The Familiar Stranger Podcast

Join N.T. Wright, a prominent New Testament scholar, and Bishop Wells, an insightful religious leader, as they explore the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the church. They discuss the importance of unity and humility in the Christian community, emphasizing personal experiences that highlight vulnerability and joy. The conversation dives into surrendering control to divine guidance and the necessity of silence for self-expression. Personal narratives about spiritual growth and the impact of grace create a rich tapestry of faith for listeners.

Jess Gracewski, a Spiritual Director and Associate Pastor at Reality San Francisco, shares her insights on fostering belonging in a bustling city. She delves into transformative spiritual journeys, emphasizing the role of community in personal faith development. Jess discusses the balance between intellectual belief and spiritual encounters, the importance of safe spaces for growth, and the value of embracing failure as part of the journey. Her passion for deeper connections inspires a fresh perspective on living authentically within faith.

In a heartfelt conversation, Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer and Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd, delves into the concept of redemptive suffering. He shares powerful personal stories, including his battle with cancer and navigating a child's severe medical challenges. The discussion highlights the transformative power of suffering in deepening faith and fostering resilience. Greig emphasizes the importance of honesty in community, advocating for vulnerability during tough times. Ultimately, they explore how suffering can lead to personal growth and a closer connection to God.

Rich Dicas, a UK-based worship leader and songwriter from KXC Church, shares insights on the intertwining of the Holy Spirit and creativity. He discusses how music enhances collective worship and transforms spiritual experiences. Dicas highlights the communal aspects of songwriting, illustrating biblical examples of collaborative creativity. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in daily life, encouraging listeners to cultivate spiritual awareness for deeper gratitude and inspiration.

Bishop C.T. Wells, Senior Pastor at Emmanuel Church and a global evangelist, shares profound insights on living as a witness for Jesus. He highlights the significance of demonstrating faith through actions like healing and deliverance. The conversation touches on the resilience found in the African-American church's past struggles and the transformative love expressed through faith. Wells emphasizes the need for a heartfelt relationship with God, aiming for character transformation rather than just prophetic acts, inviting listeners to deepen their spiritual journeys.

N.T. Wright, a renowned New Testament scholar and author, delves into the dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in both scripture and contemporary faith. He emphasizes the Spirit’s active presence in believers’ lives, urging a shift from viewing miracles as rare occurrences to seeing divine involvement in daily life. The discussion spans from historical perceptions of God's interaction with the world to practical advice on seeking guidance through the Spirit, all while integrating personal stories and biblical insights.

Mark Sayers, a leading voice at Red Church in Melbourne, Pete Greig, founder of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, and Jess Gracewski from Reality Church in San Francisco engage in a dynamic discussion on the Holy Spirit. They explore the shift from human authority to divine empowerment in faith communities and emphasize the joy in leadership through vulnerability. Personal anecdotes underscore everyday encounters with the Spirit, while the conversation highlights the urgent need for creativity and authentic connection in today’s fast-paced world.

Mark Sayers, Senior Leader of Red Church in Melbourne and author, dives deep into the complexities of healing and faith. He shares moving anecdotes about navigating a loved one’s cancer battle, highlighting the interplay of medical help and divine support. The conversation also touches on societal repression of emotions during crises and how vulnerability can open pathways to miracles. Ultimately, Mark encourages a reimagining of suffering as a catalyst for resilience and community strength.

Dave Lomas, lead pastor at Reality SF, shares his insights on nurturing faith amidst urban indifference. He delves into reviving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, addressing the challenges of integrating these spiritual practices in modern worship. Lomas emphasizes cultivating dependence on the Spirit, particularly in progressive environments. He discusses the necessity of creating space for spiritual movements in church and highlights the importance of genuine transformation through reliance on the Spirit, encouraging leaders to model this in their communities.

Gemma Ryan, a pastor and spiritual director at Oaks Church in Brooklyn, dives deep into the transformative world of prophecy. She discusses how individuals can tune into God's voice through personal experiences and reflections. Gemma contrasts Old and New Testament prophecies, emphasizing inclusivity post-Pentecost. The importance of community in nurturing prophetic insights and trust is highlighted, alongside the sacred practice of prophecy and the need for reverence and love in sharing divine messages.