266. The Church as Shalom Maker, with Terry A. Smith, author of The Lord Give You Peace

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Shalom is a biblical concept that goes far beyond our usual understanding of “peace.” It’s about healing, fulfillment, and every part of life coming together as God intended. For ministry leaders, this vision of shalom changes everything about how we lead, serve, and even think about the mission of the church.

In this episode, Terry A. Smith, author of The Lord Give You Peace, explores what shalom really means, why it’s at the heart of God’s mission, and how we as ministry leaders can become bringers of Shalom in and beyond our churches.

THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Markus Watson invites Terry A. Smith to share how the concept of shalom became important in his life and faith.
• Terry A. Smith explains that encountering Tim Keller’s writing helped him see shalom as the way God intended things to be.
• Shalom means more than just "peace"—it encompasses wholeness, flourishing, harmony, prosperity, and well-being.
• Terry A. Smith describes shalom as holistic well-being, productive flourishing, and happy fulfillment.
• Shalom involves every dimension of life: psychological, spiritual, physical, and relational wellness.
• Flourishing in shalom is not passive but should lead to positive, productive fruit in the world.
• Fulfillment includes experiencing deep happiness and contentment rooted in hope and connection with God.
• Markus Watson reflects that God’s mission for Creation is to restore shalom on every level—between humans and God, with each other, within ourselves, and with creation.
• Terry A. Smith affirms that the presence of brokenness and lack of shalom is due to the fall and the "vandalization" of God’s intentions.
• People can still taste and participate in shalom, even while living in a broken world.
• Terry A. Smith highlights that many biblical promises of shalom are directed at people in exile or less-than-ideal circumstances, encouraging hope and action.
• The church’s calling includes being a model of unity and peace, creating opportunities for shalom in relationships and community.
• Terry A. Smith describes his church’s intentional pursuit of diversity, unity, and partnership with local organizations as active shalom-making.
• Creating an environment of hospitable leadership fosters a culture where people and their God-given dreams flourish.
• Leaders who embody shalom can better guide others through change, adversity, and growth by bringing wholeness and well-being into every situation.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Website – terryasmith.com
• The Life Christian Church
• Books mentioned:
  • The Lord Give You Peace, by Terry A. Smith
  • Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be, by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
  • The Hospitable Leader, by Terry A. Smith
• Related episodes:
  • 134. How to Help Your City Thrive, with Amy Sherman
  • 140. Bathed in Grace, with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke
  • 157. Seamless Leadership, with Steve Garber

Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.