The Living Church Podcast

Today, musician Jon Guerra joins us for a conversation about music, theology, and life—and a few live tunes.We talk about his musical influences and about the formation (and deformation) that happens through Christian music. We talk about creating and speaking in difficult times, working in the shadow of the cross, and, as he puts it, “the dialectic struggle between the call and your ability to meet it.” We also talk about the importance of vulnerability and play, telling your story, and learning to be a Holy Fool.Our executive director, Matthew Olver, joined us for this chat and mini-concert.Our set list includes “In the Beginning Was Love,” “Where Your Treasure Is,” “Kingdom of God,” and “I See the Birds,” with great conversation in between.Jon Guerra is a singer-songwriter who writes devotional music, “music for attending to the soul.” He’s based in Austin, Texas, and his albums include Keeper of Days, Ordinary Ways, and his latest, Jesus, among others. He also composed music for Terrence Malick’s 2019 film, A Hidden Life.We hope you enjoy the music and the conversation.From this episode:Jon’s website, album, merchJon’s tour schedulePoet Robert LaxFrom the ads:Get the Living Church for $9.95Give to support this podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Joe Mangina, theology professor known for doctrinal clarity; Annette Brownlee, pastoral theology professor emerita with parish experience; Tish Harrison Warren, Anglican priest and writer on liturgy and everyday faith. They discuss when and how preaching intersects with politics. Short takes on preaching’s purpose, forming congregations, prophetic voice, liturgy’s shaping role, and navigating parish conflict amid political polarization.

With love, wit, and a laugh, Jane Austen brought human drama to the drawing room. We love her for it. It also gave her away as a Christian.On December 16, 1775, the Anglican clergy family of Austens welcomed their youngest daughter, who would grow to become one of the world’s greatest novelists and, as we’ll discuss today, a profound Christian; a loving and lively friend, sister, and aunt; a scholar of human nature; and an expert on how the virtues and vices that make or break us reveal themselves in the everyday. She was also, for the record, hilarious.Today’s conversation is part of our annual Cozy Christmas Chat series, and our guests are Haley Stewart and the Rev. Dr. David Goodhew.Haley is a Catholic author and the editor of Word on Fire Votive. She was cohost of the popular Fountains of Carrots podcast, and is the author of Jane Austen's Genius Guide to Life, The Grace of Enough, and The Sister Seraphina Mysteries.David is Vicar of St Barnabas Church, Middlesbrough, England and Visiting Fellow of St Johns College, Durham University. He is widely published, with five volumes on modern Christianity and church growth. But he has also written several excellent and entertaining essays on Jane Austen’s life and faith that you can read at livingchurch.org/covenant.Today we encounter Jane Austen via Dante’s Inferno, learn from her on the virtues, unpack the popularity of Bridgerton, critique film adaptations, and learn about the personal practices of prayer that rooted Jane’s genius. And, from Mr. Darcy who can’t bear to be laughed at, to Emma with little to trouble or vex her, we discuss how humor, used with compassion, can be an expression of love.We hope you enjoy this cozy Christmas conversation!From this episode:David’s articles on Jane AustenHaley’s books on Jane, etc.Haley’s Sister Seraphina MysteriesHaley’s podcastHaley’s SubstackFrom the ads:Shop Living Church ResourcesPastoral Ministrations of the PriestSubscribe to The Living Church magazineDonate to the Living ChurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What do wise and practical partnerships with immigrant communities look like?Today’s episode is from a conversation we co-hosted with The Episcopal Parish Network to explore how congregations can engage more faithfully and effectively with immigrant and refugee neighbors.We dip into a bit of theology here. But we concentrate on strategic application, legal context, and pastoral insights for building authentic relationships and deepening mission.We discuss:Legal landscapes around immigration—what’s true, what’s not true, how it affects ministry.Pastoral care that is culturally responsive instead of awkward or well-meaningly clueless.Cooperating with ethnic leaders to support and empower immigrants and their families.Practical tips to try.This conversation is about bridges across borders: discerning the opportunities God has put in front of you, making a solid plan, and accepting the time and help it takes to build bridges that last.Our guests today are: The Rev. Dr. Samira Izadi Page, founder and executive director of Gateway of Grace, Dallas, Texas.James Montana, Esq., principal and immigration lawyer at James Montana Law, Falls Church, Virginia.The Rev. Christian Anderson, vicar at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Stuart, Florida.The Rev. Jaime Briceño, rector at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Berwyn, Illinois.From this episode:Watch the videoList of recommended legal and ministry resourcesFrom the ads:Shop Living Church ResourcesPastoral Ministrations of the PriestSubscribe to The Living Church magazineDonate to the Living ChurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

David Han, Pentecostal theologian and seminary dean, and Nathan Smith, Catholic ecumenism director, trade stories about surprising Catholic–Pentecostal encounters. They recount how shared testimony, liturgy and exuberant worship reshape expectations. Conversations highlight listening, lived unity, communal transformation, and practical collaborations addressing poverty and marginalization.

How can decorating a Crèche draw us to a place of divine encounter?We are approaching yet another Advent season, a season of making space to wait on God.Maybe you’re good at making that space. Like a cat, you have no problem flopping down where you are, stretching your legs, and letting Jesus take the wheel.Or maybe you’re addicted—like most of us—to work, to control and productivity, to entertainment, perhaps even to podcasts!—and Advent feels like a struggle.Or maybe you’re working three jobs because you have to, and maintaining an interior grasp of God’s love, in the midst of the crazy, is what slowing down means for you.But sometimes being still is not something you choose. It’s thrust upon you. When you’re not able to go anywhere or do anything much, Advent is life, whether you ask for it or not.That’s where our guest today found herself. And in that long, involuntary long season of Advent, as she reflected on her life and grew a garden, the journey brought her to writing a little Advent book about nature, the seasons, and the tradition of manger scenes where she grew up in Provence, France, and how she found Jesus there.Our guest today is Sylvie Vanhoozer. Sylvie is a certified botanic artist, retired French teacher, and author of two books of nature sketches and meditations: The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting as well as The Art of Living in Season: A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints. Here are some French words we use today: Crèche: manger sceneSantons: “little saints”; clay figurines based on ordinary people Terroir: a people’s land and all the life in itNow remind yourself where you’ve stored away your Nativity set. Because after this conversation you might want to get it out. Perhaps it will help you remember, receive, and share the gospel over the next few weeks.More from Sylvie:theartoflivinginseason.comThe Art of Living in Advent, discount code IVPPOD20 for 20% off plus free shipping!From the ads:Shop Living Church BooksGive to support this podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this insightful discussion, Mark Michael, editor of The Living Church, and Matthew Olver, its executive director, delve into the implications of GAFCON's launch of a Global Anglican Communion. They explore the reactions from various Anglican communities divided between joy and concern. Mark provides context on GAFCON's origins and its relationship to other movements, while Matthew emphasizes the need for accountability, repentance, and prayerful unity. Together, they question how these shifts will impact parish relationships and Anglican identity.

H.S. Cross, novelist and former tutor (author of Wilberforce, Grievous, and Amanda), explores 1920s Oxford and a messy, God-haunted romance. She talks about characters surprising their creator. They discuss play and role‑play, the ethics of pacing and honest sexuality, and how Christian formation quietly shapes storytelling.

In this engaging discussion, Daniela Augustine, a Professor of Theological Ethics and Honorary Senior Research Fellow, and Peter Casarella, a Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School, delve into the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. They explore its impact on modern social and political life, discussing the tensions between church authority and imperial politics. The conversation touches on the relevance of Nicene theology to human equality and the continuous work of the Spirit in transforming society. Their ecumenical perspectives foster rich insights into how Nicaea's legacy continues to resonate.

Join Abram Van Engen, a humanities professor and author of Word Made Fresh, as he dives into the transformative power of poetry for the Church. He passionately defends poetry as relational and meaningful, challenging the idea that it's esoteric. Abram shares how Scripture is rich with poetic elements, emphasizing its role in worship and personal encounters. He offers practical tips for reading and appreciating poetry, highlighting its ability to connect us across experiences and enhance our spiritual lives.