Rule of Life

David Kim, Executive Pastor at Westgate Church and author of 'Made to Belong', dives deep into the nuances of community building. He discusses the importance of intentional relationships and how they require vulnerability and commitment. The conversation highlights challenges in forming genuine connections, such as balancing freedom with belonging. Kim shares insights on prioritizing community in a busy world and the transformative power of accountability in healing. His perspective invites listeners to reflect on what may be holding them back from true belonging.

Join psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson as he dives deep into the pervasive issue of shame and its impact on community relationships. He explores how shame disconnects us, drawing parallels from biblical narratives. The discussion highlights the vital role of vulnerability and confession in healing and fostering intimacy among individuals. Dr. Thompson emphasizes the power of authentic community interactions to transform shame into connection, urging us to confront our struggles together for true personal growth.

Jay Pathak, a church planter and national leader in Vineyard USA, joins Danielle Pathak to discuss the influence of family dynamics on personal growth. They explore how our family backgrounds shape relationships and highlight the transformative power of community in healing. The conversation also delves into the Genogram as a tool for understanding family patterns, emphasizing the importance of confronting emotional pain. Their insights underscore the necessity of emotional vulnerability and the role of supportive relationships in fostering spiritual development.

Andy Crouch, a partner for theology and culture at Praxis and author of The Life We're Looking For, joins the conversation to explore the transformative power of community in today's isolating world. He reflects on the evolution of familial relationships from the Early Church to modern times, emphasizing the need for intentional kinship groups. The discussion reveals how technology impacts personal connections and advocates for deeper, authentic bonds reminiscent of early Christian practices, all while highlighting practical strategies for cultivating genuine community.

Dr. Tim Mackie, a scholar with the Bible Project Scholar Team, sheds light on reading Scripture as a transformative spiritual discipline. He emphasizes the power of reading aloud in community, a practice harking back to early house churches, to foster deeper connections with the text. The conversation dives into the benefits of engaging with larger passages to capture their unity and flow. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, making a compelling case for integrating communal reading into daily life, enhancing both understanding and personal growth.

Dr. Tim Mackie, Dr. Brittany Kim, and Hakeem Bradley from BibleProject dive into the complexities of scripture as wisdom and meditation literature. They explore how wisdom literature guides moral formation and character transformation, allowing readers to flourish. The trio emphasizes the beauty intertwined with wise living and the importance of meditative reading for deeper engagement. They also discuss the multidimensional nature of biblical narratives, encouraging listeners to embrace the communal journey of understanding scripture and reflecting on its profound insights.

Join scholars Tim Mackie, Brittany Kim, and Hakeem Bradley from BibleProject as they dive into the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation. They discuss the complexities of ancient texts, emphasizing the importance of cultural contexts to better understand moral guidance rather than rigid laws. The conversation highlights the Bible's unified narrative pointing to Jesus and explores messianic themes through key figures. They also touch on engaging with differing perspectives, inviting deeper connections with scripture that foster spiritual growth.

Tim Mackie, co-founder of the Bible Project, and Hakeem Bradley, a member of its Scholar Team, delve into fascinating discussions on the nature of Scripture. They challenge traditional approaches that limit understanding, advocating for a view that embraces the Bible as both human and divine literature. The duo emphasizes the importance of cultural context in interpretation and the transformative power of engaging with Scripture within a community. They introduce a framework aimed at fostering deeper connections to biblical texts, encouraging listeners to rethink their relationship with the Bible.

Join John Cortines, Director of Generosity at the McClellan Foundation, and Jimmy Mellado, President of Compassion International, alongside Sara Miller of A House on Beekman and Christian Huang from Mobilize Love. They discuss the nuances of giving, tackling misconceptions about tithing while emphasizing personal connections over mere donations. The conversation dives into transformative practices of generosity, the power of deep relationships, and the impact of collective small contributions on community needs, urging listeners to engage actively and empathetically.

Reward Sibanda, a senior advisor for church relations at World Vision, shares insights from his diverse cultural experiences. Patrick Johnson, founder of Generous Church, discusses the cultural implications of generosity. April Chapman, CEO of Generous Giving, inspires with personal stories that reveal generosity's transformative power. They delve into the disordered relationship with money, the biblical foundation of abundance, and the paradox of wealth versus generosity. This conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about finances to foster a culture of charitable giving.