The Deep End

In this engaging conversation, Christian musician Ethan Beer reflects on his faith journey shaped by his upbringing as a pastor’s son and the profound loss of his mother to cancer. He shares the emotional challenges of faith amid grief and the miracles experienced during his mother's illness. Ethan discusses the importance of choosing belief over feelings, offering heartfelt advice for those facing grief. He also delves into his music's role as an emotional outlet and emphasizes that despite church disappointments, the quest for God remains essential.

Adam Ramsey, leader of Liberti Church and Asia Pacific Regional Director of Acts 29, shares his insights on faith and doubt. He passionately argues that genuine human flourishing is found in a relationship with Jesus and highlights the importance of community and mission. Adam reflects on his experiences with abusive church leadership, urging listeners to confront dishonor while affirming that most pastors serve humbly. Encouraging faithfulness in the present, he emphasizes that despite doubts, Christ is worth following and invites a deeper relationship with Him.

In this engaging discussion, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, a senior Australian Catholic bishop and former Vatican speechwriter, dives deep into the nuances of faith and doubt. He shares his experiences navigating church reforms and handling scandals while emphasizing that doubt can coexist with faith. Mark reflects on his time working with John Paul II and envisions a humbler, simpler Church focused on solidarity and renewal. He also addresses the shifting demographics of Catholicism and the importance of communal unity through a personal encounter with Jesus.

Dr. Andrew Bain, Vice Principal at Queensland Theological College, dives into the complexities of faith, doubt, and historical Christian figures. He shares his unsettling moments with Martin Luther's anti-Jewish writings and how flawed heroes can push us toward God's forgiveness. Exploring troubling Bible passages, he emphasizes reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus. Andrew also discusses how cultural context shapes interpretation and the importance of viewing Old Testament laws as principles, not strict prescriptions.

Wayne Alcorn, Senior Pastor of Hope Centre International and President of the Australian Christian Churches, shares his inspiring journey from skepticism to faith. He discusses witnessing miracles, the essence of a deep life through simplicity, and the strengths of the Pentecostal movement. Wayne also addresses the impact of COVID on discipleship, the need for unity in the face of criticism, and the call to heal father wounds in men. His personal stories of redemption and hope emphasize the importance of authenticity and connection in the church.

Graham Clarke, Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church Alderley, shares his heart-wrenching journey through grief and loss after his wife's sudden death from cancer. He discusses the challenges of parenting as a single dad while navigating his own faith crises. Graham reflects on the importance of community support, the honesty of his prayers, and how tragedy can deepen one's faith. He offers insights on how to best support those in crisis, emphasizing practical help over expectations for answers to life's toughest questions.

In this conversation, Jason Elsmore, Senior Pastor at Gateway Church and Director of Movement for the Queensland Baptists, shares powerful insights from his journey of faith and leadership. He recounts his mother's miraculous healing and explores the complexities of doubt and healing in his own life. Jason discusses the decline of the church in Australia, emphasizing the need for authentic community and compassionate outreach. He also shares a humbling moment that led to his own healing, blending personal testimony with a deep exploration of faith's challenges.

Welcome to Season One of The Deep End!  The Deep End with Dan Sweetman explores the complex tension between faith, doubt and what a deep life truly looks like today.  In this edition of The Deep End, Jessie from Kingdom Culture Worship shares her current struggle with infertility and how she finds peace in this season of waiting. The Deep End is a production of 96five Brisbane and Lifepoint Church Rothwell. Find more 96five podcasts here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season One of The Deep End! Subscribe to stay up to date! In The Deep End, Dan Sweetman, Senior Pastor at Lifepoint Church Rothwell, has honest conversations with leaders, professors and musicals who have had the hardest things in life thrown at them, but have emerged with a deeper and fuller life. These are the raw stories of deep faith that you don’t often hear on a Sunday morning. The Deep End is a production of 96five Brisbane and Lifepoint Church Rothwell. Find more 96five podcasts here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.