: @Leroybarber Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on February 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. Everyone is welcome to join the free events.* SuperCrowdHour February with the CfPA Executive Committee: This free event on February 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern, features President Brian Christie, Vice President Jenny Kassan, Secretary Brian Belley and Chair Scott McIntyre. Learn how you can join and make a difference. Earn rewards!* SuperCrowdBaltimore, March 21, 2024 This in-person event at the B&O Rail Museum features some of Baltimore's prominent citizens and community leaders. Save 30 percent with the discount code “SuperCrowd.”* SuperCrowd24, April 17-18: This two-day virtual event is our biggest event of the year. Don't miss it. Save 50 percent with the discount code “SuperCrowd.”* SuperCrowdChicago, June 12, 2024. Save the date! More information is coming soon!SuperCrowd Community Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Crowdfunding & SBA Lending with Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better, Today!* Neighborhood Economics, February 26-28 in San Antonio, Texas* Crowdfunding Professional Association Webinar Series - March 13, 2:00 PMIf you would like to submit an event for inclusion on our community calendar, click here.Superpowers for Good is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Since Covid, most churches have whole-heartedly embraced digital. But what are the effects of the digital age on discipleship, community, and understanding the Bible? In this episode, Jay Kim talks about the intersection of digital culture and the church, emphasizing the importance of maintaining analog, embodied practices within the church to foster transformation, despite the informative nature of digital mediums. Kim describes the sermon as a relational exchange rather than mere content delivery, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in the act of preaching. The discussion also touches on the secular ideology of the "imminent frame" and the need to reclaim a sense of enchantment and curiosity in faith. Jay Kim also shares some practical analog ideas for engaging with scripture, such as reading it aloud, to counteract the individualistic approaches. Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. He has experienced the digital church in all its splendor and writes about it in his two books, Analog Church and Analog Christian. Kim's writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two children. Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.

In this episode, David Fitch and I reckon with power in this conversation. We talk about worldly power versus Godly power. What's the difference? Why do we need a new relationship with power? We talk about mutual submission, engaging the table for reconciliation and justice, non-coercive evangelism. We even engage in a conversation around power dynamics and the Middle East. It's a fantastic conversation that is much needed as we continue to encounter abuse of power in the church. So join us as we reckon with power and hand over the reigns to God. David Fitch (Ph.D Northwestern University) is a professor at Northern Seminary and a pastor at Mission Renew Church in Westmont, IL. He is married to Rae Ann and they have one son named Max. He's coached hockey for the YMCA USA Hockey program for seven years. David teaches, speaks, and writes within the fields of Neo-Anabaptist theology, missiology, culture studies, political theory, and ethics. He writes from time to time on his own page at Missio Alliance, on his own substack,  for Christianity Today, Outreach Magazine, ChurchLeaders.com, EthicsDaily, and multiple other sites, magazines and journals. He is co-host of the Theology of Mission podcast. His latest book is Reckoning with Power from Brazos press.David's Book:Reckoning with PowerConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below.Support the show

In this episode, JR Woodward gives examples of mimetic rivalry, true humility, emptying ourselves, and how to follow the scandalous way of Christ. He goes deep into the book of Philippians and the story of Oscar Romero to help ground us in the reality of how the powers and principalities play a part in creating scandals of leadership and how imitating Christ helps us lead in the way of the Kingdom. Join us as we look at models for us to follow, so that we can construct our identity on Christ. JR Woodward (PhD, University of Manchester, U.K.) has been passionately planting churches on the East and West Coast that value tight-knit community, life-forming discipleship, locally-rooted presence and boundary-crossing mission for over 25 years. He is the author of Creating a Missional Culture (IVP, 2012) and co-author of The Church as Movement (IVP, 2016), which won the readers choice award for InterVarsity Press. He co-founded the Missio Alliance and currently serves as the National Director for the V3 Church Planting Movement. He is the co-founder of the Praxis Gathering and writes for numerous websites and journals. He holds a Masters of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He loves to surf, travel, read, skateboard and new people. He enjoys photography and film and tries to attend the Sundance Film Festival whenever he can.JR's Book:The Scandal of LeadershipConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below.Support the show

In this episode, JR Woodward and I get into how the powers and principalities shape our leadership, what we can learn from the temptations of Jesus, how our desires produce our identity, and how we are all captive to imitation. Join us for part one of this two part conversation as we pursue imitating Christ because To not imitate Christ is to imitate the Devil and to experience all of the craziness when we do that. JR Woodward (PhD, University of Manchester, U.K.) has been passionately planting churches on the East and West Coast that value tight-knit community, life-forming discipleship, locally-rooted presence and boundary-crossing mission for over 25 years. He is the author of Creating a Missional Culture (IVP, 2012) and co-author of The Church as Movement (IVP, 2016), which won the readers choice award for InterVarsity Press. He co-founded the Missio Alliance and currently serves as the National Director for the V3 Church Planting Movement. He is the co-founder of the Praxis Gathering and writes for numerous websites and journals. He holds a Masters of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He loves to surf, travel, read, skateboard and new people. He enjoys photography and film and tries to attend the Sundance Film Festival whenever he can.JR's Book:The Scandal of LeadershipConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below.Support the show

“An invitation into a deep, expansive, and healing way of encountering Scripture” In this 40-day devotional, Cuban American writer Kat Armas shows us that reading the Bible with fresh eyes allows us to experience God in new and liberating ways. Highlighting biblical passages that point toward decolonized themes centered on creation, wisdom, spirit, the body, and the feminine, Armas helps us see how Scripture directs us to live a liberated faith–a faith where we belong to God, the earth, and one another. “What a delicious book. We are invited to taste and see biblical narratives with a new palate that decenters and decolonizes and disrupts limited ways of knowing.” -Rev. Dr. Jacqui J. Lewis, senior minister, Middle Church; author of Fierce Love About our Author Guest Kat Armas (MDiv and MAT, Fuller Theological Seminary), a Cuban American writer and speaker, hosts The Protagonistas podcast, where she highlights stories of everyday women of color, including writers, pastors, church leaders, and theologians. She is the author of Abuelita Faith and has written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, Fathom magazine, and Missio Alliance. Armas speaks regularly at conferences on race and justice and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.   To help sustain our work, you can donate here To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Common Hymnal information: https://commonhymnal.com/ 

In this episode, host Kelly Wolfe is joined by Kat Armas, author of the new book Sacred Belonging: a 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture, to discuss:What it means to “repattern, reweave, and reimagine” Scripture and how doing so gives us fresh insights and leads us toward liberationWhy creation, Holy Spirit, wisdom, the body, and the feminine are five areas which are so ripe for (& in need of) decolonizationHow translation and language can impact our understanding and interpretation of Scripture (with a fascinating conversation about John 1:1 in Spanish, English, Greek, and in extra-biblical uses by the Greeks.)and much more!Guest Bio: Kat Armas (she/her) is a Cuban-American writer and speaker, and host of The Protagonistas podcast, where she highlights stories of everyday women of color, including writers, pastors, church leaders, and theologians. She is the author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength which came out in 2021 and Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture which released this month! Kat has also written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, Fathom magazine, and Missio Alliance. She has an MDiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary, she speaks regularly at conferences on race and justice and lives in Nashville, TN with her family. You can find her on IG and Twitter @kat_armas and on her website at katarmas.com

Renowned sleep doctor, Dr. Barry Krakow, battles dismissive doctors, empowers patients, and transforms lives through the power of proper diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, unlocking the key to improved mental well-being.My special guest is Barry KrakowBarry Krakow is a seasoned medical professional and a celebrated figure in the world of sleep science. With over three decades of dedicated service, Barry has helped countless individuals navigate through sleep disorders, from chronic nightmares and insomnia to Restless Leg Syndrome. As a board-certified internist, his work has shed light on the intricate relationship between sleep quality and mental health. Barry is currently a professor at Mercer University School of Medicine, where he oversees the training of future psychiatrists in the field of sleep medicine. His life's work and distinct insights make him an invaluable guide for those struggling with sleep disorders and mental health issues.By having these problems with your sleep, it's not just all psychological. You end up with cardiovascular diseases, neurologic problems. Sleep is a huge deal. - Barry KrakowIn this episode, you will be able to:Gain insights into how sleep disorders intertwine with mental health, illuminating a side of psychological resilience few have considered.Learn about the successful methods used in dealing with long-term nightmares and sleeplessness, and the prospect of finally getting that elusive good night's rest.Appreciate why taking stock of sleep quality is paramount and the significant benefits it brings to your day-to-day activities.Understand the challenges in securing good care for sleep disorders and strategies to navigate them.Delve into the sleep needs of teenagers, and the profound effects sleep has on their overall development and well-being. Emphasize the importance of addressing sleep qualityMaintaining quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It's an area that often gets overlooked, but poor sleep quality can result in deteriorating mental health conditions and reduced alertness during the day. Therefore, prioritizing sleep quality by seeking professional help when needed and implementing beneficial habits can dramatically improve overall well-being.The resources mentioned in this episode are:Purchase Dr. Barry Krakow's book Life Saving Sleep: New Horizons in Mental Health Treatment to learn more about the relationship between sleep and mental health.Visit Dr. Krakow's website to find resources and information about sleep disorders and treatment options.If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep and mental health, consider seeking help from a sleep doctor or specialist in your area.Explore the various treatment options available for sleep disorders, including medication, therapy, and alternative therapies.Take steps to improve the quality of your sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed.Consider using sleep tracking devices or apps to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any potential issues.Prioritize self-care and stress management techniques to reduce the impact of mental health on your sleep.Educate yourself about the connection between sleep disorders and mental health, and advocate for better understanding and treatment within the mental health community.If you suspect that your sleep problems may be related to an underlying mental health condition, consult with a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.Reach out to support groups or online communitiesJoin his SUBSTACK URL FOR FREE SLEEP NEWSLETTER: https://fastasleep.substack.com/The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:03:11 - Connecting Sleep and Mental Health, 00:08:28 - Importance of Sleep Quality, 00:12:18 - Sleep's Impact on Mental Health, 00:14:57 - Long-term Consequences of Untreated Sleep Disorders, 00:16:26 - The Importance of Sleep Technology, 00:19:14 - The Life-Changing Impact of Proper Treatment, 00:23:04 - Non-Medication Strategies for Improved Sleep, 00:25:45 - Finding the Right Sleep Center, 00:32:17 - The Impact of Nightmares and Insomnia in Adolescents 00:34:09 - Nonpharmacological Treatments for Nightmares and Insomnia 00:35:16 - Changing Perspectives on Sleep 00:38:05 - Finding Therapists for Treating Insomnia and Nightmares 00:48:02 - Gratitude for Sleep Expert, 00:48:24 - Making a Difference in Lives, 00:48:40 - Unique Research and Profession, 00:49:20 - Join the Difference Maker Community, 00:49:35 - Farewell and Gratitude, Stop counting number of hours of sleep and look at the fact that there must be something wrong with the quality of your sleep itself. Sleep does this amazing brainwashing technique in the middle of the night, so to speak, where it cleanses the brain of toxic molecules. - Barry KrakowTimestamped summary of this episode:00:00:02 - Introduction, Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Barry Krakow, a sleep medicine specialist, and his expertise in treating sleep disorders related to mental health.00:03:11 - Connecting Sleep and Mental Health, Dr. Krakow discusses his groundbreaking research on the connection between sleep disorders, such as nightmares and insomnia, and mental health conditions like PTSD. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating sleep disorders as independent issues.00:08:28 - Importance of Sleep Quality, Dr. Krakow highlights the significance of sleep quality over the number of hours slept. He explains that fragmented sleep with disrupted brainwave patterns can lead to feelings of unrefreshed sleep and daytime fatigue.00:12:18 - Sleep's Impact on Mental Health, The discussion delves into the various mechanisms by which sleep affects mental health. Dr. Krakow explains how sleep improves energy levels, cleanses the brain of toxic molecules, and its correlation with the glymphatic system, which may influence the risk of dementia.00:14:57 - Long-term Consequences of Untreated Sleep Disorders, Dr. Krakow emphasizes the wide-ranging consequences of untreated sleep disorders on both mental and physical health, including cardiovascular and neurological issues. He warns against prolonged reliance on medications or ineffective advice, urging individuals to seek proper treatment for their sleep disorders.00:16:26 - The Importance of Sleep Technology, The guest discusses the importance of having advanced technology in sleep centers to accurately diagnose sleep disorders. He shares a story about a single mom who was constantly tired and struggling at work. After being dismissed by other sleep centers, she found relief through a specific technology that measured her breathing in a unique way.00:19:14 - The Life-Changing Impact of Proper Treatment, The guest recounts the story of the single mom who experienced a miraculous improvement in her life after receiving proper treatment for her sleep disorder. Despite having a mild form of upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), her symptoms disappeared and she regained her energy and ability to function normally. This case highlights the transformative power of sleep medicine.00:23:04 - Non-Medication Strategies for Improved Sleep, The guest suggests various non-medication strategies for individuals who heavily rely on sleeping pills. He emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep quality and exploring potential breathing issues. Simple interventions like nasal saline drops or nasal strips can significantly improve sleep. Dental devices and surgeries may also be options for those with specific conditions.00:25:45 - Finding the Right Sleep Center, The guest acknowledges the challenges in finding a sleep center that provides comprehensive care. He advises individuals to ask specific questions when contacting a sleep center, such as whether they treat upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and whether they use Bi level devices instead of CPAP. Being informed and advocating for oneself is crucial in navigating the sleep medicine field.00:32:17 - The Impact of Nightmares and Insomnia in Adolescents Nightmares and insomnia are common problems in adolescents, especially during the teenage years. Nightmares can be a red flag for anxiety, depression, and trauma, while insomnia can have a significant impact on sleep quality. Therapists who specialize in treating nightmares and insomnia can help adolescents overcome these issues.00:34:09 - Nonpharmacological Treatments for Nightmares and Insomnia Imagery Rehearsal Therapy is a leading nonpharmacological treatment for chronic nightmares, but it is not widely known or practiced. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia is another specialized program that can help individuals improve their sleep quality. Both therapies focus on changing behaviors and patterns associated with sleep.00:35:16 - Changing Perspectives on Sleep Two important paradigms to consider when addressing insomnia are stopping clockwatching and understanding the difference between feeling sleepy and feeling tired. Clockwatching can worsen insomnia, while recognizing the feeling of sleepiness and only getting into bed when feeling that way can improve sleep quality.00:38:05 - Finding Therapists for Treating Insomnia and Nightmares Therapists who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia can be found through sleep centers or online programs. However, finding therapists who practice Imagery Rehearsal Therapy may be more challenging. Military sleep centers often have mental health professionals trained in IRT due to the high prevalence of PTSD and nightmares among military personnel.00:48:02 - Gratitude for Sleep Expert, The host expresses gratitude for Dr. Krakow, an expert on sleep who has been working in the field for over 30 years. She encourages listeners to check out his resources and share them with others who may be struggling with sleep.00:48:24 - Making a Difference in Lives, The host emphasizes the goal of the podcast, which is to make a difference in the lives of listeners. She encourages them to share the episode with anyone who could benefit from learning about sleep and mentions the exclusive content available in the Difference Maker community.00:48:40 - Unique Research and Profession, The host expresses gratitude for Dr. Krakow's unique research and profession in the field of sleep. She highlights the valuable information she has already learned from him and hopes that listeners will also find his insights helpful for improving their sleep and the sleep of their families.00:49:20 - Join the Difference Maker Community, The host invites listeners to join the Difference Maker community for extra content with Dr. Krakow and other experts. She emphasizes the importance of sleep and encourages everyone to spread the news about how to sleep better by sharing the episode with others.00:49:35 - Farewell and Gratitude, The host concludes the episode by thanking listeners and bidding farewell. She encourages everyone to have a great day and to continue making a difference in the world.When you treat somebody's sleep disorder, not only do they sleep better, but their mental health improves. Patients have been walking into doctors' offices for decades saying, 'Doctor, if you can fix my sleep problem, my depression is going to get better.' - Barry KrakowEmphasize the importance of addressing sleep qualityMaintaining quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It's an area that often gets overlooked, but poor sleep quality can result in deteriorating mental health conditions and reduced alertness during the day. Therefore, prioritizing sleep quality by seeking professional help when needed and implementing beneficial habits can dramatically improve overall well-being.Become a Difference Maker and enjoy exclusive content. Join our exclusive membership club for as little as $5 USD/month at Difference Makers.**********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to reviewMentioned in this episode:Join Difference MakersJoin us in our membership community for exclusive content for only $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference. We go deeper with each guest, and it makes such a difference.PatreonDo you want to go deeper?Join us in Difference Makers, a community where we watch and discuss exclusive content that truly makes a difference. Give us $5 a month (the price of a latte), and join in on the conversation with our host Lori and others who want to make a difference. We'd love to have you join us!PatreonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Episode 052 - Childlike Faith vs. Childish Faith (With Pastor Mandy Smith) Often the church seems in a panic to avoid the influence of culture, but what if the church is already fully bought into the assumptions of culture? Western culture assumes that strength, leadership, and being right are the way of success. Does the way of Jesus calls us to something different?. Show Notes Get Mandy's books: The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower our Ministry Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith beyond the Baggage of Western Culture Mandy's Website: www.TheWayIsTheWay.org Scroll down for a full transcript of this episode. You can also watch and share the video version on Youtube. More about My Conversation Partners Mandy Smith is a pastor, author, and speaker. She pastors St. Lucia Uniting Church, in St. Lucia, in Queensland, Australia. She's a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Missio Alliance. Find Mandy at www.TheWayIsTheWay.org Twitter: @MandySmithHopes Facebook: Mandy Smith Today's Sponsor The Untangled Heart Course - We don't need to live with fear that our emotions will overwhelm us. We can learn to experience them in a way that allows us access to the wisdom they carry! More from Marc Get The Anchor Prayer: A Prayer and Process for Remaining Grounded in a Chaotic World - This little book is free for you by opting into my email list. Discovering your Authentic Core Values: A Step-by-step Guide Subscribe to my Email List. You'll get a free copy of a little book called The Anchor Prayer: A Prayer & Process for Remaining Grounded in a Chaotic World. Transcription Marc Schelske 0:00Hey friends, I'm Marc Alan Schelske, and this is The Apprenticeship Way, a podcast about spiritual growth following the way of Jesus. This is episode 52. Childlike faith is better than childish faith. TODAY'S SPONSOR Marc Schelske 0:18Today's podcast is made possible by the Untangled Workshop. Some of us don't do too well with emotions, ours, other peoples'. It doesn't matter. For some of us, they're confusing. For some of us, they're overwhelming. For some of us, it feels like we live at the whim of emotions that are explosively beyond our control. Others of us can't seem to feel anything at all, even when it seems like we should. For most of my life, emotions were a deep struggle for me. I had no idea how much my early childhood trauma had shaped the way I experienced my emotions. I just knew that my emotions, other people's emotions, anyone's emotions made me uncomfortable. Things are much better for me now, but I remember what that ache was like. And that's why I teamed up with a skilled trauma therapist, Byron Kehler, to create The Untangled Workshop, a roadmap for understanding and navigating our emotions. We filmed this training live, and then created an on-demand video course that you can watch on your own time and review as needed. In this workshop, you'll learn why we often disconnect from our emotions, how our emotions serve a vital role in living a fulfilled life, and what's happening in our brain and body when we feel an emotion. In addition, we'll teach you a simple to understand roadmap for how to experience, to sit with your emotions and understand what your emotions might be telling you, and then give you some tools you can immediately use to improve your own emotional life and your emotional connection with others. The course cost $65. That includes ten sessions with five hours of video teaching, multiple questions for each session that allow you to journal and reflect on the content and process what you're learning, a 23-page downloadable notes packet and a two-page full color downloadable emotions reference card, something that was really really helpful and important to me in my own emotional recovery. Along with that you get the ability to ask clarifying questions and get answers directly from me.

Some churches like to say they welcome everyone, but the truth is that such a Christian community is complicated. In this insightful discussion with real-world practitioners Deb Hirsch and Luke Edwards, you'll hear about what it is like to build a community where committed Christians and those exploring their faith can thrive together.Deb Hirsch is a speaker, church leader, and writer who has led churches in both Australia and Los Angeles. She is one of the founders of Forge Mission Training Network and is a member of the Forge America national team. She also serves as a board member for Missio Alliance and was part of the leadership team of Christian Associates, a church planting movement in Europe, North & South America. She is the co-author (with Alan Hirsch) of Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, and her book Redeeming Sex reflects her own journey and attempts to bring new conversations about sexuality into the context of the church. Deb has been involved in social work, community development and as a trained counselor has worked in the field of sexuality for over twenty-five years. She and her husband live in community with others in Los Angeles.Luke Edwards is the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and a trainer for Fresh Expressions US. He was the founding pastor of King Street Church, a network of fresh expressions in Boone, NC. Participating in local, regional, and national levels of the Fresh Expressions movement has given Luke a unique perspective into the future of the mainline church in a post-Christian society.

Join host Lori Adams-Brown on A World of Difference as she sits down with Dr. Lynn Cohick, a New Testament professor and author of "A Second Edition Dictionary of Paul in His Letters." Brown discusses Cohick's journey as a professor, her love for scriptures, and her contribution to including more women's voices in the conversation around Paul and Paul's letters. Cohick shares her project of creating a visual museum online for free access showcasing ancient artwork and sculptures that represent what women were doing in the ancient church. They also discuss how women played a large role in the formation of Christian theology and liturgy. The discussion moves to the challenges women face in male-dominated industries such as biblical studies, theology, and academia and how they have to work twice as hard as men to be perceived at the same level. Cohick encourages women to take risks and not be afraid to fail. They then discuss the importance of acknowledging gender stereotypes and biases and the need to break free from them. The podcast ends with a sneak peek of a Patreon-exclusive interview where Cohick shares about her experience in times of suffering. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of A World of Difference with host Lori Adams-Brown and guest Dr. Lynn Cohick.[00:00:02] Introduction of Dr. Lynn Cohick's new book[00:03:53] Women's History in Early Christianity[00:07:56] Women's Role in Church History[00:12:22] Independent Women in Ancient World[00:16:38] Interpretation in Diverse Communities[00:21:28] Challenges faced by women in male-dominated spaces[00:26:11] Overcoming Patriarchal Norms in Women's Careers[00:30:09] Challenging Gender Biases in Education and Careers[00:34:06] Challenging Paul's Views on Women in Scriptures[00:38:26] Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2[00:42:39] Biblical verse on women's salvation and cultural context[00:46:18] Farewell to Dr. Cohick and acknowledgement of difficult situation[00:49:43] Exclusive Interview with Dr. Cohick on Spiritual PracticesBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a review and rating. Click here to review

In this conversation, host Kelly Wolfe is joined by author, speaker, and fellow podcast host, Kat Armas, to discuss:how Kat came to and started to see the Bible and the role of women through the lens of what she calls Abuelita Faith or Abuelita Theologywho benefits (and how) when we read the Bible through the lens of the oppressed, rather than the oppressor -- and when we see ourselves rightly in the textthe wisdom, legacy, and sacredness of the survival of women and their faith, and how women (and especially marginalized women) so often become the unofficial priestesses, pastors, and ministers in their families and communitiesvarious women from Scripture and how they pave the way for all of us todaythe Holy Spirit, as the "feminine wild child of the Trinity" and feminine personification of Divine Wisdom (quote from Zaida Maldonado Perez, as referenced in Abuelita Faith)Additional Links: Episode 1 of Let It Matter Podcast - The Image and Image-Bearers of God Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture (Kat's Upcoming Book)Guest Bio: Kat Armas (she/her) is a Cuban-American writer and speaker, and host of The Protagonistas podcast, where she highlights stories of everyday women of color, including writers, pastors, church leaders, and theologians. She is the author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength which came out in 2021. And has also written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, Fathom magazine, and Missio Alliance. She has an MDiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary, she speaks regularly at conferences on race and justice and lives in Nashville, TN with her family. You can find her on Twitter and IG @kat_armas or on her website at katarmas.com

Join Lori Adams-Brown on the World of Difference Podcast as she shares 12 tips to support survivors of spiritual abuse. As someone who has personally experienced this, Lori emphasizes the importance of listening without judgment and validating survivors' feelings. She provides practical ways to support your friend or family member, including self-care and connecting with resources. Lori also urges listeners to educate themselves and hold abusers accountable. This episode covers how to support survivors of workplace harassment as well, with tips on reporting incidents and providing energy-boosting activities. Don't miss this informative and empowering episode on helping survivors heal from spiritual abuse.Long SummaryLori Adams-Brown is back at it again with another compelling episode of A World of Difference! In this week's episode, she delves into the often-misunderstood topic of spiritual abuse and offers 12 tips on how to support those who have experienced it. Drawing on her experience as a survivor of this heinous act, Lori emphasizes the importance of listening, validating feelings, and providing resources such as therapy and support groups. She advises against placing undue pressure on survivors to forgive too quickly, instead encouraging practical and tangible support such as paying for therapy or organizing meetings with church leadership. The episode also provides advice on supporting those who have endured hostile work environments, harassment, and discrimination. Offering a myriad of practical solutions such as offering to help document experiences and going for walks together, Lori reiterates the importance of being patient and understanding in the healing process. The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to educate themselves on spiritual abuse, hold church leadership accountable, and offer ongoing support. Listeners are in for an informative and heart-warming episode, where Lori shares her experience and expertise with grace and humility. Her tips and advice are a must-listen for anyone looking to support survivors of spiritual abuse and other forms of trauma. So, put on your headphones, tune in, and prepare to be inspired!Timestamps[00:00:02] Tips for Supporting Survivors of Spiritual Abuse[00:03:30] Supporting Spiritual Abuse Survivors[00:06:56] Supporting Spiritual Abuse Survivors[00:10:19] Supporting Survivors of Spiritual Abuse[00:13:42] Practical Ways to Support Survivors of Abuse[00:16:30] Supporting survivors of workplace abuse[00:20:00] Encouraging Support for Spiritual Abuse SurvivorsEpisode Links to Books Lori mentioned (scroll to bottom of Linktree)https://linktr.ee/loriadamsbrownOther EPS mentioned in this EPS:Our Story Part 1: The Calm Before the Storm(There are 6 EPS in the Our Story series, where Lori and Jason share their spiritual abuse story in long form. EPS 100-105)You are invited to: Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join Lori and other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group....

Guest: Brenden Kumarasamy, Founder of MasterTalk, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping people master the art of public speaking.Introduction:In this episode, we have Brenden Kumarasamy, a public speaking coach, and founder of MasterTalk, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping people master the art of public speaking. Brenden shares his insights on how to become a confident and effective public speaker, and how to connect with your audience.Key Takeaways:Public speaking is a skill that can be learned: Many people believe that public speaking is a natural talent, but Brenden believes that anyone can become an effective public speaker with the right training and practice.Start with the end in mind: Before you start preparing your speech, think about the outcome you want to achieve. What message do you want to convey? What action do you want your audience to take?Structure your speech: A well-structured speech can help you communicate your message effectively. Brenden recommends using the following structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.Use stories and examples: Stories and examples can help you connect with your audience and make your message more relatable.Practice, practice, practice: Practice is the key to becoming a confident and effective public speaker. Brenden recommends practicing your speech multiple times before you deliver it, and recording yourself to identify areas for improvement.Focus on your body language: Your body language can convey a lot of information to your audience. Brenden recommends using confident body language, such as standing up straight, making eye contact, and using hand gestures.Conclusion:In this episode, Brenden Kumarasamy shared his insights on how to become a confident and effective public speaker. He emphasized the importance of preparation, structure, and practice, and provided tips on how to connect with your audience. If you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, this episode is a must-listen!Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram A World of Difference on Facebook, Linktree,on Twitter at @loriadbr or loriadamsbrown.comLoved this episode? Leave us a...

We welcome Jay Y. Kim back to the show to talk about his new book, Analog Christian. How do we cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in a digitized world? How is our technology forming us? Is it making our lives better or worse or a bit of both? Maybe we should go Amish? It's an entertaining conversation sure to enlighten, challenge, and give you hope. Jay serves as lead pastor of teaching at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of CA and teacher-in-residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. Some of his written work has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Relevant, Missio Alliance, Outreach, Pastor Resources, and other places.We previously spoke with Jay about his book Analog Church (InterVarsity Press, 2020). It's about the many challenges and opportunities churches face in the digital age, offering a new and hopeful way forward. You can learn more about Jay here. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Pastor and speaker Sean Palmer understands firsthand the challenges of communicating effectively with those who have a variety of backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives. Throughout the different seasons of his life living in Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas, Sean learned how to navigate a multitude of new cultures and people groups. Many of those relationships and experiences proved to be costly, and yet, he found a great calling even in those spaces.This episode highlights Sean's passion for helping people become better communicators using Enneagram wisdom. Sean believes that the Enneagram can help us to better understand ourselves, our communication styles, and the people around us. And by this, we can transform our relationships with others. His book, Speaking by the Numbers: Enneagram Wisdom for Teachers, Pastors and Communicators, is a valuable resource that sheds light on the importance of conveying messages in ways that deeply connect with one's audience.In this episode, we highlight the following themes:How the Enneagram can help you better connect with people who receive and process information differentlyHow writing helps Sean become a better preacherOvercoming the hurdles of writing a bookLink from this episode:Learn more about Sean: seanisaacpalmer.comAbout the Guest:Sean Palmer is the teaching pastor at Ecclesia Houston, a speaker, and an executive coach. He is the author of Unarmed Empire and a contributing writer to The Voice Bible. Sean is vice-chair of the Missio Alliance board. He and his wife, Rochelle, live in Houston, Texas, with their two daughters. Sean has written two books with IVP: Forty Days on Being a Three and Speaking by the Numbers.SPECIAL OFFER | Save 40% on Speaking by the Numbers, as well asHealing Conversations on Race, and get free US shipping when you use promo code EVN40 at checkout.About the Host:Helen Lee is the director of product innovation at IVP; she is also the author of The Missional Mom and The Race-Wise Family, co-authored with Dr. Michelle Reyes. Helen also serves as the producer of The Every Voice Now Podcast and as the executive producer of The Disrupters. Follow Helen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.Podcast Art: Kate LillardSound Engineering: Honest PodcastsSupport the showFollow The Every Voice Now Podcast on Instagram and Twitter, or find out more about our show and IVP's Every Voice Now initiative at EveryVoiceNow.com.

When Jay Kim was four years old, he and his mother moved from Korea to the Silicon Valley. During his upbringing in this new environment, he struggled with feelings of confusion, isolation, and rootlessness that define many immigrant experiences. Despite these challenging seasons—or perhaps even through them—Jay eventually came to deeply internalize what it means to be seen, to be known, and to belong. The seed of faith planted in Jay's heart grew into a full-blown passion for ministry, which he now shares through his work as the lead pastor at WestGate Church. The perspectives he has gained over the years have led him to publish two books with IVP, Analog Church and Analog Christian, which explore the ways that the digital age affects the life of the church and Christian discipleship. Both books have received awards from The Gospel Coalition.In this episode, we highlight the following themes:How Jay's ethnic identity journey influences the way he sees the worldJay's faith story from childhood to young adulthood, and his eventual calling to ministryThe experience of writing and then releasing Analog Church at the start of the COVID-19 pandemicLinks from this episode:Learn more about Jay Kim: jaykimthinks.comStart your learning with streaming video courses from Seminary NowAbout the Guest:Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two children.SPECIAL OFFER | Save 40% on Jay's books  Analog Church and Analog Christian and get free US shipping when you use promo code EVN40 at checkout.About the Host:Helen Lee is the director of product innovation at IVP; she is also the author of The Missional Mom and The Race-Wise Family, co-authored with Dr. Michelle Reyes. Helen also serves as the producer of The Every Voice Now Podcast and as the executive producer of The Disrupters. Follow Helen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.Podcast Art: Kate LillardSound Engineering: Honest PodcastsSupport the showFollow The Every Voice Now Podcast on Instagram and Twitter, or find out more about our show and IVP's Every Voice Now initiative at EveryVoiceNow.com.

Near the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, I spoke with Jay Kim about his book Analog Church. It was a great conversation that you can go back and listen to--episode 131. In his follow-up book, Analog Christian, Jay continues to address how we relate to technology, our devices, and our apps. He talks about how we think we're using our devices, but don't realize that our devices are also using us. I love the wisdom he shares in this book. By the way, Analog Christian was recently given The Gospel Coalition Award of Distinction in Christian Living.  Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two children. In addition to Analog Christian, Jay has written Analog Church, 40 Days through the Book of Colossians, and is a contributing author to a number of other projects. 

Contrary to what many assume, peace isn't meekness in the face of evil it is the courageous and oftentimes creative task of disarmament. Active peacemaking is a way to fight against injustice without using violence. It is using the transformative force of love to resist oppression. It says that the means are the ends, that the way to peace is peace itself. “Love of enemies does not necessarily ease tensions; rather it challenges the whole system and becomes a subversive formula for true personal and national liberation,” writes liberationist theologian Gustavo Gutierrez. Therefore we shouldn't be surprised that peacemakers like Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi appear as anything but peaceful.But what might it look like for you to live a life of nonviolent resistance to evil? How do you confront evil and injustice without becoming unjust yourself? In this episode with Holy Heretics host Gary Alan Taylor, we discuss ways to take power back from the oppressors through nonviolent, subversive action. We draw on the teachings of Jesus who provided a 'third way' beyond fight or flight that leads to an opportunity for the perpetrator to not only recognize your humanity, but repent of his oppression. For our new patrons, thank you for joining us! Thank you for providing the resources we desperately need to continue creating this sacred, subversive space. Our podcast is an act of nonviolent resistance to dominator evangelicalism. We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated by the religious establishment. We will continue to speak loudly and proudly for the marginalized, no matter the cost. Your commitment to this work is also an act of resistance, thank you! BioGary Alan Taylor is the Co-Founder of The Sophia Society and the Host of Holy Heretics Podcast. Gary Alan grew up in conservative evangelical culture as a preacher boy and his deconstruction journey began way back as an undergraduate at Milligan College when he took a course that changed his life. Taught by Stanley Hauerwas protege Phil Kennesson, Christ and Culture planted seeds that would grow into a subversive faith decades later. Prior to his faith deconstruction, Gary Alan worked in evangelical spaces as a content creator. He has written for RedLetter Christians and Missio Alliance and has a Master of Arts degree in Holocaust Studies as well as PhD work in Colonial American History. Gary Alan and his wife Jennifer live in Monument, Colorado and attend Grace and St. Stephens Episcopal Church. Quotables“Four in ten Americans live in a household with a gun. 44% of Republicans say they own a gun.”“What might it look like to deconstruct your faith nonviolently?”“Here in America, we love our guns, and we love our God given right to blow you away.”“Even out theology is violent. We believe in a violent, wrathful God, so violence is wrapped into the DNA of what it means to be an American.”“When the United States kills it's enemies, it's probably a Christian who pulls the trigger.”“What I fear is being in the presence of evil and doing nothing. I fear that more than death.”“We don't have enough money for healthcare, education and basic human services because we spend billions of dollars on war, and we call that pragmatic.”“For what the world spends on defense every 2.5 hours, smallpox was eliminated.”“We believe that violence saves.”“Can you commit an act of violence for the cause of justice?”“Is there ever a time that you could kill for the right cause?”“What if the people we think are so evil aren't evil at all?”“Our addiction to redemptive violence is the fault of the church.”“When war is undertaken in the name of God, there can be no limit in the killing, because so much is at stake.”“Nonviolence isn't an exception to the rule, but is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian.”“There wasn't even a word for pacifism in the early church because to call yourself a Christian meant you lived a life of nonviolence.”“Even in death, Jesus was nonviolent.”“Jesus was nonviolent because God was nonviolent.”“Is my job causing suffering to the planet or to the poor?”“What or who am I afraid of?”“In what ways do I benefit from the empire in which I live?”“Pacifism isn't meekness in the face of evil.”If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review

Short answer–absolutely we are. But not in a good way. From addiction to tech, to feeding the outrage machine, to diminishing our capacity to do deep work, our phones are stunting our growth into Christ-likeness and Jay helps us figure out how to get out of the vicious cycle.  Jay serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and is the author of several books including: Analog Church (IVP, 2020), Analog Christian (2022) (which is the focus of our podcast conversation), 40 Days through the Book: Colossians (2022), and a contributing author to Before You Lose Your Faith (2021), Red Skies (2022), and The Upside Down Kingdom Study Bible (2024). His written work has also been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, Outreach, and Relevant Magazine. If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! 

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Dele Downs Kooley (sounds like Deli) is the master of the pivot and your fast pass to the front of the line! She has a diverse background complements of her 20 year adventure as an Air Force family member and Department of Defense civilian, working at three law enforcement agencies, and navigating corporate America at some of the largest names in the business. Her career roles centered on communications, training, finance, program management, and leadership & development. Dele gives to her community through her roles as President of the Board of Directors for No More Under, a non-profit focused on drowning prevention; and sits on the Board of the Leader Transition Institute, a non-profit focused on military transition assistance. She has most recently added the title of author to her list of accomplishments with the December launch of her book project along with other authors: Inspiring Women Professionals Who BossUp: Learning the Ways of Women on the Rise Making an ImpactAs a certified Leadership + life coach, she uses the lessons she learned along the way to help herclients find clarity on the life they want to live, create intentional pivots, and how to achieve their goals as quickly as possible. She speaks often on the topics of personal development, career transitions, mentoring, resilience, Diversity & Inclusion, and inclusive hiring at companies such as Amazon, Expedia Group, Microsoft, the Women in Tech Regatta, and The Bicycle Leadership Conference.Dele's superpower is networking and connecting people to create magic! When not working or coaching her clients to create the life of their dreams this busy mother of five can be found outside enjoying the Pacific Northwest or at a live sporting event with her family.Dele Downs KooleyFounder, CEO; Dele Kooley Coaching(425) 628-8495ddownskooley@microsoft.comNew Years' Special: you can get 60% off by going to delekooleycoaching.com to book a free session, and ask Delle about the Career Catalyst Package you heard about on the podcast.Find Dellee on Instagram and LinkedInHow Women Rise is a book Delle mentioned that impacted her.******The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!*********Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Bette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey in her ministry Awakening the Soul. Bette earned her MDiv through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has worked with ministries like InterVarsity, World Vision, Infinitum, and Kensington Church to awaken the soul through beauty and wonder. Bette and her husband live in Traverse City Michigan with their two boys. Visit her website at www.bettedickinson.com.Follow her on Instagram @Bette_Dickinson.Bette's book is: Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder ***The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at @loriadbr & on Clubhouse @loriadbr.https://linktr.ee/aworldofdifference or loriadamsbrown.comInterested in one-on-one or group coaching on how to live a life that makes a difference? Check out: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/coachingBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:PatreonSupport us for as little as $5/month at Patreon.com/aworldofdifference and receive exclusive audio content and free merch.Coaching Sept 22Want to get unstuck and make a difference? Go to loriadamsbrown.com/coachnig for a free exploratory session.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

On this special episode of 20 Minute Takes, our host Nikki Toyama-Szeto shares an Advent reflection entitled: "Celebrating the Girl Who Did Something Unthinkable."This piece, written by Nikki, was originally published at Missio Alliance.If you appreciate our show and want to support its ongoing work, please consider giving a year-end gift here. Any gifts given through the end of December will be matched.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.Host: Nikki Toyama-SzetoProducer/Editor: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

I am very excited to introduce you to our guest today: Kat Armas. Kat holds a Mdiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the host of the Protagonistas podcast, where she highlights stories of everyday women of color. She has written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, and Missio Alliance. She also speaks regularly on race and justice. Kat wrote a book called “Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength.” I read it and have been going through it chapter by chapter with a class at our church this fall. It has been challenging for me in so many good ways. Kat's writing has reminded me to be aware of the lenses through which I view Scripture, and to do my best to read Scripture in a way that honors the whole the story — not just the parts with which I am familiar or most comfortable. Throughout her research and writing, Kat also reminds us that God lifts up women to be world-changers and culture-shapers. We see this in Scripture, in the lives of women throughout history, and in the lives of women today. To connect with Kat, you can find her on instagram @kat_armas or on her website katarmas.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/carly-bartlett/support

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Jenai Auman (pronounced jih-nEYE Ah-mun) is a Filipina American writer & artist in living in Houston, TX who writes on hope and faith for outcasts & misfits. Her work currently focuses on the woes of spiritual abuse and religious trauma in the church.Her recent writing and drawing on Advent for those who find themselves trying to make sense of a Western church riddled with abuse of power in its various forms, brings her to the podcast this week to share how her own journey has led her to walk alongside others in the sense-making of this moment in church history.Follow Jenai's writing, art and speaking at: www.jenaiauman.comOn Instagram at: jenaiaumanOn TwitterOn FacebookThe A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at @loriadbr & on Clubhouse @loriadbr.https://linktr.ee/aworldofdifference or loriadamsbrown.comInterested in one-on-one or group coaching on how to live a life that makes a difference? Check out: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/coachingBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:PatreonSupport us at Patreon.com/aworldofdifference for as little as $5 a month and get exclusive audio and free merch!Coaching Sept 22Want to get unstuck and make a difference? Go to loriadamsbrown.com/coachnig for a free exploratory session.This podcast uses the following...

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Craig Greenfield is the founder and director of Alongsiders International, a grassroots movement of young Christians reaching the world's poorest children. Originally from New Zealand, he has lived and worked for more than two decades in marginalized communities in Asia and North America. He is the author of The Urban Halo and Subversive Jesus.Follow him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/craigwgreenfieldVisit his website at CraigGreenfield.comFollow him on Twitter: @craigasaurosUse code: AWORLD22 to buy Subversive Mission at ivpress.com. The code will be good November 30-December 14 for the e-book, paperback and free shipping.The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at @loriadbr & on Clubhouse @loriadbr.https://linktr.ee/aworldofdifference or loriadamsbrown.comInterested in one-on-one or group coaching on how to live a life that makes a difference? Check out: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/coachingBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:PatreonSupport us at Patreon.com/aworldofdifference for as little as $5 a month and get exclusive audio and free merch!Join Justice Revival for #Faith4ERA by Human Rights Day on Dec 10This giving season, I'm asking you to join us at Justice Revival and stand with America's women and girls. Can you believe we are still not equal citizens in the Constitution? In 2022?! Change is long

Growing up as a mixed-ethnicity "third culture kid" on multiple continents gave Dan Stringer a unique perspective on many things in life, including the Christian evangelical space. On his unexpected (and perhaps, reluctant) journey to eventually author Struggling with Evangelicalism, he began to process the complicated nature of evangelical Christianity's influence, in large part through his personal writing. What finally resulted was a book that offered readers a space for reflection in both appreciating evangelicalism's history and strengths, but also lamenting its toxic brokenness and complicity with injustice. In this second of three special narrative-style episodes, we're featuring unique stories of authors and leaders as they follow the paths through which God has led them, their long obedience resulting in outcomes they did not predict or imagine. About the Guest:Dan Stringer grew up as a third culture kid in five countries on three continents. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary, ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and serves as team leader for InterVarsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries in Hawai'i. He is pastor of theological formation at Wellspring Covenant Church in Hālawa, Hawai'i. He previously was a social worker helping people obtain housing and employment. He has written for Missio Alliance, Inheritance, and Level Ground, and is a contributor to Father Factor.SPECIAL OFFER | Save 40% on Dan's book Struggling with Evangelicalism and get free US shipping when you use promo code EVN40 at checkout.About the Host:Paloma Lee is an assistant producer and project specialist at IVP. She has an M.A. in Media and Communication from Dallas Theological Seminary and a B.A. in English.Support the showFollow The Every Voice Now Podcast on Instagram and Twitter, or find out more about our show and IVP's Every Voice Now initiative at EveryVoiceNow.com.

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Jenny Booth Potter is a creative producer, storyteller, and co-host of The Next Question, a web series about expanding our imagination for racial justice. She has co-led racial justice trainings across the country for churches and organizations, and is a founding partner of HerSelf Media, an organization that aims to create stories that empower and bring joy to Black women. Jenny and her husband make their home outside of Chicago with their two boys and one wild puppy.Jenny's book is Doing Nothing Is No Longer an Option: One Woman's Journey into Everyday Antiracismhttps://amzn.to/3EPkA0MVisit her website at jennyboothpotter.com.Follow her on Twitter: @JennyBPotter.Buy Jenny's book from ivpress.com with code AWORLD22 for 30 percent off ebook and hard copy with free shipping between 11/23/22 and 12/7/22The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at @loriadbr & on Clubhouse @loriadbr.https://linktr.ee/aworldofdifference or loriadamsbrown.comInterested in one-on-one or group coaching on how to live a life that makes a difference? Check out: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/coachingBecome a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. Mentioned in this episode:Justice Revival #Faith4ERA CampaignThis giving season, I'm asking you to join us at Justice Revival and stand with America's women and girls. Can you believe we are still not equal citizens in the Constitution? In 2022?! Change is long overdue. The good news...

Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Karen González 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 15 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 is the co-host of the Latina-focused podcast Cafe with Comadres. She lives in Baltimore, MD with her cat Oscar. ---Karen GonzalezOrder my new book: Beyond WelcomeCo-host of Cafe with Comadres PodcastSign up for Karen's newsletter! Follow her on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with Missio Alliance.Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our Facebook group. We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen. Find Us Online: @aworldof.difference on Instagram and A World of Difference on Facebook, on Twitter at @loriadbr & on Clubhouse @loriadbr.https://linktr.ee/aworldofdifference or loriadamsbrown.comInterested in one-on-one or group coaching on how to live a life that makes a difference? Check out:

Can you strap on VR goggles and go to church in the metaverse? We asked the author Jay Kim of Analog Church and the pastor DJ Soto of Virtual Reality Church to argue all the wrongs and rights. Finally, an episode where Adam & Chris aren't the ones doing all the fighting! To be fair both these guys are pastors so the debate is probably more of mild-mannered discussion, but it covers some important ground about what it means to be the church, and what the future of the church might look like. VR CHURCH—PASTOR DJ SOTO DJ Soto, Bishop & Pastor or VR Church D.J. Soto began preaching in the metaverse in 2016. Originally thinking he would plant physical churches, he soon realized a new vision to plant churches in the metaverse. He is now the Bishop of Virtual Reality Church and MMO Church, which are futuristic church expressions that is intended to be radically inclusive and consistent with Christianity's long history of adapting to new forms of media. About DJ Soto at VR Church Wired Magazine interview with DJ Soto (Feb 2018) Check Out what VR Church building looks like “inside”—YouTube ANALOG CHURCH—PASTOR JAY KIM Jay Kim author of Analog Church Jay Y. Kim serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley—really!—of CA and as teacher-in-residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He's the author of Analog Church (IVP, 2020) and Analog Christian (IVP, 2022). Some of his written work has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, Relevant, and other publications. Visit Jay Kim's website Outreach Magazine interview with Jay Kim (January 2020) Jay Kim is the author of Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age (InterVarsity Press) THE QUESTIONS DJ'S QUESTION(S) FOR JAY How do you define church? What would "count" as a church experience.? Can a metaverse church fulfill all the functions of a physical church? JAY'S QUESTION(S) FOR DJ What are the most significant limitations of virtual church, as you see it? Do you think there are any potential drawbacks or even dangers to the customization and control afforded in VR (e.g. avatars curated to project an aspirational self rather than a more genuine self)? Find Us Device & Virtue on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join the Device & Virtue Team on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Lisa Rodriguez-Watson. Lisa Rodriguez-Watson desires to see all people reconciled to God and to each other. Investing in this passionate call has led Lisa to urban church planting, international missions and community development, immigration advocacy, collegiate ministry, and seminary teaching. She now serves as the national director of Missio Alliance, a generative, expansive, and intercultural network of Christian leaders committed to cultivating a holistic theology and practice in order to reshape the church's witness in the world.In addition to her work with Missio Alliance, Lisa serves as associate pastor of discipleship and equipping at Christ City Church in Washington, DC, alongside her husband Matthew. Three children round out their family.You can check more about her and Missio Alliance at missioalliance.orgYou can check out her newest book here: Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice. Theme song “As Colorful As Ever” By Broke For FreeAdditional music “Caslo” by FREEDOMFor more information about Forge America head to www.forgeamerica.comFeel free to contact us at:Brenna@forgeamerica.comTerry@forgeamerica.comAlan@forgeamerica.com

Could your digital or online activity be interfering with your spirituality? On this episode of Flourish-Meant, we explore the concept of becoming an analog Christian with author and pastor Jay Kim. Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.  Jay describes the importance of reconnecting with life off-screen due the increasing disconnectedness and loneliness of the human condition. He defines the journey of becoming an analog Christian as a process of discipleship while cultivating more hands-on relationships with life and others around us. Following Jesus is intended as an incarnate, human experience. Pastor Kim recounts his exploration of how digital influences affect us. He doesn't reject technology altogether but instead encourages becoming intentional about how we use it.  We discuss the following key points: Technology managing us v.s. how we manage technology How digital platforms influence our mood, self-image, thought content, attitudes, and assumptions about other people Checking whether we are aligning our minds with God's design for the person he wants us to become The benefits of digital fasts or sabbaths Creating healthy principles and boundaries with social media The addictive design of technology Detoxing when you find yourself unable to put the technology down Seeking ways to accomplish each task in an analog, human, relational way Using prayer as a monitoring system Considering the fruit of the Spirit Intentional focus on using technology for God's glory Remembering that God is not flummoxed by the digital age, but has led his people through cultural struggles throughout history Jay references Dallas Willard's book, Hearing God, in which prayer is described as an ongoing conversational relationship with God through which we partner with the Lord toward his redemptive mission. We need to ask God to continually do the work of forming us into Christlikeness so we can become people who live truly fruitful lives. Jay notes that social media isn't quite free. He underscores the reality revealed by Tristan Harris that if something is free to you, then you are the product.  Pastor Kim emphasizes the phrase, "make every effort," as repeated in 2 Peter 1, to lean the direction of our lives in alignment with the Spirit of God. For more about analog discipleship and to connect with Jay, visit jaykimthinks.com . Find his books under the"books" tab on this site. You can also get a copy of his new title, Analog Christian, anywhere books are sold. Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

Executive Director of Christians for Social Action Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks about taking a holistic view of our lives when it comes to political action and our votes. When we bring our whole selves to the voting booth, it becomes part of our spiritual formation, so we should approach the way we vote as part of our discipleship.    LINKS: Download the free Peace & Politics Practice Guide: https://globalimmerse.org/podcast Become an EMBER: https://globalimmerse.org/donate/ Learn about our cohorts: https://globalimmerse.org/leaders/cohorts/ Contemplative Prayer with Global Immersion (Weekly on Tues, Wed, and Thur at 7am PST): https://share.hsforms.com/1KMGPA1DaSxOQs9GOp3gDowc3ovn Conflicted Allegiance: https://globalimmerse.org/public-programs/conflicted-allegiance/ Learn more about Global Immersion: https://globalimmerse.org Christians for Social Action: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/ Follow Nikki on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ntoyamaszeto   Nikki Toyama-Szeto Bio: Nikki helps Christians have a faith-fueled engagement with the world's most challenging issues. Before coming to CSA in 2017, she served in leadership positions at International Justice Mission, the Urbana Conference, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She loves working with communities around the world, whether through scripture, thoughtful reflection on leadership, or stirring the spiritual imagination. Nikki writes on justice, leadership, gender issues, and racial justice for various magazines, and she serves as a “Leading Voice” for the Missio Alliance. She's the host of the podcast, “20 Minute Takes. Her work was profiled on NPR's “On Point,” Outreach Magazine's Leadership Issue (Sept. 2017, Cover), Religion and Politics (Aug. 2018), Christianity Today's “Who's Next?” and Rejuvenate Magazine's “40 under 40.” She is a co-editor of the book More than Serving Tea (IVP, 2006), a collection of essays, stories, and poems looking at the intersection of race, gender, and faith for Asian American women. She also co-wrote Partnering with the Global Church (IVP, 2012) with Femi Adeleye and edited the Urbana Onward series. She is a co-author of The God of Justice: IJM Institute's Global Church Curriculum (IVP, 2015). She has a mechanical engineering degree from Stanford University and completed her masters in organizational leadership at Eastern University, studying in South Africa. Nikki resides in the DC metro area with her family.   Music from Epidemic Sound: We Are Giants by Silver Maple:https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ICEht6ut6b/

Today, I'm sharing a recent conversation with Andrew Arndt about his book Streams in the Wasteland. In it, he shares the ancient wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers who journeyed to the wilderness to seek a closer journey with Christ. Andrew shares some of the parallels between their experience with Rome then and our experience today. I was first introduced to the desert fathers and mothers in the late 1980s when I read Henri Nouwen's The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary. It was his sharing of the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, especially about solitude, silence, and prayer, that launched me on a very different spiritual trajectory than the frantically busy one I'd been on up until then. Andrew Arndt is the lead pastor of New Life East, one of seven congregations of New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Prior to joining New Life's team, he served as the lead pastor of Bloom Church, a network of house churches in Denver. He is the host of the Essential Church podcast, a weekly conversation designed to strengthen the thinking of church and ministry leaders. Andrew received his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is currently working on his DMin with Western Theological Seminary. He has written for Missio Alliance, Patheos, The Other Journal, and Mere Orthodoxy. He is the author of Streams in the Wasteland and All Flame. Andrew lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Mandi, and their four kids. Connect with Alan at the Unhurried Living website.

I had no agenda going into this conversation, but it quickly delved into talking about psychedelics, marijauna, and how God uses some trippy things to draw people to himself. We then talk about a missional ecclesiology with the table at the center. Deb Hirsch is a speaker, church leader, and writer who has led churches in both Australia and Los Angeles. She is one of the founders of Forge Mission Training Network and is a member of the Forge America national team. She also serves as a board member for Missio Alliance and was part of the leadership team of Christian Associates, a church planting movement in Europe, North & South America. She is the co-author (with Alan Hirsch) of Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, and her book Redeeming Sex reflects her own journey and attempts to bring new conversations about sexuality into the context of the church. Deb has been involved in social work, community development and as a trained counselor has worked in the field of sexuality for over twenty-five years. –––––– PROMOS Save 10% on courses with Kairos Classroom using code TITR at kairosclassroom.com! –––––– Sign up with Faithful Counseling today to save 10% off of your first month at the link:  faithfulcounseling.com/titr or use code TITR at faithfulcounseling.com –––––– Save 30% at SeminaryNow.com by using code TITR –––––– Support Preston Support Preston by going to patreon.com Venmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1 Connect with Preston Twitter | @PrestonSprinkle Instagram | @preston.sprinkle Youtube | Preston Sprinkle Check out Dr. Sprinkle's website prestonsprinkle.com Stay Up to Date with the Podcast Twitter | @RawTheology Instagram | @TheologyintheRaw If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave a review. www.theologyintheraw.com