New Creation Conversations

New Creation Conversations Episode 029 - Rev. Brian Zahnd on Beauty, Nationalism, Growing as a Pastor, and Surviving Deconstruction

Aug 31, 2021

Brian Zahnd, a veteran pastor and author, shares his transformative journey from a rock music fan to a faith leader over 40 years. He discusses the need to rethink Christianity in the face of nationalism and critiques fear-based theology. Zahnd also highlights the importance of beauty in preaching, linking it to the restoration of faith amid deconstruction. His new book, When Everything's On Fire, addresses these challenges head-on, offering hope for those navigating their spiritual crises.

01:14:16

Episode guests

Brian Zahnd

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Quick takeaways

Brian Zahnd's transformative faith journey illustrates the evolution of his theological understanding amidst discontent with American evangelicalism.

Zahnd emphasizes the importance of distinguishing Christianity from nationalism, advocating for a church that prioritizes spiritual fidelity over cultural identity.

He advocates for preaching as an artistic endeavor, highlighting beauty's role in engaging audiences and fostering a deeper connection to the gospel.

Deep dives

Brian Zond's Faith Journey

Brian Zond shares his transformative faith journey that began as a dramatic encounter with Jesus in high school, where he transitioned from a life immersed in secular music to leading a ministry for young people seeking faith. This ministry evolved into Word of Life Church, where he has served for over 40 years, guiding a growing community through various theological movements. Zond details the shifts in his understanding of Christianity, particularly as he became increasingly discontent with the American evangelical landscape and its prevailing interpretations of the gospel. His journey of faith was marked by a commitment to deeper theological reflection, leading him to question previously held beliefs while inspiring his congregation to grow alongside him.

Jesus Reveals God, He Does Not Save Us From Him

01:20

The Priority of Symbols Reflects True Allegiances

01:20

Intro

3min

A Transformative Faith Journey

26min

Transformative Reading and Theological Shifts

2min

Rethinking God Through Christ

24min

Navigating Faithfulness Amidst Church Nationalism

4min

The Legacy of Nietzsche: Faith Amidst Cultural Change

4min

The Art of Preaching: Beauty and Transformation

7min

Eschatology and the Renewal of Creation

3min

Welcome to episode twenty-nine of New Creation Conversations. In today’s conversation I am joined by a pastor and author Brian Zahnd. Brian is the founder and lead pastor of the World of Life Church – a non-denominational church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He has an amazing story of coming to faith, founding a church, and leading that same community of faith for forty years. His story is one of continual transformation as his passion for reading and study in theology, philosophy, and biblical studies has continued to shape him as a leader and a pastor.

Brian has become an important voice and thought-leader for many in ministry. We have a wonderful conversation about his story, his ministry, and several of his books including Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water into Wine, Beauty will Save the World, and his most recent work – Postcards from Babylon. Brian has a new book When Everything's On Fire – about the challenge that people go through when their faith is deconstructed and contested – and how to put all the pieces back together. He will also be one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming #Preach2021 Conference entitled "Beauty Will Save the World: Preaching That Restores" at Nazarene Theological Seminary in September.

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