The God Journey

How will the bride of Christ be revealed in the world, especially since she is so fractured into thousands of denominations? Perhaps there is already a parable of that in the Creation, in the murmuration of starlings and the schools of fish. Scientists call it behavioral synchronization, but maybe it is something more. It now seems that for a brief time, starlings and fish become part of an interconnected organism. Kyle and Wayne discuss the idea of "unmanaged community" and how it reflects the organic, spiritual connections among believers. These connections, often spontaneous and unstructured, can be more authentic than human-managed communities. While we get glimpses of it now and then, perhaps the time is coming for a global "murmuration" of believers that comprise the Bride of Christ. Wouldn't that be awesome? Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast. Murmuration Video - not quite the one Wayne referred to. And here's another one with music. The Secret of Secrets Finding Church by Wayne Jacobsen Lifestream Store with 25% discount through Christmas with the promo code:  Christmas 25 The post The Murmuration of the Bride (#1014) first appeared on The God Journey.

In a world that seeks to crush us into its mold, having the space to contemplate, explore, question, and grow is a rare and delicious treat. That's where Wayne and Kyle landed today after reading an email from a listener. That thread ran through their other conversation about seeing beyond the home team/away team binary that religion throws at us and how listening to God has changed over the course of their lives. They also discuss how we can better facilitate that space for others instead of trying to cram the breath of the Spirit into a curriculum, presentation, or system. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast. When the Maps Run Out - the podcast Wayne referred to in this podcast. Lifestream Store with 25% discount through Christmas with the promo code:  Christmas 25 The post Finding the Space to Explore (#1013) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle's away this week, so an old friend joins in. Brad Cummings was co-host of The God Journey for 700+ episodes, and joined us most recently on #1000. Many of you asked to have him back again, so he joins Wayne for a conversation about equipping people to engage a real presence when they give their hearts to Jesus. Instead of training them to be good Christians, might it be more valuable to help them learn to live from their hearts in growing communion with God? This is the essence of the New Covenant, not to be led by programs and rituals, but to connect to God's presence in them so that they can be drawn into the adventure of following him and find increasing freedom in his transformation. Podcast Notes: Sorry, we did not make a video of this podcast A Man Like No Other, which Brad talks about on the podcast The post Communing with God (#1012) first appeared on The God Journey.

It was a tale of two cities over consecutive weekends that got this conversation going. Wayne shares about his experience with former 2x2 members in the South, and then he went with Sara to their 50th college reunion at Oral Roberts University. As Wayne processes those experiences with Kyle, they find themselves contrasting performative Christianity to a doctrine or program and a transformational journey that comes from an ever-deepening engagement with God's love. As part of that conversation, they read through Psalm 15 as it describes the company of the just, where God wants to make his presence known. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast The post Performative or Transformational? (#1011) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle surprises Wayne with a new term that is being utilized in trauma work—moral injury. This happens when someone, either by choice or coercion, acts in opposition to their deep moral framework. It causes significant damage not only to the one who does it, but to the people impacted by his actions. It is especially troublesome in religious contexts where such betrayal can even destroy our ability to believe in God. They highlight the challenges of healing from such injuries, noting that they often affect a person's identity, worldview, and ability to trust others. They talk about betrayal and how to move beyond it to healing, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and the ability to find purpose in suffering. They end with the idea that the painful groanings of that injury may, in part, be the prayers that are too deep for words. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast Moral Failings in the Pulpit Lead to Moral Injury in the Pews Identifying and Addressing the Hidden Cost of Moral Injury  Moral Injury and Spiritual Recovery The post The Pain of Moral Injury (#1010) first appeared on The God Journey.

Following up on last week's podcast, Kyle and Wayne begin by discussing the power of presence to shape our lives in love. They agreed that religion often removes the focus on presence, offering instead a system of rules and certainty that doesn't lead to an authentic connection with God. By motivating people's fear, Christianity has often prioritized fear and control over genuine spiritual transformation. How different would our influence be in the world if love were our foundation? They conclude with a conversation about a false application of Ordo Amoris, which falsely allows us to be selective in those we love, allowing us to treat others with contempt. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast It's Not Chocolate - an earlier podcast The post When Fear Trumps Endearment (#1009) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle asks AI to define the message of The God Journey, leading to a brief discussion about AI and the soothing properties of the ancient cathedrals. Then he and Wayne get into the conversation about finding our fullness in his Presence, rather than seeking it in the temporal amusements of the world. Presence is about focus and simplicity, not elaborate rituals or time-consuming practices or having to “fill up” at weekend services. Religious institutions can unintentionally create a cycle of spiritual emptiness and dependency, rather than fostering a continual engagement with presence and joy. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post Living from Fullness (#1009) first appeared on The God Journey.

Why are some followers of Jesus deeply concerned over the tactics and demeanor of the Trump Administration, while others wholeheartedly endorse it? A recent article suggests it may have to do with how we view God's morality. Is it keeping to a moral code by a vengeful deity, or is it the fruit of God's love, teaching us how to treat others? Kyle and Wayne explore this article and whether or not vengeance, intimidation, and arrogance are helpful to advance Jesus's kingdom in the world. Wasn't the Incarnation God's desire to win by love what fear could never accomplish? They also discuss the complexities of U.S. immigration policies and their desire to make them more humane. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. Article on Vertical and Horizontal Morality Walter Brugermann's talk on Justice from above, versus justice from below The audio release of It's Time The post How We View Morality (#1008) first appeared on The God Journey.

During Wayne and Sara's recent trip around the Rocky Mountains, they met many people in the cities they traveled through who have left or are considering leaving a worldwide, legalistic Christian sect. Recent revelations of child sexual abuse on the part of leadership caused many to reconsider the teachings and practices of the group. Now, many are seeking to move out of religious performance, motivated by fear and pursued by self-effort, to an affection-based relationship with God, where love provides the impetus for rest and transformation. Kyle wants to know what Wayne learned in these conversations and how he helps people process this stage of their journey. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post A Path out of Legalism (#1007) first appeared on The God Journey.

What would change if you trusted God's presence abiding in you instead of seeking to feel his love? Wayne and Kyle read through a recent Facebook post by Graham Cook that talks about the difference between resting in his habitation instead of seeking encounters with him. When you realize that you can stop chasing what you already have, rest in relationship instead of working for relationship, practice awareness of existing presence instead of creating encounters, live from His promise, not your feelings, and make his presence your dwelling place, not your occasional destination. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Here is a copy of Graham Cooke's FB Post The audio release of It's Time The post What it Means to Abide (#1006) first appeared on The God Journey.